Emma

'In a time when one's town was one's world...

'and a dance excited greater interest than the movement of armies...

'there lived a young woman

'who knew how this world should be run.'

The most beautiful thing in the world is a match well made.

-A happy marriage to you both.

-Thank you, Emma.

-Your painting is most accomplished.

-You're very kind.

It would be better if I practised my drawing, as you urged me.

-It's beautiful.

-I should never side against you,

but it is indeed a job well done.

The job well done, Mr Elton, was yours,

in performing the ceremony.

Must the church be so draughty?

It is hard to surrender the soul when worrying about one's throat.

Tea and cake may revive you, Mr Woodhouse.

Miss Taylor, you're not serving cake at your wedding?

Too rich. You put us all at peril. Where is Perry, the apothecary?

He will support me.

He is over there, having some cake.

What?

I ought to take Father home.

But, dear Miss Taylor...

Oh, no! You are "dear Miss Taylor" no more.

You are dear Mrs Weston now.

How happy this must make you.

Such happiness this brings to all of us.

My dear Emma.

Poor Miss Taylor. She was so happy here.

Why give up being your governess ONLY to be married?

I am grown now.

She cannot put up with my ill humours for ever.

-She must wish for her own children.

-You have no ill humours.

Your own mother, God rest her,

could be no more real than Miss Taylor.

Can she truly wish to give life to a mewling infant,

who will import disease each time it enters the house?

No.

I said poor Miss Taylor, and poor indeed she is.

As an old family friend I had to ask upon my return,

-who cried the most at the wedding?

-THEY BOTH LAUGH

How is my sister?

Your brother gives her the respect we Woodhouse ladies deserve?

Poor Isabella. She was the first to leave me.

No doubt where Miss Taylor got the notion to go.

Don't be too hard on Miss Taylor.

It is easier to have only ONE to please.

Especially when ONE of us is so troublesome.

Yes, I am. Most troublesome.

EMMA LAUGHS

Dear Papa, I could never mean you.

Mr Knightley loves to find fault with me.

-It's his idea of a joke.

-I'm practically your brother.

A brother finds fault with his sister.

But where is the fault?

Emma bears it well, but is sorry to lose Miss Taylor.

And we would not like Emma so well if she did not miss her friend.

I shall miss her so. What shall I do without her?

-She's not far.

-Half a mile!

Her obligations are there.

She cannot sit and talk with me in the old way. Or walk with me.

Or urge me to better myself.

That will not matter - you always did as you pleased.

Yes.

But I shall miss her urging me.

She was as selfless a friend as I have ever had.

I hope I may do half as much for someone,

as Mrs Weston did for me.

You are happy she settled so well?

-Indeed. One matter of joy is that

-I

-made the match.

People said Mr Weston would never marry again. What a triumph!

-Triumph?! Lucky guess.

-The triumph of a lucky guess.

Had I not promoted Mr Weston's visits,

and given encouragement, we may have had no wedding.

Then, please, my dear, encourage no-one else.

Marriage disrupts one's social circle.

Only one more. When Mr Elton joined their hands,

he looked as if he would like the same office performed for him.

Invite him for dinner. That is kindness enough.

Mr Elton is a man of 26. He can take care of himself.

One does not like to generalise,

but men know nothing about their hearts,

be they six and twenty or six and eighty.

Excepting you, of course, Father.

HE CHUCKLES

No, Mr Elton will be the next person to benefit from my help.

Poor Miss Taylor? It is Mr Elton who deserves our pity.

FATHER CHUCKLES

Mr Elton!

Welcome to our party.

Thank you indeed for including me.

A party is a party, but a party on a summer's eve, hmm!

It relieves me that you are here - there is someone new in our group.

Her name is Harriet Smith. A former pupil of Mrs Goddard's.

I had never met her before now, and am already struck by her charm.

May I ask you to make certain she is at ease this evening?

If helping Miss Smith helps Miss Woodhouse,

I am happy to be of service.

Come, I shall make the introduction.

Oh, Miss Woodhouse, we are overpowered.

Mrs Bates, Miss Bates, so happy you could come.

No, we are the happy ones... W-well, how do you do, Mr Elton?

We are the happy ones.

To be here and for the beautiful piece of pork you sent us.

It has been heaven. What a happy porker it must have come from!

We're so obliged for your sending it to us.

PORK!

And so obliged to be here - I was just saying to Mother.

Oh, doesn't your hair look pretty? Just like an angel.

ANGEL, Mother!

Speaking of angels, Mr Elton,

your sermon on Daniel in the lion's den was inspiring.

So powerful. It left us speechless.

Speechless.

We have not stopped talking of it since.

-Oh, isn't this a lovely party? Lovely. Lovely.

-SHE GIGGLES NERVOUSLY

Where will you live now your education is over?

Mrs Goddard is kind enough to let me stay.

-She's a great help to me. Excuse me.

-Mrs Goddard!

Mr Knightley.

Ah, Emma, there you are.

I see you've been hard at work - making Mr Elton comfortable.

Yes, but remiss in doing what will bring him the greatest enjoyment.

Mr Elton, may I present Miss Smith.

Any friend of Miss Woodhouse's...

Mr Weston, have you had any news of your son?

Oh, indeed.

Miss Smith, I was married many years ago to a woman

whose life was lost just three years after the birth of our son, Frank.

As I could not see to my business and care for him,

he was brought up by my wife's brother and his wife,

the Churchills.

He lives in London now, a young man, and has never been here.

His aunt is ill and does not care to be without him.

His visit would be the final blessing for our marriage.

How lucky to be twice blessed in marriage.

I thought one loved only once. I am happy to be wrong.

Not so happy as I.

He sent a most pleasing letter upon our marriage.

Would anyone care to see it?

A charming and kindly letter. Don't you think, Mother?

Have you ever read such a letter, Mr Knightley?

This reminds me of Jane's style.

A delicate style, more usual in women, but a good sign in a man.

Nicely expressed.

But it sounds as though he eats a worrisome amount of custard.

It's not merely the feeling,

the penmanship is so confident.

-Isn't Miss Smith delightful?

-I have watched her with pleasure.

She is uncertain here, yet I wish to be of service to her,

and introduce her to Highbury society.

I could never presume to guide her as you did me,

but I may share some of what I know.

She could ask for nothing better.

