All language subtitles for Paging.Mr.Darcy.2024.720p.WEB.h264-EDITH

Pride and Prejudice, huh?

Have you read it before?

Many times.

Ah, you're a romantic.

That's interesting.

You see I'm reading Austen
and you assume I'm a romantic?

Why?

Jane Austen writes romance novels.

Can I ask if you've ever
read any of her books?

Pretty sure I saw a movie.

Right.

Heaving bosoms and
declarations of passion?

And men in wet shirts.

All very pleasant,

but it doesn't make
Austen a romance author.

A comic genius, a social realist,

a prose assassin taking down
the powerful and fatuous

with a well-aimed dagger of a sentence...

Anything but a romance author.

You're a teacher, aren't you?

Professor. Austen's my speciality.

You can specialize in Jane Austen?

You can have a whole conference on it!

That's why I'm on this plane.

Jane Austen League of America
Annual Conference and Ball?

I'm the keynote speaker.

Wow! You must go every year.

Once, when I was 15.

But let's not relive that.

The JALA people can be
a little... romantic.

They have balls, and dancing, and

some of them even dress up.

Not really my thing.

Then why accept the gig?

Victoria Jennings.

She's on the Princeton hiring committee,

and I'm up for the job.

Plus, my little sister lives in town.

So, should I come hear the big speech?

Definitely!

But you should do some prep work first.

Hmm...

Oh, um...

I wanted to give you this before I go,

if you don't mind.

A reading list?

Enjoy!

Oh, and I need this back.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Hey, big sister! Where are you?

Just deplaned. Did Rob propose yet?

No! But it's soon!

He visited his mom last weekend.

Perfect time to get the ring.

I can't wait to see what he has planned!

He is a planner.

And sweet and handsome,
and absolutely the best guy

you've ever dated!

I agree!

And now to spend my time
finding you a husband.

Don't do that.

You leave me no choice.

You're guy-blind.

You ignore everyone who isn't fictional.

That's not true. Hi!

I just never meet anyone
who's interested in me.

What about this weekend?

It's a whole group of
people who love literature.

You could meet your
own personal Mr. Darcy.

Ugh!

Spot him across a crowded ballroom...

He's in a top hat...

You're in your Elizabeth
Bennett costume from 10th grade.

Professor Jennings is one of.

America's foremost scholars.
I'm not here to flirt.

I'm here to give an amazing keynote

and show her that I
take Austen seriously.

Ugh.

Even if I wanted to, which I do not,

it's very unlikely I would
meet any man at a conference

that is 75% women, let
alone personal Mr. Dar...

Eloise?

I gotta go. Someone's here for me.

Eloise Cavendish?

Yes?

I'm your guest-of-honour liaison.

Oh, that isn't necessary.

I'm here to take you
over to the, uh, venue,

and to make sure that you
have everything that you need.

And the outfit and

the accent?

Oh, I'm the official
Mr. Darcy of the conference.

The accent is real.

Mr. Darcy!

Miss Cavendish, your carriage awaits!

Oh, please don't bow again.

Look, I'm sorry, I don't
mean to be rude, but

a lot of people are staring.

I really don't need any of this.

You don't need a ride?

I have rideshare. Thanks!

Uh, wait, Miss Cavendish!

- It's not Miss.
- Uh, Madame?

Technically, it's Doctor.

Look, I'm sorry, I just...
I don't need anything!

Goodbye.

Dr. Cavendish?

Uh.

Please just call me Eloise.

No, I'm sorry, I didn't
introduce myself properly.

I'm Sam Lee.

You having a little trouble with rideshare?

Yeah.

The conference location is a little remote,

which is why JALA, in its infinite wisdom,

opted to provide you with
a guest-of-honour liaison.

It was, uh, my own smart idea
to come dressed like this.

Honestly, you look great.

It's just that I don't like...

- Fun?
- Dress-up.

It's fine for people who enjoy it,

but I don't like being a spectacle.

Well, then we should probably
get out of here, then.

Please.

So, tonight you have
the Speaker's Reception.

There's a dance lesson,

and a chocolate tasting.

What's so funny?

Mr. Darcy in a compact?

Well, they're very reliable cars.

This is the Duchess
Square Resort and Gardens.

It's where we will be
spending the weekend.

Horrible?

I think I can tolerate it.

Ah, good. Well, let me walk you in.

- Oh, that won't be necessary.
- I'd rather go in on my own.

Okay. Well, as you wish.

Uh, but you need anything, then I'm...

I'll let you know!

Thank you very much.
Enjoy the conference.

Hello. Uh, Cavendish, please.

Dr. Cavendish, our keynote speaker!

Here is your goodie bag.

Oh!

Did you meet up with your liaison?

Mr. Lee?

Isn't he something?

Mmm!

Oh, I'm getting a call.

Mia?

- I can't!
- Mia!

I can't... Take it!

Rob, what's going on?

Hi, Eloise.

Are you okay? Why is Mia crying?

Oh, you should probably ask her,

'cause I don't understand
her and I never will.

Rob...

She forgot this.

Have a nice weekend.

Rob!

- Mia?
- Is he gone?

Oh...

He asked me to give you these.

Do you want to talk in my hotel room?

People are staring.

What do they care?

Well, a pretty woman in tears
is always a subject of interest.

I take it you are not engaged...?

We broke up.

Mia, why? What did you do?

- What did I do?!
- Why do you always think it's me?

Sorry! You thought
he was gonna propose!

Well, I can't talk about it right now.

I just can't go home.

Do you wanna... stay with me?

- You've got your speech.
- You have to network.

Mia, whatever this is,

I'm not letting you face it on your own.

Thank you!

I promise I won't be any trouble.

I'll just lie in bed watching cable,

sobbing into Room Service,

mourning the destruction of my life.

You won't even see me!

Do you want some water?

Uh-uh.

A hot bath?

No.

Ice cream?

Mm-hm...

Professor!

Professor Cavendish?

Professor Cavendish!

Jenny! What are you doing here?

Remember how in your
class I wrote a play

instead of a final paper?

- Vividly!
- Guess what?

The Complete Works of
Jane Austen, Abridged,

is about to become a reality.

I'm producing it at the conference!

This conference?

The JALA people were really
into my PowerPoint presentation.

I told them how much you inspired me.

That's wonderful, but the
play was completely your idea.

You know what you tell us in class:

Women have to go above and beyond.

To get what they want.

This play is my beyond.

You'll come see it, won't you?

I'm gonna be casting it with
members of the conference

and we're gonna be
rehearsing it all weekend

like in Mansfield Park.

Of course, that didn't
work out well for them,

so that scene is cut from the third act.

Also, the JALA people
didn't like that it was

more than an hour, so
it's just 40 minutes.

And then I decided to
cut Sense and Sensibility

because your note was just
absolutely influential

in the making of this play.

Oh, and then I did a major
rewrite to fit in Lady Susan.

I'll be directing, and I'll be
playing the role of Jane Austen!

You're... gonna come, right?

I mean, you don't have to,

but I'd, like, die if you don't.

Oh, excuse me, Miss.

Wow.

Um, Mr. Lee, this is my student, Jenny.

I'm sorry, but I need to
speak to Professor Cavendish

on some very important
guest-of-honour business.

Right.

Uh, if you'll excuse us, Jenny,
I'll see you at your theatrical.

