Episode 3

♪ ♪ I am the rightful heir to your father's fortune.

Georgiana's inheritance will be lost.

♪ ♪ Who might you be?

Samuel Colbourne, your new lawyer.

Miss Markham, I was hoping to walk with you.

That is all.

LADY DENHAM: Mr. Pryce and I have come to an agreement to build a hotel beside the sea wall.

LADY SUSAN: If Mr. Starling is the man to make you truly happy, you should go to him.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ GEORGIANA: What are these letters if not proof of my father's love?

I know who I am.

Whatever Lockhart threatens, he will not win.

And I have every faith in your lawyer.

Mr. Colbourne is impressive indeed.

We owe his brother our profound thanks.

LEO: So Uncle Samuel's profession is to stand up and argue?

Essentially, yes.

And if he makes a poor job of it, then Miss Lambe will lose her whole fortune?

Regrettably so.

Augusta, is there something on your mind?

You are barely present.

I, I am just concerned for poor Miss Lambe.

MRS. WHEATLEY: Here is a guest list for the shooting party, sir.

We need to make the final arrangements.

Must we?

(sighs) I rather wish my brother had never suggested it.

Nonetheless, sir, the invitations have been sent out.

So assuming the trial is over in time, you will soon find yourself in the position of host.

I suppose at least there'll be a number of respectable young men for you to meet, Augusta.

Mm.

A thrilling prospect indeed.

What about Miss Heywood?

COLBOURNE: I assume she will return home after the trial.

She has a wedding to prepare for, after all.

♪ ♪ LADY DENHAM: They say she stands to lose her entire fortune.

And your heart breaks for her?

I have every sympathy-- I know what it's like to be pursued by a grasping relative.

I'm not the man that I was, Aunt, thanks to your interventions.

I sometimes wonder if men possess the capacity to change or if your natures are fixed at birth.

If you'll excuse me, I might take my daily exercise.

A bracing canter to improve the mind.

It's a disaster.

I swear, we're cursed.

Quite right, Mother.

What is Miss Lambe's suffering when set beside ours?

We must cast around for a replacement, just in case.

(exhales) Why?

Even if Miss Lambe should lose, I cannot believe that will dampen Harry's ardor one jot.

If anything, it should only make it burn all the more fiercely.

I have always found poverty a great aphrodisiac.

How can you mock me at a time like this?

(chuckles) Have you no sensitivity for my nerves?

(breathes deeply) Our prospects now lie entirely in your hands, Lydia.

It's quite unbearable, Tom.

I cannot eat or sleep for thinking about poor Georgiana.

We should be with her.

She has Mary and Charlotte, and we are needed here.

Plus, we need to remain optimistic, Arthur.

This is England!

Justice is bound to prevail.

(bell tolling, horses passing, people talking in background) I'm afraid that Lord Chancellor Cornforth's prejudice will not make him sympathetic to your cause.

He will judge your actions as much as your words.

So whatever this piece of evidence is that they've threatened us with, you must try to maintain your composure.

I would not give Lockhart the satisfaction.

At least it's a closed court.

You'll be spared a gallery of gawpers.

Mr. Colbourne.

Miss Lambe.

Mr. Parrish, representing Mr. Lockhart.

He would prefer to settle this matter now and will offer you 5,000 pounds to spare you the humiliation of a trial which, in all likelihood, you will lose.

Have you no shame?

♪ ♪ (horse snorts) LADY DENHAM: Mr. Pryce, it is extremely bad manners to call unannounced.

PRYCE: Forgive me, my lady.

I was wondering if I might tempt you to take a ride in my buggy.

Certainly not!

What's a man your age want with such a ridiculous item?

You may have no dignity, but you're not going to sully mine.

I've always thought that dignity was a highly overrated virtue.

Hm, evidently.

Tell me, will you be appearing at Mr. Colbourne's shooting party at Heyrick Park?

I'm considering it.

Splendid!

Then it might be vaguely tolerable.

Perhaps we should arrive together.

Unless you find the thought too abhorrent.

I suppose I could endure it.

But we'll take my carriage.

