Episode 4

♪ ♪ CHARLOTTE: It is time I returned to Ralph.

He'll wonder what has happened to me.

♪ ♪ GEORGIANA: I won the case.

I know, ma'am, but I also know what you've lost.

EDWARD: I beg you to believe that I am a changed man.

You're the last person on Earth I would allow to court Augusta.

I am right in thinking you share my tastes, Arthur?

COLBOURNE: I fought in vain to deny it, but I am in love with you.

♪ ♪ No!

It's too late!

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (glass clinking) ♪ ♪ (doorbell ringing) We're to gather shortly on the beach for champagne and games.

You seem to have done little else since London than drink champagne with Montrose and his friends.

I've been celebrating my victory.

Georgiana... Have you given yourself time to absorb the revelations of the trial?

I've no desire to dwell on the trial.

I wondered if it might have made you even more determined to find your mother.

I have accepted that the search is hopeless.

From now on, I shall look only to the future.

But what of you?

Your wedding is only two weeks away.

Do I sense you're putting off your return to Willingden?

I'd like to be certain you've recovered from your ordeal.

As you see, I've entirely recovered.

And I couldn't leave before your party tomorrow.

It is kind of Tom and Mary to host it, but I fear it might be a rather staid occasion.

Arthur!

Charlotte and I are to meet Harry and his friends on the beach.

Say you'll come.

Oh, I'm, uh... (chuckling): I'm not sure.

What has possessed the pair of you?

Ever since the shooting party, you've both been out of sorts.

I have no idea what you mean.

Well.

Whatever is ailing you both, I believe the best way to deal with your problems is to forget them.

Preferably with champagne.

♪ ♪ Can I persuade you to saddle up and join me?

God, no, thank you.

It's far too early in the day for such exertions.

Had you not planned to return to London after the shooting party, yet five days have passed and here you are.

I don't wish to outstay my welcome, brother, but I am not ready to leave just yet.

I am enjoying getting to know Leo and Augusta.

And Lady de Clemente?

SAMUEL: This might be the first friendship I've ever had with a woman.

And since neither of us have the least bit of romantic interest in each other, it's refreshingly uncomplicated.

Perhaps you are growing up.

I won't go that far.

Did I mention Miss Lambe is hosting a party to celebrate her success in court?

We're both invited.

Do we know who else will be in attendance?

I assume Miss Heywood will be there, if that's what you're asking.

♪ ♪ SAMUEL: I know your last conversation with her didn't go the way you hoped.

COLBOURNE: I must look to the future, Samuel.

To which end, I've invited Lady Lydia and her mother to tea.

And what of Miss Heywood?

Do you intend to pretend she just doesn't exist?

Suppress your feelings?

I believe that's the motto on our family crest.

♪ ♪ (sighs) EDWARD (voiceover): My dear Augusta, with every word you write, you pierce my soul.

And with every passing day, the agony of separation grows yet sharper.

(horse nickers, walking) I cannot let your uncle destroy your happiness.

If there is a way for us to be together, I will find it.

♪ ♪ (bird calling) And where have you been?

I like to spend time in quiet contemplation before I meet Mr. Hankins.

His efforts are evidently failing if that debacle at the shoot is any measure.

Setting your sights on Miss Markham!

(doorbell ringing in distance) Or should I say her 5,000 a year?

I never should have asked Mr. Colbourne if I could call on her.

The approach was misjudged.

But I can say with hand on heart that I've not been near her since.

SERVANT: For my lady.

Thistles?

Who would send me... ...thistles?

I could hazard a guess.

(Lady Denham chuckling) ♪ ♪ (exhales) ♪ ♪ COLBOURNE: What's that?

Just a flower.

We don't grow orchids in our greenhouse.

But I assume Lady Denham does?

It is possible.

I made it perfectly clear that Sir Edward was not to call on you.

But true to form, he's resorted to evasion and deceit.

You left him no choice.

Tell me you have not been alone with him.

Why is that any of your concern?

I am not your daughter.

You will have no further contact with that man.

From now on, you are never to leave the house without a chaperone!

(door slams) ♪ ♪ You've already made your concerns abundantly clear, Mary.

This is an alternative, Tom, a proposal of my own.

A way to improve the Old Town, rather than destroy it.

If you could just spare a moment to read it.

(stammers): No, I can't, I'm afraid, I'm late for an important meeting.

