Sense and Sensibility

Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel

Sense and Sensibility

Adapted

by

Joyce Back

Sense and Sensibility

 Copyright 2015

by 

Joyce Back

All Rights Reserved

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Cast of Characters:

Mrs. Dashwood A recent widow, kind and pleasant

Elinor Dashwood Mrs. Dashwood’s daughter, age 19, calm and rational

Marianne Dashwood Mrs. Dashwood’s daughter, age 18, emotional, frank, and romantic

George Dashwood Half-brother to the Dashwood daughters; Mrs. Dashwood’s stepson

Fanny Dashwood George’s wife, selfish and unpleasant

Edward Ferrars Fanny’s elder brother, shy and quiet

Robert Ferrars Fanny’s younger brother, selfish and swaggering

Sir John Middleton Mrs. Dashwood’s cousin, loud and boisterous

Lady Middleton Sir John’s wife, cold and boring

Lucy Steele Lady Middleton’s cousin, scheming and phony

Colonel Brandon Friend of Sir John, kind and noble

James Willoughby Friend of Sir John, a charming cad

Author’s Note: Jane Austen named three of the male characters in the story “John.” This would be very confusing on the stage, so I changed John Dashwood’s name to George and John Willoughby’s name to James.

Sets:

The parlor at Norland, George Dashwood’s estate near London

The parlor at Barton Cottage, a house on Sir John Middleton’s country estate

Scenes:

Act One

Scene 1: Parlor at Norland

Scene 2 Parlor at Norland

Scene 3 Parlor at Norland

Scene 4 Parlor at Norland

Scene 5 Parlor at Norland

Scene 6 Parlor at Norland

Scene 7: Parlor at Barton Cottage

Scene 8 Parlor at Barton Cottage

Act Two

Scene 1 Parlor at Norland

Scene 3 Parlor at Barton Cottage

Scene 4 Parlor at Barton Cottage

Scene 5 Parlor at Barton Cottage

Scene 6 Parlor at Norland

TOTAL RUNNING TIME 90 minutesAct One

Scene 1

{When the curtain opens, George Dashwood is on stage. He is dressed in black and looks distressed.}

George:  My dear father…how could you be gone? How could you be gone?

{Enter Fanny. She is dressed in an expensive, elegant black dress.}

Fanny:  There you are! I need your assistance this moment! Your stepmother does not quite seem to understand that Norland belongs to us now that your father is dead. She is throwing out orders to the servants as if she were still mistress.

George:  Fanny, show some mercy. My stepmother has just lost her husband and now, because I am the legal heir to the estate, she’s suddenly no longer mistress of the home she has known for 20 years.

Fanny:  Don’t be absurd, George. Would you have it any other way? If you are so concerned about your stepmother and half-sisters, why not invite them to remain here?

George:  Why certainly, I have already done so.

Fanny:  What!

George:  Would you have me throw them in the street, my love? I made a promise to my father that I would look after them. My sisters will need dowries if they are to marry well, and...

Fanny:  Dowries! You cannot be serious! Elinor and Marianne are not really your sisters. They are but half-sisters and deserve nothing more from you than an occasional small gift and perhaps an invitation here once a year.

George:  But my dearest Fanny, I made a promise to my father!

Fanny:  Certainly, but what else could you do? It would have been wrong to refuse him, but now he is gone and the estate is yours. Besides, I believe his expectation was less than you imagine. Surely he meant only a small presentation of funds to help them resettle in some charming little cottage.

George:  Perhaps you’re right. I’ll give them a one-time gift of money rather than taking over their support. Three thousand pounds would be a generous addition to the ten thousand pounds my stepmother will have.

Fanny:  My dear…let us not be hasty. The loss of three thousand pounds will restrict us most cruelly. You know I had my heart set on new-furnishing this parlor… {She applies a handkerchief to her eyes.}

George:  Of course, Fanny dearest, I had forgotten. Do not upset yourself. Indeed, three thousand pounds may be excessive. Surely my father meant something smaller…or perhaps he was not thinking of money at all…

Fanny:  I believe you are quite right. No doubt he meant a gift of venison in the fall hunting season or some such thing. 

George:  Yes, that could be done quite easily. I’ll give them a very small present of money and promise to visit every fall and bring them a fine buck for their table.

Fanny:  A small present of money…do you truly believe your father would have wished you to hamper the estate that way? Think of our future children, my love.

George:  Indeed…we might have several children of our own…and each would need to be provided for.

Fanny:  Yes, let us have no more talk of giving your stepmother money. She will live very simply in a little cottage somewhere. She has two daughters who must learn to cook and clean. How cozy they will be in their little home! I quite envy them!

George:  You’re right, my love. I will promise to visit them at least once a year. That will lift their spirits. They surely do not expect more from me, for what use would it be to them?

Fanny:  They will want for nothing. And as to dowries, Elinor and Marianne are not likely to marry.

George:  Not likely to marry? Why do you say so? They are both quite good looking, especially Marianne. She is considered very beautiful.

Fanny:  Certainly, but that is exactly the point! The girls are very attached to their mother and will most likely not want to leave her. But if a suitor did appear for Marianne (I have little hope for Elinor), her good looks might be fairly balanced against his money – a dowry would not be necessary.

George:  Very true. I will make no promise of money to them. It would be an insult. I’m sure my stepmother would refuse it.

Fanny:  Very wise, my dear. It would not do to insult her.

{Enter Marianne. She is crying into a handkerchief. Without seeing the others she sinks down on a settee.}

Marianne:  Oh, my dear father! How will I bear life without you!

Fanny:  Oh come, Marianne. It has been two days since the funeral. You must endeavor to control your constant weeping.

