ARTHUR: You don't love Harry.

GEORGIANA: This has nothing to do with love.

♪ ♪ LADY MONTROSE: Mr. Colbourne seemed quite smitten.

PRYCE: We could see out the years in happy companionship.

I accept.

LADY MONTROSE: If you should find yourself called away, I would provide you with whatever was needed.

I cannot marry you, Ralph.

You are in love with Mr. Colbourne.

DR. FUCHS: There is nothing more I can do.

Prepare yourselves for the worst.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (birds twittering outside) (inhales) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (doorbell ringing) I fear for Mary.

(door opens) Forgive the intrusion at this early hour.

HANKINS: We have come to offer prayers for Mrs. Parker's immortal soul.

FUCHS: I'm afraid your arrival could hardly be more timely, Mr. Hankins.

I regret, at this moment, what Frau Parker requires is nothing less than a miracle.

♪ ♪ (waves lapping, seagulls cawing) SAMUEL: This was always my favorite time of the day.

Before the world is awakened.

When all is at peace and time seems suspended.

That sounds rather well-rehearsed.

(both laughing) ♪ ♪ I've never met anyone I wanted to share this with.

Until now.

♪ ♪ TOM: I've been so preoccupied with making money, securing this wretched hotel, I have neglected and ignored her.

I didn't even take the time to read her proposals, to hear her thoughts for the Old Town.

If she could only tell me now that I might put things right.

I could accompany you to the Old Town.

Explain her thoughts?

Would you, Charlotte?

Mary also spoke of a sick child, uh... Dora.

Yes, let us go there now.

It won't take long.

I, I just feel quite helpless here.

At least, my dearest Mary... (shakily): It might be a small step towards making amends.

We will keep watch.

♪ ♪ (chickens clucking, hammer pounding) (people calling in background) It's kind of you to come, Miss Heywood, Mr. Parker.

You had no need to think of us at such a time.

Mary will be so glad to know Dora's recovered.

I just hope Mrs. Parker will be as fortunate.

She's always shown us such kindness.

I often say to the children, I don't know what I should do without her.

(clears throat) Um... Mrs. Filkins, if, if there is ever anything you should need for the children or, or medicine or food, you shall have it, Mrs. Filkins.

You have my word.

Be so kind as to give Mrs. Parker this, sir.

♪ ♪ Tell her we are praying for her.

HANKINS: And then before you exchange your vows, I shall give one of my most acclaimed addresses in which I ruminate on how the word "conjugal" derives from the Latin "yoked together."

You most certainly will not!

What an impertinence!

Oh, for heaven's sake, why are we bothering with all this fuss and nonsense?

It's unseemly at our age.

Do we really need hymns and a church full of gawping people?

Perhaps we should just elope.

Although that didn't work out terribly well for you, did it, dear boy?

Thank you, Mr. Pryce.

I hardly need to be reminded about my recent disgrace.

I'm all too aware that once you are married, I'll be left without a place to live or even a penny to my name.

As ye sow, Sir Edward, so shall ye reap.

♪ ♪ (birds twittering) ♪ ♪ MRS. WHEATLEY: She will not eat.

She will not sleep.

It is like having a phantom in the house.

I shall never fall in love-- it seems a beastly business.

It is, Leo.

Avoid it if you can.

♪ ♪ (sighs): What do I say to Augusta?

How do I reassure her?

SAMUEL: I can offer you nothing.

I fear at that age, I was more often the cause of such suffering than the victim.

Ah, but now, of course, those days are long behind you.

They may yet be.

Strange as it sounds, I have lately found my thoughts turning to marriage.

She must be a remarkable woman to have tamed your wayward heart.

(exhales) She is astounding.

I'm glad for you, Sam.

I am.

I am increasingly of the belief that we are not meant to walk this life alone.

And if recent events have proved anything, it's that Leo and Augusta are in need of a mother.

I thought you'd abandoned hope of Miss Heywood.

I'm not thinking of her.

(Leo quacking outside) (quacking) ♪ ♪ Was that not a most peculiar dinner last night?

Yes.

(chuckles) I suspect Mrs. Parker took ill purely to spite you.

