The Scandalous Four

- This is the journal of Penelope Jane Williams.

It is the year 1807.

I am four and 20 years of age,

and I must confess my feelings somehow.

I live in the hope of true love conquering all,

for I am deeply and utterly at the mercy of my heart.

("Moonlight Sonata 1st Movement" by Ludwig Van Beethoven)

I fear I will test your patience

well enough for this part.

- I would test his patience well enough for any part.

- I'm sure with ample practice you will overcome

certain weaknesses.

Here, allow me to assist.

("Moonlight Sonata 1st Movement" by Ludwig Van Beethoven)

Delightful, Mr. Reynolds.

I must say you do have an exquisite touch on her.

Ms. Hargreaves, please.

I was referring to the piano, my dear.

There was no intention to make you blush.

- Bravo, Mr. Reynolds. Quite the delight as always.

Well, until next week.

Kind sir.

Ladies.

- Ladies, I propose some light refreshments

and perhaps a tour of the grounds.

Splendid!

George...

Would you be a dear and prepare some lemonade?

As you wish.

I should just like to discuss

my next lesson with Mr. Reynolds.

I shan't be a moment, I will join you in the garden.

- Very well, it is dreadfully warm in here.

I must apologize once again.

They were especially playful today.

So, next lesson we really must work on my recital.

We are receiving visitors next week.

Yet more dull evenings of heirs and graces.

Ah yes, I remember those days.

Dreadful hardships.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean--

You are not at fault.

My parents' financial ruin is not yours to consider.

Such a tragic event.

- The loss of their fortune or the loss of their lives?

Oh, I--

It was a long time ago...

And besides, I enjoy working.

I'm able to play my music and spend time with...

Ladies who appreciate it.

Yes, yes we do!

I do.

- Your refreshments are a-waiting, Ms. Williams.

I shall inform the others that you are somewhat attained

and will be along shortly.

Thank you, George.

I really must be leaving.

The others will start to wonder what has become of me.

Here, your shawl.

Until next time, Ms. Williams.

Indeed.

- Where did she go? She's always running away!

Oh, Penelope the little mouse.

I'm sure there's a minx hiding inside of her,

I knew she'd bring it out to me.

Mr. Reynolds.

Ms. Williams.

I'm sorry I startled you.

What are you doing here?

I like to walk after our lessons.

So peaceful here...

And my soul breathes more easily.

Usually there's nobody around.

I usually don't venture this far.

Save for a moment's peace away from the house.

It can seem so airless at times.

In such a large house?

- T'is not the house that steals the air, Mr. Reynolds.

I see.

Your secret is safe with me.

Here my soul also...

Breathes more easily.

I should be leaving.

Could we not walk a while?

Immerse our poetic imaginations a little further.

That week my mother had insisted I look my best

as we were expecting callers.

An unusual occurrence in our quiet household.

A feeling of foreboding was upon me.

I enjoy stuffing animals with sand.

So, Mr. Gelder, you are a Canadian.

- Through and through but please, call me Cuthbert.

My mother does.

I have a wonderful pheasant collection.

Mr. Gelder, you were saying.

Cuthbert!

I insist!

Oh I say, terrific wine.

Ah! Penelope, my dear. (chuckles)

I trust you are feeling well.

After all, it has been a lively few days.

I do hope another introduction

will not be too much to bear.

Who is it next, my dear?

Master Jonathan Alexander.

His father, Charles Alexander is a royal governor.

You danced at their contradance ball together.

They were quite taken with our Penelope.

- We better be on our best behavior once again, eh?

How is your novel, Father?

Oh! Really rather good.

I suggest that you take a moment to read it.

Oh I would be delighted to.

- I really don't think that book is appropriate reading

for Penelope.

A little racy perhaps but,

nothing that would trouble her unduly.

- There is nothing wrong with the Lord's text.

- It is perhaps important to broaden one's horizons.

I mean, she is after all about to become a married woman.

It's all part of the moral decline.

Yes, dear.

Master Jonathan Alexander.

Lord and Lady Henry Williams

and their daughter, Penelope.

Welcome! Welcome.

Oh please, do take a seat.

Oh, thank you sir.

George, some refreshments, please.

- Madam, may I say what a beautiful home you have.

Why thank you, Mr. Alexander.

Of course it's nothing compared to your

lovely home but we do our best.

George.

- Mr. Alexander, do you remember our daughter, Penelope?

You danced together at your mother's contradance ball.

- Yes, the two of you turned quite a few heads that evening.

- Oh I wouldn't have paid any heed to turning heads, sir.

I generally find those evenings rather a bore.

I see.

- But your daughter, have her made that particular evening

more tolerable than usual.

Well, each to his own I suppose but,

I thought she lit up the room.

Of course, of course.

And she was the only lady who avoided treading on my feet.

Mr. Alexander, I gather you're not fond

of social gatherings.

I prefer the peace and quiet.

I imagine it must be quite peaceful

on your parents' estate?

Well, with my father's work

and my mother's endless social functions

I often find I don't have a moment's time to myself.

However we...

Do own a rather substantial property

in the countryside which is promised to me

once I am married.

- How delightful! Do you not think so, Penelope dear?

Yes, Mother.

I'm sure it is.

- I was rather hoping to have moved in by the summer.

- Well Penelope has always loved the countryside.

Haven't you, my dear?

She has such a fondness for nature.

Down to earth...

And yet well versed with a strong appreciation for the arts.

- Oh I must profess an admiration to the arts myself.

Oh how utterly splendid!

Oh Penelope, dear, do favour us with a short recital.

Yes, Mother.

If you will excuse me I shall retrieve my music.

- Ah, Ms. Williams. - Forgive me, I'm

such a scatterbrain.

I completely forgot my music for the recital.

Have to play now for Mr. Alexander.

He's here at my parents' request and I do notice

how concerned they are that I make a good impression.

They intend for you to marry?

But I can not.

Not this man.

My heart...

Why would they choose him?

- I'm sure his fortune holds considerable weight.

But I do not care for wealth.

I want to marry for love.

The kind that feels no burden.

The kind that is like music to my ears.

- You deserve a gentle life, one without insult.

It would be an insult to my heart

were I to marry this man.

We would have to move away, to the countryside.

Before you face the music,

may I be the first to congratulate you, Ms. Williams

on your impending engagement...

And wish you all the happiness.

Now go, play from your heart.