ATONEMENT [2007]

Torn Apart by Betrayal

Separated by War

Bound by Love 

 Briony: Cee, why don't you talk to Robbie anymore?

Cecilia: I do. We just move in different circles, that's all.

 

Soldier: Come on, then, how come a toff like you, talks French and everything, ends up a private?

Robbie: Not eligible for officer's training if you join direct from prison.

Soldier: You're pulling my tit.

Robbie: No, I'm not.

They gave me a choice. Stay in prison or join the Army.

And for the record, the last thing I am is a toff.

Cecilia: Sorry.

Robbie: No.

Have you been in touch with your family?

Cecilia: No, I told you I wouldn't.

Leon waited outside the hospital last week, I just pushed past him.

Robbie: Cee, you don't owe me anything.

Cecilia: Robbie, didn't you read my letters?

Had I been allowed to visit you, had they let me everyday, I would have been there everyday.

Robbie: Yes, but... 
If all we have rests on a few moments in a library three and a half years ago, then I'm not sure, I don't know if...

Cecilia: Robbie, look at me.

Come back... Come back to me.

Briony: Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Robby: That's an incredibly bloody stupid thing to do.

Briony: I wanted you to save me.

Robbie: Don't you know how easily you could have drowned?

Briony: You saved me.

Robbie: Stupid child! You could have killed us both.

Is that your idea of a joke?

Briony: I want to thank you for saving my life.

I will be eternally grateful to you.

The story can resume.

Our story can resume.

I will simply resume.

~Robbie Turner

Dearest Cecilia.

The story can resume.

The one I had been planning on that evening walk.

I can become again the man who once crossed the Surrey Park at dusk in my best suit,

swaggering on the promise of life.

The man who, with the clarity of passion, made love to you in the library.

The story can resume.

I will return, find you, love you, marry you, and live without shame.

~Robbie Turner

Briony: I've never been in love.

Fiona: What, never? Not even a crush?

Briony: Oh, I had a crush once, when I was 10 or 11.

I jumped into a river to see if he'd save me from drowning.

Fiona: Now you're teasing me.

Briony: Oh, no. And he did save me.

But as soon as I told him I loved him, the feeling sort of disappeared.

Robbie: What is she doing here?

Cecilia: She wanted to speak to me.

Robbie: Oh, yes, what about?

Briony: The terrible thing I did.

Robbie: I'll be quite honest with you.

I'm torn between breaking your neck here and taking you and throwing you down the stairs.

Do you have any idea what it's like in jail?

Of course you don't.

Tell me, did it give you pleasure to think of me inside?

Briony: No.

Robbie: But you did nothing about it.

Briony: No.

Robbie: Do you think I asssaulted your cousin?

Briony: No.

Robbie: Do you think it then?

Briony: Yes. But yes and no.

Robbie: And what's made you so certain now?

Briony: Growing up.

Robbie: Growing up?

Briony: I was 13.

Robbie: How old do you have to be to know the difference between right and wrong?

What are you, 18?

Do you have to be 18 before you can bring yourself to own up to a lie?

There are soldiers of 18, old enough to be left to die by the side of the road, did you know that?

Briony: Yes.

Robbie: 9 years ago, you didn't care about telling the truth.

You, all your family, you just assumed that for all my education, I was still little better than a servant.

Still not to be trusted!

Thanks to you, they were able to close ranks and throw me to the fucking wolves!

I'm very, very sorry for the terrible distress that I have caused.

I am very, very sorry.

~Briony Tallis

I'm dying.

My doctor tells me I have something called vascular dementia, which is essentially a continuous series of tiny strokes.

Your brain closes down, gradually you lose words, you lose your memory,

which for a writer is pretty much the point.

So that's why I could finally write the book, I think, I had to.

And why, of course, it's my last novel.

Strangely enough, it would be just as accurate to call it my first novel.

I wrote several drafts as far back as my time at St. Thomas Hospital during the war.

I just couldn't ever find the way to do it.

I had, for a very long time, decided to tell the absolute truth.