Okay!

Bye!

Goodbye!

- What is it?
- Oh, nothing.

I just... thought you needed rescuing.

Uh, you gave me a pleading look.

Oh.

That wasn't a pleading look.

My eyes rested on you for a second

and then I immediately looked away.

Yes.

Well, anyway, there's a special lesson

to learn all the country
dances for the ball...

Oh, thank you, but no, I don't dance.

You don't dance?

Well, that can't be true.

If you don't dance, then
you're not a dancer,

and if you're not a dancer,
then how do I reserve

your first dance?

Adorable, aren't they?

They're handing them out
at registration because...

Please stop.

Stop what?

Mr. Lee, there will be no
first dance or second dance,

or any other number.

I will not be dancing, dressing up,

or pretending to be a teenage
heroine husband-hunting

in a dead century.

I'm a scholar, not some
Fitzwilliam Darcy fan girl.

Fangirl?

I'm not one of these women
who hang off your every word

just because you're
wearing breeches and a hat.

You like attention, Mr. Lee.

There's nothing wrong with that,

but you won't be getting
any of it from me.

Hmm!

You know, you can be a scholar
and still have a little fun.

Dr. Victoria Jennings?

Hmm?

Excuse me!

I need to network.

Enjoy the rest of the conference!

So many choices!

Oh!

If you'd like a recommendation,
I am a bit of an expert.

- Oh!
- Well, I'm a complete beginner,

so I'll take any tea tips you have.

- Oh!
- I'm Eloise Cavendish.

Oh, hello! Victoria Jennings, pleasure.

Oh! Is that my edition?

- Yes!
- Oh, please join me!

My personal favourite
is the Rose Congou.

It's a bit of an acquired taste,

so we'll start you in on the Lady Grey.

Two minutes!

Eloise, I'm so glad I ran into you.

I am looking forward to your keynote.

- It's quite an honour.
- I just hope I do it justice.

Well, these events can be challenging.

Not your traditional
academic conference.

The attendees can be so, uh

passionate.

- I've noticed!
- All the costumes, the balls

it's like Comic-Con for Jane Austen fans.

Yes, I know!

Isn't it marvellous?

Mmm!

I look forward to it every year.

I spend all my time studying Austen,

and then I finally get a chance to live it!

Uh-huh! Yeah, of course!

I mean, you've got to be able
to enjoy yourself, don't you?

I mean, otherwise, how
can you instill that joy,

that love of literature to your students?

That's

- such a good point.
- Mmm!

I know some scholars who look
down on JALA as something,

oh, I don't know, unserious.

As if you have to take Austen seriously

in order to understand her.

Snobs. Dismal, boring snobs!

Oh, Samuel!

Samuel, come over here
and meet my new friend.

Oh, you don't have to. He's clearly busy.

Samuel!

Uh, Professor Cavendish, I'd
like to introduce... muah!

My nephew.

He plays Mr. Darcy at the conference.

Oh, we've met.

Uh, Sam was kind enough to
get me from the airport.

He's my guest-of-honour liaison.

He's been... great.

Well of course, the
official JALA Mr. Darcy

shouldn't be anything less
than a perfect gentleman!

Works in start-ups.

Single.

Um, we were just saying how
much fun the ball will be.

Oh! Really?

Mm-hm!

Oh, Samuel, she's a delightful woman.

Not one of those stuffed-shirt
academics who doesn't know

how to cut loose and party like it's 1810.

Speaking of which,

you didn't invite her to
the special dance lesson.

She's missing it.

He did. I told him that I...

Already know all the dances.

- Really?
- Oh, yes!

Dr. Cavendish is a huge fan
of English country dancing.

Oh, apparently, she belongs
to an association back home.

- No, I don't...
- Oh, don't be modest!

No, she knows them all!

The Arlington Assembly,
the Ashford Anniversary,

even Mr. Beveridge's
After Dinner Maggot!

Oh! Which is your favourite?

The After Dinner Maggot...?

Oh, I knew it!

Oh, Samuel, I hope
you reserved a dance!

Oh, the very first one.

Now, has Eloise told you about
the outfit that she has planned?

- No!
- Uh, Mr. Lee?

Can I steal you for a moment?

Just, I have a few
guest-of-honour questions.

Oh, but of course!

Take a turn about the room!

Please, you've made your point.

Really?

Or perhaps I was just
asking for attention.

Mr. Lee, I am so sorry for what I said!

I can be controlling when I feel

stressed.

Istressed you?

No. Not you. The whole conference.

Look, I'm on the edge

of something I've worked
for my entire life.

My sister's up in my hotel room
crying with her heart broken.

I took it out on you.

It was no way to treat someone
who's been nothing but kind.

You won't tell your aunt, will you?

You're up for that new
professorship at Princeton,

aren't you?

So, if there's anything I can
do to make it up to you...

Then you'll do it as long
as I keep my mouth shut?

- Yes.
- Hmm.

Alright.

Actually, I'll do you one better.

I'll help you get the job.

Now, my aunt may seem
easygoing, but she is not

when it comes to the
Princeton English Department,

and she is definitely not

when it comes to a Jane Austen scholar.

But I've had a lifetime
to learn what she likes

and what she doesn't, so...

I can advise you.

Why would you do that for me?

Oh, I'm not doing it for you.

Look...

That is Crispin Crane.

Actor turned academic.

He played Mr. Willoughby for
British television in 1986.

He's been hovering around
my aunt like a fruit fly

on a banana.

My aunt practically
blushed when she told me

that she was interviewing
him at the conference.

He's flirting his way into the job.

You want me to block him?

Yes.

My aunt has suffered
enough heartbreak.

I don't want her to get
hurt by some warmed-up

Willoughby wannabe cad.

So, do we have a deal?

What exactly am I agreeing to?

Well, there's the dancing.

You missed the special dance lesson,

so you've a lot of catching up to do.

And the outfit.

The outfit?!

Kelsey can probably help us with that.

Oh, and I need a partner for
the Lawn Games tournament.

My aunt respects a killer instinct.

But beyond that, just agree
with her on all matters of taste

and, well, be the fantastic
scholar that JALA says you are.

Deal.

No bowing!

Oh, now, that

you see, that is the sort
of stuffed-shirt attitude

that you're gonna have to work on.

Text me your room number

and I'll pick you up at 9:00 am sharp.

Oh, aren't you adorable!

Miss Scott!

What a surprise.

Mr. Darcy, I don't understand.

What are you doing here?

You act as if I invaded your territory!

- Elly-bell? What happened?
- Are you okay?

I'm fine. Just academic job search stuff.

I got a lot to do tomorrow.

- Wait, should I go?
- No!

Because I can go.

No, I'm not kicking you out
in the middle of the night.

A romcom?

Is now really the time?

Nothing else was on except
that wedding dress show.

Do you have my ice cream?

Uh...

Praline and Prejudice
or Mansfield Chunk?

What's Mansfield Chunk?

Basically Rocky Road but with coffee.

Yeah!

Oh, yeah.

What does that mean, exactly?

Nothing.

What's wrong with men?

Why didn't Rob propose?

It's not that he didn't propose.

- He proposed?!
- In the kitchen!

Over takeout coffee like
it was an afterthought.

He didn't even kneel!

He just handed me the mocha and said,

"So, there's something I
wanna talk to you about."

