A series of traveling shots. A well-dressed, pompous-looking
individual (JOHN DASHWOOD, 35) is making an urgent journey
on horseback. He looks anxious.
Silence. Norland Park, a large country house built in the
arly part of the eighteenth century, lies in the moonlit
parkland.
In the dim light shed by candles we see a bed in which a MAN
(MR DASHWOOD, 52) lies his skin waxy, his breathing laboured.
Around him two silhouettes move and murmur, their clothing
susurrating in the deathly hush. DOCTORS. A WOMAN (MRS
DASHWOOD, 50) sits by his side, holding his hand, her eyes
never leaving his face.
They smile at each other. MRS DASHWOOD is just managing to
conceal her fear and grief
But Marianne is sure to find her storybook hero
A romantic poet with flashing eyes and empty pockets?
As long as she loves him, whoever he is.
Margaret will go to sea and become a pirate so we need
not concern ourselves with her.
TMRS DASHWOOD tries to laugh but it emerges as a sob. An older
MANSERVANT (THOMAS) now enters, anxiety written on every
feature.
Your son is arrived from London, sir.
MR DASHWOOD squeezes his wife’s hand.
Let me speak to John alone.
She nods quickly and he smiles at her with infinite
tenderness.
Ah, my dear. How happy you have made
me.
MRS DASHWOOD makes a superhuman effort and smiles back. She
allows THOMAS to help her out. She passes JOHN DASHWOOD as
he enters, presses his hand, but cannot speak. JOHN takes
her place by the bed.
Father…
MR DASHWOOD summons his last ounces of energy and starts to
whisper with desperate intensity.
John you will find out soon enough from my will that the
estate of Norland was left to me in such a way as prevents
me from dividing it between my families.
JOHN blinks. He cannot quite take it in.
Calm yourself, Father. This is not good for you.
But MR DASHWOOD continues with even greater determination.
Norland in its entirety is therefore yours by law and I am
happy for you and Fanny.
JOHN looks torn between genuine distress and unexpected
delight.