{Enter Elinor and Mrs. Dashwood.}

Elinor:  Marianne, come dear. These tears will do no good. We must accept the loss of our father with courage. He would not want us to harm our health by giving in to such grief. Be brave, dear, for Mama’s sake if not your own.

Mrs. Dashwood:  My beloved child, your grief stabs me to the heart.

{Elinor crosses the room to stand with George and Fanny.}

Elinor:  Fanny, the housekeeper informed me that your brother Edward is coming tomorrow for a long visit. I wish you would defer his visit until my mother and Marianne have reconciled themselves a bit better to this sad change in our lives.

George:  Certainly, Elinor. I will write tonight and…

Fanny:  George, you will do no such thing! My mother wants Edward to be in London when Lady Stratham holds her annual ball. Mother very much wishes him to meet a certain Miss Morton with a dowry of thirty thousand pounds, and she has been informed through friends that Miss Morton will certainly be there.

Elinor:  You may do as you like, Fanny. This is your home now, and no one disputes your right to be mistress of it. If your brother comes, so be it, but I did not like to hear from the housekeeper that you intend to move Marianne out of her bedroom so that your brother may take possession of it.

George:  Fanny, surely that is not...

Fanny:  My brother Edward is the elder son, and when my mother dies he will be master of one of the richest estates in England. Do you expect me to crowd him into a chamber fit for a servant? Marianne has no need of such luxury as she has become accustomed to. She will be quite comfortable in an attic room.

Elinor:  {angrily} An attic room. You are putting your husband’s sister in an attic room.

George:  Fanny...

Fanny:  Hush, George. To answer your question, Elinor, yes. Marianne is not an invalid. Surely at age 18 she can climb a few stairs.

Elinor:  Give me the attic room. Marianne can take my room and thus remain near her mother.

Fanny:  Very well. It is all the same to me.

{Elinor crosses the room to the settee where sit her mother and Marianne.}

Elinor:  Come, Mama. Come, Marianne. Let us walk in the shrubbery. It’s a fine day and the fresh air will lift our spirits. {They exit.}

Fanny:  I declare, George. They might show a bit of appreciation for our generosity in having them here until they find a suitable cottage.

{Fanny exits and George follows her, looking sad and sheepish.}

Scene 2

{When the curtain opens, Elinor is on stage. She is sitting with a sketch book and busily drawing.}

{Enter Edward. He is dressed for riding. He stands in the room uncertainly and Elinor does not see him.}

Edward:  I beg your pardon... {His voice is so soft that she does not hear him. Edward steps closer to her.}

Edward:  I beg your pardon...

Elinor:  Oh!

Edward:  I frightened you...I’m so sorry…

Elinor:  Oh, no, it’s quite alright. You must be Mr. Ferrars, Fanny’s brother. I am Elinor Dashwood, George’s sister.

{Edward bows.}

Edward:  We are related in a sense, are we not, so please call me Edward.

Elinor:  Very well…Edward…and I am Elinor.

Edward:  I interrupted your work, but may I see what you’re drawing?

Elinor:  Oh certainly. It’s a sketch of the maple tree you can see from that window. I’ve lived here all my life and have watched it grow from a green branch to a beautiful tree.

Edward:  A noble tree indeed. And at the risk of sounding foolish, I believe a tree to be more beautiful than all the great buildings created by men.

Elinor:  If that makes you foolish, I’m foolish as well, for I quite agree with you.

Edward: Your sketch is very good. Fanny did not tell me that her sister-in-law was an accomplished artist.

Elinor:  You are very kind.

Edward: How is it that we have never met before? My sister has been married to your brother for quite some time… two years now, I believe.

Elinor:  {with a sigh} Yes…only two years…though it often seems longer. {recollecting herself} The answer to your question is simple: Whenever George visited, Fanny did not accompany him; and my mother and sister and I were never at any time invited to their home in Richmond.

Edward: How odd. I feel…and I hope I’m not impertinent…that this is my loss. I might have met you sooner, but now I hope we can be…friends…good friends…

{Elinor looks down, a bit embarrassed.}

{Enter Marianne, walking rapidly and angrily.}

Marianne:  Elinor, the very idea that Fanny would put either of us in an attic room! Oh, I was not aware we had a visitor!

{Edward bows.}

Elinor:  Marianne, I would like to present Mr. Edward Ferrars.

Marianne:  Well! The famous – or should I say infamous – Mr. Ferrars is here at last. Tell me, are you as arrogant as your sister? If so, your acquaintance will be no asset to my life! I suppose you are here only to meet Miss Morton and attempt to wed the poor girl to get your hands on her money!

{Edward looks completely confused and distressed.}

Elinor:  Marianne! Mr. Ferrars has done nothing to deserve your censure! Pray control your emotions…and your tongue!

Edward: Miss Marianne…I do beg your pardon…I don’t wish to offend you in any way…but I’m at a loss…who is Miss Morton and what have I done to her?

{Marianne stares at Edward. She walks around him, still staring.}

Marianne:  {whispering to Elinor} This is Edward Ferrars? This shy, apologetic young man is Fanny’s brother, the future master of her mother’s estate?

Elinor:  Yes, and I assure you, he is very different from Fanny. You owe him an apology.

Marianne:  {turning to Edward and curtsying} Mr. Ferrars, I beg your pardon. I must confess that I’m very impulsive. Your sister relegated me to the attic so that you might have my chamber, and my sister, who is the best-hearted creature the world has ever seen, insisted on taking the garret herself to spare me from being separated by an entire floor from my mother. You see, my father has just…

Edward: What say you? My sister forced you from your own chamber? To give it to me? I…I…am sorrier than I can say. I’ll speak to Fanny immediately.