Oh...

And then he went right
into talking about finances

and house down
payments and timelines!

I'm surprised he didn't
have a PowerPoint about

why it was "A good decision!"

Well, isn't it a good decision?

I mean, you two just

work together.

But there was nothing about
love in that proposal!

No passion, no romance.

And I just thought, "This is
gonna be the rest of my life."

This is the most important
moment of our love story

and all he gave me was
a mocha from the kiosk

in the grocery store!

He could have at least grabbed roses!

They're right there!

Did you tell him how you feel?

He doesn't think it's valid.

Well, I can talk to him for you.

Just... I think you have
a communication issue.

There's no fixing this, Eloise.

I'm a romantic!

And he's an accountant.

All this time, he supposedly loved me

and he was just putting
up with my nonsense.

Did he say that?

I don't wanna be put up with, Eloise.

I wanna be loved!

Aw...

I love you, Mimi.

And I put up with your nonsense.

But for what it's worth, I
do think Rob loves you too.

Love is about putting yourself out there,

risking it all.

Rob isn't willing to risk anything!

Huh?

- It's just the housekeeper.
- Go back to sleep.

Shh. My sister is still sleeping.

Oh my gosh. You're wearing it again.

Actually, this is my hunting suit.

You're really trying to embarrass me

as much as possible, aren't you?

Oh, it's not all about you.

After all, I am the conference Mr. Darcy.

I have a responsibility to look this good.

Hmm.

- Shall we?
- We shall!

- Is that a first edition Cowper?
- Uh, focus, Eloise.

I want you to meet someone.

Kelsey?

Kelsey?

- Oh...!
- Ah. You have a client.

This is Eloise Cavendish,
my guest of honour.

Eloise, this is Kelsey
Shelton, genius costumier.

Hi.

You have excellent posture.

Hmm!

Hmm. Thank you.

Kelsey and I have been
friends since high school,

ever since we were in tech crew together

for Much Ado About Nothing.

He was chasing a girl playing Hero,

knew nothing about theatre,
and kept breaking things.

You weren't in the cast?

In high school I was,
you know, quiet and...

Huge nerd.

But it paid off for this Craftsy thing.

Craftsy?

It's that website for
independent craftspeople

who sell handmade goods.

Uh, yeah, I know it.

My sister loves it.

You sold stuff on Craftsy?

No, I built the start-up company

that provides billing and
compliance software services

for independent artisans who

sell things on Craftsy.

- And then Craftsy bought it...
- you're welcome.

I was his inspiration.

Interstate tax compliance

was really cutting into my sewing time.

- Arms up, please.
- Uh, I don't know if I, um...

Don't most people just
wear an evening gown?

But we don't want to be most people.

No, you want to stand out.

So, Sam was telling me
that this is a rush job,

but I have a couple of
half-finished pieces

I can adapt.

White batiste with

pink accents!

Did you bring your period-
appropriate undergarments?

Okay, no, I can't do this.

I-I can't wear a costume.

You're not gonna tell
on me for not wearing

a period-appropriate
undergarment, are you?

Well, when you put it like that...

Kelsey, change of plan.

Rush job's off.

- What?
- I tell you what.

You can wear an evening
gown if you wear these.

Completely inaccurate.

There's no period fabrics at all.

They're $30...

Bargain!

Pleasure doing business with you.

You would have looked so authentic!

I'm sorry, Kelsey.

Thank you for trying.

Okay, I need coffee
and food in that order.

Okay, well, the, uh,
buffet's open till 10:30.

I'll take you.

Oh... uh, oh, you don't have to do that.

Uh, yes I do.

My aunt eats late.

Right!

Ah! See, what did I tell you?

Uh... Ow, what?

There's Crane!

Oh, look at him primping
into his baked beans.

Distract him.

- Me?!
- Yes, delay him

as long as you can, and
meet me in the craft hall.

- The craft hall?
- Mm-hm.

Uh, Dr. Crane? Crispin Crane?

Uh, yes.

From the 1986 British
television production

of Sense and Sensibility?

Yes, in fact.

And you are...?

Eloise Cavendish.

I'm actually giving the keynote speech.

How impressive.

- I was just going...
- I'm a big fan.

Really?

I would have thought
you were a bit young

for that particular version.

It's been so outshone by subsequent,

you know, adaptations.

Oh, well, a classic
can never be outshone!

Thank you.

I abandoned that life long ago,
but it's nice to be remembered.

If you don't mind...

Uh, can... can I ask...

There's, um, um... there's a
talk later today on Wickham,

on whether he can really
be considered a villain.

As someone who played
one of Austen's villains

in a major television production...

Oh, hardly major, my dear.

Well, still, wouldn't you say that, um,

playing Willoughby gave
you an unusual insight

into his character?

Of course, but it's not always useful.

Oh, really?

I retain a certain partiality
towards the character

that makes it very hard
for me, to this day,

- to see him as a villain.
- Oh!

As I was just saying to
my friend, Victoria...

Victoria?

Ah, would you please...?

Uh...

Um...

Ahh!

That is stunning.

You really have an eye.

- Look, Samuel.
- Professor Cavendish is here.

Oh, fantastic. I need a model.

Oh, no.

Did you get rid of Crane?

- Mm-hm.
- Chin up.

You really have the bone
structure for bonnets.

Why don't you make one with my aunt?

Oh, I-I'm not very crafty.

Oh, it's just gluing to taste.

You can change it if you like.

"I do not think it is very pretty,"

"but I shall pull it to
pieces as soon as I get home"

"and see if I can make it up any better!"

Lydia Bennet!

I think that's one of the most
telling passages in the novel.

It shows us how Lydia views men.

As interchangeable?

Exactly.

One bonnet is just as good as another

if you pretty it up with
a nice piece of satin.

And one man is just as good as the next

if he's wearing the right uniform.

- Mm-hm!
- Uh, excuse me!

Oh, Samuel, not you, dear.

You're unique and perfect
all the way through.

- Oh, I don't know.
- For most people around here,

I'm just a pair of breeches and a hat.

I don't know what I'm
gonna do with this thing,

but am I crazy to think
that that went well?

Are you kidding?

No, you nailed it.

I mean, you busted out
that Lydia Bennet quote.

I mean, anyone can quote
Elizabeth, but Lydia?

I have to admit, I thought
that crafts project

would be silly, but that was
a fascinating conversation.

Hey, I'm sorry for what I said earlier.

What do you mean?

The whole thing about you being

just a pair of breeches and a hat.

If I made you feel in any way...

Uh, no.

That was a joke.

Uh, I don't know if you've noticed,

but I make a lot of those.

Is that a defence mechanism?

The hat or the jokes?

Yeah, we are not psychoanalyzing me,

we are here to get you that job.

I thought I nailed it!

Uh, professor? It is only Thursday.

We have a long weekend ahead of us,

and you still don't know how to dance.

Ah-ah-ah, don't make that face!

You told my aunt that
you know all the dances.

I didn't, you did!

Let's not throw blame around.

We have work to do.

I have an idea... I'll break my ankle.

Oh, no, good idea.

Break it while learning to dance.

Uh, this part of the hotel
doesn't look open to guests.

Are you always such a rule-follower?

Huh, well, I guess that's a great way

to avoid being noticed.

Now you're psychoanalyzing me?