Come, Mr Weston, I must write to your son.

Good night, Mr Woodhouse.

Good night, Mr Woodhouse. Thank you for a wonderful dinner.

-Good night, Miss Taylor.

-Good night, Mrs Weston, Mr Weston.

Good night.

Poor Miss Taylor, she so obviously wanted to stay.

CARRIAGE TRUNDLES INTO DISTANCE

How interesting. What kind of people are your parents?

I do not know. Mrs Goddard has said I cannot know them.

So I have left it at that.

Because of her care, Mrs Goddard is my true guardian.

Hurry along, it's Miss Bates coming.

As it is Tuesday she will have a letter from her niece, Jane Fairfax.

-She will want to read us every word.

-I do not know Miss Fairfax.

There's not much to be said. When pressed, I say she is elegant.

-EXCITEDLY:

-As soon as we got two new cups of tea...

Besides you and Mrs Goddard,

the only people I know here are the Martins of Abbey Mill Farm.

Mrs Martin had two parlours and an upper maid and eight cows!

Mr Martin used to cut fresh flowers every day.

How lucky to have such an agreeable husband.

Oh, Mr Martin is not her husband, he's her son.

Ah! I see.

Then he is...

..unmarried?

Mm, but I cannot understand why. He seems perfect.

He brought me walnuts once, and went three miles to get them

-because he heard me say I like them. Wasn't that kind?

-SHE GASPS

Tell me more about Mr Martin. Is he a man of information?

Oh, yes! He reads the Agricultural Reports.

I recommended he read The Romance Of The Forest. He said he would.

What sort of looking man is he?

I thought him very plain at first.

But I do not think so now.

Have you never seen him in town?

The Martins are the sort of people with whom I have nothing to do.

A degree lower and I might be useful to them.

But a farmer needs none of my help,

and so is as much above my notice as he is below it. In fact...

There he is now!

GEESE HONK

-How do I look?

-Fine, dear.

Good enough, I'm sure, for Mr Martin.

Good day. This is a bit of a chance.

Good day, Mr Martin. Miss Woodhouse, Mr Martin.

Good day. How do you do?

Oh...

Were you able to find The Romance Of The Forest?

Blast, I forgot.

-SHE GIGGLES

-But I go again tomorrow

and will make every effort to get that thought into my head.

How's your mother?

'You can do better than this.'

If you pull this way, it makes a neater stitch.

Of course!

May I ask what you thought of my friend, Robert Martin?

Well, I imagined him a degree nearer gentility.

True, he's not so genteel as Mr Knightley...

Not one in a 100 men has "gentleman" so plainly written across him

as Mr Knightley.

But let us judge him next to another man.

Say...Mr Elton. Mr Elton is a fine man.

Thoughtful in ways Mr Martin can never be.

Whatever his faults, Mr Martin is thoughtful.

I see.

Did he take your advice and get the book you asked him to?

Um... Well...

No.

Yes?

Yes. I wonder that he did not remember it.

Oh, well.

Mr Elton said something very kind about you the other day.

Can you not tell me what it was?

Oh, it is not my place to intrude in personal matters.

But, as your friend,

I-I could make an exception if you wish.

I happened to see him in town and I mentioned...

Miss Smith was always beautiful.

But the attractions YOU have added are superior.

Oh, I have done very little.

If I could contradict a lady.

I cannot take credit for her beauty.

An idea has dropped into my mind.

What if you were to exercise your artistic talents,

and draw a portrait of Miss Smith?

I would love to watch you draw her.

Mr Elton, my skills are slender,

and we must not forget how shy Miss Smith is.

-Do you think it would help her if

-I

-asked her to pose?

Oh, Miss Woodhouse, may I look?

I cannot wait another second.

Incredible, you have expressed her completely.

Mr Elton, really, you exaggerate.

Indeed, I do not, nor cannot.

The reason I do not do portraits

is because the spouse always complains.

There are no wives or husbands here, so I trust I may proceed safely.

No husbands or wives at present, Miss Woodhouse.

You've made her too tall.

It may not be Miss Smith's height in terms of measurement,

but it is surely the height of her character.

My dear, I would paint a shawl on her.

-One can't help feeling she will catch cold.

-HE CHUCKLES

Otherwise it is quite splendid.

It only wants a suitable frame.

We will have to get it to London.

Might I be entrusted with such a commission?

I would be gratified more than words can express.

SHEEP BLEAT

He wants to marry me. Would you mind reading...

Certainly not! I cannot believe Mr Elton proposed.

Not Mr Elton, Mr Martin, my friend.

Is it a good letter or too...

short?

It IS a good letter.

One of his sisters must've helped him.

Yet it is not the style of a woman.

A good letter. You must answer immediately.

He must have his disappointment and move on.

You think I should refuse him?

You did not plan to return a favourable answer?

No, I did not.

That is... I did not mean... Um, well...

I was not sure. That is why I came to you.

-It's not my place to intrude.

-But I depend so on you.

I would not advise you for the world.

If you prefer Mr Martin

to every person you may ever know,

if he is the most agreeable man you may ever be in company with,

then why do you hesitate?

If you'll not influence me,

I must do as well as I can alone.

So...

I am determined to...

I have really almost made up my mind to...

..refuse Mr Martin?

Do you think that's right? Or wrong?

Now that YOU have decided, I will share MY feelings.

I think you are perfectly right.

Yes, but, it will make his mother and sisters most unhappy.

Think of other mothers and sisters. At this moment I believe Mr Elton

is showing your picture to his mother and sisters,

telling them how the subject is more beautiful than the portrait.

I am sure it is only to praise your artistry.

If you are sure, then you are surely wrong.

By showing it to them he is revealing his deeper intentions,

which may produce a letter of his own.

Oh...

Very well, I admit it. You have improved Harriet Smith.

I hope you're not the only man to have noticed.

I'm not.

I believe your friend will soon hear something to her advantage.

Who makes you his confidant?

I believe she will receive an offer of marriage,

from a man desperately in love with her.

Robert Martin.

He came here to consult about it.

He's a tenant and a good friend.

He asked if it was imprudent of him to settle so early,

if she was too young, or he was beneath her.

Better questions for Mr Martin I could not have chosen myself.

I never hear better sense from anyone than Robert Martin.

He proved he could afford to marry.

And I said he could not do better.

