My first full length play (Water Child) was
produced in Newcastle Australia in 2012. Having won an award for that play and
received very enthusiastic reviews and comments from audience members, I was
keen to write another. But I had no particular idea about what until one day,
like a gift, an idea presented itself. Mr and Mrs Bennet. How – ? why – ? And
what inspired this unlikely union? I read Pride and Prejudice again eagerly
with those characters in focus, and noted that very little context is provided
for their past.
Chapter 42 opens with reflections on their
courtship and marriage:
‘HAD
Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family, she
could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic
comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that
appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a
woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had, very early in their marriage, put an end
to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for
ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown.’
This outline inspired me to imagine the
details of their courtship. Because I am a playwright and not a novelist, it
didn’t occur to me to try and write in novel form. The characters, so life like
and engaging in the films and mini- series, just came to me as life like people
seeking stage to inhabit.
The 2014 premiere production at
Newcastle Theatre Company and subsequent tour in 2015 were a huge hit for
Austen fans and theatre goers in general. Delighted to have a chance to see
these much loved characters fleshed out as younger people, audiences also enjoyed
the chance to make connections with other characters of interest.
Emma Wood
About
the play
Setting: Longbourn,
1780s, 25 years before the novel Pride and Prejudice opens.
Characters:
James
Bennet (28) (a younger Mr Bennet from P&P)
Robert
Bennet (50-60) His father
Mary
Ellingworth (Robert’s sister, James’ aunt)
Benedict
Collins (father of Mr William Collins of P&P)
Mrs
Graves (Housekeeper)
George
Gardiner, attorney at law
Sarah
Gardiner, his wife
Emily
Gardiner (18), their daughter (a younger Mrs Bennet of P&P)
Mrs
Bowman
Miss
Clara Bowman
Outline
James Bennet, the twenty-eight year old son of
Robert Bennet, is the next in line to inherit the attractive estate of
Longbourn. With the shadow of the entail to the Collins family looming large,
Robert mounts pressure on the young Mr Bennet to find a suitable match – but
his unwillingness to play by the rules sets in motion a series of events that
are both comic and at times moving.
The family attorney at law is drawn into the affair
and finds a way to throw his attractive but vulgar daughter in the way of a
young man above her station. James sees an opportunity to spite his father –
but at what cost?
Feedback
At the premiere production at Newcastle Theatre
Company, most of the seats were sold out before opening night. The play was the
third biggest selling production in the 57 year history of the company.
Audiences laughed and cried and bought tickets to come again. Austen fans and
others who had never read or seen Pride and Prejudice left raving.
And see what the critics think:
‘…sophisticated
and stylish…’ Michelle Gosper, Sydney Arts Guide
‘…a play that charms the heart… a
cleverly layered comedy…’ Michael Byrne, Independent Reviewer
‘…
a delight...’ Ken
Longworth, Newcastle Herald
‘ …a delightful play with a good plot, clever
dialogue and strong characterization.’
Read
an Excerpt
(All
rights reserved. Reprinted with express permission of the author)
Scene Three
(In the Gardiners’ sitting room –
noticeably more modest than the Bennets’. Sarah Gardiner is plumping cushions
and flowers in a slightly manic fashion, making change after change and never
being satisfied. Her husband George enters. They stare at each other).
George: My dear, what can you be doing?
Sarah: I simply want everything to look perfect
when they arrive!
George: Perhaps the maid would be better equipped
to perform this duty than yourself?
Sarah: Hill? Oh good heavens no, she’s utterly
useless. If only she had a few years on her she might have learned some sense.
George: (Looking
pointedly at Sarah) It’s not always a matter of years, my love.
Sarah: Oh but George, I just want it all to go
perfectly. Just think – our youngest daughter married to one of the wealthiest
young men in the village!
George: Sarah! Your thoughts run ahead of you. The
two have yet to lay eyes on each other.
Sarah: Oh, but when he does, George, he is bound
to be delighted indeed! She is a perfect rosebud and you know it well!
George: There is nothing wrong with her face, I
grant you. Just make sure she is not overdone. People of consequence do not
appreciate a tart. And whatever you do, make sure she speaks some sense if she
speaks at all. He will not marry a fool!
Sarah: Indeed he will not, for my daughter is as
clever a girl as ever I saw!
George: Sarah. Impress upon her once again: no
giggling. Nothing puts off a man of wisdom more than a giggling girl, and we
both know she is apt to be such at times when she is nervous.
Sarah: Oh, but that’s just it George. She’s not
nervous at all! I haven’t told her anything!
