EMMA: Emma here and things are cooking. The benefit is a little over a week away and there are still a million things to do. Maddy was thrilled when I told her about the idea. She called me an "Angel Sent From Heaven" when I told her about it. A little over the top, but I'm not gonna argue. The biggest challenge has been finding a venue. And a celebrity guest. And a cause. For some reason, everyone is either out of town, unavailable, or impossible to reach. But I'm not worried because I am Emma Woodhouse and everything will work out. (uncertain smile)

(Theme Plays)

EMMA: We hit a slight snag the other day when B-Mar the Bird-man dropped by. But I've been monitoring Harriet closely, and she seems fine. I have caught her staring at her desktop picture a lot, but she's a big fan of Mary Poppins, so that's inconclusive. I know for a fact that the best way to help Harriet is to keep her from thinking of him. So, I've put her solely in charge of finding a venue and decor. We've had to divide and concur since time is a little tight. True, this is the first big project that Harriet's handling on her own, but I know she can do it.

(Harriet enters)

EMMA: Speak of the devil!

HARRIET: The devil?

EMMA: Or angel. Either way you appeared when I needed you.

HARRIET: I'm not sure what you'll think I am when I tell you this.

EMMA: Oh no. Did the Isley Hotel downtown say no?

HARRIET: They're booked.

EMMA: Even for us?

HARRIET: It's ten days away, Emma. Everyone's booked.

EMMA: No, not everyone. What about the Waymarket Club?

(Harriet shakes her head)

EMMA: The Getty Villa in Malibu?

(Harriet shrugs her shoulders)

EMMA: The Paisley Mansion?

(Harriet shakes her head)

HARRIET: Ugh, I've tried them all, every place in town. There's just no time.

EMMA: Well, we can't send out invitations until we have a venue, so I guess the Coles' Ranch will have to do. We'll find a way to work with it's rustic design.

HARRIET: Umm...

EMMA: What?

HARRIET: I left the Coles a message, to save the date, like you said, just in case, but they haven't gotten back to me.

EMMA: Don't be ridiculous they love us! Just give them a call.

HARRIET: I have. Five times in two days.

EMMA: But...but it's the Coles' Ranch. They should be honored to host one of our parties. They've been trying to get us for years.

HARRIET: I'll try again.

EMMA: Do. Harriet are you sure you can handle this?

HARRIET: Emma, don't worry. I will take care of it!

EMMA: Good, good. I'm counting on you.

HARRIET: And I won't fail you.

(Harriet exits)

EMMA: I am certain Harriet can sort this out. Once she does she can move on to decor. Which should be tied to the cause we're benefiting. Which should be something important to the celebrity guest we get. You may think you hear panic in my voice right now, but it's not. It's confidence. Because I happen to have a phone call this afternoon with the Doctor Rayfield. Nobel prize winner in Biology. He'll make an excellent celebrity guest.  Oh! Maybe our cause can be Saving the Whales. Whales. At a ranch. Whatever, Harriet will figure it out. And if he says no, I have backups. Tons of backups. No one will be able to deny that Emma Woodhouse throws a good party. Not even Jane Fairfax will, when she hears about it all the way in London. Yes, it will be so fabulous, it even makes the papers over there.

(Maddy knocks, enters)

MADDY: Knock, knock!

EMMA: Maddy! Come in.

MADDY: Emma, oh! I can't tell you how excited I am about this party! 

EMMA: Good! By the time we're done planning it your name and your company's reputation is all anyone is going to be talking about.

MADDY: I won't know what to do with so much attention. I feel like Cinderella. 

EMMA: Well I guess that makes me your fairy godmother.

MADDY: Oh, that must make Mr. Knightley my Prince Charming. 

EMMA: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First things first-...

MADDY: Oh, you are so right, Emma. I do get carried away, but is there anything I can do to help you? I mean I was thinking I could bring a jar of jam for each of the tables to share...

EMMA: Harriet and I have everything covered. All you need to do is get extra business cards printed out. By the end of the night, I want one in the pocket of every Armani suit that leaves that party.

MADDY: That I can do. But isn't there anything else I can help you with? I mean you are doing so much for me.

EMMA: This is what I do Maddy. 

MADDY: And you do it so well. (gasps) Oh! Do you need help finding a celebrity guest? Jane offered to put feelers out. I mean she knows absolutely everyone. I am amazed at the stories she tells.

EMMA: Maddy, don't be silly. We have so many celebrity guests that want to get involved, that the problem is picking just one. Leave everything to me.

MADDY: Oh, I hope I don't let ya down. I've never been in a room full of so many highfalutin people before. What do I talk to them about?

EMMA: Just be yourself. Remember, they have never been a room with Maddy Bates before.

MADDY: Oh. Amen. I will remember that. Well, I gotta go pick up Mama for her hair appointment. She's so excited about the big day.

EMMA: Oh, your mother's coming to?

MADDY: Yes, she wouldn't miss this. It's only the biggest event of the year. Oh and make sure she's close. You know she's hard of hearing.

EMMA: Right, I'll add her to the seating chart.

MADDY: Oh, you can just put her next to me and Jane.

EMMA: Jane?

MADDY: Oh! Didn't I tell you. It's the best news! Jane is coming to the benefit. Her work ended early in London, and she'll be here this weekend! 

EMMA: That's...great!

MADDY: I know! It's like icing on my favorite cake. And I have you to thank. JANE!

(Maddy exits)

EMMA: Jane Fairfax is coming. That's...just so great.(fake smile)

(End Theme)