Season 2025 | Episode 2

♪ ♪ ISABELLA: Cassandra.

We weren't expecting you.

♪ ♪ Isabella must live with her sisters.

Promise me.

DUNDAS: Austen?

Are you some relation to Miss Jane Austen?

CASSANDRA: She was my sister.

MARY: Perhaps there is a biography to be written.

There are sure to be letters that will cast up all manner of treasure.

CASSY: I will never marry any other man but you.

We have bad tidings to impart, Cassy.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (inhales) (inhales) (doorbell ringing) (dog barking) (doorbell ringing, footsteps moving) (house door opens) MARY: Where on Earth have you been, Dinah?

DINAH: Sorry, ma'am.

I was in the kitchen with Miss Isabella.

MARY: And what of Miss Austen?

DINAH: In her room, ma'am.

MARY: What's she doing in there?

(shouting): Cassandra!

There's work to be done.

♪ ♪ Mary, my dear.

So there you are.

So, here I am.

We weren't expecting you so soon, on account of tea with Mrs. Bunbury.

Yes, there's been a falling-out to do with you, Cassandra.

Me?

Mrs. Bunbury suggested that you arriving here without informing me first was a slur on my reputation.

I mounted a most robust defense, but she was adamant.

It's not the done thing, Cassandra.

We're supposed to be sisters.

Well, I sincerely hope that relations with Mrs. Bunbury return to cordiality very soon.

Hm.

Dinah says you've made a start on clearing my dear sister's room.

You know I wish to help.

Did you find any letters from Jane?

(claps hands to legs): Not a single one.

(inhales) How odd.

Considering how often Jane wrote.

No matter.

I'll find them myself.

Well, perhaps you will be lucky where I was not.

Hm.

Ma'am, Mrs. Austen, do you wish me to make up Mrs. Fowle's room for you?

Yes, yes, do it at once, so I may settle myself and get on with clearing.

(sighs): A task I do not relish, given how close Eliza and I were.

Now, I said.

Mm.

(dishes shatter, Isabella yelps) ISABELLA (panting): Oh!

Oh, let me pick it up, ma'am.

You'll hurt yourself.

There is little point in making more work than is absolutely necessary, Isabella.

It was an accident.

Ah, well, I'll leave you to it.

I have work to do upstairs.

Dinah, Dinah, as soon as you're ready.

(breathlessly): There's too much to do.

I must ask Mr. Dundas for more time.

I'm not ready.

I won't be ready.

Isabella.

Isabella, I have been in your position, and I know how daunting this task must appear.

But I also know how uncertainty for your future can make it feel all the more onerous.

That is why this question must be settled without delay.

But I... To that purpose, I wonder if we might make a visit today to see your sisters.

We're still too busy here, Cassandra.

(exhales) I mean, surely it can wait.

Isabella, I am becoming increasingly concerned about what is to become of you.

We, we cannot delay this decision any longer.

We should do it, of course.

But...

But not today.

Uh, tomorrow, perhaps.

Besides, I have errands to run this morning.

Very well.

Well, in, in that case, perhaps I...

I could start to clear the dining room.

I, I could clear your mother's writing desk.

Save your Aunt Mary the bother.

Thank you.

(dog barking in distance) I have loved this china since I was a child.

Now it is all to go to my brother.

♪ ♪ (sighs) All will be well, Isabella.

I am sure of it.

(chuckles) (footsteps retreating) ♪ ♪ (door closes) (breathes deeply) ♪ ♪ (children laughing) GIRL: Mama!

(chuckles) For me?

GIRL: What does that say?

ELIZA: It says "Eliza."

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (inhales, whispers): Eliza.

♪ ♪ (drawer closes) (exhales) Hm.

♪ ♪ JANE (voiceover): My dearest Eliza, Your happy news has lightened our spirits here in Steventon.

Mother and Father cannot settle on whether you are to expect a boy or a girl.

I shall let you know as soon as they decide.

I wish I had more cheerful news of Cassy.

In all this time, her grief has not abated.

It is not in my sister's nature to reveal the depth of her suffering, for fear of burdening us with her sorrow.

MAN: Come on, boys, walk on.

JANE: But I can see how much her heart still aches for Tom.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Our brother Edward has invited her to stay at Godmersham Park, his estate in Kent.

