Emma (1972–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript

Goodbye! Goodbye!

Ah! Well, I must be returning to Donwell,
I suppose.

No, please, Mr Knightley. Do not leave us just yet.

Father and I must spend our days alone, so we
shall be more than ever grateful for your company.

Emma, my dear, the door!
The door, if you'd be so good.

There's a dreadful draught.

Mr Knightley will be more than ever welcome,

now that we are to spend our days
alone together, without Miss Taylor.

- Mrs Weston, as I should now call her.
- Poor Miss Taylor, poor Miss Taylor.

What a pity it was that Mr Weston ever set eyes
on her! Yes, it is a sad business indeed.

Come! Weston's an excellent fellow.



He'd been a widower too long. He'll make her
the admirable husband that she deserves.

But you and Emma will lose housekeeper,
governess, companion and friend at one stroke.

Poor Mr and Miss Woodhouse, in my opinion.

Especially when one of them
is such a fanciful, troublesome creature?

Come, speak your mind honestly, sir!

That's very true, my dear. I'm afraid
I am very troublesome and fanciful these days.

Dearest Papa!
As though we could possibly mean you.

Mr Knightley was merely pursuing
his self-appointed task of putting me in my place

and keeping me well aware of my faults.

- I said nothing!
- No easy task to take upon yourself, I grant you.

But never mind.
We understand each other, do we not?

- Have a piece of wedding cake.
- No, thank you.

Emma, my dear child! Whatever are you doing?

There will be no Miss Taylor to look after you now,
if you become unwell.



Father! When have you known me have
one day's indisposition since I was a child?

I have a robust constitution,
have I not, Mr Knightley?

- I must say I think you have, Emma.
- Dear Emma bears everything so well.

But she will miss poor Miss Taylor.

It's impossible that she should not, but she knows
that this marriage is to Miss Taylor's advantage.

It really is a most satisfactory thing
for all concerned, I should consider.

Thank you, Mr Knightley!
I take that as a compliment, coming from you.

I flatter myself that
I was chiefly responsible for the match.

- Come, now, Emma! Really!
- Yes.

Ever since the day that Miss Taylor and I
first met Mr Weston in Broadway-lane,

and because it began to mizzle he darted into
Farmer Mitchell's and brought us two umbrellas.

From that very moment I planned the match.

You may smile, Mr Knightley, but it's the truth.

My dear, I wish you would not make matches, for
they are most troublesome and wretched affairs.

I promise to make none for myself, but I do not
promise to restrain myself on behalf of others.

It's the greatest amusement in the world!

- And after such a success!
- What do you mean by success?

Do you not call it a success, that such admirable
and well-suited people should come together?

Success supposes some kind of endeavour.

Have you been labouring these past four years
to bring this match about?

It's a fine occupation for a young lady!

Mr Knightley dearly loves to chide me,
do you not, sir?

- Indeed I do not.
- Yes, you do.

But I am no longer of an age to be made
to stand in the corner for talking too much.

Happily, for I should be there a great deal!

You thought one day how delightful it would be
were Mr Weston to marry Miss Taylor, and he did.

You merely made a lucky guess, that's all.

Have you never known the pleasure
of a lucky guess?

Certainly, but one is likely to do
far more harm than good by interference.

Dear Emma never thinks of herself
where there is good to be done to others.

But pray, my dear, no more matches, please!

They break up one's domestic circle
most grievously.

- Only one more, Papa!
- Restrain yourself, Emma!

A need for entertainment is no reason for turning
your attention in another poor fellow's direction.

Have no fear, Mr Knightley. I wouldn't presume
to perform my good offices upon your behalf.

I should hope not.

The person most in need of help
in that direction is Mr Elton.

- Elton?
- Elton? What about Mr Elton?

I thought as he was joining their hands together
today, "Poor young man!"

He would have liked someone
to be performing the same office for him.

Indeed!

He has been here nearly a year now, and I hear
he has fitted up the vicarage exceedingly well.

