Sanditon

LADY SUSAN: This is not the life I would have expected for you, that you'd marry a farmer and return to your village.

Louisa Brereton!

LADY DENHAM: You will not accept one penny of that man's money.

Miss Markham.

You have quite the reputation.

This is Mr. Starling.

He and I are to be married.

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

I suggest you find yourself a lawyer.

(seagull cawing) RALPH: My dearest Charlotte, I picked these from the hedgerow beside the river.

They are to remind you of home.

I hope it will not be long before Georgiana's situation is resolved and you can return to me.

I'm counting the hours until we are married.

Until then, Ralph.

(horse snorts) (seagulls cawing, people talking in background) Good day, Mr. Parker.

(exhales) Good, good day, Lady de Clemente.

My brother has charged me to ensure everything is fit for a king.

(chuckles) And this is to be where your musical triumph will take place?

ARTHUR: Do you think His Majesty will approve?

Because his visit will really put Sanditon on the map.

Oh, I have no doubt.

(exhales): Splendid.

Splendid!

(chuckles) Now, may I be so bold as to ask advice on the program?

Oh, I would be honored.

I'm very keen to ensure the evening's entertainment suits His Majesty's rather excellent taste.

To this end, we have engaged the celebrated American soprano Miss Elizabeth Greenhorn!

Oh, bravo, Mr. Parker.

A tour de force, indeed.

I thought: a lone bagpipe to start proceedings.

A soft, melancholic air, traveling across the water.

You don't care for bagpipes?

Oh, I adore them.

Though I fear the King does not share my enthusiasm.

(gasps softly) A violin, perhaps.

A violin would be most agreeable.

(giggles) Bonne chance, Mr. Parker.

(giggles) MARY: We promised we'd help.

TOM: Indeed we did, my dear, and help we shall, but everyone I've approached on Georgiana's behalf has turned us down flat.

But surely the chance to win such a case would enhance any lawyer's reputation.

Yet every plea for help was met with an excuse which excludes them.

Only Lord Montague was honest enough to cite the real reason.

Which is?

The Lord Chancellor appointed to hear Georgiana's case holds views which are not sympathetic to her cause.

Then Georgiana's inheritance will be lost.

Another lawyer turned her down.

Yes, I'm afraid so.

Then we must keep searching.

(Hankins singing, approaching) Ah, Sir Edward, I see you are getting on splendidly with today's task.

(chortles) You know, I consider your progress under my tutelage to be most encouraging.

(chuckles) Thank you, Mr. Hankins.

It gives me some hope I can be saved after all.

You doubt it?

Oh, not only doubt, but...

Fear.

You have come so far.

There's no need to despair now.

(chuckles) (humming) In truth, I've been thinking about committing my thoughts to paper.

How so?

A meditation in the form of a confessional poem.

They say poetry is the purest form of literature, so it may be a chance to reveal my purest self and find peace.

(chuckles) (breathes deeply): I must be honest.

I am delighted with the changes I appear to have brought about in you.

A testament, perhaps, to my tutelage.

Indeed it is, Mr. Hankins.

I am grateful for your expertise.

In order to allow for contemplation and creation, I would request the rest of the day to myself.

Sir Edward, you have my blessing.

(chuckles) Go now, set about it at once!

(chortles heartily) Tom has a most tenacious spirit.

He will find a lawyer.

He will not give up.

All these lawyers think my fate is sealed.

They can think again.

I will never give in.

Perhaps they know what evidence Lockhart is intending to produce?

This has convinced them not to take my case.

Then we must delay the trial to give Tom more time to inquire about Lockhart's dealings in Antigua.

If Lockhart's hiding something he's planning to reveal, it will not be the truth.

He certainly hid his true self from me.

I swear.

We will expose him for what he is.

If I lose my father's inheritance, I lose my independence, my place in society.

And without that status, how can I hope to find my mother?

LEONORA: Miss Heywood!

You're still here!

Does this mean you're staying for good?

Miss Heywood.

Miss Lambe.

Come now, Leo.

Let's leave Miss Heywood in peace.

Forgive her for interrupting.

She wasn't expecting to see you, and clearly can't contain her excitement.

I'm always happy to see Leonora and Augusta.

There's no need to apologize on their behalf.

Then I won't.

Good day, ladies.

Enjoy your tea.

I shall delay my return to Willingden.

But what of Ralph?

