00:00A
00:15passionate
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:15joy
00:38It is a sad fact of life that if a young woman is unlucky enough to come into the world
00:43without
00:43expectations, she had better do all she can to ensure that she is beautiful.
00:52To be poor and handsome is misfortune enough, but to be penniless and plain is a hard fate
01:01indeed. Or so my mother taught us. Mr. Bennet, have you heard Netherfield Park is lit at last?
01:11I have not.
01:17Do you want to know who has taken it?
01:20You want to tell me and I have no objection to hearing it.
01:23I would like to know. It has been lent to a Mr. Bingley, a single man of large fortune, four
01:33or five thousand a year.
01:37I heard someone came down on Monday in a chaise and four.
01:41From whom did you hear this?
01:43Girls, you must prepare yourselves.
01:47Mrs. Long told me he is from the north of England. He saw Netherfield Park, fell in love with it
01:52and snapped it up straight away.
01:54In order to understand my mother's enthusiasm for this stranger's arrival, we must start at the beginning.
02:03With cake. In Meriton, England.
02:12Where a wealthy boy met beautiful girl. Father, meet mother.
02:19Sadly, the happiness of this union was to be undone by an archaic entail that meant only a male heir
02:25could inherit my father's estate.
02:27And what followed was girls, after girls, after girls, after girls, after girls, after girls.
02:39That's his fortune and her beauty were worthless.
02:44Mother spent her days trying to involve father in how to overcome their dire situation.
02:49But father hid in his newspaper, indifferent to the cause.
02:53Why should he engage? When the time comes...
02:55I'll be dead anyway.
02:59Our mother, not known for giving up easily, found a chink of light.
03:04A saving grace.
03:06Each of her children possessed a certain je ne sais quoi.
03:09Be it Jane's beauty, Lizzie's wit, Kitty's good humour, or Lydia's spirit.
03:23If she could secure advantageous marriages for each of us girls, it would be enough to save us all from
03:29destitution.
03:32Although I had not found my own best quality, I was quite sure that I would.
03:40My fault, Mary.
03:42Until the day my mother's true opinion of me was confirmed.
03:45Mary has an awfully ruddy complexion.
03:49She does not have the complexion of her sisters, that is true.
03:52And she is clumsy. Ungamely. Maladroite, as they say.
03:59Four good marriages will have to do.
04:02I only hope she does not ruin her sister's chances.
04:14She is so happy.
04:18She is so happy!
04:32She is so happy.
04:44if you're not the beautiful one the quick-witted one or the ones that are good at games and full
04:51of youthful energy then who are you and what can you do if you're the odd one out
05:00is it possible you'll ever find a way to fit in
05:07worse i think
05:21worse still do not fret miss bennett
05:37have we found it i think we have mr sparrow oh thank goodness for that
05:51you see the lenses here correct your vision by bending light rays
05:55well i never
06:12you really do look very well in your spectacles
06:16especially when you smile
06:21ah i do not think my mother will agree but i have a great passion for reading and i i
06:27would have been
06:27sad to stop
06:30i hope they will help you better enjoy the upcoming merriton assembly an assembly yes in a month
06:37i heard this morning
06:39my sisters will be pleased
06:43perhaps i shall see you there
06:51miss mary you ought to get on of course he'll
06:54i'll settle affairs here thank you thank you thank you and thank you mr sparrow
07:07i have news
07:11there's going to be an assembly in merriton in a month we know oh i'm going to be the one
07:15to tell mama
07:17this will mark my first assembly my first venture into society so it will
07:28how would i secure a partner for dancing i've i've always wondered oh mary i'm sure your clever mind
07:34can work out something as simple as dance partners do not fret do not not fretting
08:05i'm going to fill my card for dances
08:08jane do you think i shall be allowed to dance
08:09mary move do you hope you're not going to stand this close at the assembly
08:14oh we should have taken the long route
08:16oh these are my good boots
08:19oh i'm all for you for wearing them
08:23damn
08:28do you think russet would be too harsh for my complexion
08:31i don't see why it should
08:33would match my eyes i suppose
08:35your eyes are green
08:38you are so inattentive
08:44mr thompson told me himself i was the first to know that the ball is confirmed
08:48we were the first i was the first he was stood a little behind me
08:51it is wonderful what will i wear
08:54are kitty and lydia allowed to attend the ball father
08:56why would we not be i was the one that found out about it
08:59am i allowed
09:01jane lizzie you'll of course go and mary father i shall die if i do not go i'll probably die