And a clergyman needs a wife
to support and sustain him.

There are so few young women in Highbury
who are in any way suitable, but never mind.

I shall keep my eyes open. You may depend on it.

- Harriet, my love, leave your bonnet alone!
- Yes, Mrs Goddard.

- You look very well, my child.
- Thank you, Mrs Goddard.

Mrs Goddard, how nice of you to call!

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Miss Woodhouse.

Miss Woodhouse, may I present Harriet Smith?

Harriet was one of my pupils.
Now she helps me with some of the younger girls.

- Do sit down, Miss Smith.
- Thank you.

Miss Woodhouse, the girls were delighted
with the cake and the bon-bons!

- Were they not, Harriet?
- Yes, Mrs Goddard.

It was so sweet of you to think of them.

Not at all. My father does not eat wedding cake.

He would be most alarmed
if he knew what I had done.

I hope none of the children suffered.

- Good gracious, no! Did they, Harriet?
- No, indeed, ma'am.

Good, I'm so glad.
He would never have forgiven me.

And have you seen the happy couple
since they returned, Miss Woodhouse?

I hope to shortly.

I understand that Miss Taylor...

Mrs Weston, I should say,

had a most agreeable letter
from Mr Weston's son, Mr Frank Churchill.

- So I hear.
- A handsome letter, Miss Bates said.

Ah, Miss Bates.

So, perhaps we shall see him in Highbury at last.

Yes. Providing his guardian, Mrs Churchill,
is well enough to permit him to leave Yorkshire.

- Have you had the pleasure of meeting him?
- No, never.

- He's something of a legend, is he not, Harriet?
- Yes, Mrs Goddard.

But Miss Bates is of the opinion

that he is sure to come now that
his father has a regular establishment here.

It would hardly be polite
to the second Mrs Weston if he did not.

Well, that is Miss Bates' opinion, anyhow.

I only hope the poor young man is sensible of it,
that is all.

But this gives me an opportunity
to issue you with an invitation.

My father and I are giving a party next
Wednesday for Mr and Mrs Weston, informal.

So please forgive my not writing to you.

- Do say you can come.
- Miss Woodhouse! How delightful! Yes, indeed!

And Miss Smith.
Or may I be allowed to call you Harriet?

Miss Woodhouse! You don't really mean it?

Perhaps Harriet could help me
with some of the preparations.

There are always 101 tiresome little tasks
on the day one gives a party.

Harriet! Oh, you'll find her most excellent
to run errands, Miss Woodhouse!

If you make yourself quite clear, she will do her
utmost, I'm quite sure. Won't you, my dear child?

Oh, Harriet! You lucky, lucky girl!

What do you say?

Thank you, Miss Woodhouse! Thank you!

- Mr and Mrs Cox.
- Yes.

Miss Bates.

- Oh. Miss Bates.
- Emma, you can't leave her out.

Yes, but she is such a great talker
upon little matters.

Very well, then. Miss Bates.

There! That makes 26 in all
if Mr Frank Churchill comes.

Yes, but I think you'll find he will not.

- Why do you say that?
- It's merely my opinion.

Emma,

I'm worried that you should require the ladies
to leave their bonnets in the night nursery.

We cannot have them all catching cold
down that long passage.

Very well, Papa.

Well, that makes 25 in all.
Can you think of anyone I may have forgotten?

- Elton?
- No, I have him down already.

- The Coles?
- Oh.

- You sound unenthusiastic.
- I do not think I need to ask them.

What is wrong with Mr and Mrs Cole?

There is nothing wrong with them. It is just
that I do not wish to include them in my party.

- There, the list is closed.
- Very well. So be it.

Don't forget to ask Cook
to prepare a bowl of gruel.

There are sure to be some
who cannot digest rich food at night.

Very well, Papa. I won't forget.

Should you need any help on the day,
my housekeeper would be willing to oblige.

No, thank you, Mr Knightley.
Now, how did I only make it 25?