I will miss her dreadfully, though I am hopeful this change in surroundings might lift her from her melancholy.

(page turns) ♪ ♪ It may amuse you to learn that Edward's invitation did not extend to me.

I fear I may be a little too eccentric for Kent society.

(chuckles) JANE: It is regretful, as I could certainly cultivate a taste for their acres of rolling countryside, extensive library, and well-stocked wine cellar.

(bird calling) ♪ ♪ Perhaps Edward's wife, Elizabeth, fears that I would become rather too comfortable, and outstay my welcome.

While she is always unfailingly polite to us lowly Austens, I admit to some surprise she's willing to play host to one of us at all.

♪ ♪ EDWARD: Welcome to Godmersham, my dear sister.

Edward.

How well you look.

Uh, considering, um...

I, I do hope your journey was a pleasant one.

If, if anything can be pleasant at such a... A time.

Thank you, my dear brother.

Come.

(people talking in background) Now, I know you'll want to gather yourself, but the children are quite wild with excitement.

If we don't go straight to see them, I fear they will burst.

They are the perfect tonic to stave off sad.

I cannot wait to see them.

ELIZABETH: Stand still, no fidgeting.

EDWARD: Say hello, children-- look who's here!

(children gasp) ELIZABETH: Oh, look who's here-- who is it?

CHILDREN: Aunt Cassy!

(laughing) CASSY: Look how you've all grown.

(whispering): And look who this is.

(children giggling) Ah... Hello.

There you go.

Hello.

(children giggling) BOY: Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo!

(children exclaiming, Cassy laughing) See?

I told you, Cass.

Fit to burst.

(chuckles) (chuckles) (gasps) Hello.

JANE (voiceover): Someone of a more cynical disposition might wonder if Elizabeth has something to gain by having Aunt Cassy at Godmersham.

This is not a thought that should ever cross my mind, Eliza, and certainly not one I would write down.

SERVANT: Ma'am.

♪ ♪ (door closes) (sighs) Off out, are we?

Well, it would appear so.

I may pay Mary Jane, Isabella's sister, a visit on my travels.

Are you expected?

Mrs. Mary Jane Dexter is not one for surprise visitors.

I am sure she will be more than happy to see me when she knows the purpose of my visit.

Time is of the essence.

We must make sure Isabella is taken care of.

♪ ♪ (door opens) Must we now?

(door closes) ♪ ♪ (hinges creak) (knocks) MARY JANE: Who is it?

Mrs. Dexter?

Mary Jane, it's me, Cassandra Austen.

I've come to call on you.

(door unlocking) (hinges creak) Yes, in, in.

(locks turning) You can never be too careful.

Come into the parlor.

♪ ♪ (exclaims softly) What interesting objects.

MARY JANE: Mm.

What you see here are the joys of the Empire.

Halcyon days.

Halcyon.

Now...

Sit down.

(fire crackling) (exhales heavily) Isabella been looking after you, has she?

Oh, yes.

Impeccably.

Mm.

She's got the heart of an ox, Isabella.

Braver than you think.

Although she wouldn't survive for one single day on her own, so it's a good thing she's coming to live with me.

So it, it's settled, then?

Of course it's settled.

Isn't that why you're here, to make sure?

Yes, it's just that Isabella doesn't seem to know this.

What you have to know about my sister is this.

She thinks she knows her own mind, but she doesn't.

♪ ♪ (sighs): Tiffin?

Uh... ♪ ♪ Miss Fowle.

Mr. Lidderdale.

I must offer you my apologies.

I have been tardy in calling to inquire how you were faring since...

I am perfectly well, thank you.

In truth, I have been busy preparing the vicarage for the new vicar.

I am sure that must be a most difficult task.

Have you secured new lodgings?

Not yet.

But it is all in hand.

I am delighted to hear that.

There is nothing more unsettling than insecurity.

Indeed.

I wish you well.

Truly.

That is most kind.

Now, if you'll forgive me, I have an errand to run.

♪ ♪ JANE (voiceover): Dearest Eliza, I am happy to report that Cassy indulges my frequent demands for news from Godmersham and writes often.

Though I hear suspiciously little about the delights and amusements of the Kent countryside and a great deal more about spillikins with the tiny inhabitants of the nursery.

