00:20the anxiety i felt over my mother's sudden illness was quite overwhelming losing one parent had
00:27turned my life to lose the other was unthinkable though my mother's presence had always loomed
00:38large in my life i could not imagine myself without her top of the stairs miss bennett
01:18you're here well don't stand in the doorway you're letting the heat out
01:22mother
01:29you look
01:33well doesn't she are you a physician all of a sudden no i uh i'm just i'm i'm relieved
01:42to see that you're um improved you look like you haven't slept in days and whose dress are you wearing
01:51uh my my own mary i am so pleased to see you
01:58oh it has been far too long oh i cannot be expected to stand
02:05hello mary come here
02:19i see the london air has taken a terrible toll on your complexion
02:24and your hair i am sure being back in the country will help looks beyond repair to me
02:36i had undertaken such a long journey and yet here i was back where i started
02:53from mother's letter i i thought that she was gravely ill i we all did
02:59oh has she actually been ill at all she thought it might be influenza or smallpox
03:05but she has made a miraculous recovery perhaps she rallied at the news that i was on my way
03:10i for one am pleased we are all back together
03:12yes i was thinking perhaps we could um play graces or charades after dinner this evening
03:18nobody plays graces mary
03:19oh on the contrary it's quite fashionable in london how is london mary yes i want to hear all about
03:25it
03:26yes um london is um kitty it's it's um kitty i cannot reach the preserves
03:36how are the gardeners are you enjoying being their governess
03:39i uh yes it's uh most rewarding have 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
03:53um i know she can be a little stiff at first but
03:57i'm sure it'd be interesting company for you
03:59i have company
04:01there's a plethora of choice really for interesting company in london
04:04do you mean your books
04:11that's from our bell
04:12she wants you mary
04:13i've only just been up there
04:14i will send a servant to attend to her
04:20mrs bennett would like miss bennett 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
04:33if you feel the wind picking up you must bring her inside immediately and give her warm water and
04:38chopped meat
04:39do not let cook give her the leftovers
04:42only fresh chopped beef
04:44after 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
05:06well you might remember to visit me if i'm here
05:10now where is my bell
05:13do not trouble yourselves waiting for me i'm fine
05:17thank it mother
05:20and these pillows will not do
05:23you uh... us and us mothers
05:27maybe... some toasted cheese
05:30i don't know... terribly weak this morning
05:33i don't know yet
05:35and a book
05:36you'll perhaps worry that you won't move
05:39i was hoping for something readable
05:41not joining us mr darcy
05:43mary
05:47me
05:49Oh, no.
06:17Miss Bennett?
06:19A letter for you.
06:31Mary!
06:36Mary, where on earth have you been all this time?
06:40I was walking the dog, Mama.
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. Anne Baxter.
07:15I'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.
07:49Miss Baxter The Mautre
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, oh.
08:36I 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, a new friend, Mr Ryder.
08:55And everyone stared at us.
08:58Mary.
08:59No one else will have given it a second thought.
09:02It will seem worse to you, I'm sure.
09:05What person has not done something regrettable in their lives?
09:08You?
09:09You, Jane, Kitty, Lydia.
09:12Lydia?
09:14Oh, no.
09:15No, Lydia has.
09:17I can assure you, we all have.
09:22Anne wrote to tell me not to worry.
09:25You see?
09:26She's become a dear friend.
09:28She has something of an understanding with another good friend of mine, Mr Tom Haywood.
09:37Mr Haywood is, he's, he's just the kind, 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 is, it's actually entirely without any eligible men.
09:58And I think I have to believe I'm not, I'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.
10:24I hope you and your family won't consider this a great imposition, but you left London with such haste.
10:31Miss, I was most worried about your mother and 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.
10:48I usually look much better than this, though my recovery has been quite extraordinary.
10:54I am, I'm glad to hear it.
11:00Miss Bennet, won't you introduce me to your sisters?
11:03Uh, uh, um, yes.
11:05Uh, this is Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy.
11:08Um, this is, this is Kitty Boncock.
11:10How do you do?
11:11Mrs. Jane Bingley and Mrs. Lydia Wickham.
11:13I'm enchanted to meet you all.
11:15How do you know Mary?
11:17Miss Bennet and I met at a soiree in London and share a similar taste in despicable crime pamphlets.
11:25Oh!
11:28Anyway, I was en route to visit my aunt, Lady Catherine de Burr, and 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.