- Where are we going?
- Somewhere private.

You'd get embarrassed otherwise.

That's surprisingly considerate.

Plus, we can't risk
revealing your dark secret.

That I can't dance?

That you're no fun.

Now, it's just a little
bit closed for renovations,

but that means that
no one will wander in.

Unless they're willing
to ignore all the signs.

What can I say?

I like exploring.

I found this place yesterday,
and I thought to myself,

"There must be some earthly use for it."

It's lovely.

And I'm sure any pretty,
young Jane Austen fan

you brought here would
be swept off her feet.

So, first things first.

The After Dinner Maggot.

- Come on.
- Come, come, come, come, come!

The men on this side,
women on that side.

Although we never have enough men,

so you'll probably have
to learn both sides.

Right, we split and return.

May I? And, here we go!

And...

'Round the other dancers.

- What dancers?
- Uh, the imaginary dancers.

That's it, and...

And right, left, right, and right.

And left, right, left, and left, and left.

Left, uh...

You're the left.

Okay.

Now, you allemande on the fourth
corner on the second count

and it's the second corner on the third.

But remember that we have
to end up where we started

- so that we can switch again.
- What?!

Dah... dah...

Dah, dah, dah!

Good! Much better!

Now, you made it
through the whole figure

without making any mistakes.

Now you may venture a witty remark.

I can't. My brain's processing power

- is tied up in my feet.
- Well, ignore your feet.

You're looking at your feet so much

that I'm starting to get jealous.

Look at me.

Remember, I like attention.

You're so annoying.

You are so

graceful.

See?

It wasn't that bad, was it?

Now, the next step is to do it all again,

but without counting under your breath

and without stomping around
like you're wearing moon boots.

Now, just relax.

Shoulders back, eyes up, and remember:

You are graceful, you are elegant,

you are the most beautiful
girl in the ballroom!

- You must...
- Stop.

This isn't gonna work.

It's fine here by myself, but
out there in front of everyone?

I-I can't do this.

Sorry if I went too fast,

if I, um...

No, it's not you. It's just...

I don't dance!

I don't like being the centre of attention.

But aren't you about to give a speech

in front of a room full of people?

- That's being an academic.
- That's what I'm used to.

I'm used to being the girl
off to the side in the corner

reading a book, not the
girl on the dance floor.

That's Mia.

My sister.

The one in your hotel room.

She's very comfortable being
the centre of attention

and sometimes will create situations

where that can happen.

Everyone has a role in their family.

I'm the smart one, the practical one.

Mia's pretty and reckless
and charming, and

unlike me, a great dancer.

What's the worst that can happen?

I'll mess up!

I'll look like a fool!

I'll look like a woman pretending to be...

Pretending to be what?

A heroine in a romance novel, alright?

I'll look like an unmarried
woman in her thirties

pretending to be Elizabeth Bennet

looking for Mr. Darcy.

I did pretend to be Elizabeth Bennet once

for a homecoming dance when I was 15.

I bought the dress from here.

Well, not here, actually;
Another JALA conference.

You went to a JALA
conference when you were 15?

My parents liked to
encourage my interests.

It's kind of a curse.

But it was a train ride away

and it was Pride and Prejudice themed,

and I...

I just loved the book so much.

It was the first book I
read that I really loved,

and everyone there loved it too.

And they treated me like I was

sophisticated and interesting

and like a real-life Austen ingénue.

Anyway, I got carried away
and I bought this dress.

And you wore it to homecoming?

I thought that if Cody
Anderson could see me

across the dance floor, he'd realize

how sophisticated and interesting I was.

Ah! And what happened?

He saw me across the dance floor

and, uh, he laughed.

And then everyone saw
me and they all laughed,

and then I ran and hid in the library.

Janitor let me in; Nice man.

Oh.

Well, Cody Anderson's an idiot.

Ah, I bet there was a boy at that dance

who wondered where you went all night.

A huge nerd who was into computers

and classic literature.

Hey, it's not as if I was

tearing up the dance floor at 15.

Look, I know that it's embarrassing

to wear this outfit.

You know what the most
embarrassing part is?

No.

I like it.

Come on.

For the first few years, it
was like a favour to my aunt.

But the truth is that I don't
get to be the romantic hero

in my normal life.

No, my normal life is
dealing with start-up bros

and enduring their jokes.

But everywhere I go as Mr. Darcy,

I make women happy.

- Must be fun.
- No, it is.

Until my aunt points
out all the single women

at the conference who clearly
only like me for my frock coat.

That's why it's so nice to
meet someone who sees beyond

the hat and the breeches and

doesn't like me at all.

Was that another defence mechanism?

You mean a joke?

Well I hate to disappoint you, but

you're growing on me.

Huh.

Well, maybe there is
something to be said

for the confidence-boosting
effects of a costume.

Here, put this on.

Why?

Well, you may have learned the steps,

but now I need you to get
into the spirit of the thing.

I need you to dance like
everyone is watching,

and I need you to wear this hat.

Oh, good lord.

Okay, and five, six,

seven, eight...

Repeat after me:

"I am beautiful."

- What?!
- Come on, say it!

I... am... beautiful!

- No!
- I am beautiful!

I am... oh my gosh.

I am beautiful!

Yes!

I am worthy.

I am also worthy.

Ah, no editorializing!

No jokes. Mean it!

- Look at me.
- Look at me!

Look at me!

Samuel!

Professor Cavendish!

What on Earth are you doing out here?

I've been looking everywhere for you!

There's been a disaster.

Annabelle has bit the refreshments

- for the Lawn Games.
- What?

I don't know what kind
of caterer she engaged,

but they claim it is for next weekend,

and they will not budge!

Someone needs to make
a picnic for tomorrow

that won't draw shame
onto the head of JALA!

Oh, why can't the hotel handle it?

Oh, no, they're overbooked
and very unhelpful.

So, Samuel, I was hoping
you could drive into town

and see if you could find
something suitably authentic...

I can help.

You can?

I taught a seminar in Regency cuisine.

My students were thoroughly engaged.

That sounds suspiciously like fun.

Oh, well, come along, then.

No time to waste.

Okay, yeah. Thank you. Bye.

Any luck?

For an order this big,
it's not luck we need,

- it's a miracle.
- Ah.

Well, maybe we need to
think beyond catering.

Well, an authentic
Regency nuncheon would be

cold meats, salad, and fruit.

What Kitty and Lydia buy
their sisters at the inn.

Cold meat and salad... for how many?

A hundred and twenty.

That's gonna present a significant

um.

Difficulty.

I have an idea.

Thank you.

Welcome to Supro Subs.

We serve sandwiches in a snap.

How may we delight you today?

Your giant party sub, does that serve 20?

- Mm-hm.
- And can you deliver

to the middle of the
Duchess Square Golf Course?

We're happy to delight you

anywhere within a five-mile radius.

Great, well, I'll take
10 for 12:30 tomorrow.

Oh, and can you make them carb-free?

Ten

submarine party subs

with no bread?

And the toppings on the side.

We'll also take 60 of
your fruit medley cups.

Oh-kay...!

Uh, and would you like to add chips,

or ultimate chocolate
peanut butter brownies,

or rainbow sprinkle
cookies to your order?

- Yeah...
- Hmm, not very authentic.

Inauthentic won't impress my aunt.