Mm, no, before that.

I'm afraid I found your so-called mother-in-law to be rather disconcerting, Harry.

Did you not find her manner suspicious?

Count yourself lucky Mr. Colbourne's parents are dead, Lydia, and immune from judgment.

LADY MONTROSE: Still!

Let us not dwell on such doleful matters when we have so much to celebrate!

The Wedding of the Season, Harry!

So you keep reminding me.

And Lydia, saved from the ignominy of spinsterhood in the very nick of time!

If you'll excuse me.

I have arranged to go riding today.

LADY MONTROSE: Well... We need hardly ask with whom.

♪ ♪ (exhales) You're absolutely right, of course, my dear.

(voice breaking): You always have been.

I should have ignored Mr. Pryce and listened to you from the very start.

(inhales deeply) Now I can see it all so clearly.

I will give everything up, all of it.

(sniffles) If only God would spare you.

(sniffling) ♪ ♪ (weakly): Tom... (sighs) (voice breaking): Mary.

(Tom weeping) ♪ ♪ (sniffling) (Tom sobs) ♪ ♪ My mother will be overjoyed to hear that Mary's fever has broken.

What a privilege it was to witness, the love they bear each other.

Tom would be quite lost without her.

Is that not what a marriage should be?

Just because you called off your wedding doesn't mean I should call off mine.

I know I'm making the right decision for my future.

What about love?

I will have my mother's love.

That is enough.

♪ ♪ (horse nickers) (horse nickers) Thank you.

(horse walking) ♪ ♪ Mother!

I bring good news!

That must have taken great courage.

I cannot bear to think of the pain I've caused Ralph.

I couldn't live a lie, Mary.

I couldn't make a promise before God when I... ...when I'm in love with someone else.

Mr. Colbourne, perhaps?

I've seen the way you look at him.

Does he know?

That you are no longer to be married?

Not yet.

Then why are you sitting here with me?

♪ ♪ (chuckling) (seagulls cawing) Dr. Fuchs!

I hear your ministrations saved Mrs. Parker from certain death.

Happily so, Fräulein.

There is every reason to believe she will make a full recovery.

Come, Sister.

Not even Dr. Fuchs has the hubris to take the credit for a miracle!

Good day, sir.

♪ ♪ HANKINS (quietly): Really, Beatrice.

You forget yourself.

♪ ♪ Forgive me.

It's not often I find myself struggling to find the right words.

But don't you think it strange how circumstances have conspired to bring us together, a man and a woman who had both vowed they had no interest in love or marriage?

And yet, I must say, the time I have spent in your company has brought me to the point that I must renounce that vow.

My dear Samuel, I must stop you before you go any further.

Do you think it is possible that we just got caught up in a moment?

A lovely moment, unquestionably, but a moment nonetheless.

When time briefly stopped for us.

A moment?

I'm expected back in London.

♪ ♪ No matter.

I shall call on you there.

I think it is better if we accept this for what it was.

And return to our lives.

I will always think of you with great fondness.

As will I, my lady.

♪ ♪ Forgive me, Mr. Parker, my mind is clearly playing tricks.

I must have misunderstood you.

I cannot put it more plainly, sir.

I am withdrawing from the deal with immediate effect.

I will take no part in this cruel and avaricious scheme.

The Old Town must stand.

You cannot renege on the deal now!

We have already secured our investment!

Are you a man of business or not?

Yes.

But far more importantly than that, I'm a loving husband who should have listened to his wife a long time ago.

(chuckling): Amen to that.

You will live to regret this!

♪ ♪ (birds twittering) MRS. WHEATLEY: How is Mrs. Parker, Miss Heywood?

I'm glad to say she's recovering well, thank you, Mrs. Wheatley.

What a mercy.

I expect you'll be returning home again now.

As a matter of fact, that is what I wished to discuss with Mr. Colbourne.

I'm afraid Mr. Colbourne is out riding this morning.

Miss Heywood!

SAMUEL: Have you come to check on Augusta?

How is she?

Inconsolable.

SAMUEL: I assume Lady de Clemente has told you that she is to leave Sanditon.

No.

