Miss Elliot,
I've been thinking whether you had not better remain with Henrietta
while I go in and break it to the Musgrove's alone.
Do you think this is a good plan?
I do.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
I must see Mr Musgrove without delay.
Tell him Captain Frederick Wentworth is here. I must speak with him directly.
(MRS MUSGROVE CRYING OUT)
It is done.
I shall return now to Lyme and see if I can be of any...
any assistance.
I believe the Musgroves will soon follow.
Thank you.
Captain,
I'm most anxious.
If you would have...
If you'd be so kind as to have word sent to me in Bath as to how Louisa does.
In Bath?
I'm not needed in Lyme or any longer at Uppercross.
I must rejoin my father.
Our house is in Camden Place.
- You dislike Bath most heartily, as I recall. - I do.
But I have an old school friend who lives there and...
I have the consolation also of Lady Russell's company.
Very well, then.
Goodbye, Miss Elliot.
Goodbye, Captain Wentworth.
Certainly now, with Anne here,
I'll not suppose myself at all wanted.
Nonsense, Penelope, she is nothing to me, indeed, compared to you.
My dear madam, you must not run away from us now. It must not be.
Please, Penelope.
(WOMEN GIGGLING)
Ah, Anne, there you are.
How are you, Anne?
Are we greatly missed at Kellynch?
But let me assure you, Bath has more than answered our expectations in every respect.
Indeed, our house is undoubtedly the finest in Camden Place.
You can be sure that the acquaintance of the Elliots is most exceedingly sought after.
And best of all, Miss Anne, your cousin Mr Elliot is here in Bath
and is quite reconciled with Sir Walter.
- Mr Elliot? - Indeed, he has called repeatedly,
has dined with us once.
Evidently delighted at the distinction of being asked.
And clearly places his whole happiness in being on intimate terms in Camden Place.
He has offered his most handsome apologies
for any former appearance of neglect in his duties towards us.
And Mrs Elliot?
Dead. Quite dead.
Certainly his wife was a nobody,
while a beauty and rich,
but we must make allowances, he was young and foolish.
Not any more. Such elegant manners.
So gentlemanly and fashionable.
Indeed, I have no objection to being seen with him anywhere.
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
- Ah, that will be Lady Russell, no doubt. - No.
That is Mr Elliot's knock. I am sure of it.
I believe you are right.
The poor man simply cannot keep away from you, Miss Elliot.
Upon my word, Penelope.
I am scarcely aware of his intentions being beyond those of other men.
How is Mary looking?
Last time I saw her she was... Well, she had a red nose.
- Oh, she is quite well, thank you, Father. - Good.
(DOOR OPENING)
My apologies for calling so unexpectedly
but I could not rest without knowing that Miss Elliot had not taken cold yesterday.
Oh, how exceedingly kind of you, Mr Elliot.
Ah, my dear sir, give me leave to present my daughter Anne.
But this is extraordinary.
Our paths have crossed before, Sir Walter, at Lyme not a week past.
- Not that I could expect Miss Elliot to remember. - Indeed I do remember, Mr Elliot, very clearly.
How extraordinary that we should be guests at the same inn at the same time.
Yes, it is.
One might almost say... providential.
I cannot tell you how relieved I am to see her recovering so.
Yes and she will make an excellent wife, Frederick. I congratulate you.
I beg your pardon?
Come, sir, you're mistaken
if you think you've kept your intentions towards Louisa Musgrove a secret.
You mean to say you consider an understanding exists between myself and Miss Musgrove?
- Of course. Do you deny it? - I do. That is, what you say astonishes me.
Do you mean to tell me you don't care for her at all?
No, not in that way, no. Rest assured.
Well, then I fear you'll gravely disappoint both her and her family.
They talk of little else.
Dear God, Harry, have I been so unguarded, so thoughtless?
It would appear that you have.
Well, if what you say is true then I must, in all honour, regard myself as bound to her.
Indeed, Frederick. I am afraid you seem to have entangled yourself.
This is dreadful. What can I do?
Perhaps you might take your leave of Lyme on some pretext,
and await Louisa's recovery elsewhere.
It is perhaps possible a prolonged absence may weaken the bonds between you.