CASSY (quietly): Oh... (stick clicks) (footsteps approaching) Oh, Elizabeth, there you are.

I wondered if I might take a short turn around the garden while the baby's asleep.

(chuckling): Oh, my dear, no.

It's too warm outside.

You're in the best place up here.

Besides, I cannot play that game for my life.

Oh, look how they adore you.

I cannot tell you how much it suits me to have you here.

Things have turned out so well, have they not?

I mean...

I, I did not mean...

I know what you mean, my dear.

I'm most grateful to be here.

Good.

Now, I think I might have a little rest before my family arrive for dinner.

♪ ♪ BOY: Oh, look!

I did it.

It's your turn, Auntie Cassy.

(sticks moving) ♪ ♪ ELIZABETH: Edward?

Where are you going?

We have guests for dinner.

EDWARD: Just to the stables to cast my eyes at the new filly.

I won't be long.

ELIZABETH: Well, I'm afraid the filly will have to wait.

My mother will be here before we know it, and she would not be happy if a horse has taken precedence.

No-- no, that would not do.

Have you told Cassy what time she's expected downstairs?

Oh, my dearest.

I don't think it would be correct for Cassy to join us.

EDWARD: It's a family dinner, and Cassy is family, after all.

She is still in mourning, Edward.

It would not be appropriate for her to attend a happy party.

Cook will send something up on a tray.

♪ ♪ JANE (voiceover): Eliza, I must prevail upon you for assistance in a matter of great urgency.

Cassy is trapped in the nursery at Godmersham.

My good and dutiful sister does not complain, but it is clear to me that the situation is most serious.

(bell tinkling) Please do not think me indelicate if I suggest the timing is to our advantage.

I beg you, Eliza.

Thank you!

(voiceover): Write to Cassy and request her presence at your confinement.

Thanks, ma'am.

JANE: Elizabeth will not deny a mother in need.

And as for Edward, he will do as he is bidden.

We cannot allow our beloved Cassy to convince herself that her life's sole value lies in the role of dependable spinster aunt.

BOY: Bye, Aunt Cassy!

Bye!

JANE: Please write as soon as you are able.

I have an inkling that our intervention will be a relief to her.

♪ ♪ (screaming) (shushing) (screams continue) (door opens) (door closes) (yelping) (shushing): Hush now.

The baby will be here soon, safe and sound-- sh.

(shushes) (grunts) She needs laudanum.

(coughs) (baby crying) (fusses) Eliza?

She's sleeping, Fulwar.

She's exhausted.

(catches breath) And you have a girl.

(baby coos) The sweetest, most beloved little girl.

Another girl.

(baby crying) (exhales) ♪ ♪ (sighs) (door closes) JANE (voiceover): My dearest Eliza, We are delighted to hear you are safely delivered and baby Isabella is thriving.

♪ ♪ Isabella is a splendid name.

She can only grow up to be a heroine, or a Spanish queen, though I would not wish that fate upon her.

No, her adventures will be magnificent, and not solely confined to the great county of Berkshire.

Look, Isabella.

Your dear, sweet Uncle Tom's tree.

His and mine.

♪ ♪ (kisses) 28.

Mm-hmm.

Five times seven is... 35.

Very good, Arthur.

Now, six times seven is?

ARTHUR: Six times seven is... 42.

ISABELLA: Mm-hmm.

ARTHUR: Seven times seven is... ISABELLA: Rise and shine.

49!

(laughing): Well done!

Shall we attempt the eight times table?

I can try, miss.

Very good.

ARTHUR: One times eight is eight.

ISABELLA: Indeed.

ARTHUR: Two times eight is sixteen.

I have just seen Miss Isabella with a pupil.

She is quite the teacher.

(chuckles): I had no idea.

There's a lot to Miss Isabella that people don't know, or don't want to.

She must have made her father proud, looking after him, as she did.

Well, if he was, ma'am, he never told her, though he wasn't quiet about much else.

Used to fill the house with his presence, did Reverend Fowle, God rest him.

Hmm.

I had not seen him for some time, but I do recall he was the most exuberant of men.

(chuckles): If that's what you like to call it.

There's many a day you'd have heard him shouting up in the village, and he used to bellow at Miss Isabella.

