A Suitable Bride
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Character List
Jack: A young man who has successfully taken over his family business looking for a bride to marry.
Emma: A happy- go lucky girl in her early 20’s, trying to establish a place for herself as an independent musician.
Robert: Emma’s middle aged father who is looking for a suitable groom to marry his daughter off.
ACT 1 SCENE 1
( Scene opens in Emma and Robert’s Kitchen)
Robert: Hello Emma Dear, how was work today?
Emma: Good, father. I recorded a new single today.
Robert: Emma, I have to speak to you about something. Promise me, you will listen calmly.
( Emma reluctantly sits down)
Emma: Yes, father. Please go ahead.
Robert: Emma, I think now you’re at the age where you should find a suitable man and get married and ‘settle down’. I don’t think we should delay it further.
Emma: Father, my career is really taking off right now, I want to establish a name for myself first.
Robert: Well, I don’t think we have time to discuss this right now. What you want to do is a conversation later. I know a young man who has actually come to see you today, he is also looking for a suitable partner.
( Emma stands up angrily)
Emma: Father, how could you fix a meeting like this without even asking me once??!!
Robert: Sorry Emma darling, I’m only trying to fulfill my duty as a father.
( Enter Jack )
Jack: Hello sir, how do you do on this fine day? Hello beautiful Emma, you look stunning. How are you?
( Jack hugs Emma and shakes hands with Robert )
Robert: I’m great Jack, pls have a seat! I’ll leave you two alone now!
Emma: I’m good Jack, how are you?
Jack: I’m good Emma, I’m sure you know why I’m here today so I’m going to get straight to the paint. Our fathers have been friends since we were kids and in the few times we’ve previously interacted, I have always thought of you as more than just a mere acquaintance.
( Emma is shocked and stutters).
Emma: Well, that’s wonderful to know Jack but at the moment I’m just trying to focus on my music career. That is my one and only priority. Sorry.
Jack: Emma, I know the importance of establishing a good career. I would have never asked Robert for your hand in marriage if I hadn’t established a successful career for myself first.
Emma: Jack, you had the chance of establishing a career for yourself, now it’s my turn. I want to able to be completely financially independent before I choose to marry. Sorry.
Jack: I don’t see the harm in you marrying me first, I will take you with me on my travels, I will support you financially. Let’s get married, Emma.
Emma: I didn’t know you had such a hypocritical side to you as well. You said you understood the importance of establishing a career, but I guess you meant that only for yourself.
( Robert angrily storms back in)
Robert: Jack, when I spoke to you last night, I thought you would treat my daughter as an equal and respect her career and ambitions Clearly, I was wrong. My daughter doesn’t need to get married to a selfish man like you. You are a selfish man, searching for a wife because that is what is expected of you by society. Do not take my daughter or any other woman in society for granted. Emma isn’t here to fulfill your needs or expectations. I can’t believe I ever thought you had a heart. The foundation of a marriage is based on love and respect. Get out of my house and never show your face here again.
( A shocked and angry Jack storms out ).
Emma: Wow, father I did not expect you to stand up for me like that, thank you so much. I am so glad you did that for me and the fact that you understand how important my career is, means a lot to me. Thank you for understanding where I’m coming from. I know it is looked down upon to let your daughter work, but thank you for letting me follow my dreams.
Robert: I am so sorry Emma for trying to force you into marriage, I understand what I did was wrong. I respect your wishes and will always be there for you.
( Emma and Robert smile and hug )
The End.