No, indeed, HE could not.

Come, I will tell you something in return.

He wrote to Harriet yesterday.

-Yes?

-Yes. He was refused.

I'm not sure I understand.

He asked and she refused.

Then she is a greater simpleton than I believed.

The most incomprehensible thing to a man

is a woman who rejects marriage.

I do not comprehend its madness.

-I hope you are wrong.

-I could not be. I saw her answer.

You saw her answer?

Emma?

You wrote her answer, didn't you?

If I did, I did no wrong. He is not Harriet's equal.

-I agree.

-Good.

He is her superior in sense and situation.

What are Harriet Smith's claims of birth or education

that make her higher than Robert Martin?

She is the daughter of nobody knows whom.

The advantage of the match was entirely on her side.

What?! A farmer?

Even with all his merit, a match for my friend?!

It would be a degradation to marry him

whom I could not admit as my acquaintance.

A degradation? For illegitimacy to marry a respected farmer?

She is a gentleman's daughter.

Her parents made no plans to introduce her to good society.

She was left with Mrs Goddard for an indifferent education.

Her friends thought this was good enough for her.

She thought so, too, until you began to puff her up.

Vanity working on a weak mind produces every kind of mischief.

You dismiss her beauty and nature.

Does your sex not think those claims the highest a woman can possess?

Men of sense, whatever you may say, do not want silly wives.

Upon my word, Emma,

better be without sense than misapply it as you do.

DOG WHIMPERS

Try not to kill my dogs.

We see so differently on this, there is no use canvassing it.

We shall make each other angry.

Ah, I see the tea is ready. Let's stop and have some.

Clearly, you have someone else in mind for your friend.

But if the gentleman you dream of is Mr Elton, your labour is in vain.

As vicar, Elton is unlikely to make an imprudent match.

Especially to a girl of obscurity who may bring him disgrace.

In moments when only men are present,

I have heard him speak of a family of ladies from Bath,

who all have £20,000 apiece.

Believe me when I say that he may talk sentimentally,

but he will act rationally.

If I had my heart set on Mr Elton,

your opening my eyes would have been kind.

-But I care only to watch her grow.

-No more, please. No more.

APPLAUSE

Bravo.

Thank you, Charles.

Harriet is collecting riddles for a little book.

We knew you'd come up with something cunning.

Oh, no, I'm not nearly clever enough.

You didn't ask me to contribute.

Your personality is a riddle.

I thought you over-qualified.

HE SNIGGERS

-Whoa... Stand.

-Morning, Miss Woodhouse.

Morning, Peter.

This just came from Mr Elton.

He claims it is a riddle for you, but I think it is much better.

-Is it about sharks?

-Why write a riddle about sharks?

I'm in a tremor. What does it mean?

We shall read it aloud so that we may decipher it.

"For Miss..."? I think we can safely put in Smith.

Line one. "My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings,

"lords of the earth, their luxury and ease."

-A king displays his pomp in court.

-Court.

Next line. "Another view of man, my second brings."

"Behold him there, the monarch of the seas." That is?

Er, a mermaid? Trident? Shall we ever know?

Ship, dear.

-The things which brings the king of the sea is a ship.

-Ship.

Now for the cream. "But are united." The two terms should be united.

Oh, um, ship and court...

Court...

Courtship? He writes to me about courtship?!

There is no doubt to his intentions. YOU are his desire.

We must find an opportunity for him to offer proof,

a way for you to be alone.

Oh, let's read it again and again.

I only wish Mr Knightley were here to read it.

HARRIET GIGGLES

Good afternoon.

-Good day, Miss Woodhouse.

-Mrs Clark, how are we?

-Mustn't grumble.

-No better?

BABY WAILS

What have you brought us?

RACKED COUGH BABY WAILS

I am sorry I was not more help.

I am always afraid I will make a sick person worse.

Not at all.

CHILDREN PLAY GLEEFULLY

Ah, look, Harriet, Mr Elton's house.

Pity I cannot contrive a reason for us to go in.

I do so wonder that you're not married.

I have no inducements to marry.

I lack neither fortune nor position.

Never could I be so important in a man's eyes

as I am in my father's.

But to be an old maid like Miss Bates.

She is a POOR old maid.

It is only poverty which makes celibacy contemptible.

A single women of good fortune is always respectable.

EMMA GASPS

-Mr Elton!

-Mr Elton!

-Miss Woodhouse, Miss Smith.

How fortunate.

-I was on my way to the Clarks'.

-Ah! We were just there.

Harriet was kind enough to let me join her.

Miss Woodhouse...

Um, may I escort you home?

Indeed.

Harriet, tell Mr Elton what you did at the Clarks'.

Oh...

Oh...

Um...

Well, she seemed to have the chill, so Miss Woodhouse...

..Watched! As Harriet tucked that poor lady in.

Warming her with a blanket and her kind nature.

Tell him about the soup, dear.

The soup?!

-CAT SCREECHES

-Sorry...

-Well, I couldn't really say.

-Don't be so modest.

Um, well, I heated some, er...

-Soup?

-Yes, soup.

Oh, dear! Oh...

My lace. Oh...

Please have the goodness to go on. I will rejoin you as soon as I can.

Well, after having fed her the soup,

I lifted her up and carried her to the, er...

-Chair?

-Fire.

Good afternoon. Where are you off to?

To town, ma'am, to get some broth.

Would you let me walk with you?

Dear, must we walk so quickly?

-Mum said I should hurry.

-Let's play a game.

-Do you mean it?

-I do. I swear I do.

-It's too wonderful.

-I love...

'Can this be the declaration?'

I simply love celery root. What should they be serving but...

BOTH: Celery root! THEY LAUGH

Emma, be careful, the baby.

It might have an infection.

John, this may be the finest Knightley yet.

You should have brought her sooner.

She looks so fetching with her aunt.

-A splendid pair.

-The journey, how was it?

If you accepted adults so easily we might always agree.

How fascinating that any discordancy arises from MY being wrong.

Not fascinating, but true.

Perhaps it is to do with the gap in our ages.

I was 16 when you were born.

You were my superior then.

But hasn't the lapse of 21 years closed the gap?

Narrowed it.

EMMA LAUGHS

Come, dear Emma, let us be friends and quarrel no more.

Very well. And we were both right as far as good intentions went.

