Thank you.
Oh, that's lovely. Thank you.
(GASPING)
- Lady Russell. - My dear Anne.
You look quite done for.
I came back as soon as I received your letter.
I had no idea the position was so ruinous.
Unfortunately, a person who's contracted debts must pay them.
- Even if he is a gentleman. - Was there no possibility of retrenchment?
Unfortunately, Father and Elizabeth could find no means of lessening their expenses
without compromising their dignity,
or relinquishing their comforts in a manner simply not to be borne.
But I have, at last, persuaded Father to let out the house.
And if I can ensure that we live within our means somewhere less extravagant,
then, in only a few years, we may be solvent again.
In a few years?
In any event, it is better than selling. At least one day I may hope to return.
And where are you to go in the meantime? Is it decided?
All my hopes were for a small house nearby,
but Father and Elizabeth are settled upon Bath.
(ALL CHUCKLING)
Lady Russell.
Dear neighbour, you've been in London, I hear.
Sir Walter. Elizabeth.
May I say how truly sorry I am that you must leave Kellynch.
We are blameless, Lady Russell, quite blameless.
Every sacrifice has been made, however painful.
We cut off all unnecessary charities at once, Lady Russell.
And even refrain from new furnishing the drawing room,
which, as you know, Mama left the most frightful state.
And still it is a comfort to know we've done all we could.
Of course.
Ah, but here's Shepherd. He's promised us some news.
Is that his daughter with him?
Mrs Clay's husband passed away not long ago. She has returned to her father's house.
She's often with us, recently.
Lady Russell. Miss Anne.
Sir Walter, I have this very morning received an approach for the lease of Kellynch
that I'm convinced must meet with your absolute approval.
An admiral, sir,
recently retired and a native of this county desires to settle in this very part of the world.
- An admiral? - I should have much preferred a gentleman.
The navy has its uses, no doubt,
but I should be sorry to see any friend of mine belonging to it.
- Indeed, Sir Walter? - Yes.
It is, in two points, offensive to me.
The first is being the means of raising persons of obscure birth into undue distinction,
and second, you never see a naval man who is not most shockingly knocked about,
exposed as they are to wind and weather till they're simply not fit to be seen.
Nevertheless, Sir Walter, the admiral has a very substantial fortune,
and I have no doubt of him being a most responsible tenant.
(SCOFFS)
And consider, Sir Walter,
how he will look around and bless his good fortune
to be in the home of a baronet of such a prominent and distinguished family.
Yes.
Then, with your permission, sir, I shall open negotiations with Admiral Croft.
- Croft? - Yes.
Are you acquainted with the gentleman, Miss Anne?
Yes. No, um...
That is to say, I'm familiar with his career.
I'm not fond of the idea of my shrubberies being always approachable by the tenant.
If you will excuse me, there's still much to do.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Good heavens, Anne.
- What is the matter with you? - Nothing. I assure you, I'm quite well.
Anne...
Who is Admiral Croft,
and why did he cause you to be out of countenance so?
Anne.
Admiral Croft's wife is...
- Is... - Mrs Croft?
Indeed.
And Mrs Croft is the sister of Captain Frederick Wentworth.
Wentworth?
I see.
And to think that soon he may be walking through this house.
Anne, you know that your father thought it a most unsuitable match.
He would never have countenanced an alliance he deemed so degrading.
He was not alone, as I recall.
My dear...
To become engaged at 19,
in the middle of a war, to a young naval officer
who had no fortune and no expectations,
you would, indeed, have been throwing yourself away.
And I should have been failing in my duty as your godmother if I did not counsel against it.
You were young,
and it was entirely prudent to break off
the understanding.
Prudent it may have been and yet,
Captain Wentworth has made his fortune in the war
and is now extremely wealthy.
Has he written to you?
No, never a word.
I've only the newspapers for my authority.
Then... if his intentions towards you had been truly sincere,
would he not have contacted you when his circumstances changed?
I do not blame you,
nor myself for having been led by you.
But nevertheless,
I think very differently now from what I was persuaded to think eight years ago.
Oh, my dear Anne.
You are a good and beautiful young woman. I promise you this,
one day you will find someone to love you as you deserve.
I'm 27.
Before I forget, Shepherd,
if you have no objection, I have a mind to engage your charming daughter
as a companion to Elizabeth.
Oh, Sir Walter.
Well, I'm sure, sir, Penelope will be greatly honoured by such a distinction.
Then it is settled. She shall come with us to Bath tomorrow.
Is not Anne companion enough for Elizabeth?
