Sense and Sensibility

Adapted from Jane Austen’s novel

by Pamela Whalan
Sense And Sensibility
by Jane Austen, adapted by Pamela Whalan

© Pamela Whalan 2010. All Rights Reserved

This script may not be copied or transcribed by any means electronic, optical or mechanical without the
prior permission of the copyright owners or their agent. Photocopying this script without a suitable
license is strictly prohibited.

This play is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author‟s imagination and any
resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

„Sense And Sensibility adapted by Pamela Whalan‟ is fully protected under the international laws of
copyright which are enacted in the UK as the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. The right of Pamela
Whalan to be identified as the intellectual owner of the work has been asserted by her in accordance with the
above Act

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this musical play, the publisher assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the material contained herein.

Published, and rights within UK and Ireland managed, by :

Stagescripts Ltd, Lantern House, 84 Littlehaven Lane, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4JB, UK
Tel : +44 (0)700 581 0581
Fax : +44 (0)700 581 0582
sales@stagescripts.com
www. stagescripts.com

Published under licence from David Spicer Productions, Dover Heights, NSW 2030, Australia

Publication History:

August 2010 : First Edition

Stagescripts Ltd
Registered in England and Wales No. 06155216
Registered Office 145-157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PY

ROYALTY FEES
A royalty fee is payable every time „Sense And Sensibility adapted by Pamela Whalan‟ is performed in front of an
audience irrespective of whether that audience pays for attending or not. Producing organisations MUST obtain a
„Licence To Perform‟ from Stagescripts Ltd prior to starting rehearsals.
Producing Organisations are prohibited from making video recordings of rehearsals or performances of „Sense And
Sensibility adapted by Pamela Whalan‟ without the prior permission of the copyright owner or their agent.
NOTE : The act of preparing material in quantities sufficient to rehearse a performance of „Sense And Sensibility
adapted by Pamela Whalan‟ will be taken as intent to stage such a performance should litigation be necessary in the
event of non-payment of Royalty Fees later found to be due.

SE-0207 Rev A
Adapting „Sense And Sensibility‟ For The Stage
Adapting Austen‟s writing for the stage is easy in some ways because her narrative method largely excludes
authorial comment. She presents carefully structured scenes and her exposition of character is almost
exclusively through dialogue. Difficulties arise when the adapter has to deal with the stage unities of time
and space and with the realities of cast numbers, set changes, running time and other such practicalities.
One of the difficulties I had to deal with in adapting Sense and Sensibility for the stage was in limiting cast
numbers. The smaller the cast the better because audiences tend to lose track of who is who and production
costs rise with every added character. So which characters, no matter how deliciously absurd or interesting,
had to be cut? With great reluctance I eliminated the Palmers because, when I asked them, Mr Palmer hid
behind his newspaper and Mrs Palmer only laughed. Lady Middleton was far too polite and far too bored to
appear in public. Lucy Steele refused to have her embarrassingly silly sister on stage with her. With these
omissions I was able to limit the cast to twelve.
I then had to decide on whether to present the drama realistically or impressionistically. Should the audience
experience a traditional “invisible fourth wall”? Would the changes of venue and time be better presented as
a series of short scenes using minimal set and requiring more lighting than scenery? I opted for the more
traditional approach of a few scenes in realistic settings. By taking this approach it was necessary to
compress the action so that the story could be told within very few interior sets.
The action of the novel begins in Sussex, moves to Devonshire, to London, to Somersetshire and back to
Devonshire. There are significant scenes in the outdoors, particularly the scene in which Marianne tumbles
down a hill in pouring rain, sprains her ankle and is carried home in the arms of Willoughby. Then there is
the scene in the crowded ballroom where Willoughby cannot avoid the Misses Dashwood. Can one omit
scenes so crucial to the plot but so difficult to stage? In Greek Drama such scenes would have been omitted.
Taking Aeschylus and Euripides as my guide these incidents are not witnessed by the audience. I also
compress the action so that Marianne falls dangerously ill in London, rather than at Cleveland. I reasoned
that her illness at a distance from home was more important to the plot than the actual place where she was
ill. With these adjustments it was possible to limit the action to three interiors – the Morning Room at
Norland Park, the Sitting Room at Barton Cottage and the Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings‟ London house.
At all times I was conscious of the need to be true to the central themes of the novel and not to change the
nature of the characters as I made minor changes to the plot line to fit the practicalities of the stage.
Another problem was in the use of language. Because Austen presents much of her action through dialogue
a great deal could be taken verbatim from the novel, but cuts were necessary. The reason for cuts or
alteration of dialogue had to be scrutinised. Was the scene too long? If so, by how much? What dialogue
could be replaced with a stage direction? To how much of the information could the modern ear be attuned?
Was any expression or use of language so changed that the modern listener would have difficulty in
understanding meaning? When these questions were answered there was the necessity of writing dialogue
that would match the cadence of work taken directly from the novel. The only changes of vocabulary that I
made were in words describing relationships, for example, in the novel Mrs Dashwood was referred to as
John Dashwood‟s “mother-in-law”, a term that has changed meaning in the two hundred years since the
novel was written. I took the liberty of changing this term to “step-mother” so that a modern audience would
not be confused. There were several other such minor changes made but I tried to adapt my writing style to
match Austen‟s rather than the other way about.
Adapting Sense and Sensibility has been a most enjoyable experience. It has allowed me to combine my
love of theatre and my love of the works of Austen. I hope that those who see the work in production will
enjoy it so much that they will read or reread the novel. There can be no substitute for experiencing the
delight of reading Miss Austen‟s masterly prose but this adaptation may act as an entry point to the novel for
modern readers.
Note On Sets
The morning room at Norlands and the London drawing room can have the same configuration of doors and
windows so that the same flats can be used for both, therefore the one box set can be installed, with different
drapes, furnishings and accessories providing a different atmosphere for the two settings. Barton Cottage is
small in comparison to the other two houses and its cramped conditions can be adequately shown by
masking the upstage section of the stage with book flats or similar.

i
Note On Sets (cont‟d)
This does mean that all flats would need to be fairly neutral, decoration coming from furniture, drapes and
accessories rather than the walls. All scenes will be daytime scenes so lighting changes would be subtle
changes between country sunshine and grey London days. We may hear Marianne playing an off-stage
piano, otherwise sound script would be limited to door knockers being wielded and doors being opened and
shut and between scenes music.
Note On Costumes
The Dashwood ladies are rather poor so they would be innovative rather than extravagant in their dress. The
girls could get by with two dresses each with change being wrought by different collars, chemisettes, shawls
or spencers. Mrs Dashwood could be in the same black dress throughout with several different caps.
Lucy Steele is also in reduced circumstances. She is always a visitor so she could have several different hats,
shawls, coats over the one dress. Mrs Jennings and Fanny Dashwood have more money and so their clothes
can be more opulent but Mrs Jennings has little time to change between scenes in Act 2 so, again, changes
of collar, shawl, cap etc. rather than full costume change would be preferable.
The gentlemen‟s dress is more obviously changed when they are in town because they would wear looser
jackets in the country, more elaborately tailored clothes in the city. As none of the scenes is in the evening,
dress costume is not required. This makes for less costume changes – neckcloths and waistcoat changes
rather than coat changes.
Note On Stage Directions
Stage directions have been kept to a minimum. I have found that stage directions written into the script have
limited value because the size and shape of the acting area varies from performance space to performance
space. Directors should have freedom to develop their vision of the production using the special talents of
their actors, the available lighting and wing space and the set that has been designed for them without having
to worry about stage movements that the playwright has imagined for a mythical performance.
Pamela Whalan
List Of Characters
Fanny Dashwood Sir John Middleton
John Dashwood Mrs Jennings
Marianne Dashwood Colonel Brandon
Mrs Dashwood John Willoughby
Elinor Dashwood Lucy Steele
Edward Ferrars Robert Ferrars
Synopsis Of Scenes
Act I
Scene 1 The Morning Room at Norland Park. A morning in late summer 1808
Scene 2 The Sitting room at Barton Cottage. A morning in late November 1808
Scene 3 The Sitting room at Barton Cottage. A morning in late December 1808
Act 2
Scene 1 The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings‟ London house. A morning in early February 1809
Scene 2 The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings‟ London house. A morning in late February 1809
Scene 3 The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings‟ London house. A morning in March 1809
Scene 4 The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings‟ London house. A morning in April 1809

ii
Sense and Sensibility
ACT I
Scene 1
The Morning Room at Norland Park on a morning in late summer. John Dashwood is seated comfortably reading a
newspaper as his wife, Fanny, enters.
Fanny Intolerable! That young woman is intolerable!
John Which of my sisters has annoyed you this time, my love?
Fanny They are your half-sisters, John, and very grateful I am that they are not more
closely related. Really, I cannot think it prudent for a man to remarry when
widowed. It complicates and compromises his estate so badly. Look at the
situation we are in because your father would remarry and produce three
daughters who have thrust themselves upon our charity.
John You exaggerate, my love. They have their money invested in the funds and
though their fortune is not large they have a modest independence.
Fanny Then why are they still living under my roof?
John Yes, it would be much more comfortable if we had Norland Park to ourselves.
Even though they live very quietly and have sold their horses and their carriage,
the housing of four women is an expense that we could do without. But we must
remember, Fanny, that my father died only a few months ago and we did move in
immediately after the funeral. Several neighbours have commented upon the
haste with which we took possession.
Fanny We were entitled to move in the moment he died. And why should we spend the
heat of the summer in London when we can have the comfort and joys of the
country? Only look at how well dear Harry has been since we settled here. I
declare our son has grown three inches and such a healthy colour as he has!
Norland Park certainly suits him. If our neighbours think we took possession in
unseemly haste they would be well advised to keep their opinions to themselves.
And if we had waited for your step-mother to have vacated we would have had to
tolerate the entire summer in the heat of London or have been put to the expense
of procuring lodgings at a watering place, for here it is, the end of August, and
those women are still here. Surely they are too particular in their search for new
lodgings.
John Very true, my love. Watering places have become so expensive of late, and the
cost of travelling to any that are tolerably fashionable is prohibitive. And,
although my father left his affairs in order, there was a great deal to do here to
run the estate as I would wish it. Why he did not seek to enclose the common
ground the villagers have been using for grazing is beyond my comprehension –
and there is a farm just beyond the river which is freehold, but the owner is ill
and finding it difficult to carry on. With luck it may be bought for a song – and
such matters can only be addressed if I am in residence.
Fanny Oh, yes, I am prodigious pleased that we should have taken up our residence here
as quickly as we did, but those women are still here. Surely they could have
found a modest cottage by now! That intolerable Marianne, as I was telling you
when I came in, is strumming away on her pianoforte until I shall be driven mad!
Day after day! Day after day! She does it to annoy me.
John Remember my dear, that such accomplishments must be pursued by young ladies
who have slender marriage portions if they are to have any hope of attracting a
wealthy husband.

1
Fanny I don‟t think she even considers such things. Her head is full of sensibility. She
believes in marrying for love and I think she enjoys her music.
To Fanny Dashwood, the idea of enjoying music or marrying for love is very shocking.
John Well, she is very young, yet. In a year or two she may think differently and
realise that in marriage, love is much less important than a healthy fortune.
Fanny Her sister is looking out for a comfortable marriage. Unless I am much mistaken
Elinor is setting her cap at my brother Edward. Whilst it is a delight to have my
brother staying with us I do wish his visit had been delayed until those women
had left. I must hint to her that all of Edward‟s fortune is dependent upon my
mother and if he were to marry unwisely he could be cut off with a shilling. That
will stop her gallop, for she can only be interested in his fortune.
John I have great dependence on Elinor‟s good sense. She has advised her mother well.
There was one house that Mrs Dashwood was prepared to take which would have
ruined them. The rent and the number of servants needed to run the place were
well above their means. Even when I assist them by giving them a thousand
pounds a-piece, to fulfil the promise to my father, their income will not greatly
exceed five hundred pounds per annum.
Fanny John, let us speak seriously about this promise. You did not promise anything so
foolish as to provide one thousand pounds for each of the girls, surely?
John No specific sum was mentioned, just that I should assist his widow and
daughters. His private fortune was quite small, most of the money coming down
with the entailed estate. Of course he had been expecting his uncle to provide for
him more generously, however, my dear, remember that we benefited when my
great uncle preferred to leave the bulk of his fortune to our dear son.
Fanny And only right that he should. It is always wise to leave money to the youngest
generation and I made sure that Harry was always sweet and kind to your great
uncle. He was always the favourite! And even though the bulk of your great
uncle‟s money was left to our dear Harry, do not forget that there were some
over-generous legacies to several servants and each of your half-sisters received a
thousand pounds from him, so why should you need to match that?
John I know you do not approve, my love, but I must do something. It was my father‟s
last request to me.
Fanny Our dear boy has already been deprived of three thousand pounds that should
have come to him, instead of going to those girls. Why should he be deprived of
another three thousand? How could you answer to yourself to rob your child,
your only child, of so large a sum? You cannot ruin yourself and poor little Harry
by giving away all your money to your half-sisters.
John It was my father‟s last request.
Fanny He did not know what he was talking of, I dare say; ten to one he was light-
headed at the time.
John He did not stipulate for any particular sum my dear Fanny; he only requested me,
in general terms, to assist them, and make their situation more comfortable than
it was in his power to do. Perhaps it would have been as well if he had left it
wholly to myself. He could hardly suppose that I should neglect them. But as he
required the promise, I could not do less than give it: at least I thought so at the
time. Something must be done for them whenever they leave Norland and settle
in a new home.
Fanny Well, then, let something be done for them; but that something need not be three
thousand pounds. Consider that when the money is once parted with, it can never
return. Your sisters will marry, and it will be gone forever. If indeed, it could ever
be restored to our little boy –