Why will you not listen to me?

(sighs): You're a wonderful wife, Mary, and a devoted mother.

But you are not a businessman.

There are things you do not understand.

So why don't you leave the speculating to me, and I will leave the running of the house to you.

♪ ♪ (crows cawing) You seem to be in unusually good spirits of late, Beatrice.

I believe I know the cause!

Do you, brother?

Why, grace of God, of course, sister.

(chuckles) Would you not say?

Yes.

(wheelbarrow creaking) And I do not think you are alone.

I detect an ever-sharper sense of purpose in you, Sir Edward.

Is it not said that God helps those who help themselves, Mr. Hankins?

Indeed so.

(chuckles) (laughing and talking) HARRY: A little more?

♪ ♪ ARTHUR: They're his friends from Bath, a rather fashionable crowd.

They seem highly taken with Georgiana.

Or with her fortune.

HARRY: How about a little sport?

Shall we see who can eat the largest number of macaroons in less than a minute?

(guests cheer and laugh) Perhaps you haven't heard, but Georgiana's been leading a sugar boycott.

(conversations and laughter stop) Oh.

I will put two pounds on Arthur.

(cackles) (conversations resume) Uh...

I think I'll decline, thank you.

♪ ♪ (shrieking in laughter) (laughing) They're not afraid to draw attention to themselves.

It is only a bit of fun, Charlotte.

You need more champagne.

Arthur.

I must ask.

Have you been avoiding me since the shooting party?

(stammers): I thought you were avoiding me.

(exhales) (chuckles) You seemed quite preoccupied with your friends.

No.

They're just a distraction.

I would far sooner have your company than theirs.

LADY MONTROSE: There you are, Harry!

We've barely seen you these past few days.

Not since the Bath set arrived.

(chuckles) LADY MONTROSE: Or could it be that you've been spending all your time in Miss Lambe's company?

You two are becoming quite inseparable.

Miss Heywood, I trust you are well?

Uh, very well, thank you, Lady Lydia.

LADY MONTROSE: We are much looking forward to your party, Miss Lambe.

Can I assume the, uh, brothers Colbourne will be there?

I've invited them both.

Oh!

LYDIA: I must thank you for your advice, Miss Heywood.

Once I kept the conversation to dogs and horses, I found Mr. Colbourne to be pleasing company indeed.

I'm glad.

And the feeling was plainly mutual, since we've received an invitation to Heyrick Park tomorrow.

(whispers loudly): Apparently, no one has caught his eye since the death of his wife.

Not until now, that is.

Mother.

You cannot blame me for being excited.

There's every chance I may soon see both my children settled!

♪ ♪ I fear the more draconian my brother is, the more appealing Sir Edward will seem.

Hmm, well, forbidden fruit is always the most tempting.

And when you are young, it is only natural that you would mutiny against your parents.

I can't believe you were ever wayward, my lady.

Oh, I was wildly ungovernable.

I used to steal my father's carriage and drive it at death-defying speed.

I've never known a thrill like it.

I was quite incorrigible myself.

Some may argue I still am.

(chuckles) I find excitement, these days, in more tranquil activities, like matchmaking.

Hmm, though I fear you may have to admit defeat, now my brother has declared his intention to court Lady Lydia.

Oh, and Miss Heywood is due to return home to her betrothed.

I question what reason I have to stay in Sanditon now.

Perhaps it's time I looked for diversion elsewhere.

CHARLOTTE: I fear they are not true friends.

They know how to enjoy themselves.

Whereas you seem to have forgotten.

It is Mr. Colbourne, isn't it?

You know you can tell me anything.

After the shooting party, he...

He found me out on a walk.

He told me he was in love with me.

And to my eternal shame, we, we kissed.

You need feel no shame.

I'm to be married, Georgiana.

But if you share his feelings...

I've made a commitment to Ralph, to my family.

I cannot break it.

You were right.

I have been putting off my return to Willingden.

How can I face Ralph?

How can I tell him?

♪ ♪ Ralph!

Charlotte!

I read that Miss Lambe's trial is happily concluded.

So, I've come to bring you home.

♪ ♪ (wooden swords clacking) SAMUEL: You will not vanquish me, sir!

The fair and so very tasty Lady Blancmange will soon be mine!

(cackles) Not on your life, you cur!

(Samuel grunts) (mock-groans) (shouts) (gasping) (exhales) (shudders dramatically) And curtain!