I only hope Mr Martin was not too disappointed.

No man could be more so.

I am very sorry.

Come, shake hands with me.

-Dinner is served.

-Good. John!

Sister, when shall we meet your new friend, Miss Smith?

On Friday at the Weston's Christmas Eve party.

It looks as though it will be a very rewarding holiday for her.

I am so looking forward to this evening.

A party is a party, but a Christmas party... Hmm!

Where is Miss Smith?

I have some sad news.

Miss Smith is ill and cannot be with us this evening.

A sad loss to our party. She will be missed at every moment.

However, I feel,

and I hope you will concur that small parties are the best.

I would rather fall short by two than exceed by two.

Lucky the snow did not come yesterday.

Our party may have been impossible.

That would have been a real cause for sadness, would it not?

-A whisky?

-Not for the moment.

-Punch?

-Oh, thank you, yes.

Weather of this severity is no friend of mine.

I know that too well, Mr Woodhouse.

My son, Frank, has written and told us something most exciting.

-Miss Woodhouse, are you warm enough?

-Yes, thank you.

On the opening of the letter, we had the most wonderful surprise...

Some of the ladies said they were not warm enough.

I am quite comfortable.

Then I saw how close you were to the fire

and thought you might be too warm.

Mr Elton! I am in the perfect state of...warmness.

I could not believe it.

I made Mrs Weston read the letter to make sure I was not dreaming.

But indeed...

Is there any effort I might make on behalf of your father's comfort?

You are kind. But I can only imagine he's quite comfortable.

-Thank you for being so thoughtful.

-No, thank YOU,

for thinking I am thoughtful.

I wondered if you might be so kind as to bring me some punch?

I only hope I can complete the task quickly enough.

Please!

I could not enjoy it if I knew that you had hurried.

-Thrilling... Simply thrilling news.

-And that was the end of the letter.

Cranberry, Mother?

I'm not sure I had your attention earlier.

Elton was so desirous of your company.

But I wanted to tell you that Frank is coming at last.

I so look forward to meeting him - if you can bear to share him.

If his AUNT will share him. That's what this depends on.

She has said yes, but given no date.

Very prudent.

This weather is not clement for the traveller abroad. No, no.

THEY ALL CHATTER

-I hope I'm not intruding.

-No.

But I cannot stop thinking of Miss Smith's condition.

She will be happy you are concerned.

How could I not be concerned? The situation is alarming.

Nothing is worse than a sore throat.

Its effects are exceedingly bleak.

So, in the presence of your friend, I ask you to stop visiting her.

-What?!

-You put yourself at risk.

We cannot allow that, can we?

Is this fair?

Have I not some right to complain?

The weather's distressing your father. He wants to go.

-Isabella and I will take him home. Will you...?

-Not to worry.

-I will ensure your sister-in-law is safe.

-Thank you.

Come, Mr Woodhouse, let's wrap you up warmly.

-Certainly the weather has...

-Fate has left us alone for a reason.

-Release my hand.

-I seize not your hand, but the opportunity...

-Good heavens, go back!

-Please! I am hoping...

No, fearing...

Ready to die if you refuse me.

Surely my ardent attachment to you

cannot help but have made an impression...

Mr Elton! This is I, Miss Woodhouse.

-Mmm?

-The party spirit has confused you.

I will give your message to Miss Smith,

but direct no more of it to me.

Miss Smith?

What sort of message would I send to her?

-Miss Smith?!

-The wine has weakened you...

If the wine strengthened my will to tell you that I love you...

I cannot express my astonishment.

To address me like this, after your behaviour to Miss Smith...

I would not care if she was dead - except that she was your friend.

Who can think of Miss Smith when Miss Woodhouse is near?

Oh, no...

Everything I have said or done has been to prove my adoration.

Why else would I go to London to have your picture framed?

(Allow me to...)

Allow me to interpret the silence. You have long understood me.

Sit back. And kindly refrain from the intimacy of whispering.

Did you never seek to recommend yourself to Miss Smith?

Why are you surprised? You understood the riddle?

That was for Harriet!

I did not address it to her and left it at YOUR home.

-But... But...

-She's a good sort of girl.

There are men who would not object to...

Everybody has their level.

-Do

-I

-despair of an equal alliance as to address myself to her?!

-Sir...

-No! I sought to recommend myself to YOU.

Sir, I saw you only as her admirer.

I cannot believe that.

-It is well the mistake ends here.

-Her mistake.

-Mine, too.

She will manage her disappointment. Leave her out of it.

How do you feel about what I have said?

Mr Elton,

any hopes I had with regard to you were for Harriet,

and Harriet alone.

DOOR SHUTS

My dear child.

-What is it?

-Oh, Miss Taylor... Mrs Weston.

There has been an overthrow of all I wished for Harriet and Mr Elton.

A development most unwelcome. Most painful.

Oh, dear.

You will not believe it, but...

Mr Elton... Prepare yourself.

-But Mr Elton...

-Mr Elton is in love with you?

You knew?

I had my suspicions. The party confirmed it.

The worst of it is I persuaded her to care for him.

Had I not done that I could bear anything, but it was I!

-Even Mr Knightley warned me.

-Mr Knightley?

He was cross that I urged Harriet to reject Martin's proposal.

That nice farmer?

At least there I was right. Well done, Emma.

But otherwise I have made a dreadful mistake.

I sought to bring people together. I shall never do it again. Never!

-That poor girl.

-She'll recover. She's young.

I wish I could ease her pain - but who may be right for her?

-William Coxe?

-Emma!

-Too pert?

My dear, you said you would never try to match anyone again.

Yes. Indeed.

I just wish there were some way I could soften the news.

I'm afraid the best way is the most straightforward.

Yes.

I suppose I'll just say...

Harriet... I have some news about Mr Elton.

He...

He has had to leave town.

Why?

He told Father he was going to Bath to relax and to meet new people.

And this brings me to something most unpleasant.

Miss Woodhouse, nothing you could ever say would be unpleasant.

This is, for... I must acknowledge myself grossly mistaken

on the one subject which has occupied us for some time past.

Mr Elton?

While expressing his fervent admiration for you,

-it is unhappily

-I

-who have captured his fancy.

I do not return the feelings, but it is no less embarrassing.

I place the responsibility for this on my own shoulders.

Oh, no.