I have been meaning to visit my brother in Shropshire.
Capital.
- Captain Wentworth and Louisa Musgrove? - It's quite true. I assure you.
Any day now I expect to hear news of the engagement.
And you, child, are you reconciled to it?
Oh, yes, indeed.
- I wish them every happiness. - Mmm. Of course.
Oh, look, there's our Mr Elliot with the Wallaces.
I must admit he does have a very pleasant manner.
Indeed he does. And yet...
And yet?
I cannot help feeling that there must be something more than immediately appears
in this sudden interest in our family, after so many years.
You refer to Elizabeth, I take it.
She is very handsome.
Well, he has nothing to gain from a reconciliation.
His late wife, however unsuitable a match, was exceedingly wealthy, and in any case
nothing can prevent him from inheriting Kellynch and the baronetcy along with it.
Nothing except my father marrying again
and providing himself at last with a male heir.
Ah. No, indeed.
And Mrs Clay is young and altogether well-looking.
I wonder at Elizabeth, to place such a woman under your father's nose so.
We must be vigilant.
- Ah, Lady Russell. - Ah, Lady Cavendish.
My dearest cousin,
once again providence seems eager to throw us together.
Good morning, Mr Elliot.
I confess, I called nearly an hour ago at Camden Place
and was most distressed to find you absent.
My father was quite taken up with some sensational news in this morning's paper.
You refer, of course, to your cousins,
the Dowager Viscountess Dalrymple and her daughter the Honourable Miss Carteret,
who arrive in Bath today.
You are very well informed, Mr Elliot.
Your father may have mentioned something on the subject.
I do not doubt that he did.
You do not seem anxious to make their acquaintance again.
I agree. The Dalrymples are nothing in themselves, but
family connections are always worth preserving.
And they are regarded everywhere as good company.
My idea of good company, Mr Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people
who have a great deal of conversation.
You are mistaken. That is not good company.
That is the best.
No, good company requires only birth, manners and education
and, with regard to education, I'm afraid it is not very particular.
Oh, my cousin Anne shakes her head. She is not satisfied.
In one point, however, I'm sure we must feel alike.
We welcome any addition to your father's society which diverts his thoughts from those who,
well, are beneath him.
You refer to Mrs Clay?
It is possible that I do.
My concern is that my father may be rendered unhappy by the connection.
But perhaps I'm too fastidious.
My dear Anne,
you have a better right to be fastidious than any woman I've ever met.
Oh, good heavens.
Mr Elliot not with you?
There is a letter come for you from Uppercross.
If you are quick you may just have time to read it before he calls again.
My dear Anne, I rejoice to tell you that Louisa improves daily
and will soon be quite her old self.
I am also told we shall soon hear wedding bells at Uppercross,
although I'm sworn to secrecy on the subject and may say no more.
But Mama says the local dressmakers will not answer for such an occasion.
So, expect to see us at Bath next week for a fitting.
Until then, I remain your affectionate brother-in-law, Charles Musgrove.
Anne.
Anne. Anne.
Come, come, Anne, we must not be late.
You cannot have forgotten we have an invitation from Lady Dalrymple.
I regret I am already engaged to spend the evening with an old school friend.
Not that sickly old widow in Westgate Buildings?
- Mrs Smith, yes. - Smith?
- Westgate Buildings? - Excuse me.
And who, pray, is Mrs Smith?
One of the 5,000 Smiths that are everywhere to be met with?
Upon my word, Miss Anne Elliot, you have the most extraordinary taste.
To place such a person
ahead of your own family connections among the nobility of England and Ireland.
Mrs Smith.
Perhaps she's not the only poor widow in Bath with little to live on and no surname of dignity.
Good evening.
- Anne. - Harriet.
- How are you? - I'm well, thank you. Much better.
This is my nurse Mrs Rooke.
- How do you do, Miss Elliot? - Mrs Rooke.
I am truly sorry I've been unable to visit before this.
My time has not been my own.
Oh, but we are deeply honoured to have a cousin of Lady Dalrymple pay us a visit here this evening
instead of calling upon her relations with the rest of her family.
You will soon learn that absolutely nothing happens in Bath
without Nurse Rooke hearing of it.
Come, dearest Anne,
tell me everything that has happened to you in the past 12 years.