We hoped that might distract you.

Let's save Act Two for later, shall we?

RALPH: Your father's been quite lost with neither you or Alison there for the harvest.

But there's much excitement about our wedding.

Your mother's started decorating the church.

I'd meant to come home sooner, but, yeah, I was concerned for Georgiana.

But now you're ready to return.

There's a party tonight.

To celebrate her victory.

I'd like to be there.

For her.

One more night, Ralph.

Then we'll leave, I promise.

If that is what you want.

MARY: Even now, my lady, there's a fever sweeping through the Old Town.

There are children who are dangerously sick.

Well, if the state of their dwelling breeds illness, then why would they wish to remain there?

We have a duty to help them, not to force them from their homes!

Mrs. Parker... You have Mr. Pryce's ear... Mrs. Parker!

As pleased as I am that you have finally found your voice, I would rather you didn't use it against me, or my business affairs.

And I venture that Mr. Pryce, and your husband, would feel the same.

Ah, the very man.

Morning, my lady.

Mrs. Parker.

Good morning.

Someone sent me a bouquet of thistles.

They put me in mind of you.

Elegant but prickly.

(chuckles): You old fool.

Old, me?

But we are of an age.

Oh, poppycock, I'm eight years younger than you.

You didn't use to be.

Oh, be quiet.

(laughs) ♪ ♪ Ma'am?

♪ ♪ You sent for me, Miss Lambe?

I assume you read the newspapers.

Yes.

So, you will know how they continue to gossip and speculate about me.

They will move on to someone else soon enough.

Although, and I say this without judgment, if you don't wish to be gossiped about, you might keep a rather lower profile.

You will tell them to desist or face the consequences.

I'm afraid the law has little sway when it comes to the press.

Here is today's post.

A letter from a man who claims to be my third cousin.

One from a woman who is supposedly my half-sister.

I thought defeating Lockhart would prove a deterrent.

I am sorry, Miss Lambe.

But as an unmarried woman, you find yourself in a vulnerable position.

Don't forget, Lockhart came dangerously close to winning.

I asked you here to help me, not to give me cold comfort.

And I will help in any way I can.

But I must be honest.

The only way these claims will cease is if you either give up your fortune or find a husband.

♪ ♪ ARTHUR: I was thinking on your words from the shooting party.

You said that whilst most men have a taste for pheasant, your preference has always been for grouse.

I was afraid I'd shocked you.

(chuckles) You did.

But...

It was the shock of recognition.

You put into words something that I never dared to admit, not even to myself.

I like my life, Harry, a, as it is.

I would never wish to live in fear and disgrace.

I worry about what my family might think.

My brother, Mary...

They might not be as surprised as you would expect.

And if I were to say to you that I shared your... ...taste for grouse, how would I, would we... (gasping): Oh, forgive me, this is such strange and unfamiliar ground.

There is a friend.

He owns a small cottage in Wales, on the River Wye.

(sighs): It is quite beautiful there.

One can go weeks without seeing another soul.

I wonder if you...

I would like nothing more.

That is decided, then.

So it seems.

I, Arthur Parker... (laughing) ...like grouse.

(both laugh) (laughing) As do I, Arthur.

One grouse in particular.

(laughing) ♪ ♪ (wooden sword clacking) LEONORA: Take that!

That!

That!

Miss Colbourne.

Or should I say, Colonel Colbourne?

My father says that you're not to come near our house.

Tell me, how would you like a secret mission?

♪ ♪ (people talking in background, dishes and utensils clinking) ♪ ♪ (talking indistinctly) Come, my dear.

I think we need a little air.

♪ ♪ GEORGIANA: I should not have let it get to me.

LADY MONTROSE (sighs): Well, no one likes to be the subject of scandal and gossip.

I've had my share.

Although a title is a shield against the worst of it.

One need only look at Lady de Clemente, who would be a pariah, were it not for the sole virtue of her status.

You must excuse me.

Lady Lydia and I are due at Heyrick Park.

Courage, my dear.

♪ ♪ (laughing) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I have a secret message for you.

♪ ♪ I can't believe you'd stoop to using a child as your messenger.

Forgive me.

When you didn't return my letter, I was at a loss.

In fairness, she's a very efficient little spy.

She tells me that your uncle has you, um, locked up.

He claims he is trying to protect me from you.

