Episode 5

♪ ♪ CHARLES: Your father sold your mother to another plantation owner.

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

Why will you not listen to me?

You're a wonderful wife, but you're not a businessman.

GEORGIANA: The Duke did me the honor of asking for my hand in marriage.

Why did it have to be him?

RALPH: You're not yourself here.

It's not Sanditon.

SAMUEL: Augusta has eloped with Sir Edward Denham.

So you'll help me find her.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ RALPH: Miss Markham is far from alone.

She has her uncle, his brother.

Our parents are expecting us.

What's one more day when Augusta's future's at stake?

This is the last thing I'll ask.

Then I'll come back to you.

I promise.

MRS. WHEATLEY: Good evening, gentlemen.

(door closes) I hope you had a pleasant...

But where is Miss Markham?

COLBOURNE: We hoped she might have returned before us.

Even just to collect her belongings.

(floor creaks) Leo.

Why are you still awake at this hour?

LEONORA: I couldn't sleep.

Why is Augusta not with you?

SAMUEL: Leo?

Is there anything you wish to tell us?

COLBOURNE: Leonora?

I promised.

(softly): Please, Leo.

You won't be punished.

Come, now.

You would not keep a secret from me.

This afternoon, I helped her meet with him.

I'm sorry.

I just wanted Augusta to be happy again.

COLBOURNE: Go on.

She said she wanted to escape.

She talked of a place called Falmouth.

♪ ♪ Well done, Leo.

Let's hope to God we find her before she is ruined.

(door creaking) ♪ ♪ (door closes) I will see Miss Heywood safely returned.

Godspeed to you both.

(carriage door shuts) ♪ ♪ (wildlife chittering) Good morning, Louisa!

And how is my betrothed this morning?

Oh, perfectly dreadful.

I might have known.

You've changed your mind in the cold light of day.

Oh, no, no, no, it's nothing to do with that.

It's my wretched nephew.

He's run off, with that Markham girl.

Dear me.

Well, I assume that the uncle is trying to recover her.

Yes, he's on his way to Falmouth even now, but I have little hope that he will catch them.

Oh, it's all unspeakably sordid.

She will be ruined!

Along with our family name.

Well, not necessarily.

(sighs) If we can keep the whole affair a secret, we could force him to marry her before word gets out, then no one will know.

Besides, you won't be a Denham for much longer, and then you won't have to worry about the family name.

Hm, I suppose that's some consolation.

One of the many benefits you will receive by marrying Mr. Pryce.

(chuckles) What are the other benefits?

You'll find out next week.

Next week?

We've waited long enough, have we not?

And neither of us has time to waste.

Hm, just so long as you turn up this time.

My dear Louisa, nothing in God's earth would stop me.

(gulls crying) GEORGIANA: Arthur, have you come to congratulate me after all?

I've come in the hope that in the cold light of day, you might reconsider this rash, impulsive decision.

It is neither rash nor impulsive.

You don't love Harry, any more than he loves you.

This has nothing to do with love.

Look.

Each day, the post brings yet more claims on my fortune and marriage proposals from strangers.

Once I'm a duchess, all the voices will be silenced.

All this will cease.

And what about your happiness?

♪ ♪ What about his happiness?

I've no wish to hurt you.

But if you cannot marry him, why should I not?

(door opens) LADY MONTROSE: And how is my daughter-in-law-to-be this morning?

Your Grace.

Lady Lydia.

LADY MONTROSE: Oh, Mr. Parker.

I'm afraid we're going to have to steal Miss Lambe from you.

We have a wedding to organize.

♪ ♪ (people talking and calling in background) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (exhales) (birds chirping) We've been traveling all night.

Perhaps you should try and sleep.

How can I?

My mind is racing with thoughts of how I might have stopped this.

What good will that do?

The die was cast the moment Denham declared his interest in her.

Or rather, her inheritance.

I tried to warn Augusta, but she was too stubborn to listen.

