Original subtitles

I'm here to assist Miss Isabella Fowle. Cassandra?

We weren't expecting you.

Isabella must live with her sisters. Promise me.

There is no greater comfort in this world than a sister.

You and I will always be sisters.

Even when I'm Mrs Fowle.

There are things I must say to you before I leave,

in case I do not return.

If you cannot marry me, you must feel free to marry another.

I promise you, Tom, that I will never marry any other man but you.

There are sure to be letters here that will cast up

all manner of treasure.

Everything one needs to know about Jane Austen

is to be found within the pages of her novels.

We have bad tidings to impart, Cassy.

BELL RINGS

DOG BARKS

DOOR OPENS

Where on earth have you been?

I'm sorry, ma'am. I was in the kitchen with Miss Isabella.

And what of Miss Austen?

In her room, ma'am.

What's she doing in there?

Cassandra! There's work to be done.

Mary, my dear.

So, there you are.

So, here I am.

We weren't expecting you so soon, on account of tea with Mrs Bunbury.

Yes, there's been a falling out - to do with you, Cassandra.

Me?

Mrs Bunbury suggested that you arriving here

without informing me first was a slur on my reputation.

I mounted a most robust defence, but she was adamant.

It's not the done thing, Cassandra.

We're supposed to be sisters.

Well, I sincerely hope that relations with Mrs Bunbury

return to cordiality very soon.

Hmm.

Dinah says you've made a start on clearing my dear sister's room.

You know I wish to help.

Did you find any letters from Jane?

Not a single one.

How odd.

Considering how often Jane wrote.

No matter.

I'll find them myself.

Well, perhaps you will be lucky where I was not.

Ma'am.

Mrs Austen, do you wish me to make up Mrs Fowle's room for you?

Yes, yes! Do it at once.

So I may settle myself and get on with clearing it.

A task I do not relish, given how close Eliza and I were.

Now, I said. Mm.

CROCKERY SMASHES

Agh! Oh...!

Let me pick it up, ma'am. You'll hurt yourself.

There is little point in making more work

than is absolutely necessary, Isabella.

It was an accident.

Ah, well, I'll leave you to it. I've work to do upstairs.

Dinah, Dinah.

As soon as you're ready.

There's too much to do.

I must ask Mr Dundas for more time. I'm not ready.

I won't be ready.

Isabella...

Isabella, I have been in your position,

and I know how daunting this task must appear.

But I also know how uncertainty for your future

can make it feel all the more onerous.

That is why this question must be settled without delay.

But I... To that purpose, I wonder if we might make a visit today

to see your sisters. We're still too busy here, Cassandra.

Surely it can wait. Isabella, I am becoming increasingly concerned

about what is to become of you.

We cannot delay this decision any longer.

We should do it.

Of course.

But...

But not today.

Er... Tomorrow, perhaps.

Besides, I have errands to run this morning.

Very well.

Well, in that case, perhaps I...

I could start to clear the dining room?

I-I could clear your mother's writing desk.

Save your Aunt Mary the bother. Thank you.

I have loved this china since I was a child.

Now it is all to go to my brother.

All will be well, Isabella.

I am sure of it.

CHILDREN LAUGH

Mama!

For me? What does that say?

It says "Eliza".

Eliza...

My dearest Eliza.

Your happy news has lightened our spirits here in Steventon.

Mother and Father cannot settle on whether you are to expect

a boy or a girl.

I shall let you know as soon as they decide.

I wish I had more cheerful news of Cassy.

In all this time, her grief has not abated.

It is not in my sister's nature to reveal the depth of her suffering,

for fear of burdening us with her sorrow.

Come on, boys. Walk on.

But I can see how much her heart still aches for Tom.

Our brother Edward has invited her to stay at Godmersham Park,

his estate in Kent.

I will miss her dreadfully,

though I am hopeful this change in surroundings

might lift her from her melancholy.

It may amuse you to learn that Edward's invitation

did not extend to me.

I fear I may be a little too eccentric for Kent society.

Hmm...!

It is regretful, as I could certainly cultivate a taste

for their acres of rolling countryside, extensive library

and well-stocked wine cellar.

