The Proposal
Drawing room, 1815 - marriage proposal gone wrong
Lady Catherine, Lord Blackwood8 lines
Full Script
Lord Blackwood: Lady Catherine, I come before you with a proposal of marriage.
Lady Catherine: How perfectly... direct of you, my lord.
Lord Blackwood: My estates require an heir. Your family requires financial security. It is, as they say, mutually beneficial.
Lady Catherine: A marriage of convenience. How perfectly mercenary. Did you rehearse this insult?
Lord Blackwood: I assure you, I meant no insult. I speak only of practicality.
Lady Catherine: Practicality. Yes. How romantic. Tell me, did you bring a contract, or shall we discuss terms over tea?
Lord Blackwood: Lady Catherine, I—
Lady Catherine: Save your breath, my lord. I'd sooner marry the gardener.
Scene Beats
Refined angerSharp witWounded prideSocial tension