Downton, Mr Darcy and being duped !

According to Miss Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, an accomplished lady can sing, and sew, and draw and play the piano. She can dance, has an understanding of modern languages and enjoys reading.

Though she may practice these skills daily, her lot in life was but to wait for a husband, for there was no other choice in life, for women of a certain fortune but to wed.

These days we are much more fortunate, for we are permitted to do as we please, to go where we will, to study or to travel and to generally make a path of our own choosing, whatever that may be.

Recently however, instead of broadening my horizons, I have been reposing at my leisure incandescently happy with my own private obsession for period dramas. Although I do not relish the idea of a life of pleasantries ( and probably boredom) waiting for Mr. Darcy, I have myself been sat for a considerable amount of time watching said gentleman in the pursuit of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Not just once but on numerous occasions.

The stunning Miss Keira Knightly and the dashingly handsome Matthew Mcfadyn have delighted me with their simmering off/on romance. The musical score for the film is utterly charming and thought provoking, the views breathtaking and the Bennet's house is the perfect kind of shabby chic.

Upon searching for still shots of the interior of Longbourn, I inadvertently discovered that there was an extra scene added to the American version of Pride and Prejudice. It was sincerely felt that the US market would appreciate an extra kiss from Knightly and Mcfadyn, but decided that the British would find it unnecessary.

Well, I felt robbed,
DUPED
and generally done over !...............
How dare someone decide that I, a Brit would not enjoy this extra piece of romance.
I had always felt that the film ended rather abruptly, and I made it my mission to track down this scene. It was a happy day last week, when I found the film with it's extra scene in our local library.
I just hope it won't be worn out, by the time I take it back.

My interest, still not being satisfied, I went and bought the televised version with the very dashing Colin Firth. It has been most enjoyable to see more of Jane Austen's words played out in front of me.

Not content with Pride and Prejudice, I have watched the latest version of Jane Eyre at least three times, and the wonderful BBC has brought Downton Abbey back to our screens. The second series didn't seem quite as good to me as the first, but the new series got off to a glorious start on Sunday and I am looking forward to the next instalment immensely.

So, dear friends, this is where I have been, and my excuse for neglecting you once again.
My obsession will subside as they always do, and I shall return to practice my accomplishments but for now Mr. Darcy is calling once again.  I cannot decide whether it will be Colin or Matthew. I shall return forthwith - once I have taken this dictionary out of my mouth, and returned to my normal speech pattern.

Adieu, and may my words find you all in perfect health.