If I had a kitchen,
there's this recipe I make

every Christmas, but...

Well, there's a perfectly
good kitchen at the hotel.

- Well, we can't use that...
- Come on.

We'll go to the market on the way.

Thank you!

Oh, I just don't think that we can.

The hotel has all these regulations

and the managers are so picky.

We won't take up too much time,

and they hold cooking classes here, so...

Oh, those are planned with
instructors and notice.

There's no time to arrange
some last-minute... Sam?

- Hi, Annabelle.
- I'm here for the cooking class.

Wait, cooking class?

I'm an expert in Georgian
and Regency cuisines.

I was hoping to demonstrate
syllabubs and Shrewsbury cakes.

Mmm!

If only someone could help
us with the hotel management.

You know that we're not supposed...

I'll distract them. Go.

I'm gonna do the dry ingredients.

A cup of sugar...

Just that much.

Wow!

Zest it up.

Whisky business!

You've got to roll this.

- Okay...
- Just like that.

Mm-hm.

And then...

Okay!

Press down,

so that...

Oh, there we go. See?

Ha!

- And...
- Nice.

That...

Wow.

Nice.

So, we just chill these overnight,

and we are done!

Am I hallucinating?

You looked hungry.

Mmm!

I can't remember the last
time a man cooked for me.

Where'd you learn to do this?

The library.

No, seriously!

It has cookbooks.

My auntie did so much
for me growing up,

and she didn't have much time
when she was getting her tenure,

that, well, cooking was
a way of helping her out.

You two were close?

Still are.

So, after my parents divorced,
my mum was really struggling,

so we moved here to the States
and my auntie took us in.

She didn't have much
money or much room, but,

but she made it work.

Without her, we wouldn't
have made it through.

That's why you're so protective.

Well, that's what
happens when you grow up

in a household with two single women!

Too many Wickhams in the
world, not enough Darcys.

Exactly!

I'll dry.

I don't think I could live with my sister.

Hah!

Well, my mum did get her own place

as soon as I got out of college,

but she still lives in Princeton.

In fact, I'm actually trying to,
uh, set up my incubator there.

I spend way too much time
on the train from New York.

Incubator?

Yes, it's a non-profit to help people set up

a socially responsible start-up.

Hmm!

A do-gooder tech guy.

- Interesting.
- Hmm!

Well, after I sold my company,

I didn't really need
to make any more money.

And, well, I just...

I wanted to do something to give back.

So you'd move there?

Yeah, I'm thinking about
buying a house there.

I just need to get more people
excited about the non-profit.

I think you will.

I don't know, it's her decision,

but Rob's the best guy
she's dated by miles.

Like, miles and country miles.

I'm talking unsuccessful
bands, wannabe influencers,

and some guy who said
he was gonna get rich

by day trading something
called cyrocurrency?

Oh, it's a type of a cryptocurrency.

Well, it certainly isn't a job.

There's just been a lot of...

A lot of Wickhams?

Hmm?

You know, Rob drove her
here after they broke up

so she wouldn't be alone.

- That's love.
- Huh.

Is a fancy proposal that big a deal?

I don't know. Is it to you?

I'd prefer something substantive.

Something that would show that he really

cared about what was important to me.

Well, a fancy proposal
is important to me.

I didn't give you permission to be right.

- Eloise!
- Mia!

I was just getting some

ice.

You've made a friend!

This is Sam, my guest-of-honour liaison.

I also play Mr. Darcy at the conference.

Yes, I see.

They give you your own
personal Mr. Darcy.

Okay, let's go back inside!

Oh... what? My ice!

It's been a long day. Bye, Sam!

Later, Sam!

Hope to see you at the ball!

Bye!

Who was that?

I told you! My guest-of-honour liaison.

We had

some problems to solve.

Solving problems with a handsome man

with an accent!

- Well, the accent's real.
- He moved here from...

Why are there flowers in here?

I sent them to myself!

Because I suffered a great heartbreak

and mindless spending helps.

It's rude of you to remind me
when I was so well-distracted

with Mr. Darcy.

First of all, Sam's personality
is nothing like Darcy's.

Okay, so

what is he like?

Actually, the exact opposite.

He's funny and open and
makes a lot of jokes,

but

he's kind.

Do you like him?

Absolutely not!

Okay, but I haven't heard
you say that many nice things

about a non-fictional man in years.

I like him as a person.

We're not very compatible.

I don't think I could ever be serious

about a man who enjoys
wearing a Mr. Darcy costume.

Your loss.

He seems like the kind of guy

who'd make a fool of himself,

for love.

You've been spending a lot of time

with Professor Cavendish?

I'm her liaison.

She's a very interesting woman.

Hmm!

May I offer a word of advice, Samuel?

Really? Just the one?

Oh, don't make a joke of
it like you always do!

If you like this young woman,
be honest about what you want.

You don't want to wake
up at my age realizing

you've deflected every chance
of happiness with a joke.

It's one of the greatest dangers in life

missed opportunities.

Hmm.

There are dangers in being honest.

Like what?

Heartbreak.

You see?

That was honest.

Rob, you have every reason to be upset.

I'm upset.

But if only you could see
how much she's hurting.

She's... hurting?

Rob, she's devastated!

That's surprising, 'cause she said

that I make her miserable.

You don't. You make her happy.

Not the crazy highs and
lows that she used to chase,

but actually happy the majority
of the time I talk to her.

That hasn't happened before.

I can't let you throw that away.

It was a perfectly good proposal.

I bought her her favourite drink

and I asked if she was interested

in marriage!

Now, what's wrong with that?

You might have bought her some roses.

Okay, so, what, I gotta
make a fool out of myself

with some big romantic gesture

before I even know if
she wants to get married,

let alone to me?

We didn't even talk about it yet.

See, this is what you should tell her!

If you could just come to the hotel,

you two could communicate
and actually figure this out.

No big gestures, just a conversation.

Uh... um, I have to go,

but please just think
about what I said, okay?

Hi.

You're out of uniform.

I thought, since things are going so well,

that I could take you on a field trip.

Oh, please, my ego can't take
any more crafting or dancing.

Don't worry. This should be something

that you're very good at.

What am I good at?

What do you think?

Sam, it's wonderful.

"The day has come on which
I am to flirt my last"

"with Tom Lefroy, and
when you receive this"

"it will be over."

"My tears flow as I write,
at the melancholy idea."

Can you believe how many
people are convinced

that Tom Lefroy was
Austen's lost true love

on the basis of these two short letters?

It's absurd.

What's absurd about it?

- Well, she's joking.
- She's obviously joking.

"My tears flow as I write this"? Come on.

Oh, just because someone's
joking doesn't mean

they're not feeling.

Good point.

Still... I wish people would just admit

that she was a fantastic writer

without needing some romantic
back story that started it all.

"Was he the Wickham that jilted her"

"or the Darcy that got away?"

Maybe he was the Collins
that annoyed her.

She did turn down a proposal once.

Not from Lefroy, but another guy.

She went to bed; In the
morning, changed her mind.

That's strange.

You think his proposal lacked romance?

No, I think she said yes
for practical reasons

and then no because she'd just
be doing it to be married.

And that wasn't enough.

I mean, could any of the men
she'd met have possibly known

who she really was, the
same way her readers do?

Men can read.

With a little help.

So, is that what you're looking for?