Perhaps Edward's wife, Elizabeth,

fears that I would become rather too comfortable

and outstay my welcome.

While she is always unfailingly polite to us lowly Austens,

I admit to some surprise she's willing to play host

to one of us at all.

Welcome to Godmersham.

My dear sister. Edward.

How well you look.

Er, considering, erm...

I do hope your journey was a pleasant one.

If-If... If anything can be pleasant at such a...

..a time.

Thank you, my dear brother.

Come.

Now, I know you'll want to gather yourselves,

but the children are quite wild with excitement.

If we don't go straight to see them, I fear they will burst.

They are the perfect tonic to stave off sad...

I cannot wait to see them.

Stand still. No fidgeting.

Say hello, children. Look who's here.

Oh, look who's here. Who is it?

Cassy!

Look how you've all grown!

Hello!

Hello. Ah...

Hello! Peek a boo! Peek a boo!

Boo!

See, I told you, Cass - fit to burst.

Hello.

Someone of a more cynical disposition might wonder

if Elizabeth has something to gain by having Aunt Cassy at Godmersham.

This is not a thought that should ever cross my mind, Eliza -

and certainly not one I would write down.

Ma'am.

Off out, are we?

Well, it would appear so.

I may pay Mary Jane, Isabella's sister, a visit on my travels.

Are you expected?

Mrs Mary Jane Dexter is not one for surprise visitors.

I am sure she will be more than happy to see me

when she knows the purpose of my visit.

Time is of the essence.

We must make sure Isabella is taken care of.

DOOR OPENS

Must we now?

DOOR SHUTS

Who is it?

Mrs Dexter?

Mary Jane, it's me, Cassandra Austen.

I've come to call on you.

LOCKS CLICK

Yes, in, in.

You can never be too careful.

Come into the parlour.

What interesting objects.

Mm...

What you see here are the joys of the Empire.

Halcyon days.

Halcyon.

Now...

..sit down.

Isabella been looking after you, has she?

Oh, yes.

Impeccably.

Mm.

She's got the heart of an ox, Isabella.

Braver than you think.

Although she wouldn't survive for one single day on her own,

so it's a good thing she's coming to live with me.

So, it's settled, then?

Of course it's settled.

Isn't that why you're here, to make sure?

Yes. It's just that Isabella doesn't seem to know this.

What you have to know about my sister is this...

..she thinks she knows her own mind, but she doesn't.

Tiffin?

Er...

Miss Fowle.

Mr Lidderdale.

I must offer you my apologies.

I have been tardy in calling to inquire how you were faring since...

I am perfectly well, thank you.

In truth, I have been busy preparing the vicarage for the new vicar.

I am sure that must be a most difficult task.

Have you secured...

..new lodgings?

Not yet.

But it is all in hand.

I am delighted to hear that.

There is nothing more unsettling than...insecurity.

Indeed.

I wish you well.

Truly.

That is most kind.

Now, if you'll forgive me, I have an errand to run.

Dearest Eliza, I am happy to report that Cassy indulges

my frequent demands for news from Godmersham and writes often.

Though I hear suspiciously little about the delights and amusements

of the Kent countryside,

and a great deal more about spillikins

with the tiny inhabitants of the nursery.

Oh..

Oh. Elizabeth, there you are.

I wondered if I might take a short turn around the garden

while the baby's asleep.

Oh, my dear, no.

It's too warm outside. You're in the best place up here.

Besides, I cannot play that game for my life.

Oh...

Look how they adore you.

I cannot tell you how much it suits me to have you here.

Things have turned out so well, have they not?

I mean...

I did not mean... I know what you mean, my dear.

I'm most grateful to be here.

Good.

Now, I think I might have a little rest

before my family arrive for dinner.

Oh, look, I did it.

It's your turn, Auntie Cassy.

Edward?

Where are you going?

We have guests for dinner.

Just to the stables to cast my eyes over the new filly. I won't be long.

Well, I'm afraid the filly will have to wait.

My mother will be here before we know it,

and she would not be happy if a horse has taken precedence.

No.

No, that would not do.