Oh, but Anne is going to Uppercross.
I received a letter only this morning from sister Mary.
She is indisposed, again, and requires Anne to come and look after her.
And since nobody would want Anne in Bath,
I wrote back straightaway to say she should come as soon as she'd finished everything here.
Well...
All your hopes were for a small house nearby.
Do send our regards to the Musgroves.
Before you go, Anne,
on no account must you forget to visit each house in the parish to take our leave. It is expected.
Is he married?
I do not know that he is,
and yet, so eligible a gentleman would surely by now have formed an attachment.
Will he bring his wife here?
And his children?
I only pray that I am spared any meeting.
I know my chance of happiness has passed forever,
but to be reminded of it by his presence here would,
I'm certain, be more than my spirits could bear.
Who is that young lady, Mr Shepherd?
Oh, that is Miss Anne Elliot, Admiral, Sir Walter's middle daughter.
The only one with any sense.
A pity, then, that we did not make her acquaintance.
She is but half a mile away at Uppercross with her sister.
Oh, well then, we certainly shall make her acquaintance.
Is she married, Mr Shepherd?
Sadly no, ma'am. Nor, I think, at her age, is likely to be.
Well.
It is certainly roomier than a frigate.
(CHUCKLES)
Such a number of looking glasses. There's no getting away from oneself.
I think this room would do very well for Frederick.
Let us see if he comes.
Your brother seems dead set against the whole idea of Kellynch.
I fear Somerset has unpleasant memories for him.
There was once talk of an engagement to a girl in the county.
- There was? - Eight years ago or so.
We were in the East Indies at the time.
He's never spoken of it, but his heart was quite broken, I believe.
Well, well, well.
- Frederick engaged, who would have thought it? - Indeed.
- I sometimes wonder if he will ever settle down. - Hmm.
So, you are come, at last.
I'd begun to think I should never see you.
I am so ill
I can hardly speak.
In fact, I do not think I was ever so ill in my life as I have been all this morning.
I'm very unfit to be left alone, I'm sure.
Is Charles not here?
Charles would go out shooting, even though I told him I was ill.
And I have not seen a soul this whole, long morning.
Not one of the Musgroves has seen fit to come and see me
even though Charles told them I was ill.
It did not suit, I suppose.
Oh, you will see them yet, I'm sure. It is still early.
Or, perhaps, if you feel well enough to attempt a short walk
to the great house, we could call upon them.
We ought to wait till they call upon you.
They should know what is due to you as my sister.
I assure you I have not the smallest objection on that account.
Perhaps a little air would do me good.
But I really must eat something first, I'm quite starved.
Anne.
- Good heavens. How the girls are growing up. - Mmm-Hmm.
The Miss Musgroves have returned from their school in Exeter
with all the usual accomplishments, and, of course,
they now think of nothing but being fashionable
and merry...
Dear Henrietta, Louisa.
Oh, Anne.
Here you are at last. Come, Mama cannot wait to see you.
And we have such exciting news.
(GIRLS LAUGHING)
Welcome to Uppercross, Miss Anne.
How pale and drawn you are.
We must fatten you up while you are here.
I myself have been very unwell.
And Sir Walter and Miss Elizabeth. Oh, how they shall miss you.
In any event, I'm very happy to be here and not in Bath.
Oh, Mama, I hope we shall be in Bath this winter.
But remember, if we do go, we must be in a good situation.
Oh, yes. None of your Queen's Squares for us.
- Anne, how are you? - Very well. Thank you, Charles.
(ANNE EXCLAIMING)
- You're getting big. - I am glad to see you've recovered, my dear.
Did you ask your father? Did you, Charles?
Father has many other uses for his money and the right to spend it as he likes.
Charles, if it is left to you, we shall soon be destitute.
Admiral Croft and his wife are to take possession directly.
And I believe we have been very fortunate with our tenants.
Yet it must be very hard for you, my dear, to give up your home so.
Of course, when your poor dear Mama was alive, there was moderation and economy at Kellynch.
But there were never balls,
and the Crofts are sure to have balls and invite the most eligible young naval officers.
Indeed, this is our exciting news, I quite forgot.
Mrs Croft, it appears, has a brother, Captain Wentworth,
and he has just returned to England and is coming to stay with them at Kellynch.
It is true. The Pooles chanced to make their acquaintance in Taunton this week.
It is said Captain Wentworth is the most handsomest man
in the navy and quite unattached.
- And has such a wealth of Spanish gold. - Indeed.
How fortunate he is.
Well, we shall all see for ourselves when he comes to dine tomorrow night.