Bellow?

What do you mean, Dinah?

Nothing, ma'am.

It's not for me to say anything.

Now, I must go and fetch the rest of the dinner service.

Uh, Dinah.

Mm.

Is Mrs. Austen still resting?

She is that, ma'am.

I wish to visit Miss Isabella's other sister.

Where might I find Miss Beth's school?

Behind the Plasterer's Arms.

♪ ♪ (people calling and talking in background) (metal clanking) (people talking in background) ♪ ♪ (people talking in background) Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find Miss Fowle?

Miss Winterbourne's.

♪ ♪ (hinges creak) ♪ ♪ Thank you.

Cassandra!

There's illness here!

You must leave at once.

Miss Austen, you cannot be in here.

What ails her?

Diphtheria.

(moans softly) It has spread through the village.

But as for the rest, poverty, misfortune...

Nothing I can cure.

Now I beg you, leave.

It is not safe here.

BETH: Come, Cassandra, I'll walk you to the end of the village.

(thunder rumbling) (people talking in background) (thunder claps) (rain pelting) Beth, I must talk to you about Isabella's future.

(sighs): Isabella's future, that great conversation that never seems to end.

What, it has been discussed already?

Endlessly.

Though I try very hard to stay out of the Fowle family politics, as I have no appetite for meddling.

Beth, your sister is about to lose her home.

Isabella is a grown woman.

(thunder rumbling) Surely she's more than capable of securing her own future, whatever that may be.

I'm sorry, but I, I must get back.

Mr. Lidderdale needs me.

Come and visit again, when the school reopens.

I'd like to show you what I do there.

Beth... Beth... (thunder rumbling) ISABELLA: Oh!

Where have you been?

We've been so worried.

This weather!

MARY (calling): Isabella?!

Remove this dog from my presence at once!

(exhales): It appears your Aunt Mary has risen from her rest.

Yes.

She found my mother's room a little on the chilly side.

(drawer opens) Still no letters, Mary?

Uh, no, strangely.

(sniffs) As this is my sister's writing desk.

We'll throw these away.

Eliza was always prone to a great deal of sentiment.

How foolish to go out in this weather, Cassandra.

You should know better at your age.

(dog whining) That dog is feral.

(whining) He'll be the death of me.

He must be banned from the house at once.

Tea, Dinah, in the drawing room.

Come on, Pyramus, come on.

(whining) (exhales): Good boy.

Is that the only china we have?

We have packed the rest, Aunt Mary, at your instruction.

Oh, well, then I suppose I must endure it.

Oh, my leg is bothering me again.

(groans) (sighs) (loudly): That tea will be going cold before any of us have a chance to taste it.

(normally): Isabella, do you have any more cushions?

My leg should be more raised.

Uh... More raised?

Yes.

And a blanket, perhaps.

Yes, and more logs on the fire.

(chuckles) Ah, so where have you been, anyway?

To visit Miss Beth.

There is sickness at the top of the village.

She's up there helping Mr. Lidderdale.

Ah, Beth and Mr. Lidderdale.

So she's a nurse, as well as a teacher.

They did seem very familiar with one another.

Hm, ooh, that is a surprise, is it not, Isabella?

ISABELLA: You must forgive me, Aunt Mary.

I have much to be getting on with.

Dinah, draw Miss Austen a hot bath.

We don't want her getting sick.

(door closes) Beth Fowle has been nothing but a trial for this family.

Fraternizing with certain elements of society?

Her father did not approve.

She was tending to Mrs. Winterbourne.

You should see the conditions that poor woman lives in.

Oh, let us not dwell on misfortune.

You go, go, go take your bath.

(breathes deeply) I'll rest some more, and then I can set about taking charge.

This family needs a firmer hand.

(door closes) ♪ ♪ (hinges squeak softly) ♪ ♪ (exhales softly) (sighs) MARY (calling in distance): Cassandra?

(replacing bundles quickly) (trunk closes) Cassandra!

(panting) (smoothing blanket) (door opens) Oh, so you're in here now?

I thought I heard a noise.

I thought you were resting your leg.

(groans): The fire in the drawing room is a misery.

(sighs): Have you found something?

(inhales) No.

No.

I just wanted to see if I could still hear the sea.