I have always felt I did not deserve Mr Elton's affections.

So I cannot blame him for believing the same.

And I could never blame you,

for only so kind a friend would have dreamed it possible.

Harriet, I had always hoped I might have something to teach you.

Now I see I should be lucky to resemble you in any small way.

They have just been weaned. I thought you might enjoy them.

They cannot help but lift the spirits.

Is Mr Elton meeting young ladies?

I do not know. Feel her paws.

I would not blame him.

I wonder when he will return.

Dear, you must empty your mind of Mr Elton.

Yes, I'm sorry.

It was kind of you to invite me.

Look at her eyes.

Mr Elton had brown eyes, too.

Oh, there is only one place where you will not be able

to speak of Mr Elton. You may not be able to speak at all.

Oh, Miss Woodhouse, what a special, special treat.

It's so lovely...of you t-to come and visit us.

Isn't it, Mother, TREAT?

The b-best of it-it is that we were just speaking of a topic

that would interest you.

'Please, not a letter from that ninny Jane Fairfax.'

Yes, here, a letter from Mrs Cole.

Ah!

-..Who has news of Mr Elton.

-SHE SQUEALS & GIGGLES

Um, now, here we are.

"He has been the toast of every young lady's eye."

That's no surprise!

Oh, dear. Miss Smith, you look pale. You must be hungry.

Let me get you some cake.

Isn't it nice to have visitors, Mother?

The most amusing thing happened. Mother was asking about Jane.

Even though she said she knew it was not Jane's day for writing.

Remember, Mother, not Jane's day. Oh, napkin, sorry.

You see, we always have a letter from Jane on Tuesdays.

-And today, as you know, is Thursday.

-SHE GIGGLES

So I said, "Mother, we have a letter from Jane this very morning."

-And Mother said, "But it's Thursday."

-SHE GIGGLES

You see Jane writes on Tuesdays and it's Thursday.

And I said, "Upon my honour."

SHE LAUGHS

Here you are, Miss... Oh, napkin, sorry.

Might you summarise the letter in your own delightful words?

And cheat you out of the pleasure of hearing it,

as only Jane can put things? Upon my honour, I would not.

Oh, where's the letter? Yes, here it is.

Um, and now...

Oh, yes, now the bad news is she has a cold.

Oh, no.

Oh, yes.

But the good news far outweighs it. Far, far, far!

She is coming to visit!

And you must be here to help us with her.

Or it wouldn't be a proper visit. You must sit right where you are.

And... And you must say...

We are so glad to have you with us. How were you able to get away?

The Campbells have gone to Ireland on holiday.

So I've come here - which is better than any holiday.

'Hmm. She is more giving than I expected.'

Tell Miss Woodhouse whom you saw in Weymouth.

Frank Churchill, that's who she saw.

Oh, we hear much of him! Was he handsome?

Many say he is.

-Was he agreeable?

-In no way disagreeable.

Was he a man of information?

All his statements seemed correct.

'I take it back. She is...'

..Absolutely impossible.

She wouldn't say anything about Frank Churchill.

THUNDER RUMBLES

Why should you care so much about Frank Churchill?

I was merely being sociable, that's all, and she was not.

Perhaps you dislike her for dividing our attentions from you.

You are so comical,

you should perform in the town square.

HE LAUGHS

Oh, I have some news! And I know how you like news.

Oh, yes, I always like news.

Mr Elton is going to marry.

THUNDER ROLLS

I don't know what to say. Except that I am...

In a state of complete shock.

-You've heard?

-About what?

-Oh! Never mind.

'I was on my way here for our visit.

'It started raining, so I ducked into Ford's to wait it out.'

-Miss Smith.

-Miss Smith.

-Good day, Mr Ford, Mr Ford.

'As I admired some fabric, who should come in but Elizabeth Martin

'and her brother?

'I thought I should have fainted.

'They saw me and began whispering. And then...

'Oh, Miss Woodhouse, I could not believe this.

'She came up to me and spoke. Oh, she said...'

I'm sorry we never meet now.

'And I said...'

You're too kind.

'Then, I saw that he, Mr Martin, my Mr Martin was coming toward me.'

-Good day, Miss Smith.

-Good day, Mr Martin.

I read The Romance Of The Forest. It was very good.

'Finally I said I had to go.

'But then he followed me.

'I was not three steps outside and he said...'

Miss Smith!

You'd better go by Mr Cole's stable.

The near way is flooded.

Thank you.

Oh, do talk and make me comfortable again.

'This would not be the right time

'to mention Mr Elton is engaged.'

This was awkward as it was the first time you've seen Mr Martin

since refusing his proposal.

You, and I must say he, behaved very well.

Now, the kindest thing you can do for yourself

is to put Mr Martin out of your head for good.

Yes, I will.

I shall do so immediately.

-He's behind me now.

-Wonderful!

-I thought I may sketch the puppies. Would you join me?

-Yes, please!

It was kind of him to warn me about the flooding.

Yes, dear.

-He got his coat wet, his birthday coat from Mrs Martin.

-Hmm.

I do hope he does not catch cold.

Oh!

Oh, good heavens!

HE CHUCKLES

Is your horse washing his feet or are there darker forces at work?

The latter. Something has happened to the wheel and I cannot move.

You'll have to live here then. Bye-bye.

I suppose that won't do. I'll help you home.

Thank you so much, Mr...?

Churchill, Frank Churchill.

A name I know as well as my own, so long I've heard it spoken.

Your father's wife was my governess.

Then you are Miss Woodhouse?

How delightful, I hear of nothing but you.

The last I heard you are not due till tomorrow.

It is best to come in on friends before the look-out begins.

I would not do so in most cases,

but I felt in coming home I might be forgiven.

Then you have not seen them?

We shall have to go there first. They will be overjoyed.

Overjoyed that we are both there together. As I am.

Miss Woodhouse, have you heard? Frank Churchill is here.

Yes. In fact, I met him yesterday.

No! Oh!

-He did me a service when my horse...

-Is he handsome?

Everything everyone says? I have not seen him, but Jane has.

She said he was not unpleasant to look at.

I shan't see him until the Coles' party.

It seems an age from now.

-But I'm sure it will be upon us before we are prepared.

-SHE GIGGLES

Has an invitation arrived from the Coles'?

No, thank heaven.

They are nice, but we'd have to go outside to get there.