No rhymes, no embellishments.

I got first-hand accounts of all the events I didn't personally witness, 

the conditions in prison, the evacuation to Dunkirk, everything.

But the effect of all this honesty was rather pitiless.

I couldn't any longer imagine what purpose would be served by it.

By honesty... or reality.

Because, in fact, I was too much of a coward to go and see my sister in June, 1940.

I never made that journey to Balham.

So the scene in which I confess to them is imagined. Invented.

And in fact, could never have happened.

Because Robbie Turner died in septicaemia at Bray-Dunes on June the first, 1940, the last day of the evacuation.

And I was never able to put things right with my sister, Cecilia, because she was killed on the 15th of October, 1940, 

by the bomb that destroyed the gas and water mains above Balham tube station.

So, my sister and Robbie were neber able to have the time together they both so longed for, and deserved.

And which, ever since, I've always felt I prevented.

But, what sense of hope or satisfaction, could a reader derive from an ending like that?

So, in the book, I wanted to give Robbie and Cecilia what they lost out in life.

I'd like to think this isn't weakness or evasion, but a final act of kindness.

I gave them their happiness.

~Briony Tallis

*****

PRIDE & PREJUDICE [2005]

A Romance Ahead Of Its Time

 Elizabeth: If every man in this room does not end the evening in love with you, 

then I'm no judge of beauty.

Jane: Or men.

Elizabeth, giggle: No, they are too far too easy to judge.

Jane: They're not all bad.

 Elizabeth: Humorless poppycocks, in my limited experience.

Jane: One of these days, someone will catch your eye and then you'll have to watch your tongue.

Mr. Bingley: I've never seen so many pretty girls.

Mr. Darcy: You were dancing with the only handsome girl.

Mr. Bingley: She is the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld.

But her sister Elizabeth is agreeable.

Mr. Darcy: Perfectly tolerable. Not handsome enough to tempt me.

Elizabeth: I wonder who discovered the power of poetry in driving away love.

Mr. Darcy: I thought poetry was the food of love.

Elizabeth: Of a fine, stout love.

But if it is only a vague inclination, one poor sonnet will kill it.

Mr. Darcy: So, what do you recommend to encourage affection?

Elizabeth: Dancing.

Even if one's partner is barely tolerable.

Caroline: Mr. Darcy is not to be teased.

Elizabeth: Are you too proud, Mr. Darcy?

And would you consider pride a fault or a virtue?

Mr. Darcy: That I couldn't say.

Elizabeth: We're trying to find a fault in you.

Mr. Darcy: I find it hard to forgive the follies and vices of others, or their offences against me.

My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.

Elizabeth: Oh, dear, I cannot tease you about that.

 What a shame, for I dearly love to laugh.

Elizabeth: Clearly my family are seeing who can expose themselves to the most ridicule.

Charlotte: At least Bingley has not noticed.

Elizabeth: No. I think he likes her very much.

Charlotte: But does she like him?

Few of us are secure enough to be in love without proper encouragement.

Bingley likes her enormously, but might not do more if she does not help him on.

Elizabeth: She's just shy.

If she cannot perceive her regard, he is a fool.

Charlotte: We are all fools in love.

He does not know her character as we do.

She should move fast and snap him up.

There is plenty of time for us to get to know him afterwards.

I can't hep feeling that someone's going to produce a piglet and make us chase it.

~Caroline Bingley

Mr. Collins: Dear Miss Elizabeth, I'm sure my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken.

Almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life.

But before I am run away with my feelings, perhaps I may state my reasons for marrying.

Fisrtly, that it is the duty of a clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish.

Secondly, I am convinced it will add greatly to my happiness.

And thirdly, that it is at the urging of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine, that I select a wife.

My object in coming to Longbourn was to choose such a one from among Mr. Bennet's daughters for I am to inherit the estate and such an alliance will surely suit everyone. 

And now nothing remains but for me to assure you in the most animated language of the violance of my affections... [on his knee]

Elizabeth: Mr. Collins!