(chuckles) Stories for children, Cassandra.

You could never hear the sea.

(chuckles) The sea sounds so calm today.

I cannot wait to stand beside it in Sidmouth.

I'll miss you when you're gone.

It is only for a season.

The Austens of Hampshire are embarking on the first of their great holiday schemes.

You'll hardly recognize us when we return.

(laughs) Isabella will have grown so much by then.

(bell rings) It is brother James.

And sister Mary-- they've arrived.

(whispers): How lovely.

(chuckles) Hm.

♪ ♪ (sighs): Where's Anna?

♪ ♪ Anna!

(chuckling): Anna!

Aunt Jane!

(Jane chuckling) JANE: We've missed you.

Let's go upstairs.

You've grown, Miss Anna.

I've grown two whole shoe sizes.

Two?

Let's hope you stop growing soon, or there'll be no shoes left in the country to fit you.

(chuckles) Save giants' shoes.

(Anna and Cassy laugh) Hold it to your ear and listen.

Can you hear the sea?

I can hear it, I can hear it!

(chuckles) What does the sea look like?

(exhales) Well... You will soon know.

Because we three are going to the seaside.

(gasps) What a wonderful idea!

(both laughing) What a splendid idea!

I'm sure your father and I will manage without you, Anna.

♪ ♪ (Isabella sniffles) (exhales): My dear Isabella, please try to pull yourself together.

Mary.

Mary, she has just lost her father.

I am aware, and it is sad, but he was elderly, and that is the natural order of things.

It should be easier to bear.

But there is nothing written to tell each one of us how we must endure grief.

(inhales) Isabella, perhaps a few chapters from your Aunt Jane's novel may make a welcome distraction.

(Isabella exhales) Have you been reading aloud?

From Jane's novels?

I, I thought your father had expressly forbidden that practice.

As you have reminded me, Aunt Mary, my father is no longer here.

Perhaps I could recite some of your Uncle James's poetry.

That is kind, but I find myself pleasantly surprised by how much I am enjoying "Persuasion."

Anne Elliot is a most interesting character.

(sniffs) A pleasant sort of person.

Sensible.

Not much drama about her.

And I am most keen to hear the ending of her story before I am evicted from this house.

Will she have her happy ending?

Well, we must read on, then, and find out.

(chuckles) Oh, I must know if she is to be married.

(exhales) Is that the only outcome that would be happy?

It is.

Oh, Isabella, there are so many other ways for women like us to find happiness.

Are there?

Read on, please, Cassandra.

(inhales) "From this time, "Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot "were repeatedly in the same circle.

"They had no conversation together, "no intercourse but what the commonest civility required.

"Once so much to each other, "and now nothing.

"Now they were as strangers; nay, "worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted."

Oh, Cassandra.

Your sister understood affairs of the heart better than anyone.

Please tell me, did she ever know love?

Writing was Jane's greatest love.

She took great comfort from the heroes in her books, but in life, no man was ever worthy.

Forgive me, my dear, but I think your memory fails you.

Wasn't there a gentleman you both met in Sidmouth?

The season you spent there, remember?

And wasn't there even rivalry between you?

Rivalry?

In love?

(chuckles, voice catches) I have no idea what your Aunt Mary is talking about.

If I recall, this gentleman seemed greatly attracted to Jane.

(shop bell rings) ♪ ♪ Do excuse me, madam.

(ringing continues) ♪ ♪ ISABELLA: How romantic.

To fall in love by the sea.

(exhales) What a, a lovely confection!

Your Aunt Jane would be very amused to find herself the, the heroine of a, of a romantic triangle.

I, I'm afraid I find myself exceedingly tired, and my head hurts.

I, I...

I do hope I have not caught a chill from today's wanderings.

No, no.

I, I can manage.

Thank you.

Goodnight.

(door opens) (Cassandra sniffs, exhales) (footsteps climbing) (sighs) (wind blowing) (seagulls squawking) (sighs): Come along now.

(calls): Jane!

Jane, shall we go?

♪ ♪ Here, let me tie it for you.

Why do you only wear black, Aunt Cassy?

Because.

It becomes me.

Your Aunt Jane is happy here.

Let us go shopping.

Yes, please!