But you surely cannot do
without any assistance whatever?

Thank you, but I have Harriet coming for the day.

- I forgot to cross off Mr Frank Churchill.
- Who, pray, is Harriet?

Harriet Smith is an old pupil of Mrs Goddard's

and an excellent and deserving young woman.

I see it all! Harriet Smith, whoever she may be,
must be the next to receive your attentions.

Emma! Emma, you're incorrigible!

Mr Knightley, if it pleases you to make sport of
me, pray feel free to do so as much as you wish.

I can guarantee it will make
not the slightest difference to my conduct.

- I'm quite sure of that.
- Ah, Williams. We will have dinner at five.

- And Mr Knightley will be staying.
- Indeed.

Mr Knightley!

Oh, Miss Bates! I'm so sorry
your mother did not feel able to come.

She's so disappointed.
I cannot tell you how grieved she is.

I have never seen her so grieved
upon any matter before!

(CLAPPING)

She said, "Tell Miss Woodhouse how sorry I am."
I was only saying to Mrs Goddard...

- Excuse me.
- Emma! Dearest, dearest Emma!

Mrs Weston! There, I have remembered
to call you by your right name at last.

Oh, but you're looking very well indeed.

- Ain't I looking well too, Miss Emma?
- Indeed you are, Mr Weston, but you always do.

I hoped to have my son with me.

But Mrs Churchill was unwell once again.
He was obliged to put off his visit.

She must be a somewhat exacting aunt.
She insisted he change his name to hers.

Nonsense! She's been extremely generous to
the boy. I bear her no ill will at all on that score.

You do not because you are too good-hearted.
Nevertheless, I think it shows a want of feeling.

Never mind. We must postpone the pleasure
of meeting your son until another occasion.

It is enough that you should bring your dear wife
back to us, for we've missed her sorely.

My father is quite heartbroken.
But you must come and meet him.

He will not be parted from you
a moment longer than is necessary.

- Fine girl, eh, Knightley?
- Yes, indeed.

- The wife dotes on her.
- Yes.

Well, Weston, no need to ask
how matrimony's suiting you.

You should try it.
Splendid physic, I can assure you.

So my brother says. One in the family is enough.

That's what you say, but you wait.

Just you wait.

Ah, Miss Bates. Let me propose
your venturing on a lightly coddled egg.

That's very kind of you, Mr Woodhouse, really
extremely kind. But if I might be permitted...

A very soft egg is not unwholesome.
You'll take no harm from that.

- Papa?
- Oh, excuse me. Miss Taylor!

What a delight it is to see you safely back!

It's the greatest happiness to me
to be back here.

You were both so kind to me.
I think of this as my true home.

- But you look pale. Don't you think she is pale?
- No, Papa. To be truthful, I do not.

The journey, perhaps. A chair!
A chair, Emma, for poor Miss Taylor.

Mrs Weston, Papa. Do please try to remember.

But your hands are cold.
Come over here by the fire.

- Emma dear, a little wine for poor Miss Taylor.
- Mrs Weston, Papa!

I'll tell the servants to put a drop of wine
in a tumbler and fill it up with boiling water.

- That can do you no hurt, I promise you.
- Kind, kind Mr Woodhouse.

Dearest Papa! He will be so happy
now he has you to make a fuss of once more.

- Richard will bring you your wine.
- Thank you, Mr Woodhouse.

Oh, Miss Taylor!
The anxiety has been almost too much for you.

- I think this is what you require, is it not?
- Thank you, Miss Woodhouse.

But you must not stay over here by yourself.
You must come and meet people.

Please do not concern yourself. I am quite happy.

Mr Elton! The very person I was looking for!

Miss Woodhouse. May I be permitted
to compliment you on such a splendid gathering?

Thank you.

In return, may I introduce you to someone
whom I would particularly like you to meet?

- Such gatherings are the rule at Hartfield.
- Thank you, Mr Elton.