Elinor:  {trying as always to soothe everyone} Mr. Ferrars, I assure you, that is not necessary. Marianne is quite comfortable in my chamber, and the attic suits me perfectly. It’s the best place in the house to look over the landscape and sketch.

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood. She sees Edward and stops. Her expression shows that she intends to take a dislike to him.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  {frostily} Good morning.

{Elinor hurries to her mother.}

Elinor: Mama, this is Mr. Edward Ferrars. Marianne and I were just becoming acquainted with him, and we’re very certain you will like him as much as we do already.

{Edward bows deeply.}

Edward: Mrs. Dashwood, may I express my condolences. I apologize for troubling you with my presence at such a time, but my mother particularly wanted me to visit Fanny. She thought I might be of assistance to her in settling here at Norwood, although I don’t know what sort of help a shy, foolish fellow like me could provide.

Mrs. Dashwood: {obviously confused by his gentle and self-effacing demeanor} Mr. Ferrars, I thank you for your kind words.

Edward: Ma’am, I appreciate your understanding. My mother, I fear, is not in the habit of taking no for an answer. And since I’m still dependent on her, I find it easier to obey than to fight a battle I cannot win. I will be as little trouble as possible. I enjoy sitting quietly with a book or walking in the country.

{The three women exchange glances. They are astounded that he is Fanny’s elder brother.}

Mrs. Dashwood: I mean no offense, Mr. Ferrars, but I must say, you’re very different from Fanny.

Edward: From all my family, ma’am. My brother Robert should be the elder son, and I would change places with him if I could. My sister and brother are constantly engaged in society, while I sit under trees and read about philosophy. My mother is often cross with me, and I suppose I can’t blame her.

Marianne:  Cross with you! Forgive my frankness, but if people were to be cross with me because I loved to read – which I do – I would think them very small-minded. Your mother should thank heaven every day for such a son as you!

Edward:  {smiling} Miss Marianne, your frankness delights me and I wish my mother thought as you do.

Mrs. Dashwood: Mr. Ferrars...

Edward:  Please ma’am, call me Edward.

Mrs. Dashwood: Very well…Edward. Tell me, does Fanny know you’ve arrived? Has the butler announced you?

Edward:  No. I came in the back door directly from the stables. I dislike the pomp and formality of being announced.

Marianne:  Bravo, Edward! But now we must take you directly to the drawing room or your sister will raise the very dickens and accuse us of usurping you.

Mrs. Dashwood: {laughing} I apologize, Edward, for the licentiousness of my younger daughter’s tongue. However, she is correct. Fanny will want to see you immediately.

Edward:  {sighing} Of course…but first…unless I’m mistaken…Miss Elinor Dashwood invited me to walk to that maple tree she was drawing before I interrupted her.

Elinor: {embarrassed but willing to go along with the idea} Did I? Of course…if you’re sure Fanny will not mind.

Edward: {offering his arm} It can be our secret. Mrs. Dashwood and Miss Marianne will not betray us, I am sure.

{Elinor takes Edward’s arm and they exit, leaving Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood looking at each other with delight and amazement.}

{Enter Fanny.}

Fanny: Mrs. Dashwood, to my great surprise, the head groom was passing the drawing room on his way to the kitchen, and he congratulated me on the arrival of my brother. I scolded the butler, as you can well imagine, for his remissness in not announcing my mother’s future heir, but he swore he knew nothing of Edward’s having arrived.

Marianne:  Fanny, how very, very strange.

Fanny:  {not trusting Marianne} I suppose you have seen nothing of him, Marianne.

Marianne:  {looking about} My dear Fanny, I certainly do not see anything in this room that could possibly be construed as your brother. Perchance he is hiding behind that shelf?

Mrs. Dashwood: {trying not to laugh} Perhaps he is walking outside to refresh himself after his long journey.

Fanny:  {looking from one to the other} If you see him, tell him to join me in the drawing room immediately.

{Fanny exits rapidly and angrily.}

{Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne do their best to suppress their laughter.}

Marianne:  Mama, I feel so guilty for enjoying such mirth so soon after Papa’s death, but I know he is somewhere nearby laughing as well.

Mrs. Dashwood:  I feel certain he is, my love.

{Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne exit.}

Scene 3

{When the curtain opens, Fanny is on stage. She is walking back and forth impatiently.}

{Enter George.}

Fanny:  What, are you back from town already?

George:  Sir Isaac and Lady Moore were out. I was certain he told me to call this morning but I must have been mistaken.

Fanny:  You have done your duty. If he did not have the courtesy to keep his appointment with you, I will not send them an invitation to our first ball.

George:  But, my love, I’ve been told that they are the leaders of society here. I have no doubt it was a simple misunderstanding that Sir Isaac was not at home.

Fanny:  Do not think small, George. They may be the leaders now, but I fully intend that we will be the leaders in future. We will modernize Norland and make it a showplace. We will invite the best of the ton, and our invitations will be more sought-after than those of any other estate.

George:  What do you mean by modernize the estate, my love? My father kept it in excellent condition.

Fanny:  What care I for its condition? That is your purview. I want to improve its appearance…for example, those maple trees that line the drive to the house…they must go.

George:  What, cut down the maples! No, my father will turn in his grave!

Fanny:  {pretending to weep} Do not speak to me so; you distress me. I want only to improve your home for your sake…and the sake of our future children.

George:  Of course, my dear. Forgive me.

Fanny:  I know you meant no harm, but you must trust me on such matters.

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  You wanted to see me, Fanny?

Fanny:  I did indeed, but wait a moment please. {to George} Pray excuse us, my dear. We have feminine matters to discuss and our conversation would bore you exceedingly.