Not that absurd buggy of yours.

(chuckles) (bird calling) COLBOURNE: Augusta.

Where are you going?

It is a fine day, Uncle.

I think I shall take some air.

May I come?

Thank you, Leo, but I prefer to be alone with my thoughts.

CHARLES: My father died young, Mr. Parrish, so in many respects, I came to regard Uncle Frederick as a father figure.

How I revered that man.

But in all the years I knew and loved him, my lord, not once did he ever make mention of a child.

PARRISH: So it must have come as a shock, Mr. Lockhart, when you learned of Miss Lambe's claim.

Oh, I was confounded.

Suddenly, I learned of this outrageous claim being made by my uncle's illegitimate daughter.

(quietly): That is a lie!

(aloud): My lord, it is hardly fair to call Miss Lambe illegitimate.

CORNFORTH: Carry on, Mr. Lockhart.

CHARLES: But then I learned that my unfortunate uncle had allowed himself to be seduced by one of his house slaves.

PARRISH: A West Indian temptress named Agnes Harmon, my lord, and as you discovered, Mr. Lockhart, Miss Lambe has inherited her mother's hot-blooded ways?

CHARLES: Well, I sought out Miss Lambe that we might come to some sort of accommodation.

But instead, she conspired to be alone with me so that she could try and seduce me.

PARRISH: As you will see from these drawings, my lord.

♪ ♪ EDWARD: I couldn't be sure you'd come.

AUGUSTA: Curiosity compelled me.

I'm still trying to reconcile the gentleman I have met with the infamous Sir Edward Denham.

I am no longer the man my reputation suggests.

Yet you have lured me here alone.

An innocent young woman.

Did you tell anyone you were coming?

What if I had?

I think it best to keep these encounters to ourselves for now.

For now?

And then what?

May I ask what your intentions are, Sir Edward?

My intentions?

My uncle is determined to see me married.

He is to hold a shooting party in large part to introduce me to yet more callow suitors.

They hold no interest to me.

But if you were to attend...

I have little hope that your uncle would ever consider me a worthy prospect.

Hm, then, since he is my guardian, there seems little point in our continuing to meet.

(exhales) Although, if what you say is true, that you really are a changed man, then...

Prove it.

(horse nickers) No man is irredeemable, Sir Edward.

My uncle knows that as well as anyone.

Mr. Lockhart, might I ask how many times you met your uncle?

CHARLES: Regrettably we only had the chance to meet in person once.

The fact is, you barely spared your uncle a second thought until you learned there was a fortune to be stolen.

(court murmuring) I have here the last will and testament of Mr. Lambe.

It states quite clearly he intended to leave his fortune in its entirety to his daughter.

And yet here stands Mr. Lockhart.

An artist and an opportunist who sought to entrap Miss Lambe into marriage when his suit in Antigua failed.

CHARLES: I was merely trying to save Miss Lambe's honor.

CORNFORTH: And what say you to this will, Mr. Parrish?

We are aware of Mr. Lambe's will.

But it can hardly be considered admissible.

My lord, I wish to call our first witness.

Mr. Lambe's physician, Dr. Hardiman.

♪ ♪ Arthur?

You seem rather preoccupied.

Is everything all right?

Far from it.

Georgiana faces ruin.

And I am to blame.

TOM: Mr. Pryce!

The very man, thank you for coming at such short notice.

What can I do for you, Parker?

I wondered if we might discuss your proposal for the Old Town in a little more detail.

I...

Indeed we must!

I have an appointment with an architect this very afternoon.

I will report to you tomorrow.

Nothing must slow our progress!

Tallyho!

(sighs) ARTHUR: Miss Lambe was altogether suspicious to begin with.

And yet, for some reason, I found myself beguiled from the moment I laid eyes on him.

He made me feel as if I were witty, as if he truly valued my opinion.

I convinced Miss Lambe that he could be trusted.

(voice breaking): And this is the result.

My dear Arthur, I cannot see how you are to blame.

This... dreadful man came to Sanditon with the express intent of claiming Miss Lambe's fortune.

You are not the cause of her situation.

