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00:20The anxiety I felt over my mother's sudden illness was quite overwhelming.
00:26Losing one parent had upturned my life.
00:28To lose the other was unthinkable.
00:36Though my mother's presence had always loomed large in my life,
00:40I could not imagine myself without her.
00:46Top of the stairs, Miss Bennet.
01:18You're here!
01:20Well, don't stand in the doorway. You're letting the heat out.
01:23Mother!
01:29You look well, doesn't she?
01:35Are you a physician all of a sudden?
01:37No. I, uh, I'm just, I'm, I'm relieved to see that you're, um, improved.
01:46You look like you haven't slept in days. And whose dress are you wearing?
01:51Uh, my, my own.
01:54Mary! I am so pleased to see you.
01:58Oh, it has been far too long.
02:01Oh, I cannot be expected to stand.
02:05Hello, Mary.
02:06Mary, come here.
02:19I see the London air has taken a terrible toll on your complexion.
02:24Oh, and your hair.
02:26I am sure being back in the country will help.
02:29Looks beyond repair to me.
02:35I had undertaken such a long journey, and yet, here I was.
02:43Back where I started.
02:53From Mother's letter, I, I thought that she was gravely ill. I...
02:58We all did.
03:00Oh, has she actually been ill at all?
03:02She thought it might be influenza or smallpox.
03:05But she has made a miraculous recovery.
03:07Hmm.
03:08Perhaps she rallied the news that I was on my way.
03:10I, for one, am pleased we are all back together.
03:13Yes, I was thinking, perhaps we could, um, play graces or charades after dinner this evening?
03:18Nobody plays graces, Mary.
03:20Oh, on the contrary. It's quite fashionable in London.
03:22How is London, Mary?
03:24Yes. I want to hear all about it.
03:26Mm, yes. Um, London is, um...
03:29Katie.
03:29It's, it's, um...
03:31Katie!
03:31Katie! I cannot reach the preserves.
03:36How are the gardeners?
03:38Are you enjoying being their governess?
03:39I, uh, yes. It's, uh, most rewarding.
03:44Have you made many new acquaintances?
03:45Uh, my sister-in-law, Caroline, is in London for the summer.
03:48Have you crossed paths?
03:51Oh, gosh, there's so many people.
03:54Um, I know she can be a little stiff at first, but I'm sure it'd be interesting company for you.
03:59I have company. There's a plethora of choice, really, for interesting company in London.
04:04Do you mean your books?
04:11That's from Mars Bell.
04:12She wants you, Mary.
04:13I've only just been up there.
04:15I will send a servant to attend to her.
04:20Mrs. Bennet would like Miss Bennet to attend to her.
04:26She probably wants to hear all about London.
04:30Walk the Duchess to the edge of the fountain and no further.
04:34If you feel the wind picking up, you must bring her inside immediately
04:37and give her warm water and chopped meat.
04:40Do not let Cook give her the leftovers, only fresh, chopped beef.
04:45After 30 minutes, you may return her to me,
04:47for she is the only member of this family upon whom I can depend these days.
04:57Oh, and tell Lizzie I wish to be moved to the drawing room.
05:04Do you think you'll be happier convalescing in here, Mama?
05:07Well, you might remember to visit me if I'm here.
05:10Now, where is my bell?
05:14Do not trouble yourselves waiting for me. I'm fine.
05:17Thank it, Mother.
05:20And these pillows will not do.
05:24I'll send for some others.
05:27Maybe some toasted cheese.
05:30I feel terribly weak this morning.
05:34And a book.
05:37Perhaps Mary can choose from me.
05:39I was hoping for something readable.
05:41You're not joining us, Mr. Darcy.
05:43Mary?
05:46Mary?
05:49Oh, God.
05:54Mary?
05:55Mary?
05:55You're a little girl, too.
06:11I'm a little girl.
06:12I ain't so sorry.
06:17Miss Bennett, I have a letter for you.
06:31Mary!
06:37Mary, where on earth have you been all this time?
