Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Act II, Scene 1. Sir Peter Teazle confronts his much younger wife about her reckless spending and obsession with London high society. Lady Teazle wittily deflects his complaints by reminding him of her miserable country upbringing and ends the argument with a sharp, cold-hearted jab about her desired future status.

Bob Acres tries to summon the courage to send a challenge for a duel while his servant David hilariously highlights the fatal risks of 'honour'.

Sir Peter Teazle reflects on the immediate regret and ongoing misery of his six-month marriage to a much younger woman. He laments how his country-bred wife has transformed into a high-society spendthrift while admitting to himself that he is still hopelessly in love with her.

Lydia confesses her self-sabotaged romance with Beverley while Julia defends her own complicated attachment to the temperamental Faulkland.

Faulkland oscillates wildly between self-loathing for upsetting Julia and cynical arrogance regarding her perceived lack of resolve.