Harry.
Harry. Harry.
Frederick.
I called at the inn but Louisa's gone back home to Uppercross, I find.
A week ago, at least. Benwick took her. She's quite recovered.
How is your brother?
He thinks I'm as big a fool as I do.
You have no idea, Harry, how I... how I curse the folly of my own pride.
Had I only the good sense to seize my happiness when I had the chance again
and none of this would have happened.
I'm not sure I follow.
I imagine myself indifferent to her
but I was only angry and resentful.
Too late.
Too late I began to understand myself and her.
Never, never have I met her equal in good sense or sweetness of character.
She's perfection itself.
I've never loved any but her.
- We are talking now of Anne Elliot? - Of course, who else?
Then I take it you have not received Benwick's letter.
I shall have to go to Uppercross now. It cannot, in all decency, be avoided.
I mention this letter only because it contains the news
that he has proposed to Louisa Musgrove.
She has accepted him. They are to be married directly.
Married?
- Louisa and Benwick? - Directly.
Then... Then I'm free.
As it happens, I'm going to Bath tomorrow.
Perhaps now you'd care to join me.
And whom should I chance to meet at the Pump Rooms again yesterday
but Mr Elliot.
Without being indiscreet,
I can reveal that you were very much talked of.
He thinks you a most extraordinary young woman.
In your temper, manners, mind,
a model of female excellence.
Now, I am no matchmaker, as you well know,
but a most suitable connection. Everybody must certainly consider it.
And I do think there would be every possibility of your
and Mr Elliot being very happy together.
And, I must confess, to look forward and think of you
occupying your dear mother's place
as the future mistress of Kellynch.
The future Lady Elliot.
Oh, my dearest Anne, it would give me more delight
than is often felt at my time of life.
Lady Russell.
Will you join us?
I cannot deny the idea of being restored to Kellynch,
of calling it home again, my home forever,
has a charm I cannot immediately resist.
And Mr Elliot is an exceedingly agreeable man
and, in many respects, I think very highly of him.
Admiral and Mrs Croft come to call on Miss Anne Elliot.
Admiral, Mrs Croft, I'm delighted to see you.
What brings you here to Bath?
I'm afraid, Miss Elliot, it is my digestion.
And when your sister Mary learned we were to come to Bath,
she charged us with this letter for you.
Thank you. You must stay for tea.
And tell me the news from Kellynch.
Well, all the talk, of course, has been of the marriage.
- The marriage? - Why, your cousin of course.
Miss Louisa Musgrove.
Do you mean to tell me you did not know?
No, indeed.
I only had a note from Charles that we were to soon expect a wedding.
Oh, well, then I'm sure the letter we have brought from your sister will contain a full account.
I'm very happy for Louisa.
- I am certain she has chosen wisely. Indeed, indeed.
Oh, he's a fine fellow, right enough.
And whatever Frederick may say, she has no fears of being a naval captain's wife.
No, indeed.
I must confess the news did come as something of a surprise to us.
Even Sophy was taken aback.
Really? Did he give you no indication of his intentions?
No. No, never a word on the subject.
But Frederick is not a man to pine or complain.
No, he very honourably hoped she will be very happy with Benwick and there's an end to it.
In fact, from his manner of speaking on the subject,
one would never guess Frederick could have ever thought of Louisa Musgrove for himself.
Benwick?
I beg your pardon?
Am I, then, to understand that Louisa is to marry Captain Benwick
and not Captain Wentworth?
Yes. Yes, that's it exactly.
Poor Frederick. Now he will have to begin all over with somebody else.
Miss Anne, is something wrong?
No. No, you astonished me indeed.
You mean, you did not know?
The thing is certainly true. We have it from Frederick himself.
- Captain Wentworth is in Bath? - He arrived last night.
Oh.
Captain Wentworth.
Miss Elliot.
Your sister mentioned your being in Bath.
Yes, I'm lodging with the Admiral in Queen's Square.
You've perhaps also heard that Louisa Musgrove is to marry James Benwick.
- I have. I was most astonished. - As was I.
And yet, I'm sure in time they will grow more alike.
Captain Benwick will gain high spirits and cheerfulness and she will...