We must decline if they are beneath us.

But I don't wish them to hope falsely.

-FOOTSTEPS

-Has James brought the letters yet?

I don't know. I never pay attention to the mail.

Why do they not write?

Do they know I must reject them?

As close friends of the Westons they should extend the invitation.

Unless they don't want me... But I cannot...

..tell you how delighted I am to have been invited, Mrs Cole.

Isn't it handsome?

Thank you. But there's a much prettier one in town.

-It was sent to Jane Fairfax.

-Who sent it?

That's the exciting part. There was no identification.

-Must be from Colonel Campbell.

-Jane's parents died.

The Bates are without the resources to...

The Colonel was her father's friend. He and his family have raised her.

Then they sent it.

Jane just had a letter from them. Not a word was said of it.

Perhaps it's a surprise.

We expect Miss Fairfax soon. She may know more.

It's nice to have a mystery.

Why do you smile?

I'm wondering if there's anyone else

to suspect of being Miss Fairfax's musical patron. You know her?

Oh, yes, she's very elegant, yes.

The Colonel's daughter, Mrs Dixon, is Miss Fairfax's dearest friend.

-Perhaps she sent it.

-Mrs Dixon? That makes sense.

As much sense do you think as Mr Dixon?

I suspect that after proposing to Miss Campbell, a sweet, PLAIN girl,

Mr Dixon fell in love with Miss Fairfax, who is, after all...

-Elegant. But why say that?

-She must think so, too.

For she did not go on holiday with the Campbells.

Instead she came here. Do you see?

Mr Dixon would have been there.

I think, in coming here, Miss Fairfax was telling him

she wanted to forget him.

And I think, with the pianoforte, Mr Dixon wasn't allowing her to.

Oh, Mrs Bates, Miss Bates, welcome.

It's just a theory, but let us see how she reacts if we say the name...

Mr Dixon.

My dear, do you know how Miss Bates and Jane Fairfax came here tonight?

Mr Knightley sent his carriage.

Yes, he's very kind.

You give him more credit for disinterested benevolence than I.

A suspicion has darted into my head.

Mr Knightley and Jane Fairfax are a couple.

Do not take to matchmaking. You do it ill.

Jane Fairfax and Mr Knightley?

-Every feeling revolts. Apart from...

-Oh, my goodness!

What if the pianoforte is from Mr Knightley?

You have taken up an idea and run wild with it.

He is not even with her. She is with Frank, poor man.

(Perhaps the two of them stay apart publicly to keep it a secret.)

Hush, here comes... Mr Cole!

Miss Woodhouse,

would you do us the honour of trying our pianoforte?

Oh...

I fear I lack the talent.

Perhaps I should ask Miss Fairfax.

SHE PLAYS FALTERINGLY

SWEETLY: # Did you not hear my lady

# Go down the garden singing

# Blackbird and thrush were silent

# To hear the earlies ringing

# Oh, saw you not my lady

# Out in the garden there

# Shaming the rose and lily

# For she is twice as fair?

# Though I am nothing to her

# Though she must rarely look at me

# And though I could never woo her

# I love her till I die

-BOTH HARMONISE:

-# Surely you heard my lady

# Go down the garden singing

# Silencing all the songbirds

# And setting the earlies ringing

# But surely you see my lady

# Out in the garden there

# Rivalling the glittering sunshine

# With the glory of golden hair. #

APPLAUSE

Excuse me.

Do you know that piece from the Beggar's Opera?

-Oh, yes.

-Shall we?

-VIRTUOSO:

-# Virgins are like The fair flower in its lustre

# Which in the garden enamels The ground

# Near it the bees in play Flutter and cluster

# And gaudy butterflies Frolic around

# But when... #

Doesn't she play marvellously?

Yes.

Sweet to lend her your carriage so her fingers would be warm

-for the performance.

-Your playing was lovely.

Much inferior to Miss Fairfax's.

No.

Very elegant.

-CHURCHILL:

-# Rots, stinks and dies... #

Was not that sweet of the Campbells to give her so generous a gift?

I don't approve of surprises.

The pleasure is not enhanced and it is inconvenient.

-APPLAUSE

-Bad judgment from the Campbells.

Miss Fairfax, shall we sing another?

He thinks only of showing off. Jane will sing herself hoarse.

-Miss Bates?

-Yes, Mr Knightley?

You must stop this. She'll be ill.

-Oh, do you think so?

-Yes.

-Well, I shall.

-Jane?

-Yes, Aunt?

-I wonder if you...

Please forgive my intrusion, but my aunt has become ill.

It is not serious but I might bring her solace. So I must return.

I expect my father at any moment, but could not go without visiting.

Ah! Not even five minutes to spare for Miss Fairfax and Miss Bates?

-How unlucky.

-No, I stopped there on my way here.

After their kindness, I don't wish to slight them.

But it is not the Bates that occupy my thoughts as I prepare to leave.

There is something more personal that I must say to you.

You must suspect that I have developed feelings

for someone of a most tender and devoted nature,

which so far I have striven to hide.

Yet you have always made me feel so at ease,

such a friend since my arrival,

that it is no longer honourable to keep them from you.

In short, I cannot help but say...

Mr Weston.

Mrs Weston has promised to correspond.

The blessings of a female when one wants news.

In her letters I may be at Highbury, and here again...with you.

'Well, he loves me.'

'He was on the verge of telling me when his father burst in.

'I felt listless after he left and had a headache.

'So I must be in love, too.

'I must confess I expected love to feel different than this.

'I may determine how deep the love I feel through his absence.

'I wish he would be here tomorrow. There is a grim job to be done.

'Mr Elton is bringing his new wife to tea.'

Oh, you know, your home reminds me of Maple Grove,

which is the seat of my brother, Mr Suckling.

-Suckling...

-The hall, the size of the rooms.

-I'm quite struck by it. I almost fancy myself here.

-HE LAUGHS

I'm glad you can feel so at ease.

-Hartfield...

-My brother and sister will be enchanted.

People who have extensive grounds love to meet other people with...

extensive grounds.

You overrate Hartfield. Surrey is full of beauties.

-We are...

-Don't tell ME about Surrey.

I say it is the garden of England.

But many counties are called that.

Oh? I fancy not.

I never heard any country but Surrey called so.

Ooh.

Oh...