You are his victim, too.

I don't suppose you have ever suffered such an indignity.

(laughs) Have I ever given my affections to someone unworthy who later used me ill?

Were I to list them, Arthur, it would fill 20 volumes.

(both laugh) PARRISH: As we have heard from Dr. Hardiman, in the last 18 months of his life, poor Mr. Lambe's mind had deteriorated to the point that he barely knew his own name.

CHARLES: It was a tragedy.

SAMUEL: And yet, he still had the wherewithal to write this will, and make provision for his daughter, entrusting her to the guardianship of Mr. Sidney Parker.

PARRISH: Ah, yes.

Mr. Sidney Parker.

Alas, a less than honorable man.

I believe you encountered him in Antigua, Mr. Lockhart.

The man I met was quite without scruple.

I imagine that it was Mr. Parker who held the pen in my uncle's shaking hand when that so-called will was written.

PARRISH: I put it to you, my lord, that this devious duo, Mr. Parker and Miss Lambe, conspired to cheat the unfortunate Mr. Lockhart out of his rightful inheritance.

Mr. Lambe was not a devoted father.

He was a confused and wronged old man.

(breath catching) ♪ ♪ GEORGIANA: To hear my dear father and mother defamed like that, when they're not even here to defend themselves.

And neither is Sidney.

What's the law even worth if they can lie with such impunity?

The truth is besides the point, Miss Heywood.

All that matters is what the Lord Chancellor chooses to believe.

MAID: A visitor, my lady.

Forgive me for calling unannounced.

Otis.

I came as soon as circumstances would allow.

♪ ♪ TOM: My lady, I remember your misgivings about Mr. Pryce, and so I thought it only fair to consult you before things go any further.

Mr. Pryce has already availed me of his plans.

But maybe he wasn't clear on all points.

This will involve the destruction of the Old Town, for instance.

I know you value Sanditon's character greatly, and so if you disapprove, then we would have no choice but to make alternative arrangements.

Disapprove?

Oh, on the contrary!

Oh, I know Mr. Pryce is a bit of a blunt instrument, but, oh, perhaps we were getting a little set in our ways.

So I for one won't stand in his way.

And if you wish to fulfil your grand vision of Sanditon at last, then I suggest you don't, either!

(bell ringing, dog barking in distance) OTIS: Some months ago, I wrote to Mr. Parker offering to repay the money he'd lent me.

His widow replied telling me of his death in Antigua.

I wondered then what reasons he had to be there.

You could have written to ask me.

I didn't think you'd want to hear from me.

But when I read about this trial, I knew at once I must offer my help.

How can you help me, Otis?

I can offer you my support.

If that is worth anything.

It would hardly guarantee my fortune.

(inhales) The newspaper spoke of an engagement between you and Mr. Lockhart.

I'd no idea his true intentions.

Did you love him?

(exhales): Forgive me.

I've no right.

Not in the way I loved you.

If that is what you are asking.

I will never forgive myself for what I put you through.

Not a day goes by that I don't... feel your absence.

(voice trembling): Do you ever spare a thought for... Every day.

MARY: Are you sure we should have left them alone together?

Despite their history, perhaps Mr. Molyneux can help Georgiana.

He'll understand her situation in ways we cannot, however hard we might try.

Well, Mr. Colbourne?

Have you a thought for how you'll argue Georgiana's case tomorrow?

At this precise moment, I have no idea.

Is that usual at this point in a trial?

I must be honest with you, Miss Heywood.

I've never argued a case of this nature or magnitude before.

You told me you'd never taken on a case you couldn't win.

That is true.

Was.

The fact is, for the last ten years, I have only concerned myself with petty litigation.

Good money for easy work.

I would never have taken this case unless...

Unless?

My brother paid me an urgent visit.

First words we have exchanged in nearly ten years.

He urged me to take this case.

He was doggedly persistent.

He even offered to pay my costs in full should we lose.

I thought you'd taken on her case out of integrity, a belief in justice.

It is Xander you should credit, not me.

MARY: But why should Georgiana's case be of such concern to him?

I was hoping Miss Heywood would be able to answer that.