Harriet, Mr Elton is already well known to you
in the pulpit, I dare say.

But I expect you are not quite yet
so well known to him.

May I present Miss Harriet Smith?

- Your servant, ma'am.
- How do you do, sir?

Mr Elton, Miss Smith has nothing to eat.

- Please escort her to the buffet.
- Yes, certainly.

There, Harriet. I leave you in his charge.

- May I fetch you a plate, Mr Elton?
- Oh. Er, thank you.

- And a fork?
- Thank you. Thank you, indeed.

- Miss Woodhouse, what a delightful party!
- Thank you, Miss Bates.

There's something quite unique
about a Hartfield party.

- You're too kind.
- Quite unique! That's the only way to describe it.

But is it not a shame about Mr Frank Churchill?

- Yes, is it not?
- Poor Mr Weston! I do so feel for him!

- Please excuse me.
- Oh, yes, certainly!

Emma!

I know of your new little protégé, Miss Smith.

She was a pupil of Mrs Goddard's
for 10 or 12 years, was she not?

- She was.
- I thought as much.

If you are about to tell me she is somebody's
natural daughter and her parentage is unknown,

I am already well aware of it, thank you.

Though she is obviously the child of a gentleman.

Emma, you fly off on your hobby-horse as usual.

I was about to say no such thing.
Until this moment I did not know it myself.

Oh.

However, it doesn't concern me.
She's a... very pleasant-looking girl.

- That's quite enough for me.
- Thank you, Mr Knightley.

No, I was about to say that I know her by sight

because she often stays with some tenants
of mine, the Martin family at Abbey-Hill Farm.

Miss Smith stays with farming folk?

Really, Mr Knightley! I feel you must be mistaken.
Mrs Goddard would never permit it.

Why not? The Martin girls are admirable
young women. I have a high opinion of the family.

That just goes to prove my point, does it not?

Harriet is a fine girl with a sweet disposition.

All she needs is a little polish
and a few additional social graces,

which I fear she will not learn on a farm.

- Emma!
- You are quite prepared to put me in the wrong.

- You quite mistake me.
- I refuse to be lectured this evening.

One morning you may go through the catalogue
of my faults over a glass of sherry and a biscuit,

if indeed you could spare so much time
as it would doubtless require.

- Excuse me.
- Emma, my dear good child!

That poor Miss Smith and that great plateful
of chicken! Don't eat it, my dear! Put it back!

Let me get you a little jelly with some trifle.

It is quite all right, Harriet.
You just carry on as you were.

All that mayonnaise sauce.
The poor child will suffer from it most dreadfully.

- No, Papa, she will not, I assure you.
- It is no good grinning at me like this...

Miss Woodhouse! Is not Mr Weston
the kindest man alive, would you not say?

Excuse me. Mr Elton, you have abandoned
poor Miss Smith. I'm surprised at you.

Oh, no, Miss Woodhouse.

Mrs Weston.

I do not know what your opinion may be
of this new intimacy of Emma's, Harriet Smith.

- I think it's a bad thing.
- But why?

- Neither of them will do the other any good.
- You surprise me.

Emma cannot but do Harriet good,

and by providing her with a new interest,
Harriet may well do the same for Emma.

Let this not be the beginning of one
of our disagreements on the subject of Emma.

Certainly not.

But I think perhaps you do not realise the comfort
a woman feels in a companion of her own sex.

I can understand your objections to Harriet Smith.

She is not quite the superior young woman
one would expect for Emma.

- Hardly.
- But Emma will want to see her better informed.

That will be an inducement
to a course of reading and study.

Emma has been meaning to read and study more
ever since she was 12.

She will never submit
to anything that requires industry.

- You are always so hard on her, poor girl.
- Only because everybody else is too indulgent.

She is spoilt by being the cleverest in her family.

Perhaps.

- My brother is married to her sister.
- But Isabella...

Yes, but all their childhood
Emma was able to outshine poor Isabella

despite the difference in their years.