Augusta's not a child.

She knows her own mind.

She's too young to know her own mind.

Too often, young women are thought to be strangers to their own minds.

It is left to fathers or uncles to choose the path their lives should take.

As if we require saving from ourselves.

Is this not evidence that she does?

Even if he is unworthy, what she feels for him is real.

She's a young woman in love.

♪ ♪ So tell me this.

What should I have done differently?

You could have listened.

Instead of disparaging her.

Persuaded her to make the right choice for herself, instead of making the choice for her.

All I want is to assure her future.

Of course you do.

That's all any father wants.

(inhales softly) Including mine.

♪ ♪ I must also own my share of the blame for this.

I told Augusta she must follow her heart, or she would live to regret it.

(people talking in background) We must find a place to rest our heads.

But we've only just arrived.

Are you not exhausted from our journey?

I am excited.

I feel free, at last.

We no longer have to hide ourselves away.

We can do whatever we choose.

No one can stop us.

♪ ♪ Heading out, I see?

I'm off to the Old Town again, to see how young Dora is faring.

I hope she is recovered.

I hope she will not soon be out of a home.

(exhales heavily) Mary, for the last time, please understand.

This hotel will bring prosperity to Sanditon.

It will bring jobs and a better future for all!

At what cost?

It is not too late.

Particularly when there are so many sick.

You can still do what is right.

(exhales) (both sigh) (door closes) Forgive me.

Is this the Parker household?

Of course, Chawley is one of the finest houses in the country, but with 40 bedrooms, it is quite an undertaking.

I hope you're not daunted.

Not in the least.

I relish the prospect.

(chuckles): In truth, the east wing is in need of... repair.

But there's so much room that you and Harry can go about your own lives.

Husbands need space to roam, after all.

But not too far.

But rest assured, I shall only be moving to the dower house on the estate, so I will be able to guide and advise you.

A great comfort, I'm sure.

There is so much to impart!

I've never forgotten how my late mother-in-law took me in hand.

And now it's my turn to ready you for your new role.

I'm keen to learn everything you have to teach me, Your Grace.

You'll make a fine duchess, I know it.

And the very moment you are ready, we shall present you at court.

MARY: There you are!

Mary.

Could this wait, perhaps?

(breathlessly): This is Agnes Harmon.

Your mother.

♪ ♪ (breath shudders) (footsteps retreating) Georgiana!

Stop!

Please!

How could you ambush me like this?

You've spent so long searching for your mother.

I thought you wouldn't wish to wait another moment.

I exhausted every possible avenue.

She could not be found.

So whoever that woman is... What are you saying?

I am used to people taking advantage of me.

But to pose as my mother...

If it was her, I would recognize her.

I know this is a shock.

But if I had the slightest doubt, I wouldn't have brought her to you.

At least hear what she has to say.

♪ ♪ (people talking in background) You have no reason to be nervous.

I am not nervous.

I trust you with all my heart.

As you should.

(door opens) (horses nickering) If I'd have known it were him, that it would lead to this, then I would've never encouraged her.

I do not doubt it.

All I knew was that you were trying to choose a husband for her against her will.

The thought of Augusta being trapped in a loveless marriage, unable to be with the man she...

It was more than I could bear.

♪ ♪ I'm sorry that I can't keep you company any longer, but Parker and I must secure the last of our investments.

Well, you've proved a useful distraction.

You've saved me from dwelling on my miserable nephew.

Would you be so kind as to bring round the carriage?

(laughing): Carriage?

You mean your buggy.

No, no, no, no, Parker and I are off to Bath.

I thought our carriage would be more suitable for the journey.

Our carriage?

Mm.

What's yours will soon be mine and vice versa.

Now, I admit that my estate is not so grand as Sanditon House.

But I can assure you, you will be more than comfortable.

My late wife had excellent taste.

Although I'm sure you'd wish to make minor adjustments here and there.

You expect me to leave Sanditon?