The only thing that matters now is the trial.

So you must do whatever it takes.

We cannot let her lose.

There may be one last roll of the dice I could try.

I bid you both good night.

Tomorrow is my turn to testify.

I am to be a spectacle yet again.

A row of suspicious faces will gaze upon this anomaly.

You are no such thing.

What if I should lose, Otis?

A young Black woman with no money.

What would I do?

Who would I be?

You'd simply become Georgiana.

You could live the life you choose, free from the fortune hunters and the gossipmongers.

Free to marry someone who loves you for who you truly are.

Just tell the truth.

That is all you can do.

♪ ♪ TOM: They are saying that Sidney and Georgiana conspired to steal Mr. Lockhart's fortune.

That is outrageous slander!

"And Miss Lambe's revealed herself to be a hot-blooded young woman of base appetites."

Enough!

I beg you.

I cannot bear to hear another word.

Apparently, she is the talk of London.

I don't like the way the wind is blowing, Arthur, not one bit.

How could we have let this happen?

♪ ♪ Where's Mr. Colbourne?

Perhaps he accepted my cause is hopeless and took flight.

I am certain that is not the case.

You've read the newspapers.

You know what they're saying.

My case is as good as lost.

COLBOURNE: You would scarcely believe the things they're saying about Miss Lambe.

I suspect I would, sir.

Forgive me.

Mrs. Wheatley, what if I was wrong to involve my brother?

What if she'd have been better served by another lawyer?

But no one else would take the case, sir.

He's her best and only chance.

God help her.

(people talking in background) What if he never appears?

Will I be forced to represent myself?

(talking softly) ♪ ♪ Where have you been?

You look as if you haven't slept.

I haven't.

I spent all night in gambling houses and drinking dens.

It was time very well spent.

(sniffs) I call this court to order!

What do you know of this Colbourne fellow?

He's invited me to his shooting party.

I thought I would attend with Lady Denham.

Yes, we are also invited, uh... Oh, splendid!

In my experience, the best two places to find an investor are either when they're firing a gun or watching the horses.

(chuckles) The sportsman and the speculator are of one mind.

Would you not agree, Mr. Parker?

Yes, quite.

Yeah, well, Mr. Pryce, I must tell you that I still do have certain reservations about the proposed location of the hotel.

Why?

There's nothing there but slum dwellings.

And what of the people who live there?

Oh, I'm sure we can find somewhere else to put them.

Or we could reconsider the site of the hotel.

Perhaps revert to my original, more modest plan.

Why would we want to do that?

I thought you had ambitions for this town, Parker!

We want the Grand Hotel, not the Paltry Hotel!

Now, this is just a mockup, but I think it will give you a sense.

Now, by my rough calculations, the increased capacity for guests would increase the daily profits fivefold!

Fivefold.

Did you hear that, Arthur?

But certainly, if you prefer, Mr. Parker, we could... leave it as it is.

We... ARTHUR: Tom... What about Mary?

SAMUEL (exhales): Miss Lambe, could you remind the court when your father died?

The summer of 1816.

Summer of 1816.

I've since learned that Dr. Hardiman established his London practice two years prior to that, and so could not have witnessed Mr. Lambe's demise as he claims.

Now, I could not understand why the good doctor would perjure himself, until I discovered, after much extensive research, he has gambling debts all over London!

PARRISH: Hearsay, my lord!

Here is the proof, my lord.

I also submit as evidence, my lord, Mr. Lambe's letters to his daughter.

They show a man in full possession of his faculties.

A loyal, loving father, who clearly saw his daughter as his legitimate heir.

I suggest the will must stand!

(court murmuring) (Parrish clears throat) Tell me, Miss Lambe, what do you recall of your mother?

I have no memory of her.

Your father told you she had died in childbirth.

But you have since learnt she may yet be alive?

I've been trying to find her, as yet with no success.

Mr. Lockhart, will you tell the court what you learnt in Antigua?

The truth is, Miss Lambe, when you were six months old, your father sold your mother to another plantation owner.

(quietly): Lies.

