#Chapter,1,Start
#Left,Papa
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
Papa, when will we hold a ball? 
#Left,Text
Enough Bella! The extravagance of holding a ball at our humble abode is well beyond our means. 
#Right,Text
My sister and I will become old maids if we don't go out into society soon.
#Left,Text
If you want for a husband, our neighbour Mr Bleakley would make an acceptable suitor, surely?
#Right,Text
I should die of boredom if we were to marry.
#Right,None
#Right,Mama
#Right,Text
Husband! Will you stop extolling the virtues of that man, Bleakley. 
#Right,Text
I declare he is the most odious gentleman in the county. Bella can do better!
#Left,Text
Margaret dearest, calm yourself. And become acquainted with the facts, if you please. 
#Left,Text
I cannot settle any fortune upon Bella - a fact that Bleakley is willing to overlook. 
#Left,Text
Indeed, we should consider ourselves thankful if he makes an offer of marriage!
#Left,None
#Left,Bella,mirror
#Left,Text
Mama, Mama! I've received a letter!
#Left,Text
My Godmother, Lady Fleetwood, has invited me to a grand ball, in Bath.
Finally - a dream come true.
#Right,Text
How wonderful! You will be dancing among England's most fashionable, and eligible gentlemen. 
#Right,Text
We must consider your wardrobe. Fetch out my old trunk, there's some finery inside from my own debutante days.
#Left,None
#Right,None
#Chapter,1,End
#Left,Charlotte,mirror
#Right,Bella
#Left,Text
Dear sister - I'm so delighted for you. When a young lady attends a ball it is always the start of an adventure!
#Right,Text
Thank you Charlotte. If only that were true. 
#Right,Text
Our brother Edward - who I cannot help but love despite his being a complete greenhorn and losing all our money...
#Right,Text
...leaves me little option but to resign myself to a future with Bleakley.
#Left,Text
But you must hold fast to your dreams, Bella. You have been practicing your dance steps for so long.
#Left,Text
If Lady Fortune truly smiles upon us, you could even hold a ball here some day!
Bleakley need not be invited.
#Right,Text
Now that would give me great joy. 
We can but dream.
#Right,Text
Come, help me get my things in order for the journey.
#Left,None
#Right,None

#Chapter,2,Start
#Left,Godmother
#Right,Gossips
#Left,Text
Look at my beautiful Goddaughter, Bella! It's her first ball here in Bath. 
#Left,Text
I'm so proud of her!
#Right,Text
Bath truly is the place to visit this season. All the fashionable set are here, even Lord Henry Worthington. 
#Right,Text
He is so handsome and generous, and owns vast estates. 
#Right,Text
Yet none of the young heiresses dangling after him has won his heart.
#Left,None
#Right,None
#Left,Bleakley
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
Mr Bleakley? I had not expected to see you here.
#Left,Text
Bella dear, I must be at your side wherever possible. Come, dance with me. I insist upon it.
#Right,Text
Then it would not be noble of me to refuse your offer, sir. 
#Left,Text
But of course. I'm sure you will have many willing partners at this, your first ball.
#Left,Text
But when they learn your face is your only fortune, the earls and marquises will look elsewhere! 
#Right,Text
Quite so, Mr Bleakley. Is that meant to comfort me?
#Left,Text
Do not keep me waiting too long Bella - I am not a patient man. 
#Left,None
#Right,None
#Chapter,2,End
#Left,Bella,mirror
#Right,Henry
#Right,Text
I was waiting so long to dance with you, Bella, but it seemed every other gentleman was ahead of me.
#Left,Text
I'm honoured, Lord Worthington. 
#Left,Text
It is more than I could have hoped for. I have enjoyed a truly charming evening.
#Right,Text
I'm so very glad we met. Nothing would give me more happiness than to dance with you again.
#Right,Text
And please, do call me Henry.
#Left,None
#Right,None