It is customary for a wife to live with her husband.

And you wouldn't want to see me traipsing up and down the country in order to be with you, would you?

After so many years apart?

She's clearly an unscrupulous opportunist who got wind of the fact that Miss Lambe is not only wealthy, but soon to be titled.

The news would need to have traveled at the speed of lightning.

Well, I hope they give her short shrift.

But enough of her.

We've yet to discuss your triumph last night.

Given what a clumsy dancer you are, Mr. Colbourne seemed quite smitten.

(gulls crying) Do you know how cruel this is?

I've been searching for my mother for months.

And I have been searching for you for years.

But not knowing you were here, I was sending word back to Antigua.

I assume you read the newspapers about an infamous heiress, and suddenly you realized I must be your daughter.

That's not what led me to you.

I don't read the London newspapers.

Why now?

(exhales) In Antigua, I'm not a free woman.

I can never return there.

My then-master brought me to England five years ago.

I fought for my freedom.

But I lost hope that I would see you again.

Why should I believe you?

I did not come here to upset you.

I do not want a thing from you.

All I want is to know you.

And if it wasn't the trial or the newspapers, then what?

What led you to me now?

It was Mr. Molyneux.

♪ ♪ Otis?

♪ ♪ MARY: I brought you some fresh fruit, my dear.

(Dora coughs) (sniffles, coughing) Your fever seems to be lifting, Dora, but you must eat some of these.

MRS. FILKINS: It's very generous of you.

I promise I've not given up on my endeavors.

I believe the Old Town can be saved.

I'm afraid we need rather more than your goodwill, Mrs. Parker.

When did you get this?

I did not know.

That your husband has already sold out the land from under us?

♪ ♪ What are you saying to my uncle?

That since he won't let us marry, we have no choice but to go to Scotland.

(quill scratching) I cannot wait to be your wife.

♪ ♪ I cannot wait to be your husband.

♪ ♪ You must be tired, by now.

Will you not lie down a while?

♪ ♪ We shall just have to search street by street.

Are we not best to start with the boarding houses?

If they've been traveling all night as we have, they'll be looking for a place to sleep.

I fear sleep will be the last thing on his mind.

He brought her here to ruin her.

To force a marriage.

She will not be ruined.

She will be the same Augusta she ever was.

No less a part of your family and no less deserving of your love.

I know it's not the life you wished for her.

But for her sake, try to reconcile yourself to it.

Mary, we'll leave as soon as the meeting is over, so I'll be back in good time to welcome the Montroses, and of course, to meet Georgiana's... How could you?!

You've served them eviction notices!

What did you think was going to happen?

I thought, I hoped that your conscience would stop you!

That you'd realize what you were doing is immoral.

It is merely business.

It is wrong!

Mrs. Filkins is caring for a sick child.

We have a responsibility.

Does my opinion count for nothing?

This all is for you.

Don't you see?

This is for our future, our children's future!

No.

All I see is a man who has lost his way.

You are no longer the Tom Parker I married.

♪ ♪ (exhales, door closes) ♪ ♪ PRYCE: Make haste, man!

I've got a blushing bride-to-be to return to.

Why did I think they'd be staying under their own names?

He's far too calculating for that.

It's too soon to give up hope.

I just spoke to the baker's boy.

He delivers all over the town, every inn, every hostel.

I asked if he'd seen anyone that fits their description.

He said there's a tall, fair man staying at the Old Crown Inn with his new bride.

(water splashing) You do love me, don't you, Edward?

How could you ask me that?

I just need to hear you say it.

I love you more than I've ever loved another breathing soul.

♪ ♪ Those first six months were the happiest I had on this Earth.

But then your father took a wife, an Englishwoman.

I begged for them to let me keep you, but my new owner didn't want a slave with a child.

They told me you had died.

Mr. Molyneux said.

I thought of you every day.

When I departed Antigua, I left a necklace in the hope it might find its way to you somehow, that you'd have something of me, at least.

