A Modern Day Sense and Sensibility: An Adaptation of Jane Austen's Classic Read Online Free PDF

Margaret’s room. Normally this wasn’t a task she found herself completing, but under the strict dictatorship of Francil, all of their household staff had been let go to make way for her new work force who had yet to be assembled. It had been especially hard on Dianewho counted their cook, Linda, a dear friend. If they could have managed Linda’s salary within their new budget, they would have asked her to move with them. But unfortunately they didn’t have that type of money anymore, and furthermore, had no say in the concerns of the current household.
    Turning the corner toward the west wing where Margaret’s new suite was situated at the end of the hallway, Ellie caught herself before stepping into view of Francil and Edward and, without meaning to, began to overhear their conversation.
    “Marianne barely says a word to me, and Margaret is glued to the TV!” Francil scoffed. “That’s certainly not healthy! You’d think John’s stepmother would know better.” Francil shook her head and pointed to the room on the right, quickly adding before they passed it, “This used to be John’s old room growing up.” Edward nodded, and Francil continued her previous point, “I mean, if Diane doesn’t watch out, she’ll have a couch potato on her hands.”
    Ellie fought to keep her mouth shut, denying the urge to defend her youngest sister. Margaret spent most of her time outdoors, everyone knew that! Knowing there would be another opportunity later to set Francil straight anonymously, Ellie maintained her silence and, with that, her hiding place.
    “Francil, what do you expect?” Edward surprised Ellie by objecting with his sister, “They’ve just lost their dad.”
    Francil rolled her eyes and moved past her brother toward the library. She honestly couldn’t understand Edward. Francil found him odd, and he constantly upset her by seemingly always siding against her. Not only that, she agreed with their mother that he was out of control—Edward had no career plan, and it seemed like he could care less about the pay scales for the professions his family suggested. Mrs. Ferrars was at her wits end at what to do with him—he wouldn’t even accept the Porsche she had gotten him for his last birthday. “Well,” Francil sighed as she brushed off his apparent lack of sympathy, “I can’t wait till they’re gone; then we can finally have the house to ourselves.”

Edward was exhausted. It wasn’t even seven-thirty in the evening yet and he was ready to crawl under the covers and call it a night. Meetings with his mother always had a similar effect. Loosening his bow tie, Edward sat on the edge of the bed and yawned. He hadn’t even stayed for dessert. His mother hadn’t been too happy about that, but at least he’d paid his respects at the radio personality gala and given the mother he hadn’t seen in months a hello and a hug. Of course she’d been busy most of the evening with acquaintances and business associates, but that wasn’t unusual. Lowering himself back onto the bed, Edward told himself he’d just close his eyes for a minute and then change out of his Armani tuxedo and into something more comfortable. The room was so quiet and peaceful, and the slight breeze coming in through the opened window felt soothing as it drifted across his cleanshaven face. He was just about to doze off when the faint sound of a voice coming from outside reached his ears. It was definitely female and he wondered which of the Dashwood ladies it belonged to. His curiosity getting the better of him, Edward forced himself up off the bed and removed his bow tie before unbuttoning the first few buttons of his dress shirt. He decided now was as good a time as any to change out of his evening wear. He didn’t mean to eavesdrop but the unusual rhythm and clarity of the voice told him this was no ordinary conversation coming from outside. Maneuveringslowly to the window, Edward pushed aside the curtain to peer below.
    There,