{George bows to Mrs. Dashwood and exits.}

Fanny:  Mrs. Dashwood, I have no wish to distress you, but it has been three weeks since your husband passed away, and yet you have not found a suitable cottage for your future residence. Naturally, George and I are delighted to have you here at Norland…however…I’m concerned about a certain circumstance.

{Mrs. Dashwood says nothing.}

Fanny: {awkwardly} I’m sure you know to what I’m alluding.

{Mrs. Dashwood shakes her head.}

Fanny:  Come, now...do not be disingenuous. You know as well as I that your daughter Elinor has fallen in love with my brother Edward.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Has she indeed? Did she confide in you? That surprises me, I confess.

Fanny:  Certainly not, but it’s very simple to see.

Mrs. Dashwood:  You have discerned more than I have, Fanny. I have seen nothing but two young people who have formed a friendship that seems to be giving them pleasure.

Fanny:  Mrs. Dashwood…we both know that such a friendship between two young people who are thrown together in the same household may…or must, I should say…lead to love. I have no concerns about Edward, for he is well aware he would never be allowed to make a foolish match, but…

Mrs. Dashwood:  A foolish match! Did I hear you correctly? Your opinion is that my daughter would be a foolish match for your brother? I am astounded, Fanny!

Fanny:  I regret my choice of words. Elinor is a lovely young woman, and I esteem her as a sister-in-law. But my mother’s plans for Edward are clear. She wants him to participate in public life and marry a woman of fortune. She will accept nothing less.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Your mother must be a strange and incomprehensible guardian for her children if she would attempt to destroy her son’s happiness for such a reason!

Fanny:  {very angrily} Mrs. Dashwood, you dare to speak so of my mother! I will make no attempt to discuss this issue further, for I can see that you will not be reasonable!

{Exit Fanny.}

{Enter Marianne, who gets pushed by Fanny as she angrily exits.}

Marianne:  What is Fanny boiling about now? One wonders if she ever has a placid moment.

Mrs. Dashwood:  She has just noticed that Elinor and Edward are in love.

Marianne:  Well! I had a wager with the housekeeper as to when she’d observe that delightful situation.

Mrs. Dashwood:  {laughing} And did you win, my pet?

Marianne:  No. The housekeeper had much more faith in Fanny to see something besides her own self. She wagered on next week, and my bet was not until the two lovebirds actually were wed.

Mrs. Dashwood:  As much as that amuses me, I’m very afraid that Fanny’s meddling, along with her mother’s, could end in destroying Elinor’s happiness.

Marianne:  My dear Mama, no! Surely Edward has a stronger spine than that. If he has not, then Elinor will be better off without him.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Spoken like someone who has never been in love.

Marianne:  Very true. When I fall in love, it will be with the boldest man in the world. He will do everything with courage and confidence. His daring and romantic nature will allow nothing to stand in his way!

Mrs. Dashwood:  Fine words, my dear. But what if he were dependent for an income on his mother, as Edward is? As the elder son, he has not been prepared for a profession.

Marianne:  If Edward were bolder, he would tell his mother what she should do and refuse to accept less than his rightful share of…

{Enter Elinor and Edward. She is carrying a letter.}

Elinor: Mama, this just came for you.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Thank you.

Elinor: Marianne…Edward and I want to walk through the farm meadows to the forest beyond. Please come with us.

Marianne:  Certainly. You need a chaperone and I will be delighted to go. But do not expect much conversation from me. The forest in the autumn is so beautiful that I become incapable of speech when I walk there.

Edward:  We are all of the same mind, Miss Marianne. Mrs. Dashwood, can we convince you to join us?

Mrs. Dashwood:  {intently reading her letter} Thank you, but no.

Elinor:  Is something wrong, Mama? Did your letter bring bad news?

{Mrs. Dashwood walks away from the group. She is engrossed in her own thoughts.}

Marianne:  Mama…?

{Mrs. Dashwood turns toward the others, as if she had just remembered they are there.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  Girls…you had better sit down.

{Elinor and Marianne sit.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  This letter is from my cousin, Sir John Middleton.

Elinor:  He lives a long distance away, does he not?

Mrs. Dashwood:  Yes, quite far. It’s an entire day’s journey to reach his estate.

Marianne:  Mama, what does his letter say? Do not keep me in suspense.

Mrs. Dashwood:  He wrote to offer me a cottage. He says there is a fine large cottage on his estate and it is now empty.

Edward:  A cottage! But I thought you would all stay at Norland. Surely Fanny will insist you remain here.

{The ladies glance at each other. As usual Marianne is the frank one.}

Marianne:  Edward, how did you imbibe that notion? Fanny is doing everything in her power to get rid of us, short of throwing us out in the street for the ash-man to fetch.

Elinor:  Marianne…no. I assure you, Edward, that your sister has been a very courteous hostess. It’s natural that she wants Norland to herself, for she is now its mistress.

Edward:  Yes…I suppose it’s understandable. I only hope she does not carry through her plan of cutting down the maple trees along the lane.

Marianne:  What! You can’t be serious! Cut down the maples? My brother would not, must not, allow it!

Elinor:  My horror at the scheme is as strong as yours, Marianne. But we all must remember that Fanny and George have a right to do as they please...

Marianne:  Elinor, do not defend them! Your nature is so mild that on occasion it can frustrate me exceedingly!

Mrs. Dashwood:  Elinor, my feelings are with Marianne! This latest desecration of Norland is more than I can bear. I will write to my cousin and accept his offer.

Marianne:  Indeed! I for one cannot remain here and watch those noble trees fall!

