Arden of Faversham

Content Warning: This scene contains a fictionalized on-stage depiction of a real-life spousal murder.

Greene tells Shakebag and Will that he thinks they should abandon their murder plot, though Shakebag immediately protests. Will lists his previous crimes, wondering why this murder is proving so difficult. Alice enters, asking Michael if Arden has apologized to Mosby. Michael confirms this, saying that Arden told Mosby everything was Franklin’s fault. He says that Arden has invited Mosby and various others to Faversham for dinner.

Alice invites Will and Shakebag to dinner and asks them to recount how Arden escaped. Will describes the fight in detail and promises Alice that they will kill Arden that day. Mosby enters and goes over the new murder plan: Greene will monopolize Franklin with a long story; Mosby will play several friendly games with Arden; Will and Shakebag will hide until they hear the code phrase “now I take you” and then will rush and kill Arden (14.98). Will tells Alice where to position Mosby and Arden, and Alice gives him the keys to the counting house so he can hide.

Michael enters and says Arden is on his way. Alice tells him that Will is waiting and that the murder will happen tonight in their home.