Why?

SAMUEL: All she would say is that she is expected in London.

And regrettably, there is nothing I can do to change her mind.

(exhales) ♪ ♪ May I pass on a message to Mr. Colbourne, Miss Heywood?

Thank you, Mrs. Wheatley.

But I would sooner deliver it in person.

This will not stand!

I will not allow his short-sightedness to mar our progress.

We shall simply proceed without him if he lacks the nerve.

Parker be damned!

LADY DENHAM: I hope you're not suggesting we punish a man just because he has the temerity to listen to his wife.

That hardly bodes well.

(laughing) Oh, my dear lady, you're right, as ever.

What does it matter, any of it, the hotel, the investors, when I have something of incalculable value, something I have waited half a century to own, Louisa Brereton?

Own?

I am not one of your properties to be bought and sold.

(laughing): Of course you're not.

And even if you were, I should never be able to afford you.

Of course, if my business here is concluded, there's no reason why we should stay in Sanditon.

I suggest you start packing up the house.

Consider what servants, if any, you would like to bring with you.

I will give it some thought.

Just think, Louisa.

This time tomorrow, you will be Mrs. Rowleigh Pryce.

There's much to be done!

(chuckles) (sighs) Mrs. Rowleigh Pryce.

Hmm... MARY: And she left without saying where she was going?

She must have slipped out while the servants were still asleep.

CHARLOTTE: She'll have good reason, I'm sure of it.

MARY: You must give her the benefit of the doubt.

Why?

You don't know her.

I barely know her.

I question whether she's even my mother at all.

Or a fortune hunter.

One only has to see the two of you together.

She left as soon as she learned I was to be married.

Once she realized my fortune would soon be untouchable.

I have no need of her, anyway, whoever she is.

Soon I will be the Duchess of Buckinghamshire.

I shall have no need of anyone.

♪ ♪ (birds twittering) (seagulls cawing) CHARLOTTE: Samuel said you were to leave.

He said you'd been called back to London.

A certain friend has decided he requires my company, after all.

One doesn't say no to this particular friend.

But... Before I go, I shall at least finally see you get the happiness you deserve.

I intend to speak to Mr. Colbourne at Lady Denham's wedding.

I only hope his feelings towards me haven't altered.

Ah, it is safe to say there is no chance of that.

♪ ♪ I know you and Harry are not a love match, but you will treat him with kindness?

Of course.

And you would also be wise to keep your distance from our mother.

(sighing): Or you will soon find your life is not your own.

As you do?

Oh.

(laughs) I have ways to preserve my autonomy.

May I share a secret, Georgiana?

(whispering): I have recently formed an engagement.

(giggles) (sighs) ♪ ♪ Georgiana.

What is it?

(takes hands) Lady Lydia is engaged.

She swore me to secrecy.

Then I've missed my chance.

I'm so sorry.

TOM: Ah, Mr. Colbourne, the very man.

(chuckles) And Miss Markham.

Your Graces, Lady Lydia.

(birds twittering) I'm so pleased to see you recovering, Mrs. Parker.

Thank you.

I'm almost restored to my former self.

TOM: I was hoping we might have a chance to discuss our plans for the Old Town, Mr. Colbourne?

If he means your plans, Mrs. Parker, I should be glad to.

I am happy to say he does, sir.

LADY MONTROSE: I was just saying how charming this little chapel is.

It would hardly do for Harry and Miss Lambe, but it's the perfect size for an older bride.

I wonder if you have such a chapel on your estate, Mr. Colbourne.

I am afraid not, Your Grace.

Perhaps you should build one.

♪ ♪ COLBOURNE: I will certainly consider it if the occasion demands it.

Excuse me.

♪ ♪ Mr. Colbourne.

Right then, shall we?

(chuckles) (people talking in background) ♪ ♪ Your guests await, Aunt.

(breathes deeply) (people talking in background) (organ playing) (sighs) (quietly): You cannot let her leave.

I'm a lawyer, Miss Heywood.

I know when a case is hopeless.

I don't care if he is the King.

She deserves so much better.

Someone who will fight for her.

The King?

(chuckles) Will you sit beside me?