♪ ♪ (sighs) (horse neighing in background) Oh, look at the yellow one, Aunt Cassy!

Do you see it?

You would look so pretty in that.

Far better than boring old black.

It is very lovely, my dear.

Oh, look at the blue, Auntie Cassy.

It's the color of the sea.

Oh, but I like the yellow best, because it's like the sun.

It is indeed.

(exhales): Let's come back for some ribbons tomorrow.

What a charming child.

(shop bell rings) (chuckles): Thank you.

Do excuse me, madam.

♪ ♪ Forgive my impertinence, miss, but that is the most excellent shell.

(giggles): Yes, it is.

(chuckles) Mama, are you ready?

MRS. HOBDAY: Thank you, my dear.

♪ ♪ Good day to you, madam.

(door closes, bell rings) (clears throat softly) (footsteps approaching) Oh, I do like it here.

(exhales) I like it very much!

So what have you been up to since the beach, my darlings?

I hope you haven't been sitting in here when outside there is all manner of magnificence.

Look, Aunt Jane, I found this for my collection.

Oh, that's a beauty.

Cassy, I think the sea is beginning to work its magic.

I spy some color in this landlubber's face.

We'll make a pirate out of her yet.

(chuckles) (whispering): I think Aunt Cass is recovering some of her bloom, too, in spite of her best efforts.

You look better.

The nice man we met in the dress shop said it was a most excellent shell.

(inhales) Nice man?

What nice man is this, pray tell?

(clears throat): I'll go and check on Mother, and then we can make plans for the rest of the day.

Is Grandmama poorly?

No, my dear.

Your grandmama likes to take to her bed whenever we arrive anywhere new-- she can test the mattress, meet the doctors, sample the wares of the local apothecary.

It's her way of feeling at home.

Like all the best invalids, she will outlive us all.

CASSY: Jane, that's not fair.

Mama has been quite bilious since we arrived.

Travel affects her.

(footsteps retreating) (gasps) Oh, they're beautiful!

My bowels feel much steadier, Cassy, after what was the most frightful evacuation.

(exclaims): Thanks be to the Lord.

I think I will like this apothecary.

He has a good feel for my system.

A beautiful evening.

Yes, quite beautiful.

MRS. AUSTEN: Uh... Mrs. George Austen.

Mr. Henry Hobday-- it's my pleasure, ma'am.

This is my eldest daughter, Miss Austen.

Yes, I do believe I've made your daughter's acquaintance before.

Miss Austen.

(exhales) A passing encounter in a shop is all.

Indeed.

And, and this is my other daughter, Miss Jane Austen.

HENRY: Delighted.

Likewise.

Have a lovely evening.

♪ ♪ (exhales) Come.

Father and Anna will be waiting.

Impatiently, no doubt.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I don't want to go all the way up there, Grandpapa.

We don't have to, my pet.

We have every chance of discovering treasures amongst these rocks.

Good morning, sir!

Splendid day for fossil hunting, is it not?

HENRY: Indeed, it is, sir.

And my granddaughter has declared it the perfect day to unearth hidden treasures from the past.

Well, she has come to the right place.

Ladies.

I'm not a lady, I'm far too young.

(Mr. Austen chuckles) My apologies.

Now, you are a serious fossil hunter, are you not?

I am.

Well, I have already found some excellent specimens that you might be interested in.

Let me furnish you with the tools of the trade.

ANNA: Thank you!

MR. AUSTEN: We are blessed to have such an expert with us.

HENRY: Ah, I am no expert.

More of an enthusiastic amateur.

♪ ♪ (hammer clinking softly) HENRY (laughing): Well done.

MR. AUSTEN: The mystery of ancient life, Anna, hidden in these very rocks.

Do you think I'll find a sea monster, Mr. Hobday?

Perhaps not a monster, but a sea creature, certainly.

Some sea creatures' fossils are found at the top of mountains.

Isn't that so?

You see, many years ago, the Earth was almost completely covered by water, and then over time, those waters receded to reveal the land beneath.

ANNA: What happened next?

MR. AUSTEN: These rocks probably moved.

♪ ♪ (hammer clinking) Do you think I'll find a sea creature in here?

You may well do.

♪ ♪ (hammer clinking) MR. AUSTEN; That must be thousands of years old, Mr. Hobday.