06:39I was walking the dog.
06:42Mama.
06:43Please.
06:59Who's the letter from, Mary?
07:01From one of my friends in London.
07:04What friend is that, Mary?
07:06Lydia.
07:08What friend is that, Mary?
07:12Her name is Miss Baxter.
07:14Anne Baxter.
07:16I've never heard of Miss Baxter.
07:17Then she surely does not exist.
07:19She most probably does not.
07:21Lydia is being most unkind.
08:04I've never had a letter in the teaching.
08:09Something seems to be troubling you, Mary.
08:13You seem full of concerns every time we mention London.
08:17Do I?
08:19I thought you would be eager to return.
08:25Does Mother's dog in any way remind you of Mother?
08:33Oh, Lizzie, I...
08:34Oh.
08:37I embarrassed myself terribly when I left London.
08:40Caroline Bingley was there.
08:42She was determined to humiliate me.
08:44And I left in such a flurry.
08:47I smashed a bell jar of great sentimental value to its owner,
08:52a new friend, Mr Ryder.
08:55And everyone stared.
08:58Mary.
08:59No one else will have given it a second thought.
09:02It will seem worse to you, I'm sure.
09:04What person has not done something regrettable in their lives?
09:08You.
09:08You, Jane, Kitty, Lydia.
09:12Lydia?
09:14Oh, no.
09:15No, Lydia had the house.
09:17I can assure you, we all have.
09:22Anne wrote to tell me not to worry.
09:25You see?
09:27She's become a dear friend.
09:28She has something of an understanding with another good friend of mine.
09:33Um, Mr. Tom Haywood.
09:37Mr. Haywood is...
09:40He's just the kindest man.
09:44I see.
09:47And have you met any gentlemen that have taken your eye?
09:51Me?
09:51No.
09:52Oh, no.
09:53No.
09:54London, it's actually entirely without any eligible men.
09:58And I think I believe I'm not...
10:01I'm not really the marrying sort.
10:03Nonsense, Mary.
10:13A visitor for Miss Mary Bennet.
10:19Mr. Ryder?
10:21What are you doing here?
10:23Miss Bennet.
10:25I hope you and your family won't consider this a great imposition,
10:28but you left London with such haste.
10:31I was most worried about your mother
10:32and wanted to offer my support in your hour of need.
10:38How do you do, Mr. Ryder?
10:41Mrs. Bennet?
10:43Why, it is a pleasure to see you looking so well.
10:47Oh, I usually look much better than this.
10:51Though my recovery has been quite extraordinary.
10:54Why are you?
10:55I'm glad to hear it.
11:00Miss Bennet, won't you introduce me to your sisters?
11:03Uh, uh, yes.
11:05This is Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy.
11:08This is Mrs. Kitty Boncock.
11:10How do you do?
11:11Mrs. Jane Bingley and Mrs. Lydia Wickham.
11:14Enchanted to meet you all.
11:15How do you know Mary?
11:17Miss Bennet and I met at a soiree in London
11:20and share a similar taste in despicable crime pamphlets.
11:25Oh!
11:28Anyway, I was en route to visit my aunt, Lady Catherine de Burr,
11:32and wanted to pay my respects.
11:34Well, let us not stand upon ceremony.
11:38Elizabeth will arrange for us to take tea in the garden.
11:42Mr. Ryder, do join us.
11:43No, I'm sure Mr. Ryder will have more important matters to attend to.
11:48I have time.
11:51Are you well enough, Mama?
11:53Yes, thank you, Jane.
11:54I am perfectly well enough.
11:57Mary, take Mr. Ryder to the garden.
12:00Uh, Lydia will deal with the dog.
12:02What?
12:03Mr. Ryder, if this is about the...
12:05Come along, Mr. Ryder.
12:10I have always felt that what a lady puts in her garden
12:13is so terribly important.
12:16Yes.
12:17Roses, of course.
12:18Of course.
12:18Your favourite flower?
12:20Well, I must say...
12:21Well, I...
