Tom Lefroy: Was I deficient in rapture?
Jane Austen: Inconsciousness.
Tom Lefroy: It was... It was accomplished.
Jane Austen: It was ironic.
Tom Lefroy: I have no money, no property, I am entirely dependent upon that bizarre old lunatic, my uncle. I cannot yet offer marriage, but you must know what I feel. Jane, I'm yours. God, I'm yours. I'm yours, heart and soul. Much good that is.
Jane Austen: Let me decide that.
Tom Lefroy: What will we do?
Jane Austen: What we must.
Jane Austen: A novel must show how the world truly is, how characters genuinely think, how events actually occur. A novel should somehow reveal the true source of our actions.
Mrs. Austen: Jane.
Lady Gresham: What is she doing?
Mr. Wisley: Writing.
Lady Gresham: Can anything be done about it?
Tom Lefroy: Good God. There's writing on both sides of those pages.
Mrs. Austen: How many times did you stand up with that gentleman, Jane?
Lucy Lefroy: Was it twice?
Henry Austen: Twice would have been partial. Thrice would have been absolutely.
Lucy Lefroy: Flagrant.
Tom Lefroy: Miss Austen.
Jane Austen: Yes?
Tom Lefroy: Goodnight.
Lady Gresham: Monsieur le Comte is not here to pay his respects?
Eliza De Feuillide: A prior engagement, ma'am, Monsieur le Comte was obliged to pay his respects to Madame le Guillotine.
Tom Lefroy: What rules of conduct apply in this rural situation? We have been introduced, have we not?
Jane Austen: What value is there in an introduction when you cannot even remember my name? Indeed, can barely stay awake in my presence.
Jane Austen: How many brothers and sisters do you have in Limerick, Tom?
Tom Lefroy: Enough. Why?
Jane Austen: What are the names of your brothers and sisters?
Tom Lefroy: They.
Jane Austen: On whom do they depend?
Mrs. Austen: Affection is desirable. Money is absolutely indispensable.
Jane Austen: This, by the way, is called a country dance, after the French, contredanse. Not because it is exhibited at an uncouth rural assembly with glutinous pies, execrable Madeira, and truly anarchic dancing.
Tom Lefroy: You judge the company severely, madam.
Jane Austen: I was describing what you'd be thinking.
Tom Lefroy: Allow me to think for myself.
Jane Austen: Gives me leave to do the same, sir, and come to a different conclusion.
Jane Austen: If I marry, I want it to be out of affection. Like my mother.
Mrs. Austen: And I have to dig my own damn potatoes.
Jane Austen: You asked me a question. I am ready to give you an answer. But there is one matter to be settled. I cannot make you out, Mr Wisley. At times, you are the most gentlemanlike man I know and yet you would.
Mr. Wisley: "Yet." What a sad word.
Eliza De Feuillide: I never feel more French than when I watch cricket.
Cassandra Austen: You'll lose everything. Family, place. For what? A lifetime of drudgery on a pittance? A child every year and no means to lighten the load? How will you write, Jane?
Jane Austen: I do not know, but happiness is within my grasp and I cannot help myself.
Cassandra Austen: There is no sense in this.
Jane Austen: If you could have your Robert back, even like this, would you do it?
Tom Lefroy: I am yours. Heart and soul, I am yours. Much good that is.
Jane Austen: I will decide that.
Eliza De Feuillide: What trouble we take to make them like us when we like them.
Jane Austen: Tell me about your lady, Mr. Lefroy. From where does she come?
Tom Lefroy: She's from County Wexford.
Jane Austen: Your own country. Excellent. What was it that won her? Your manner, smiles and pleasing address?
Tom Lefroy: You dance with passion.
Jane Austen: No sensible woman would demonstrate passion, if the purpose were to attract a husband.
Tom Lefroy: As opposed to a lover?