Relish for morbid poetry.
Just so.
With all my soul, I wish them happy,
and yet...
Miss Louisa is a very
good, amiable, sweet-tempered girl.
Harville's sister was a very superior woman,
and Benwick's attachment to her was, indeed, profound.
A man cannot recover from such a passion
with such a woman.
He ought not.
He does not.
My dear Anne, I cannot say how grieved I am to have kept you waiting,
but the carriage is outside.
Mr Elliot, permit me to name Captain Wentworth.
My cousin Mr Elliot.
May I?
Captain, there is a concert at the Pump Rooms tonight.
I remember how fond you are of music.
I must say, though, the worst of Bath is the number of plain women.
I frequently observe that one pretty face would be followed by five and thirty frights.
And as for the men...
Oh.
Ah, Lady Russell.
We are at home tomorrow night to a somewhat select gathering...
- We do so hope you are at liberty. - Of course, Sir Walter, with pleasure.
But where is Lady Dalrymple?
Good heavens, is that Frederick Wentworth?
Isn't he the nobody?
What on earth is he doing in Bath?
Captain Wentworth,
is the programme to your liking?
I found myself at liberty this evening.
Bath has much to offer those who are interested in music.
So I'm led to believe.
And shall you be staying long in Bath?
I don't know.
That is to say, I am not certain.
It all depends.
I see.
- Miss Elliot... - Captain.
(FOOTMAN ANNOUNCING ARRIVALS)
(GASPS) Lady Dalrymple.
Anne, Anne, Lady Dalrymple is here.
There'll soon be another marriage in that family, if I'm any judge.
Certainly, if the rumours are to be believed.
Captain.
- Are you going? - Yes.
Is the first half, at least, not worth staying for?
No.
There's nothing here worth me staying for. Good night.
My dear Anne, is all well?
We are all so dreadfully concerned.
Yes.
I felt suddenly a little faint.
But I'm quite recovered.
Should we not return to the concert?
Dearest Anne,
I have been awaiting an opportunity to speak to you privately
and now it seems to have come.
- I'm sorry, sir, I'm not very good company. - My dear cousin,
you are far too modest for the world in general to be aware
- of even half your accomplishments. - Really, sir,
- I do not think you know me that well. - On the contrary.
The name of Anne Elliot has long had a beguiling charm for me.
If I dared, I would now breathe my sincerest wish
that name might never change.
- Sir... - I do not venture
to expect an immediate answer to my proposal.
But I cannot, in honour, further conceal my intentions
and perhaps tomorrow night at Camden Place
you will feel able to make me
the happiest and most fortunate of men.
Miss Elliot, I am charged with an urgent commission from the Admiral
in regard to your family.
And since I am to leave Bath today without delay,
I should be obliged if I could wait upon you at 11.:00 this morning.
(CLOCK CHIMING)
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Hello, Anne, how are you?
Charles, Mary.
I am here to take the waters.
I have been most dreadfully unwell, it is my last hope.
Father, Elizabeth.
Good heavens, it's Mary.
Sir Walter, Elizabeth, we have come to choose a wedding dress
with mother and Henrietta. She is to be married to Charles Hayter.
- Who? - A mere country curate.
- Father, pray, do not trouble yourself. - And dear Louisa, is she not with you?
She stayed at Uppercross with Captain Benwick.
- Who? - The naval captain, Father.
Pray, do not trouble yourself.
I suppose we shall have to invite the Musgroves tonight as well.
A party?
I shall be loathe to introduce them to Lady Dalrymple.
Will Mr Elliot be there? I must at all costs be introduced to Mr Elliot.
Well, I have not the smallest intention of inviting him, but...
Wentworth.
- Charles. - Hello, old fellow, how are you?
I didn't expect to see you here.
Where are you staying? We must go shooting one day, if you have time.
- Mrs Musgrove. - Captain.
Father, this is Captain Wentworth.
He is related to our tenants, the Crofts.
Captain, this is my father, Sir Walter Elliot, baronet.
Yes and my eldest sister Elizabeth.
- Thank you, we are acquainted. - Captain, please.
Well.
I am charged.
That is to say the Admiral, Admiral Croft, has been confidently informed...
that Mr Elliot...