Ever since their mother died, Emma has been
the true mistress of this house and of you all.

There. Now, is that not the honest truth?

Oh, dear! Perhaps there is some truth in it, yes.

But with all Emma's little faults,
she has an excellent character, Mr Knightley.

That's why I feel so much concern on her behalf.

You see, this youthful assurance of hers
leaves her dangerously susceptible to flattery

and Harriet Smith, I suspect,
is by nature a flatterer.

Well, unintentional. So much the worse for that.

She clearly knows nothing
and looks up to Emma as knowing everything.

As for Harriet,

Hartfield and its mistress will put her out of
conceit with all the places to which she belongs.

She will grow just refined enough

to be uncomfortable in the company of her
friends and acquaintances. You mark my words.

Two very good parlours they have,
Miss Woodhouse.

And an upper maid who's lived with them 25
years, so Mrs Martin said. Oh, and eight cows.

- Indeed?
- Two Alderneys and one pretty little Welsh cow.

So pretty, Miss Woodhouse, she was, really.
I doted on her.

The Miss Martins used to say she should be
called my cow. Was that not kind of them?

Very kind. And is there no Mr Martin?
You've made no mention of him.

Have I not? Oh, yes, there is
and he is very kind too

and extremely highly thought of, I believe.

Miss Woodhouse! How beautiful that is!

This is just an old chair seat
I began once and then set aside.

I had meant to work a whole set
for the dining room.

It is quite exquisite!

- You like it?
- I do! But then you're so clever.

Nonsense.

This Mr Martin, what manner of man is he?

Is he a man of information?

- Information, Miss Woodhouse?
- Does he read?

Yes, certainly. There is always
an agricultural report on the window seat, always.

I mean, does he read for pleasure
and improvement?

Oh, yes. Often in the evenings he would read us
aloud some pieces from "Elegant Extracts".

Oh.

And I know he has read "The Vicar Of Wakefield",
Miss Woodhouse. He told me so himself.

He hadn't heard of such stories as "The Romance
Of The Forest" or "The Children Of The Abbey",

but he's determined to get them.

I see you have made a start, anyway.

But now, Harriet, today is my day for visiting
the poor. Would you like to join me?

Oh, Miss Woodhouse, may I?

Indeed you may. I do dislike walking by myself.

Thank you, Miss Woodhouse.

What style of man is this Mr Martin?
His appearance, I mean.

He is not handsome, Miss Woodhouse, not at all.
At least I did not think so at first.

- I see. Oh, may I?
- Oh, please do.

What age would you take him to be?

- He was four and twenty on the 8th of June.
- Only four and twenty?

Yes, his birthday's just a fortnight and a day
before mine. Is that not strange?

But the Miss Martins, what age are they?

The elder one is a year younger than her brother
and the youngest...

Then this Mr Martin is their brother
and not their father?

Oh, yes, Miss Woodhouse. Their father
has been dead some years. Is it not sad?

Yes, very sad.

But I've heard he was a very fine man,
Miss Woodhouse. Everyone speaks well of him.

- I have no doubt.
- Robert greatly resembles him, so I'm told.

Mr Martin, I should say.

Emma! Emma, my dear child.

You're not going out walking,
I hope, at this time of year?

Yes, Father, I am, and Harriet
has kindly consented to come with me.

But, my dear, is that wise?

Oh, dear, oh, dear!

Now, please, Mrs Penny! You will take cold.

Now, look after yourself
and I will be back again next week.

Thank you, Miss Woodhouse.

- Was it not strange? That is Mr Martin!
- So I realise.

It was quite by chance he came this way.

He has this very day come into town
for a copy of "The Romance Of The Forest".

Miss Woodhouse, is he like what you expected?

Well, Harriet, he is plain, certainly.
Exceedingly plain.

Oh, do you think so?

I must confess I had expected to see something
more of the gentleman in his appearance.

Yes. I suppose he has not the air of Mr Knightley.

- Mr Knightley?
- He is not so much a gentleman as Mr Knightley.