He'll understand.

How could I possibly leave you before this awful business is resolved?

I refuse to believe there's not a single lawyer in England brave enough to make your case.

You should draw attention to your cause by composing a letter detailing the iniquity.

To send where?

The newspapers: "The Chronicle" or "The Times."

We must shine a light on this injustice.

I would certainly win if you were my lawyer.

(chuckles) LADY MONTROSE: If rumor is to be believed, Miss Lambe will soon be penniless.

It might be wiser to refrain from your courtship until her future becomes clear.

If there's any truth in these rumors, then I cannot, in all conscience, abandon her.

If there's to be a case, it's not been heard yet, so how can these gossips be so certain she'll lose?

Of course she'll lose.

Have I taught you nothing of the ways of the world?

LYDIA: You have taught us everything, Mother.

Which is why we're the way we are.

(chuckles) I can never tell, Lydia, if you're complimenting me or insulting me.

I can be grateful to your sister in one regard.

At least she seems determined to put the past behind her and make a good match.

I'm going riding with Mr. Colbourne today.

Mother is unduly excited.

HARRY: I'm going for a walk.

See if I can't call upon Miss Lambe.

(birds twittering) Uh, Uncle...

I have left a glove inside.

Go on and I will catch you up.

Very well.

Don't be long.

I won't.

Miss Markham.

Sir Edward.

What a stroke of luck.

What is?

Meeting you, like this.

"Luck"?

Did I not catch a glimpse of you in the window these past 20 minutes?

Ah, you've found me out.

(chuckles) I was hoping to beg an indulgence of you.

An indulgence?

I humbly request your opinion on something I hold dear.

Something you hold dear.

Hmm, what might that be, sir?

Money?

Position?

Poetry.

(laughs): Poetry!

Yes.

I intend to write a poem, and I would be most grateful if you would cast your eye upon it.

I know you're a great lover of poetry.

Good poetry, yes.

Though I have a feeling yours will be mawkish, sentimental, and without heart.

Then I must do everything in my power to prove you wrong.

ARTHUR: This is your finest vintage?

HARRY: Mr. Parker!

Clearly a man of discerning taste!

Thank you, Your Grace.

Excellent, I shall take a case, if it pleases you.

Mr. Parker, have I done something to offend you?

Oh, I give you so little thought, Your Grace, I can't imagine what you could be referring to.

(chuckling) I see.

Oh, honesty is welcome.

Um, I was hoping to call on Miss Lambe today.

Do you know if she'll be receiving?

As you well know, Miss Lambe has more important matters on her mind than visitors.

What could be more important than love, Mr. Parker?

Nothing.

When love is what it is.

Now, if you'll please excuse me, I must prepare for the arrival of the King and my star, Miss Elizabeth Greenhorn.

The famous Miss Greenhorn?

Oh, what a coup, Mr. Parker!

His Majesty will be enchanted.

Let us hope so, Your Grace.

But why the sudden departure, sir?

Might I ask where you're going?

London.

When will you be back?

I hope tomorrow.

It is most unusual for my uncle to leave without so much as a farewell.

MRS. WHEATLEY: Yes.

Most unusual.

EDWARD (quietly): "Here I am, an abject sinner, kneeling before You, my sins..." Revealed?

(whispers): Revealed.

Mawkish.

Mawkish and sentimental!

(groans) Miss Hankins.

Is something the matter?

Oh, no, no.

I just wondered if the postman had been.

Not as far as I know.

My brother tells me you have taken to writing poetry.

(sighs): I'm trying to write a poem about the beauty of the world and my deficiency in the face of it.

In rhyme.

But I cannot always find the words.

Perhaps you're writing what you think you should write, rather than what you feel.

Speak from the heart, Sir Edward, not the head.

It needs to be south-facing.

Ah.

Goodbye, my dear.

Oh, goodbye.

Uh, where are you off to, my dear?

Oh, I hope you don't think me rude, Mr. Pryce, but I've arranged to see Mrs. Filkins in the Old Town.

Oh, don't mind me, Mrs. Parker.

Your husband and I have plenty to do.

Yes, we're searching for the best location for our hotel.

Perhaps you would have an opinion, my dear.

(seagulls cawing in distance) There.

The views would be spectacular.

PRYCE: What a splendid idea!

Why didn't we think of that?!

My wife is quite remarkable.

(chuckles): And I'm going now, before I become insufferably vain.