2
John Why to be sure, that would make a great difference. The time may come when
Harry will regret that so large a sum was parted with. If he should have a
numerous family, for instance, it would be a very convenient addition.
Fanny To be sure it would.
John Perhaps, then, it would be better for all parties if the sum were diminished one
half. Five hundred pounds would be a prodigious increase in their fortunes.
Fanny Oh! Beyond anything great! What brother on earth would do half so much for his
sisters, even if really his sisters! And as it is – only half blood! But you have such
a generous spirit!
John I would not wish to do anything mean. No one, at least, can think I have not done
enough for them; even themselves, they can hardly expect more.
Fanny There is no knowing what they may expect, but we are not to think of their
expectations: the question is, what you can afford to do.
John Certainly – and I think I may afford to give them five hundred pounds a-piece. As
it is, without any addition of mine, they will each have above three thousand
pounds on their mother‟s death – a very comfortable fortune for any young
woman.
Fanny To be sure it is: and, indeed, it strikes me that they can want no addition at all.
They will have ten thousand pounds divided amongst them. If they marry, they
will be sure of doing well, and if they do not, they may all live comfortably
together on the interest of ten thousand pounds.
John That is very true, and, therefore, I do not know whether, upon the whole, it would
be more advisable to do something for their mother while she lives rather than
for them – something of the annuity kind I mean. My sisters would feel the good
effects of it as well as herself. A hundred a year would make them all perfectly
comfortable.
Fanny It is better than parting with fifteen hundred pounds at once. But then if Mrs
Dashwood should live fifteen years, we shall be completely taken in.
John Fifteen years! My dear Fanny; her life cannot be worth half that purchase.
Fanny Certainly not; but if you observe, people always live forever when there is an
annuity to be paid them; and she is very stout and healthy, and hardly forty. An
annuity is a very serious business; it comes over and over every year, and there is
no getting rid of it. I know a great deal of the trouble of annuities for my mother
was clogged with the payment of three to old superannuated servants by my
father‟s will, and it is amazing how disagreeable she found it. Twice every year
these annuities were to be paid; and then there was the trouble of getting it to
them; and then one of them was said to have died, and afterwards it turned out to
be no such thing. My mother was quite sick of it. It has given me such an
abhorrence of annuities, that I am sure I would not pin myself down to the
payment of one for all the world.
John To be tied down to the regular payment of such a sum, on every rent day, is by no
means desirable: it takes away one‟s independence.
Fanny Undoubtedly; and after all you have no thanks for it. If I were you, whatever I did
should be done at my own discretion entirely. I would not bind myself to allow
them anything yearly. It may be very inconvenient some years to spare a hundred,
or even fifty pounds from our own expenses.
John I believe you are right, my love; it will be better that there should be no annuity
in the case; whatever I may give them occasionally will be of far greater
assistance than a yearly allowance. A present of fifty pounds, now and then, will
prevent their ever being distressed for money, and will, I think, be amply
discharging my promise to my father.
Fanny To be sure it will. Indeed, to say the truth, I am convinced that your father had no
idea of your giving them any money at all. The assistance he thought of, I dare
3
 say, was only such as might be reasonably expected of you; for instance, such as
looking out for a comfortable small house for them, helping them to move their
things, and sending them presents of fish and game, and so forth, whenever they
are in season. Do but consider, my dear, how excessively comfortable your step-
mama and her daughters may live on the interest of seven thousand pounds,
besides the thousand pounds belonging to each of the girls, which brings them in
fifty pounds a-piece. Altogether they will have five hundred a year amongst
them, and what on earth can four women want for more than that? They will live
so cheap! Their housekeeping will be nothing at all. They will have no carriage,
no horses, and hardly any servants. Only conceive how comfortable they will be!
Five hundred a year! I am sure I cannot think how they will spend half of it; and
as to your giving them more, it is quite absurd to think of it. They will be much
more able to give you something.
John Upon my word, I believe you are perfectly right. My father certainly could mean
nothing more by his requests to me than what you say. I clearly understand it
now. When my mother removes into another house my services shall be readily
given to accommodate her as far as I can. Some little present of furniture too may
be acceptable then.
Fanny Certainly, but, however, one thing must be considered. Your mother owns a
considerable quantity of china, plate and linen. Her house will therefore be
almost completely fitted up as soon as she takes it.
John That is a material consideration undoubtedly. And yet some of the plate would
have been a very pleasant addition to our own stock here.
Fanny Yes; and the set of breakfast china is twice as handsome as what belongs to this
house. A great deal too handsome, in my opinion, for any place they can ever
afford to live in. But, however, so it is. Your father thought only of them. And I
must say this; that you owe no particular gratitude to him, nor attention to his
wishes, for we very well know that if he could, he would have left almost
everything in the world to them.
John (Moving to leave the room) Indeed, you are right, my dear Fanny. I see my duty so
much more clearly for having this discussion. Now, if you will excuse me, I must
leave you. I shall be riding out with my agent to view that farm I was telling you
of. With some astute bargaining I should be able to buy it for half its worth. (He
exits).
Fanny goes to the window and does not like what she sees.
Fanny Intolerable! That little hussy! She has sat herself down to sketch just where my
brother is sure to find her. Yes, there he is – drawn towards her as if by a magnet.
Cannot he see that he is falling right into Elinor‟s trap! Oh Edward you silly boy!
Fanny is on the point of going out to break up the tete-a-tete when Marianne enters.
Marianne Good morning, Fanny. I was hoping to find my mother here.
Fanny Finished your strumming for the morning, I see.
Marianne Yes, thank you.
Fanny You seemed to be having difficulties with the piece you were playing.
Marianne Oh, you noticed. Yes, it is a new work to me and some of the fingering is
unusual. It came in the last bundle of music sent from London and I have had no
chance to learn it until now. It is a most interesting Sonata in F Major by Muzio
Clementi. His work is always interesting.
Fanny And now, I suppose you are about to embark on a long walk.
Marianne Yes. I am only waiting for Mama to release Margaret from her French lesson and
then Margaret and I intend to take a long walk to Iverley Mount.
Fanny How I admire your energy. I do not imagine we will see you back much before
dinner.
4
Marianne We shall endeavour to fulfil your expectations, dear Fanny.
Smiling acidly, Fanny exits. Mrs Dashwood enters.
Mrs Dashwood Marianne, I am so pleased to have found you for there is something I wish to
consult you about.
Marianne Dearest Mama, I am honoured, but surely Elinor‟s opinion is of much more value
than mine.
Mrs Dashwood Of course, Elinor has more sense in that pretty head of hers than you and I put
together, but does one ever know what she is feeling. She guards her emotions so
carefully that, even now, I am not sure how she feels about Edward and that is
why I want to consult you. I have sent Margaret on an errand and told her to meet
you at the entrance to the rose garden when she has finished. So now, come and
sit by me and tell me what you really think. Elinor talks of “esteem” but she
never mentions “love”.
Marianne Mama, in one so cautious as Elinor the word “esteem” may be taken as “love”.
She speaks of his sense and his goodness, the excellence of his understanding and
his solid worth. This is not the language I would use in describing the man I
could truly love but, in Elinor, I think we may take such comments as denoting
deep and true feeling.
Mrs Dashwood And there can be no doubt that Edward admires Elinor. He is a shy young man
but he speaks with animation to her. His eyes light up whenever she enters a
room. He is always more comfortable in her company. I feel sure that it can be
only a matter of time before he asks me if he can seek her hand in marriage. Oh,
Marianne, if that were to be so, I would be truly happy, for they are very much
suited and would make an excellent couple. How think you?
Marianne I have the highest opinion in the world of his goodness and sense and I think him
everything that is worthy and amiable, but yet – I am afraid he has no real taste.
Music seems scarcely to attract him and though he admires Elinor‟s drawings
very much, it is not the understanding of a person who knows their worth. He
admires as a lover, not as a connoisseur. To satisfy me, those characters must be
united.
Mrs Dashwood (Laughing) My dear Marianne, you are too exacting. The admiration of a lover is
much harder to find and far more valuable than the admiration of a connoisseur.
Marianne Please do not misunderstand me, Mama, I think that Edward and Elinor are very
suited to one another. Neither has the sensibility that you or I have. We must
consider that they may think rationally but they do not feel as deeply as we do. I
wish them happy and hope that I may be able to do so publicly before long. What
can be keeping Edward from proclaiming his affection!
Mrs Dashwood Now there is the problem. Remember that the young man has no private fortune.
His mother must hand down a permanent allowance or settle some property upon
him if he is to marry and she would like him to make his mark in the world and to
marry a woman of fortune. In time he could persuade her to see all of those
estimable qualities in Elinor that we know and love, but it will take time, both for
him to be secure in his love and to persuade his mother. And I am not so sure of
how much time is available.
Marianne Why, Mama, what do you mean?
Mrs Dashwood My dear, Edward‟s stay here will not be of long duration. He has already made
one extension of his visit. He cannot reasonably extend it for many more weeks
and it is doubtful if we shall be here much longer ourselves.
Marianne How so?
Mrs Dashwood You know how unwelcome Fanny has made us, and although your brother often
says that we are welcome to stay as long as we like, it is lip service only. He
wants us gone as much as I want to be free of the daily unpleasantness of being a

5
 guest in what was my home. Our house hunting in this part of the world has been
unsuccessful so we must look further afield and today I have had a letter from my
cousin, Sir John Middleton, who lives in Devonshire. He offers us a cottage on
his property at a very modest rent. Really I do not see how we can refuse such an
offer. Yet if we leave now, will it ruin Elinor‟s chances of securing the happiness
she deserves?
Marianne If Edward truly loves, distance shall not interfere. And remember, he sometimes
travels into Devonshire for he was educated there and goes to visit his old tutor.
But, Mama, to leave Sussex, to leave dear Norland, where I have spent my youth
and childhood – how can I bear the separation!
Mrs Dashwood Well, it is not done yet. I have not spoken to Elinor about it. Margaret will be
happy to settle anywhere. She is too young and energetic to worry about her
surroundings so long as she can go on long walks to avoid her French studies. It
is certainly a distance from here but the more I am forced into Fanny‟s company
the more I think of distance as an advantage. Run off now or Margaret will think
you have forgotten her.
Marianne I am sorry, Mama, I am being selfish. Norland is so dear to me that I forget how
painful it must be for you to have to give precedence to your daughter-in-law –
and such an ungracious mean-spirited woman as she is! Do what you think best
and I will try to suffer in silence.
Marianne exits. Mrs Dashwood sits and reads over the letter she has mentioned. Elinor and Edward enter. Edward is
carrying Elinor’s sketch book.
Mrs Dashwood Why, Elinor, I thought you intended to spend the morning outdoors, sketching.
Elinor That was my intention but I have been banished.
Mrs Dashwood Banished?
Edward My sister seems to harbour grave doubts as to the wisdom of sitting outdoors on a
fine sunny summer‟s day.
Elinor She fears I may contract an inflammation of the lungs.
Edward Mind you, she harboured no such fears about my health and was encouraging me
to take a nice long walk through the park but gallantry overcame me and I offered
to carry Miss Dashwood‟s sketch book for her. (Bowing with mock gallantry). Miss
Dashwood, your sketches.
Elinor (In similar vein she curtseys) Thank you, Mr Ferrars.
Mrs Dashwood Now you two young scamps, behave yourselves. I am pleased that you are here,
for this morning I received a letter that I want Elinor to read and while she is
doing so you and I, Edward, can have a comfortable talk. Pray be seated.
Mrs Dashwood hands the letter to Elinor who retires a little way to read it. Edward sits near Mrs Dashwood.
Mrs Dashwood Did I hear aright, Edward, that you were educated in Devonshire?
Edward That is so. I was privately educated by a Mr Pratt of Longstaple near Plymouth.
Mrs Dashwood And did you enjoy your time there?
Edward Mr Pratt adequately prepared me for Oxford though I sometimes wonder whether
it would not have been wiser of my mother to have sent me to one of the larger
public schools.
Mrs Dashwood But the countryside of Devonshire? The climate? The society? How did you find
those things?
Edward There is some fine scenery but, as for society, I was still just a youth and too busy
studying my Latin and Greek to take note of much else.
Mrs Dashwood I ask because I have a cousin who lives in Devonshire, at a place called Barton
Park, not far from Exeter. Do you know the area at all?
Edward I have travelled in the region but I cannot say that I am familiar with it.

6
Mrs Dashwood I ask because my cousin has kindly offered us a cottage on his estate at a very
moderate rent. That is his letter which Elinor is now reading.
Edward You will be leaving us?
Mrs Dashwood Nothing is decided yet. I have only just spoken of it to Marianne. We must have
Elinor‟s thoughts on the matter.
Edward But it is such a distance.
Mrs Dashwood You will always be a welcome visitor, Edward. Your company is a great joy to us
and, although our home there would be small, there will always be room for a
guest such as you.
Edward I thank you for your kindness, Mrs Dashwood, and, if you do decide upon such a
removal I shall make every endeavour to be one of your earliest visitors. But you
will wish to discuss this matter with your daughter in private, so if you will
excuse me I shall do as my sister bids and take a stroll in the park. Good day Mrs
Dashwood, good day, Miss Dashwood.
Edward bows and exits.
Mrs Dashwood Well, Elinor, what do you think?
Elinor It is a very kind offer, but such a small rent would make us beholden to Sir John.
We would be little more than his pensioners. Can we take so much charity?
Mrs Dashwood Elinor, with the money we shall have to keep the four of us, we can be little more
than somebody‟s pensioner, and rather a kind man like my cousin than some
mean-spirited people of whom we could speak.
Elinor That is true. I think I remember Sir John. Did he not visit us once? I was very
small but I remember a kind man with a loud voice. He laughed very often. Am I
right?
Mrs Dashwood Indeed, you are. He is a jolly man who likes to see those about him happy, though
his kindness and hospitality can sometimes overwhelm one. So how would you
care for such a person as a neighbour and a landlord?
Elinor He sounds to be a more pleasant neighbour than we have been used to in recent
times. The financial arrangements are greatly to our advantage, but it is such a
distance. The cottage is furnished, I see, but we would still have to transport
Marianne‟s pianoforte and all our household linen and plate and china, so the
removal would not be without expense.
Mrs Dashwood I think that your brother may help us there, though I doubt if we shall see any
other evidence of his promise to your father to assist us.
Elinor Yes, I think that is about the only expense either he or Fanny would think
justified on our behalf – our removal to a home as far as possible from them.
Mrs Dashwood And to have our independence – to be mistress of my own home once more – to
be away from the house which is such a sad and constant reminder of your dear
father and of the happy times we have spent together – oh, how I miss him!
Elinor Everything you say inclines me to think that we would be wise to accept Sir
John‟s offer but perhaps we should think about it for a day or two before coming
to a final decision. It will be a major change for us all.
Mrs Dashwood How lucky I am to have such a prudent daughter. Yes, we shall think more
clearly about the matter after we have slept upon the idea.
Elinor If you will excuse me, Mama, I think that I shall go to my room.
Mrs Dashwood Of course, my child.
Elinor rises, collects her sketch book and is just about out of the room when Fanny enters.
Fanny If you are going in search of my brother I am afraid you are too late. I saw him
setting off towards the park at a brisk pace. Even if you ran, you would hardly
catch him now.