CHARLES: If you doubt the truth, I have the bill of sale.

I ask you, my lord, if he were such a loving and loyal father, would he treat his child's mother with such contempt?

Or did he in fact see her as merely a possession?

PARRISH: Indeed, my lord, there is every chance her mother remains a slave to this day, as does her daughter.

Which surely renders her ineligible to own property.

(court muttering) GEORGIANA: My lord... ...if what Mr. Lockhart says is true...

...I am ashamed of my father.

♪ ♪ I, I am barely one and 20.

But I've known a lifetime's worth of judgment and betrayal.

Yet, why is it my mother and I whose character is called into question?

And not the men who have mistreated us?

I can only think my inheritance was a bid for absolution.

So surely, my lord, to give that man my fortune would only compound the sin.

I would give every penny back if it meant my mother would be returned to me.

CORNFORTH: I am answerable only to the law, Miss Lambe, not a young woman's entreaties.

However, I suppose I am forced to accept that under English statute, no one may be considered a slave on our shores.

As to the claim that your father was not of sound mind when he made his will, that claim has been entirely refuted by the evidence presented to me.

Therefore, I am left with no choice but to find against the claimant, Charles Lockhart.

(court murmuring) (gasping) (court murmuring) (bellowing): This is a travesty!

This case is dismissed.

(laughing) ♪ ♪ (growls) MARY: My dear Georgiana, I'm so proud of you.

At least there is still some measure of justice in the world.

OTIS: If you should ever have need of me, you need only send word.

And I would move Heaven and Earth to be there.

I will bear that in mind.

♪ ♪ Thank you.

For all you have done.

As we've established, it is Xander you should thank.

You say you've not spoken in ten years?

When our father died, he left me the estate saddled with debt.

But the thought of being trapped in the place that I'd grown up was too much to bear.

I wanted a chance to pursue my own path.

I can understand that.

But alas, my career came at a cost to Xander.

He chose to shoulder the familial burden that should have been mine.

And I fear it cost him his marriage.

But now you have a chance to make your peace.

Perhaps so.

But if I may, I sense you and Xander have your own history.

Your tenure as governess was short-lived indeed.

Your brother decided I was unsuitable for the position.

Well, I do hope you'll join us at our shooting party.

I must return home.

I have tried the patience of my betrothed for long enough.

What's a few more days?

Besides, it will give you an opportunity to thank him in person.

♪ ♪ TOM: Here they come, can you see?

Can you see Mama?

(laughs) Ah, the triumphant heroine returns!

Our relief knows no bounds.

Charlotte!

♪ ♪ LEO: Welcome back, Uncle!

SAMUEL: Thank you, Leo.

I'm not used to such a warm welcome.

We have followed your progress from afar.

It was a fine thing you did, sir.

MRS. WHEATLEY: That poor girl.

Mrs. Wheatley.

Forgive me.

I don't think I've ever asked-- your parents?

Were slaves, like her mother.

But they were given their freedom when they came to England.

Before you were born.

I didn't work for your father till I was 14.

Before that, I had the comfort of knowing my parents loved and respected each other.

My heart breaks for Miss Lambe.

(clock chiming hour) COLBOURNE: Well, it seems you didn't entirely disgrace the family name.

That is a first.

I'm glad I didn't let you down, brother.

On the contrary.

I wanted to ask, Miss Heywood.

What about her?

Well, in London, I was struck by her self-possession and her intelligence; I wondered why you hadn't retained her as a governess.

COLBOURNE: Well, she decided that the position was not for her.

Hm.

I've invited her to the shooting party.

I hope you don't mind.

Why would I mind?

CHARLOTTE: I am so relieved the trial is over for Georgiana.

Although I confess, I found a sense of purpose in helping her pursue justice.

There's purpose to be found in marriage and motherhood, my dear.

What if it's not enough?

It is perfectly normal to have doubts.

I was nearly 30 before I married Tom.

Almost ended the engagement three times.

Why?

I suppose I was afraid that in becoming Mrs. Tom Parker, I'd forget who Mary Harrison was.

That I might lose sight of myself.

And you haven't?

