"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." From its immortal opening sentence, Marilyn captures every delight of Jane Austen’s timeless treasure, reading and acting the parts to bring Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennett and all of your favourite characters to dramatic life.
In the finale, the Schlegels and Wilcoxs take time to reflect amid the turmoil surrounding Leonard’s death.
Helen reflects on her complex feelings toward Leonard, especially after Tibby inadvertently reveals information to Charles about Helen's connection to “a man named Bast”. Later, Leonard spirals with guilt and remorse after his affair with Helen, trying to atone for his actions.
Margaret's anxiety over her sister Helen's mysterious disappearance deepens. As tensions rise, Margaret discovers Helen’s secret.
Margaret's visit to Howards End is marked by confusion and unexpected encounters, especially with Miss Avery, who has mistakenly moved Margaret's family's furniture into the house. Despite Margaret's insistence that they will not live there, the situation grows increasingly complicated as she tries to resolve the misunderstanding.
Helen approaches Tibby with troubling news about Mr Wilcox and her involvement with a ruined man, Leonard Bast. Despite his indifference, Tibby is tasked with handling Helen's financial and moral dilemmas, including delivering a large sum of money.
Helen reflects on the consequences of her actions and her dissatisfaction with the Wilcox family, particularly Mr. Wilcox's lack of personal responsibility.
Margaret, on her journey to Oniton for the wedding, experiences tension with Charles and begins to question her role in this family dynamic. Later, while seeking Henry's help to find work for Leonard Bast, a shocking discovery is made about Henry's past.
After spending time at the Wilcox's home, Margaret experiences a moment of reflection on the contrasts between her inner thoughts and the outer, mundane world.
Margaret attempts to help Mr. Wilcox connect his intellectual and emotional sides, believing that this connection can lead to a fuller, more meaningful life. However, her efforts are hindered by his emotional obtuseness and a lack of awareness, particularly in the case of Leonard Bast's financial troubles, which Margaret and Helen view more compassionately than he does.
Margaret receives a letter from Mr. Wilcox about a potential house in Ducie Street, which causes her anxiety as she wonders if his businesslike tone hides more than meets the eye.
Leonard's tea visit to the Schlegels turns awkward and uncomfortable. Although despite the tension, the Schlegels continue to try and help Leonard. Meanwhile, Margaret struggles with the impending move from Wickham Place.
Leonard reconnects with the Schlegals about a misunderstanding involving Margaret's visiting card. Later, the sisters get an update on Howard's End.
Margaret reflects on her experiences with the Wilcoxes, life, pondering work, duty, and society, while dealing with the impending end of their lease at Wickham Place.
Mrs. Wilcox and Margaret enjoy a shopping trip together when Mrs. Wilcox extends an invitation for Margaret to visit Howard's End. Later, the Wilcox's receive a shocking letter.
The friendship between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox begins with an unspoken understanding. Margaret, feeling ashamed for a prior rudeness, visits Mrs. Wilcox to apologize, leading to a deeper conversation about life's complexities, inexperience, and the challenges of love and human connection.
Leonard Bast, a poor and struggling young man, trudges home on foot as he reflects on his prideful decision to reject an invitation to tea by the Schlegels.
The Schlegels attend a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, where Helen becomes so disturbed by the music’s imagery that she leaves early, mistakenly taking a stranger’s umbrella.
Welcome to the first episode of Marilyn Lightstone Reads: Howard’s End! E.M. Forster’s masterpiece will transport you to turn of the 20th century England where three families intertwine at a moment in history where industrial progress threatens traditional pastoral life. From the idealistic and cultured Schlegel sisters, to the pragmatic Wilcoxes, to the struggling Bests, Marilyn captures them all en route to finding out their fates and that of the iconic house called Howards End.
In this 70 minute finale, Master Craven makes his return to Misselthwaite Manor. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
Colin, inspired by the "Magic" of the secret garden, resolves to change and become a scientist, exploring the growth of plants and the power of positive thinking. With the help of Mary, Dickon, and Ben Weatherstaff, he secretly works on improving his health to surprise his father upon his return. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
Colin, determined to keep the garden's location secret, commands the head gardener to keep everyone away as he plans his visit. When Colin finally enters the garden, he is enchanted by its beauty and resolves to get well and live forever. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
After another night of tantrums from Collin, Mary and Dickon begin preparations to bring him into the garden. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
After a week of rain, Mary returns to the secret garden, finding it in full bloom with the arrival of spring. In the garden, Mary and Dickon bond over their excitement for the new growth and agree to find a way to bring Colin to the garden, hoping it will improve his spirits and health. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
On one sleepless night, Mary hears the same crying she heard in the corridor. Defying Mrs Medlock’s orders, Mary follows the noise and discovers a young boy. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
Dickon and Mary busily set to work restoring the garden. And later back at the Manor, Mary asks Master Craven for assistance. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
Mary explores the long-neglected secret garden filled with oversized rose bushes and vines. Overjoyed by her love for the garden, Mary asks Martha for tools to help her in gardening. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
A rainstorm confines Mary to the indoors. Determined to make the most of her time despite the rain, Mary embarks on a quest to locate Misselthwaite's library and delve into its numerous shuttered chambers. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
During her first morning at Misselthwaite Manor, Mistress Mary meets Martha, one of the manor’s many maidservants. Martha tells Mary about a Garden somewhere on the property that has been locked up for 10 years. Mary sets out to discover the rumored garden for herself. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.
This story follows Mary Lennox, a ten-year-old girl living in India with her indifferent parents. Mary's mother, preoccupied with her social life, has no interest in her daughter, leaving Mary in the care of their servants who spoil her. When a cholera epidemic breaks out in the village, Mary alone, is taken away by British soldiers. The newly orphaned Mary's journey towards healing and self-discovery begins as she leaves behind her tragic past.
