(footsteps crunch) - (sighs) It really is much smaller than I imagined, Dundas.
I fear we have too much furniture.
- Nonsense, my dear.
The sideboard will look splendid against this wall, under the portrait of my late dear father.
- But where shall we place the pedestal table?
And those windows, so out of proportion for the room.
- I confess, I've always been of that opinion myself.
- How strange.
You've never mentioned it before, Mama.
- You must have forgotten, Anna.
- No, Mama.
If I recall, you always remarked how fortunate your sister Eliza was to have the benefit of such a beautiful room.
- My dear mother spent many happy hours sitting in the window.
- I have far too many children to sit anywhere for hours.
- Isabella, I've just seen your sister Beth.
Oh.
Forgive me.
I was not aware you were all present.
- Miss Austen, what a pleasure to make your acquaintance once more.
It is almost as good as being in the presence of your dear departed sister.
My dear, Miss Austen here was fortunate enough to be sister to the great lady novelist Miss Jane Austen.
Imagine!
- How splendid for you.
Now, Dundas, to the curtains.
I am concerned ours will not fit those rather large windows.
- Now, Mama, we must take our leave.
Mrs. Bunbury is not a woman to be kept waiting.
- [Mr. Dundas] I'm sure something could be arranged.
- [Mrs. Dundas] We must change the upholstery.
It's too plain for my taste.
I prefer something busier.
(pen scratches)