7
Elinor Thank you, Fanny, but I will be remaining indoors for the rest of the day. It
would be wrong of me to court the danger of an inflammation of the lungs. (She
exits).
Fanny My dear Mrs Dashwood, I have just been admiring, once more, that lovely set of
breakfast china. It looks so perfectly at home in the Norland breakfast room that
it would be a shame for it to leave, don‟t you think?
Mrs Dashwood I think it would be a greater shame if I were parted from it. It was a wedding gift
to me from my godmother, a dear and gentle lady to whom I was most devoted.
Fanny When you leave us the breakfast room will look so desolate without it.
Mrs Dashwood Oh, I do not think so. There are several choices to be made from the china that
comes as part of the estate and if you find nothing suitable in what you already
own you could always buy something. The Staffordshire potteries produce some
very fine work these days.
Mrs Dashwood is about to leave.
Fanny One moment, if you please, dear madam, I would like to speak to you of my
brother.
Mrs Dashwood Of Edward?
Fanny Yes, indeed, for you are quite unacquainted with my younger brother, Robert, so
why should we speak of him? You seem to be on good terms with Edward so I
would like your opinion on his future.
Mrs Dashwood His future?
Fanny Yes. As you know he has, as yet, no profession, and my mother would wish him
to choose his path in life. He has already frittered away too much time since
coming down from Oxford. Can you enlighten us as to his wishes?
Mrs Dashwood It is hardly a topic on which we can have had much conversation, however, I
understand that his preference is to go into the Church.
Fanny (Laughing affectedly) Oh, my dear Mrs Dashwood, my mother would never approve
of such a lowly occupation – a country parson! Oh dear no! That would never do
for my mother.
Mrs Dashwood But it is of your brother we speak, not your mother.
Fanny Ah, yes, but it is my mother who holds the purse strings. Unless he follows a path
that meets with her approval she is capable of cutting him off with a shilling. And
my mother wishes him to go into public life. She has expectations of his
becoming a great man in matters of state.
Mrs Dashwood I do not think Edward could be happy in public life. He is a very shy young man
and to be constantly in public, to be making speeches… no, no…he would hate
such a life.
Fanny Nevertheless this is how my mother would like it, if not in public life, then in
fashionable London. My brother Robert is making fair to be a very fashionable
man about town and my mother is pleased in watching his development as one
who sets the style. She is somewhat disappointed in Edward‟s progress, and as I
said, it is she who controls the money. Edward has little fortune of his own and
lives only on the allowance my mother at present gives him. She may settle her
fortune in whatever manner she chooses. And of course she expects Edward to
marry well. He must marry a woman of good family and with a handsome
marriage portion. To marry a country lass without financial security is something
that would distress Mama greatly. If Edward were to succumb to the charms of
one who would attempt to draw him in, my mother would immediately disinherit
him. So any young woman who would think to marry the Ferrars fortune would
be mightily taken in.
Mrs Dashwood Thank you for that insight into your mother‟s character, Fanny. I pity Edward
from the bottom of my heart that his mother should think as she does. I must tell
8
 you, however, that no member of my family will be in a position to influence any
member of your family for very much longer. I have, today, had a very generous
offer of a cottage on the estate of my cousin, Sir John Middleton, and I intend to
accept it. As his estate is in Devonshire I will be unable to observe any young
women trying to “draw your brother in”, as you so elegantly phrase it. Now, if
you will excuse me, I must begin our packing, starting with the breakfast set. (She
exits).
Scene 2
The Sitting Room of Barton Cottage on a morning in November. Elinor is seated. Marianne is sitting by the window
and her mother is placing a footstool for her.
Mrs Dashwood I want you to keep your foot up, Marianne. It is only a little over two weeks since
you sprained that ankle and you have been too eager to use it again.
Marianne Oh, Mama, just because I walked to the garden gate yesterday with Willoughby,
you think that my ankle will swell again. But I will sit here resting it to please
you.
Mrs Dashwood Well, it would be a sad thing if you were to have a setback when you are so well
on the way to recovery, and with Sir John planning to have a ball before
Christmas too. Now, are you sure that you will be comfortable?
Marianne Indeed I will, Mama, and I have the best possible view here to see anybody who
may come up the path.
Elinor Meaning Mr Willoughby, I suppose.
Marianne Oh, yes, perhaps he will call.
Elinor Why should today be any different? He has called every day since we made his
acquaintance so dramatically.
Marianne He rescued me when I fell. It is only natural that he should enquire after my
health.
Elinor And read to you endlessly from Cowper and Scott.
Marianne Oh, is it not delightful to find one who can enter so fully into my interests! He is
so passionately fond of music; and sings so well himself; and his fondness for
literature and his exquisite taste! I enjoy so much his frankness; his vivacity! Oh,
his manner – so manly and vigorous - his abilities – so strong! He satisfies all my
ideas of perfection.
Elinor (Highly amused by her sister’s raptures) And he swept you up in his arms and carried
you home through storm and tempest when you could scarce walk for the pain of
having put your foot in a rabbit hole.
Marianne You may well laugh, Elinor, but he sprang into action with such rapidity of
thought and eagerness to help that I shall be eternally grateful. Oh, I do hope he
will be here soon, for I have been practising that charming song he was so
obliging as to copy out for me from his cousin‟s collection. It is said to have been
sung by the unfortunate Marie Antoinette during her imprisonment. It had never
come to my attention before. I do so wish to sing it for him. I think I see some
movement in the lane.
Mrs Dashwood Well, if we are to have a visitor one of us must answer the door because Martha
has gone to Valley Farm to get some of Mrs Martin‟s good cheese and she has
taken Margaret with her.
Marianne Oh, it is only Sir John and Mrs Jennings! I knew that it was too much to ask that
we not see them for two days running.
Mrs Dashwood For shame, Marianne. Sir John wishes to be neighbourly and I think that his
mama-in-law is somewhat lonely and enjoys a comfortable chat.
Marianne If I were Mrs Jennings I would want to get away from that dreary Lady
Middleton, too. How strange that such a gossipy, busy woman as Mrs Jennings

9
 should have a daughter so languid and insipid as Lady Middleton. I wonder what
excuse Sir John will provide for his wife‟s not coming with him today.
Elinor (Sharing the joke with Marianne) It is a sad thing for Lady Middleton that our cottage
should be no more than a five minute stroll from Barton Park. She is much too
indolent to walk so far and it is too short a distance to have the carriage sent for.
Mrs Dashwood (Rising and moving to greet her guests before they can knock) Really, you two girls are
very naughty. Sir John and Mrs Jennings are two of the kindest people I know.
Mrs Dashwood exits.
Marianne Mrs Jennings may have good intentions but she is so vulgar. She is always
imagining a romance where there is none. Can you think of anything more
impertinent or absurd than making jokes about Colonel Brandon being in love
with me? It is a most unfeeling reflection upon the dignity of a man of his
advanced years.
Elinor Advanced years! Marianne, Colonel Brandon cannot be more than five and
thirty!
Marianne And can not a man of five and thirty admire my singing without being ridiculed
and accused of being in love?
Sir John and Mrs Jennings are ushered into the room by Mrs Dashwood. We hear Sir John’s voice before he enters.
Between them Sir John and Mrs Jennings speak so loudly and so rapidly that no one else has a chance to enter the
conversation although, on several occasions, one or other of the ladies attempts to do so.
Sir John Well this is very kind of you, dear cousin, to be meeting us at the doorstep. Such
good weather for November we are having that I thought I would just step over
and see how you are going on. Dear girls, pray don‟t get up on my account,
particularly you, dear Marianne. We cannot have that ankle going awry again can
we.
Mrs Jennings Certainly not - with all the beaux of the countryside lining up to dance with you,
hey, missy. The conquest of Colonel Brandon is not enough but you must be
setting the heart of young Mr Willoughby aflutter, too.
Sir John Ah, Willoughby! As good a fellow as ever lived, I assure you. A very decent
shot, and there is not a bolder rider in England, and that little black bitch of his is
the best pointer I ever saw. Capital fellow! And what must you do but capture his
heart as well as that of my friend, Brandon? Ah, how much enjoyment you young
people have been bringing into our lives. Barton was never so lively before you
came.
Mrs Jennings I was only saying to my daughter this morning how well I am enjoying this visit
and it is because of the lively company provided by the ladies at Barton Cottage.
My daughter sends her regards to you all and would have joined us in visiting
you this morning; however she is rather worried about young William. He seems
to have a slight fever, and you know what she is when any of her children is not
the picture of health.
Sir John And did you miss us yesterday? We did not come a-visiting yesterday.
Mrs Jennings No, for we went to Exeter and Sir John went off to do some business and I had an
agreeable morning in the shops. Such pretty ribbons as I found there, you would
not believe.
Sir John Ah, yes, Mrs Jennings, I must say that you enjoy a shopping expedition. You
would not believe, cousin, how many parcels she could fit into the carriage. I
really thought that I would find myself running behind – there was so little room
left inside for me when all of those parcels were put in.
Mrs Jennings And whom do you think we met while we were there?
Sir John Now, dear lady, they will never guess, for they do not know your cousins at all.
Mrs Jennings We met the two daughters of my second cousin and we met quite by chance! Two
delightful young women – Anne and Lucy Steele – haven‟t a penny to bless
10
 themselves with for their mother married a curate who died young, and she died
too, and now they live with their uncle in some grim little place near Plymouth -
but charming girls.
Sir John Aye, charming indeed. I was so taken with them, I thought, “Now here are two
young ladies who can brighten our days and be some company for you, too, for
they are near your age” – perhaps a few years older – so I made enquiries of them
and they are free of engagements at present so I told them I would ask my wife to
invite them to visit us and stay with us until we go to London at the end of
January. Lady Middleton was a little put out when I broke it to her, for she has
never met them in her life…
Mrs Jennings But I said to her, “Don‟t be so missish, my girl, they are your own cousins,
several times removed, and they could do with some cheering up, for their uncle
is a dreary old soul, full of scholarship and nothing more. You invite them here
and you will enjoy their company.” So she was writing to invite them when we
left.
Sir John We shall bring them to visit just as soon as they arrive and I warrant you will be
delighted with them. Charming girls! (There is a knock on the front door and Elinor
rises to answer it and exits). Bless my soul, you have visitors. I warrant it is one of
Miss Marianne‟s beaux calling to enquire after her health. Well, we must be off
or your sitting room will be too crowded for comfort. (Elinor and Colonel Brandon
enter). Why, here is Brandon! Good to see you old friend. If you can tear yourself
away from this charming company, come up to the house for a few minutes
before you head off home. I‟d like your opinion on that new hunter I was telling
you about.
Brandon Certainly, Sir John. Good day Mrs Jennings.
Mrs Jennings and Sir John exit with much noise and bustle, being seen to the front door by Elinor. The room is once
more quiet and calm.
Mrs Dashwood Pray be seated Colonel Brandon.
Brandon Thank you, Mrs Dashwood, but I shall not trouble you with my presence for long.
I am, indeed, on my way to view Sir John‟s new hunter but, as I was in the
neighbourhood, I took the opportunity to come and enquire after Miss Marianne‟s
recovery and to bring her a little book of poetry that may not have come in her
way.
Colonel Brandon bows and presents Marianne with the book. Elinor enters.
Marianne Oh, thank you, Colonel Brandon. Why it is by Mr Wordsworth!
Brandon Yes, it is a new work of his that came in the last bundle of books I had sent from
London, “Sonnets dedicated to Liberty”. I thought it might appeal to your
sensibilities. There are one or two poems in it that I found most interesting.
Marianne You are very kind. I shall take great care of it and return it to you in good time. I
hope that I may copy out any particular poem that appeals? Willoughby and I
shall have such pleasure in the reading of it.
Marianne immerses herself in the book, quite unaware of the insensitivity of her remark and the hurt it has caused
Colonel Brandon.
Brandon What a fine day it is today. When yesterday was so
(Turning to Mrs Dashwood)
gloomy I thought that winter was upon us.
Mrs Dashwood Yes, so cold and damp as it was, I am sure that I could feel a touch of rheumatism
in my bones.
Brandon I definitely felt a touch of rheumatism in my bones. It was enough to ask my man
to hunt out a flannel waistcoat, but now, today, we have a return to fine autumnal
weather.

11
Elinor You must notice the cold of an English winter very much, Colonel Brandon,
having spent so many years in the East Indies.
Brandon The East Indies has its own share of discomforts. Admittedly there is no frost to
set the toes a-tingling but the heat and humidity can be quite debilitating. And, of
course, it is many years since I returned from those shores.
Elinor Did you enjoy your travels, sir?
Brandon They were not precisely “travels”, for I was on duty there, not travelling for
pleasure, however, there were many fine sights and interesting customs to
observe. Had I been in a happier frame of mind when I went I could have found
greater enjoyment.
Elinor How so? Oh, I beg your pardon, that was an impertinent question, please ignore
it.
Brandon Not at all. My dear Miss Dashwood, your interest is in no way impertinent. I was
very young when I left these shores, having only just joined the Service, and my
heart was left behind with a young lady. I was very much in love but I still had
my way to make in the world – a second son, you know – I only came into
property on the death of my elder brother. The young lady‟s connections forbad a
match.
Mrs Dashwood And were you long away?
Brandon Too long, I fear. Had I arrived in England, even a few months sooner I may have
been able to help my poor Eliza. (He sighs).
Mrs Dashwood Dear Colonel Brandon, please excuse us for opening such a sad wound. Let us
talk of happier things.
Brandon No, Mrs Dashwood, it is something of a relief to talk about this after so many
years. I know that others have been given part of the story and have embroidered
lurid details to satisfy their own imagination. The truth is sad but not sensational
and I know that I can rely on the discretion of the ladies here. Please indulge me
by allowing me to speak openly of a miserable period of my existence.
Mrs Dashwood If it will give you some relief from your pain, please do, but we would not wish
to force a confidence.
Brandon While I was on my tour of duty in the East Indies, my dear Eliza was forced into
a most unhappy marriage. Her husband was a drunken and debauched man who
treated her badly. She ran away and was reduced to the most abject poverty for
her family would have nothing to do with her. When I arrived home I sought her
out and eventually found her living in one of the worst slums in London, starving
and near death. She had a small daughter and was only hanging to life for the
sake of that child. I did what I could but it was too late for the mother. She
expired within two days of my having found her, secure in the knowledge that I
would care for her child.
Elinor How sad.
Mrs Dashwood And the child survived?
Brandon Yes, I have done what I could for the girl. She has been reared in the comfort of a
school for girls near Bath, but, I am an old bachelor, a friend in attending to her
material needs but that is all. We have never been close – I have never been her
confidante.
Mrs Dashwood Thank you, Colonel Brandon, for telling us of this. You may rely on our
discretion. I hope that the telling has eased your pain a little.
Brandon (Rousing himself in readiness to leave) Thank you for listening to me, ladies. I do not
know what came over me, I do not usually burden others with my troubles but
your sympathetic ear has helped me a great deal. Now, if I am to see this hunter
of Sir John‟s I must be on my way. Good day, Mrs Dashwood, Miss Dashwood,
Miss Marianne.

12
Colonel Brandon bows and exits as they curtsey and murmur their farewells. Mrs Dashwood sees him out.
Marianne There, you see! Mrs Jennings knows so little of the matter! She told me that Miss
Williams – the young lady in question – was Colonel Brandon‟s natural daughter!
Elinor Yes, that does seem to be the way people here have interpreted his charity. How
unkind.
Marianne And how could Mrs Jennings think that he could be in love with me when he has
already loved and lost, for I do not think it possible that one can love a second
time.
Elinor Now do not be absurd, Marianne. Look only at our parents to see the falsity of
your argument. Father had been married before and he sincerely loved our
mother. It was a very happy union.
Marianne Perhaps he did not love his first wife. If her temperament was at all like that of
her son, I am sure he could not have loved her.
Mrs Dashwood enters, followed by Willoughby.
Mrs Dashwood Look who has just arrived!
Marianne Willoughby! But Willoughby, I have been on the lookout for you this last half
hour. Why did I not see you coming along the lane?
Willoughby Because, sweet mischief, I did not come along the lane. I thought to surprise you
so I jumped the hedge half a mile back and rode across the fields. I left my trusty
steed behind the house and, seeing Colonel Brandon‟s curricle in the lane, I
waited until he had left.
Elinor You took a risk. He could have been making a lengthy visit.
Willoughby Not the good Colonel. He is too full of propriety to outstay his allotted fifteen
minutes.
Elinor You are most unkind to the good man.
Willoughby Brandon is just the kind of man whom everybody speaks well of, and nobody
cares about; whom all are delighted to see, and nobody remembers to talk to.
Marianne That is exactly what I think of him.
Willoughby That, my dear Miss Marianne, is no surprise for we always think alike on all
matters of import. Brandon is tolerated because he is worthy and because he has
an estate worth two thousand pounds a year. Now I, being in possession of an
estate worth no more than six hundred a year, must make myself agreeable to my
elderly cousin and come to stay with her each year and exert my charm upon her
and upon her neighbours. (He bows to the assembled company). Now let us turn to
subjects of more interest. Did you like the song I copied for you?
Marianne Oh, indeed, yes.
Willoughby Now tell me in truth, did you admire the music or did you only admire the skill I
displayed in copying the piece?
Marianne Be serious, Willoughby! Of course it was the quality of the music! I have been
practising the song and if you will but come with me into the parlour you shall
hear what I have made of it.
Willoughby (Bowing to Mrs Dashwood) I have been commanded by this lady to attend her. Pray
excuse me, madam.
Mrs Dashwood nods her approval. In mock solemnity Willoughby offers Marianne his arm and they exit talking the
while.
Marianne It is such a tragic piece, so delightfully sad. I was very moved by both the music
and the lyrics.
Willoughby I am pleased that you approve but do not sound so surprised that I should bring
you a serious piece. Did you think I could find only some worn and hackneyed
tune by Dibden?