(all chuckling) A grand hotel, overlooking the whole of Sanditon.

The jewel in our crown.

You cannot put a hotel on top of a hill, Parker.

Think of the views.

Think of the trek.

(sighs) I, I have to be honest with you, Mr. Pryce.

All of this is moot, anyway, since for some unknown reason, Lady Denham has forbidden me from doing business with you.

Has she indeed?

If experience is any guide, she's not a woman to change her mind.

Challenge accepted, Mr. Parker.

Oh... Oh, it's that ghastly Lady Montrose and her equally ghastly daughter.

What do they want?

To get their claws into your father.

(groans) AUGUSTA: Mrs. Wheatley said they had arranged to go riding with him, but he must've forgotten to cancel before he left.

Why don't we extend them our special welcome?

Can I help you?

LADY MONTROSE: We're here to see Mr. Colbourne.

On a private matter.

He and I are going riding.

Well, it must have slipped his mind, because he is not here.

To my horse, to my horse!

(Montroses cry out) (Lydia laughing) Come along, Mother, there's a war to be fought here.

And when will your uncle return?

We don't know.

He is often absent.

Is he not, Leo?

Often.

And he never tells us when he's coming back.

Or if.

Oh, poor Leonora.

To have such a father.

Yes, poor child.

That must be such a trial.

Come along, Lydia, don't encourage them.

Drive on!

(driver flicks reins, horse whinnies) (people talking in background, horses neighing) SAMUEL: Excellent scotch and a card game that never ends.

Dear God.

Xander!

(laughs) What are you doing here, of all places?

I came to find you.

Well, we must have a drink, then.

Though I, I should warn you, I have had a considerable head start...

There is no time.

Ten long years and you can't even spare half an hour...

I need you to come to Sanditon with me.

Now.

(waves crashing, seagulls cawing) I believe condolences are in order.

Condolences?

Your husband.

Oh, my husband died 20 years ago.

And I've never seen the point of dwelling in the past.

Neither have I. I only look to the future.

Which is why the Sanditon hotel is such an exciting prospect.

Exciting for whom?

We hardly need the kind of visitor who would stay at a guest house!

You are absolutely right, milady!

But what if we were to make it a grand hotel?

You're all talk and hollow promises.

You always were.

That seems hardly fair.

Have you forgotten?

Because I certainly haven't!

It was over half a century ago!

We were young then and foolish!

(sighs) Can't you see the picture?

A magnificent faade.

Rows of luxurious suites overlooking the sea.

We could charge a king's ransom.

You were always driven by greed.

That's why you passed me over for that dreadful Jane Clifford with her 50,000.

Just one moment!

I recall it was you who passed me over!

Balderdash!

Yes, yes, yes, I remember it still.

The blinding sunlight streaming through the stained glass as I stood there waiting for you to arrive.

It was pouring with rain!

And I was the one who was left waiting!

Abject nonsense.

My dear lady, your memory is deceiving you.

With hindsight, maybe it was a lucky escape!

Very well.

I shall go and build my grand hotel elsewhere.

No, you certainly won't.

You'll build it right here, on the seafront.

(ringing) (door opens) And I shall want a large share of the profits!

You always were a stubborn, shrewd young woman.

Yes, well, now I'm a stubborn, shrewd old woman.

Show Mr. Pryce out, please.

(chuckling) (door closes) Augusta!

(horse whinnies) Mr. Samuel!

Mrs. Wheatley.

You look exceedingly well.

A few more gray hairs, Mr. Samuel, but that aside, I am well.

(quietly): I'm afraid I haven't prepared a room.

My apologies for the lack of warning.

If you could prepare the guest room.

Of course.

I'll see to it now.

Thank you.

We'll go to Sanditon as soon as you've settled.

En garde!

Do we know you?

No, but I know you.

Corporal Colbourne, I presume.

Major Colbourne, to you.

(chuckling): Oh, Major Colbourne!

AUGUSTA: You still haven't told us who you are.

I'm your infamous Uncle Samuel.

What's "infamous"?

(quietly): It is the same as famous, only better.

(chuckles softly) GEORGIANA: "Mr. Lockhart "wrongfully claims that he "is the rightful sole heir to the late Mr. Lambe's fortune.

"Mr. Lockhart's entire claim "is a fiction and an outrage.

"An insult to a... (voice catches) ...a dying man's final wish."