And by then, I'd already been in England two years.

To think that all this time, we have been living just 50 miles apart.

Mr. Molyneux came to find me in Bristol.

He found me through his work with the Sons of Africa.

I took the first coach I could find.

I traveled all night, but I would have done anything-- anything-- to see your face again.

♪ ♪ (sets teacup and saucer on table) It found me in the end.

Just as you have.

♪ ♪ (inhales sharply) Whatever's transpired, try to show compassion, or you'll only drive her further away.

(door opens, people talking in background) (door slams open) Uncle.

Miss Heywood.

I must thank you, Mrs. Parker, not just for persuading Georgiana to trust me, but for all the kindness you have shown her.

We couldn't be fonder of Georgiana.

To see the two of you reunited, nothing can make me happier.

We have so much time to make up for.

And we will.

Tom and I are hosting a celebratory dinner tonight for Georgiana, Miss Harmon.

I do hope you'll join us.

Now it'll be a double celebration.

What are we celebrating?

You haven't told your mother?

I'm to be married.

Oh, Georgiana, that is wonderful!

Of course I'll come.

(laughs) How can I miss a chance to meet your new family, or the man you love?

I'm sorry you chose to come all this way, but you have had a wasted journey.

We are in love.

I will not let you drag me away.

We are resolved to be married, sir.

Then I will do nothing to stand in your way.

♪ ♪ You are old enough to know your own mind, Augusta.

If you genuinely love Sir Edward, if this is the man you wish to marry, then all I ask is that you return to Sanditon, so that we can hold a proper wedding.

♪ ♪ (birds cawing) Forgive me for calling unannounced.

I had to see if there was any word of Augusta.

Your arrival could not be more welcome.

Alas, there is no news.

With every hour that passes, I grow more concerned.

I am sure she will be safely returned all too soon.

I just wish there was something I could do to be of use.

Instead, I find myself restricted to pacing the corridors endlessly.

At least we can now pace them together.

I've only known Augusta a short time.

She is my brother's niece by marriage.

Yet somehow I find myself rather protective of her.

That speaks well of you.

At least there is one positive to come out of this miserable situation.

What's that?

Miss Heywood and your brother have been forced into each other's company.

Perhaps they will finally accept that they are meant to be together.

Perhaps they will.

And yet, one can never underestimate the power of denial.

(chuckles softly) I feared I might never see Leo again.

Now she can be my bridesmaid.

I would never have dared hope for such a change in you, Uncle.

You must surely be the cause of it, Miss Heywood.

I can make no such claim.

COLBOURNE: Let me just say this.

I would never ask you to marry any man against your will.

A young woman should be free to follow her heart.

Not forced into a loveless marriage just because her parent or guardian considers it advantageous.

But I would beg you to consider if this is what you truly want.

You're a remarkable young woman.

I've not said it enough.

You hold so much potential.

I'd hate to see you set a limit on a life that's barely begun.

The choice is yours alone.

If you sincerely believe that Edward Denham is worthy of you, that he can offer you the fulfilment and happiness you deserve... ...then you have my blessing.

(breathes deeply) Edward is a good man.

He has treated me with nothing but respect and kindness.

He could have taken my honor, but chose not to.

EDWARD: No.

It was only their arrival that spared your honor.

♪ ♪ What?

(breath trembles) A good man would not steal you from your family for his own ends.

This, this wasn't for your own ends.

We are in love.

I've never been in love with you.

It has only ever been your inheritance I wanted.

Not you.

(breath trembling): Edward, that is a lie.

Don't do this.

You do not care about my money.

We are fated to be together.

(chuckles) Are you really so naïve?

There were many women before you.

There will be many women to come.

(Augusta's breath trembling) EDWARD: Did you really think that you would somehow be the one to redeem me?

I always put myself first.

(breath trembling) Ask Esther.

Ask Clara.

(whispering): Ask my son.