That everything is settled now in your family for a union between yourself and Mr Elliot.
It was added that you were to live at Kellynch,
and my commission from the Admiral is to say that, if the family's wish is such,
his lease at Kellynch shall be cancelled
and he and my sister will provide themselves with another home. That is all.
What answer shall I give?
Sir...
You will please thank the Admiral on my behalf,
but I must tell you that he is utterly misinformed.
Misinformed?
- Utterly? - Yes, Captain.
Quite mistaken.
- No truth in any part of it? - None.
And I should be grateful to know the source of such fanciful rumours.
As to that...
(KNOCKING AT DOOR)
Lady Russell is here.
Do you remember Lady Russell, Captain?
How could I forget?
Anne, I received your note.
Miss Elliot, if you'll excuse me I shall convey your news to the Admiral.
- Good day. - Captain.
Is it true? Mr Elliot has proposed?
If you'll excuse me, Lady Russell, I must speak with Captain Wentworth.
Captain Wentworth.
Mrs Musgrove.
Anne.
What a delight.
Excuse me.
Anne, I must speak with you.
Must it be now?
Anne, I must ask. Is it true Mr Elliot has asked you to marry him?
- Yes, but... - Anne, I hope I give no offence,
but I can never forgive myself if I did not acquaint you with Mr Elliot's real character.
- I only hope I'm not too late. - Good heavens, Harriet, what is it?
Mr Elliot is a man without heart or conscience.
A designing, cold-blooded being who thinks only of itself.
His recent reconciliation with your father was no accident.
He had heard a rumour in London that Sir Walter Elliot
might be led to marry his daughter's companion.
- Mrs Clay? - The very same.
And should she provide him with an heir, of course,
the child would inherit everything, instead of Mr Elliot.
- But he is already rich. - Of course.
He married his poor wife for money and nothing else.
But what he now desires above all is to be a baronet.
He cannot bear the thought of not being Sir William.
Well, why, then, would he wish to marry me?
Oh, his admiration for you is sincere, as far as it goes.
Although it has not prevented him from courting Mrs Clay at the same time.
- No. - Indeed.
He has promised to establish her as his mistress in London,
as soon as he is married to you.
There is nothing he would not do to prevent your father marrying again.
I am profoundly grateful to you, Harriet.
But now if you'll forgive me, I must go.
- Captain Harville. - Miss Elliot.
If you have come to call upon the Admiral and Mrs Croft, I must disappoint you.
They went to take the waters with Captain Wentworth.
But since you are here, you may save me some time.
Captain Wentworth bade me bring this note to you in Camden Place.
Perhaps you would take it now.
- Thank you. - Are you quite well, Miss Elliot?
Thank you.
Then if you'll excuse me, I'm already late for an appointment.
Miss Elliot, I can bear this no longer.
You pierced my soul. I'm half agony, half hope.
Unjust I may have been,
weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.
I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own
than when you almost broke it eight years ago.
I have loved none but you.
You alone, who brought me to Bath,
for you alone, I think and plan.
Have you not seen this?
I can hardly write.
I must go, uncertain of my fate.
A word, a look, would be enough.
Only tell me that I am...
Tell me not that I am too late,
that such precious feelings are gone forever.
Why, Miss Elliot, you just missed Frederick.
He has just gone to call upon you at Camden Place.
Anne.
- Charles. - Anne, good heavens, is anything the matter?
Anne.
Thank you, Charles, I'm quite... quite well.
You look quite done for. We shall have to get you home directly.
The thing of it is, I ought to be in the marketplace now.
A fellow there promised me the sight of a capital gun he's just sending off.
Said he'd keep it unpacked till the last possible minute.
If I do not cut along now I shall miss out.
You know from his description, Wentworth,
it sounds a good deal like that 16-bore Mortimer of mine you shot with that day round Winthrop.
Do you remember?
(CHARLES CHATTERING)
Captain...
Captain,
I am... I am in receipt of your proposal
and am minded to accept it.
Thank you.
Are you
quite certain?
I am.
I am determined.
I will.
And nothing, you may be sure, will ever persuade me otherwise.
Why have we stopped?
You can't see?
Give me your hand.
I thought you might like to see your wedding present.
(GASPS)