MARY: Oh, my dear.

Do you wish to stop?

"Why is this man "to be believed over a woman of integrity?

"Is it because he's a White man?

If so, how is this justice?"

(footsteps approaching) Mr. Colbourne.

COLBOURNE: My apologies for this intrusion, but I think, when you know the purpose of our visit, you will understand.

SAMUEL: Miss Lambe, I heartily agree with the sentiments.

And who might you be?

Samuel Colbourne.

Your new lawyer.

GEORGIANA: I have not instructed you.

Not yet, but my brother has informed me of the difficulties that you're having.

COLBOURNE: As soon as I heard of your plight, Miss Lambe, it struck me there would be no one better.

Are you aware that Lord Cornforth will be hearing Georgiana's case?

A man quite outspoken in his views on abolition.

He will not be sympathetic.

Cornforth has no right to sit in judgment.

The law should be handed out without fear or favor.

I hope this sentiment is a true one, Mr. Colbourne.

I'm not a plaything for your amusement.

I can assure you, if I represent you, it will be because I believe you can and should win.

Very well.

Show me what you can do.

Then I will decide.

As you wish.

Come to Heyrick Park at 3: 00.

We'll talk more.

(birds twittering) Miss Markham.

LEONORA (groaning): Not him again.

Another lucky encounter, Sir Edward?

I admit, I intended to call on you.

With what purpose?

Ah, to deliver your poem, perhaps?

Rather to apologize for the lack of one.

It was the worst thing ever written, uh, just as you predicted.

Then you have no need for my opinion.

Oh, but I do, on all things.

I think there's much you could teach me.

Can I ask you something, Sir Edward?

Anything.

Do you think me a fool?

What?

You expect me to believe that this sudden change in sentiment towards me is genuine.

Did it not occur the very moment that you discovered I am due to an inheritance?

So, I ask you again.

Do you think me a fool?

No, I do not.

Then please desist from this false and rather piteous flattery.

Piteous?

Yes.

It means "deserving of pity."

Good day, Sir Edward.

Leonora, we must hurry home before your father returns.

(horse nickers) EDWARD: Miss Markham.

Miss Colbourne.

(clicks teeth) (bird cawing) Ah, Beatrice, there you are.

Um, this, uh, this letter has arrived for you.

From London.

How unexpected.

Hmm, Dr. Fuchs is in London, isn't he?

Uh, yes, he is.

But I can't imagine why Dr. Fuchs would be writing to me.

I'll read it in good time.

It will not be urgent.

Perhaps you...

I must say, I do think you're having great success with Sir Edward, brother.

He seems quite changed.

As if engaged in some deep internal battle with his very soul.

Yes, yes.

You're very kind, sister.

I am very pleased with his progress, although no doubt the Almighty is also having a hand in his transformation.

(both chuckle) Yeah.

Now I must get on.

Are you going in?

I think I'll just sit here for a moment and enjoy the air.

Yes.

(sniffs, chuckles) (inhales softly) FUCHS: Dear Miss Hankins, Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to listen to a young man's beating heart through a simple wooden tube.

It was clear as day... "...and I cannot wait to share this discovery with you."

(Arthur speaking indistinctly) Lady... Come, come, come, come.

Here, here, go, here.

Mr. Parker?

(chuckling): Mr. Arthur Parker, musical impresario.

(chuckles) (exhales) (sniffs, clears throat) (breathes audibly) I hear the King has a new favorite.

A younger favorite.

It's the talk of the London drawing rooms.

Poor Lady de Clemente.

To be cast aside.

Like an old shoe.

Lady de Clemente, may I?

It is a matter of great urgency.

Of course.

It is terrible news, is it not?

What is?

(whispering): The King has changed his mind.

He is no longer coming to the recital.

Ah, yes, that.

I had heard.

My condolences, Mr. Parker.

I imagine he has found another form of entertainment to please him more.

You must help me, Lady de Clemente.

You're the only one who can.

I'm afraid in this regard, I no longer have the King's ear.

I am sorry.

Truly, I am.

But there is nothing to be done.

(chair slides) (breath trembling) (birds twittering) PRYCE: Right by the sea wall.

Sea air makes people giddy.

(chuckling): We can charge them the Earth and they will pay.

But are you proposing we knock down these houses where the fishermen live?

The Grand Hotel Sanditon will be part of your legacy.

