(The exterior of WARD's rented cottage on the bank of the Thames at Cliveden. "Cottage" is not really the word for the substantial half-timbered house, gabled, with a distinctive wooden first-floor balcony and a twisting exterior wooden staircase. There's a tinkling waterfall amongst the house, a rockery and flower beds down by the river with irises and marigolds. Everything is bathed in glorious late-afternoon sun CHRISTINE is installed on a chair facing WARD, who is sketching her on an easel, his chalks and black ink to hand.) There's another way to Heaven I am here right now Look around So many pleasures for the taking I intend to stay in Heaven While the sun is high Heaven has turned out to be This side of the sky There's another way of thinking I believe in love I believe Life should be lived before it's over On this golden summer evening
River flowing by Maybe Heaven's always been This side of the sky (WILLIAM WALDORF, Third Viscount Astor, ambles into view. He's in his early fifties, undistinguished-looking and hesitant in manner. He stands, listening and staring at CHRISTINE.) {CHRISTINE} Never seen a place so peaceful Like a fairy tale With no sign Of any dragons in the forest I'm not used to being happy Makes me want to cry Never knew all this was waiting This side of the sky {WARD AND CHRISTINE} There's another way of living I believe in love {WARD} I believe Life must be lived before it's over {WARD AND CHRISTINE} There's another way to Heaven No one has to die {WARD} Maybe Heaven's always been This side of the sky {WARD AND CHRISTINE} There's another way to Heaven We don't have to die If we're lucky, we find Heaven This side of the sky