13
Mrs Dashwood What a charming pair they make! Who could have thought that within such a
short time of settling in our new home I should see Marianne so near to becoming
a bride!
Elinor Mama, surely you are being hasty. Has either of them spoken to you of an
engagement?
Mrs Dashwood No, but their every action tells of their commitment to one another.
About now Marianne may be heard playing and singing “Captivity” (words by Rev Jeans, music by Stephen Storace).
Elinor I think their behaviour lacking in restraint and until an engagement has been
publicly announced and approved by their families they should not flaunt their
affection as they do.
Mrs Dashwood All the etiquette books would agree with you, Elinor, but Marianne has so much
sensibility. She feels so strongly and is so open and honest that to her it would be
acting an untruth if she were to contain her feelings.
Elinor One may feel strongly but have enough courtesy to others to behave with
propriety.
Mrs Dashwood Ah, my Elinor, has not your love for Edward taught you to feel?
Elinor Mama, I have never felt more strongly for anyone than I do for Edward but he
has made no declaration of any kind. How can I give my love unless it is freely
sought?
Mrs Dashwood He loves you Elinor. One only has to observe the way he comes alive in your
company: but his situation is an awkward one and he is a very shy young man. Be
patient.
Elinor He has said nothing to raise my expectations, Mama.
Mrs Dashwood He is as proper, my love, as you are, but it does not always pay to put sense
before sensibility. Sometimes one should be ruled by one‟s heart instead of one‟s
head. Now, with that piece of wisdom I must look into the kitchen, for if the
haricot of mutton that Martha has set upon the fire for our dinner is ruined I shall
be saved neither by heart nor head.
Mrs Dashwood exits. Elinor sighs heavily, goes to Marianne’s vacated chair to pick up the discarded book of poetry
and notices movement in the lane. She catches her breath and runs to meet the person coming up the path, crying as
she does “Edward!” She re- enters the room ushering in Edward Ferrars.
Elinor Edward, how good to see you, welcome! Why did you not advise us of your
coming? But never mind, we can have the guest room ready in a trice!
Edward Dear Miss Dashwood, your kindness and hospitality are so great and gladly
would I avail myself of them, but this must be a fleeting visit. I have been staying
with friends near Plymouth and, as they had to travel to Exeter yesterday I came
with them so far, intending to take the mail coach yesterday evening. I found,
however, that being so close to you and your dear family I could not bear to leave
without coming to see you, no matter how briefly. When I parted with my friends
I engaged a room at an inn, hired a horse this morning and came here to see you.
I must be back in Exeter to take the mail this evening for my mother has been
expecting me in London these last two days.
Elinor So short a time! But oh, what a joy it is to see you!
Edward And have you settled yourselves comfortably? The cottage is quite charming but
charm and comfort do not always go hand in hand.
Elinor Indeed we are very comfortable and happy here. Sir John Middleton is a generous
and hospitable man although rather too boisterous for my liking and he takes no
end of trouble to see that we never want for company.
Edward I see some familiar works of your contriving upon the walls. (He indicates a painting
or sketch that hangs on the wall). Did you, and I hope I am not vain in asking, finish
that sketch of me?

14
Elinor Yes, sir, it is finished and I think it one of the finest things I have done, but I do
not wish to frame it and put it on public display. I hope that does not offend you.
Edward On the contrary.
There is a shy pause then Elinor starts for the door.
Elinor I must let my mother know that you are here.
Edward Please wait one moment – there is something I must tell you – a confession …
Mrs Dashwood enters.
Mrs Dashwood Well, I do not think Martha will scold me about the mutton. What a good thing I
remembered in time … Why Edward! How lovely to see you. Oh, make yourself
comfortable while I go at once to see the guest chamber prepared for you.
Edward Please do not trouble yourself, Mrs Dashwood. This is but a fleeting visit. I must
be in Exeter to join the mail coach soon.
Mrs Dashwood Oh what a shame that we shall have so little of your company but we must make
the most of what we have. Pray be seated and tell us what has been happening to
you. What are Mrs Ferrars views for you at present, Edward? Are you still to be a
great orator in spite of yourself ?
Edward No. I hope my mother is now convinced that I have no more talent than
inclination for a public life.
Mrs Dashwood But how is your fame to be established? For famous you must be to satisfy all
your family.
Edward I shall not attempt it. I have no wish to be distinguished; and I have every reason
to hope I never shall. Thank Heaven! I cannot be forced into genius and
eloquence.
Mrs Dashwood You have no ambition, I well know. Your wishes are all moderate.
Edward As moderate as those of the rest of the world, I believe. I wish as well as
everybody else to be perfectly happy; but like everybody else it must be in my
own way.
Mrs Dashwood I think, Edward, you would be a happier man if you had a profession to engage
your time and give an interest to your plans and actions.
Edward It is a heavy misfortune to me, that I have no business to engage me, no
profession to give me employment, or afford me anything like independence. But
unfortunately my own nicety, and the nicety of my friends, have made me what I
am, an idle, helpless being. We never could agree in our choice of a profession. I
always preferred the Church, as I still do. But that was not smart enough for my
family. They recommended the Army. That was a great deal too smart for me.
The Law was allowed to be genteel enough, but I had no inclination for the Law.
As for the Navy, it had fashion on its side, but I was too old when the subject was
first started to enter it – and, at length, idleness was pronounced on the whole to
be the most advantageous and honourable profession open to me.
Marianne enters and does not at first see Edward.
Marianne Mama, Willoughby wishes me to convey his apologies and adieus to you. He had
not hobbled his horse properly and has had to pursue it across several fields. He
… Edward!!! Oh, how pleased I am to see you! You have taken your time in
coming to us but now that you are here I hope your stay will be a long and happy
one.
Elinor Marianne, Edward is but passing through on his way to London. He can stay with
us for a few moments only.
Marianne But that cannot be so. Edward, you must stay. Make him stay Elinor, oh, Mama,
insist on his staying with us at least a week!
Edward Much as I would like to do so Marianne, I must be away almost immediately.
Marianne Oh, please sit for a few minutes, I must have some share of your company.
15
Edward You seem to have been enjoying company when I arrived. Were you not singing
that charming song to an audience? And who is this Willoughby whose horse is
half way across the kingdom by now?
Marianne He is a young man at present on a visit to his elderly cousin who lives nearby. He
rescued me when I fell and sprained my ankle, so, you see, he is my hero.
Edward You seem to have been living a life of adventure.
Marianne Yes I have. Oh Barton Cottage is the most delightful place in the whole of
England! Do you not think that the countryside hereabouts is delightful?
Edward From what I have seen it is fine country – the hills are steep, the woods seem full
of fine timber, and the valley looks comfortable and snug – with rich meadows
and several neat farmhouses. It exactly answers my idea of a fine country because
it unites beauty with utility. I thought, though, that your idea of beauty had more
to do with the picturesque – a landscape full of rocks and promontories and
crooked, twisted, blasted trees.
Marianne You tease me Edward! What is that ring you wear? I never saw you wear a ring
before. Is that Fanny‟s hair? I remember her promising to give you some. But I
should have thought her hair to be darker (or lighter depending on casting).
Edward hastily puts his hand in his pocket, looks very conscious and moves towards the door.
Edward Yes; it is my sister‟s hair. The setting always casts a different shade on it you
know. But if you will excuse me, I must be going, my time is so limited.
Mrs Dashwood Yes, of course, but Edward, now that you have found us you must not leave it
long before you return. You see how comfortably we are settled. Now, Elinor,
perhaps you would be kind enough to escort Edward to the gate.
Elinor I think that we should all see him off. Come, Mama, come Marianne, if you do
not join me Edward will think you do not care.
Mrs Dashwood and Marianne look at each other with puzzlement but see that Elinor is in earnest so they leave the
room ahead of Edward who turns to Elinor as if to detain her. Much as she wants him to stay she goes to the door, he
stands back for her to pass and then follows miserably.
Scene 3
The Sitting Room of Barton Cottage on a morning in late December. Marianne and Willoughby are standing together.
He is looking sombre and she is in great distress. The door opens and Mrs Dashwood and Elinor enter, obviously
returning from a walk. Marianne breaks from Willoughby and runs from the room, sobbing.
Mrs Dashwood Is anything the matter with her? Is she ill?
Willoughby I hope not. It is I who may rather expect to be ill – for I am now suffering under a
heavy disappointment.
Elinor Disappointment!
Willoughby Yes, for I am unable to keep my engagement with you today. My cousin, Mrs
Smith, has this morning exercised the privilege of riches upon a poor dependent
nephew, by sending me on business to London, I have just received my
dispatches, and taken my farewell of Allenham; and by way of exhilaration I am
now come to take my farewell of you.
Mrs Dashwood To London! And are you going this morning?
Willoughby Almost this moment.
Mrs Dashwood This is very unfortunate. But Mrs Smith must be obliged; and her business will
not detain you from us long I hope.
Willoughby You are very kind, but I have no idea of returning into Devonshire immediately.
My visits to Mrs Smith are never repeated within the twelvemonth.
Mrs Dashwood And is Mrs Smith your only friend? Is Allenham the only house in the
neighbourhood to which you will be welcome? For shame, Willoughby. Can you
wait for an invitation here?
Willoughby (Looking confused) You are too good.

16
Mrs Dashwood I have only to add, my dear Willoughby, that at Barton Cottage you will always
be welcome. I will not press you to return here immediately, because you only
can judge how far that might be pleasing to Mrs Smith; and on this head I shall be
no more disposed to question your judgement than to doubt your inclination.
Willoughby My engagements at present – are of such a nature – that – I dare not flatter myself
– It is folly to linger in this manner. I will not torment myself any longer by
remaining among friends whose society it is impossible for me now to enjoy.
Willoughby exits, escorted by Mrs Dashwood. Elinor gathers the bonnets and cloaks that the ladies have discarded
during the scene and is heading for the door when Mrs Dashwood returns and takes the garments from Elinor.
Mrs Dashwood Here, give me those, I must go to Marianne. That dreadful Lucy Steele is coming
up the lane. She is a gossipy, prying, spiteful young woman with such
encroaching manners. For goodness sake, do not let her know of our distress or it
will be all over the neighbourhood in an hour.
Mrs Dashwood exits just as there is a knock on the front door. Elinor exits to answer it.
Elinor (Off stage) It is quite all right, Martha, I shall get the door. Oh, good morning Miss
Steele.
Lucy (As the two young women enter)Oh, dear Miss Dashwood, I do wish you would
condescend to call me “Lucy” for we have become such friends since Anne and I
have been staying with our cousins at Barton Park. If we had not become such
friends I would never have had the courage to call on you in this informal way
but we are taking Lady Middleton‟s dear little children for a nice long nature
ramble and we were quite on the other side of the field when I saw you and your
dear mother returning from your walk. “Oh, look, Anne,” said I, “There is Miss
Dashwood on her way home. I think I shall just run across the field for there is
something I want to discuss with her and I can do so far more comfortably at
Barton Cottage than at the house”. So I dashed off and will meet my sister and
the little pets as they come round by the lower meadow.
Elinor I cannot think what you might wish to discuss with me, but those children are so
boisterous I do not wonder at your finding an excuse to get away from them.
Lucy Oh la, Miss Dashwood, you shock me! It is true that the boys can play rough at
times but that is in the nature of boys, and, as Lady Middleton says, it is a sign of
health in them.
Elinor And I suppose it is in the nature of little girls to scream loudly until they are
given what they want.
Lucy I know you are only funning, Miss Dashwood, for you are such a sweet girl that
you could not really dislike the dear children. But I have come on an errand far
more serious. I am so pleased to have found you alone for I seek your help. You
will think my question an odd one, I dare say but, pray, are you personally
acquainted with your sister-in-law‟s mother, Mrs Ferrars?
Elinor No, I am not.
Lucy Indeed! I wonder at that, for I thought you must have seen her at Norland
sometimes. Then perhaps you cannot tell me what sort of a woman she is?
Elinor No, I know nothing of her.
Lucy I am sure you think me very strange, for inquiring about her in such a way but
there are reasons – I wish I might venture – but however I hope you do not think
me impertinent.
Elinor No.
Lucy I cannot bear to have you think me impertinent. I am sure I would rather do
anything in the world than to be thought so by a person whose good opinion is so
well worth having as yours. And I am sure I should not have the smallest fear of
trusting you; indeed I should be very glad of your advice how to manage in such