Have you told Cassy what time she's expected downstairs?

Oh, my dearest.

I don't think it would be correct for Cassy to join us.

It's a family dinner, and Cassy is family, after all.

She is still in mourning, Edward.

It would not be appropriate for her to attend a happy party.

Cook will send something up on a tray.

Eliza, I must prevail upon you for assistance

in a matter of great urgency.

Cassy is trapped in the nursery at Godmersham.

My good and dutiful sister does not complain,

but it is clear to me that the situation is most serious.

BELL TINKLES

Please do not think me indelicate if I suggest the timing

is to our advantage.

I beg you, Eliza...

Thank you.

..write to Cassy and request her presence at your confinement.

Elizabeth will not deny a mother in need.

And as for Edward, he will do as he is bidden.

We cannot allow our beloved Cassy to convince herself

that her life's sole value lies in the role

of dependable spinster aunt.

Goodbye, Aunt Cassy!

Please write as soon as you are able.

I have an inkling that our intervention

will be a relief to her.

SHE CRIES OUT

CASSY COMFORTS

PAINED SHOUTS

Sh! Hush, now.

The baby will be here soon, safe and sound.

Sh! Sh...

She needs laudanum.

BABY CRYING

NEWBORN FUSSES

Eliza?

She's sleeping, Fulwar.

She's exhausted.

And you have a girl.

The sweetest, most beloved little girl.

Another girl.

NEWBORN CRIES

My dearest Eliza.

We are delighted to hear you are safely delivered

and baby Isabella is thriving.

Isabella is a splendid name.

She can only grow up to be a heroine, or a Spanish queen,

though I would not wish that fate upon her.

No, her adventures will be magnificent,

and not solely confined to the great county of Berkshire.

Look, Isabella.

Your dear, sweet Uncle Tom's tree.

His and mine.

28. Mm-hm.

Five times seven is...

..35.

Very good, Arthur!

Now, six times seven is...?

Six times seven is...

..42. Mm-hm.

Seven times seven is...

Rise and shine?

49! Oh, well done!

Shall we attempt the eight times table?

I can try, Miss. Very good.

One times eight is...eight.

Indeed.

Two times eight is 16.

I have just seen Miss Isabella with a pupil.

She is quite the teacher.

I had no idea.

There's a lot to Miss Isabella that people don't know.

Or don't want to.

She must have made her father proud, looking after him as she did.

Well, if he was, ma'am, he never told her.

Though he wasn't quiet about much else.

He used to fill the house with his presence, did Reverend Fowle,

God rest him. Mm.

I had not seen him for some time,

but I do recall he was the most exuberant of men.

Huh...

Well, if that's what you like to call it.

There's many a day you'd have heard him shouting

up in the village, and he...

..used to bellow at Miss Isabella.

Bellow?

What do you mean, Dinah?

Nothing, ma'am.

It's not for me to say anything.

I must go and fetch the rest of the dinner service.

Er, Dinah?

Is Mrs Austen still resting?

She is that, ma'am.

I wish to visit Miss Isabella's other sister.

Where may I find Miss Beth's school?

Behind the Plasterer's Arms.

INDISTINCT CHATTER

TOOLS CLINK

Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find Miss Fowle?

Miss Winterbourne's.

Thank you.

Cassandra! There's illness here. You must leave at once.

Miss Austen, you cannot be in here.

What ails her?

Diphtheria.

It has spread through the village.

But as for the rest... poverty, misfortune.

Nothing I can cure.

Now, I beg you, leave.

It is not safe here. Come, Cassandra.

I'll walk you to the end of the village.

Beth, I must talk to you about Isabella's future.

Isabella's future?

That great conversation that never seems to end.

It has been discussed already?

Endlessly.

Though I try very hard to stay out of the Fowle family politics,

as I have no appetite for meddling.

Your sister is about to lose her home.

Isabella is a grown woman.

Surely she's more than capable of securing her own future,

whatever that may be.

I'm sorry, but I must get back. Mr Lidderdale needs me.

Come and visit again when the school reopens.

I'd like to show you what I do there.

Beth...

Beth!