George: Haven’t told her anything about what?
Sarah: About young Mr Bennet!
George: Who on earth does she think she’s meeting
then?
Sarah: She knows nothing about it at all!
George: Then why is she upstairs with Hill being
dressed in her finest attire?
Sarah: Because I told her there was a surprise,
but not what it might be! For all she knows we could just be on a trip to town
to see her newly wed sister!
George: Sarah! I made it clear to you, did I not,
that Emily was to be made fully aware of the nature of this occasion in order
that she might acquit herself well in front of the Bennets?
Sarah: You did, my dear, but I thought better of
it!
George: I see. (Pause
while he observes her.) Have her sent to me immediately and I will rectify
your foolish error. It is fortunate there is still time to do so.
Sarah: But George, I…
George: Sarah. Immediately. And do not take it
upon yourself in future to change my carefully laid plans. We both know your
talents, and thinking clearly is not among them. (She is crestfallen, and he softens) My dear – please. It is a
delicate situation and I have considered at length what must be done. Bring
Emily to me quickly before they arrive.
Sarah: Yes George. (she exits)
(George unfolds a letter in his breast
pocket and peruses it while he waits, showing an increasing sense of
satisfaction at the good fortune awaiting him. Emily appears, nearly complete
in her dress, with Sarah behind her. George slowly wanders around her,
examining every angle. She is a little anxious about this).
George: Emily, my dear. You look well.
Emily: (constantly
looking for clues and moral support from her mother, who is still a little
shame faced and hovering nervously). Thank you, Father.
George: I understand you are not aware of the
plans I have for you this afternoon.
Emily: No father.
George: Well. You have only a few minutes to
prepare yourself.
Emily: For what?
George: I am expecting a young gentleman today who
I hope may show an interest in you.
Emily: (giggling
nervously) Ooh! Is it Captain Robinson?
George: (sharply)
No it is not Captain Robinson! I think I have made my feelings on that young
man quite clear. He is a coxcomb if ever I saw one.
Emily: But father, I like him so much and he
loves me too and he says…
George: Love?? What nonsense. Of Robinson I wish
to hear no more. Like most other young men in uniform he has an eye for a
pretty face but he has no serious intentions with you. And even if he did he
has no means to make a suitable life for you.
Emily: But father he has…
George: Emily! Listen to what I have to say to
you. Do you wish to marry up or down?
Emily: Uh…
Sarah: (whispering)
Up!
Emily: Up!
George: Lord give me strength. There is a man by
the name of Bennet visiting today. Do you know of whom I speak?
Emily: Oh yes father, but he is an old man!
George: Not the father, you foolish girl. The son.
Emily: Oh. Does he have one?
George: Yes. One. (Emily is none the wiser) One son.
Sarah: Only one.
Emily: (the
penny drops) Oh! And the estate of…
Sarah: Longbourn
Emily: …will…
George: Exactly.
Emily: (pause
for thought) But what’s he like?
Sarah: Ooh, very handsome my dear, young and
strong…
George: Do not let your mother’s ramblings run
away with you my dear. She has only seen him from afar. I have seen him at close
range and he looks much like other young men. All you need to know is, he is
rich – or will be should he marry. His father, it seems, is in somewhat of a
hurry for him to do so.
Emily: Marry?? But father, I’m only just
seventeen!
George: Emily!
I am your father. Do I not have your best interest at heart? A marriage
into the estate of Longbourn is a step into a society no one else in your
immediate family could dream of. Your wealth would greatly exceed your sister
Philips I can assure you. Now listen to me. You have a pretty face. Use it well
– forget that penniless officer and set about becoming mistress of something
greater.
Sarah: Longbourn! Imagine!
George: Young Bennet needs to find a wife as soon
as possible and if you play your cards right, that young lady could be you! So
do as I tell you or commit yourself to dithering with fools and looking back
with wild regret!
Sarah: Your father’s right, darling. Just think
of what he is worth..!
George: Of course I am right! Have I not had your
sister married well? Now let me help you achieve an even finer match. They will
be here momentarily. It is a business meeting, but I have arranged for them to
come to my home so they can be more comfortable, and keep the matter entirely
private. And so they can meet you.
Emily: But I know nothing of business father.
What on earth shall I say to them?
George: I’m very glad you asked. Say nothing at
all, if possible. Maintain a sweet silence and a sense of decorum.
Sarah: But how shall she answer them if they ask
questions of her my dear?
George: I will answer for her.
Sarah: But George!