17
 an uncomfortable situation as I am. I am sorry you do not happen to know Mrs
Ferrars.
Elinor I am sorry I do not if it could be of any use to you but really, I never understood
that you were at all connected with that family, and therefore I am a little
surprised, I confess, at so serious an inquiry into her character.
Lucy I daresay you are, and I am sure I do not wonder at it. But if I dared tell you all,
you would not be so much surprised. Mrs Ferrars is nothing to me at present, but
the time may come – how soon it will come must depend upon herself – when we
may be very intimately connected.
Elinor Good heavens! What do you mean? Are you acquainted with Mr Robert Ferrars?
Can you be engaged - ?
Lucy No; not to Mr Robert Ferrars – I never saw him in my life; but to his elder
brother, Edward. You may well be surprised for to be sure you could have had no
idea of it before; for I daresay he never dropped the smallest hint of it to you or to
any of your family; because it was always meant to be a great secret, and I am
sure it has been faithfully kept so by me to this hour. Not a soul of all my
relations know of it but Anne, and I never should have mentioned it to you, if I
had not felt the greatest dependence in the world upon your secrecy; and I really
thought my behaviour in asking about Mrs Ferrars must seem so odd, that it
ought to be explained. And I do not think Mr Ferrars can be displeased, when he
knows I have trusted you, because you know he has the highest opinion in the
world of all your family, and looks upon yourself and the other Miss Dashwoods,
quite as his own sisters.
Elinor May I ask if your engagement is of long standing?
Lucy We have been engaged these four years.
Elinor Four years!
Lucy Yes.
Elinor I did not know that you were even acquainted.
Lucy Our acquaintance is of many years date. He was under my uncle‟s care, you
know, a considerable while.
Elinor Your uncle?
Lucy Yes; Mr Pratt. Did you ever hear him talk of Mr Pratt?
Elinor I think I have.
Lucy He was four years with my uncle who lives at Longstaple near Plymouth. It was
there our acquaintance began and it was there our engagement was formed,
though not until after he had quitted as a pupil; but he was almost always with us
afterwards. I was very unwilling to enter into it, as you may imagine, without the
knowledge and approbation of his mother; but I was too young and loved him too
well to be so prudent as I ought to have been. Though you do not know him so
well as me, Miss Dashwood, you must have seen enough of him to be sensible he
is very capable of making a woman sincerely attached to him.
Elinor Certainly. Engaged to Mr Edward Ferrars! I confess myself so totally surprised at
what you tell me, that really – I beg your pardon – but surely there must be some
mistake of person or name. We cannot mean the same Mr Edward Ferrars.
Lucy We can mean no other – Mr Edward Ferrars, the eldest son of Mrs Ferrars of Park
Street, the brother of your sister-in-law, Mrs John Dashwood, is the person I
mean; you must allow that I am not likely to be deceived, as to the name of the
man on whom all my happiness depends.
Elinor It is strange that I should never have heard him even mention your name.
Lucy No; considering our situation, it is not strange. Our first care has been to keep the
matter secret. You knew nothing of me, or of my family, and therefore there
could be no occasion for ever mentioning my name to you. I am sure I have no
doubt in the world of your faithfully keeping this secret, because you must know
18
 of what importance it is to us, not to have it reach his mother; for she would
never approve of it. I shall have no fortune, and I fancy she is an exceedingly
proud woman.
Elinor I certainly did not seek your confidence however your secret is safe with me; but
pardon me if I express some surprise at so unnecessary a communication.
Lucy Ah, but Edward speaks so often and so highly of you that I knew that you should
share in our secret. It has been so hard, my dear Miss Dashwood. Sometimes I
think whether it would not be better for us both to break off the matter entirely
but I know the very mention of it would make him so miserable, I have not the
resolution to do it. Poor Edward is so cast down. Did you not think him dreadful
low-spirited when he visited you? He was to have gone straight from Exeter to
London but came here quite unplanned, being too low-spirited to go straight to
his mother.
Elinor Did he come from your uncle‟s then, when he visited us?
Lucy Oh! yes; he had been staying a fortnight with us. Did you not think him sadly out
of spirits?
Elinor We did indeed, particularly so when he first arrived.
Lucy Poor fellow. I gave him a lock of my hair set in a ring when he was at Longstaple
last, and that was a comfort to him. Perhaps you noticed the ring when you saw
him?
Elinor I did.
Lucy Oh la! I see Anne and the children coming along the lane. I shall go out to them
or your home will be invaded. Do not trouble to see me out, Miss Dashwood, for
you are looking a little pale. I am so pleased to have had this cosy chat together.
It makes me feel so much more comfortable.
Lucy exits. Elinor shows deep distress. Mrs Dashwood enters and Elinor makes great efforts to maintain some
composure.
Mrs Dashwood Thank heavens that young woman has gone, whatever can she have had to say
that kept her so long.
Elinor Well, she has gone now, Mama. Could Marianne tell you anything more?
Mrs Dashwood It is all very strange. Marianne knows only that Willoughby was sent to London
by his cousin and will not return until she should summon him. But I think I may
know the explanation for so sudden a departure.
Elinor Oh?
Mrs Dashwood I am persuaded that Mrs Smith suspects his regard for Marianne, disapproves of
it, perhaps because she has other views for him, and on that account is eager to
get him away; and that the business which she sends him to transact is invented
as an excuse to dismiss him. He is, moreover, aware that she does disapprove of
the connection so he dare not tell her of his engagement to Marianne.
Elinor But, Mama, we do not know that they are engaged.
Mrs Dashwood They must be. His actions speak so strongly of love.
Elinor But actions must be supported by words. I want no proof of their affection but of
their engagement. Mama you must ask Marianne whether they have exchanged
promises.
Mrs Dashwood I would not ask such a question for the world. Supposing it possible that they‟re
not engaged, what distress such an inquiry would inflict! It would be most
ungenerous. I would not attempt to force the confidence of anyone and when she
is in such distress! Oh, my dear Elinor, she feels so much. She has so much
sensitivity. You cannot expect her to behave rationally when her feelings are so
lacerated. Poor dear child. I doubt if she will go into company for weeks for you
cannot expect her to cope with the demands of society when her heart is breaking.
Elinor No, Mama.
19
Mrs Dashwood Do you realise that we will be very thin of company now, for it was only last
week that Colonel Brandon had to go to London so suddenly on business.
Elinor And there was very little speculation or mystery attached to his going, why
therefore should we worry about Willoughby‟s departure? He has gone. He will
return. Mama, if you will excuse me, I should like to go to my room.
There is a knock on the front door.
Mrs Dashwood Of course, my dear, but just see who that is at the door first for I know that
Martha is very busy in the kitchen.
Elinor exits.
Mrs Jennings (Off stage) Miss
Dashwood, just the person I wish to see. Is your mama within?
No, pray do not go away for what I have to say concerns you more than your
mama.
Elinor and Mrs Jennings enter.
Mrs Dashwood Why, Mrs Jennings, how kind of you to call. Do be seated.
Mrs Jennings I will not stay long but I have a favour to ask of you, Mrs Dashwood. I will be
returning to my own home in London very soon. Now do not look surprised that I
have a home of my own to go to when I seem to spend all my time here in the
country, but indeed, I have a very comfortable house just off Portman Square and
far too big for me it is now that my good husband is dead and both my daughters
are married with homes of their own. I was thinking how lonely I would be
rattling about in that big house for it is only a twelve month since my little
Charlotte married Mr Palmer and left me quite alone. Then I had a capital idea!
Dear Mrs Dashwood, could you bear to part with your two eldest daughters for a
few months? They would be such company for me and they will not be so well
entertained here because my daughter and Sir John will be coming to town at the
end of January, and the Misses Steele are going to stay with cousins in London in
a few weeks time and we have already lost Colonel Brandon and Mr Willoughby.
Mrs Dashwood How did you know that Mr Willoughby had gone? For he knew of his departure
himself only this morning. It cannot be above an hour since he left the parish!
Mrs Jennings (Finding this a good joke) Very little escapes the net of the gossip in this village, my
dear. One of our maids has a sister working at Allenham and she came to Barton
Park this morning and was full of news. After the post came Mrs Smith was very
angry with Willoughby, there was a loud argument and she sent him packing. So,
of course, every maid, including my own Betty, was soon full of the news. But
back to my question, can you spare your girls to me?
Elinor Mrs Jennings, it is a kind offer but if there are to be so few people left in Barton it
would be remiss of Marianne and me to leave our mother with so little company.
Mrs Jennings Oh! Lord, I am sure your mother can spare you very well and I do beg you will
favour me with your company, for I‟ve quite set my heart upon it. Don‟t fancy
that you will be any inconvenience to me, for I shan‟t put myself at all out of my
way for you. It will only be sending Betty by the coach, and I hope I can afford
that. We three shall be able to go very well in my chaise; and when we are in
town, if you do not like to go wherever I do, well and good, you may always go
with one of my daughters. I am sure your mother will not object to it; for I have
had such good luck in getting my own children off my hands, that she will think
me a very fit person to have the charge of you; and if I don‟t get one of you at
least well married before I have done with you, it shall not be my fault.
Mrs Dashwood It is like Elinor to be thinking of others before herself but I will not be in need of
her company. Though I shall miss my two dear daughters there will be plenty to
do here and without so many distractions perhaps I can help Margaret to conquer
her problems with French irregular verbs. I do not seek company. It is still so
20
 short a time since my dear husband died that a period of quiet reflection will be
most welcome to me. Mrs Jennings, I think your invitation very kind and most
welcome. Just let me know on which day the girls should be ready to travel.
Mrs Jennings I promise you I will take good care of them, Mrs Dashwood. Oh, I have such
plans in my head for their enjoyment! Well, I shall be off now to spread the good
news.
Mrs Dashwood accompanies Mrs Jennings from the room. Elinor, who is really near the end of her endurance, again
shows her grief. Mrs Dashwood returns.
Mrs Dashwood What a solution to our problems! Marianne will surely see something of
Willoughby in town and, my dear Elinor, you may be sure that Edward will be
spending the entire season in London. You will be happy to be in his company.
Oh, how much you will enjoy yourself!
Elinor Yes, Mama, now, if you will excuse me I must go to my room.
Elinor runs from the room but Mrs Dashwood is so taken up with happy plans that she does not notice Elinor’s
distress.

ACT 2
Scene 1
NOTE : Mrs Jennings would have a footman to escort callers to the Drawing Room, however, it is possible to play
these scenes by nodding dismissal to an offstage footman if necessary. The door knocker will be heard in the distance
as the front door would be one flight of stairs down.
The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings’s London house. It is a day in early February. Mrs Jennings and Elinor are
seated. Marianne is pacing up and down and constantly looking out the window.
Mrs Jennings Now, Miss Marianne, he won‟t come any the sooner for your wearing out your
shoe leather, come and be comfortable here with us.
Marianne He must come! He must! We have been in London a whole month. He knows our
direction.
Mrs Jennings We have been very comfortable without the company of Mr Willoughby. To be
sure, the first week we were here there was only my daughter, Charlotte, to call
upon, and she, being so close to her confinement, is not going much abroad. But
when Anne and Lucy Steele came to their cousin in Holborn they were very kind
in visiting us so often. Then, when the frosts set in, all the sportsmen came to
town and saved you from having too dull a time of it.
Elinor Dear Mrs Jennings, you have provided us with so many distractions that we are in
no danger of finding life dull.
Mrs Jennings Ah, yes! As soon as the frosts came we had my daughter Middleton and Sir John
here – did I tell you that Anne and Lucy will be removing to their house
tomorrow for several weeks? And then, your brother and his wife are here too.
How well your sister-in-law and my daughter Middleton are going along. They
have become good friends in so short a time, and my eldest daughter does not
make friends easily – not like dear Charlotte who has such a happy open
disposition.
Elinor My sister-in-law and Lady Middleton have much in common, I think. They are
both elegant women who like to live in the first style.
Mrs Jennings That they do! My dear Miss Dashwood, I do not want to be impertinent but you
do not seem to be in spirits. Are you sure that London agrees with you? If there is
anything I can do to make you more comfortable you have only to say so, for I
promised your mother I would take care of you and I intend to be as good as my
word.
Elinor Thank you, Mrs Jennings, but I am quite well. I am only worried about Marianne.
Mrs Jennings Lordy, yes, the child hardly eats and is so restless. Between ourselves, my dear, I
wish that young man would hurry up and come, for I know he has been in town
21
 above a se‟night. Charlotte was telling me that her friend, Mrs Sanderson, went to
an evening party at Mrs Ellison‟s and that Willoughby had been there, paying a
great deal of attention to Miss Grey.
During this conversation Marianne takes a letter from her pocket and exits.
Elinor Miss Grey, who is she?
Mrs Jennings She was, until her coming of age several months ago, the ward of Mr and Mrs
Ellison. She lives with them still but is now mistress of her own fortune, which is
said to be fifty thousand pounds. Mrs Sanderson would have it that Willoughby
seemed to be dangling after Miss Grey for her fortune but Charlotte put her right:
“No, indeed,” said she, “for he is engaged to a young lady of my acquaintance”.
“Well,” said Mrs Sanderson, “His actions at the party did not suggest that he was
engaged to another”.
Elinor But we do not know that they are engaged. Marianne has never admitted to an
engagement between them.
Mrs Jennings Gracious Heavens, Miss Dashwood! They are engaged to be sure. Their
behaviour at Barton was that of an engaged couple – why, he even showed her
over his cousin‟s house at Allenham, deciding on how they would arrange it
when he inherits. Is not that the action of an engaged man?
Elinor It was very wrong of Marianne to have gone, for the visit was made without the
knowledge of his cousin. Mrs Smith does not receive visitors, had issued no
invitation, and was confined to her room with a severe headache on the day.
Willoughby should not have invited her and Marianne should have had the sense
to refuse. They are not engaged or surely Marianne would have confided in my
mother.
Mrs Jennings They must be engaged, my dear, for she has sent several notes to Willoughby‟s
lodgings since we have been in London, and if I thought for one moment that
they were not engaged I would never have let my footman take them. It would be
most improper for a young lady to correspond with a man to whom she is not
engaged.
Elinor I am afraid that Marianne‟s ideas of propriety have more to do with sensibility
than with society. I am very worried, Mrs Jennings, and have written to my
mother to ask her advice.
Mrs Jennings And very right that you should. Marianne‟s health will break down if she
continues in this fashion, for she eats like a sparrow and is not at all mindful of
her appearance. Willoughby should come and set her mind at rest. I do not like
the rumour that Mrs Sanderson has set abroad. What if it is right? What if he
means to break his engagement with our dear Miss Marianne for the sake of Miss
Grey‟s fortune?
Elinor Oh, but if they are truly engaged he could not do so! No man of honour could
break his word so disgracefully. If the lady had a change of heart it could be
accepted but not the gentleman. No, no! I will not think that Willoughby could
act so dishonourably. He cannot be engaged to Marianne, or if he is, he cannot be
behaving towards Miss Grey in such a manner as Mrs Sanderson describes.
Mrs Jennings I never saw a young woman so desperately in love in my life! My girls were
nothing to Marianne, and yet they used to be foolish enough. I hope, from the
bottom of my heart, he won‟t keep her waiting much longer, for it is quite
grievous to see her look so ill and forlorn.
Elinor If he should have had a change of heart he could at least come and let her
honourably discharge him from any promise he had made.
Mrs Jennings I think she is too much in love with him to do that.

22
Elinor A woman of honour, seeing that the gentleman had mistaken his feelings, would
free him from the commitment. Her dignity, her sense of righteousness, would
free him, even if her heart were broken.
Mrs Jennings I do not think he has mistaken his feelings, for he was as wild for her as she for
him. I fear he may have mistaken his purse strings rather than his heart. He is an
expensive young man with his hunters and his carriages. His estate is worth no
more than five or six hundred pounds a year and he has been living far beyond
that on the expectation of his inheritance from Mrs Smith. And remember, Miss
Dashwood, Mrs Smith dismissed him in December after quarrelling with him.
Perhaps she has cut him off and he must seek his fortune elsewhere.
Marianne re-enters and can be seen pacing the corridor and peering from the window.
Elinor His sense of honour should bring him to Marianne. She cannot continue thus.
Mrs Jennings When a young man, be he who he will, comes and makes love to a pretty girl,
and promises marriage, he has no business to cry off from his word only because
he grows poor, and a richer girl is ready to have him. Why don‟t he, in such a
case, sell his horses, let his house, turn off his servants, and make a thorough
reform at once? I warrant you, Miss Marianne would be ready to wait till matters
came around. But that won‟t do nowadays; nothing in the way of pleasure can
ever be given up by the young men of this age.
Elinor Not all young men are dishonourable. I thank God that there are some who will
stand by their word, no matter what suffering it may cause them.
Marianne He is coming! I am sure I see Willoughby on the other side of the street! Oh, a
carriage is pulling up and I cannot see, but it must be him! I knew he would
come!
During Marianne’s exclamations Mrs Jennings has gone to the window.
Mrs Jennings Why, that is Mr Cartwright, my man of business, getting down from the carriage.
What with our gossiping here, I quite forgot that he was to call this morning. (A
knock is heard). I will go down to him and send whoever the other gentleman caller
is up here to you – for there is someone else a-calling. I could not see who it was
entering the porch but I am sure that you young ladies will entertain him in my
place. I shall be some time with Mr Cartwright. (She exits, and then is heard off stage
saying:) Go up, dear sir, go up, they will be very pleased to see you.
Marianne is hastily trying to adjust her dress and tidy her hair. As she hears the approach of the caller she rushes to
the doorway crying “Willoughby!” then, seeing it is not him, runs off. Colonel Brandon enters.
Elinor Colonel Brandon, how pleasant to see you. Pray be seated.
Brandon Good morning, Miss Dashwood. Is your sister ill?
Elinor I apologise for her hasty departure but, yes, I fear she is far from well. She has
been in low spirits and is suffering badly from the headache.
Brandon Perhaps London does not agree with her.
Elinor That may be so. She cannot take the long walks here in London that she so
enjoys. It is a long time since we have seen you, sir. Have you spent all of that
time in London?
Brandon Most of the time since leaving you in December I have been in London. I have
had to travel into the country on several occasions but it has never been in my
power to return to Barton. I am just now returned from attending to some
business at Delaford.
Elinor Did your business keep you from the hunting field? I believe it was a very good
season.
Brandon Alas, yes, but duty must come before pleasure.
Elinor How true.