Of course.

(organ continues) (people talking in background) (clears throat) (clears throat) (organ continues) (people talking in background) (organ continues) Pleased to see that Mrs. Parker is recovering well.

Yes.

So am I. Mrs. Wheatley said there was something you wished to tell me.

Something you could only say in person?

I simply came to say a last goodbye.

That is all.

(organ continues) (quietly): This is your doing.

HANKINS (quietly): Knowing their marriage would leave you homeless and penniless, you have sabotaged it.

On the contrary, I urged her to come.

I have no words for such a situation.

(organ stops, people talking in background) Lords, ladies, and gentlemen.

(conversations stop) I'm afraid it's my duty to inform you that Lady Denham is unable to attend.

(gasping, murmuring) I apologize.

I hate to be the cause of such dismay, but...

It seems there will be no wedding, after all.

(murmuring continues) ♪ ♪ BEATRICE: I cannot understand it, Brother.

Lady Denham is long past the age where most ladies would have given up hope of finding marriage.

Why would she deny herself this last chance of happiness?

♪ ♪ Perhaps she realized that she and Mr. Pryce were ill-suited.

Perhaps he had certain attitudes that rendered him unworthy.

And who would be worthy, John?

Were Jesus himself to pay me a compliment, you would find fault with him!

Beatrice... Are you really so afraid of your own company?

♪ ♪ (birds twittering) Why did you not tell me the truth?

That he'd summoned you?

That is not the word I would use.

You tried to claim that this was just a moment.

But you don't believe that any more than I do.

Please don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be.

He doesn't deserve you!

That he could treat you with such disdain, like a possession, to be picked up or dropped on a whim... Now, I...

I know I cannot offer you much, but I promise to love only you.

To be faithful and constant and to dedicate myself to your happiness.

My happiness is beside the point.

No.

Your happiness is all that matters.

More than riches or position or, or whatever the terms of your arrangement may be.

I'm sorry.

Well, Louisa?

Do you not think you owe me an explanation?

You left me stranded, alone, in front of the entire chapel-- I have never know such humiliation!

(chuckles): I have, strangely enough.

Is that what this was?

Oh...

Revenge?

No.

Don't be absurd.

If I were to plot revenge on everyone who's wronged me, I should never sleep.

Then what was it?

I found myself watching everything I've ever owned being packed away!

And I realized I cannot just leave it all behind.

The house, Sanditon.

My life.

My title.

My independence.

It was too hard-won to give up now.

Then why agree to marry me at all?

Oh, I just, I got caught up in it all.

But now I realize we have been trying to relive the past, when perhaps that is where we should have left it.

I would respectfully beg to differ, but I know better than to try and change your mind.

♪ ♪ (sighs) My father's written a letter of such kindness, although he is greatly disappointed.

Whereas Alison will feel only relief that I am not to marry Ralph.

I think I shall stay with her and Declan now, while I plan what comes next.

Have you given the matter much thought?

I've always dreamed of opening a school for young women.

So, in the first instance, I shall look for a position as a teacher.

TOM: You know, Charlotte, you're more than welcome to stay here as long as you like.

I was hoping you might help with my plans for the Old Town.

I'll do whatever I can before I leave.

But it's time for me to start anew.

♪ ♪ You shall require something rather more demure, of course, Lydia, when it comes to your turn.

I shall bear that in mind for when that day arrives.

(doorbell rings faintly) What do you think, Your Grace?

I think you look like a duchess.

♪ ♪ (door closes) May I talk with my daughter?

Alone, please.

(seagulls squawking) I was thinking we might ask Dr. Fuchs to call round for afternoon tea.

♪ ♪ I should like that, John.

Thank you.

(laughing softly) You thought I just vanished?

I did not know what to think.

You gave no word.

I left a note, right there on the table.

GEORGIANA: The maid must have tidied it away, assuming it was another claim.

(note opens) What is this?

It is all there in the letter.

That is the money your future mother-in-law offered me to leave you alone.

♪ ♪ (people talking in background, hammer clanging) Our priority is to ensure that every home in the Old Town is safe and warm.