Marriage is about compromise, Charlotte.

As I'm sure you'll learn.

Oh!

You're too kind, Mrs. Parker, as always.

It gives me pleasure to share what I have.

And I know what it's like to have hungry mouths to feed.

MRS. FILKINS: They have an appetite, all right.

Especially young Tess here.

And I've brought you some books, Tess, as promised.

Thank you, Miss Heywood!

Are they really mine?

To keep?

To keep forever.

I'm really sorry I can't stay in Sanditon and teach you to read them.

I will gladly do so, Tess.

Thank you, Ms. Parker.

MRS. FILKINS: I hope you don't mind my asking, Mrs. Parker.

John said a Mr. Pryce come round here yesterday with an architect.

Said he and Mr. Parker was planning to pull all these cottages down to make room for his new hotel.

I told John that couldn't be right?

EDWARD: Miss Hankins.

I was just waiting for Mr. Hankins.

I know I am a poor substitute, but I am not entirely without spiritual knowledge, and I sense your soul is troubled.

Indeed it is, Miss Hankins.

These past few days, I have found myself preoccupied with a certain person.

I see.

I admit, at first, I sought to conquer her, but... Now, in her presence, I find myself entirely disarmed.

And you find yourself struggling to think of anything but her.

Perhaps you imagine the life you might share, despite the obstacles that stand in your way?

Even if I set out to win her honorably, who is going to trust me?

I have always sensed an innate goodness in you, Sir Edward.

Matthew 7:16-- by their fruits ye shall know them.

♪ ♪ (dogs barking) COLBOURNE: Remind me why I agreed to this.

You will enjoy every moment of it.

Apart from when I bag twice as many birds as you.

A London fop like you?

You haven't a chance.

I will admit, though, it gladdens me to see the house brought back to life.

♪ ♪ TOM: Gentlemen, I understand that we owe you both our everlasting gratitude for saving Miss Lambe's fortune.

COLBOURNE: I assure you, my involvement was negligible at best.

LEONORA: Miss Heywood!

You are here!

Will you tell me everything about the trial?

♪ ♪ LADY DENHAM: Mr. Colbourne!

This is unexpected.

I thought you had an aversion to entertaining.

(chuckles) May I introduce Mr. Pryce.

How do you do?

COLBOURNE: My brother, Mr. Samuel Colbourne, my niece, Miss Markham.

How do you do, sir?

Oh, and you know my nephew, Sir Edward Denham.

By reputation, certainly.

LADY SUSAN: You are the woman of the hour, Miss Lambe.

I hope you do not find the attention too overwhelming.

You are hardly a stranger to gossip yourself, my lady.

Which is why I speak from experience to warn you that society can be merciless.

You must do what you can to protect yourself.

Ah, Lady Montrose.

Lady Lydia, Your Grace.

I was so hoping you would be here.

A pleasure as always, Lady de Clemente.

Oh, Miss Lambe, I thank God that justice has prevailed.

I've been on my knees praying for you night after day.

Oh, I'm sure that made the world of difference.

♪ ♪ Doubtless you and your inamorata have much to discuss.

Miss Lambe, I have missed you.

As have I missed you, dear heart.

(giggles) LADY MONTROSE: Come, Lydia.

Mr. Colbourne is unattended.

We shall seize the moment.

ARTHUR: Was it not Byron who went to bed one night and woke up famous?

I believe the same could be said of you, Georgiana.

(laughing) How true, Arthur!

Do I sense a rapprochement?

Oh, we are become bosom companions, especially now I understand the true nature of your arrangement.

Although now you are so well-known, perhaps you would rather call off our courtship.

Why?

Are you afraid you'll be tarnished by association with me?

Not at all.

Ah, if it isn't the conquering hero.

My lady.

(chuckles) Are you feeling suitably triumphant?

The victory is not mine to claim.

Oh, I've rarely observed humility in a man, let alone a lawyer.

In truth, it is a recent acquisition.

You wear it well.

I believe Miss Heywood was in London for the trial?

Yes.

I understand her tenure as a governess here was rather short-lived.

I can't quite ascertain why.