Someone who really
knows who you are?

Well, it certainly isn't
a big romantic proposal.

I don't...

Like being the centre of attention.

I know.

But if you can't get through the proposal,

then how are you gonna
get through the wedding?

Oh, no, my literal nightmare!

Why do we make women do that?

Stand up there in front of everyone

- in a big, ridiculous dress?
- Well, the man is there too.

It's such an ordeal.

Why can't I just skip to the good part?

Ooh, the good part?

You know what I mean.

Have you ever turned down a proposal?

Yes.

I get at least one per JALA conference.

Right...

Breeches and a hat.

Yeah. Doesn't count, though.

Well, you look pretty good in a jacket too.

Miss Eloise!

It's Doctor!

Oh, okay, Doctor!

Oh...

I feel like an undergraduate.

I know; I should probably
get you out of here

before you expose
yourself to public censure

on account of your behaviour.

- What?
- Nothing.

It's just...

I'm having fun.

Ah!

Are you gonna be
unbearably smug about it?

Definitely.

Fore!

Oh, I'm sorry, we've reserved this...

Hey!

Monopoly Man!

Hi, Tanner.

Yeah, I remember you!

Hey, guys, it's Sam!

Yeah, the guy that washed up
at VC Pitch Blast in November.

Hey, sorry you didn't get funding

for that no-profit thing.

Yeah, non-profit.

Yeah, maybe you should
have worn your top hat.

So, uh... what's all this?

This? Oh, this is the, uh,

Jane Austen League of
America conference,

and we have reserved this
area of the golf course

for period-appropriate lawn games.

Tanner!

Just pick up your ball. Let's go.

This is the driving range.

Yeah. Uh...

Wow!

Sam Lee, blast from the past.

Hey, did you know we were

in the Stanford Start-up
Incubator together?

First one of us to sell.

Settled for that $50 mill exit,

but people thought you'd do big things.

What happened to you, man?

Eh, I guess the future's
not for everybody!

Ah...

So, where's your costume?

At the cleaners.

Are all you Jane Austen
fan girls this funny?

Finish your round and
join us for bowling.

You can judge for yourself.

Uh, yeah, okay. Uh, maybe.

Good seeing you, Sam.

Nice to meet you.

And good luck with, uh

this.

Hm.

What was that all about?

Were you hiding from them?

Uh, no. No, no, no.

It's just, you know, I don't like to, uh,

mix my JALA life with
my professional life.

- Thanks for stepping in, though.
- I appreciate that.

I owed it to you after
everything I put you through.

You? No, no, you're... you're

you're an angel!

Is that the word you wanted to use?

"Challenge."

You're a challenge.

I like challenges.

Maybe I could start to like attention.

Elly!

Elly-bell!

Stop everything!

No more fun.

No more fun without me!

Oh, look, Elly-bell, your sister's here!

I'm done. Done

with the ice cream and
the cable and the crying.

I'm ready for distractions.

Also, Elly, I hope you don't mind,

I borrowed your bonnet.

Where'd you get that?

Hmm? Oh, I got it at this old
market thing in the hotel.

Didn't want to commit
with the whole dress,

but I wanted to get in
the spirit of the thing,

and out of the spirit of the other thing.

You know... being dumped.

Well, you are just in
time for Lawn Game.

Oh... yeah!

- I play games!
- Good!

You can be my partner.

Go sign up at the table. I'll be right over.

Oh, I-I thought we were gonna

we were gonna do that.

Oh, no, no, it... it's much better this way.

You can partner up with my aunt.

Oh, that makes perfect sense!

So much sense...

You can do it! Deep breaths!

Victoria?

Oh, Crispin. Where have you been?

Looking for you, mostly.

I was hoping it's not too late
to engage you as my partner

for the tournament?

Oh, I'd be delighted,

but I'm afraid Professor Cavendish and I

are well into our first
round of lawn bowling.

No, uh, turning back now.

Mia!

Oh, my turn again already?

Hold this, please.

Tee-hee!

- Ahh!
- Oh, well done!

- Eeh!
- We are in the lead.

Oh!

We can do better than that.

Okay, look, if we do this...

Your sister has quite the killer instinct.

I'm just glad she's having a good time.

She just broke up with her boyfriend.

Oh!

I'll pass you my parasol. One and two.

Ooh, we should incorporate
a bow and a curtsey

in here somewhere.

Really?

- And then I'll...
- Mia!

Rob?

What are you doing here?

- What am I... doing?
- What are you doing here?

Victorian lawn games.

Regency.

Regency lawn games.

Yeah, looks like an absolute blast.

Who's your friend here?

That's none of your business!

Sam.

I'm Sam Lee.

I wasn't actually speaking to you

sir.

What, are you on a date with this, uh,

romance novel cover model reject?

So what if I am?

Rob, we broke up.

Less than two days ago
I asked you to marry me.

Actually, you should know this.

I asked her to marry me two days ago.

Uh, I'm just here for the Lawn Games.

Youdumped me!

Because I asked you to marry me.

You said the question was "depressing."

Not because of you, Rob!

Because of the way that you asked it!

Well, what did you want?

You want me to make
a fool out of myself

in front of everybody to
prove how much I love you?

It would be nice.

Rob, maybe we can go back to my
hotel room to talk about this.

No, Eloise, I don't need
any more of your help!

I came because you said
Mia was devastated,

and she doesn't look very devastated.

You told him what?

Well, I just wanted to
help you two communicate.

Well, we're communicating
now, Eloise, are you happy?

And for the record,
Rob, I was devastated.

I completely, completely love you!

But you don't like me,

because something that
is as important to me

as a romantic wedding proposal
is just like a big joke to you.

Look, I-I don't want it
to end this way, alright?

I don't want it to end
because of some stu...

What can I do, alright?

What's it gonna take?

A lot more than this.

Fine.

I'm... I'm leaving.

And I'm taking these

perfectly good flowers.

- Mia?
- Eloise.

I appreciate the thought but
this has nothing to do with you.

Uh...

Well, I think it's high time for pall-mall.

I'll get the clubs!

I'll help.

Eloise, I'm sorry.

Look, I honestly only
wanted to cheer her up.

I had no idea her ex would be here.

And I certainly didn't think
that he would interpret...

There's no need to apologize.

It has nothing to do with me.

I'm sure your sister didn't mean...

My sister was right.

I've been sticking my nose
in where it's not wanted.

And I have enough to worry about
this weekend with the keynote

and everything else.

Let's exert ourselves!

Let's have fun!

Professor Cavendish!

Jenny?

- I need your help!
- This show is about to be ruined.

- Ruined?
- Two of our actors dropped out.

The play is tomorrow, right?

- It's tonight!
- Oh.

We've got four hours.

I just need two actors to
play Darcy and Elizabeth,

and I was thinking, maybe,

since your friend already
has the costume...

I'd be happy to help.

In fact, I think I can
get you some tech crew.

And then, for Elizabeth,

I was thinking maybe someone who's

a really good public speaker.

Someone who knows the novels

and kind of sparkles with
vivacity and charisma.

- Well, I'm not sure if I...
- I don't know if I could, um...

I'll do it!

Mia Cavendish, former
star of every high school

and one and a half college musicals.

Uh, you are

the right size for the costume.

Ha, you are cast!

- Oh!
- You are all cast.