Oh, Papa.
I have just now received this note from Admiral Croft accepting my invitation.
Anne. Are you ready?
We must not keep the Crofts and Captain Wentworth waiting.
Charles. Charles.
Charles. Come directly. Charles.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING FRANTICALLY)
He fell from a tree in the garden.
I've sent for the apothecary. He will be here directly.
His collarbone is dislocated.
(GAGGING)
Charles, look after Mary. We shall be all right.
Ready?
(SNAPPING)
All done. With a little rest, he'll be right as rain in no time.
Oh, thank God.
And never fear, Charles, I shall give your excuses to the Crofts.
(STAMMERING) Excuses?
Indeed, with the child going on so well now, it would be a shame to spoil the dinner.
I am really most anxious to meet our new neighbours.
Indeed, it's more a duty than anything else.
(STAMMERING) If Anne will stay with you, my love, I have no scruple at all.
Of course.
And so we are to be left to shift for ourselves
with a sick child, while you go to dinner with the Crofts.
Well, I need not stay too late, dearest.
Just because I'm the poor mother who is not allowed to stir, because he is going on so well.
He says... How does he know he is going on so well...
Please.
You may all leave little Charles to my care.
Well, this is very kind of you, Anne. Are you sure?
In any case, I've no appetite.
Well then, it is settled.
(DOOR OPENING)
Oh, Anne, you missed the most delightful party last night.
I cannot tell you how handsome is Captain Wentworth.
He is so much more handsome and agreeable than anyone I have ever met before.
- Such manners, such conversation. - Such capital.
Oh, and we have all been invited to Kellynch tomorrow night for dinner.
Even you, Anne.
Damn it, Mary, I'm late. Is he here? Who?
Oh, Captain Wentworth, do... do come in.
Forgive me, I... The door was open.
I trust the boy does well?
- Oh, yes. - Much better, thank you, Wentworth.
Oh, Captain Wentworth, this is my elder sister Anne.
- We are acquainted. - Really? But Anne has never said a word about it.
It was a long time ago, you were away at school.
Come, Wentworth, or the birds will all have gone south for the winter.
Of course. Ladies.
Oh, come, Henrietta, let us go with them.
Wait, wait, wait for me.
The worst is over. I have seen him.
We have been once more in the same room.
A bow, a curtsy,
I heard his voice and then,
he was gone.
He has not forgiven me.
I have used him ill, deserted and disappointed him.
And worse, I've shown a feebleness of character in doing so,
which his own decided, confident temper could not endure.
Once there were no two hearts so open,
no feelings so in harmony,
but now we are strangers.
Worse than strangers
for we may never become acquainted.
It is perpetual estrangement.
And tonight, I'm to be tested once more.
Frederick. There you are. Let me introduce you to Miss Anne Elliot.
Miss Elliot, my brother, Captain Frederick Wentworth.
Captain Wentworth and I met briefly yesterday.
Oh, Frederick, you might have told me.
This must be very bad for you, Miss Elliot, to come to your home and find us here.
No, not at all, Admiral. I'm happy to know that the house is in such worthy and careful hands.
And what news, Frederick, of dear Captain Harville?
He's settled for now at Lyme with our good friend James Benwick
- who's awaiting a new command. - How exciting.
Of course. I remember Captain Benwick. He's engaged to Harville's sister.
I'm sorry to have to tell you that she died last summer while Benwick was out at the Cape.
- Oh, no. How dreadful. - Yes.
Five years they waited for a fortune to satisfy her family.
Now he has it, of course, but too late. Much too late.
But then I've never thought that a man on active service
- should even contemplate marriage. - Have you indeed?
A frigate at wartime is no place for a woman
and the long separations are a sore trial to both parties.
Oh, how true. There is nothing so bad as a separation.
As I know to my cost, for Mr Musgrove always attends the assizes
and I'm so glad when he's safe home again.
But now I'm paid off and ashore, Sophy, you'll be delighted to hear
that I'm, at last, resolved to settle down.
Indeed, Frederick, I'm delighted to hear it. Pray, do you have anyone in mind?
No, no, I'm quite ready to make a foolish match with any woman between 15 and 30.
A little beauty, a few smiles, and a compliment to the navy and I shall be lost.
Oh, come, Frederick.
After all, what right has a humble sailor to expect any better?
But if I am to speak in earnest,
what I desire above all in a wife is firmness of character.
A woman who knows her own mind.
I cannot abide timidity or feebleness of purpose.