THUNDER RUMBLES

Oh!

Where have you been? We've been so worried.

This weather!

Isabella!

Remove this dog from my presence at once! Oh...

It appears your Aunt Mary has risen from her rest. Yes.

She found my mother's room a little on the chilly side.

Still no letters, Mary?

Er, no. Strangely.

As this is my sister's writing desk.

We'll throw these away.

Eliza was always prone to a great deal of sentiment.

How foolish to go out in this weather, Cassandra.

You should know better at your age.

DOG WHINES

That dog is feral.

He'll be the death of me.

He must be banned from the house at once.

Tea, Dinah, in the drawing room.

Come on, Pyramus. Come on.

Good boy.

Is that the only china we have?

We have packed the rest, Aunt Mary - at your instruction.

Oh, well, then I suppose I must endure it.

Oh, my leg is bothering me again.

MARY SIGHS

That tea will be going cold before any of us have a chance to taste it.

Isabella, do you have any more cushions?

My leg should be more raised.

Er...

More raised, yes.

And a blanket, perhaps?

Yes.

And more logs on the fire.

Well, so, where have you been, anyway?

To visit Miss Beth.

There is sickness at the top of the village.

She is up there helping Mr Lidderdale.

Ah, Beth and Mr Lidderdale.

So, she's a nurse, as well as a teacher.

They did seem very familiar with one another.

Oh, well, that is a surprise, is it not, Isabella?

You must forgive me, Aunt Mary.

I have much to be getting on with.

Dinah, draw Miss Austen a hot bath.

We don't want her getting sick.

Beth Fowle has been nothing but a trial for this family.

Fraternising with certain elements of society.

Her father did not approve.

She was tending to Mrs Winterbourne.

You should see the conditions that poor woman lives in.

Oh, let us not...

..dwell on misfortune.

Go, go. Go take your bath.

I'll rest some more, and then I can set about taking charge.

This family needs a firmer hand.

Dinah?

Cassandra!

Cassandra!

DOOR OPENS

Ah.

So, you're in here now?

I thought I heard a noise.

I thought you were resting your leg.

Oh, the fire in the drawing room is a misery.

Have you found something?

No. No.

I just wanted to see if I could still hear the sea.

Hmm.

Stories for children, Cassandra.

You could never hear the sea.

The sea sounds so calm today.

I cannot wait to stand beside it in Sidmouth.

I'll miss you when you're gone.

It is only for a season.

The Austens of Hampshire are embarking on the first

of their great holiday schemes.

You'll hardly recognise us when we return.

Isabella will have grown so much by then.

BELL RINGS

It is brother James.

And sister Mary. They've arrived.

How lovely.

Hmm.

Where's Anna?

Anna!

Anna.

Aunt Jane!

We've missed you.

Let's go upstairs.

You've grown, Miss Anna.

I've grown two whole shoe sizes.

Two?!

Let's hope you stop growing soon,

or there'll be no shoes left in the country to fit you,

save giants' shoes.

THEY LAUGH

Hold it to your ear and listen.

Can you hear the sea?

I can hear it, I can hear it!

What does the sea look like?

Well...

..you will soon know,

because we three are going to the seaside.

Oh!

What a wonderful idea!

What a splendid idea.

I'm sure your father and I will manage without you, Anna.

ISABELLA SNIFFLES

My dear Isabella, please try to pull yourself together.

Mary.

Mary, she has just lost her father. I am aware.

And it is sad.

But he was elderly, and that is the natural order of things.

It should be easier to bear.

But there is nothing written to tell each one of us

how we must endure grief.

Isabella.

Perhaps a few chapters from your Aunt Jane's novel

may make a welcome distraction.

Have you been reading aloud from Jane's novel?

I thought your father had expressly forbidden that practice.

As you have reminded me, Aunt Mary, my father is no longer here.

Perhaps I could recite some of your Uncle James's poetry.

That is kind.

But I find myself pleasantly surprised

by how much I am enjoying Persuasion.

Anne Elliot is a most interesting character.

A pleasant sort of person.

Sensible...

..with not much drama about her.