Edward:  It makes me sad, very sad, that you are being driven from your home. Will your cousin send someone to conduct you to his estate, Mrs. Dashwood? If not, I hereby offer my services.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Edward, dear, I thank you most sincerely for your generous offer. But Sir John says in his letter that he and Lady Middleton will travel here to conduct us. And Sir John, being a highly social man, is bringing a few friends. I must let Fanny know immediately. Sometimes I forget that I…have no right to invite guests here…

{Mrs. Dashwood begins to weep. Her daughters attempt to comfort her.}

Edward:  I will inform my sister of Sir John’s arrival. If only there were more I could do…

{Edward exits looking very upset and sad.}

Marianne:  Mama, why did Edward say ‘if only there were more I could do’? Surely he must know that marrying Elinor is the perfect solution. His mother would then have to move into a dowager cottage to make way for her son’s wife, and you and I would of course live in the great house with Elinor and Edward.

Elinor:  Good heavens, Marianne! Edward and I have a pleasant friendship, but he is certainly under no obligation to marry me!

Mrs. Dashwood:  What are you saying, Elinor? I confess that I thought there was an agreement between you and Edward. Surely he has declared himself…

Elinor:  {extremely uncomfortable with the conversation} No, there has been no declaration. My dear mother, you and Marianne must let go of the notion that Edward intends to ask for my hand. He has said nothing to give me any hope…I mean…any indication that…that…he intends to…

{Elinor runs off stage crying.}

{Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne stare at each other.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  No declaration! He has been courting her for weeks. What does he mean by it?

Marianne:  Mama, Elinor is modest to a fault and Edward is shy, so let us not leap to conclusions. Once we’re settled in the cottage, Edward will visit. He will then be out of Fanny’s influence and free to pursue his own happiness.

Mrs. Dashwood:  What you say makes a great deal of sense, my love.

Marianne:  Please write to Sir John today, Mama, and give your consent to his offer. We cannot leave this place too soon.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Yes, I’ll write immediately.

{They exit.}

Scene 4

{When the curtain opens, Edward is on stage. He is walking back and forth and talking to himself.}

Edward:  Elinor…you must know that I love you…but... {he sighs} Good God, she will despise me.

{Enter Elinor.}

Elinor:  Good morning, Edward. I thought you had gone to town with Fanny and George.

Edward:  Yes, we’ve just returned. I…have been waiting for you. I want to speak with you.

Elinor:  Oh…of course.

Edward:  I must speak with you.

Elinor:  {a bit amused and perplexed at his manner} Please do.

Edward:  I have something to say...

Elinor:  Edward, you may say anything to me. I’m your friend and will do all in my power to assist you with…with…any problem you might have…if that is the case.

Edward:  You will think me a dunderhead…or worse, a cad, an unspeakable cad.

Elinor:  No, Edward, I could never think that of you. You are the kindest, most honest man I know, and...

Edward:  Stop, Elinor, stop! You don’t know...certain things…

Elinor:  {taking his hand} Come, let’s sit down. I assure you that whatever you want to tell me, I will listen and not judge.

Edward:  I…I…wish I could speak well and not sound foolish…

Elinor:  You never sound foolish. You could not…it would be impossible…because you’re not foolish.

Edward:  If not foolish, then wrong. I have no right to…to…

Elinor:  For heaven’s sake, Edward. Tell me what you want to tell me. My mother and sister will be here soon.

Edward:  {blurting} I love you!

Elinor:  Oh!

Edward:  I love you…but I can’t ask you to marry me.

Elinor:  {trying to be calm} I understand…your mother...

Edward:  No, my mother is not the reason. It’s far worse than that.

Elinor:  Then what…?

Edward:  I can’t tell you. Please, Elinor, don’t ask me to explain. It will all soon be public knowledge, and I dread the hour when you learn… Please, when that happens, when the awful story is known…remember that I love you!

{Edward runs off stage.}

{Elinor is obviously very upset, but she always tries to remain calm and keep her emotions to herself. She walks back and forth trying to compose herself before other people enter the room.}

{Enter George.}

George:  What on earth is the matter with Edward? He passed me at a run and didn’t answer when I spoke to him.

Elinor:  I don’t know. Perhaps he was in a hurry.

George:  I’m glad I found you alone, Elinor, because I want a word with you. Fanny asked me to broach a certain subject.

Elinor:  Oh?

George:  It concerns your friendship with Edward. Fanny has confidence that her brother would never make a degrading match, but she has great natural sensitivity, as you know, and she fears that your feelings might be tenderer toward her brother than is practical, knowing what his mother’s plans are for him.

Elinor:  George, you may tell Fanny that I’m quite grown up and able to handle my tender emotions with no assistance from her. As to Edward, he is her elder brother and she has no more right to interfere in his affairs than she has in mine!

{Elinor walks rapidly off stage. George stares after her, completely astounded at her behavior.}

{Enter Marianne.}

Marianne:  Good morning, George. Was that Elinor who went out the other door?

George:  Yes, it was Elinor. She behaved very strangely, and for that matter so did Edward when I saw him earlier.

Marianne:  Perhaps the two lovebirds had a disagreement.

George:  Lovebirds! My dear Marianne, I won’t scold you for using a word that is highly inappropriate for a young maiden, but I will chide you on your assumption that Elinor and Edward are in love!

Marianne:  {completely unaffected by his criticism} Oh, forgive me, George. I forgot that Fanny has forbidden Elinor and Edward to fall in love.

George:  Edward certainly knows better than to think he would be allowed to court Elinor! She has no dowry; whereas Miss Morton comes with 30,000 pounds!

Marianne:  {sarcastically} No dowry…I see. How strange…I was certain I heard you promising our father to take care of us. I must have been mistaken.

George:  Ahem…our father most likely meant a yearly gift of game or some such thing.

Marianne:  Oh, no doubt. Why on earth would he want his beloved daughters to be taken care of by their brother? I’m sure Fanny agrees that your promise to him meant nothing more than a partridge now and then.