09:08too
09:08very much does that mr bennett kitty and lydia will also need to find husbands
09:14after jane and lizzie of course
09:19i don't see what the fuss is all about those horrible sweaty affairs
09:23mary you will attend
09:28oh oh well of course mother if you wish lady lucas and i will need someone to fetch us our
09:35drinks
09:35as long as i am not expected to attend
09:37mr bennett i told you i will not attend another of those insufferable muddy little dancers
09:43i wonder if mr bingley will be going to the meritan assembly
09:47oh he must be
09:48who would admit it
09:50me apparently
09:52you shall all go to the ball
09:53as long as i am obliged to hear no more about it
09:58i shall never be rid of you otherwise
10:01perhaps i shall dance with bingley too
10:03and me
10:03this excitement over a man you've never set eyes on
10:05is quite ridiculous
10:06oh mary we're only indulging ourselves
10:15mary is wearing spectacles
10:18what on earth
10:20very good
10:21i hope you find them most useful mary
10:23i do father
10:24thank you
10:25mr bennett
10:26did you know about this
10:27we discussed this at length
10:29mary was to visit the optician
10:31yes
10:32but i did not know that you would actually need to wear glasses
10:36you seem to forget my dear
10:37that i wear spectacles myself
10:40but she
10:41is a woman
10:42nevertheless
10:43she ought to be able to see
10:45i think they look very well
10:50potatoes mary
10:54in case she couldn't see them
10:57i think you're very brave to be prepared to look so ugly
11:00lydia
11:00but papa who is going to dance with mary with those things on her face
11:03pleased to be able to read
11:07oh i do hope you are to meet him
11:09surely we must
11:11spectacles indeed
11:13i wonder who is that
11:19mama
11:20kittie and i will meet the addresses before
11:25when you make days for a while
11:49they're just kind of
11:50now
11:50you
12:10Maybe I could help you pick out a dress
12:13for the Meriton Assembly, Miss Mary
12:15Oh, hell
12:18What am I to do at a dance?
12:21Dance?
12:23Oh, what if no one wants to dance with me?
12:28Then you'll eat lots of ices
12:31Such fripperies are not for me
12:33I wonder, Miss Mary, if you don't see yourself clearly
12:36If you're saying I don't bear comparison to my sisters, I've known that for years
12:40A daffodil might look plain next to a lily
12:43but on its own there is much to be admired
12:46Now I am tall and yellow
12:48Miss Mary, I wonder if you wouldn't be a little happier if you went out in the world
12:56and saw yourself how other people see you
12:59outside of your family
13:04Well, that's decided
13:06I am picking you out a new dress for the Assembly
13:11And I will not hear another word on the subject
13:25Hang on! I've lost my ribbon!
13:31Madam!
13:32Madam!
13:33Madam!
13:38Madam, please remain still if you can
13:47Does the gold make me look like?
13:53A little
13:56Kitty!
13:56What is it?
13:58Those are my books, Lydia
13:59I cannot reach my jewelry box
14:01I need something to stand on
14:02This is important, Mary
14:04You need to start getting ready, Miss Mary
14:15Jane is first
14:16That's not fair, I'm always last
14:19Mary can go last
14:21Do you think I'll be able to dance on it?
14:26Does it still hurt?
14:28Yes
14:28It was two weeks ago
14:29I know
14:31Should we eat beforehand?
14:34Perhaps a very small meal
14:35And don't drink too much
14:36But what if I'm thirsty?
14:38Lydia, I don't suppose you want to relieve yourself behind a screen in front of everyone
14:42Listen
14:47So let's speak
14:50Peter
14:50Hilfe
14:50It's good
15:04Weird
15:04Easy
15:05For handing mauma
15:05Maybe
15:05Mr
15:05Mr
15:07To
15:12You
15:13You
15:19Is it too fine for me, do you think?
15:21You look very handsome in it.
15:35Katie, we have taken a party.
15:38We have, we have.
15:39Miss Lillian, you have plenty of party.
15:41We have a cent.
15:43Let me go.
16:55I like your dress, Mary.
16:58Oh, Charlotte.
17:01What's on route?
17:02I swear, the crowd gets bigger every season.
17:04You should limit entry to those young ladies.
17:06Fortunate enough, we'll secure the parties.
17:09I thought the very same thing.
17:36I think this is my daughter.
17:45Mr. Bingley, welcome.
17:48These are my sisters, Louisa, and this is Caroline.
17:51This is Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy.
17:54And if I may present, Mrs. Bennet.
18:00Mrs. Jane Bennet, Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet, Kitty and Lydia.
18:11Oh, and this is Mrs. Mary Bennet.
18:17The most accomplished girl in the whole neighborhood.
18:21That is a great achievement, to be sure.
18:24Study clearly trumps all other considerations in your mind.
18:28What an example to us all.
18:38If I could be silver, I would have to ask you if I start.
18:40Oh, God, I did.
18:54Oh, God, I did.