I cannot blame him.

If I were in his position... How, how can you defend him?

He doesn't know the truth.

That my intentions are entirely honorable.

That if I could, I would ask for your hand this very minute.

What's to stop you?

He would never give his blessing.

The only way that we could be together is if we were somehow to escape.

However much I yearn to be with you, I could never be selfish.

Your happiness and your honor are all that matter to me.

So, my dearest Augusta...

I fear I must bid you farewell.

♪ ♪ Wait!

This fever is merciless.

Poor little Dora Filkins is gravely ill.

I've asked Dr. Fuchs to do what he can, but there's no doubt their living conditions have played a part.

That's why this proposal could not be more timely or more vital.

MARY: Do you think so?

My only thought... Go on, my dear.

Young Tess has such a hunger to learn.

It made me think... Might there also be merit in building a school?

What a wonderful idea.

We could offer an education to all the local children, boys and girls.

We, Charlotte?

God willing, you'll be busy teaching our own children.

Of course.

MARY: I've arranged to call on Mr. Colbourne this afternoon to discuss my plans.

I don't suppose... Would you accompany me, Charlotte?

You could tell him about your school idea.

It would hardly be fair to leave Ralph on his own.

MARY: Ralph could come with us!

I'm sure Mr. Colbourne wouldn't mind.

I would love to see Heyrick Park.

And to make a proper acquaintance of your former employer.

Honestly, Mary, your proposal speaks for itself.

You have no need of our company.

Oh, I'd be glad of it all the same.

For moral support.

Then it's decided.

We shall all pay a visit to Mr. Colbourne this afternoon.

EDWARD: You do not know what you ask.

I know fine well.

I am asking you to rescue me.

Where would we go?

Anywhere!

It is not as if anyone here will miss me.

Besides Leo.

In all conscience, I cannot.

You, you are the only person I love in this world.

And, if it's not a presumption, the only person that cares a damn about me?

It is not a presumption at all.

Is it not remarkable to think that we have found each other?

And yet, fate has dealt us the cruelest of hands.

It is fate that has brought us together.

But it is my uncle that keeps us apart.

You must return to the house, before he comes looking for you.

When will I see you again?

Will you attend Miss Lambe's party?

Yes, but under his ever-watchful eye.

Well, that doesn't matter.

Even if we cannot speak to each other, it will be enough to see your face one last time.

One last time?

How can I bear to be near you, knowing that we can never be together?

I am resolved to leave Sanditon.

(gasps softly) (breath trembling) LADY MONTROSE: So kind of you to show us your stables, Mr. Colbourne.

Lydia has been quite beside herself at the prospect.

LYDIA: Unusually for my mother, that is not an overstatement.

COLBOURNE: So this is my good friend Hannibal.

I'm afraid he isn't always terribly polite to people he doesn't know.

LYDIA: That's all right.

You have a fine gait, Hannibal!

But I think you pull a little to the left, don't you?

Very perceptive.

I find holding one rein braced against the saddle, then releasing it immediately sometimes does the trick.

I shall try that.

My Lydia can tame the wildest of beasts.

(clears throat) LADY MONTROSE: You keep a fine house here, Mr. Colbourne.

Although, as a widow myself, I imagine it must get rather lonely.

COLBOURNE: Well, I'm hardly alone, Your Grace.

I have Augusta, Leonora, and, um, well, as you've seen, a stable full of horses.

LYDIA: As long as I had horses and a pianoforte, I believe I could renounce human company for months on end.

I'm inclined to agree.

(chuckles) LADY MONTROSE: You're clearly of a like mind.

LEONORA (breathlessly): A carriage has just arrived with Mrs. Parker and Miss Heywood in it.

And a man.

Would you excuse me?

What an unwelcome interruption.

Especially as you were doing so well.

Miss Heywood!

♪ ♪ Mr. Colbourne, thank you for agreeing to meet with me.

I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of asking Miss Heywood to join us.

COLBOURNE: Not at all.

And I believe you've met Mr. Starling.

Mr. Colbourne.

A pleasure to see you again, sir.

LEONORA: You're the man that's marrying Miss Heywood?

I am indeed that lucky fellow.

Ralph, Miss Leonora Colbourne, and you've met Miss Markham.

♪ ♪ Will you join us for tea?

We have Lady Montrose and Lady Lydia with us.

LEONORA: There's cake!