(sniffles, shuddering) (gasping) (sobbing) (gasping, sobbing) ♪ ♪ You would really have let them marry?

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

I would respect whatever choice she made.

Even if it pained me.

Just as I must respect yours.

(birds twittering) AGNES: What is your future husband like?

Is he handsome?

Some would say.

And kind.

I do hope he is kind.

He is kindness itself.

MARY (breathlessly): I'm so sorry.

Mr. Parker isn't here yet.

I can't think of what is keeping him.

(doorbell ringing) Oh, and now our other guests are arriving.

What are we to do?

I'm certain he will return soon, Mary.

In the meantime, rest assured, I shall play host in his stead.

(exhales): Oh, thank you, Arthur.

Lord Montrose.

Ah, Your Grace, Lady Lydia.

How radiant you all look.

GEORGIANA: Your Grace.

Lady Lydia, Harry.

May I introduce my mother.

LADY MONTROSE: So it is true.

She is your mother?

There is not a doubt in my mind.

Well, this is both, uh, unexpected and delightful.

I am indeed pleased to meet you.

I could not wait to meet you all properly.

Most especially Harry.

Uh, not to put too fine a point on it, it is customary to address the Duke as "Your Grace."

But he is to be my daughter's husband.

Mm, let's not split hairs, Mrs.... Miss-- Miss Harmon.

Oh, you're not married.

How original.

LADY SUSAN: When you asked me to stay for dinner, I would never have guessed you had this in mind.

(chuckles) Had I known you'd be here, I would have had Cook prepare a banquet.

Ah, this is infinitely preferable.

There is no finer meal than a larder forage.

Mm.

Though I suspect you rarely venture below stairs.

You seem to be under the misconception that I'm inherently grand.

My parents were not wealthy.

But then you met Lord de Clemente.

Oh, he was not wealthy, either.

Or kind.

We married in circumstances not unlike those your niece finds herself in now.

Hence your concern for her.

By the age of 30, I was a widow, with nothing to my name besides a title.

That's why I pray for a happier outcome for Augusta.

And why you've since sworn off love and marriage.

It's getting late-- I've kept you too long.

Must you leave?

♪ ♪ Forgive me.

You're forgiven.

♪ ♪ I must apologize again for my husband's unforgivable lateness.

ARTHUR: I'm sure he won't mind that we've started without him.

LADY MONTROSE: Mr. Parker, surely a toast is called for.

ARTHUR: Uh, of, of course, Your Grace.

To the, uh, future Duke and Duchess of Buckinghamshire.

(inhales deeply) May your marriage be long and happy.

And may your firstborn be a son.

To us, my love.

LYDIA: How long will you be staying in Sanditon for, Miss Harmon?

As long as I can.

Now that I've found Georgiana, I am reluctant to let her out of my sight.

LADY MONTROSE: And yet it's so important to let our children spread their wings.

Hm, that is very much your credo, isn't it, Mother?

LADY MONTROSE: There's nothing wrong with a little gentle guidance now and again, Lydia.

Wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Parker?

MARY: Well, my children are still young... (softly): Arthur, I've been thinking.

(other conversation continues) It is not a perfect solution, but Chawley is vast.

There would be ample room for you to live with us.

Would there not, Harry?

Ample.

If, if the arrangement would be agreeable.

MARY: Of course he would.

LADY MONTROSE: What is the topic down there, I wonder?

You all look fearfully serious.

(chuckles) Georgiana was just telling me how large your estate is, Your Grace.

(sighing) Oh, it's a monstrous burden.

Sometimes I think it would be a relief to live in a dear little house like this.

I imagine you can cope with a bare handful of staff, Mrs. Parker.

I consider myself fortunate to have any, Your Grace.

Hm.

And what is your, uh, situation, Miss Harmon?

I lodge with my employer in Bristol.

Oh!

So you have a, a trade.

I work for an organization that helps former slaves.

They were a great help to me when I was given my freedom.

But I imagine that's not something you like to dwell on.