19:21you will not believe the insufferable company that mr bingley keeps what has happened
19:28i overheard quite accidentally mr bingley talking to that conceited gentleman lent against the wall there
19:35a mr darcy who said of me she is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me
20:00excuse me miss bennett i do not mean to intrude but it is very bad for your eyes to screw
20:06them up in
20:07such a fashion perhaps i may be permitted to help you find what you're looking for i was looking for
20:15uh my tickets
20:22i'm quite exhausted from all the dancing i just chose to sit this one out
20:28that is a shame i was going to ask if you do me the honor of standing up with me
20:34for the next dance
20:35actually i'm now feeling much rested and i would be delighted well then i thank you
20:46shall we remain here until the next second
20:49that's exactly what i thought
21:00how are your spectators very well yes um i'm able to study for hours without dissing
21:05i am delighted to hear that
21:15perhaps you could recommend a book to me
21:17what do you read with such enjoyment
21:22well mrs catherine mcauley has written a wonderful account of british history it's a fascinating read
21:27i will seek it out
21:28are you a scholar sir
21:31i like to read but science rather than history
21:34i have a plan to study medicine in london
21:36barts or maybe morpheus
21:40what a noble ambition
21:42but it is not a thing widely known
21:43i have not mentioned it to anyone before you
21:48i should speak of it to no one
21:58thank you
22:00thank you
22:00thank you
23:01I regretting visiting the supper table so early.
23:04I should have had less oyster patties.
23:08It's fewer.
23:10It's fewer oyster patties.
23:15Here we go!
23:34Here we go!
23:38Here we go!
23:40Here we go!
23:44Here we go!
23:55Here we go!
24:17It looks as though you are enjoying yourself, Mary.
24:22Your partner is the young John Sparrow, isn't he?
24:26Yes, the optician's son.
24:29And you have danced with him twice.
24:33Mary, you are very young.
24:36And perhaps do not fully appreciate how things are understood.
24:41If you are to dance with him again, it will be remarked upon.
24:44Two dances in succession suggest a liking.
24:46Three might imply something more.
24:52I'm very happy dancing with him.
25:07I see that you have stood up twice with the Sparrow boy.
25:11Yes, Mama.
25:14You will not dance with him again.
25:20But, Mother, he's been most attentive.
25:23He's quite a gentleman.
25:25Mary, his father owns a shop.
25:29Yes?
25:30With a bell.
25:35Mother, I have danced with him twice.
25:37I have no wish to marry him.
25:40You may not object to lowering yourself,
25:42but I will not have you ruin your sister's chances of a match.
26:08Would you care to dance again, Miss Bennet,
26:11once we have finished our ices?
26:14Mrs. Sparrow, I am afraid that I shall...
26:19I shall not be able to stand up with you again this evening.
26:22Oh.
26:24But I thought...
26:26I thought...
26:29I hope I have not offended you.
26:30No, no, no.
26:31Not at all, sir.
26:32I've...
26:32Oh, I've...
26:34I've very much enjoyed dancing with you.
26:37It's, um...
26:40That is to say, that, um...
26:44My mother is concerned.
26:46Concerned?
26:47Uh, um, for my sisters and I.
26:50Um, it's important that we make an, uh, appropriate social, um...
26:56One might say, uh, financially, um...
27:00Well, a suitable match.
27:03Miss Bennet, there is no need for an explanation.
27:05I shall not pursue the matter.
27:07I've enjoyed...
27:08I've enjoyed my time with, um...
27:10Good evening to you.
27:14I'm sorry.
27:15I'm sorry.
27:46I'm sorry.
27:47James. James stood up with him twice.
27:51I had little time for his friend.
27:54Please do not hold that against Mr. Bingley.
27:56I'm still going to go against you.
27:57Yes.
27:58I danced with tea soldiers.
28:00They're not very good with faces, so I'm not sure how many times I stood up with anyone.
28:04Ew!
28:05As my mother and sisters happily dissected every moment of the ball,
28:09I felt a terrible sense of shame.
28:12I had caused hurt to a man whose only crime was being kind to me.
28:20Who was I?
28:22A coward who lacked the courage to follow her own inclinations?
28:27It was time to find my own way.
28:30To look for a new version of myself.
28:33As a serious-minded woman.
28:37From now on, knowledge and reason would be my guide.
28:42No more ribbons, ball gowns or dance cards.
28:46The old Mary would be no more.
28:48I would transform into the intellectual one.
28:52That was how I would stand out.
28:54As the other Bennet sister.
28:57Wow.
29:02Not long to wait.
29:04More of Mary's story on BBC One in just a moment.
29:08While on iPlayer, sisterhood through Irish eyes.
29:11Fearless, fraught and affectionate family life with the Walsh sisters.
29:15In to a moment.
29:26Thank you very much for your compassion.
29:27In the moment.
29:27Theinski and twins and twins.
29:28There's no surprise to be seen.
29:28No one of them.
29:28If you're the only one of them.
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