#Chapter,3,Start
#Left,Godmother
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
Did the Romans really drink this disgusting water Lady Fleetwood?
#Left,Text
Hush dear, the fashionable set drink it whenever they get the chance -
#Left,Text
Your new beau, Worthington, does so whenever he visits Bath!
#Right,Text
I do find him most agreeable, but I can barely speak to him knowing that I am without any fortune, or future.
#Left,Text
Well you must avoid that cantankerous Bleakley and choose love.
Where there's a will, there's a way!
#Left,None
#Right,None
#Chapter,3,End
#Left,Godmother
#Right,Henry
#Right,Text
Lady Fleetwood! Quite a crowd here taking the waters, don't you agree?
#Left,Text
Yes it is an absolute crush. So popular these days.
#Right,Text
That delightful young lady - Bella - you are her chaperone?
#Left,Text
Bella is my Goddaughter. And she is indeed a radiant and accomplished girl.
#Right,Text
May I see you both again? I'd dearly like to become better acquainted.
#Right,None
#Right,Gossips
#Right,Text
I do believe the intriguing Bella has caught the most eligible Lord Henry Worthington's eye.
#Right,None
#Left,None

#Chapter,4,Start
#Right,Bella
#Left,Godmother
#Right,Text
That ball was the most wonderful day of my life, it was a dream come true.
#Right,Text
I can't wait to tell my sister.
#Left,Text
And for me! I declare I haven't had such an entertaining evening in years. 
#Right,Text
Did you fall in love at your first ball, Godmother?
#Left,Text
Well, perhaps a little. In fact, I had more than one gentleman fighting over me! 
#Right,Text
Really? I wish I could stay longer and hear about it - yet I know I must return home. 
#Left,Text
Just wait, I have more surprises for you Bella. I've discovered that granting wishes is a most agreeable pastime!
#Right,None
#Left,None
#Chapter,4,End
#Right,Bella
#Left,Uncle
#Right,Text
Uncle George! What are you doing here? How wonderful to see you! 
#Left,Text
Lady Fleetwood arranged a surprise: for you and your sister to visit me at Laverish Hall. What do you say?
#Right,Text
Oh yes! I have not been to Laverish for years. I remember the sweet smelling gardens, and the wonderful music room.
#Left,none
#Left,Charlotte,mirror
#Left,text
Darling Bella - tell me EVERYTHING about Bath, I demand it!
#Right,Text
We will continue our adventures together. 
I have SO much to tell you, especially about a gentleman I danced with.
#Right,None
#Left,None

#Chapter,5,Start
#Right,Godmother,mirror
#Left,Uncle
#Right,Text
The gardens at Laverish Hall are truly divine, George. Thank you for inviting us.
#Left,Text
And to think I would have asked you to share it all with me if Lord Fleetwood had not swept you off your feet.
#Right,Text
That was almost four decades ago. It's time for the younger generation to write new romances now, George.
#Left,Text
Of course - let's help Bella to host her own grand ball. We will make it an event to remember!
#Right,none
#Left,none
#Chapter,5,End
#Left,Charlotte,mirror
#Right,Bella
#Left,Text
Bella, now we are alone you must tell me everything.
#Right,Text
The ball was a beautiful dream - I wish you could have seen it.  I danced with a true gentleman, Henry Worthington.
#Left,Text
Bella you are blushing! 
#Right,Text
Yes I confess - my heart beats faster when I think of him. I have never felt so angry towards Edward for losing our money.
#Right,Text
That insufferable Bleakley was there! He would not let me forget his ambition to wed me, or Edward's shameful gambling!
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,6,Start
#Left,Uncle
#Right,Edward
#Right,Text
Uncle George! Devilish good to see you.
#Left,Text
Edward? I wasn't expecting you at Laverish Hall - is everything alright?
#Right,Text
Everything is bang to rights sir, most definitely. 
#Right,Text
Might you put some blunt my way - just a small sum until another, ahem, piece of business is concluded?
#Left,Text
Have you no thought for common courtesy or honour young man? Your family's reputation is already suffering. 
#Left,Text
To arrive cap in hand asking for money is decidedly mutton-headed. I confess that I am disappointed in you.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,6,End
#Left,Bleakley
#Right,Edward
#Left,Text
It pains me to remind you Edward, but my winnings from our last wager are due - I will begin adding interest soon.
#Right,Text
Don't be a curmudgeon Bleakley, of course I'll pay. Just give me until next week.
#Left,Text
Don't nettle me with your impudence. I'll thank you to remain civil. If you pay, I'll keep our dealings to myself.
#Left,none
#Right,Text
Bleakley has completely taken me in. If he talks I'll have to hop the twig and join the army. Where can I find the coin?
#Right,none