I am not in the least ashamed of who I am.

Nor should you be.

(Mary breathes deeply) You quite all right, Mrs. Parker?

Oh, yes, thank you.

(breathlessly): I wonder if we have a need for all these fires.

It's barely autumn.

You must tell me where you two met.

(clears throat): We met here in Sanditon.

ARTHUR: Just a few weeks ago.

Hm, a brief courtship?

The briefest imaginable.

Yes, I was...

I was struck by Georgiana the first time I saw her, and, um... We quickly came to realize we wanted the same things.

AGNES: And what are those things?

LADY MONTROSE: Oh, what everyone wants from a marriage, surely.

Position, stability...

Some might venture love should play a part?

LADY MONTROSE: Love takes many forms, Lydia.

But you do love each other, don't you?

Of course.

Then you have my blessing.

MARY (breathing heavily): Oh... (breaths heaving) Would you excuse me?

I feel in sudden need of some air.

(gasping): Oh!

(others exclaiming) AGNES: She's burning up.

Send for a doctor at once.

(horses trotting) (shudders) Why did I let myself fall in love with him?

We cannot choose who we fall in love with.

I know something of the agony you're feeling.

But in time, your heart will heal, and this will come to seem no more than a distant memory.

(sniffs) ♪ ♪ LADY DENHAM: Well, well.

I wasn't expecting you to return so soon.

Are you going to explain yourself?

What is there to explain?

For all your efforts, Aunt, it seems that I'm quite irredeemable after all.

I assume this means your plan failed.

Mr. Colbourne caught up with you before you could ruin his niece.

And he managed to restrain himself from shooting you on the spot.

As a matter of fact, he offered us the opportunity to marry.

But Miss Markham came to her senses.

No.

It was I who declined.

Why?

Because she deserves a good deal better than a man like me.

Oh, good heavens.

Could it be you actually felt something for her?

Of course not, Aunt.

You know me-- incapable of feeling.

♪ ♪ Tom!

At last...

I know, I know, I am fearfully late for dinner, but it was worth it.

No, Mr. Pryce and I have finally secured all the investment we need for our hotel.

Never mind that!

You need to come upstairs at once.

It's Mary.

She is gravely ill. ♪ ♪ Oh, good God, Mary.

♪ ♪ Thank you.

I'd have been at a loss without you.

You must have more faith in yourself.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ You should take Augusta home.

Good night.

♪ ♪ (carriage wheels squeaking) (horse nickering) RALPH: Charlotte!

Ralph!

What are you doing out at such a late hour?

I've been walking the streets.

Waiting for your return.

You had no need to.

I was afraid you might not come back to me.

Charlotte.

Thank goodness, you must come at once.

What is it?

Mary collapsed in the middle of dinner.

Dr. Fuchs is with her now.

ARTHUR: We are gravely concerned.

Charlotte, this is my mother.

Agnes Harmon.

How do you do?

(gasps softly) You found each other!

I will explain how later.

I prayed this day would come.

It's such a great honor to meet you, Miss Harmon.

And I am glad to meet you, too, Miss Heywood.

(exhales) I only wish it were in better circumstances.

We must see to Mary.

Of course.

LADY MONTROSE: Do I gather Miss Heywood is returned in Mr. Colbourne's carriage?

That's right, Your Grace.

You're a very trusting man, Mr. Starling.

They were not alone?

Miss Markham was with them.

At this late hour?

How intriguing.

Where can they have been, I wonder?

It hardly seems important now, does it?

There is little more important to my mother than what Mr. Colbourne is doing or thinking at any given moment.

That is because he has a fine house, a good income, and you are in need of a husband.

I am thinking only of you, Lydia.

Is your daughter not at liberty to make her own choice in a marriage, just as her brother has?

LYDIA: Hm.

If it were left to me, I would be married already, Miss Harmon.

But fortunately, my dear mother saved me from an unpropitious match.

(slurring, sniffs): Might there be any more wine, Mr. Parker?