George: Sarah! Enough. Time is moving fast. Emily
- two things you must keep forefront of your mind. Firstly, you will only have
one chance to make an impression. You do not move in his circles. I am in the
employ of his father, and he does not see me as his equal. Secondly: his father
will not view you as a suitable match. You must win the son’s regard
sufficiently to have him insist upon you as a bride against his father’s
wishes.
Emily: (pause)
And I’m to do all this without talking?
George: Talk if you must, briefly, in an
appropriate manner. But with the utmost composure! Now go, and when I ring the
bell twice, please enter quietly. The gentlemen will expect to be served tea. I
will beckon you for an explanation, and you will whisper to me. I will then
inform the gentlemen that Hill has had a fall and you are attending on her
behalf.
Emily: But father… what if Hill doesn’t have a
fall?
George: Go now, my girl. It is simple enough. I hear
their horses approaching. Retire into the next room until you hear the bell.
Look to me if you are unsure how to behave. A show of beauty and decorum is all
that is required. Sarah, take her please.
(Emily and Sarah exit. George peruses the
letter again and prepares some papers. Robert knocks and enters with James
unwillingly in tow.)
George: (to
Robert) Mr Bennet, sir. How good it is to see you. (to James) Welcome, Mr Bennet.
Robert: Thank you for agreeing to see us at such
short notice, Mr Gardiner.
George: No trouble at all, I am sure. Always a
pleasure to be engaged in your service. (to
James) And Mr Bennet, you are well I trust?
James: Thank you, I am as well as I could hope to
be under the circumstances.
George: Good, good. Now, I have received your
letter, sir, and in relation to the circumstances Mr Bennet has already alluded
to please be assured that the nature of your visit will be treated with the
utmost discretion from me…
Robert: Of course, of course. I have always relied
on your discretion, or I should hardly have approached you about this most
unedifying business. So, shall we get to it?
George: Of course, if you will. I have already
taken the liberty of preparing a contract to be examined and privately signed
by both of you regarding the… agreement you have reached.
James: Agreement is not quite the word I would
have chosen.
Robert: James! Keep your own counsel if you
please.
James: Did I speak aloud? I did not mean to.
Please accept my apologies father.
Robert: James! Mr Gardiner, please show me the
contract.
George: Of course. And perhaps while you peruse
the finer details I shall call for some refreshment?
Robert: No need. I wish to attend to the business
with expedience and then be gone.
George: Ah. (anxious
about the plan) And, Mr Bennet, are you also happy to proceed with no
refreshment?
James: If I am to be a pauper I had best get used
to a life without delicacies.
George: Ah. Yes, quite so. (He is flustered now and seeks some other reason to ring the bell.
Robert is absorbed in the contract. James slumps in a chair and closes his eyes
in a conscious effort to appear unruffled by the proceedings. His father scowls
at him. George, in desperation, deliberately knocks over a glass of water on
his desk, upsetting the papers there). Oh, confound it all!
Robert: Dear me. You have not ruined anything
important I trust?
George: I think not, but please excuse me while I
seek some assistance to clear this mess… how clumsy I feel… forgive this
inconvenience…
Robert: Not at all. I have much here to occupy me
while you attend to things. Please do what you need to.
George: Thank you… it will take only a short while
I hope… (he rings the bell, still
flustered. After a short pause, he rings again, and Emily enters stiffly,
clearly uncertain of how to proceed). Emily! (She curtsies) What are you about? Can you not see I am engaged in a
matter of business? Where is Hill?
Emily: She… uh…. Hill is…
George: Come here, my child, and speak quietly
with me so as not to disturb the gentlemen. (Robert has scarcely looked up from the contract. James has kept his
eyes closed throughout this exchange. George beckons Emily to him frantically
and they pantomime a discussion.) Hill has fallen? But is she hurt in any
serious way?
Emily: (pause
as she wonders whether she is allowed to speak. George nods to indicate she
may) No father. I believe she will recover. Within a short time. I mean… (she is close to losing her composure, but for
George’s fierce eye upon her.) Can I assist you father?
George: Ah… yes indeed. Please ask Hill where the
cloths are kept that I may contain this spill until her health is restored… (Emily and George are both aware that
neither Bennet has taken any notice of them. Emily emits a strangled sound in
her attempts not to giggle. Robert looks towards her for the first time)
Robert: I beg your pardon. Uh… Miss Gardiner, is
it not?
Emily: (she
curtsies) Yes sir.
George: Miss Emily is my youngest daughter, Mr
Bennet, come to my aid as our serving woman has taken a fall….