23
Brandon Miss Dashwood, I hope you do not think my enquiry impertinent but when may I
congratulate you on the acquisition of a brother?
Elinor Whatever can you mean, Colonel Brandon?
Brandon Your sister‟s engagement to Mr Willoughby is very generally known.
Elinor It cannot be generally known, for her own family do not know it.
Brandon I beg your pardon, I am afraid my enquiry has been impertinent; but I had not
supposed any secrecy intended, as they openly correspond, and their marriage is
universally talked of.
Elinor How can that be? By whom can you have heard it mentioned?
Brandon Mrs Jennings - the Palmers - the Middletons - but I still might not have believed
it if I had not, when the servant let me in today, accidentally seen a letter, directed
to Mr Willoughby in your sister‟s writing. Tell me, Miss Dashwood, if it is all
absolutely decided?
Elinor Colonel Brandon, I have never been informed either by Marianne or by Mr
Willoughby of the terms on which they stand with each other but I have no doubt
of their mutual affection and I am not astonished to hear of their correspondence.
I can tell you no more than this for it is all that I know.
Brandon Thank you, Miss Dashwood. To your sister I wish all imaginable happiness; to
Willoughby that he may endeavour to deserve her. Good day, Miss Dashwood.
My compliments to Mrs Jennings.
Colonel Brandon exits as the knocker is heard. Elinor moves about restlessly.
Lucy (Off stage) Thank you, there is no need to announce me. I know my way. (She
enters). My dear Miss Dashwood, I hope you do not mind me entering without
ceremony but it seems an age since we have spoke and you are the only one in
whom I can confide.
Elinor Of course. Will you not take a seat?
Lucy I am so pleased that you are still in London. I was almost sure you would not
leave London yet awhile, though you told me at Barton that you would likely not
stay above a month. But I thought at the time that you would most likely change
your mind when it came to the point. It would have been such a great pity to have
went away before your brother and sister came. And now, to be sure, you will be
in no hurry to be gone. I am amazing glad you did not keep to your word. I
suppose you will go and stay with your brother and sister now that they are come
to town?
Elinor No, I do not think so.
Lucy Oh, I dare say you shall. What a charming thing it is that Mrs Dashwood can
spare you for so long a time together! You know, I suppose, that Edward
travelled to town with your brother and sister and is now residing with his
mother?
Elinor Yes, my sister-in-law informed me and Edward left his card the day after he
arrived but we were from home so did not see him.
Lucy Pity me, dear Miss Dashwood. Here is Edward and me, both in London and I
cannot see him. He dare not come to me at my cousin‟s home for fear of
detection so despite our mutual impatience to meet we can do nothing at present
but write.
The door knocker is heard.
Elinor You remove from your cousin‟s home to that of Lady Middleton tomorrow, do
you not?
Lucy Yes and therein lies my hope of coming in Edward‟s way more often, for Lady
Middleton is become very friendly with your sister-in-law and the two of them
exchange visits. Why only yesterday when I was visiting Lady Middleton just to

24
 make some little arrangement about coming to stay, Mrs Fanny Dashwood came
in and we was introduced and she was very gracious to me.
There is some bustle at the door and Fanny Dashwood, John Dashwood and Robert Ferrars enter.
Elinor Good morning, Fanny. Good morning, John.
Fanny Good day, Elinor. May I present to you my brother Mr Robert Ferrars, Robert,
this is Elinor, Miss Dashwood.
Robert How d‟ye do.
Elinor How do you do. May I introduce Miss Lucy Steele.
Fanny I met Miss Steele and her sister yesterday when visiting Lady Middleton. Robert,
John – Miss Lucy Steele.
Elinor I apologise that Mrs Jennings is not here to welcome you. She is at present with
her man of business in the library, but when she knows that you are here I am
sure she will soon be with us.
Fanny So we were told by the servant. (Marianne enters). Oh, good morning, Marianne.
Marianne Good morning Fanny, John, Miss Steele.
Elinor Marianne, may I introduce to you Fanny‟s younger brother, Mr Robert Ferrars.
Robert How d‟ye do.
Robert is prepared to snub the Dashwood sisters and so deliberately moves towards Lucy. John wishes to speak to
Elinor so moves towards her. When the conversation is not general Fanny and Marianne sit near each other in stony
silence.
Fanny I am very pleased to see you here this morning, Miss Steele, for I have come with
invitations to my sisters and Mrs Jennings to attend a dinner at our home on
Saturday evening next. Sir John and Lady Middleton are also to be invited and as,
by then, you will be their guests I intended to call upon you with cards of
invitation. Pray accept my invitation to you and your sister, now.
Fanny places her cards of invitation upon the table.
Lucy Why, thank you, Mrs Dashwood. I know that my sister and I have no other
engagements on Saturday. We will be happy to come.
Fanny You will be honoured by the presence of my mother, Mrs Ferrars.
Marianne Really!
Robert You reside in Devonshire, I think, Miss Dashwood, in a cottage near Dawlish.
Elinor Near Exeter, sir.
Robert Oh! I have never heard of anyone living in Devonshire who did not live near
Dawlish, however, I suppose there must be some who do. For my part, I am
excessively fond of a cottage; there is always so much comfort, so much elegance
about them. And I protest, if I had any money to spare, I should buy a little land
and build one myself, within a short distance from London, where I might drive
myself down at any time, and collect a few friends about me, and be happy. I
advise everybody who is going to build, to build a cottage. My friend, Lord
Courtland came to me the other day on purpose to ask my advice, and laid before
me three different plans of Bonomi‟s. I was to decide on the best of them. “My
dear Courtland,” said I, immediately throwing them all into the fire, “do not
adopt either of them, but by all means build a cottage.” And that, I fancy, will be
the end of it.
Marianne Very likely.
Robert Some people imagine that there can be no accommodations, no space in a
cottage; but this is all a mistake. I was last month at my friend Elliott‟s near
Dartford. Lady Elliott wished to give a dance. “But how can it be done?” said
she; “my dear Ferrars, do tell me how it is to be managed. There is not a room in
this cottage that will hold ten couple, and where can the supper be?” I
immediately saw that there could be no difficulty in it, so I said, “My dear Lady
25
 Elliott, do not be uneasy. The dining parlour will admit eighteen couple with
ease; card tables may be placed in the drawing-room; the library may be open for
tea and other refreshments; and let the supper be set out in the saloon.” Lady
Elliott was delighted with the thought. We measured the dining room, and found
it would hold exactly eighteen couple, and the affair was arranged precisely after
my plan. So that, in fact, you see, if people do but know how to set about it, every
comfort may be as well enjoyed in a cottage as in the most spacious dwelling.
Lucy Why, sir, how clever of you to see all of that so immediately. The Elliott‟s must
count themselves privileged to have your advice.
Robert Indeed, Miss Steele, they said as much themselves. Now tell me, dear lady, how
do you enjoy London, for I believe that you are also a visitor for the season?
They converse together with a degree of flirtation evident in their manner.
John I must tell you, Elinor, how happy Fanny and I are with Sir John and Lady
Middleton. We called to pay our respects, naturally, as my stepmother‟s relations,
but we have been delighted with their company.
Elinor I am pleased that you like them. Their attention to our comfort, their friendliness
in every particular, has been very great.
John I am extremely glad to hear it. But so it ought to be. They are people of large
fortune and they are related to you. Very large fortune! And I congratulate you
too, on having such a very good friend in Mrs Jennings. She seems a most
valuable woman indeed. Her house, her style of living, all bespeak an exceeding
good income. Her inviting you to town is certainly a vast thing in your favour;
and indeed, it speaks altogether so a great regard for you, that in all probability
when she dies you will not be forgotten. She must have a great deal to leave.
Elinor Nothing at all, I should suppose. She has only her jointure, which will descend
with her children.
John But it is not to be imagined that she lives up to her income. Few people of
common prudence will do that; and whatever she saves, she will be able to
dispose of.
Elinor And do you not think it more likely that she should leave it to her daughters, than
to us?
John Her daughters are both exceedingly well married, and therefore I cannot perceive
the necessity of her remembering them farther. Whereas, in my opinion, by her
taking so much notice of you, and treating you in this kind way, she has given
you a sort of claim on her future consideration, which a conscientious woman
would not disregard. Nothing can be kinder than her behaviour; and she can
hardly do all this, without being aware of the expectations she raises.
Elinor But she raises none in those most concerned. Indeed, brother, your anxiety for
our welfare and prosperity carries you too far.
John Why, to be sure, people have very little in their power. But, my dear Elinor, what
is the matter with Marianne? She looks very unwell, has lost her colour, and is
grown quite thin. Is she ill?
Elinor She is not well, she has had a nervous complaint on her for several weeks.
John I am sorry for that. At her time of life anything of an illness destroys the bloom
forever! Hers has been a very short one! She was as handsome a girl last
September as any I ever saw; and as likely to attract the men. I question whether
Marianne, now, will marry a man worth more than five or six hundred a year.
Fanny John, it is time for us to go.
John Yes, indeed, my love. Pray give our compliments to Mrs Jennings, Elinor. Good
day to you, good day Miss Steele, good day Marianne.
Fanny Do you come with us, Robert?

26
Robert Thank you Fanny, but no. I have some business in Bond Street and as Miss Steele
tells me she is meeting her friends at Grafton House I have just offered to escort
her to them. So I will bid you adieu at the front door. Good Day Miss Dashwood,
Miss Marianne – so pleased to have made your acquaintance.
Lucy Do give my compliments to Mrs Jennings, Miss Dashwood. Good day, Miss
Marianne.
Fanny and John Dashwood exit followed by Lucy on the arm of Robert Ferrars.
Elinor I am pleased you came back to be civil to our brother.
Marianne I saw them coming from our bedroom window. I was wicked enough to leave you
alone with the dreaded Lucy but I could not, in conscience, allow you to cope
with Fanny and John without some assistance. What an encroaching girl Lucy
Steele is. Did you see how she clung to every word that ridiculous young man
said? She will do anything to worm her way into the good opinion of those who
may be able to bestow favours.
The two girls are enjoying their joke as Mrs Jennings hurries into the room brandishing a letter.
Mrs Jennings Oh my dear girls, it is true! Oh, how cruel! How cruel!
Elinor Dear Mrs Jennings, you are distressed. Please sit and calm yourself.
Mrs Jennings No, no. I have this moment received a note from Charlotte and our worst fears are
confirmed. Mrs Sanderson and Mrs Taylor came to her directly from visiting Mrs
Ellison. Miss Grey and Mr Willoughby are to be married.
Marianne What!
Mrs Jennings It is true, my love, and oh, how sorry I am to bring you the news. Willoughby is
to marry Miss Grey by special licence as soon as possible – and not too soon for
him for they say he is well nigh bankrupt.
Elinor And no word for Marianne?
Mrs Jennings Fifty thousand pounds, she has. A smart stylish girl but not handsome, and very
stubborn they say. I remember her aunt well, Biddy Henshawe; she married a
very wealthy man. The family are all rich together. But there is one comfort, my
dear Miss Marianne; he is not the only young man in the world worth having; and
with your pretty face you will never want for admirers. (During this Marianne has
been standing stunned. Now she runs from the room). Well, poor thing! She had better
have her cry out at once and have done with it.
Scene 2
The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings’s London house. It is a day in late February. Mrs Jennings and Sir John
Middleton are conversing as they enter.
Sir John A man of whom I had always had such reason to think well! Such a good natured
fellow! I do not believe there is a bolder rider in England! It is an unaccountable
business. I wish him at the devil with all my heart. I will not speak another word
to him, meet him where I might, for all the world! No, not if we were by the side
of Barton covert and we were kept waiting for two hours together. Such a
scoundrel of a fellow! Such a deceitful dog! It was only the last time that we met
that I offered him one of Folly‟s puppies and this is the end of it!
Mrs Jennings Now that the marriage has taken place and they are gone away, perhaps Miss
Marianne can begin to gain some composure. Poor lamb!
Sir John Does she still take it so hard?
Mrs Jennings Oh, Sir John, you have no idea! For weeks before Willoughby showed his true
colours she barely ate and barely slept. When his engagement was announced she
was already so weak that the shock made her take to her bed and there she stays. I
fear she is become very ill. If it were not for the steadfastness of her good sister I
think all would be lost.

27
Sir John True, true, Elinor Dashwood is a treasure. So solid, so reliable. If it were Elinor
who was slighted in love she would cope much better.
Mrs Jennings I always liked Elinor but in these last weeks I begin to realise her true worth. And
I worry for her. She has not been happy ever since we left Barton, and I think
before that too. Her thought for others has put up a barrier that is harmful to her.
If only I could give some of Elinor‟s sense to Marianne and some of Marianne‟s
sensibility to Elinor they both might be the better for it.
Sir John But Miss Marianne was born to wear her heart on her sleeve.
Mrs Jennings She feels no more deeply than her sister: it is just that she shows every feeling -
not only shows it - she encourages her grief – she feeds her sorrow. Unless she
learns some self- control she will do herself real harm.
Sir John Perhaps we should get her back to her mother. I could take her there directly.
Lady Middleton would not mind if we were to return to Barton earlier than
planned.
Mrs Jennings I think she would mind very much! My daughter Middleton has always enjoyed
the London season. And Marianne is really not strong enough to travel so far –
three days in a carriage would be the death of her. No, I have been in
correspondence with her mother and we are in agreement that she should stay
here a while. In Barton she would be constantly reminded of happy times spent
with Willoughby and that could make matters worse. No, now that the
Willoughbys are gone on their wedding journey and there can be no danger of a
chance meeting, I am hopeful that she will begin to go about again and regain her
strength.
Sir John You are a good soul, Mrs Jennings.
Mrs Jennings And I hope to give Miss Elinor some joy of her London visit, for all she has done
is worry about her sister. I had it in my head that I would not send them back to
their mother until I had found a good husband for at least one of them, and
though we speculated so much on a possible romance with Mr Edward Ferrars I
find there is nothing in it. The young man has visited her only twice and such
short, formal visits with nothing lover-like in his manner – and he seems to be
finding all kinds of friends to whom he must pay visits outside of London. No,
there is nothing there. And I am not sure that I would want her to be connected
with that family. I know your wife has taken quite a fancy to Fanny Dashwood
but I find her a cold hard woman – and her mother, Mrs Ferrars is full of pride
and self consequence and without any real claim to it either, for her husband was
not in any line of trade above my dear Mr Jennings – and as for that coxcomb of
a second son! Well!
Sir John I cannot say that I like the husband much either. A mean fellow. Did nothing for
his sisters when their father died. His stables are run with more attention to cost
than to the well being of his animals.
Mrs Jennings They are a good pair. Neither husband nor wife will put themselves out for
anything but their own pleasure. It amazed me that they should invite Anne and
Lucy Steele to stay with them when their visit to you ended.
Sir John I have a theory there. If Lucy and Anne were to be staying with them, the
Dashwoods could not be expected to invite our two young ladies, for Fanny
Dashwood entertains such a coolness towards her sisters-in-law that she would
rather do anything than show a kindness to them.
Elinor enters.
Mrs Jennings Ah, my dear, and have you left your sister in tolerable comfort?
Elinor Her cough is no worse and she is sleeping fitfully. I thought she might rest better
if I were to give her some time alone. Good morning, Sir John.