George:  {very uncomfortable} Fanny felt that it would be unreasonable to rob our future children of their inheritance. Surely you can see the sense in that.

Marianne:  I can see something in that, but the word “sense” does not come to mind.

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  Good morning, George. Marianne, may I speak to you for a moment?

Marianne:  Of course.

{Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne exit.}

{Enter Edward. He is dressed for riding.}

Edward:  George, I must return home immediately. Will you tell Fanny?

George:  Return home! My dear fellow, impossible. Mrs. Ferrars sent you here to attend Lady Stratham’s ball. She expects you to begin your courtship of Miss Morton.

Edward:  No…no. I cannot. I must go. Give my apology to Fanny.

George:  Edward, your mother will not be pleased.

Edward:  Nothing I do pleases her. She can vent her wrath on me to her heart’s content, but I can’t stay here one hour longer!

George:  Edward, this hysteria is not due to feelings for my sister, I hope. Fanny would be heartbroken if you attempted…indeed, you must realize a match with Elinor is impossible.

Edward:  I know that! I know it better than anyone! Goodbye!

{Edward exits rapidly.}

George:  Good heavens, what are young people about these days? How simple things used to be. One checked the amount of a woman’s dowry and if it were adequate, one proposed. The emotion some persons expend on matters of love and marriage! It is uncivilized!

{Enter Fanny.}

Fanny:  George, I have just had a most delightful surprise! My younger brother Robert has arrived. Oh, where is Edward? I thought he was with you.

{Enter Robert. He bows to George in a swaggering manner.}

George:  Robert, my dear fellow. Good of you to come.

Robert:  So, George, Norland is finally yours. No doubt my sister has been celebrating! {laughs} Norland is a fine old place but needs modernizing. Those trees along the avenue, for example, need to come down. It’s greatly out of fashion to have trees lining the entrance to an estate. My friend Lord Wickley was trying to get his estate into a modern mode, and he said, ‘My dear Ferrars, tell me what to do to improve this place.’ I immediately replied, ‘Wickley, take down those old trees that are all along the approach.’

Fanny:  Robert, I was telling George the same, but he is being very stubborn about it.

Robert:  Where’s Edward? My mother sent me expressly to keep him focused on his duty, which is to marry Miss Morton. A fine girl, Miss Morton. I met her last year at Wickley’s London house. Homely as a toad, but with a dowry that would make any man fall in love.

George:  Edward left the house in a hurry a short while ago. Said he must go home.

Fanny:  What! Did he intend to return?

George:  No, I don’t believe he did.

Robert:  So Edward ran away. He is the most foolish fellow in the world when it comes to marriage. I suppose he wants to fall in love! {laughs} My mother will cut him off without a penny if he flies against her wishes.

Fanny:  Indeed she will!

George:  Her reasoning is sound. She’s trying to promote his happiness.

Robert:  The poor fellow will have the devil to pay when he sees my mother. I’d like to be present for that scene! More entertainment than a London play! {laughs} But, come, brother-in-law. You must have some decent brandy hidden away in your private rooms – lead me to it!

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, and Marianne.}

George:  Ferrars, here are my sisters and their mother. Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, Marianne, may I present Fanny’s brother, Mr. Robert Ferrars.

{The ladies curtsey. Robert bows and then ogles them rudely.}

Robert:  I say, Dashwood! You have kept me in the dark regarding your sisters, but I can hardly blame you! Women this beautiful must be constantly guarded. And their mama is nearly their equal!

{Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, and Marianne stare at him in disbelief.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  {ignoring Robert} Fanny, I have just received a letter from my cousin, Sir John Middleton. He and his wife will be here in a week’s time. They will be accompanied by friends, but most of them will stay at the London home of a Colonel Brandon. We will need to accommodate Sir John and Lady Middleton, and Lady Middleton’s cousin, Miss Lucy Steele.

Fanny:  We will hold a dinner for all of them…as a sort of leave-taking for you and your daughters.

Mrs. Dashwood:  If you like.

Robert:  Splendid! A fine gesture on your part, Fanny!

{Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, and Marianne exit.}

George:  Come, Ferrars, the brandy awaits us.

Robert:  Here, here!

{The men exit.}

Fanny:  {to herself} Hurrah! At last I will be rid of Mrs. Dashwood and her nasty daughters!

{Fanny exits.}

Scene 5

{When the curtain opens, the stage is empty.}

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, and Marianne.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  {nervously} Girls, Sir John Middleton will soon be here. I do hope his wife will be as friendly and obliging as he is. She will be our nearest neighbor in our new home.

{Footsteps are heard. The women wait anxiously. Enter Sir John Middleton.}

Sir John:  My dear cousin! {He seizes Mrs. Dashwood’s hand and shakes it vigorously.} And here are the girls, all grown up! {He bows and they curtsey.} Come in, my love! {calling off stage to his wife}

{Lady Middleton enters in a stately manner, followed by Colonel Brandon and Lucy Steele.}

Sir John:  My love, may I present my cousins: Mrs. Dashwood, Miss Elinor, and Miss Marianne.

Lady Middleton:  {snobbily} Charmed.

{The ladies all curtsey.}

Lady Middleton:  This is my cousin, Miss Lucy Steele.

Lucy:  {gushingly} Oh, I am so very happy to meet you at last! We will be very good friends, I feel it in my heart!

{Marianne rolls her eyes.}

Sir John:  And, ladies, this is Colonel Brandon.

{Colonel Brandon bows silently.}

Lady Middleton:  Mrs. Dashwood, I hope you will take me about to the best clothiers in London. I must take this opportunity to shop before being buried in the country once again.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Of course, Lady Middleton.