MARY: Oh, if this is not a convenient time... COLBOURNE: Not at all, I insist.

♪ ♪ MARY: I must apologize again for interrupting, Your Grace.

But I hear you came with a proposal.

I am intrigued.

We are to discuss a scheme for the Old Town.

One which seeks to improve the conditions for those who live there.

A proposal that I fully support.

And Miss Heywood has also suggested founding a school for the local children.

An admirable idea.

LADY MONTROSE: Of course, it is no surprise to find you so preoccupied with education, Miss Heywood, since you were governess here, were you not?

Briefly.

But then she suddenly left, and when she returned, she was engaged to Mr. Starling.

RALPH: Then I must apologize for stealing her from you, Miss Colbourne.

(chuckling) LADY MONTROSE: And when are you to be married, Miss Heywood?

A little over two weeks.

LYDIA: My congratulations to you both.

Thank you.

We are living for the day, aren't we, Charlotte?

LADY MONTROSE: I have high hopes that my son and Miss Lambe will not be far behind you.

And you must be keen for Miss Markham to find a husband, Mr. Colbourne.

You don't want to wait until she's Lydia's age.

Indeed.

As long as we can find someone who is worthy.

Worthy in your eyes, at least, Uncle.

Since what I think and feel are clearly of no consequence.

(clears throat) (birds twittering) Excuse me.

I think I shall take a turn around the grounds.

I'll join her.

♪ ♪ Since our encounter this morning, I've not been able to stop thinking.

A man needs laughter in his life, and I have laughed more over these last few weeks in your company than I have in years.

(chuckles): Ah... And there are so many pleasures in life that need to be shared.

And so I thought I would ask you...

I hope you're not proposing another ride in that death trap of yours.

I was proposing marriage, you foolish woman.

Marriage?

I would get down on one knee, but it would take two footmen and a winch to get me back up again.

So?

(chuckling): No!

Now, now, now, now, take your time, think about it.

(chuckling): No need!

I'm Lady Denham.

I wish to keep that title.

And my fortune, to boot.

No amount of laughter can compensate for that, can it?

(chuckling): Oh, good heavens!

No, let's go, and have some tea.

We'd been exchanging letters.

We even managed to meet a handful of times.

But now my uncle has me barred from leaving the house.

I am kept under lock and key.

I struggle to believe he would have done so without good reason.

Why should he determine who I can and cannot love?

Were my parents alive, they would only want to see me happy.

Could you tell me who this gentleman is?

He is from a good family.

He has a poetic soul.

He is kinder than anyone knows.

Yet my uncle still does not consider him good enough.

I'm sure he's just trying to secure your future.

A miserable future, trapped in an unhappy marriage!

Instead of being with the man I've fallen in love with.

♪ ♪ If you and he are truly meant to be together, you will find a way.

♪ ♪ (horse nickers) What is this?

You said you were in need of diversion.

Yes, this was not quite what I had in mind.

I hoped if I brought a little excitement to Sanditon, you might be persuaded to stay.

One race.

But we must keep to a sensible speed.

I must consider my dignity.

(seagull squawking) ♪ ♪ (horse whinnies) ♪ ♪ (laughs, horse nickers) ♪ ♪ Bouddica herself was never so fierce!

(laughs) Hya!

♪ ♪ (groans) Hya!

(laughing) How dare you beat me?

That is most ungentlemanly!

Shall we call it a day?

Certainly not!

The winner is the best of three!

(laughs) ♪ ♪ Dr. Fuchs!

(exhales) Willkommen zu Hause.

How is this possible, Fräulein?

In my brief absence, you have become fluent in my mother tongue.

I so delighted in your tales from the capital, Doctor.

(exhales) Especially your description of the steth-o-scope!

(exhales) Can you really hear every last heartbeat?

As loud as a drum, Fräulein!

(footsteps approaching) HANKINS: Herr Doktor!

Back from the metropolis, I see.

(chuckles): I came to inquire after our shared patient.

(chuckles) I am pleased to say that under my aegis, Sir Edward appears to have undergone nothing less than a Damascene conversion.

Indeed, I would be so bold as to say that he has flourished in your absence.

Jawohl?

Mm-hmm.

FUCHS: Fräulein Hankins has spoken of his progress in her epistles.

Epistles?

It was just a few short notes.

You are too modest!

Your sister has such an observant eye.

Such a fine turn of phrase!