My brother will not be drawn on the subject.

Although I have my own theory.

As have I. I wonder if they might be one and the same.

Excuse me one moment.

Mr. Colbourne.

Miss Heywood.

Thought you would have returned to Willingden by now.

I wanted a chance to thank you.

Oh, you have nothing to thank me for.

You rode to London and sought out a brother you hadn't seen in ten years.

I couldn't have stood by and done nothing.

What kind of man would I be?

You did my friend a great kindness.

I'll forever be grateful.

♪ ♪ SAMUEL: Xander!

Come!

The beaters stand ready!

Excuse me.

Miss Heywood and Mr. Colbourne seem on rather close terms.

Oh, she is no threat.

She was his governess.

She's about to marry a farmer.

Oh!

(Charlotte laughs) Miss Heywood, might I ask your opinion?

Yes.

I understand you were governess here.

Yes, briefly.

My mother is determined that Mr. Colbourne and I would be well-matched.

And yet, if I'm honest, he seems to me rather humorless and stern.

Mr. Colbourne is by nature reserved.

Yet there is a good deal more to him than first appears.

If you can engage him on the subject of dogs or horses, you might see him come to life.

Thank you, Miss Heywood.

Perhaps I have more in common with our host than I thought.

(dogs barking, guns firing) You're a good shot, Sir Edward.

Thank you, sir.

My father taught me at a young age.

And my aim was much improved by my time in the Army.

My brother, as you can tell from his shooting prowess, has been too long in the city.

(laughs) ♪ ♪ TOM: Ah, Mr. Colbourne!

A splendid afternoon.

COLBOURNE: Mr. Pryce has just told me of your scheme for the Old Town.

Oh, yes?

You realize, if you raze the Old Town, you will destroy the last vestiges of the community that has always been the heart of Sanditon.

Well, I, um... MARY: I have to say I agree with you, Mr. Colbourne.

I believe we should be seeking to improve the lives of the people that live there, not ruin them.

PRYCE: Your wife is very free with her opinions, Parker!

♪ ♪ Sir Edward.

I trust you've had a pleasant day?

Very much so.

And you?

(sighs): If I am honest, I have had to endure rather too much small talk from young men keen to impress me.

I can understand why they might be keen.

But none has yet impressed you?

One.

He is somewhat older than the rest.

Of good breeding and character?

Oh, indeed-- he has a title.

And as for his character, opinion varies.

And what is your uncle's opinion of this man?

I sense he is warming to him.

Then should this man speak to your uncle?

Assure him that his intentions are honorable?

That he desires nothing more than to prove himself worthy of you?

I believe he should.

♪ ♪ I assume you missed the birds on purpose, so as not to show up our host.

Alas, it seems the birds have learnt to fly much faster than they used to.

Ah, that must be it.

Nothing to do with the fact that you're ancient and decrepit.

Speak for yourself, my lady.

I'm still in the first flush of youth.

Or perhaps the second.

LADY DENHAM: Possibly the fifth!

(both laugh) AUGUSTA: Miss Heywood.

May I ask you a question?

When did you know you were in love with Mr. Starling?

Why do you ask?

No reason in particular.

(Lydia exclaiming, giggling) What is it?

What is it?

(giggles) They seem to have mistaken you for a pheasant.

LYDIA: I knew it was a mistake to wear feathers to a shoot.

(laughs) Shall we go in?

LEONORA: At least she likes dogs.

That is something.

LADY SUSAN: We cannot let this travesty occur.

What is to be done?

Miss Heywood is to be married in a few short weeks.

Yes.

But she is not married yet.

SAMUEL: Might I ask why you take such an interest in Miss Heywood?

I recognize my younger self in her.

And since I have no inclination to marry again, there is a vicarious pleasure to be had in setting her on the right path.

I could say much the same.

Far too old and cynical to consider marriage for myself.

But I have greatly wronged my brother in the past.

So if there's anything I can do to make amends, I will.

Hm.

It is not that I wish to interfere.

Oh, likewise, of course.

But a little gentle encouragement?

(both chuckling) Strange to think that we have known each other for such a short time, Arthur, given how fond I have become of you.