We shall replace every roof that needs it and rebuild every house that isn't structurally sound.

Isn't that right, Mary?

Yes.

And also, each family will have their own plot of land to cultivate.

It isn't that we don't appreciate it, Mrs. Parker.

But how are we to pay for this?

TOM: Mrs. Filkins... How can we take pride in our town unless we look after our workers?

And then there's the school, of course.

The, the school?

TOM: Oh, yes, Mr. Colbourne was, uh, very particular that one of the conditions of his investment was that we build a school that anyone can attend-- boys... ...and girls.

He said it was vital that every young woman be learned as well as accomplished.

That's... That's wonderful!

No, no, no, no.

Clearly, your dear mama mistook my meaning.

I... (sighs) I thought she might need a little help when it came to her expenses for the wedding-- I tried to be discreet, so as not to embarrass... HARRY: Stop, Mother.

Stop.

(chuckles) You offered her money to leave her own daughter?

(gasps): Harry!

Can you really think so little of me?

(chuckles) Here.

My mother has no need of your money.

And you have little enough to spare.

(footsteps retreating) Georgiana.

Wait!

You are not going to try and defend your mother.

No.

Even for her, this was indefensible.

(laughs) Our wedding.

I fear it is a dreadful mistake.

Yes.

(both laugh) We would be miserable.

Wretchedly so.

You deserve to be loved.

As do you, Harry.

LADY DENHAM: And how much will this yield us?

MARY: Not a penny, my lady.

As a matter of fact, it will cost us.

An initial outlay of 80 pounds.

I thought we were supposed to be running a fashionable resort, not a charity.

Mr. Colbourne has already offered half the money we require.

LADY DENHAM: Why?

What does he stand to gain from this?

MARY: In the short term, nothing.

It's an investment in Sanditon's future.

Why should I care about that?

I won't be around to see it.

What about your legacy, my lady?

How you'll be remembered?

Why are you still here?

Weren't you supposed to be marrying a farmer?

I was.

But I reconsidered.

Oh, well, hm.

I don't suppose I can criticize you for that.

(chuckles) You were always a strange, outspoken young lady.

What will become of you, I wonder?

I shall find a way to live my life on my own terms, Lady Denham.

(chuckles) Just as you have.

Hmm.

Very well.

Whatever Mr. Colbourne has offered, I shall match it.

I won't be made to look a miser by him.

(door opens) (door closes) I should never have doubted you.

You have been let down so many times, by so many people.

I was quite lost when you arrived.

I'm so ashamed of the woman I had become.

Using my fortune for selfish ends.

I want you to have it.

I cannot undo the past, but... You can take Father's money and use it for good.

You are more than capable of doing that yourself.

There is someone else of my acquaintance who would be well-positioned to help you.

Who?

Someone who plainly loves and respects you for the woman you are.

Otis Molyneux.

I saw the look in your eye the first time I mentioned his name.

It was so different from the way you looked at Harry.

I feared you were making a terrible mistake, but I didn't say anything in case I was wrong.

So, I went to London.

I spoke to Otis.

He was reluctant at first, respectful that you were about to be married.

But then he told me of your history, and I was left with no doubt.

Forgive me, it was presumptuous.

But there is nothing more important to me in this world than my child's happiness.

♪ ♪ (footsteps approaching) I've arranged for the wedding presents to be returned.

The champagne's gone back to the vintner.

Thank you, Edward.

I'm sorry, Aunt.

Whatever your reasons, I know you were very fond of Mr. Pryce.

But may I say, without agenda, I will stay to keep you company for as long as you require.

Forever, if needs be.

(laughs): Good Lord, oh, what a hideous thought!

No, no, no.

I have something quite different in mind for you.

I owe you all an apology.

I fear I lost sight of myself for a time.

My mother has helped me see where my future truly lies.

With Otis Molyneux.

We depart for London tonight.

GEORGIANA: And you, Charlotte?

What will you do?

I leave for Ireland tomorrow.

Then this is farewell.

♪ ♪ No doubt you've come to say goodbye.

I started packing.

And then I realized what a cantankerous old fool I was being.