Robert: Delighted, I am sure. Forgive me being too
wrapped up in my business to recall my manners. This is my son, Mr James
Bennet. (James maintains his prone
position) James!! (He opens his eyes
and unwillingly turns to make a new acquaintance. Upon seeing her he is clearly
struck by her beauty. He rises, sinks, and rises again, opening his mouth with
nothing coming out.) James! This is Miss Emily Gardiner, Mr Gardiner’s
daughter.
James: Uh…
Robert: (muttering)
Oh for heaven’s sake…
James: (suddenly
bowing low, in a noticeable change from his usual slack demeanour, and speaking
with nervous sincerity) Miss Gardiner. I am… honoured to make your
acquaintance.
Emily: I… uh…
(under pressure
she feels flustered to breaking point and bursts into helpless giggles, as the
men eye her in varying reactions of surprise, regret and delighted admiration.
Robert looks sharply towards his smitten son, and then towards George as the
possibility of a set up dawns on him.)
(Lights Down)
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If you purchase and enjoy the read, you
may like to hold a reading with your book club or even suggest it to your local
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Feel free to contact Emma if you wish on wood.emma.e@gmail.com
13 comments:
Interesting premise well worth Ms. Wood's time and skill. I have often wondered, "Why? Why? Why? did Mr. Bennet marry his wife?" She comes off better in the Elizabeth Garvie BBC version, but it certainly is not a happy match. One question on composing the play: Almost invariably, Jane Austen names the firstborn boys and girls after their parents. Did Emma Wood consider Jane for the name of young Mrs. Bennet?
Thank you for this Giveaway!! I enjoyed reading this Post Immensely ! I love all the time and Love that goes into each post and Review , Guest Posts and More!!
Hi Lori and JoAnna, thanks for your lovely feedback.
Lori, the answer to your question is no, I didn't consider the name of Jane for young Mrs Bennet, mainly because I wasn't aware of the strictness of that custom. In my play she is the youngest of 3 siblings (the only one who appears) - but her brother, Mr Gardiner of the novel, and sister, Mrs Phillips, are mentioned in the context of having been already married. I should perhaps have considered young Mr Bennet as the only child of Mr Bennet senior to be given the same christian name - but theatrically it's probably for the best as there's already a lot of clarifying which 'Mr Bennet' is being addressed when they are both in the room!
Your way is best. Many publishers even frown when two characters have names starting with the same initial. Gets so confusing for the audience. In the novel I'm revising, I have a Devon and a Dennis and am scrambling for a name for Dennis that has the flavor of Dennis but not the "D."
As for your own name, I instinctively add a "house" to the end of it whenever I see it. Happy thought!
Lori
Hi Lori, my mother was reading Emma when I was born. .. thank goodness my surnane is not Woodhouse, no one would have believed it wasn't a marketing tool!
How about Francis/frank? Amos? Geoffrey?
The play sounds fun!
I named my daughter Anne Hathaway after Shakespeare's wife. She became a Shakespeare nut. I'm glad your mother was reading Emma when you were born.
Thanks Kirsten - it is fun, especially on stage ot with a book club reading to bring the voices to life!
Lori - Anne Hathaway is a wonderful name, although I assume we are not talking about the actress?!
I assume her mother and I had the same idea. And my Anne has a great aunt Anne Hathaway. As a Shakespeare lover, I could not resist.
This play sounds amazing! Wish I could see it sometime.
Like many others, I read P&P and wonder......why? Why or how did Mr. and Mrs. Bennet end up married? Yes, he was charmed by her youth and good looks but was he really so besotted that he couldn't see past them.
Something I've read recently implied that in those times, once a couple were betrothed, it wasn't uncommon for them to anticipate their marriage vows and that a fair percentage of births of firstborn children arrived around seven months after the wedding. Jane Austen was a vicar's daughter and must have known that sort of thing happened so one wonders if that was at the back of her mind when writing Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.
Hi Anji, that's interesting about the 7 month gap between wedding and baby..! In the play I've made the courtship more complex than Mr Bennet's attraction to Mrs Bennet's youth and beauty. While that has to be an element, as alluded to in the novel, I've involved the implacable father of Mr Bennet who is so insistent on his only son marrying within a suitable time frame that he has been arranging matches he deems worthy. Young Mr Bennet does not take to this, and part of the plot revolves around his choice of a bride that will deliberately anger his father - which is part of the attraction for him. I've also involved her parents - but I'll say no more in case I reveal too much and spoil the read for anyone!
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