12:30My turn!
12:34I see you forgot to mention Mr. Ryder in your reports from London.
12:39You also forgot to mention how handsome he is.
12:43I mean, I've not really noticed his looks, I'm sure.
12:47He's come an awfully long way to see you.
12:50He's probably just thirsty.
12:52And nearby.
12:54What?
12:56Oh, you must stay with us, Mr. Ryder.
12:59Especially with the weather turning as it may well do.
13:02Do you not agree, Lizzie?
13:03You would be most welcome, Mr. Ryder.
13:05That is very kind.
13:08Come, Miss Bennet.
13:09Show us your skills.
13:14That's...
13:14No.
13:15That's...
13:16That's not what I...
13:20Excellent!
13:21Well done, Mary!
13:23Yes.
13:24Bravo!
13:25Well done, Mary.
13:26Oh, great.
13:27Well done.
13:29I was sorry to see you leave London in such a hurry.
13:35Mr. Ryder, have...
13:38Have you come here to discuss, you know, the...
13:42Yes.
13:44Yes, Miss Bennet.
13:45I believe I have.
13:46I've been wondering whether to write to you on the subject.
13:49Oh, I wouldn't expect you to lead the conversation, Miss Bennet.
13:52Mr. Ryder, are you here to talk about...
13:56I'll correct you.
13:57The bell jar.
13:59The bell jar?
14:00What did you say?
14:02Miss Bennet!
14:03Please, do not trouble yourself over that.
14:06But it was your father's.
14:08I thought you'd be upset.
14:09Not at all.
14:10Please, think no more of it.
14:23It is a pleasure to meet your family.
14:26Yes, my sisters are exceptional.
14:30I know.
14:31As are you, Miss Bennet.
14:34Oh, no.
14:35I am much more...
14:39I find it most refreshing that you do not fawn over potential husbands or have your mind
14:45constantly set on finding a match.
14:49Well, no, no.
14:51I don't really...
14:52I don't give it much thought.
14:54You lack artifice.
14:56Your qualities shine out.
14:58They're not corrupted by the false polish of the world.
15:03She's a...
15:05Observations of a very, very personal nature.
15:07Well, I have a very low opinion of the petty rules to which we submit ourselves in the name
15:12of good manners.
15:14Did you know that?
15:16I have mentioned it once or twice.
15:18I believe, Miss Bennet, that our inability to say what we mean is one of the great curses
15:25of our age.
15:26We hide behind a thousand disguises that we like to call politeness.
15:48Mr. Darcy sends his apologies.
15:50He has a seasonal headache.
15:52Oh.
15:53Hmm.
15:54Mr. Ryder, tell us about yourself.
15:57Mary mentioned you are an avid reader.
15:59Oh, uh, of poetry, perhaps.
16:02I find longer works are usually not for me.
16:06Really?
16:06I think the brevity of poetry is one of its principal attractions.
16:10I agree.
16:11Wholeheartedly.
16:13I only wish I had the fine mind of your sister.
16:16Miss Bennet has such an astute understanding of a wide range of literature.
16:21She does.
16:22She does.
16:24I do not know whether she gets it from me or her father.
16:28From you, mother, I am sure.
16:30Oh.
16:32There are very few people who have the insight of Miss Bennet.
16:35I could talk to you all day.
16:39I must admit, London has been a little grey without you.
16:44Oh, no.
16:46Are you joking?
16:47No, there are many interesting minds in London, all eager for thoughtful conversation.
16:53None as interesting as yours.
17:07Hello?
17:10Mother.
17:13I came to wish you goodnight.
17:32Mr. Ryder would make an excellent match.
17:44I wonder what kind of endowment he has.
17:49I do not know, Mama.
17:51A sizable one, I'm sure.
17:56Goodnight, Mama.
18:02Goodnight, Mary.
18:05Bye.
18:14Bye.
18:15Bye.
18:19Bye.
18:22Bye.
18:54Sorry, don't let me distract you.