Poor Mr Martin! Let us not compare him
with Mr Knightley. That is a little hard.

But with Mr Weston, say, or Mr Elton.

Has he their manner of speaking,
would you say, or bearing?

But Mr Weston is nearly an old man, surely.
I mean, he must be over 40.

Well, Mr Elton, then.

Try comparing him in your mind's eye with
Mr Elton, and you will see at once what I mean.

Yes. Yes, I suppose I do.

But, Miss Woodhouse, Mr Elton is a clergyman.

- Miss Woodhouse, sir?
- I understand that she wished to see me.

Oh. Very well, then, sir.
If you would just wait a moment.

Ye have heard them sweetly sing,

and seen them in a round:

each...

Yes?

Each virgin like a spring,
with honeysuckles...

(KNOCKING)

Miss Woodhouse, Mr Elton is here.

Mr Elton? Oh, well, show him in, Williams!

- Excuse me one moment, Harriet!
- Very well, Miss Woodhouse.

- Mr Elton, what a pleasant surprise!
- But I thought...

- Come in, come in!
- But you have company. I won't disturb you.

Oh, Harriet and I were just passing the time.
We should be glad of a little company.

Well, if you're quite sure...

I find Harriet a quite invaluable companion.
And so accomplished!

This table mat, for example.

Is it not rather fine?

Very fine. Exceedingly fine, in fact.

She has a natural taste in such matters.
Do you not agree?

She has indeed. Undoubtedly she has.

In fact she has improved greatly
under your care, in my opinion.

- You really think so?
- I do indeed.

You have made her graceful and easy.

She always had beauty. Now she has...

She never wanted for sweetness of temper
and artlessness,

but I have given her
a little decision of character as well.

Exactly so! That is what immediately strikes one.
You have a great understanding of such matters.

Thank you, Mr Elton.

There! Is that not a charming picture?

- Charming, charming.
- She has no notion we are observing her.

Quite, quite charming.

What would I not give for a portrait of her
as she sits there at this moment!

- Mm, Mr Elton?
- Yes. What a subject she'd make for your pencil!

- For mine?
- Yes, yours. Oh, you're too modest.

Mrs Weston has shown me
the likeness you made of her

and may I be permitted to say
I think it quite admirable?

- You are too kind.
- Not at all.

I did have quite a passion for taking likenesses,
but for one reason or another I gave it up.

Then let me entreat you to try
your charming talent once more on Miss Smith.

- Oh, Mr Elton!
- I do beg of you.

Shall I, then? Shall I? I confess
that was truly not on my mind when I spoke.

Please, please! It would be a sheer delight.

Very well, then, Mr Elton!

If the result is disaster, the fault shall be yours.

- Harriet? Come here one moment.
- Yes, Miss Woodhouse?

Have you ever had your likeness drawn?

Oh, goodness! No, never, Miss Woodhouse.

Very well. Come and sit here,
exactly as you were,

and do keep your position
while I fetch my sketching board.

Mr Elton, do not let her move!

She is in your command.
You have my permission to use force if need be!

You are fortunate to have
such a talented friend as Miss Woodhouse.

Oh, yes, sir.

And you are very proficient with your needle.

Oh? Yes, sir.

- What is that you're reading?
- It is a book, sir.

- A book of poems.
- Poems?

They are not mine, sir.
Leastways, I mean the book is not mine.

It belongs to Miss Woodhouse.

There! Well, it is so long
since I last drew a likeness

that I do hope my hand
has not lost what little skill it had.

Now, Harriet, your cap.

- My hair, Miss Woodhouse!
- Your hair is quite delightful.

Now, if I place myself here...

- Allow me.
- Thank you.

Now, Harriet, your head a little higher, please.

A little more to your right.
There, that is exactly right.

Now, quite still, please.

An exquisite choice of position. Quite admirable.

Oh, am I standing in your light?
I do beg your pardon.

One moment. The folds of the skirt.