And I am most keen to hear the ending of her story

before I am evicted from this house.

Will she have her happy ending?

Well, we must read on, then, and find out.

Oh, I must know if she is to be married.

Is that the only outcome that would be happy?

It is. Oh, Isabella.

There are so many other ways for women like us to find happiness.

Are there?

Read on. Please, Cassandra.

"From this time, Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot

"were repeatedly in the same circle.

"They had no conversation together, no intercourse,

"but what the commonest civility required.

"Once so much to each other!

"And now nothing!

"Now they were as strangers.

"Nay, worse than strangers.

"For they could never become acquainted."

Oh, Cassandra,

your sister understood affairs of the heart better than anyone.

Please tell me. Did she ever know love?

Writing was Jane's greatest love.

She took great comfort from the heroes in her books, but...

..in life, no man was ever worthy.

Forgive me, my dear, but I think your memory fails you.

Wasn't there a gentleman you both met in Sidmouth?

The season you spent there, remember?

And wasn't there even rivalry between you?

Rivalry?

In love?

I have no idea what your Aunt Mary is talking about.

If I recall, this gentleman seemed greatly attracted to Jane.

Do excuse me, madam.

How romantic.

To fall in love by the sea.

What a lovely confection.

Your Aunt Jane would be...

..very amused to find herself the heroine of a...

..of a romantic triangle.

I am afraid I find myself exceedingly tired,

and my head hurts.

I do hope I have not caught a chill from today's wanderings.

No, no, I can manage.

Thank you.

Goodnight.

Come along now.

Jane!

Jane! Shall we go?

Here, let me tie it for you.

Why do you only wear black, Aunt Cassy? Because...

..it becomes me.

Your Aunt Jane is happy here.

Let us go shopping.

Yes, please.

Oh, look at the yellow one, Aunt Cassy, do you see it?

You would look so pretty in that.

Far better than boring old black.

It is very lovely, my dear.

Oh, look at the blue, Auntie Cassy. It's the colour of the sea.

Or would you like the yellow best because it's like the sun?

It is indeed.

Let's come back for some ribbons tomorrow.

What a charming child.

Thank you.

Do excuse me, madam.

Forgive my impertinence, Miss,

but that is the most excellent shell.

Yes, it is.

Mama, are you ready?

Thank you, my dear.

Good day to you, madam.

Oh, I do like it here. Oh, I like it very much.

So what have you been up to since the beach, my darlings?

I hope you haven't been sitting in here

when outside there's all manner of magnificence.

Look, Aunt Jane, I found this for my collection.

Oh, that's a beauty.

Cassy, I think the sea is beginning to work its magic.

I spy some colour in this landlubber's face.

We'll make a pirate out of her yet!

I think Aunt Cass is recovering some of her bloom too,

in spite of her best efforts.

You look better.

The nice man we met in the dress shop

said it was a most excellent shell.

Nice man?

What nice man is this, pray tell?

I'll go and check on mother

and then we can make plans for the rest of the day.

Is Grandmama poorly?

No, my dear, your grandmama likes to take to her bed

whenever we arrive anywhere new.

She can test the mattress, meet the doctors,

sample the wares of the local apothecary.

It's her way of feeling at home.

Like all the best invalids, she will outlive us all.

Jane, that's not fair.

Mama has been quite bilious since we arrived.

Travel affects her.

Oh, they're beautiful.

My bowels feel much steadier, Cassy,

after what was the most frightful evacuation.

Oh, thanks be to the Lord.

I think I will like this apothecary.

He has a good feel for my system.

Beautiful evening.

Yes. Quite beautiful.

Er... Mrs George Austin.

Mr Henry Hobday. It's my pleasure, ma'am.

This is my eldest daughter, Miss Austen.

Yes, I do believe I've made your daughter's acquaintance before.

Miss Austen.

A passing encounter in a shop is all.

Indeed.

And this is my other daughter, Miss Jane Austen.

Delighted. Likewise.

Have a lovely evening.

Come.

Father and Anna will be waiting.

Impatiently, no doubt.

I don't want to go all the way up there, Grandpapa.

We don't have to, my pet.