{Colonel Brandon has been looking intently at Marianne, and Sir John suddenly notices.}

Sir John:  I say, Brandon, if a man is going to stare at a woman, it might as well be one as beautiful as Miss Marianne, eh?

Colonel Brandon:  {embarrassed} I beg your pardon, Miss Dashwood. I did not mean to stare, but you remind me very much of someone I once knew.

Marianne:  Do I? And who would that be, Colonel?

Colonel Brandon:  A young lady I knew…a long time ago…you resemble her greatly.

{Marianne smiles politely and moves away. She claims Elinor’s attention.}

Marianne:  {whispering} Good heavens! Is the colonel trying to flirt with me? He is far too old for romance!

Elinor:  {whispering} Too old for romance! He is very little past thirty, and a hale and hearty man.

Marianne:  {whispering} I dare say he wears flannel waistcoats at his advanced age! And probably suffers from rheumatism!

{Elinor tries to stifle laughter.}

Marianne:  {whispering} I’m going to slip into the garden. Lady Middleton is insipid, Lucy Steele is pert, and Colonel Brandon is flirting with me! I have had quite enough of all of them.

{Marianne exits.}

{Enter George and Fanny.}

Fanny:  {ignoring everyone but Lady Middleton} Your ladyship, as I was descending the stairs, I heard you ask Mrs. Dashwood to usher you about town. Your courtesy to her is exemplary, but I can assure you that you will be better served by visiting the shops with me.

Lady Middleton:  How gracious you are.

Fanny:  Let us go tomorrow.

{Suddenly a clomping noise is heard from off stage. Enter James Willoughby, carrying Marianne in his arms.}

James:  As I was riding toward the house, it started to rain! I saw this young lady trip and fall as she ran for shelter! I fear her ankle is broken!

{There is a great deal of confusion as everyone tries to help. James places Marianne on a sofa. Elinor revives her with smelling salts. Everyone stares at James because most of them have no idea who he is.}

James:  {looking about and bowing, speaking with charm and confidence} Since Sir John is too muddled to introduce me, I will introduce myself. James Willoughby at your service.

Elinor:  Could someone please fetch a doctor? Marianne is in severe pain!

Colonel Brandon:  On active duty I saw many such injuries. Mrs. Dashwood, with your permission I will examine her ankle.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Certainly!

{Colonel Brandon seats himself at Marianne’s feet.}

Colonel Brandon:  Forgive the liberty, Miss Dashwood.

{Colonel Brandon pushes up Marianne’s dress a bit and gently feels her ankle.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  Careful! Don’t hurt her.

Colonel Brandon:  Miss Dashwood, I am going to press gently. Tell me immediately if you feel additional pain.

Marianne:  You are extremely gentle, Colonel, but yes, that hurts like the very dickens!

Colonel Brandon:  {smiling at her choice of words} Good. You have a sprain, not a broken bone. It will be painful for a week or two, but will heal completely in time.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Thank heavens!

{Colonel Brandon moves away from the sofa and joins Sir John.}

Marianne:  Thank you, Colonel Brandon! But now, where is my benefactor? Without his assistance, I would be lying on the hill behind the barn getting soaked by the rain!

{James goes to her. He bows and sits next to her.}

James:  Miss Marianne, although I held you in my arms, we’ve not been properly introduced. I’m James Willoughby.

{Marianne looks down embarrassed.}

Sir John:  Aye, Miss Marianne, he is James Willoughby indeed! One of my neighbors and the boldest rider in England! {to Colonel Brandon} Look sharp, Brandon. You’ll never win that young lady’s favor with Willoughby in the picture!

Colonel Brandon:  I have no claim to Miss Marianne’s favor, but you know as well as I that Willoughby is not to be trusted. Mrs. Dashwood should be made aware of his past.

Sir John:  Brandon, you are too scrupulous. Willoughby sowed a few wild oats – what young man doesn’t?

Colonel Brandon:  I believe he has done more than that. And he’s a wastrel in his spending habits. Unless Marianne Dashwood has a significant dowry, he could never afford to marry her.

{Sir John and Colonel Brandon do not notice that Elinor has overheard their exchange. She looks nervously at Marianne and Willoughby, who are now chatting in a friendly manner.}

Marianne:  Mr. Willoughby, I’m delighted to learn that your tastes in reading and music are so similar to mine. When I’m well, I shall play for you, but you must choose the concerto.

James:  I look forward to hearing you play, for I know your talent by reputation. Sir John and Lady Middleton have been full of your praises for weeks.

Marianne:  You are very kind. Will you call tomorrow? My life will be tedious while my ankle heals, and I’ll be sorely in need of stimulating companionship.

James:  With your mother’s permission, I will call every day.

Mrs. Dashwood:  By all means, Mr. Willoughby.

James:  Then I bid you farewell – until tomorrow.

Mrs. Dashwood:  I will see you out, Mr. Willoughby.

{James and Mrs. Dashwood exit.}

Marianne:  {whispering to Elinor} Elinor, Mr. Willoughby is just the sort of man I was nearly hopeless of ever meeting! He is bold, decisive, handsome, charming…and we agree on everything!

Fanny:  Come everyone! Dinner must not be kept waiting. Marianne, I will send one of the maids with a tray for you.

Elinor:  Fanny, I’ll stay with Marianne. Please send a tray for me also.

Fanny:  Very well. Come everyone!

{Everyone exits except Elinor and Marianne.}

Scene 6

{When the curtain opens, the stage is empty. Enter Mrs. Dashwood, dressed for traveling. She walks about dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.}

{Enter Colonel Brandon.}

Colonel Brandon:  Mrs. Dashwood...how difficult this day must be for you.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Indeed. I feel as though my heart will break. So many memories!