HENRY: Many thousands.

♪ ♪ What am I looking at?

It's the shape of a worm.

Mr. Hobday says it must be thousands of years old.

HENRY: Many thousands, even.

That is evidence of a creature that lived on Earth even before man.

Hm.

MR. AUSTEN: What are you drawing, my dear?

My daughter is an artist of considerable talent.

Papa!

Oh, look, she's captured your likeness brilliantly!

May I see?

It is but a sketch.

Now, young lady, let us leave Mr. Hobday in peace.

Mr. Hobday is so clever, Aunt Jane.

JANE: Is he now?

He knows everything.

Does he now?

ANNA: Aunt Cassy drew a sketch of him.

Did she now?

MR. AUSTEN: She did, and it was quite the likeness.

CASSY: Not just of him.

I drew all three of them, while I was bored waiting for them to finish.

(chuckling) And what was your opinion of Mr. Hobday, husband?

Well, given we hardly know him, he struck me as unusually gifted in all that is agreeable.

MRS. AUSTEN: And, now, Cassy, pray tell me, do you share your father's opinion?

I must say I do.

(gasps) So much so that I believe he would be an ideal suitor for Jane.

(chuckling): For me?

CASSY: Yes, you.

He's intelligent, he...

He reads.

He knows a great deal about the history of mankind.

You must think of your future, Jane.

MRS. AUSTEN: It matters not a jot which of you, as long as it's one of you.

♪ ♪ (seagulls squawking) I have no intention of taking tea with Mrs. Hobday, or anyone, for that matter.

I'm far too busy-- I have a chapter I must finish.

But... Well, what if he's there?

What if who is there?

Mr. Hobday.

You... You might find him to your liking.

I won't find him to my liking.

♪ ♪ (moaning softly) (knock at door) (gasps) (exhales) (calling): One moment!

MARY: How is your headache?

Um... You retired rather abruptly, and I thought I'd look in on you.

Was it something I said?

No, no, not, not at all.

I, I can't even remember what we were talking about, uh... How is Eliza's room?

Cold.

This house is like the grave now.

♪ ♪ (whispers): Well, goodnight, goodnight.

Sleep well, my dear.

(exhales) ♪ ♪ MRS. HOBDAY: Well, Mrs. Austen, I do sympathize.

I'm here for the sea air, but this wretched body of mine has not let me outdoors all week.

How awful.

Well, I was struck down by biliousness the minute we arrived.

(softly): It will be her evacuations next.

Perhaps the floor will open up and swallow us.

It would be a blessed relief.

And what of Mr. Hobday?

We lost my husband.

Four years ago.

I am sorry to hear that.

What did he ail from?

A tumor.

A tumor?

We saw the best of men, but there was nothing to be done.

I see you are studying our books.

Do novels interest you both?

Very much so-- you have some of our favorites here.

My sister and I never go anywhere without "Sir Charles Grandison" by our side.

(chuckles): These are my son's books, and he reads to me every night.

Perhaps that shall be our next book.

Your son enjoys the works of the Mesdames Burney and Edgeworth?

Cassy seemed to think he was of the more scientific persuasion.

He's a scientist and an artist.

Oh!

A philosopher and a lover of the novel.

I do believe he could take over the world if he were not so insistent on looking after his poor, infirm mother.

(chuckling) MRS. HOBDAY: Would you like some more cake?

(whispering): You did say he was perfect.

MRS. AUSTEN: I'm not sure my constitution would take the cake... ♪ ♪ (church bells ringing) That curate was handsome enough, and single, from what I hear.

But his sermon was a touch... Terrifying, Mama?

MRS. HOBDAY: Mrs. Austen!

Ah!

Well, this is a coincidence.

And I must say, the happiest one.

(chuckles) Mr. Hobday, Mrs. Hobday.

Mrs. Austen.

How did you find the sermon today, sir?

MR. AUSTEN: Oh, I thought the young lad did well enough, considering his church was hardly full to brimming.

That must explain his histrionics in the pulpit.

Perhaps he's hoping his reputation for hysteria will travel and drum up more gullible trade from out of town.

My dear Jane, he's entitled to preach in his own manner.

JANE: My father is being polite.

That sermon was not to our taste.