I daresay she has the makings of a novelist.

I see.

Well, now you are returned, I am sure there is no need for this correspondence to continue.

Come, sister.

We must steel ourselves for Miss Lambe's party!

♪ ♪ We passed a pleasant afternoon at Heyrick Park.

(pouring) Ah, I'm glad.

Mr. Colbourne and your sister seem well-matched indeed.

(chuckles) Much like you and Miss Lambe.

I've been thinking, it is time to formalize your relationship.

(laughs) We've only been courting a matter of weeks.

That is long enough.

I saw you enjoying the company of Mr. Arthur Parker earlier.

Yes, he has become a good friend.

(sniffs) We are planning a trip to the Wye Valley.

I strongly suggest you cease your association with Mr. Parker.

Why would I?

You know why.

♪ ♪ I've always known you had certain... leanings.

(voice trembling): I hoped it might just be a passing affliction.

Youthful folly.

But now I see it as something rather more dangerous.

I have always been careful.

I will continue to be.

No, Harry.

This cannot continue.

You're a duke.

You have a duty.

To marry well, produce an heir.

Maintain the family name, not drag it through the gutter.

(voice trembling): Or, worse still... (sighs softly) ...to the gallows.

I'm thinking only of what's best for you, my darling boy.

♪ ♪ Thank you, Mother.

♪ ♪ (Lady Denham yelps) PRYCE: Dear God, what is this?

LADY DENHAM: It seems we have arrived to the gates of hell!

Keep back, you ruffians.

I have no desire to be immolated.

(people laughing and talking in background) Ah, Lady Denham, Mr. Pryce, and Sir Edward.

You are most welcome!

I thought this was supposed to be a civilized dinner.

Oh, so did we.

But Miss Lambe had other plans.

(chuckles): Then you should have overruled her.

Hardly seemed fair.

What is the theme?

The Depths of Depravity?

MARY: No, my lady.

The theme is that of a phoenix rising from the ashes.

LADY DENHAM: Hm, what's that got to do with anything?

Mr. Colbourne.

I was just saying to Charlotte how ill we fit amongst such company.

I shall be glad to return to the calm of Willingden tomorrow.

Is that a view you share, Miss Heywood?

Of course.

Mr. Colbourne, we simply adored our trip to Heyrick Park.

COLBOURNE: It was a pleasure to have your company, Your Grace.

Oh, Uncle, shall we take a turn about the party?

Yes.

LADY MONTROSE: Lydia has talked of little else than your magnificent stables.

Mr. Colbourne, perhaps on our next visit... Arthur.

Arthur.

Ah!

There is something we need to discuss.

Indeed there is-- our trip.

I have obtained a copy of Mr. Gilpin's "Observations on the River Wye" in anticipation.

TOM (loudly): My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, it is time to welcome our guest of honor, Miss Georgiana Lambe!

(guests cheer) (guests gasp) (applauding) (flames whooshing, Arthur laughing delightedly) (applause continues) I need to know if you truly meant it when you asked me to rescue you.

♪ ♪ Entirely.

Then I must tell you I have a carriage waiting.

There are to be fireworks that provide a distraction.

To leave tonight?

I, I have, I have nothing with me.

What else do we need besides each other?

My dearest Augusta, this is the only way.

Either we escape tonight or we must say goodbye forever.

♪ ♪ (band playing jaunty tune) (Georgiana laughing) I don't believe I've ever seen you so happy, Arthur!

Ah, this is more than happiness.

Happiness is fleeting, I, uh...

I am content.

(giggles) I feel as if my future is alive with possibilities.

I have also been thinking on my future.

I have something to share with you.

Perhaps it is time I make my announcement.

(chuckles) (music continues) Colbourne has just congratulated me on your vision for the Old Town.

I tried to speak to you.

Instead, you spoke to him.

A woman can only be silenced for so long before she roars.

If I might beg your indulgence for a moment.

(music and conversations stop) (people speaking softly) GEORGIANA: Earlier this evening, the Duke of Buckinghamshire did me the honor of asking for my hand in marriage.

(guests murmuring happily) (giggles) And I happily accepted.

(guests exclaiming and applauding) So, this is now a party to celebrate our engagement.

(guests applauding, Georgiana giggling) ♪ ♪ That might be the first wise decision she's ever made.

Then you would agree, that getting married is an act of wisdom.

