Pages 8-12 Flashcards
SIR WALTER
I’m well aware of what Lady Russell is trying to do. Every comfort of life knocked off!
No journey’s to London? But what else is there to do in May?
SIR WALTER
To live without the decencies even of a private gentleman!
Journeys, servants, horses, table— Is there any crumb of life left us to enjoy?
SIR WALTER
Contractions and restrictions everywhere. It’s not to be borne, I tell you.
You mustn’t sell the barouche; we only have the three carriages. How will we call upon our neighbors without a barouche?
ANNE
With Mary at Upper-cross, we don’t need more than one carriage.
Oh! Mrs. Clay had a splendid idea just this morning. We are hosting a picnic next Saturday, which will require all the carriages. How else will we convey the entire party?
LADY RUSSELL
Naturally I hate to think of you losing any level of the comfort due you. But your debts are serious.
It’s true that we give to far too many charities. We shall cut some of them off. Oh, and Papa— We should refrain from refurbishing the drawing room… Just for the season. It can wait.
MRS. CLAY
As can the poor and destitute.
Their situation is unlikely to change anytime soon, so why torment them with thoughts of what they shall never have? Of course we will take our quarterly fortnight in London; what will be thought of us if we don’t? Perhaps if we act with more care… Anne won’t mind if we forego bringing her usual gift from town.
LADY RUSSELL
Quit Kellynch Hall. What an extraordinary idea.
Quit Kellynch Hall?
LADY RUSSELL
And it will always be. This is a temporary solution, but you must retrench.
It’s insulting. I won’t go.
LADY RUSSELL
A change will do both health and spirits good, must must agree. Sir Walter, I have considered London on your behalf.
We wouldn’t have to worry about the expense of traveling there if we were already living there.
LADY RUSSELL
But I have also given a great deal of thought to— Bath.
Ahh.
ANNE
It’s a false city, full of false people.
We would be rather popular.
ANNE
So there are to be strangers living in our home.
There are always exceptional concerts to be had in Bath.
MRS. CLAY
Indeed.
And Mrs. Clay must come with us.
MRS. CLAY
I would hate to be a bother.
Never.
LADY RUSSELL
Is Anne not companion enough for you?
I’m sure Anne wishes to see our sister in Upper-cross before coming to Bath… No one will want you there, anyway.