It was vulgar and excessive.

What did you think, Mr. Hobday?

Jane!

You cannot ask Mr. Hobday of his opinion when you've been so sure of your own.

Do forgive my sister, Mr. Hobday.

She's not usually quite so outspoken.

(softly): I can assure you she certainly is, Mr. Hobday.

Well, luckily, I agree most comprehensively with Miss Austen.

It was not to my taste, either.

How are you all finding Sidmouth?

MR. AUSTEN: Oh...

I like it very much.

We are of the exact same opinion once again, it would seem.

MR. AUSTEN: We must pick up the pace, girls.

Our son Frank is returning tonight.

JANE: Did you know our brother has fought Napoleon single-handed, Mr. Hobday?

(chuckles) I rather approve of your Mr. Hobday.

He's not my Mr. Hobday.

In fact, I thought you made rather the impression.

Was I delightful?

No, you were frightful.

As frightful as I was to Mr. Blackall?

Nobody in the history of social intercourse has been as frightful to anyone as you were to Mr. Blackall.

So would you estimate this morning as, say, half a Blackall?

I think I'd say more of a third.

(chuckles) And he's certainly not my Mr. Hobday.

Really?

Then you have not noticed the way he looks at you.

Nonsense-- he ignores me at every opportunity.

He pays everyone else far more attention: Papa, Anna, you.

Precisely, and that is the evidence.

I am something of an expert in romantic matters, and I'm quite sure I saw sparks flying between you.

I think one even caught in my bonnet.

Because of your charms, I might have gone up in smoke.

Cass, how can you be so blind?

You have caught him in your powers.

I have no powers.

Oh, you do, my darling, and that you are unaware of them makes you more powerful still.

Mr. Hobday has fallen for you, Cassy.

Well, then, I am sorry for him.

I've lost the only man I could ever marry.

I have no possible interest in Mr. Hobday.

Where are you going?

To write.

♪ ♪ (sniffs) (exhales) (whispers): Jane, what more have you said?

(inhales) JANE (voiceover): Eliza, Our Sidmouth adventure is proving far more entertaining than even I could have imagined.

A secret plan is afoot, and I am to be my young niece Anna's willing accomplice.

The beneficiary of our surprise is to be Cassy, no less.

♪ ♪ ANNA: Please say you like it.

♪ ♪ Blanket for the beach.

(chuckles): Thank you, Frank.

♪ ♪ Do you see your power now?

♪ ♪ (all laughing) (waves lapping) What is it?

Just waiting for someone.

♪ ♪ Miss Austen.

Mr. Hobday.

Yellow suits you.

♪ ♪ (others giggling, calling) (seagulls squawking) (Anna talking softly) I may have neglected to say how sorry I was to hear of your tragic loss.

That is most kind, Mr. Hobday.

I confess, I...

I was overwhelmed by grief at first.

And now?

Now... ...it is not so sharp.

♪ ♪ JANE (voiceover): My dear Eliza, This comes to you with great urgency.

I must share it with you, though it is not my secret to tell.

My sister, my beloved sister Cassy, is in love.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ MARY: Cassandra.

What are you doing down here at this hour?

♪ ♪ I heard a noise-- it frightened the life out of me.

I don't know how I got here.

Are you ill?

You must be ill-- no, don't come near, if you're ill.

Please, please, just, just leave me.

If you're sure.

♪ ♪ (breathing heavily, sniffing) ♪ ♪ (panting) ♪ ♪ (exhales) (breath trembling) DINAH: Miss Austen?

Miss Austen?!

God save us, don't tell us she's gone and died on us.

ISABELLA: Cassandra?

MARY (in distance): Isabella?

ISABELLA: Cassandra, it's me, Isabella.

MARY: Is she all right?

She's burning up.

We should send for Mr. Lidderdale.

♪ ♪ Miss Isabella?

Mr. Lidderdale is too busy.

We'll nurse her ourselves.

Miss Isabella...

I know what I am doing, Dinah.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ A beautiful day, is it not?

Quite beautiful.

FRANK: Henry Hobday happens to be the heir to an estate in Derbyshire!

(all laughing) MARY: Eliza's letters-- am I to understand you already have knowledge of their whereabouts?

Whyever would you think that?

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