Well, I know little of other places.

(We are...a quiet set of people.)

More disposed to stay at home.

-SOFTLY:

-Your father's health is a drawback to your travelling.

Why does he not try Bath? It would do him the world of good.

He has tried it before without any benefit.

No, it will do him good, if only to improve his spirits,

which, I understand, can be much depressed. You must take him.

A line from me and you would have some of the best society there.

And my friend, Mrs Partridge...

Thank you, but our going to Bath is out of the question.

Mrs Elton, I have not asked if you are musical.

-Your reputation has preceded you.

-Oh...!

All the town knows you are a superior performer.

-My wife...

-I am dotingly fond of music.

And, my friends say, not entirely devoid of taste.

I told Mr E, when he asked me to marry,

I said I did not have to have two carriages, as I did before,

and I could accept a smaller house.

My house before was a good deal roomier.

But no, the world is not necessary to me,

because I am blessed with so many resources...in here.

But, said I, without music, my life would be a blank.

You and I must establish a musical club.

We could have regular meetings at your house or ours.

I don't want to give up my talent, do I?

It would take something more dramatic than a change of towns

to dislodge a thing as great as your talent.

Oh, well! I myself don't call it great.

I only know that my friends think so.

HE CLEARS HIS THROAT

Ooh! We met the Westons. She is already a favourite with me.

I was astonished she was so ladylike.

Was she not your governess?

Mrs Weston's modest propriety makes her a model for any woman.

-Indeed...

-Do you know who was there?

I cannot imagine.

Knightley.

Knightley?

Knightley. Mr E's friend.

There's one friend of whom you need NOT be ashamed.

Quite the gentleman.

Knightley! She called him Knightley!

-I saw her at church. She seemed...

-Vulgar? Base? Crass?

-How do you do, Mrs Starr?

-Good morning, Miss Woodhouse.

She seemed please to discover Mr Knightley was a gentleman.

I doubt he'll return the compliment and find her a lady.

-Mr Simons! Good morning.

-Good morning, Miss Woodhouse.

She proposed we form a musical club.

Did Mr Elton meet her while doing charity work in a mental infirmary?

-There is only one thing to do when a person is so impossible.

-What?

I must throw a party for her.

Otherwise everyone will feel at once how much I dislike her.

We're so excited about the party. And do you know whom I just adore?

-Who I want to wrap up and put in my pocket?

-Knightley?

Jane Fairfax. Oh, I rave about her.

Do you know what I admire most about her? She's timid.

I'm a great advocate for timidity.

But I daresay you know the lines of the poet:

"Full many a flower is born to blush unseen."

We must not allow them to be verified by sweet Jane.

No danger of that. The Campbells take care of her.

Whatever she has got from them has come to an end.

But, if you and I set the example, many will follow.

We live in a way which cannot make the addition of Jane inconvenient.

I'm simply going to adopt her. I think you should do it with me.

For the first time in my life I felt sorry for Jane Fairfax.

Whatever she may have done, she does not deserve Mrs Elton.

Jane may be glad of Mrs Elton's attentions,

since they are available from no-one else.

She seems to receive ample attention from you.

-Anyone may know my regard for her.

-Oh?

Do you know how high it is?

MRS WESTON CLEARS HER THROAT

Oh, so, you two have been settling that I should marry Jane Fairfax?

No!

You could not come and sit with us if you were married.

Jane Fairfax is a very charming young woman.

But she lacks an open temper which a man wishes for in a wife.

I have admiration for her,

but no thought beyond, not at all.

No.

Ah, I see Mr Weston is at home. I'll go and see him.

Well, Mrs Weston, what do you say about your suspicions now?

He is so very occupied with his NOT being in love with her,

it seems certain that he is.

PARTY CHATTER

It was most kind of you to invite Jane Fairfax this evening.

Your words the other day shamed me.

I have not tried as I should have.

You're capable of great kindness.

I fall short so often.

And I doubt she will find THIS kind.

Jane, you're a very fragile creature.

You pay no regard to the delicacy of your constitution.

Jane...

Knightley, help us.

Knightley!

Jane went to the post office in the rain.

At great peril to her health.

Oh, Jane, you sad girl.

This is a sign that I was not there to take care of you.

Knightley, tell her. Tell her!

I'm sure she knows what she can endure.

But, of course. Do take care of yourself.

Thank you.

Mr Weston!

Ha, we had quite given you up. I'm afraid we started without you.

Forgive me, Mr Woodhouse, Emma. No, please.

The journey from London was especially slow.

Or perhaps it just seemed so, as I had news I was eager to share.

Frank's aunt is on the mend and Frank is taking a house in Highbury.

-Oooh!

-Good news indeed.

-How exciting. Well, well, well.

I shall have to do something with Mr E to welcome him. Mr E?

-Yes, we shall...

-Highbury's different since he left.

There's been an addition,

if I may presume to call myself that.

I wouldn't presume to, I'm simply quoting other people.

But I think Mr Churchill will find one or two small changes

in the vicinity since he last came to visit his good father.

'Frank Churchill. Hmm.'

'I must own that I am not in love with Frank.

'I have not thought of him, except when Harriet mentioned him.'

Harriet! And Frank! Oh, wouldn't they be charming?

'It would relieve me to know Harriet was well taken care of.

'I could bring them together at the ball.

'Lucky the man who exchanges Emma for Harriet.'

What can be less appealing than an evening watching others dance?

Go on.

-Then YOU shall have to dance.

-I've no taste for it.

I'd rather fetch that stick.

I'll try to remember to bring it to the ball.

I just want to stay here where it's cosy.

-Miss Woodhouse.

-Mr Churchill!

I came early to see if I could be of service to your father.

You're late. The whole party is here to help my father prepare.

-..New hamster.

-LAUGHTER

Are you waiting for someone?

Mmm. Er, Mrs Elton.

Mrs Elton? Why ever for?

I hear much of her. She is bringing Jane Fairfax in her carriage.

Perhaps tonight we can finally ask Jane about Mr Dixon.

Or did you acquire the courage during my absence?

-HORSE & CARRIAGE ROLLS UP

-Is that they? Do, do excuse me.

Frank told me a fascinating thing.

He's heard about Mrs Elton and still wants to meet her.

CHORUS OF "GOOD EVENINGS"

Oh, I always say, always,

there is no place where the people are as nice as in Highbury.