And when the King comes here-- and he will return after tonight's triumph-- he will stay in the finest hotel in England, with a magnificent suite and a view of the sea.

(exhales): Yeah.

(birds cawing) HARRY: Mr. Parker?

Anything amiss?

I cannot help but notice you're not your usual ebullient self.

There is nothing amiss-- what would give you that impression?

Judging from your demeanor, I would deduce that whatever's happened is something of a catastrophe.

Given that you informed Lady de Clemente of the matter, I would also deduce it has something to do with the King.

Rumors he has taken a new mistress, perhaps?

Oh.

Poor Lady de Clemente.

It pains me to say, but yes, the King will not be coming to Sanditon today or any other day.

(sighs) But you have worked tirelessly, and it must be distressing to see your efforts go to waste.

It is worse than distressing.

When Miss Greenhorn finds out, she'll refuse to perform.

I will be a laughingstock.

My brother will be humiliated, not to mention exceedingly out of pocket!

Come now, there will be a solution.

(exhales, trembling) I think not.

I think so.

Why does Miss Greenhorn have to know the King isn't coming?

It will be somewhat impossible to keep it from her when she is serenading an empty throne!

Worry not.

She's an American.

With an artistic disposition.

We shall just... Dazzle her.

With pomp!

(laughs) (animals chittering, lowing) I hope you're prepared for what I'm about to ask you, Miss Lambe.

It is you who should be prepared, Mr. Colbourne.

Please, come in.

Miss Heywood.

I would be grateful if you would wait here so Miss Lambe and I can become better acquainted.

I'll wait with you.

(exhales) (clears throat) You must answer my questions honestly.

The truth is the truth.

I have no fear of it.

(horse neighs) Miss Greenhorn.

(breathlessly): Arthur Parker, your humble servant.

Welcome to Sanditon.

No need to bow to me, Mr. Parker, I'm not royalty.

I know you have performed in... grander locations.

I do hope this one will not disappoint.

In truth, I should have gone straight to Paris from Vienna.

Coming here is something of an inconvenience.

But the chance to sing for a king, a woman of my color, it's unheard of.

For both of us.

HARRY: Lord Montrose, Duke of Buckinghamshire, at your service, Miss Greenhorn.

(evenly): Your Grace, please excuse us.

Miss Greenhorn, I know the King has an encyclopedic knowledge of the classical canon.

When the recital is over, it will be my honor to present you to him.

I look forward to it.

Miss Greenhorn, my servant will escort you to your room.

We have it prepared.

Thank you, Mr. Parker.

I hope you enjoy the recital, Lord Duke.

(door closes) (horse whinnies) Do not fret, Mr. Parker.

(exhales) All will be well.

(exhales) SAMUEL: You live alone.

Is this to allow for guests?

What are you implying?

I think you know exactly what I'm implying.

I thought you were to leave Sanditon after the party.

No, I stayed for Georgiana.

And your betrothed?

He had to return to Willingden.

To his farm.

Oh, he's a farmer-- like me.

(chuckles) Nothing like you.

How was your stay in Bath?

It was pleasant enough.

And your return to Willingden?

Pleasant enough.

Only pleasant?

More than pleasant.

Oh... SAMUEL: Why are you still unmarried?

Because I've yet to find someone who is worthy of me.

But you've had several romantic interludes with several men.

There was nothing improper.

You live alone-- how would we know?

Because I am saying it.

You have a reputation!

For what?

Rabble-rousing.

You're vocal in your condemnation of slavery.

Of course I am.

And yet, it is because your father wooed your mother that you are here.

You are the very product of slavery, Miss Lambe.

Without it, you would not exist.

Did your father's slave... My mother's name is Agnes.

Did she set out to seduce him?

No!

A woman of such low morals... Stop!

...whose only desire was to trap... That's enough!

...a decent man!

I apologize.

Sincerely.

But this is necessary.

You must be prepared for these humiliations.

Lockhart would not have brought this claim unless he had compelling evidence against you.

And they will be merciless.

It will take every ounce of strength and character you have to endure it.

Leo and Augusta talk of you often.

I think they miss your presence.

Do they?

Profoundly.

(door opens) Mr. Colbourne has been quite judicious in demonstrating the public distress Mr. Lockhart could cause me.

I don't think I can subject myself to it.

(door opening) This trial will take place in two days' time, even if she's in absentia.