Except you, Professor Cavendish.

Oh, well, I can help out with the set.

That's where I really
shine in the theatre...

Off-stage.

This'll be just like high school!

And then come back around here...

And... bow!

Lift up the quill.

Everyone, hands up towards the quill.

Hey.

You are

terrible at sewing.

I'm so glad you're here.

I'm never gonna get through this.

Give it...

Sam texted me for help with a play.

Just like in high school.

Guess I'll paint.

Who's that that Sam's talking to?

My sister.

Oh...

She's comfortable in the spotlight

like Sam.

Are you kidding?

Sam's the shyest man I've ever known.

When we first met, he could
hardly speak in front of a girl.

You're kidding.

He's been bowing and
kissing hands all weekend.

No, no, no, that's the thing...

It's 'cause he's wearing a costume.

Girl, watch your brush!

Mm, sorry.

It started in high
school when he stepped in

for Benedict in that Much Ado.

Sam was a weird nerd.

Like, he liked computers
better than people.

But once you gave him a script

and put a little outfit on him...?

Bam!

He was the leading man.

So it's all a front?

No.

Some people just do better with a script.

That's why he dated
so many drama queens.

Men like drama.

Hmph! I guess.

I come bearing pizza!

Yay!

You look pensive, Cavendish.

Why aren't you sitting with
your young people over there?

I just wanted some space
to think about tomorrow.

Of course, my presentation is
all prepared and rehearsed,

but still... I like to go above and beyond.

Oh, women always have to
to get what they want.

That's what I tell my students.

Well, I hope it's easier
for them than it was for me.

I had to make a lot of difficult choices.

There are many things I might
have wanted in an ideal world

that just weren't compatible
with an academic career

at the time.

I'm sorry.

Oh, no, I like to look forward.

And it's my dearest hope for
you, Professor Cavendish,

in whom I see so very much of myself,

that you get every single
thing that you want.

The career, the acclaim.

Perhaps some fun on the weekends.

And a partner.

Why not?

That is, if you care to have one.

I care to.

Uh, he just has to be the right one.

Mm-hm!

Isn't that the truth.

A world full of Wickhams and Collinses.

If you stumble upon a Darcy,

grab him.

It's what Jane would have wanted.

And I know it's silly to
think of a dead writer

as a friend or someone who
would wish you well, but...

I think she would have
wished us all a Darcy.

But what if you're not an Elizabeth...?

Hmm?

Nothing, um...

I should head back up to my room.

Um, they don't need me here,
and I could use the mental space

to prep for tomorrow.

I'll see you at the play?

Yes, of course.

The set looks

better.

I think it has an excellent chance

of making it through the show.

- Really?
- It's only 40 minutes long.

It is a truth universally acknowledged

that a writer of genius

must be in want of a
topic to inspire her pen!

Come away from that desk!

There is a ball in Steventon tonight!

I care not for balls!

I must dance with my quill tonight!

I see her before me...

Elizabeth Bennet!

Not handsome enough to tempt me.

In vain, I have struggled.

This will not do.

You must allow me to tell
you how ardently I love

and admire you!

Woo!

The key for me was bringing
Austen's text to life

through movement.

The quill floating in the
air was an inspiration

and just put the whole
piece into perspective.

- Elly! Where have you been?
- Was I any good?

I know he was fabulous!

I'm starting to understand
this whole Mr. Darcy obsession.

Oh, Dr. Cavendish, what a performance!

You really must be an
inspirational teacher.

And here... here is the star of the show!

Oh!

I believe I saw you at
the Lawn Games tournament,

but I don't believe we
were properly introduced.

Oh, this is my sister, Mia.

Mia, this is Professor Jennings.

Oh!

The Professor Jennings from Princeton?

Well, I suppose there must be others!

Oh, my sister's told me all about you!

Really? Well, I hope all good things!

Well, I hope you're gonna hire her.

Mia!

She's the smartest person I've ever met.

She knows everything about literature.

She's an awesome teacher,
and she lives for Austen.

Mia, I don't...

Eloise, stop selling yourself short.

My sister would be an incredible
professor at Princeton.

No one takes Austen
more seriously than her.

Everyone at this conference
is here to have fun.

I mean, I love fake balls and
funny hats, but not Eloise.

She thinks this is all ridiculous.

She's here to be a scholar,
not some Austen fan girl.

Interesting. I would have never guessed,

considering how enthusiastically

you participated in all of the events.

For some reason, I...

I thought you held a
different opinion entirely.

I don't know why.

Professor Jennings, I...

For the record,

I believe a serious scholar
can still on occasion

wear a funny hat.

Uh, what that scholar wears
on their head has no power

to diminish what she has inside it.

Well, I, uh...

I better get back to the party.

Again, Mia, congratulations.

Professor Cavendish.

Bye.

- Did I just...
- Mia...

Do you ever think before you speak?

You just ruined my chance
at the Princeton job!

I didn't mean to!

I was just trying to tell
her how good you'd be.

I had everything under
control until you blew in here

like a force of nature!

My hotel room, my chance
with Professor Jennings,

my peace of mind, gone!

- I'm sorry, I...
- I'm sorry too, Mia.

I'm sorry that I tried to stop you

from making the biggest
mistake of your life,

because you are unstoppable.

And the more I try to
put your life in order,

the more you ruin mine!

It's not your job to put my life in order.

Then why do you turn to me the
second anything goes wrong?

I have to be the big sister,
I have to be the strong one.

- I can never just...
- Eloise!

Please just leave me alone.

Eloise?

Hey, um...

You alright?

Just tired.

Thought I'd sneak up to my room

while everyone was
congratulating my sister.

- Hm.
- Why wouldn't I be alright?

I saw you with Mia.

And I just

wondered if you were
disappointed about the play.

You know, 'cause, um, Jenny
had asked you first, and

well, in the garden, you said
that Mia has a tendency...

Why would I want to be in the play?

Well... I mean, it was...

Well, it was really good fun.

I'm sure you had a great
time, but believe me,

there's nothing I would like
less than being up on that stage

in front of everyone, kissing you.

Oh.

I don't know how many
times I have to say this.

I'm not like you.

I'm not like Mia.

I don't like being the centre of attention.

I'm not trying to set myself

at the centre of some romantic fantasy

for everyone to gawk at.

I just want to be left alone,

and for some reason that hasn't
happened since I got here.

You don't have to dance with me.

Tomorrow, at the ball, really.

You don't have to.

Well, my aunt Victoria does
love the ball, but, well,

she already likes you a lot,

and, uh, I promise that I
won't tell her what I said.

I should... I should never
have held that over you.

See, honestly...

The truth is that you
hurt my feelings, and...

I had to make a joke of it
and devote the past few days

to pulling your pigtails and

well, making you do
things that you disliked.

I would like to, um

officially relieve you of
any and all obligations

that you have towards me,

and whatever happens

- your secret's safe.
- Sam...

I don't want to dance with someone

who doesn't want to dance with me.

Uh...

Saved by the bell.

I guess this is goodnight.

Yeah.

I guess so.

Eloise?

I know you're awake.

I heard you stop
breathing when I came in.

I want to talk to you.

Or at you. At you is fine too.

I'm so sorry.

Tomorrow might be one of the
biggest days of your life.

You always support me,

and the one time you need my support...

