Bewitched

"You must know, surely you must know, it was all for you. You are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I'd scarcely allowed myself before. 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. And I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." (Pride & Prejudice, Joe Wright)

Happy Birthday Jane

16/12/1775

A reading with Jane

"She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was a union that must have been to the advantage of both. By her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved, and from his judgment, information and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance. But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude what connubial felicity really was."

(Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen)

Happy Birthday Jane!

16 december 1775

Jane's gift

"Mme. Bigeon: My friend in Paris has read a wonderful new book called 'Raison and Sensibilite'
Jane Austen: Sense and Sensibility?
Mme. Bigeon: My friend says, whoever the woman is who wrote this book, she knows more about love than anyone else in the world .
Jane Austen: Like someone who can't cook writing a recipe book .
Mme. Bigeon: Passion is for the young. It fades so quickly.
Jane Austen: Not in our dreams .
Mme. Bigeon: Comfort remains, friendship remains, if you are lucky as I was.
Jane Austen: Happiness in marriage remains a matter of chance .
Mme. Bigeon: But the fuss we make about who to choose. And love still dies and money still vanishes. And, spinster, lover, wife, every woman has regrets. So we read about your heroines and feel young again. And in love. And full of hope. As if we can make that choice again.
Jane Austen: And do it right this time .
Mme. Bigeon: This is the gift which God has given you.
Mme. Bigeon: It is enough, I think . "
(from Miss Austen regrets , bbc )

Happy birthday Ms Austen!