#Chapter,7,Start
#Right,Charlotte
#Left,Uncle
#Left,Text
I hope you can find something suitable here Charlotte.
#Right,Text
There is so much finery Uncle, I barely know where to start. Thank you for bringing me shopping in London!
#Left,Text
Well my dear, I have more than one beautiful niece and you deserve some new things, just like Bella.
#Right,Text
Thank you Uncle. Wait - that can't be Edward leaving that shop over there?
#Left,Text
Dashed if I know. And it's a pawn shop. What the devil is he up to. Edward - wait! 
#Chapter,7,End
#Right,Charlotte
#Right,Text
Could Edward have pawned Papa's favourite timepiece?
#Left,Uncle
#Left,Text
I believe your brother is in over his head - I must speak with him about this.
#Right,none
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
If it IS Papa's watch, we must retrieve it for him. My the price is steep! I hope we are wrong about Edward...
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,8,Start
#Left,gossips,mirror
#Right,Henry
#Left,Text
Look over there! Isn't that Bella, the girl you were so taken with at the ball in Bath?
#Right,Text
I do believe it is! She is truly a diamond of the first water. I must speak with her after the opera.
#Right,none
#Left,none
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
Could that be Henry up there in the box? If only I had some opera glasses I could get a better view!
#Right,none

#Chapter,8,End
#Left,Bella,mirror
#Right,Henry
#Right,Text
It's so wonderful to see you again!
#Left,Text
I, too, am delighted.
#Right,Text
I need to speak with your brother Edward, a matter of some urgency. Can you let him know?
#Left,Text
I'll do my best, he is - travelling a lot at present.
#Right,none
#Left,Text
We must be in Henry's black books. Edward is ruining my reputation, and my one chance at love. 
#Left,Text
I shall leave London! My situation has become unbearably vexing. How I hate to be part of a scandal.
#Left,none

