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?
Rev Austen: Jane should have not the man who offers the best price but the man she wants.
Mrs. Radcliffe: To have a wife who has a mind is considered not quite proper. To have a wife with a literary reputation nothing short of scandalous.
Mr. Wisley: Sometimes affection is a shy flower that takes time to blossom.
Jane Austen: My characters shall have, after a little trouble, all that they desire.
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.
Tom Lefroy: Miss Austen.
Jane Austen: Yes?
Tom Lefroy: Goodnight.
Mrs. Austen: Affection is desirable. Money is absolutely indispensable.
Eliza De Feuillide: I never feel more French than when I watch cricket.
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?
Lady Gresham: My nephew, Miss Austen, condescends far indeed in offering to the daughter of an obscure and impecunious clergyman.
Jane Austen: Impecunious? Your Ladyship is mistaken.
Lady Gresham: I am never mistaken.
Tom Lefroy: If you wish to practice the art of fiction, to be considered the equal of a masculine author, experience is vital.
Mrs. Radcliffe: Of what do you wish to write?
Jane Austen: Of the heart.
Mrs. Radcliffe: Do you know it?
Jane Austen: Not all of it.
Mrs. Radcliffe: Of what do you wish to write?
Jane Austen: Of the heart.
Mrs. Radcliffe: Do you know it?
Jane Austen: Not all of it.
Mrs. Radcliffe: In time, you will. But even if that fails, that's what the imagination is for.
Tom Lefroy: Was I deficient in propriety?
Jane Austen: Why did you do that?
Tom Lefroy: Couldn't waste all those expensive boxing lessons.
Tom Lefroy: Good God. There's writing on both sides of those pages.
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: 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.
Tom Lefroy: I am yours. Heart and soul, I am yours. Much good that is.
Jane Austen: I will decide that.
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?