28
Sir John Good morning, dear girl. I have just been saying to Mrs Jennings that you should
not be spending all your time in a sick room. I have my carriage outside. Can I
take you for a drive around the park to get some colour back into those pretty
cheeks of yours?
Elinor It is very kind of you, Sir John, but I think I should remain within calling distance
of my sister, especially as Mrs Jennings will be leaving shortly to visit Mrs
Palmer.
Sir John Yes, yes, of course, you are still visiting that newest grandson of yours every day,
dear lady?
Mrs Jennings And a fine healthy baby he is – and Charlotte is so well after the birth that we
shall see her at evening parties within a few weeks. Ah, yes, I am blessed with a
healthy family and it is a joy to see mother and son doing so well.
Sir John Then I shall be off so that you can be paying your visit. Good day, Mrs Jennings,
good day Miss Elinor – and if ever you should want a drive in the park you just
let me know and I shall be here in a trice – we must give you some entertainment!
Good day! (He exits).
Mrs Jennings He is a good soul. I have done well in finding two such worthy men as husbands
for my daughters. I plan to do as well for you two girls.
Elinor Mrs Jennings, you have already been far too kind to us, do not feel obligated to
do any such thing!
Mrs Jennings Well, my dear, your sister may think that she is heartbroken but „tis a true saying
about an ill wind, for it will be all the better for Colonel Brandon. He will have
her at last; aye, that he will. Mind me, now, if they ain‟t married by Midsummer.
It will be all to one a better match for your sister. Two thousand a year without a
debt, or drawback – except the little love-child, indeed; aye, I had forgot her; but
she may be „prenticed out at small cost, and then, what does that signify?
Delaford is a nice place, I can tell you; exactly what I call a nice old-fashioned
place, full of comforts and conveniences and, moreover, it is close to the church
and the village and the parsonage house within a stone‟s throw. To my fancy, a
thousand times prettier than Barton Park. Well, I shall spirit up the Colonel as
soon as I can. If we can but put Willoughby out of her head!
Elinor Aye, if we can do that, Ma‟am, we shall do very well with or without Colonel
Brandon.
Mrs Jennings (Moving to the door) Well, now, this is getting me nowhere in a hurry. I must go to
Charlotte. What a blessing that she lives so close. Have a good rest, yourself,
while I am gone, my dear, for you are looking rather tired and pale. (She exits, but
returns immediately with Colonel Brandon). Colonel Brandon! Just the man we have
been talking of ! Now, you are such an old friend that I do not stand on ceremony
with you. I am this minute going to visit my daughter Charlotte and her fine new
son, so I will leave you in the good care of Miss Dashwood who could do with
some younger company than me.
Mrs Jennings exits. Colonel Brandon comes further into the room.
Brandon I am pleased to find you alone, Miss Dashwood, for there is something I would
wish to say that I hope may be a means of giving comfort, no, I must not say
comfort – not present comfort – but conviction, lasting conviction, to your
sister‟s mind. I think that I am justified in telling you – I have been convincing
myself that I am right to do so …
Elinor I understand you. You have something to tell me of Mr Willoughby that will let
us know more of his true character? (Colonel Brandon nods his assent). Then pray do
so, sir. Your telling it will be a great act of friendship to us, for we have been
greatly deceived in him and any knowledge may help to reconcile us to the
situation.

29
Brandon You will recall a conversation we had at Barton concerning the sad fate of a lady
who was very dear to me?
Elinor Yes, indeed, and I remember your kindness to her child.
Brandon What I have to relate concerns that poor child, Eliza Williams. One of her school
friends was to attend her father when he went to Bath seeking treatment for his
health. She invited Eliza to go with her. I knew the father to be a good sort of
man, and I thought well of his daughter, and as Eliza greatly desired to go I
consented to the visit. But while in Bath, Eliza formed a liaison and ran away.
Her friend said she knew nothing and the father, a well-meaning man but not
quick- sighted, could give no information. In short, despite all inquiries, I could
learn nothing but that she was gone. All of this happened a twelvemonth since. It
was not until November that I had any news.
Elinor That was the reason for your hurried departure from Devonshire?
Brandon Yes. Eliza wrote to beg for my help. The man she had run away with had left this
poor girl whose youth and innocence he had seduced, in a situation of the utmost
distress, with no creditable home, no help, no friends, ignorant of his address! He
had left her promising to return; he neither returned, nor wrote, nor relieved her.
Elinor Good heavens, Willoughby! (Brandon nods). This is beyond everything!
Brandon His character is now before you; expensive, dissipated, and worse than both.
Knowing this, you may imagine how I felt when I saw your sister as fond of him
as ever. When I enquired of you and heard the opinions of others it seemed that
Miss Marianne was to marry him. I had no hope of successfully interfering if a
match had been made. To suffer you all to be deceived; to see your sister – but
what could I do? I thought your sister‟s influence might yet reclaim him. But
now, after such dishonourable usage, who can tell what were his designs on her?
Elinor And what of Miss Williams?
Brandon Poor Eliza! How imperfectly have I discharged my trust and my promise to her
mother! As soon as she had recovered from her lying-in, for I found her near her
delivery, I removed her and her child into the country, and there she remains.
Elinor Poor girl.
Brandon Use your own discretion, Miss Dashwood, in communicating this to your sister.
You must know best what will be its effect; but had I not seriously, and from my
heart believed it might be of service, might lessen her regrets, I would not have
troubled you with this account of my family afflictions.
Elinor Thank you, Colonel Brandon. I have been more pained by Marianne‟s
endeavours to acquit Willoughby than by all the rest. Her attempts to justify his
behaviour and to consider him still with strong affection bring her no comfort.
Now, though at first she will suffer much, I am sure she will soon become easier.
Brandon I will leave you now. You are a good woman, Miss Dashwood. Your kindness to
your sister should surely help her to recover her health and spirits.
As Colonel Brandon is saying his farewells, John Dashwood appears in the doorway and is seen to wave away the
attentions of an off-stage servant who would announce him.
Elinor Why John! How kind of you to come. Colonel Brandon, I think that you have met
my brother Mr John Dashwood.
Brandon Yes, on several occasions we have met at the home of my friend, Sir John
Middleton.
John And we have also met at a dinner at the Whitbys. Good to see you again, sir.
Brandon You must excuse me, Mr Dashwood. I was taking my leave as you came and
must be on my way. Good day, Miss Dashwood, Mr Dashwood.
The men shake hands and Colonel Brandon exits.
John I come to enquire after Marianne‟s health.

30
Elinor Thank you, John. She still keeps to her bed. I am worried about her. She has now
developed a feverish cough. The doctor has been called in but there is no
improvement.
John Bad! Bad! If only I were not under such expense at the moment I would invite
you both down to Norland that she might recover in the country air.
Elinor Your expenses both in town and country must certainly be considerable. You are
fortunate that your income is a large one.
John Not so large, I dare say, as many people suppose. I do not mean to complain,
however; it is undoubtedly a comfortable one, and I hope will in time be better.
The inclosure of Norland Common, now carrying on, is a most serious drain. And
then I have made a little purchase within this half year; East Kingham Farm, you
must remember the place where old Gibson used to live. The land was so
desirable for me in every respect, so immediately adjoining my own property,
that I felt it my duty to buy it. I could not have answered it to my conscience to
let it fall into any other hands. A man must pay for his convenience; and it has
cost me a vast deal of money. And when your mother removed to Barton, taking
all of the household effects that my father left to her – of course he had an
undoubted right to dispose of his own property as he chose – but very valuable
they were – well we have, in consequence of it, been obliged to make large
purchases of linen, china etc. to supply the place of what was taken away.
Elinor I hope you may yet live to be in easy circumstances.
John Another year or two may do much towards it, but there is still a great deal to be
done. There is not a stone laid of Fanny‟s greenhouse, and nothing but the plan of
the flower garden marked out. And, of course, keeping up the London house is a
great expense and now we have the two Miss Steeles staying with us – good
young ladies of course but if we did not have them as guests you may have come
to stay with us, you know.
Elinor Miss Steele and Miss Lucy Steele can make themselves agreeable.
John Yes, indeed. Fanny has never been so much pleased with any young women in
her life, as she is with them. She has given each of them a needle book, made by
some emigrant. She calls the younger Miss Steele by her Christian name, Lucy,
and she was saying to me just this morning, that she did not know whether she
would ever be able to part with them. Still, you know, if they were not with us
you would be most welcome guests.
Elinor Thank you John.
John Colonel Brandon is a fine fellow.
Elinor He has been a good friend to us.
John I have been making some enquiries about him. He is a man of fortune with a very
good property at Delaford – two thousand a year, I have been told. I congratulate
you, Elinor, on the prospect of a very respectable establishment in life.
Elinor Me, brother! What do you mean?
John He likes you. I observed him narrowly, and I am convinced of it.
Elinor I am very sure that Colonel Brandon has not the smallest wish of marrying me.
John You are mistaken, Elinor; you are very much mistaken. A very little trouble on
your side secures him. Some of those little attentions and encouragements which
ladies can so easily give will fix him, in spite of himself. And there can be no
reason why you should not try for him. It is not to be supposed that any prior
attachment on your side – in short, you know as to any attachment of that kind, it
is quite out of the question, the objections are insurmountable – you have too
much sense not to see all that. Colonel Brandon must be the man; and no civility
shall be wanting on my part, to make him pleased with you and your family. It is
a match that must give universal satisfaction. It would be something remarkable

31
 now, something droll, if Fanny should have a brother and I a sister settling at the
same time. And yet it is not very unlikely.
Elinor Is Mr Edward Ferrars going to be married?
John It is not actually settled, but there is such a thing in agitation. He has a most
excellent mother. Mrs Ferrars, with the utmost liberality, will come forward, and
settle on him a thousand a year, if the match takes place. The lady is the Hon.
Miss Morton, only daughter of the late Lord Morton, with thirty thousand
pounds. A very desirable connection on both sides, and I have not a doubt of its
taking place in time. A thousand a year is a great deal for a mother to give away,
to make over for ever; but Mrs Ferrars has a noble spirit.
Elinor As you say.
John I am pleased that we have had this conversation, Elinor. Now, I must be going. I
hope Marianne recovers her health and her looks. Why she should pine over a
young man with no more than five hundred a year and encumbered by debts, I do
not know. It would have been a foolish match. Good day.
John Dashwood exits. Elinor, who is very tired sits and bursts into tears. She struggles for self-control and sits quietly
as Mrs Jennings bustles in.
Mrs Jennings Oh, my dear Miss Dashwood! Such news! Oh, my dear, such news!
Elinor What is it, ma‟am?
Mrs Jennings Something so strange! But you shall hear it all. When I got to Charlotte‟s place,
there was Mr Donovan, the doctor, for Charlotte had been worried about the
child, but it was only the red-gum, and so Mr Donovan was just going away and
so I asked him if there was any news and he smirked and simpered and looked
grave and said in a whisper, “For fear any unpleasant report should reach the
young ladies under your care as to their sister‟s indisposition, I think I should just
tell you that I hope Mrs Dashwood will do very well”.
Elinor What! Is Fanny ill? An accident? For her husband has only just left here and he
said nothing of her being indisposed.
Mrs Jennings That is exactly what I said, my dear. “Lord!”, says I, “is Mrs Dashwood ill?” So
then it all came out. Mr Edward Ferrars, the very young man I used to joke with
you about (but however, as it turns out, I am monstrous glad there never was
anything in it), Mr Edward Ferrars, it seems, has been engaged above this twelve
month to my cousin Lucy. And not a creature knowing a syllable of the matter
except Anne! Could you have believed such a thing possible? There is no great
wonder in their liking one another; but that matters should be brought so forward
between them, and nobody suspect it! That is strange! I never happened to see
them together, or I am sure I should have found it out directly. Well, and so this
was kept a great secret, for fear of Mrs Ferrars, and neither she nor your brother
or sister suspected a word of the matter; till this very morning, poor Anne, who,
you know, is a well meaning creature, but no conjurer, let it all out. “Lord!”
thinks she to herself, “they are all so fond of Lucy, to be sure they will make no
difficulty about it;” and so, away she went to your sister. She fell into violent
hysterics immediately with such screams that could be heard all over the house.
And Lucy came in, little dreaming what was going on. Poor soul! I pity her. Mrs
Dashwood declared they should not stay a minute longer in the house. Then she
fell into hysterics again and the doctor had to be sent for and he arrived just as the
carriage was at the door, taking my poor cousins away. Mrs Ferrars has been sent
for, and I hope she may have hysterics too. There is no reason on earth why Mr
Edward and Lucy should not marry; for I am sure Mrs Ferrars may afford to do
very well by her son, and though Lucy has next to nothing herself, she knows
better than anybody how to make the most of everything. Lord! How snug they
might live in such another cottage as yours – or a little bigger – with two maids
and two men; and I believe I could help them to a housemaid, for my Betty has a
32
 sister out of place, that would fit them exactly. Mr Edward Ferrars and Lucy
Steele, now would you have guessed so much?
Scene 3
The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings’ London house. It is a day in March. Sir John Middleton is on stage. As the lights
come up Mrs Jennings is entering.
Mrs Jennings Dear Sir John, I am sorry to keep you waiting but now that Marianne is really out
of danger I have been insisting on Miss Dashwood sitting down to a good meal
and a glass of some fine old Constantia wine. Dear girl, she has hardly left her
sister‟s side for a week.
Sir John And is Miss Marianne really out of danger?
Mrs Jennings Yes, thank goodness, for it was very much a matter of chance, but yesterday,
about noon, she fell into a calmer sleep and seemed less feverish. When the
doctor came in the evening he said that she was over the crisis and needed only a
good restful night to be on the mend. Well, he called again a short time ago and
says he is now confident of a full recovery. She is weak, of course, and must be
well cared for, but she will regain her health. Oh, what a pity that I cannot let her
mother know immediately! The poor woman must be half out of her mind, but
she should be with us this evening if they have had no set-backs in their travelling
and how happy she will be to receive good news instead of bad.
Sir John Brandon is efficient. He wastes no time upon a journey. I would have offered to
fetch my cousin, myself, for it is my duty to do so rather than his, but I know that
he will make better time and bring Mrs Dashwood to us in more comfort.
Mrs Jennings You would have done a splendid job, Sir John, but I think it was wise that
Colonel Brandon was the messenger. He was wild with anxiety about Miss
Marianne. Standing about waiting here was doing him no good at all. He is a man
of action and to have nothing better to do than call each day for news grown
increasingly bad was not natural to him.
Sir John He is even more in love with the young woman than I thought. It seemed a good
source of merriment when I first noticed his attachment but now, seeing how
deep his affection is, I hope that he wins her heart soon.
Mrs Jennings She could not wish for a better husband and she will recover from this attachment
to Willoughby. Young girls rarely settle down with their first love – oh, the
number of times that my Charlotte thought she was in love and with the most
unsuitable young men! Now look at her, happily married with the dearest baby –
and your own dear wife had her head turned a few times by handsome young
fellows with not a penny to bless themselves – but then she met you and now
look at her – a woman never happier than with her children. And I‟ll tell you
something else – when Miss Marianne‟s delirium was at its worst she never once
mentioned that ne‟er-do-well, Willoughby – she called for her mother but never
for him.
Sir John Well, let us hope that all memory of Willoughby will soon be replaced by regard
for a truly worthy man. It would do my heart good to see her comfortably settled
with my old friend Brandon. But now I must tell you about what has happened to
Mr Edward Ferrars.
Mrs Jennings To be sure, I had almost forgotten the plight of that young man with all the
troubles we have had here. I know that Colonel Brandon charged Miss Dashwood
with some message for him but I doubt if she has had time to deliver it yet.
Sir John As you know, I never cared for Fanny Dashwood but my wife and she struck up
quite a friendship and Fanny Dashwood came to tell us all about the wretched
business. She thought your daughter would be sympathetic but all the dear soul
would say was “It is very shocking, indeed!”