We were two steps out of the carriage, possibly less,

when Frank Churchill came bounding up.

Bounding to see if we needed help.

He is so obliging.

Good evening, Mr Cole!

Mr Churchill, I was just telling Miss Woodhouse and Mrs Weston

how obliging you are.

I shall never forget your kindness, not as long as I live.

Nor, well, nor shall Mother.

Since you replaced the rivet in her spectacles,

-they have not been as good as new, they have been better!

-THEY LAUGH

We are so obliged. Isn't this room just like a fairy land?

Do you like Jane's hair? She did it herself.

Ooh, there are the Hughes's. I must go and say hello.

BAND TUNES UP

CHEERFUL DANCE MUSIC

Harriet is all alone.

-Do you not dance, Mr Elton?

-Readily, if you will be my partner.

Oh, I'm no dancer. Let me find a better partner.

Though I am an old married man,

I should enjoy dancing with Mrs Gilbert.

Mrs Gilbert does not dance.

But I do see a young lady whom I should like to see dancing.

Miss Smith.

Miss Smith?

I hadn't observed her there.

You're most obliging to have pointed her out.

Were I not an old married man, I should gladly do the job.

But my, er, dancing days are over.

MUSIC DROWNS CONVERSATION

INAUDIBLE

I can only say that as you took her to the floor,

I was proud to call you my friend.

The Eltons are unpardonable.

I must say, they aim at wounding more than just Harriet.

They seem to want to snub you, too. Why?

Certainly Mrs Elton has no reason to dislike you.

Confess now, old friend.

You did want him to marry Harriet?

I did and they cannot forgive me.

Oh, dear. How could I have made such a misjudgment?

What is the point being almost 22 if there's still so much to learn?

You know more than you realise.

I know that I must own to be completely wrong about Mr Elton.

There is a littleness to him that you discovered and I did not.

In return for your acknowledging so much,

I say that you chose for him better than he chose for himself.

Harriet has qualities about her which Mrs Elton is entirely without.

Your friend surprised me, most pleasantly.

Emma, the last dance. Will you come and set an example?

Gladly.

Whom are you going to dance with?

With you, if you will ask me.

You have shown yourself a fine dancer,

despite your protests.

It should not be improper for us to dance.

After all, we are not brother and sister.

Brother and sister?!

No, no.

Indeed we are not.

What is your news?

Wait until we are in front of the fireplace.

-It must happen there.

-Very well.

Wasn't the ball lovely?

-Wonderful! Out of a dream.

-SHE GASPS

DOGS BARK BABY WAILS

QUIETLY: It's all right. Let's move quickly.

-Tell me more about the ball.

-Um, I had such...

-Quick, get her purse. Get around them.

-THEY SHRIEK

Give me your hand!

Stand aside!

Oh, how can I ever thank you? How brave you were.

I owe you everything.

Miss Woodhouse will make things right.

If I am no longer needed I must meet my father.

Of course. Bless you again and again.

Goodness!

What an afternoon.

All this trouble to do something I should have done long ago.

I have come to a decision about Mr Elton.

I am done with him.

I shall never forget him or his wife at the ball.

To prove my sincerity I shall destroy something

which I had thought to treasure always.

You know what this is, of course?

Can you have forgotten?

Mr Elton cut his finger and you urged me to bind the wound.

I cut too much bandage, so I trimmed it.

He played with the extra bit while I finished it up.

He left it by his chair.

I, in my nonsense, made a treasure of it.

Dear Harriet.

That was silly, but here is something which truly was his.

He left it here once and I took it.

I used to take it and hold it.

But no more.

I want to be rid of these things with you as my witness.

I think I should burn them.

I think it would be a wise and relieving thing to do.

-Goodbye, Mr Elton.

-'Hello, Mr Churchill.'

Mmm. When you marry you must eat strawberries at your wedding.

I shall never marry.

Really?

I was certain you were developing feelings for someone.

The service he rendered you would endear him.

I cannot tell you how I felt when he rescued me.

I went from agony to happiness at the sight of him.

He is a fine choice for you.

But do not let your feelings go until you are sure of his.

I give you this caution because I am determined never to interfere.

I will not even speak his name.

But raising your thoughts to him is a mark of your good taste.

LAUGHTER

I have some wonderful news.

I have found a position for you.

It is with a choice family in Bath...

I'm most obliged, but I would not consider leaving Highbury.

As your protector, I cannot allow you to feel that way.

I'm sure everyone agrees with me. What are your options, after all?

These sandwiches are delicious. You really are a gourmet.

-SHE LAUGHS

-Well, I never compliment myself,

-but my friends tell me I know how to make a sandwich.

-THEY CHUCKLE

-Now, Jane...

-Shall we all play a game?

I command you to tell Miss Woodhouse something entertaining.

It may be one thing very clever, two things moderately clever,

-or three things very dull indeed.

-MISS BATES GIGGLES

And in return, Miss Woodhouse will laugh heartily at them all.

I do not pretend to be a wit,

though I have a great deal of vivacity in my own way.

These diversions are tolerable at Christmas, around the fire,

but in my opinion it wastes the outdoors.

Miss Woodhouse, you must excuse me.

And me. I'm an old married man

and have nothing to say that would please Miss Woodhouse.

Or any young lady.

Oh, well, I need not be uneasy.

As long as we're allowed three dull things.

I shall say three VERY dull things as soon as I open my mouth!

-There may be a difficulty.

-No, I never fail to say dull things.

Yes, dear, but you'll be limited as to number only three.

-SHE GIGGLES

-Oh...

To be sure...

Yes...

I...

I-I...

I see, I see.

I see what she means.

I will try and hold my tongue.

Oh, I must make myself very...disagreeable,

or she would not have said such a thing to an old...

friend.

Um, well.

-SHE GIGGLES

-Just three.

Yes.

Give me the pleasure of your company whilst I pick more strawberries.

Oh, thank you, Mr Knightley, that would be charming.

Emma, how could you be so unfeeling to Miss Bates?

How could you be so insolent to a woman of her age and situation?

I'd not thought it possible.

How could I help it? I daresay she did not understand.

I assure you she felt your full meaning.

She cannot stop mentioning it.

I wish you had heard her honour your enduring her being so irksome.

I know there is no better creature, but you must allow