I've been a terrible sister,

and everything that
happened today is my fault.

No, it's not.

There was this whole thing
with Professor Jennings

that I didn't tell you about.

Because I didn't let you.

I just emoted all over your hotel room,

and I didn't leave
space for anything else.

I could have noticed the
strain you were under

and actually tried to help.

I could have done what you
would have done in my place.

Mia, I like helping you.

And you hate being helped?

Because too bad, sister.

From now on, there's got to
be a little give and take.

Why didn't Rob just
buy the stupid flowers?

I don't know.

What's done is done,
we said what we said,

and now I have to deal with it.

Can you?

I don't know.

But...

I have hope.

There are Darcys in the world after all.

Mia?

"Hey, big sis."

"I'd wish you luck today,
but you don't need it.

"What I thought you could use

"is a little alone time to prepare."

"You've got caffeine, you've got carbs,"

"and you've got this."

"Love, Mimi."

"I would like to thank"

"the Jane Austen League of America"

"for inviting me here
today to speak to you"

"about the inimitable Jane Austen,"

"novelist, satirist"

see what Darcy sees in Elizabeth.

We can deduce then, that for Austen,

the property not only becomes

an indication of social standing,

but ultimately symbolic of
the characters themselves,

leading us back to the
exquisite detail captured

the moment Elizabeth
Bennet first saw Pemberley.

Thank you.

Woo!

Hi, you were so good!

- Thank you.
- Thank you so much.

I'll see you at the ball.

Elly!

You were fantastic!

Got your note.

It's the sweetest thing
anyone's ever written me.

I appreciated it almost
as much as the latte.

Professor...

Mia.

I wanted to tell you how
much I enjoyed your talk.

I was a little short yesterday.

Mostly out of surprise.

But I've been thinking, and
I wanted to reassure you

that I admired your behaviour
during this conference

before our conversation
yesterday, and I admire it now.

- You do?
- Yes, of course.

Your quick wit, your willingness
to help, your positive attitude.

All the more impressive
given your initial doubts.

It's true.

I wasn't on board with any
of this at first, but...

I've changed my mind.

And the ability to do so
is the greatest talent

a scholar can have.

As for your wish to make
a good impression, well,

when we're colleagues,

you'll learn that I am the
last person in the world

to think ill of a woman for her ambition.

Did you say "when"?

Shh-shh-shh!

Not a word until it's official.

Am I hallucinating, or did you
just get hired at Princeton?

I think I just got hired at Princeton.

Ooh!

Now we can go celebrate at the ball!

Uh...

I need to do something first.

Okay.

Kelsey?

I made a huge mistake.

I know it's probably too late, but...

It's never too late.

It isn't? For what?

To dress up for the ball.

I had to finish the white batiste anyway,

and I already have your
measurements, so...

- What?
- Come with me.

Professor Jennings?

Have you seen Sam?

Dr. Cavendish!

You look lovely!

Thank you.

Mr. Darcy always arrives late.

Just like in the book.

Victoria. It's time to start the ball.

Oh...

Well, I think our keynote
speaker should do the honours.

What say you, Professor?

It would be an honour.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Excuse me, everyone?

If I could have your
attention for a moment.

Rob?

Mia Cavendish...

Oh!

Mia, you are the wildest,

most maddening woman that I know,

but you are also the kindest

and the most lovable.

If you want a big, romantic gesture;

If you want me to make
a fool out of myself

in front of everybody, I will do that,

because I want to spend
the rest of my life

making sure that you
get everything you want.

So...

Will you...

- Is that a yes?
- Do I need to ask you again?

Yes, yes, yes, yes!

This is not at all period-appropriate.

I can't help it...

I think you might be needing this.

- Ooh!
- And congratulations.

Oh!

Eeh!

I can't apologize to you or Rob enough.

This is all thanks to
you, and Sam, of course.

Sam?

Yeah!

Didn't you know?

He spent all today talking
with Rob and getting him ready.

Where did you think Rob got the outfit?

Well, it's just, yesterday you
were talking to Sam constantly,

- and I...
- Yeah, about Rob.

Eloise, you didn't think...

Let's not rehash what I thought.

I'm just so happy for you.

Mmm! I'm happy for me too!

We're getting married!

And now we actually will hear
from our keynote speaker,

Dr. Eloise Cavendish,

who will commence the dancing.

Thank you. I, um...

Sorry.

I'm so sorry, it's just

my sister just got engaged.

But I do want to say one thing

before we officially begin the evening.

I have loved these novels

and these characters since I was 13.

Back when Pride and Prejudice
was the most romantic book

I had ever read.

Since then, I have learned
so much more about Austen,

her world and the
compromises she had to make.

And it's still the most
romantic book I have ever read.

And that scares me.

I'm scared of emotion.

Scared of being swept away.

And I'm even scared of dancing.

Scared of looking like a fool,

and that's what can happen
on the dance floor, right?

Missing a step and making
a fool of yourself.

But if there's one thing
I learned this weekend,

one thing I've learned
from reading and re-reading

these books that we all love so much

it's that fools and heroines
are not separate categories.

You have to risk being one
in order to become the other.

So, as we proceed to the dance floor,

there's someone here with
a place on my dance card.

If he wants it.

Eloise...

Professor Cavendish!

I understand congratulations are in order.

Victoria told me about Princeton.

Couldn't be more deserved.

That's very kind of you.

I heard you were up for the same job.

- Me?
- Whatever gave you that idea?

I'm wildly under-qualified.

But my aunt told me that you
were interviewing with her

at the conference.

I can't imagine why she'd say that.

Unless she didn't want you
to know the real reason

we're spending so much time together.

The real reason?

I'm retiring, Mr. Lee.

It's high time I think
about more important things

than career.

More important things like...

Aunt Victoria?

We were post-doctorate sweethearts.

Can you believe it?

But I'd already been
bitten by the acting bug,

so I left academia, and her.

I was an idiot.

Luckily, she's very forgiving.

This weekend

miracles indeed.

Well!

I suppose you young people are
done listening to me snivel.

Go, dance!

Excuse me.

Victoria...

Victoria, might I reserve
your first Maggot?

Of course!

Huh.

He didn't even apply.

I've just spent the last
few days trying to separate

my aunt from her one true love.

I think we've all learned
a few lessons this weekend,

me especially.

Hm.

So.

Are you ready?

Ready for what?

Ready to dance.

Oh, pleasure.

Really, you don't have to...

Sam, if you try to weasel
out of this dance again,

I'm going to lose my temper,

and I wouldn't want to
give you that satisfaction

a second time.

Was that a witty remark?

While dancing, yes.

I have you to thank for
my sister's happiness.

Oh, that was all Rob.

Turns out all he needed was a little push.

Don't we all.

Did you hear I'm moving to Princeton?

You are?

- When?
- Next fall.

By the way, I didn't do it for Rob.

I didn't do it for Mia either.

Why, then?

Turns out that some
women can't be charmed.

Some women can only be won by
doing something substantive.

Oh, I was charmed.

I just didn't want to admit it.

Hm.

For the record, I wasn't
we a selling out of

dancing with you last night.

I've always wanted to dance with you.

I just meant that, well, you
didn't have to dance with me

in order to...

In order to what?

Eloise Cavendish, you
can do anything you want.

I'm thinking of something

really, really inauthentic to the period.

Like...?