#Chapter,9,Start
#Left,Godmother
#Right,Bella
#Left,Text
Come and walk by the sea with me Bella! It will do you good, and Brighton is lovely.
#Right,Text
Thank you but - I've been so bird-witted: I thought Henry wanted to see me - but he was just chasing after Edward for money.
#Left,Text
A broken heart is very painful if I recall. But don't give up on him yet.
#Left,Text
Let's find you a parasol to hide behind so you that can can still enjoy the delights of Brighton, incognito.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,9,End
#Left,Godmother
#Right,uncle,mirror
#Left,Text
What shall we do about these young people George? 
#Left,Text
Between Edward's money problems and Bella's heartbreak over Henry, their whole family is at sixes and sevens!
#Right,Text
But for now, it's just the two of us. Would you dine with me tonight?
#Right,Text
We can talk further about how to sponsor the ball at Bella's house and lift her spirits. 
#Right,Text
And Edward? Well, he reminds me a little of myself at that age - a young buck with a lot to learn.
#Left,Text
And a lot to lose! I remember you certainly were dashing.
#Left,Text
I accept your invitation to dine, George. Come, let us take another turn along the promenade before supper.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,10,Start
#Left,Bleakley
#Right,Edward
#Left,Text
Edward! Gaming here today I'll wager? I confess I am eagerly awaiting your payment.
#Right,Text
I have half the sum, Bleakley, and that came at great personal cost. I hoped to win more but luck is against me.
#Left,Text
Well half does not suffice - I shall have to get advice by discussing this matter widely. To warn others, you understand.
#Left,Text
In the meantime, there will be interest. 
#Right,Text
Damn you Bleakley! You are playing games, you simpering sneak.
#Left,Text
True - and the prize is your lovely sister. It seems that you have everything to lose.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,10,End
#Left,Henry,mirror
#Right,Edward
#Right,Text
Sir - I am beyond ruined and have placed my sister in jeopardy. I have been bamboozled and am out of luck.
#Left,Text
That would be Bella? A fine woman. It concerns me to see her brother in so black a humour.
#Left,Text
I purchased this pocket watch in a London emporium. From the engraving, it seems to belong to your family.
#Right,Text
In my desperation I confess I pawned it. 
#Right,Text
This slippery chap, Bleakley, has me in his debt and he aims to ruin all of us.
#Left,Text
I will keep the watch safe. Bleakley is a rogue and will not go unpunished.
#Right,Text
You are truly a gentleman, Lord Worthington, just as they say.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,11,Start
#Right,Bella
#Left,Uncle
#Right,Text
I had high hopes to better myself, and even hold a small event so I might invite the Earl, Henry Worthington.
#Left,Text
A capital idea. Your mother would be delighted.
#Right,Text
Uncle, you don't understand! If Edward pawned Papa's watch then all our money must be gone.
#Right,Text
If only my reputation with Henry were measured in wit and beauty, not property and social elevation.
#Left,Text
Bella - this is not your fault. If Henry is as fine a man as everyone supposes, he will see that clearly. We must count on it.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,11,End
#Right,Bella
#Left,Uncle
#Right,Text
Papa still hopes to marry me to Bleakley - he doesn't see what an odious schemer Bleakley can be.
#Left,Text
I think love is just around the corner, wait and see. 
#Left,Text
You have gained experience and are becoming a fine young lady. 
#Left,Text
You are the sole mistress of your own heart - remember that. 
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,12,Start
#Left,Bella,mirror
#Right,Charlotte
#Left,Text
These ruins are so romantic -  I'd do anything for a few moments with Henry.
#Left,Text
I have been a goose. If my reputation is ruined, what had I to lose by speaking a few honest words to a man I love?
#Right,Text
If you are determined, you will meet him again. Arrange a party or get an invitation - 
#Right,Text
heroines are so adept in such matters in the novels I read!
#Right,Text
Henry is a gentleman, and he has more than enough wealth for both of you!
#Left,Text
Now Charlotte, such a match between rags and riches could ONLY have come from those novels you love so dearly.
#Left,Text
Come and find some refreshments with me now: I declare, tea time is long overdue.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,12,End
#Left,Edward,mirror
#Right,Charlotte
#Right,Text
Brother! I have missed you. 
Despite tales of your depravity at our expense.
#Left,Text
Forgive me, Charlotte. I have been a total fool.
#Left,Text
Bleakley's plan has been to drain our money and then say only he is fit to marry Bella as she is now poor. 
#Left,Text
He took me to the gaming hells with him; I played right into his hands. He bought up my debts - he owns me.
#Right,Text
He is despicable! But Papa still thinks him a respectable neighbour.
#Left,Text
Dear Papa loves Bella so much, he wants her close by. Bleakley's neighbourly proximity has blinded father to his faults.
#Right,Text
But can anyone put this right? 
#Left,Text
I have an inkling that Worthington just might.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,13,Start
#Left,Bleakley
#Right,Henry
#Left,Text
Worthington! State your business!
#Right,Text
With your extortion, threats and rumour you are harming a gentle family. What say you, sir?
#Left,Text
Hold on! Edward is a terrible gambler who throws good money after bad. 
#Left,Text
Bella's father has agreed I might court his daughter. What of it?
#Right,Text
Do not dishonour her name, she is too good for you. I will speak plainly sir - you are no gentleman!
#Left,Text
Are you threatening me? 
#Right,Text
I am challenging you sir! Find your honour forthwith or begone at once.
#Left,none
#Right,none

#Chapter,13,End
#Left,Bleakley
#Right,Henry
#Left,Text
A duel? I think not!
#Right,Text
Then make it right - cancel the debt and release your claims on Bella.
#Right,Text
Let her choose freely in good conscience, not under duress.
#Left,Text
Curse you! I will do as you say, though I do not know why you ask it.
#Right,Text
You are heartless, so you could never understand.
#Left,none
#Right,Text
It's true - I would do anything for Bella.
If only I had not lost her in the crowd at the opera. I had so much more to say.
#Right,none