11:41Uh, Mr Ryder, do join us.
11:43No, I'm, 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.
11:56Uh, Mary, take Mr Ryder to the garden.
12:00Uh, Lydia will deal with the dog.
12:02What?
12:03Mr Ryder, if this is about the real jar, I must.
12:10I have always felt that what a lady puts in her garden is so terribly important.
12:16Yes.
12:17Roses, of course.
12:18Of course.
12:18Your favourite flower?
12:20Well, I must say, I think we're all right.
12:22Yes, it's a good point.
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.
12:47Oh, he's come an awfully long way to see you.
12:50He's probably just thirsty.
12:52And nearby.
12:53Mary.
12:54What?
12:56Oh, you must stay with us, Mr Ryder.
12:59Oh, you must stay with us, Mr Ryder.
13:00Especially with the weather turning as it may well do.
13:02Do you not agree, Lizzie?
13:03You would be most welcome, Mr Ryder.
13:05Oh, that is very kind.
13:08Come, Miss Bennet.
13:09Show us your skills.
13:11You must stay with us, Mr Ryder.
13:11You must stay with us, Mr Ryder.
13:13You must stay with us, Mr Ryder.
13:13Oh, you must stay with us, Mr Ryder.
13:16That's not what I'm saying.
13:19Excellent!
13:21Well done, Mary!
13:23Yes!
13:24Bravo!
13:25Well done, Mary.
13:26I agree.
13:26Well done.
13:29I was sorry to see you leave London in such a hurry.
13:35Mr Ryder, have 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.
13:48Oh, 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.
13:59The 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. I thought you'd be upset.
14:09Not at all. Please, think no more of it.
14:23It is a pleasure to meet your family.
14:26Yes, my sisters are exceptional, I know.
14:31As are you, Miss Bennet.
14:34Oh, no, I am much more...
14:38I find it most refreshing that you do not fawn over potential husbands,
14:43or have your mind constantly set on finding a match.
14:49Well, no, no, I don't really...
14:53I don't give it much thought.
14:55You lack artifice.
14:56Your qualities shine out.
14:58They're not corrupted by the false polish of the world.
15:03Gosh, these observations are very, very personal nature.
15:08Well, I have a very low opinion of the petty rules to which we submit ourselves
15:12in the name of good manners.
15:14Did you know that?
15:15I think you may have mentioned it once or twice.
15:18I believe, Miss Bennet, that our inability to say what we mean
15:23is one of the great curses of our age.
15:26We hide behind a thousand disguises that we like to call politeness.
15:31Hmm.
15:48Mr. Darcy sends his apologies. He has a seasonal headache.
15:52Oh. Hmm.
15:53Mr. Ryder, tell us about yourself.
15:57Mary mentioned you are an avid reader.
15:59Oh, er, of poetry perhaps.
16:02I find longer works are usually not for me.
16:05Really?
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. She 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.
16:46Are you joking?
16:47No, there are many interesting minds in London, all eager for thoughtful conversation.
16:53None as interesting as yours.
17:08Hello?
17:11Mother.
17:13I came to wish you good night.
17:19Here.
17:32Mr. Ryder would make an excellent match.
17:43I wonder what kind of endowment he has.
17:49I do not know.
17:50Mama.
17:51A sizeable one, I am sure.
17:56Good night, Mama.
18:02Good night, Mary.
18:20tells her.
18:48Talking about her hardly privilege.
18:49Talking about your sister.
18:50He understands.
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.
19:12What are you reading, Miss Bennett?
19:14Fordyce's Sermons to Young Women.
19:16Oh, it's sufferable, rulemaking pedant.
19:18Would 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?
19:45Barry sounds serious.
19:47She 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 beetle in the jar.
20:21It's fascinating stuff, really.
20:25Well, 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,
20:45he died quite suddenly.
20:49Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
20:54A few days after his death, I sat in his dark study and I thought about all the hours he'd
21:03spent in there.
21:05Away from his family, away from life, and for what?
21:10But your father must have derived a 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 than my father learned in
21:22a lifetime of study.
21:25From then on, I devoted myself to the pursuit of joy.
21:31Tell me, Miss Bennett.
21:35What makes you happy?
21:40Sorry, um, nobody ever asked me such a question.
21:44Then you must consider it now.
21:47Uh, well, um, reading, reading, learning, teaching.