We have every chance of discovering treasures amongst these rocks.

Good morning, sir.

Splendid day for fossil hunting, is it not? Indeed it is, sir.

My granddaughter has declared it the perfect day

to unearth hidden treasures from the past.

Well, she has come to the right place.

Ladies. I'm not a lady. I'm far too young.

My apologies.

Now you are a serious fossil hunter, are you not?

I am. Well, I've already found some excellent specimens

that you might be interested in.

Let me furnish you with the tools of the trade. Thank you.

We are blessed to have such an expert with us.

Oh, I'm no expert. More of an enthusiastic amateur.

The mystery of ancient life, Anna, hidden in these very rocks.

Do you think I'll find a sea monster, Mr Hobday?

Well, perhaps not a monster, but a sea creature, certainly.

Some sea creatures' fossils are found at the top of mountains.

Isn't that so?

You see, many years ago,

the Earth was almost completely covered by water.

And then, over time, those waters receded to reveal the land beneath.

Do you think I'll find a sea creature in here? You may well do.

..thousands of years old, Mr Hobday.

Many thousands.

What am I looking at? It's the shape of a worm.

Mr Hobday says it must be thousands of years old.

Many thousands, even.

That is evidence of a creature that lived on Earth even before man.

Hmm!

What are you drawing, my dear?

My daughter is an artist of considerable talent.

Papa... Oh, look! She's captured your likeness brilliantly!

May I see?

It is but a sketch.

Now, young lady, let us leave Mr Hobday in peace.

Mr Hobday is so clever, Aunt Jane.

Is he now? He knows everything.

Does he now? Aunt Cassy drew a sketch of him.

Did she now?

She did, and it was quite the likeness.

Not just of him.

I drew all three of them while I was bored waiting for them to finish.

And what was your opinion of Mr Hobday, husband?

Well, given we hardly know him,

he struck me as unusually gifted in all that is agreeable.

And now, Cassy, pray tell me...

..do you share your father's opinion?

I must say I do.

So much so that I believe he would be an ideal suitor for Jane.

For me? Yes, you.

He's intelligent. He...

He reads.

He knows a great deal about the history of mankind.

You must think of your future, Jane.

It matters not a jot which of you, as long as it's one of you.

I have no intention of taking tea with Mrs Hobday,

or anyone for that matter.

I'm far too busy. I have a chapter I must finish.

But...

Well, what if he's there?

What if who is there? Mr Hobday.

You...

You might find him to your liking.

I won't find him to my liking.

KNOCK ON DOOR

One moment.

How is your headache?

You retired rather abruptly and I thought I'd look in on you.

Was it something I said?

No, no, not at all.

I can't even remember what we were talking about.

How is Eliza's room? Cold.

This house is like the grave now.

Well, goodnight. Goodnight. Sleep well, my dear.

Oh, Mrs Austen, I do sympathise.

I'm here for the sea air,

but this wretched body of mine has not let me outdoors all week.

How awful.

Well, I was struck down by biliousness the minute we arrived.

It'll be her evacuations next.

Perhaps the floor will open up and swallow us.

It would be a blessed relief.

And what of Mr Hobday?

We lost my husband.

Four years ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

What did he ail from?

A tumour.

A tumour?

We saw the best of men, but there was nothing to be done.

I see you are studying our books.

Do novels interest you both?

Very much so. You have some of our favourites here.

My sister and I never go anywhere

without Sir Charles Grandison by our side.

These are my son's books, and he reads to me every night.

Perhaps that shall be our next book.

Your son enjoys the works of the Mesdames Burney and Edgeworth?

Cassy seemed to think he was of the more scientific persuasion.

He's a scientist and an artist.

A philosopher and a lover of the novel.

I do believe he could take over the world

if he were not so insistent

on looking after his poor, infirm mother.

Would you like some cake?

Well, you did say he was perfect.

I'm not sure my constitution would take the cake.

That curate was handsome enough - and single, from what I hear -

but his sermon was a touch... Terrifying, Mama?

Mrs Austen.

Oh! Well, this is a coincidence.