So I went round to Mr. Parker and offered to be the sole investor in his original plans of a small hotel.

Why?

Because I'll need somewhere to stay when I come and visit you!

Even though I can't persuade you to marry me, I am not willing to let that be the end of it.

I propose that I will come here every three months.

If the idea is tolerable?

(sighs) Oh, well, I suppose I'll just have to put up with it.

(both laughing) Mr. Colbourne.

You have a visitor.

I thought you would be on your way to London.

I was halfway there.

I realized I had left something behind.

Something I would rather not live without.

Won't His Majesty be displeased?

I couldn't care less.

♪ ♪ I don't understand, Aunt.

Why have you brought me here?

I shan't pretend that Miss Markham was not an unfortunate lapse in judgment.

But then again, you had the chance to ruin her and you did not.

You urged me to marry Mr. Pryce, against your best interests.

And you have shown me something remarkably like kindness.

Thank you, Aunt.

I always said that once I had observed consistent evidence that you were reformed, I would offer you a living.

A living?

Hm.

As a clergyman?

Why do you think I enlisted Mr. Hankins?

My dear Aunt, have you taken leave of your senses?

Who could have foreseen our efforts to unite Xander and Miss Heywood ended up uniting us instead?

(chuckles) Truth be told, I am still bitterly disappointed that we failed in that regard.

I know it's ungracious of me, but I do wish your brother wasn't marrying Lady Lydia.

What do you mean?

Arthur.

I hoped that I might find you here.

I have used you ill, Arthur.

I fear I must be quite lost in your estimation.

No.

No, dear man.

I have never been one to bear a grudge.

Then there is hope?

I may yet regain your friendship?

You cannot regain something that was never lost.

♪ ♪ But the fight continues, my friends.

We are all aware of the daily injustices, the struggles our brothers and sisters face.

So-called abolition is not enough.

Our work will not be done until slavery is finally ended once and for all.

♪ ♪ Miss Harmon.

Georgiana.

Your mother told me you are to be married.

I was.

But I am no longer.

At least not to him.

I hadn't dared to hope.

You gave me back my mother.

And in return, she led me back to you.

Xander?

Xander!

What on Earth is it, sir?

Mrs. Wheatley, where is my brother?

He went to the stables about an hour ago.

Leo.

How fast can you run?

MARY: Goodbye, Charlotte.

Do let us know when you are safely arrived.

CHARLOTTE: It will be some days before I reach Ireland.

I'll write as soon as I get there.

ARTHUR: I packed a seed cake for your journey.

And a pork pie.

(giggles): That is kind of you indeed, Arthur.

Please send our warmest regards to your sister and Captain Fraser.

Of course.

We will miss you, my dear.

And I will miss you.

More than I have words to say.

(carriage door opens) (crying softly) TOM: Thank you.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ Papa!

Papa!

What is it, Leo?

♪ ♪ Mr. Colbourne!

You didn't tell me you'd called off your wedding.

I didn't think it would be of concern.

Nothing could be of greater concern.

Even though you are engaged to Lady Lydia?

Well, there you are mistaken.

It seems for some time, Lady Lydia has been conducting a secret courtship in defiance of her mother.

It is him she is to marry, not me.

Then you...

I am at liberty to marry whomsoever I choose.

As, it seems, are you.

You bewitched me from the very first moment we met.

And ever since, my affections have not wavered.

Indeed, they have only grown deeper with every second that I have spent in your company.

I cannot imagine how fathomless they will be once we have shared a lifetime together.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ I, Georgiana Lambe, take thee, Otis Molyneux, to be my wedded husband.

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer.

Wilt thou have this man as thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?

Wilt thou obey him, serve him, love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

I will.

(guests applauding) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (bell ringing) (children talking in background) ♪ ♪ Are you filling young girls' heads with ideas again, Mrs. Colbourne?

I hope so.

Do you really think a girl can be a lawyer?

Or a doctor?

Or a writer?

I think a girl can be whatever she chooses to be.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: Go to our website, listen to our podcast, watch video, and more.

To order this program, visit ShopPBS.

"Masterpiece" is available with PBS Passport and on Amazon Prime Video.

♪ ♪