21:58And what of friendship?
22:04Of love.
22:08Uh, yes.
22:09Of course, no, of course, that.
22:12Life is short, Miss Bennett.
22:16Everything turns to dust in the end.
22:22We might as well experience some joy before that happens.
22:31Let'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.
22:54On a horse?
22:55Yes, that's generally the idea.
22:57But you hate horses.
22:58Mary?
22:59What are his intentions?
23:00To ride a horse, I think.
23:14Oh, no.
23:21Oh, dear.
23:21Oh, dear.
23:25Um.
23:26You're quite all right, Miss Bennett.
23:27I'm perfectly fine.
23:29Yes.
23:31No.
23:31What are you looking for?
23:32Oh, there we go.
23:34There we go.
23:36Now, I've been thinking about your argument.
23:39That, uh, that we should say more honestly what we think and feel.
23:44Oh, excellent.
23:45I knew you'd agree.
23:47Oh, I don't know that I do.
23:50I mean, surely even you must admit there may be occasions when, well, for all manner of reasons,
23:56some things are best left unsaid.
23:57I cannot concur.
23:59I intend to live my life by bolder principles.
24:02In fact, that is why I came here.
24:05To put that belief into practice.
24:07Oh, really?
24:09Yes.
24:09I came here to commit the great impropriety of telling you honestly what I think of you.
24:16Mr. Ryder, I can assure you there's no need.
24:19I attempted to scribble a few lines, but then I thought of some verses of Mr. Wordsworth
24:24that captured your spirit perfectly.
24:29May I be allowed to recite them to you?
24:34Of course, Mr. Ryder.
24:35Please.
24:40She dwelt among...
24:42Excuse me.
24:45No.
24:47Please, take your time.
24:55She dwelt among the untrodden ways, beside the springs of Dove.
25:01A maid whom there were none to praise and very few to love.
25:07A violet by a mossy stone, half hidden from the eye.
25:14Fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky.
25:25I think you see me as a lonely figure.
25:29I was brought up in Hertfordshire, sir.
25:31So the road to London was barely five miles away.
25:34It is possible to feel oneself alone, even in such close proximity to town?
25:38Yes, but in my village, it was quite untrue to say that there were none to praise and very few
25:44to love.
25:45There were scores of people very eager to praise my sisters.
25:49Perhaps living with your family in Meryton kept you half hidden from the eye.
25:57But now you've broken out on your own.
26:00You can be seen at last as you deserve.
26:03Fair as a star when only one is shining in the sky.
26:13Oh!
26:18You are an actual miscellaneous.
26:19Oh, I'm not.
26:21I know.
26:26Our conversation has made me very happy, Miss Bennet.
26:33Me too, Mr. Ryder.
26:50Walk on!
26:59Mary, there you are.
27:00What is the matter?
27:01What happened on the ride?
27:04We rode horses.
27:06Hmm.
27:07And mine was most unruly.
27:09And it had a taste for brambles, as if it had a mine of its own.
27:11Really, and my saddle was not at all comfortable.
27:14Yeah, Mary.
27:14That's not a slight on the quality of it.
27:15Mary.
27:15It's merely the design.
27:16Mary!
27:17Mary!
27:20It appears Mr. Ryder does have some sort of affection for you, and I believe he is about
27:27to propose.
27:30Mother, I'm not completely sure that you are right.
27:34And I really would hate to cause you any further disappointment.
27:37This is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked.
27:40He's a very eligible gentleman.
27:44You will say yes, won't you?
27:50There you are.
27:50What happened?
27:51What did he say?
27:52Did he ask you?
27:52He's not going to ask her.
27:54There's you.
27:54No.
27:56I...
28:01Miss Bennet!
28:05Are you quite all right?
28:08Oh, it's...
28:08It's nothing.
28:09Nothing at all.
28:12May I speak with you in private?
28:15I have something very important I want to discuss with you.
28:36Mother had told me to prepare myself, but nothing could prepare me for what happened next.
28:51You can watch the next episode on iPlayer.
28:54Just press red now.
28:55Step into the world of pride and prejudice in Jane Austen's stories, narrated by Julie Andrews on Sounds Now.
29:03Alex, your eyes may deceive you.
29:06Everybody's a suspect as the capture continues in just a moment.
29:09The word of pride and prejudice in Jane Austen's story, the shadow of a child, the hope of a child.
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