She gains a title.

I would lose one!

But think what you would gain.

We could see out the years in happy companionship.

Someone to laugh with.

Gripe with.

Dine with.

But you would rather remain alone in that big house?

For the sake of a title?

(band playing jaunty tune) (stiffly): My congratulations to you both.

Arthur!

LADY MONTROSE: Come, my dear, they're clamoring to congratulate you.

(music continues) (music ends) Fräulein Hankins.

On such a happy occasion, would you join me for the next dance?

I am afraid I must decline, Doctor.

But thank you for your kind offer.

(people talking in background) ♪ ♪ Earlier you said that if this gentleman and I are truly meant to be together, then we will find a way.

Well, what if there is a way, but I find myself nervous for what it might mean?

If you have a chance to be with him, then seize it, or you'll spend the rest of your life trying to forget what could have been.

(talking in background) Thank you.

♪ ♪ (laughing) (slower dance tune playing) Mr. Colbourne seems perfectly amenable.

Yet in his presence you seem... Ill at ease.

Withdrawn.

It was the same at tea today.

I, I don't know what you mean.

(music continues) You have publicly betrayed me, Mary.

I'm not sure I like the woman you've become.

How unfortunate.

I was growing rather fond of her.

(laughing) I haven't danced for years!

I suppose I've had no one to dance with.

You're a wonderful dancer, Louisa.

You always were.

(music continues) It's inspiring, is it not, to see them find happiness so late in life?

It seems there is hope for us all.

(both chuckle) (music continues) I noticed you and Augusta in urgent conference.

I won't betray her confidence.

(music continues) She's blessed to have the benefit of your counsel.

She will miss it.

(music ends, guests applaud) ♪ ♪ GEORGIANA: Ladies and gentlemen, if you will join me on the promenade, it is time for fireworks!

(guests exclaim and applaud) (quietly): I'll join you presently.

♪ ♪ (guests murmuring and laughing) Might we declare a truce?

(sighs) ♪ ♪ AUGUSTA: I know you have only ever done what you thought was best for me, Uncle.

There are some things we will never agree on, but I am ready to put all that behind me.

I'm glad.

I think I will find Uncle Samuel.

♪ ♪ Are you sure?

Once we leave, there is no turning back.

I have never been surer.

♪ ♪ Sir Edward?

Sir Edward!

CHARLOTTE: I cannot leave without begging you to reconsider.

How can you marry a man you barely know, let alone love?

This is not about love.

It is about securing my fortune, my position.

I will be a duchess.

But what of your happiness?

What about yours?

Who are you to question me?

You are condemning yourself to a loveless marriage when you're in love with Mr. Colbourne.

(floorboard creaks, door hinge squeaking) RALPH: I am sorry to interrupt.

♪ ♪ I was afraid you might miss the fireworks.

♪ ♪ (fireworks bursting loudly, guests exclaiming) Oh, thank you.

(chuckles) (fireworks continue, guests exclaiming) Does your preposterous offer still stand?

Of course.

Well, against my better judgment, I accept.

♪ ♪ (quietly): Don't despair, Harry.

I have found my own secret ways to defy her.

You will, too.

♪ ♪ (whistling, bursting loudly) Are you yet persuaded there might be reasons to stay in Sanditon besides Miss Heywood?

One or two, perhaps.

(fireworks continue) (panting): Mr. Colbourne.

Where is your brother?

Is there a problem?

I fear so.

♪ ♪ You know, just because I am to be married, Arthur, doesn't mean I won't still have time for you.

Why did it have to be him?

(fireworks continue) It's late, Ralph.

We cannot leave now.

At first light, then.

All I want is to remove you from this place.

Why?

Because it is no good for you!

You are not yourself here.

Every time you visit, you return in a state of abject misery.

It's not Sanditon.

Then what is it?

What are you afraid to tell me, Charlotte?

(door bursts open) Please tell me you know where they've gone.

Who?

We believe Augusta has eloped with Sir Edward Denham.

Edward Denham?

You're the only one she will listen to, Miss Heywood.

Say you will help me find her.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I will see Miss Heywood safely returned.

You don't love Harry.

This has nothing to do with love.

ARTHUR: What about his happiness?

AUGUSTA: You do love me, don't you, Edward?

COLBOURNE: If you've taught me anything, Miss Heywood, it's that a young woman has a right to choose her own destiny.

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