- My skirt, Miss Woodhouse? How was it?
- No, no, do not move!

- Mr Elton, if you would be so kind.
- Yes, Miss Woodhouse.

The folds of the skirt.
Could you rearrange them somewhat?

Er, yes. Yes, of course.

Permit me.

- Harriet, please!
- I'm sorry, Miss Woodhouse.

Well, I declare, Mr Elton!

You make such a gallant figure there at her feet
that I've half a mind to include you in my picture.

- No, really, Miss Woodhouse, no!
- It is all right, Mr Elton. I was not serious.

Perhaps you would be good enough
to entertain us with a reading while we work.

Oh! Delighted, of course! Delighted!

- If you'd really care for it, Miss Woodhouse.
- We should welcome it, should we not, Harriet?

It would be quite delightful, Miss Woodhouse.

Harriet has a book of verses there.

Yes, of course.

Choose what you will.

Do sit down, Mr Elton.

Thank you.

A sweet disorder of the dress

Kindles in clothes a wantonness.

A lawn about the shoulders thrown
into a fine distraction.

An erring lace, which here and there...

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,

The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run

And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer...

- Miss Woodhouse!
- It is like, yet not like. It will have to do.

...the worse and worst
Times still succeed the former.

- The time! Harriet, my poor girl!
- May I be permitted to see, Miss Woodhouse?

You may, Mr Elton, but I fear I have not done
the subject justice. I am most dissatisfied.

Oh, but in my opinion you have.
Oh, yes, indeed, you have!

Thank you. You must run home to Mrs Goddard.
She will wonder what has happened to you.

Yes. I cannot for the moment, Miss Woodhouse.
My foot has quite gone to sleep!

Mr Elton will take you as soon as you are ready.

A charming, quite delightful thing.

Mr Elton? You will escort Miss Smith home?

Yes, of course, Miss Woodhouse. Yes.

You know, you've caught
the expression of the eye most admirably.

May I be permitted to congratulate you?

Thank you, Mr Elton, for being so kind
and reading so beautifully.

You have such a fine, clear delivery.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Mrs Goddard, I do beg your pardon
but truly the fault was not mine.

I am sorry you did not come sooner, my dear.

I've had a visitor. Mr Martin.

Mr Martin? Came here?

He did, not half an hour since.

But for what reason, Mrs Goddard?

To see you, of course.

To see me? Oh, goodness gracious!

However, he left this for you.

Thank you, Mrs Goddard.

Well, child, are you not going to open it?

I think first I will go upstairs
and take off my bonnet, Mrs Goddard.

If you don't mind.

- You've caught her beauty, Emma dear.
- You've made her too tall, Emma.

Ah, I knew I should never please Mr Knightley.

I never said it didn't please me.
The appearance of height is not correct.

I disagree with you. It gives exactly the true
impression of Miss Smith's height. Exactly so!

Oh, it's very pretty. Very prettily done indeed!

The only criticism I have to make
is that she appears to be sitting out of doors.

Well, that was my intention, Papa!

That is the object of the tree in the background.

Excellently sketched in, too. I greatly like the tree.

It is supposed to be a warm day in summer.

Yes, but even so, my dear! Only a shawl!

In my opinion, it is never wise
to sit outside so lightly clad.

- It's prettily drawn but your drawings always are.
- Thank you, Papa.

I think it a most happy notion myself
to have placed Miss Smith outside like that.

It suits the simplicity of her character,
does it not?

- Yes, perhaps.
- It is no use appealing to Mr Knightley, Mr Elton.

He is only too worried that any praise,
however slight or ill-merited, might turn my head.

- Come, Emma! That's unfair.
- Well, I think it altogether admirable.

- I cannot take my eyes off it.
- The subject's a very charming one, I grant you.

Mr Knightley, what is this?
You have given praise?

Though only to the sitter. That I fully appreciate.

I wonder how you would exist
without somebody like me to tease.