A weak spirit which is always open to persuasion, first one way and then the other,
can never be relied upon.
Well, we must see what we can do.
(ALL CHUCKLING)
(PLAYING MOONLIGHTSONATA ON PIANO)
(GIRLS GIGGLING)
Oh, Anne, play us something to dance to.
Yes, Anne, will you? Something jolly. - Oh, yes.
(PLAYING LIVELY MUSIC ON PIANO)
(BIRDS SHRIEKING)
Do you know, I believe that I've never seen a pleasanter man in all my life
than Captain Wentworth.
Hmm.
He was not very gallant by Anne, though, was he?
When Louisa asked him what he thought of you the other night
he said you were so altered, he should not have known you again.
- I would not swear he used exactly those words. - Although he was most attentive to me.
It must be said he would make a capital match for Louisa.
(SHARPLY) Louisa. Stuff and nonsense, Charles. It is clear he is all for Henrietta.
But, my love, surely you cannot have forgotten that Henrietta has an understanding
- with my cousin, Charles Hayter. - Indeed, I have not.
But I cannot say the same of Henrietta.
(LAUGHING) And quite right, too.
For who, pray, is Charles Hayter? Nothing but a country curate.
What a degrading alliance for a connection of the Elliots.
Now, there you talk nonsense, my dear. He will inherit the estate at Winthrop,
and the farm near Taunton, and he is a very amiable young man.
Well, I do not think a young woman has the right to marry anyone, however amiable
if he is disagreeable or inconvenient to her family.
No, no, what stuff.
If Henrietta has Charles Hayter and Louisa can get Captain Wentworth,
I shall be very well satisfied.
Well, what do you say, Anne? Does the Captain prefer Louisa or Henrietta?
Wentworth.
We're just going over to Winthrop to visit Cousin Charles, Henrietta's intended.
Why don't you come with us, Anne. I'm sure the Hayters would love to see you again.
Capital idea, Louisa, we shall all go.
I know Mary's in a fine sweat to see Cousin Charles again.
(GIGGLING) Catch me.
(GASPING)
Anne.
It is nothing.
Thank you. I'm well.
It is really nothing.
But I think, perhaps, I'd better stay here and rest a little while.
- Then I shall remain with you. - No, please, I...
I would hate to inconvenience you and I... I know my way to Winthrop perfectly well.
I shall catch up with you directly.
Please, Charles.
Very well. If you insist.
(PANTING) Ah, see? There is Winthrop.
You had all better go on without me. I am really excessively tired.
It would be very rude of us to come all this way and not call on our cousins.
I will stay with Mary, Charles.
If you and Henrietta want to go on and pay our respects to the Hayters.
And I am sure Captain Wentworth will offer us his protection.
Very well.
Henrietta.
It is most unpleasant, having such connections, Captain Wentworth.
But I assure you, I have never been in that house above twice.
In my life.
I wonder where Anne has got to.
Mary is good-natured enough in many respects.
But she does sometimes provoke me excessively by her nonsense.
She has a great deal too much of the Elliot pride.
You know, we all wish Charles had married Anne instead.
- Anne? - Oh, yes.
- Did you not know he wanted to marry Anne? - No. I did not.
- Do you mean to say she refused him? - Oh, yes, certainly.
When did this happen?
I do not exactly know, but before he married Mary.
Did she say why she would not marry?
Well...
Papa always said it was her great friend Lady Russell's doing.
He thought Charles might not be bookish enough to please Lady Russell,
and so she persuaded Anne to refuse him.
I myself would have no idea of being so easily persuaded.
When I have made up my mind, I have made it.
And I'm quite determined.
Yours is a character, I see, of decision and firmness.
And I honour it.
Oh, look. They have brought Charles Hayter with them. Come.
(GUN FIRING)
Ah. There you are.
We thought we might cross your wake if we drove out this way.
Admiral Croft, Mrs Croft.
We've just paid a visit to my cousin, Charles Hayter.
Oh.
Miss Elliot, you must be tired. Do let us have the pleasure of taking you home to Uppercross.
Oh, no, thank you, no. It is too much trouble.
Oh, no, we are returning in any case by that road and there's plenty of room.
- Really, you're too kind. Stuff, Miss Elliot.
- You must come with us, indeed you must. - Oh.
(GASPING)
Walk on. - Thank you, Captain.
I wish Frederick would spread a little more canvas
and bring home one of those two young ladies to Kellynch.
He means to have one of them. There's just no saying which one.
They're both very good-natured, unaffected girls, indeed.
They're a very respectable family. What do you think, Miss Elliot?