Colonel Brandon:  Nothing I can say will mitigate your pain. I can only hope that your new home will prove a happy one. There is so much love amongst the three of you that I believe it will lead you to contentment at last.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Thank you, Colonel. You are a good friend. I only wish Marianne could see…

Colonel Brandon:  Say no more, I beg you. If she is happy, then I will be content with that. Excuse me, Mrs. Dashwood. I must see to my carriage and horses. {He exits.}

{Enter Elinor, dressed for traveling.}

Elinor:  Mama, at last the carts are loaded. I do hope Marianne’s pianoforte will survive the journey.

Mrs. Dashwood:  It will be fine, my dear.

Elinor:  How sad it makes me to leave this dear home.

{Enter Marianne and James, dressed for traveling. They are full of gaiety and laughter.}

James:  Good morning, ladies! We will soon be on the road, and how happy I am that I can accompany you.

Marianne:  How happy it makes me, James!

James:  Come, Marianne, let us seat ourselves in my curricle before Colonel Brandon or some other stick-in-the-mud convinces you it’s not proper.

Elinor:  Marianne, I will be the stick-in-the-mud and tell you that riding with a gentleman in an open carriage is certainly not proper. Your reputation...

Marianne:  Elinor, what care I for a reputation based on such nonsense!

Mrs. Dashwood:  I see no harm in it as long as Mr. Willoughby keeps his carriage close to the coach.

James:  Certainly, madam! Come, Marianne!

{Marianne and James exit.}

Elinor:  Mama, I fear Marianne has fallen too rapidly in love with Mr. Willoughby. We know little about him, and Marianne’s constant display of attachment to him shows a recklessness that could harm her reputation.

Mrs. Dashwood:  My dear Elinor! How quickly you can find evil where none exists! It’s clear that they’re very much in love. I believe they’re secretly engaged to be married, but not yet ready to tell us of it.

Elinor:  Engaged! They have known each other for three weeks! And indeed, if they are engaged, why should they not tell us? Marianne has no habit of reserve. She keeps nothing to herself.

Mrs. Dashwood:  I can’t answer your questions, but I trust Marianne and I trust Mr. Willoughby. Where could one find a more charming man?

Elinor:  Charming, yes, that is self-evident. But trustworthy, ethical, responsible…how can we know what sort of man he really is on the acquaintance of a few weeks?

Mrs. Dashwood:  My sweet Elinor! Be more sanguine. Do not court evil.

{Colonel Brandon reenters. He is dressed for traveling.}

Colonel Brandon:  Mrs. Dashwood…forgive my interference…but I have just been told by Willoughby that Marianne is to make the journey to Barton Cottage in his curricle. I felt certain you could not approve of such a scheme.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Oh dear, I have just been defending myself from the same attack by Elinor!

Colonel Brandon:  I mean no offense, but considering the youth of Miss Marianne, can this scheme be safe? The road north is hilly and curvy. It will not be possible to always keep them in sight.

Elinor:  Please, Mama, listen to Colonel Brandon if you will not listen to me. Marianne, as dear and sweet as she is, can be headstrong…and in my opinion she does not pay enough attention to propriety. At her age, her reputation must be above reproach.

Mrs. Dashwood:  Very well. I’ll go and speak to her.

{Exit Mrs. Dashwood.}

Colonel Brandon:  Miss Dashwood…again I ask forgiveness for my interference…it would be easy to assume that I’m being guided by emotions that I ought not even to have…but I must speak to you of my fears for your sister in her obvious preference for James Willoughby.

Elinor:  I understand you…and I honor you for your feelings. Sometimes the heart goes its own way despite our best efforts to control it.

Colonel Brandon:  That is very true. My feelings for your sister are not only warm, but also protective. If I felt that she could be happy with Willoughby, my affection for her would be satisfied. But he’s not a man to be trusted.

Elinor:  Do you have specific knowledge of wrongdoing on his part?

Colonel Brandon:  No…only suspicions. But I do know that he lives beyond his income. That in itself would make a marriage with Marianne impossible. He must marry for money…and he will.

Elinor:  But how could he when he’s so much in love with her? I see it in his face when he looks at her. Can you really believe him to be hard-hearted enough to abandon her for a woman with a large dowry?

Colonel Brandon:  I can…and do.

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood, hurrying and looking worried.}

Mrs. Dashwood:  They are gone! The groom said they left as soon as Marianne’s trunk was loaded!

Elinor:  Oh, Marianne!

Colonel Brandon:  I’ll leave at once on horseback and catch up with them!

Elinor:  Colonel Brandon, that is good of you, but I’m afraid you’ll receive nothing but ill will for your trouble. I doubt if Marianne could be talked into leaving him.

Colonel Brandon:  No matter. I’ll ride next to Willoughby’s curricle all the way there. Farewell! I’ll see you next at Barton Cottage!

Mrs. Dashwood:  Thank you, Colonel Brandon!

{Colonel Brandon exits.}

Elinor:  {sadly} Come, Mama, the coach awaits us. Let us say our last goodbyes to this dear place.

{Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor exit.}

Scene 7

{When the curtain opens, the audience sees a simply furnished cottage parlor, quite different from the parlor at Norwood.}

{Enter Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor, Sir John Middleton, Marianne, and James Willoughby. They are chatting happily.}

Sir John:  Now that spring has arrived and you are settled here in Barton Cottage, we must plan an outing and invite everyone!

Elinor:  What sort of outing, Sir John?

Sir John:  Well…let me see…Colonel Brandon’s estate is well worth visiting, and I know he’d be pleased to show it to you. There’s a lake where we can sail if the weather is fine.

Marianne:  Sailing, how delightful!

James:  {to Marianne} Colonel Brandon will