18:59What are you reading, Mr Ryder?
19:02A rather fascinating book.
19:07Um...
19:07Uh, Jesus.
19:08Right, it's upside down.
19:09Ah, so it is.
19:13What are you reading, Miss Bennet?
19:14Fordyce's Sermons to Young Women.
19:16Oh, insufferable, rulemaking pedant.
19:19Would you like me to put it in the fire for you?
19:22It's not quite how I remember it, I'll admit.
19:39What are they talking about?
19:44Barry sounds serious.
19:46She is boring him, I know it.
19:49I think you should read Mrs Macaulay.
19:51She will help you to better understand the world.
19:54I am no good at all at wasting my energy on anything that does not either move or please me.
20:01I think that is a shame, sir.
20:09You know, my father was a scholar.
20:12He devoted all his time to studying insects.
20:15Winged beetles, mostly.
20:17Of course, yes.
20:18The...
20:19Beetle in the jar.
20:21It's fascinating stuff, really.
20:23Well, I'm not so sure, but it occupied his every waking hour.
20:30He rarely emerged from his study.
20:34We hardly ever saw him.
20:38When I was 15 years old,
20:44he...
20:46died quite suddenly.
20:49Oh, I'm sorry.
20:52I'm sorry.
20:54A few days after his death,
20:56I sat in his dark study and...
21:01I thought about all the hours he'd spent in there.
21:05Away from his family.
21:07Away from life.
21:09And for what?
21:10For your father must have derived
21:12a great deal of pleasure from his work.
21:15Perhaps.
21:16But I think I learned more about the point of human existence in that moment
21:20than my father learned in a lifetime of study.
21:25From then on,
21:26I devoted myself
21:28to the pursuit of joy.
21:32Tell me, Miss Bennett.
21:35What makes you happy?
21:40Sorry, um,
21:41nobody ever asked me
21:43such a question.
21:44Then you must consider it now.
21:47Uh,
21:48well, um,
21:51reading.
21:52Reading.
21:53Learning.
21:54Teaching.
21:56And
21:59what of
22:01friendship?
22:04Of love?
22:07Well, uh,
22:09yes.
22:09Of course, no, of course, that.
22:12Life is short,
22:14Miss Bennett.
22:16Everything turns to dust
22:18in the end.
22:22We might as well experience
22:23some joy
22:24before that happens.
22:32Let's go riding.
22:36Yes.
22:37Let's.
22:44Ladies.
22:47What a waste.
22:50Well?
22:51Well, what?
22:51Are you going out walking again, Mary?
22:53No, Mr. Ryder and I are going riding.
22:55On a horse?
22:55Yes, that's generally the idea.
22:57But you hate horses.
22:58Mary,
22:59what are his intentions?
23:01To ride a horse,
23:02I think.
23:14Oh,
23:15no.
23:18Oh,
23:21dear.
23:22Oh, dear.
23:26You're quite all right, Miss Bennett.
23:27I'm perfectly fine.
23:29Yes.
23:31No.
23:32Oh,
23:33there we go.
23:34There we go.
23:36Now,
23:36I've been thinking
23:37about your argument
23:40that, uh,
23:41that we should say
23:42more honestly
23:43what we think and feel.
23:44Oh,
23:44excellent.
23:45I knew you'd agree.
23:47Oh,
23:48I don't know that I do.
23:50I mean,
23:51surely,
23:51even you must admit,
23:52there may be occasions
23:53when,
23:54well,
23:54for all manner of reasons,
23:56some things are best left unsaid.
23:57I cannot concur.
23:59I intend to live my life
24:01by bolder principles.
24:02In fact,
24:03that is why I came here,
24:05to put that belief into practice.
24:07Oh,
24:08really?
24:09Yes.
24:09I came here
24:10to commit the great impropriety
24:12of telling you honestly
24:13what I think of you.
24:15Huh.
24:17Mr. Ryder,
24:17I can assure you
24:18there's no need.