And I must say, the happiest one. SHE CHUCKLES

Mr Hobday. Mrs Hobday. Mrs Austen.

How did you find the sermon today, sir?

Oh, I thought the young lad did well enough,

considering his church was hardly full to brimming.

That must explain his histrionics in the pulpit.

Perhaps he's hoping his reputation for hysteria will travel

and drum up more gullible trade from out of town.

My dear Jane, he's entitled to preach in his own manner.

My father is being polite. That sermon was not to our taste.

It was vulgar and excessive. What did you think, Mr Hobday?

Jane, you cannot ask Mr Hobday of his opinion

when you've been so sure of your own.

Do forgive my sister, Mr Hobday.

She's not usually quite so outspoken.

I can assure you, she certainly is, Mr Hobday.

Well, luckily, I agree most comprehensively with Miss Austen.

It was not to my taste either. How are you all finding Sidmouth?

Oh! I like it very much.

We are of the exact same opinion once again, it would seem.

We must pick up the pace girls. Our son Frank is returning tonight.

Did you know our brother has fought Napoleon single handed, Mr Hobday?

I rather approve of your Mr Hobday.

He's not "my" Mr Hobday.

In fact, I thought you made rather the impression.

Was I delightful? No, you were frightful.

As frightful as I was to Mr Blackall?

Nobody in the history of social intercourse

has been as frightful to anyone as you were to Mr Blackall.

So would you estimate this morning at, say, half a Blackall?

I think I'd say more of a third.

And he's certainly not my Mr Hobday. Really?

Then you have not noticed the way he looks at you.

Nonsense. He ignores me at every opportunity.

He pays everyone else far more attention.

Papa, Anna, you. Precisely.

And that is the evidence.

I am something of an expert in romantic matters

and I'm quite sure I saw sparks flying between you.

I think one even caught in my bonnet.

Because of your charms, I might have gone up in smoke.

Cass.

How can you be so blind?

You have caught him in your powers. I have no powers.

Oh, you do, my darling.

And that you are unaware of them makes you more powerful still.

Mr Hobday has fallen for you, Cassy.

Well, then, I'm sorry for him.

I've lost the only man I could ever marry.

I have no possible interest in Mr Hobday.

Where are you going? To write.

Jane, what more have you said?

Eliza, our Sidmouth adventure is proving far more entertaining

than even I could have imagined.

A secret plan is afoot,

and I am to be my young niece Anna's willing accomplice.

The beneficiary of our surprise is to be Cassy, no less.

Please say you like it.

Blanket for the beach. Thank you, Frank.

Do you see your power now?

What is it?

Just waiting for someone.

Miss Austen.

Mr Hobday.

Yellow suits you.

I may have neglected to say how sorry I was

to hear of your tragic loss.

That is most kind, Mr Hobday.

I confess, I...

..I was overwhelmed by grief at first.

And now?

Now...

..it is not so sharp.

My dear Eliza.

This comes to you with great urgency.

I must share it with you, though it is not my secret to tell.

My sister, my beloved sister, Cassy...

..is in love.

Cassandra!

What are you doing down here at this hour?

I heard a noise. It frightened the life out of me!

I don't know how I got here.

Are you ill? You must be ill.

No, don't come near if you're ill.

Please. Please, just leave me.

If you're sure?

Miss Austen?

Miss Austen? God save us, don't tell her she's gone and died on us.

Cassandra. Isabella? Cassandra, it's me, Isabella.

Is she all right? She's burning up.

We should send for Mr Lidderdale.

Miss Isabella... Mr Lidderdale is too busy.

We'll nurse her ourselves.

Miss Isabella... I know what I am doing, Dinah.

A beautiful day, is it not?

Quite beautiful.

Then I wonder if you might consider walking out with me?

Eliza's letters.

Am I to understand you already have knowledge of their whereabouts?

Why ever would you think that?

If I were the future Mrs Harris Bigg-Wither,

I should make room for as many sisters as possible.

Are you an admirer of the seaside, Mr Bigg-Wither?

Do you truly believe that you could one day love this man?

When manna falls from heaven, it would be foolish to squander it.

I am to be in print! You're going to be a published authoress!