It won't be long, if I'm any judge.
Now I understand him.
He can never forgive me.
He condemns me still for the past and is becoming now quite attached to another.
(DOOR OPENING)
And yet...
Anne. We are to go to Lyme tomorrow morning.
Captain Wentworth must visit his best friend,
Captain... Something or other.
And has invited us all to make the trip with him. Ain't it prime?
No, indeed, I'm sure I'd better stay here with the children.
(QUIVERING) Am I to go without you?
In my delicate state of recovery?
Suppose I were to be seized rather suddenly in some dreadful way
and not able to ring the bell for servants?
Quite attached to another.
And yet...
Still he cannot be unfeeling.
He cannot see me suffer without wishing to give relief,
to spare the proof of his own good, warm and amiable heart,
which I cannot contemplate without infinite pain
and regret.
(LAUGHING) The sea.
- I love the sea. - I'm sure I love it more than you do.
Frederick.
Come on.
Captain Harry Harville, Captain James Benwick, Mr and Mrs Charles Musgrove.
Miss Henrietta Musgrove, Miss Louisa Musgrove, Miss Elliot.
Miss Anne Elliot?
Yes.
Capital.
Oh, my God, the air.
Of course, the admiralty amuse themselves every now and then
by sending a few hundred men to sea in a ship not fit to be employed.
- It's true. - But they do have a great many...
Captain Benwick,
may I say how sorry I was to hear of your terrible loss.
(LAUGHTER)
Thank you.
There never was a love like ours.
And never will be again.
There were a great many to provide for
and among the thousands that may just as well go to the bottom as not,
it is impossible for them to distinguish which may be least missed.
(STAMMERING) And yet, Captain,
you are still young,
and I pray you may one day rally
and be happy with another.
A man does not forget a woman as readily as you forget us.
I will not allow a woman's nature to be more unconstant than a man's.
And yet, you will allow that poetry
and novels are against you.
They tell us endlessly of the fickleness of women.
And are they not all written by men?
Yes, Miss Elliot. Perhaps they are.
I see we shall not readily agree on this.
I would never suppose that true constancy is known only by women,
but the one claim I shall make for my own sex
is that we love longest
when all hope is gone.
A toast. The navy.
The navy.
You did a good deed. Cheering up so with poor Benwick last night.
I've not known him talk so much.
Not in a long time.
In time, we found a common interest in poetry.
He reads nothing else. Day in, day out.
Never happier he is than when reading impassioned descriptions of hopeless agony
or sundered hearts destroyed by wretchedness.
(LAUGHING) Yes.
I did venture to recommend a larger allowance of prose in his daily study.
It's bad for him, I know,
to be shut up as he is.
But what can we do?
Well, he's young.
And time is a great healer.
Or so, at least, I'm told.
Oh.
- Forgive me. - Not at all.
Who is that gentleman?
Mr William Elliot, sir. Came in last night on his way to Bath for the winter.
William Elliot? Bless me, Anne, it must be our cousin William. It must, indeed.
He is handsome. He is not.
Did he mention a connection to the Elliots of Kellynch at all?
He certainly said he would one day be a baronet.
There. It is him, it is.
He seems of particular interest, this cousin?
Sir Walter has no sons,
so his title and the estate of Kellynch will pass to the cousin.
What a pity we should not have been introduced to each other.
His father and Mr Elliot have not been on speaking terms since his unfortunate marriage.
An introduction would have hardly been welcome.
You'll hardly be able to avoid seeing each other in Bath.
You'll be sure to mention our seeing him next time you write to Father.
On the contrary.
Do you think he had the Elliot countenance?
- Captain Wentworth, catch me. - Louisa.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
- Louisa. Louisa, no. Louisa, no. - I am determined. I will.
Louisa.
A surgeon. A surgeon, quickly.
- Of course. - Captain Benwick.
Captain Benwick knows where one can be found.
Send him to the inn.
Keep this pressed firmly against the wound.
Charles,
it appears she'll be here some time. Her parents should be told.
But I would rather not leave her. Not tonight.
Let me go. And if you wish, I'll take Henrietta and Mary with me.
And not Anne?
If Anne will stay, there is no one so proper, so capable.
Louisa needs no other.
But Anne...
Anne is to stay, who is nothing to Louisa, while I am sent packing?
Now, my dear, I'm sure the captain...
- Am I not as capable as Anne? - Of course you are.
Am I not as proper?
And to be sent home without Charles, too, without my husband, in my condition, no.
No, it is too unkind.
I will go with Henrietta.
Go on.