And if she will not defend herself, she has little hope of winning.

Please wait until tomorrow before you leave.

I'll try to persuade her to continue.

Thank you.

(birds chirping) Don't underestimate Miss Heywood's resolve, Samuel.

MARY: But those are people's homes, Tom.

Hm.

He can't build on top of them.

I hope you told him that.

Of course I did, yes.

MARY: Good.

Because that would be unscrupulous.

You are, you are right, my dear, of course, but, but, um, please don't worry.

It will never happen.

Lady Denham won't stand for it.

Now, now, come along now, Georgiana needs us more.

(clock ticking) You'll be leaving, then?

If Miss Lambe refuses your help?

Why?

Sanditon has changed.

For the better.

I might stay a while, see a little more of it.

If you can bear my company.

I'm sure I could tolerate a few more days of it.

We should have a shooting party.

Like the old days.

Bring this place back to life.

You hated those parties.

I was younger then.

Why not?

Besides, it might be a good opportunity to introduce Augusta to some suitable young men.

SAMUEL: Of your choosing.

Should she not be able to meet and choose a suitable young man of her own?

You're hardly the person to lecture me on duty.

(laughs) I will concede you that.

For now.

The young lady must be very important to you, for you to swallow your pride and ask me for help after all these years.

Miss Heywood is a former employee, nothing more.

I was referring to Miss Lambe.

AUGUSTA: Uncle.

Yes, Augusta.

I have something of a headache.

May I ask your permission to stay at home rather than attending the recital?

Of course.

So, where is this great plan of yours?

You said all would be well, yet Miss Greenhorn is even now preparing to meet His Majesty!

Calm yourself.

We shall simply tell her he's due to arrive late and she'll meet him after the performance.

Hm.

By then, she'll have had such clamorous applause, she'll barely mind.

No.

No, I, I cannot bring myself to lie.

Least of all to an artiste.

(sighs) (knock at door) Come in.

Ah, Mr. Parker.

Is everything ready?

As it will ever be, Miss Greenhorn.

And if I may say, there are no words to describe your beauty.

We are honored.

Honored.

GREENHORN: I have had a great deal of assistance.

Thank you for the flowers, Mr. Parker.

They smell divine.

You have made me most welcome.

There is something I must tell you, Miss Greenhorn, before you sing for us.

I'm afraid the King is indisposed and will not be attending the recital after all.

I see.

He sends his abject apologies.

He is distraught, but urgent royal duties have taken precedence.

Well, it's very charming of you to say that, Mr. Parker, but I doubt it.

I have one question, though, and ask you to do me the courtesy of the truth.

Was he ever coming?

Yes!

But...

It was no ruse to dupe you, Miss Greenhorn.

Mr. Parker cannot lie.

It's not in his nature.

The King let him down, and it was my idea to keep it from you.

I am less of a stranger to an untruth than Mr. Parker could ever be.

That I believe.

I'll pay you, of course, even though you will no longer perform.

If I refuse to sing, you'll lose a great deal of money.

Then it would be churlish of me not to perform.

I'm only sorry for your King that he won't get to hear me.

(chuckles) Now, if you'll permit me, gentlemen, I must prepare.

I'm delighted for you, Mr. Parker.

Of course, I never doubted it.

I understand the artistic disposition.

Once Miss Greenhorn sensed her audience, the call of her art was too strong.

All is well.

As you predicted, Your Grace.

I can now say, hand on heart, that I did not always share that belief.

That was my mistake.

(both chuckling) CHARLOTTE: If you don't want to go, we can stay here.

I'm not leaving you.

Everyone there will be talking about me.

What does it matter, Georgiana?

We, your friends, know you to be the good and principled woman you are.

So why don't you put on your finest dress and show those gossips you're unbowed?

A moment, Arthur.

Tom... Just a moment, Arthur.

Mr. Parker?

A word.

Lady Denham, what a picture of elegance you are.

Don't flatter me, it makes me suspicious.

Now, to our business with Mr. Pryce.

Our business?

(chuckles): Forgive me, I am somewhat confused.

I thought there was no business.

Mr. Pryce and I have come to an agreement.

TOM: An agreement?

And I am fully behind his splendid plans to build a hotel beside the sea wall.

We're going to make a fortune, Mr. Parker.

(chuckles) (chuckles) Yes.

(orchestra playing) Am I boring you, Xander?