Mr. Collins: And no reproach on the subject of fortune will cross my lips once we're married.

Elizabeth: You forget I have given no answer.

Mr. Collins: Lady Catherine will thoroughly approve when I speak to her of your modesty, economy and other amiable qualities.

Elizabeth: Sir, I am honored by your proposal, but I regret that I must decline it.

Mr. Collins: I know ladies don't seek to seem too eager...

Elizabeth: Mr. Collins, I am perfectly serious.

You could not make me happy.

And I'm convinced that I'm the last woman in the world who could make you happy.

Mr. Collins: I flatter myself that your refusal is merely a natural delicacy.

Besides, despite manifold attractions, 

it is by no means certain another offer of marriage will ever be made to you.

Elizabeth: Mr. Collins!

Mr. Collins: I must conclude that you simply seek to increase my love by suspense,

according to the usual practice of elegant females.

Elizabeth: Sir, I am not the sort of female to torment a respectable man.

Please understand me, I cannot accept you.

Mr. Bennet: Your mother insists upon you marrying Mr. Collins.

Mrs. Bennet: Yes, or I shall never see her again.

Mr. Bennet: From this day onward, you must be a stranger to one of your parents.

Mrs. Bennet: Who will maintain you when your father is dead?

Mr. Bennet: Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins,

and I will never see you again if you do.

Elizabeth: Thank you, Papa.

A girl likes to be crossed in love now and then.

It gives her something to think of and a sort of distinction amongst her companions.

~Mr. Bennet

Charlotte: I've come here to tell you the news.

Mr. Collins and I are... engaged.

Elizabeth: Engaged? To be married?

Charlotte: Yes, of course, what other kind of engaged is there?

For heaven's sake, Lizzie, don't look at me like that.

I should be as happy with him as any other.

Elizabeth: But he's ridiculous.

Charlotte: Oh, hush. Not all of us can afford to be romantic.

I've been offered a comfortable home and protection.

There's a lot to be thankful for.

I'm 27 years old. I've no money and no prospects.

I'm already a burden to my parents.

And I'm frightened.

So don't judge me, Lizzie. Don't you dare judge me.

Mr. Darcy: I do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before.

Elizabeth: Perhaps you should take your aunt's advice and practice.

Mr. Darcy: Miss Elizabeth, I have struggled in vain and can bear it no longer.

These past months have been a torment.

I came to Rosings only to see you.

I have fought against judgement, my family's expectation, the inferiority of your birth, my rank.

I will put them aside and ask you to end my agony.

Elizabeth: I don't understand.

Mr. Darcy: I love you.

Most ardently.

Please do me the honor of accepting my hand.

Elizabeth: Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain.

Believe me, it was unconsciously done.

Mr. Darcy: Is this your reply?

Elizabeth: Yes, sir.

Mr. Darcy: Are you laughing at me?

Elizabeth: No.

Mr. Darcy: Are you rejecting me?

Elizabeth: I'm sure the feelings which hindered your regard will help you overcome it.

Mr. Darcy: Might I ask why with so little civility I am thus repulsed?

Elizabeth: I might enquire why you told me you liked me against your better judgement?

If I was uncivil, then that is some excuse.

But you know I have other reasons.

Mr. Darcy: What reasons?

Elizabeth: Do you think anything might tempt me to accept the man who has ruined perhaps forever the happiness of a most beloved sister?

Do you deny it, Mr. Darcy, that you separated a young couple who loved each other

exposing your friend to censure for caprice and my sister to derision for disappointed hopes,

involving them both in acute misery?

Mr. Darcy: I do not deny it.

Elizabeth: How could you do it?

Mr. Darcy: Because I believes your sister indifferent to him.

I realized his attachment was deeper than hers.

Elizabeth: That's because she's shy.

Mr. Darcy: Bingley was persuaded she didn't feel strongly.

Elizabeth: You suggested it.

Mr. Darcy: For his own good.

Elizabeth: My sister hardly shows her true feelings to me.