I am sure we could all use something to settle our nerves.

(chuckles) (evenly): I believe there is some left in the dining room.

Mary!

I fear it is the fever that has swept the Old Town.

The good lady has tended to so many.

Fate has dealt her a cruel hand.

My behavior has been egregious, Miss Heywood.

(breath trembles) Would that she'd just sit up and admonish me.

Mary... (wavering): Mary, I swear it, we will never have a cross word again.

I will never stray from your side or, or waste a moment without your company.

(crying): There is nothing more important than you.

(Tom crying, sniffling) Without you, I cannot exist.

(sobbing): Please...

Please!

♪ ♪ ARTHUR: There is not a lot of claret left, I'm afraid.

I can ask the servant to fetch another bottle.

I wonder... Have you given any thought to Georgiana's offer?

Now is hardly the time.

Think about it.

We would see each other as often as we wanted.

But the marriage would give the appearance of respectability.

As long as you kept a discreet profile.

A discreet profile?

You would have me hide in the shadows while you and Georgiana maintain this charade.

Is a compromise not better than nothing?

Is it?

How can you expect me to turn a blind eye to this misbegotten marriage when you know I love Georgiana?

And I love... My dear Arthur.

(breath trembling) I feel the same.

I'm so sorry, Harry.

But I must be true to who I am.

(breath shuddering) I would sooner live alone than live a lie.

(breath shuddering) (sniffs) (breathes deeply) There is only a little left, I'm afraid, if anyone would care for some.

How is Mrs. Parker?

She is sleeping.

But still dangerously feverish.

LADY MONTROSE: Then it is time we left her to your care.

I will stay and keep vigil.

You should get some sleep.

LADY MONTROSE: We can escort your mother back to your apartment.

Thank you, that would be kind.

(footsteps approaching) (exhales deeply) Everyone has left.

All except Mr. Starling.

♪ ♪ (fire crackling) How is Mrs. Parker?

There's still no change.

You didn't need to stay.

And Miss Markham?

You have yet to tell me what transpired in Falmouth.

She's quite unharmed.

I'm glad.

I'm sure Mr. Colbourne was grateful for your presence.

Ralph...

Earlier, while you were upstairs, we were talking about marriage.

Miss Harmon asked Lady Montrose if her children were free to marry who they chose.

What was her answer?

Lady Lydia said that there was someone she'd wanted to marry, but her mother put an end to it.

I was never the man you chose, was I?

This was arranged by our parents before we even knew what marriage meant.

Yes.

You are so dear to me, Ralph.

You always will be.

But I cannot marry you.

♪ ♪ You are in love with Mr. Colbourne.

I tried so hard not to be.

I would understand if you despised me.

No.

I can't feel anything other than love for you.

That is what makes this so hard.

♪ ♪ LADY MONTROSE: How does this compare with your lodgings in Bristol, Miss Harmon?

AGNES: There's a great deal more room, but it's rather less cozy.

(chuckles): You realize Georgiana is soon to be mistress of one of the grander houses in the country?

Yes, you made that quite clear at dinner.

And of course, being a duchess brings with it certain expectations.

A level of scrutiny.

No doubt.

As mothers, we want to see our children flourish, don't we?

The last thing we would want is for our presence to be a hindrance.

So, if you should suddenly find yourself called away, I would be happy to provide you with whatever was needed.

I can be quite generous when I want to be.

♪ ♪ Her heart thumps like a racing horse.

You must prepare yourselves for the worst.

TOM (gasping): No.

No, no, you cannot mean...

I fear there is nothing more I can do, Herr Parker.

Whatever is to come, it will be decided during the night.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ FUCHS: She requires nothing less than a miracle.

GEORGIANA: I question whether she's even my mother at all or a fortune hunter.

HARRY: I have used you ill, Arthur.

Mrs. Wheatley said there was something you wished to tell me.

Something you could only say in person?

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.

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♪ ♪