Persuasion Page #4

it would be a shame to spoil the dinner.

I am really most anxious to meet

our new neighbours.

Indeed, it's more a duty than anything else.

(STAMMERING) If Anne will stay with you,

my love, I have no scruple at all.

Of course.

And so we are to be left to shift for ourselves

with a sick child,

while you go to dinner with the Crofts.

Well, I need not stay too late, dearest.

Just because I'm the poor mother who is not

allowed to stir, because he is going on so well.

He says... How does he know

he is going on so well...

Please.

Please.

You may all leave little Charles to my care.

CHARLES:
Well, this is very kind of you, Anne.

Are you sure?

In any case, I've no appetite.

MUSGROVE:
Well then, it is settled.

(DOOR OPENING)

Oh, Anne, you missed

the most delightful party last night.

I cannot tell you how handsome

is Captain Wentworth.

HENRIETTA:
He is so much more handsome and

agreeable than anyone I have ever met before.

-Such manners, such conversation.

-Such capital.

Oh, and we have all been invited to Kellynch

tomorrow night for dinner.

Even you, Anne.

CHARLES:
Damn it, Mary, I'm late. Is he here?

MARY:
Who?

Oh, Captain Wentworth, do...do come in.

Forgive me, I... The door was open.

I trust the boy does well?

-Oh, yes.

-Much better, thank you, Wentworth.

Oh, Captain Wentworth,

this is my elder sister Anne.

-We are acquainted.

-Really? But Anne has never said a word about it.

It was a long time ago, you were away at school.

Come, Wentworth, or the birds will

all have gone south for the winter.

Of course. Ladies.

LOUISA:
Oh, come, Henrietta, let us go with them.

Wait, wait, wait for me.

ANNE:
The worst is over. I have seen him.

We have been once more in the same room.

A bow, a curtsy,

I heard his voice and then,

he was gone.

He has not forgiven me.

I have used him ill,

deserted and disappointed him.

And worse, I've shown a feebleness of character

in doing so,

which his own decided, confident temper

could not endure.

Once there were no two hearts so open,

no feelings so in harmony,

but now we are strangers.

Worse than strangers

for we may never become acquainted.

It is perpetual estrangement.

And tonight, I'm to be tested once more.

Frederick. There you are.

Let me introduce you to Miss Anne Elliot.

Miss Elliot, my brother,

Captain Frederick Wentworth.

Captain Wentworth and I met briefly yesterday.

Oh, Frederick, you might have told me.

This must be very bad for you, Miss Elliot,

to come to your home and find us here.

No, not at all, Admiral. I'm happy to know that

the house is in such worthy and careful hands.

And what news, Frederick,

of dear Captain Harville?

He's settled for now at Lyme

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