This I forgot. We would get to meet Edith! It would be quite the awkward situation if the two of them were out in town and ran into Marina. Maybe peel back some of the unspoken intrigue we were hinted during the show's run.
So in the interest of imagined moments I've asked for assistance to see how such an encounter would play out. This scene takes place some years before the first episode.
Scene: Downtown Holmfirth, near the Market Square
Norman Clegg and his wife Edith stroll leisurely down the main street of the town. It’s a crisp autumn day, with golden leaves floating lazily down from the trees. The cobbled streets are bustling with the occasional pedestrian and the distant sound of chatter. Clegg, in his signature mac, seems content to take in the sights, while Edith walks with her usual purposeful pace, her scarf fluttering in the breeze.
Edith: (glancing at a shop window):
You know, Norman, I was thinking—maybe we could finally get those new curtains for the sitting room. The ones you keep saying need replacing.
Clegg: (looking mildly distressed at the idea):
New curtains, Edith? Are you sure? The old ones still have a certain… character. You can hardly find *character* in new curtains these days.
Edith: (smiling knowingly):
Oh, they have plenty of character—*too much*, in fact. It’s time for a change, love. A little update wouldn’t hurt.
Clegg: (with a slight groan):
I’m not sure I’m ready for the world of “updated” curtains, Edith. Sounds like a lot of fuss.
Edith: (laughing softly):
It’s not fuss, it’s just modernizing. It’s the little things, Norman.
As they continue down the street, they pass by Sid's Café. Clegg slows his pace, eyeing the entrance longingly.
Clegg: (gesturing towards the café):
Now, that’s the sort of thing I can get behind. A nice cup of tea, a slice of cake… You wouldn’t be against that, would you?
Edith: (glancing at her watch):
Well, we do have time. I suppose one cup of tea wouldn’t hurt.
Just as they start to turn towards the door of the café, a familiar voice calls out from behind them.
Marina: (cheerfully, with a slightly dramatic flair):
Well, well, well! If it isn’t Norman Clegg and his lovely wife, Edith!
Both Clegg and Edith turn in unison, their faces shifting into expressions that are at once surprised and mildly apprehensive. Marina stands there with her usual air of confidence, wearing a stylish coat that looks just a bit too fashionable for the town. Her eyes gleam as she steps closer, her smile just a tad too bright.
Clegg: (in his usual deadpan tone):
Marina. Fancy seeing you here.
Edith: (with a polite but measured smile):
Hello, Marina. What brings you downtown today?
Marina: (glancing between them, a touch too breezy):
Oh, you know, just out for a stroll. Can’t be cooped up inside all day, can you? Besides, I was hoping to do a bit of shopping. A little “retail therapy,” if you will.
She pauses, giving Edith a knowing look, as if waiting for some kind of reaction. Edith raises an eyebrow, unfazed.
Edith: (with a hint of sarcasm):
Retail therapy. That sounds... refreshing.
Clegg: (muttering under his breath):
I suppose that’s one way of putting it.
Marina: (with a dramatic flourish):
Oh, Norman, always so blunt! It’s one of the things I admire about you, really. Reminds me of that time when you... well. Never change, my dear.
Clegg: (nodding politely, but not too warmly):
Wouldn’t dream of it.
Edith and Marina exchange a brief glance, both sizing each other up in their own subtle ways. Marina leans in a little closer to Clegg, speaking in a slightly more conspiratorial tone.
Marina: (playfully):
So, Norman, how’s retirement treating you? I can hardly believe it. After all those years in lino, I expect you’ll be lost without it.
Clegg: (straightening up slightly, his tone neutral):
Oh, I’m managing. Plenty of time for... other things.
Edith: (cutting in smoothly, but with a touch of firmness):
Yes, Norman’s been keeping himself busy with all sorts of hobbies. You know how it is—there’s always something to be done.
Marina gives a quick, exaggerated look of understanding, then glances at Clegg again, her eyes lingering for just a second too long. She tilts her head slightly, as if considering something.
Marina: (with a playful twinkle in her eye):
How lovely. Well, you know, I’m sure you’ll both enjoy your... *downtime*. It must be nice to have a little more freedom after all these years of routine. I certainly enjoy my freedom.
Edith: (smiling sweetly but with a slight edge):
Yes, freedom. It’s a gift, isn’t it?
The silence that follows is brief but palpable. Marina, sensing the shift, doesn’t press further and instead waves a hand airily, as if dismissing the moment.
Marina: (with a sudden, too-cheerful smile):
Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I must dash. I have a few things to do. You two enjoy your tea, won’t you? It’s a lovely day for it!
Clegg: (nodding politely):
We will. Enjoy your shopping, Marina.
As Marina turns and walks away, Edith watches her go with a faint smirk on her lips, clearly amused. Clegg, on the other hand, looks more puzzled than anything.
Clegg: (grumbling to himself):
I don’t know how she manages to make *everything* sound like it’s part of some performance.
Edith: (smiling, but gently teasing):
Working at the coop, dealing with customers...in some ways she’s an actress, Norman. It’s in her blood. And what "time" was she referring to exactly?
Clegg: (shaking his head and quickly changing the subject):
I've no idea. I think I’d prefer a quiet cup of tea and a good sit-down, Edith. That’s all I need.
They walk towards the café together, their conversation fading into an awkward silence. As they reach the door, Edith glances over at Clegg.
Edith: (softly):
She certainly does have a flair for making an appearance, doesn’t she?
Clegg:
More like a jump scare for me. Love you, Edith.
Edith: (smiling, taking Clegg by the arm):
Love you, pet!
They enter the café, trading the noise of the bustling street for an ongoing argument between Sid and Ivy. The door closes, the world outside continuing to turn.