I could say the selfsame thing.

But then I, I suppose we are quite similar.

Both bachelors by choice.

(inhales deeply): Quite so.

That is rarer than one might think.

In my experience, most men... ...enjoy pheasant.

(sighs) But I have always had a preference for grouse.

I am right in thinking you share my tastes, Arthur?

No matter.

(chuckles) Be kind enough to forget this conversation ever took place.

♪ ♪ (exhales) Miss Lambe.

I just wanted to say how sorry I am.

Did you not hear?

I won the case.

My fortune remains mine.

I know, ma'am.

But I also know what you've lost.

♪ ♪ (people talking in background) (conversations stop) (people murmuring) I think I'm ready to leave.

As am I.

♪ ♪ PRYCE: I cannot tell you what a blessed relief it is to have you here.

I've grown so tired of my own company.

Even yours is preferable to dealing with another occasion on my own.

Oh, please.

Your flattery is overwhelming.

I was just speaking plainly.

I've thought of you often, with deep regret.

Think of all the years we have wasted.

I don't believe in regrets.

(sighs) They serve no purpose.

But if the offer of a ride in your buggy still stands, I suppose I wouldn't mind a brief turn tomorrow.

(handbell ringing) COLBOURNE: My lords, ladies, and gentlemen, I apologize for interrupting, but my gamekeeper informs me that the gun of the day, with 13 birds, is Sir Edward Denham.

(guests applauding) Well done.

Mr. Colbourne, sir, there is something I must ask you.

I'm all too aware of my reputation, but I beg you to believe that I am a changed man.

And as such, that you will allow me the honor of calling on your niece, Miss Markham.

♪ ♪ You are the last person on Earth I would allow to court Augusta.

♪ ♪ (clears throat softly) My apologies... ♪ ♪ CHARLOTTE: It is time I returned to Ralph.

He'll wonder what has happened to me.

I wish you could stay.

You're one of the few people in this world I can depend on.

I could say the same.

Georgiana, you are so loved.

By me, the Parkers.

And Otis, who clearly loves you as much as he ever did.

And what good will that do me?

Do you think he can protect me from further fortune hunters?

From the judgment of society?

What influence does he have?

What position?

Lady de Clemente was right.

I need to do whatever I can to protect myself.

(sighs) I would do better to continue my courtship with the duke.

That isn't real.

What is?

♪ ♪ I, I do wish you'd spoken to me in private, my dear.

Just because I am Mrs. Tom Parker doesn't mean I'm not entitled to my own opinions.

Instead of undermining me in front of our host.

And I am allowed to voice them!

And Mr. Pryce!

It is business, Mary!

Since when did you care only for profit?

I cannot afford to be sentimental.

SAMUEL: A good day.

Even if you did shoot more birds than me.

I forgive you.

Very gracious of you.

No wonder you're grappling with your conscience, brother.

She is quite magnificent.

Who is?

I'm a lawyer, Xander, and I know when people are withholding the truth from me.

And, on occasion, from themselves.

And I am in no doubt that you are hopelessly in love with Miss Heywood.

And I can state with some confidence she shares your feelings.

♪ ♪ She is to be married.

She is not married yet.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (crying) (sniffles, exhales) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Miss Heywood.

I was on my way to find you.

Why?

Because I cannot let you leave Sanditon again without telling you in plainest terms how devoutly I admire you.

Every day of my life that is not spent in your company is a day wasted.

And I've fought in vain to deny it, but I'm in love with you, Miss Heywood.

♪ ♪ No!

We shouldn't have done that.

You shouldn't have said that!

My only regret is that I didn't say it sooner.

Then why didn't you?!

(exhales) I'm to be married.

Stay.

Make a life with me.

I made a promise.

To Ralph.

To my parents.

It's too late!

♪ ♪ SAMUEL: The only way these claims will cease is if you find a husband.

Have you been avoiding me since the shooting party?

TOM: Miss Georgiana Lambe!

I shall be glad to return to the calm of Willingden tomorrow.

Is that a view you share, Miss Heywood?

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