I suppose his fortune had some bearing?

Mr. Darcy: No, I wouldn't do your sister the dishonor.

It was suggested...

Elizabeth: What was?

Mr. Darcy: It was clear an advantageous marriage...

Elizabeth: Did my sister give that impression?

Mr. Darcy: No!

There was, however, your family...

Elizabeth: Our want of connection?

Mr. Darcy: No, it was more than that.

Elizabeth: How, sir?

Mr. Darcy: The lack of propriety shown by your mother, younger sisters and your father.

Forgive me. You and your sister, I must exclude from this.

Elizabeth: And what about Mr. Wickham?

What excuse can you give for your behavior?

Mr. Darcy: You take an eager interest.

Elizabeth: He told me of his misfortunes.

Mr. Darcy: Oh, they have been great.

Elizabeth: You ruin his chances yet treat him with sarcasm.

Mr. Darcy: So this is your opinion of me?

Thank you.

Perhaps these offences might have been overlooked had not your pride been hurt by my scruples about our relationship.

Did you expect me to be rejoice in the inferiority of your circumstances?

Elizabeth: And those are the words of a gentleman?

Your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others

made me realize you were the last man in the world I could ever marry.

Mr. Darcy: Forgive me, madam, for taking up so much of your time.

My father loved Mr. Wickham as a son.

He left him a generous living.

But upon my father's death, Mr. Wickham announced he had no intention of taking orders.

He demanded the value of the living, which he'd gambled away within weeks.

He then wrote, demanding more money, which I refused.

After which, he severed all acquaintance.

He came back to see us last summer, and declared passionate love for my sister,

whom he tried to persuade to elope with him.

She is to inherit 30,000 pounds.

When it was made clear he would never reveive a penny of it, he disappeared.

I will not attempt to convey the depth of Georgiana's despair.

She was 15 years old.

As to the other matter, of your sister and Mr. Bingley,

though the motives which governed me may appear insufficient, they were in the service of a friend.

~Mr. Darcy's letter

Mrs. Gardiner: Come to the Peak District with us, Lizzie, and get some fresh air.

Mary: The glories of nature.

What are men compared to rocks and mountains?

Elizabeth: Men are either eaten up with arrogance or stupidity.

If they are amiable, they have no minds of their own.

Mrs. Gardiner: Oh, take care my love, that savours strongly of bitterness.

Mrs. Bennet: Daughter married...

Elizabeth: Is that really all you think about?

Mrs. Bennet: When you have 5 daughters, tell me what else will occupy your thoughts.

Then perhaps you'll understand.

Jane: I'm glad that's over.

Now we can meet as indifferent acquaintances.

You cannot think me so weak as to be in danger now.

Elizabeth: I think you are in great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.

Lady Catherine: Has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?

Elizabeth: Your Ladyship has declared it to be impossible.

Lady Catherine: Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?

Elizabeth: If that is the case, you cannot suppose he would make an offer to me.

Lady Catherine: You selfish girl!

This union has been planned since their infancy!

Do you think it can be prevented by a woman of inferior birth

whose own sister's elopement resulted in a scandalously patched-up marriage

only achieved at the expense of your uncle.

Heaven and earth, are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?

Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?

Elizabeth: I am not.

Lady Catherine: Will you promise never to enter into such an engagement?

Elizabeth: I will not and I certainly never shall.

You have insulted me in every possible way and can now have nothing further to say.

I must ask you to leave immediately.

If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once.

My affections and wishes have not changed.

But one word from you will silence me forever.

If, however, your feelings have changed, I would have to tell you,

you have bewitched me, body and soul,

and I love, I love, I love you.

I never wish to be parted from you from this day on.

~Mr. Darcy

Mr. Bennet: You really do love him, don't you?

Elizabeth: Very much.

Mr. Bennet: I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you.

But it seems I am overruled.

So I heartily give my consent.

[Elizabeth hug him]

I could not have parted with you, my Lizzie, to anyone less worthy.

Elizabeth: Thank you. 


*****