24:19I attempted to scribble
24:20a few lines,
24:21but then I thought of
24:23some verses
24:23of Mr. Wordsworth
24:24that captured
24:26your spirit perfectly.
24:29May I be allowed
24:30to recite them to you?
24:34Of course,
24:35Mr. Ryder.
24:35Please.
24:40She dwelt
24:41among...
24:41Excuse me.
24:44No.
24:47Please,
24:48take your time.
24:55She dwelt
24:56among the untrodden ways,
24:59beside the springs of Dove.
25:01A maid
25:02whom there were none to praise,
25:04and very few to love.
25:08A violet
25:09by a mossy stone,
25:10half hidden from the eye.
25:14Fair as a star
25:15when only one
25:17is shining in the sky.
25:25I think you see me
25:26as a lonely figure.
25:29I was brought up
25:30in Hertfordshire, sir.
25:31So the road to London
25:32was barely five miles away.
25:34It is possible
25:35to feel oneself alone,
25:36even in such
25:37close proximity to town?
25:38Yes, but
25:39in my village,
25:40it was quite untrue
25:41to say
25:42that there were none
25:43to praise
25:43and very few to love.
25:45There were scores
25:46of people
25:47very eager
25:48to praise my sisters.
25:49Perhaps living
25:50with your family
25:50in Meryton
25:52kept you
25:54half hidden
25:55from the eye.
25:57But now you've
25:58broken out
25:58on your own.
26:00You can be seen
26:01at last
26:01as you deserve.
26:03Fair as a star
26:04when only one
26:06is shining in the sky.
26:13Oh!
26:18You are an actual,
26:19Miss Bennet.
26:20Oh, I'm not.
26:21I know.
26:26Our conversation
26:27has made me
26:27very happy,
26:28Miss Bennet.
26:33Me too,
26:34Mr. Ryder.
26:50Walk on!
26:51Oh!
26:54Oh!
26:54Oh!
26:56Oh!
26:56Oh!
26:59Mary,
27:00there you are.
27:00Whatever's the matter?
27:01What happened
27:02on the ride?
27:04We rode horses?
27:06Hmm.
27:07And mine
27:08was most unruly
27:09and it had a taste
27:10for brambles
27:10as if it had a mine
27:11of its own,
27:12really,
27:12and my saddle
27:12was not at all
27:13comfortable.
27:14Yeah, Mary.
27:14That's not a slight
27:15on the quality of it,
27:15but it's merely
27:16the design.
27:16Mary!
27:20It appears
27:21Mr. Ryder
27:22does have some sort
27:23of affection for you
27:24and I believe
27:25he is about
27:27to propose.
27:31Mother,
27:32I'm not
27:32completely sure
27:33that you were right
27:34and I really
27:35would hate
27:35to cause you
27:36any further
27:36disappointment.
27:37This is an
27:38opportunity
27:38that cannot
27:39be overlooked.
27:40He's a very
27:41eligible gentleman.
27:44You will say
27:45yes,
27:46won't you?
27:50There you are!
27:51What happened?
27:51What did he say?
27:52Did he ask you?
27:53He's not going
27:53to ask her.
27:54Yes, he is.
28:01Miss Merritt!
28:05Are you
28:07quite all right?
28:08Oh, it's
28:08nothing.
28:10Nothing at all.
28:12May I speak
28:13with you in private?
28:15I have something
28:15very important
28:16I want to discuss
28:17with you.
28:36Mother had told
28:37me to prepare
28:38myself
28:40but nothing
28:42could prepare
28:43me
28:43for what
28:45happened
28:45next.
28:51You can watch
28:52the next episode
28:53on iPlayer.
28:54Just press
28:54red now.
28:55Step into the
28:56world of pride
28:57and prejudice
28:58in Jane Austen
28:59stories narrated
29:00by Julie Andrews
29:02on Sounds Now.
29:03Next,
29:04your eyes may
29:05deceive you.
29:06Everybody's a suspect
29:07as the capture
29:08continues in just a moment.
29:13I'll see you next time.
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