33
Mrs Jennings That is my daughter Middleton‟s favourite saying! It covers so many awkward
situations!
They both laugh.
Sir John It seems Mrs Ferrars and her daughter had been worried that Edward might have
formed an attachment with Elinor Dashwood and they thought it highly
unsuitable because of the smallness of her fortune. They had been planning a
most eligible connection for him with some lord‟s daughter – a Miss Morton.
Imagine the surprise when they discovered he had formed an engagement, not
with Miss Dashwood, but with Lucy Steele! who has no fortune at all and no
connections higher than a scholarly parson for an uncle and your good self – a
distant relation upon whom she could have no claim. When the two women had
got over their hysterics they sent for Edward and pleaded with him to put an end
to the engagement and called on the duty and affection that he owed his mother.
Mrs Jennings Duty and affection, indeed! Their treatment of the poor young man has always
been abominable. Unless he bows to his mother‟s will he has no allowance and
his personal fortune is, I believe, no more than two thousand pounds. If the
woman truly loved her son she would have given him an independence long
since, as I am sure his father intended, and not keep him tied to her purse strings.
If that is the only way she can have her children‟s affection he has no duty owing
to her!
Sir John I agree, dear lady, but it was with her purse strings that she was sure she could
break his determination to be true to Lucy Steele. She said that if he married Miss
Morton she would settle the Norfolk estate on him, which, clear of land tax
brings in a good thousand a year, and when he refused, she offered to make it
twelve hundred. Then she told him that if he persisted in this low connection she
would never see him again. She would offer him not the smallest assistance if he
were to enter any profession and would do all in her power to prevent his
advancing in it.
Mrs Jennings And she calls herself a mother! How did it end?
Sir John Mr Ferrars said that nothing would prevail on him to give up his engagement. He
would stand to it, cost him what it might.
Mrs Jennings He has acted like an honest man. No man of honour could go back on his given
word! If the young lady were to change her mind it would be a different matter,
but no man, having given his word can step back from a promise of marriage –
why he would be as bad as Willoughby were he to do so!
Sir John Indeed he would! His only worry apparently was that he would be including Lucy
in his sufferings, for you must know that Anne Steele came to visit my wife as
well and she claims that she overheard part of the conversation between Mr
Ferrars and Lucy when he came to see her.
Mrs Jennings Trust Anne Steele to listen at doors!
Sir John Ah, yes, but she is a well-meaning soul and she was bent on putting to rest some
ill-natured gossip. Because Mr Ferrars did not come to see Lucy until two days
after the news was broken, a rumour got about that he was wanting to break the
engagement and take up his mother‟s offer. No, indeed! According to what Miss
Steele heard (no matter how she heard it) he said that now he had no fortune
other than his two thousand pounds in the funds, and no hope of anything else
except a curacy, he could not imagine how they were to live and as he could not
bear to think of her in such a situation, he begged her, if she had the least mind to
do so, to put an end to the matter directly, and leave him to shift for himself. It
was entirely for her sake that he would have called off the engagement. And she
told him that she had not the least mind to break their contract for she could live
on a trifle.

34
Mrs Jennings That varies from what Lucy said in her letter to Miss Dashwood – for Elinor was
so kind as to show me the letter – Lucy said that she had urged him to put an end
to the engagement as a matter of prudence, but he would not.
Sir John Who knows how it may have been, but the long and the short of it is that the
engagement remains, Mr Edward Ferrars is dismissed forever from his mother‟s
notice and she has legally handed over the Norfolk estate to his brother, Robert,
with no conditions attached.
Mrs Jennings Poor young man! I suppose that is his mother‟s revenge. Everybody has a way of
their own. But I don‟t think mine would be to make one son independent because
another had plagued me.
Sir John You are so right, dear lady. If I had ever wanted instruction on how to bring up
my boys I would have taken a lesson from this. But I must be on my way. I was
sure that you would want to know what I had gleaned and I am happy that Miss
Marianne will recover her strength. Give my compliments to my cousin when she
arrives and let her know that I will call upon her tomorrow. Good day.
Sir John exits, Mrs Jennings accompanies him to the door then returns to the room just as Elinor enters.
Mrs Jennings Ah, there you are my dear. I do hope that you are feeling refreshed after a solid
meal.
Elinor Thank you, Mrs Jennings. I am much refreshed, I assure you.
Mrs Jennings Then, if you will excuse me, Miss Dashwood, I will go and attend to some
business which I have been neglecting sadly. Your mother will be with us this
evening and I must be certain that her stay here is as comfortable as possible.
Elinor As though your home could ever be anything but comfortable, dear Mrs
Jennings! But now that Marianne is sleeping comfortably I must attend to
something myself. As you know, Colonel Brandon has charged me with a
message for Mr Edward Ferrars and as I have now discovered his direction I must
write a note to him this minute.
Mrs Jennings exits. A knock is heard at the front door. Elinor sits at the desk and begins to write. She is finding
difficulty in putting words to paper when Edward enters.
Edward Miss Dashwood – Elinor –
Elinor Edward – my dear friend!
Edward I called to make a formal enquiry about Miss Marianne‟s health and was on the
point of leaving when Mrs Jennings saw me and told me that you wished to speak
with me or I certainly should not have intruded on you in such a manner; though
at the same time, I should have been extremely sorry to leave London without
seeing you; especially as it will most likely be some time – it is not probable that
I should soon have the pleasure of meeting you again. I go to Oxford tomorrow.
Elinor You would not have gone, however, without receiving our good wishes, even if
we had not been able to give them in person. Mrs Jennings was quite right in
what she said. I have something of consequence to tell you. Colonel Brandon has
desired me to say that, understanding that you mean to take Orders, he has great
pleasure in offering you the living at Delaford, now just vacant. Allow me to
congratulate you on having so respectable and well-judging a friend.
Edward Colonel Brandon!
Elinor Yes. Colonel Brandon means it as a testimony of his concern for the cruel
situation in which your family has placed you – and also as a proof of his high
esteem for your general character.
Edward Colonel Brandon give me a living! Can it be possible?
Elinor The unkindness of your own relations has made you astonished to find friendship
anywhere.

35
Edward No, not to find it in you; for I cannot be ignorant that I owe it all to your
goodness. I feel it – I would express it if I could – but, as you know, I am no
orator.
Elinor You are very much mistaken. I do assure you, you owe it entirely to your own
merit. I did not even know that the living was vacant; nor had it ever occurred to
me that he might have such a living in his gift. As a friend of my family Colonel
Brandon has still greater pleasure in bestowing it; but upon my word, you owe
nothing to my solicitation.
Edward Colonel Brandon, I think, lodges in St James‟s Street?
Elinor Yes, at number twenty-five.
Edward I must hurry away then, to give him those thanks which you will not allow me to
give you.
Elinor Colonel Brandon is not in London. He has very kindly gone to escort my mother
and bring her to Marianne‟s sick bed. We expect them this evening if their
journey prospers.
Edward Then I must call on him tomorrow before I leave for Oxford.
Elinor Yes.
There is an awkward pause as neither can bring themselves to say goodbye.
Edward My dear Elinor, I have no right to speak to you about this matter – no right to
expect forgiveness - but I want to explain my conduct – I feel I owe you an
explanation –
Elinor Please, Edward, there is no need –
Edward It is not proper for me to speak to you on the subject now, but it would be
inexcusable for me to do so after I am married, and I need to speak of it, but can
confide in no one unless it be you. Indulge my selfish wish by allowing me to
speak openly this once and then the subject can be closed forever.
Elinor Then say what you must.
Edward I have never loved Lucy Steele. I was flattered by her smiles and her willingness
to seek me out as a companion. When one has always failed to live up to family
expectations such interest as she displayed can go to one‟s head. I did not propose
to her but she spoke as though we had formed an engagement and with my lack
of worldly knowledge I believed that my conduct must have been the cause of her
assumption that we were to marry. Too shy and insecure in myself to contradict
such assumptions I hoped that time and distance might cause her to change her
mind. I had an open invitation to visit my old tutor, Mr Pratt, but I was careful to
go there no more than once a year and for no more than a fortnight. She was a
more regular correspondent than I, but I was in honour bound to reply to at least
every fourth letter. I thought I gave her plenty of reason to change her mind.
When she did not and the engagement had persisted for several years I could not
doubt the sincerity of her attachment and so was more obligated than ever to
remain true to her. Then, when I visited my sister at Norland, I came under the
spell of your family. Never had I experienced such a warm and loving family
environment. I was so charmed by it that I was able to fool myself for some time
that my regard for you was no more than part of my admiration for your family.
Even when I realised how deeply your beauty and goodness had affected me I
thought that it was only myself, my own feelings, that could be hurt by a hopeless
love. Oh, Elinor, forgive me – it was not until you were about to leave for Barton
that I began to understand that you returned my feelings. I had compromised your
happiness by my stupidity.
Elinor Not stupidity, Edward, unworldliness perhaps, lack of love from those who
should have nurtured you and helped you to understand your feelings. Edward, I
acquit you of all essential misconduct. I wish you very happy; and I am so sure of

36
 your always doing your duty that, although you may harbour regrets about your
current situation, in the end you must become happy because you have never
compromised your sense of duty and honour.
Edward Thank you, dear friend.
Edward is near to breaking point. He can say no more but bows over Elinor’s hand and exits hurriedly. Elinor
continues to stare almost blindly after him as the lights dim.
Scene 4
The Drawing Room of Mrs Jennings’s London house. It is a morning in April. Mrs Jennings is reading her mail. Mrs
Dashwood is reading a book.
Mrs Jennings My daughter, Charlotte, writes to tell me they have arrived safely at Cleveland.
Mr Palmer has a fine estate there. I hope you may visit it sometime. Charlotte
would come to London for the birth and for her lying in, to be close to the fancy
London doctors but, between you and me, Mrs Dashwood, she is such a healthy
girl I think she would have done as well to stay in the country the whole time.
Good country air and fresh food is a better tonic than all her fashionable doctors
could be.
Mrs Dashwood I daresay you are right, Mrs Jennings but I am grateful that the fashionable
doctors were close at hand when Marianne was so ill, and I do feel guilty that you
were not able to go to Cleveland with your daughter because of us.
Mrs Jennings Mrs Dashwood, having you and your girls with me is a great pleasure. You know,
I would have been reluctant to come up to London and rattle around this great
house by myself. When Charlotte married I found myself very lonely.
Mrs Dashwood I have been most grateful to you but we will not be trespassing on your
hospitality much longer. Marianne has really been strong enough to travel for
almost a week and if I stay away much longer, Margaret will have forgotten the
very little French grammar I have managed to teach her.
Mrs Jennings You must stay at least until Friday, for the mantua maker will not have your new
dress finished until then. I am so pleased you have decided to move into half
mourning – such a pretty woman as you are – you look hardly older than your
own daughters. Stay a full week longer.
Mrs Dashwood I think we should leave on Monday if that arrangement suits Colonel Brandon.
He has kindly offered to escort us home, you know.
Mrs Jennings He is a good man and he will have Miss Marianne yet. She seems quite over her
infatuation with Mr Willoughby.
Mrs Dashwood Thank heavens! When she knew of his monstrous behaviour to Miss Williams the
scales fell from her eyes, but, I believe that Willoughby really did return
Marianne‟s affection.
Mrs Jennings I am sure he did, for my maid, Betty, who keeps in touch with the housekeeper at
Barton Park, tells me the cause of the break between Mrs Smith and Willoughby
was that a London friend wrote to tell her of his treatment of Miss Williams. Mrs
Smith was shocked and said that unless he were to make an honest woman of the
poor girl he would be cut from her will. He pleaded with her, telling her that he
loved Miss Marianne – but Mrs Smith was adamant and they parted on very bad
terms.
Mrs Dashwood And now, I hear, his marriage to Miss Grey is most unhappy.
Mrs Jennings Ah, he is a selfish one and will always blame somebody else for the misfortunes
he has brought upon himself. He blames his wife for being ill-tempered when he
behaves badly, and if it had been Marianne he married she would have been at
fault for not having the money to keep him in his extravagant ways. She is well
rid of him. It is your eldest daughter who worries me. She is not happy.
Mrs Dashwood I know, and I blame myself for neglecting her unhappiness for so long. I was so
caught up, firstly in Marianne‟s happiness and then in her despair that I did not
37
 see Elinor‟s distress. Marianne wore her heart on her sleeve; she let her
sensibilities be known to all and in the light of her very public behaviour I was
blind to Elinor‟s unhappiness. Good, sensible girl that she is, she displayed so
much self control that I was fooled into believing her heart was whole.
Mrs Jennings So I have been right in thinking that she has been crossed in love? An attachment
formed before she left her brother‟s house?
Mrs Dashwood Yes, but it turned out that the young man was promised to another – and with
Elinor‟s disposition I do not think she will recover soon. She says little but she
feels deeply. If only she would give way to her grief she might heal the sooner.
Marianne and Elinor enter. They have just returned from walking in the park with Colonel Brandon. During the
following conversation they take off their bonnets and gloves and discard their shawls.
Marianne Oh, Mama, we have had such a pleasant walk.
Mrs Jennings And did you not invite Colonel Brandon in after he was so kind as to take you
walking in Hyde Park?
Marianne Indeed we did, Mrs Jennings. He sends his compliments and begs you to excuse
him but he has an appointment he must keep. Oh, Mama, how foolish I was to
ever think that Colonel Brandon was an old man. Whatever made me think so?
Mrs Dashwood Well you thought he was most unromantic to talk of flannel waistcoats.
Marianne Was I ever so silly? For he is the most well-read, well informed man I have ever
met. He does not show off his learning, as some do, but he can converse on any
topic. He knows so much of music and when he speaks of poetry he can compare
the new and fashionable with the great poets of former times and make both
sound more interesting. He has lent me a book on Roman history. He says that
without a knowledge of the classical world we cannot put our own culture into
context …
Mrs Dashwood I am sure you are right, my dear, but you would do well now, to sit and calm
yourself. You have been quite energetic enough for one day.
During Marianne’s raptures Mrs Jennings has looked knowingly at Mrs Dashwood and returned to reading her
correspondence.
Mrs Jennings My goodness, this is a letter from Lucy Steele. She is married and signs herself
Lucy Ferrars. Listen to this: “We could see no point in delaying our nuptials so
by the time you read this we will be on our way to Bristol, thence to my Uncle
Pratt”. Can you believe it! Why Mr Edward Ferrars can only have taken Orders
last week. I must send a note to Lady Middleton and to Charlotte at once. Do
excuse me.
Mrs Jennings, does not realise the distress she is causing as she reads the letter. During her speech a knock is heard at
the front door. Mrs Jennings exits.
Mrs Dashwood Elinor, my dear.
Marianne Oh, Elinor, Elinor.
Elinor It was to be expected, but, oh, Mama – now that it is come the hurt is no less!
Mrs Jennings (Off stage) Oh, my dear sir, this is a surprise! We thought you were gone out of
town, but do come in. All of the Dashwood ladies are here. They will be very
glad to see you. (Mrs Jennings enters followed by Mr Edward Ferrars). Come in, good sir.
Ladies – here is a surprise – for we thought this gentleman far away.
Mrs Dashwood Indeed, Edward, we thought you were on your way to Bristol.
Edward To Bristol! No, for I have just returned from Oxford.
Mrs Dashwood And I believe that congratulations are in order?
Edward Thank you, yes. I was ordained last Wednesday.
Mrs Dashwood Oh, I am pleased to hear that, but I was speaking of another matter. How is Mrs
Ferrars?

38
Edward Mrs Ferrars? I have not seen my mother for some weeks, as you are aware, but I
believe her to be well.
Mrs Dashwood I meant to enquire after Mrs Edward Ferrars.
Edward Perhaps you mean my brother – Mr Robert Ferrars – my brother – perhaps you do
not know – perhaps you have not heard – my brother is lately married to – to the
youngest – to Miss Lucy Steele.
Mrs Jennings But we have just had a letter from Lucy – good gracious – she mentioned no
name – only that she was married – and signed herself Lucy Ferrars – so we
thought – good gracious!
Edward On my return from Oxford this morning I found a letter waiting for me in which
Miss Lucy Steele informed me that my brother had gained her affection and,
being sure that she had long lost my affection, she released me from the
engagement and had married my brother. When I read this I hurried here …
Marianne I must take these hats and cloaks to our room. (She gathers things up and exits hastily at
the same time as her mother begins to speak).
Mrs Dashwood My dear Mrs Jennings, you were going to show me those illustrations in The
Gallery of Fashion.
Mrs Jennings (Catching on very quickly) Yes, indeed, I think you will find them most satisfactory.
The ladies exit, leaving Elinor and Edward together as the curtain falls.

THE END

39
40