Sense and Sensibility

Henry Dashwood dies, leaving Norland Park to his son John and imposing a duty to provide for Mary Dashwood and her daughters. John and his wife Fanny immediately try to minimize support, forcing the Dashwoods toward financial insecurity. The family prepares to leave Norland as their prospects shrink.

Edward Ferrars comes to visit and quickly befriends Elinor, sparking Mrs. Dashwood's hope for a suitable engagement. Fanny warns that Edward's mother would never approve a match unless the woman were wealthy or socially prominent. The sisters begin to see potential risks and rewards in this new acquaintance.

Sir John Middleton offers the Dashwoods a small cottage at Barton Park, and Mrs. Dashwood accepts the plan to move. The decision to leave Norland is made quickly, driven by the promise of a new home and fresh social circles. The stage is set for new romantic entanglements to unfold.

At Barton Park, the Dashwoods are introduced to Colonel Brandon, Lady Middleton, and Mrs. Jennings. Brandon instantly falls for Marianne, who views him as too old for her. The dinner establishes the initial dynamics between the couples and families.

While walking with Margaret, Marianne twists her ankle and is carried home by a mysterious young man named Willoughby. He returns the next day to check on her, and Brandon observes his influence with Marianne. Brandon's presence at Delaford is momentarily overshadowed by Willoughby's charm.

Marianne and Willoughby bond over poetry and shared sensibilities, fueling a mutual attraction. Rumors of a secret engagement between them begin to surface in the Dashwood circle. Elinor and Mrs. Dashwood watch carefully, balancing hope with caution.

Brandon invites the Dashwoods and Middletons to a gathering at Delaford, but urgent business pulls him away. Willoughby privately meets Marianne and then Mrs. Dashwood, sparking expectations that he will propose. He then reveals that his aunt is sending him to London for at least a year, complicating any immediate match.

Edward's mood darkens after visiting Barton Park, and Lucy Steele confesses to Elinor that she and Edward have been secretly engaged for four years. Elinor is stunned, realizing that Edward's prospects are entangled with Lucy's schemes rather than true affection. The revelation tests the sisters' trust and resilience.

Mrs. Jennings arranges some time in London, and Marianne hopes to encounter Willoughby there. Instead, he fails to visit or respond to her letters, deepening her heartbreak. Elinor remains observant as social pressures pile on the Dashwood sisters.

At a party, Marianne sees Willoughby again only to learn he is engaged to the wealthy Miss Grey. She is inconsolable, feeling her romance with Willoughby has been betrayed. Brandon’s and Elinor’s warnings about his character become more persuasive.

Brandon explains that Willoughby seduced and abandoned Brandon's ward Eliza Williams, who later bore a child. The revelation casts Willoughby in a harsher light and influences Elinor's judgment. Marianne's heartbreak deepens, though Brandon's steadiness offers solace.

Elinor learns that Lucy Steele has become Mrs. Ferrars, marrying Edward's brother Robert instead of Edward. Mrs. Ferrars transfers Edward's inheritance to Robert, cutting Edward off from the anticipated family wealth. The turn of fortune further complicates the couples' aims.

Edward arrives and declares his love for Elinor, proposing marriage; she accepts, and they wed. Marianne, having endured heartbreak, finds happiness with Colonel Brandon, and they marry as well. The Dashwood sisters' fortunes are restored through these unions.