What gives you that idea?

You seem distracted.

Are you expecting someone?

You seem unduly concerned with what I'm doing.

It's rather unnerving.

Just making up for lost time.

LADY MONTROSE: Mr. Colbourne!

Your Grace.

Lady Lydia.

Allow me to introduce my brother, Mr. Colbourne.

Delighted.

My mother and I called on you, but you were away.

Although we received a warm welcome from a tiny soldier.

My apologies.

I had urgent business to attend to.

LADY MONTROSE: Apology accepted.

On the firm understanding we can do it another time.

Of course.

(orchestra continues) I see Miss Heywood is here.

Do excuse me.

(birds cawing) I must speak to Lord Montrose.

I wish him to know what my plans are.

Miss Heywood.

How is Miss Lambe?

She's here.

Her courage knows no bounds.

Have you persuaded her to fight her case?

No.

But I'm still trying.

(chuckles) Would you please excuse me?

Certainly.

Oh, my dear friend, I'm so sorry.

It's what men do, Charlotte.

They grow weary.

Age comes upon them, and there's always another beauty to make them feel young.

Well, he may be the King, but if he were here, I would tell him I think him foolish beyond measure.

(sniffs): I do believe you would.

Oh, my dear Charlotte, you do lift my spirit.

You will find someone that will give you the love and constancy you deserve.

Be happy.

Like you are?

Yes.

May I offer a few words, as someone more experienced in affairs of the heart?

Yes.

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

Georgiana needs me.

I'm sure that's true.

But you must also be sure that she's not just an excuse.

For what?

Not to return to Willingden.

The life you've resigned yourself to.

(birds chirping) Sir Edward.

Miss Markham.

You received my note?

Evidently.

I was afraid you were attending the recital.

To be paraded in front of yet more suitors by my uncle?

I told him I had a headache.

You said it was of the utmost importance you meet with me.

Indeed it is.

And for what reason?

To walk with you.

That is all.

Then... Let us walk.

PRYCE: How long do you think we may have to endure this?

A few interminable hours, perhaps days.

If you expire, I'll have you removed-- discreetly.

(laughs) I'd forgotten how entertaining you can be.

(chuckles) The greatest mistake in my life was not joining you at that church on that rainy day.

(clearing throat) Your Graces, lords, ladies, and, uh, good people of Sanditon.

I, I know... ...many of you have come to see the King, but... Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Parker was kind enough to ask me to sing at this prestigious recital, and I was honored to accept.

(audience applauding) However we have just been informed that your King has been detained at court... (audience exclaims) ...on urgent royal business.

(audience exclaims) Now, I know Mr. Parker is concerned that I will feel let down, but I want to assure him that I do not.

I accept the King's humble apology most graciously.

To sing is who I am.

It is my true calling.

Now I am ready to perform for you.

And I am proud to do so.

Tonight, I dedicate my performance of "Porgi, Amor" from "Le Nozze di Figaro" to any ladies here present suffering a heartache of their own.

May you find strength and comfort in my song.

(audience applauding, music begins) (music playing) Porgi, amor Qualche Ristoro Al mio duolo A'miei sospir (music continues) (waves lapping) O mi lascia Almen morir O mi lascia Almen morir (holds note) Porgi, amor, qualche ristoro Al mio duolo, a'miei sospir O, mi rendi Il mio tesoro O mi lascia Almen morir Almen morir (music continues) O, mi rendi Il mio tesoro O mi lascia Almen morir (music continues) (piece ending) (applauding) (audience exclaiming) ARTHUR: Bravo!

(audience applauding) Bravo.

(applause continues) HARRY: God save the King, Mr. Parker.

Please, call me Arthur.

(applause and cheers continue) Did you enjoy the music?

Very much.

And you?

Very much.

Samuel Colbourne.

At your disservice.

Lady Susan de Clemente.

I assume you've heard the gossip about me.

You've come to rub salt into the wound?

I never listen to gossip.

I prefer to fathom out people for myself.

It's much more rewarding.

Besides, there are so many interesting things going on in Sanditon that require careful observation.

Mr. Colbourne.

Miss Lambe.

When do we leave?

Tomorrow, first light.

Will you come?

Of course.

GEORGIANA: Whatever Lockhart threatens, he will not win.

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

LADY SUSAN: It's not that I wish to interfere.

But a little gentle encouragement?

Miss Heywood.

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