Well, I should like to see it framed

and hanging somewhere
where I could look upon it from my fireside chair.

That would give me the greatest pleasure.

Let it be delivered to somebody in London,
for there's no one in Highbury fit for such work.

Quite so! Somebody who understands the art.

Well, if I might be entrusted
with such a delicate commission,

it would give me the greatest pleasure.

A capital suggestion!

You would go especially to London?
But that would take up the whole of your day!

- I should think it an honour.
- No, I cannot endure the thought.

- Yes, yes, my dear. Mr Elton will do it.
- I have no engagement tomorrow.

Well, I am quite overwhelmed.

At what time would you wish to start?
I will pack it most carefully and bring it round.

No, we can't have you walking out
in the mornings at this time of year!

- No. Elton will call for it, won't you?
- Of course! It will give me the greatest pleasure!

Thank you, dear boy!

(DOOR CLOSES)

- Harriet!
- Forgive me for calling on you so early.

This letter was waiting for me
when I got home yesterday, from Mr Martin.

From Mr Martin? Then I have no doubt
of its being a private matter.

It is a proposal of marriage.

Upon my word! The young man is determined
to connect himself well, if he can.

Oh, read it, Miss Woodhouse! Please!

I did not like to disturb you last night,
when I knew you had company.

Miss Woodhouse!
I've been in such a state of mind!

Whoever would have thought
that Mr Martin could entertain such feelings?

And for me!

Hmm! It's quite a good letter.
Not at all badly phrased.

- So what should I do, Miss Woodhouse?
- Do? You must answer it, of course. At once.

Yes, but what shall I say?
Miss Woodhouse, do please advise me!

No, no, Harriet. That you must do for yourself.

You will express yourself very properly, I am sure.

Yes, Miss Woodhouse.

Oh, but you are much more knowledgeable
in these matters.

You must help me!

Very well.

First you must tell him that you are
deeply sensible of the honour he has done you

and that you have no desire in the world
to cause him pain.

You need not be prompted to write

with the appearance of too much sorrow
for his disappointment.

Then...

you mean I should refuse him?

Harriet dear, I had no notion you wished me
to advise you as to the purpose of your answer.

I thought you wanted help with the wording.

I am sorry. I have quite misunderstood you.

Am I to take it that you mean
to return a favourable answer?

No, Miss Woodhouse!
At least not if you do not think so!

Harriet, my dear girl, you really must make up
your own mind on such an important matter!

Yes. I suppose I must.

If you are quite convinced

that Mr Martin is the handsomest, finest,
most elegant man you have ever met,

then you need be in no doubt whatsoever.

On the other hand, if there is someone else
with whom he compares unfavourably,

in, say, education and understanding,

then I think you should hesitate.

In fact, Harriet dear, as a general rule,

if a woman has even a shadow of doubt
in her mind

as to whether or not she should say yes,

she should most assuredly say no.

Perhaps you are right, Miss Woodhouse.

But do not think that I wish to influence you
in any way. The decision must be yours.

Well, if you will not give me your opinion,
I suppose I must make up my own mind.

Yes, Harriet, I'm very much afraid you must.

Well?

I have almost determined to refuse him.

Yes. I shall say no!

Oh, Harriet!

- Do you think I'm right?
- Of course you are right!

I'm so glad you've decided the way you have!

Now there will be no need for us
to give up our friendship.

Give up our friendship? Miss Woodhouse,
I wouldn't give up that for anything in the world!

Not give it up entirely. But there would have
been difficulties, Harriet, would there not?

- Difficulties?
- Now there need be none!

Harriet, I'm so happy!

Now there only remains to write the letter.

No. No, you shall do it.

It shall be your thoughts
expressed in your own words.

Yes, Miss Woodhouse.

Whatever shall I say?

Just say, "Dear Mr Martin, though I am deeply
sensible of the great honour you have done me,

"I very much regret to say that
my answer must be..." et cetera, et cetera.

"Dear Mr Martin..."

Synchro: Peterlin