#Chapter,14,Start
#Left,Henry,mirror
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
I have so wished for this meeting. It is bold for a lady in my position to speak to an Earl, but my conscience demands it.
#Left,Text
Dear Bella, of course you may speak to me. Indeed I encourage it! 
#Left,Text
I am building a home on my estate nearby - I have been designing the garden. Would you like to view it?
#Right,Text
Yes! That is to say - what a delightful invitation.
#Right,Text
So it is quite near my own family home, in Bridestown? I'm hoping to have a ball there very soon.
#Left,Text
I hope to be invited, as a new neighbour, and as a friend.
#Right,Text
Nothing would make me happier, I will see to it that your name is at the top of the guest list.
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,14,End
#Left,Henry,mirror
#Right,Bella
#Right,Text
You are so thoughtful Henry - the trinket box is beautiful.
#Left,Text
As are you Bella.
#Right,Text
I don't know what to say - you know that my father has promised my hand to Bleakley?
#Left,Text
Would you like to be with him?
#Right,Text
NO! I mean, pardon me. I don't think we are well suited. 
#Left,Text
Then Bleakley will not trouble you again.
You can write your own story, Bella. 
#Right,none
#Left,Text
I hope fervently that you write me a leading role - It would break my heart to be just a footnote.
#Left,none

#Chapter,15,Start
#Right,Bleakley,mirror
#Left,Uncle
#Right,Text
I have called on you to discuss important business.
#Left,Text
Explain sir.
#Right,Text
Your nephew, Edward, seems to have had some money troubles. With my assistance, his finances are now in order.
#Left,Text
Well, that's fine news. But why would you do that? 
#Right,Text
Erm, out of affection towards his sister, Bella. A neighbourly act of charity - as a friend of the family.
#Left,Text
I see. Your generosity is - quite notable.
#Right,Text
Would you discretely notify Edward's father? Unfortunately I have some urgent business. In fact, I must leave right away!
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,15,End
#Right,Charlotte
#Left,Uncle
#Left,Text
There's something strange about that Bleakley fellow, a shady cove.
#Right,Text
Bleakley? He is a menace Uncle! His schemes led Edward straight to the gaming tables to discredit our family.
#Left,Text
I'm glad he left, then, or I would have had to darken his daylights!
#Right,Text
He was here? How audacious. 
#Right,Text
Uncle, do you mind if I select a few more novels from your library? Some of them are quite diverting.
#Left,Text
Of course, Charlotte. Just remember that there are only seven stories in all the world - but thousands of ways to tell them.
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,16,Start
#Left,Godmother
#Right,gossips
#Right,Text
The Earl, Henry Worthington, is building a beautiful mansion not far from here!
#Left,Text
Really?
#Right,Text
Yes he came into a fortune and it included an estate. They say that he is looking to marry soon and start a family.
#Left,Text
Well well! You certainly are remarkably well informed, ladies.
#Right,Text
We certainly are. That funny Bleakley chap seems to have left the county, too.
#Right,Text
Rumour has it that Worthington challenged him to a duel! An affair of honour!
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,16,End
#Left,Papa
#Right,Uncle,mirror
#Right,Text
I've had some news about Edward - from Bleakley of all people.
#Left,Text
Solid chap Bleakley.
#Right,Text
Dear brother-in-law, you are too generous. Bleakley has disappeared, claiming to have helped Edward.
#Right,Text
But Charlotte says he was in fact entangled in Edward's gaming debts. 
#Right,Text
And the incomparable Lady Fleetwood tells me there are rumours that Worthington ran Bleakley off.
#Left,Text
Worthington? Never heard of him.
Is it time for luncheon yet? I can't tell since I lost that blasted watch.
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,17,Start
#Left,Papa
#Right,Edward
#Left,Text
What's all this balderdash about Bleakley and gambling then son? Explain!
#Right,text
I was a fool father. I kept losing and Bleakley either won, or bought my debts from others. 
#Left,Text
Irresponsible boy!
#Right,text
Forgive me father. Bleakley wanted to make us poorer so that Bella would have no fortune. And I let him.
#Left,Text
Well - maybe I was wrong about Bleakley. 
Who is this Worthington fellow?
#Right,text
A gentleman, and our new neighbour. He seems to like Bella rather well.
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,17,End
#Left,Papa
#Right,Mama
#Right,Text
Bella is having a ball!
#Left,Text
What? Here?
#Right,Text
At the house dear! - she has invited an Earl! He is dashing, charming, and ludicrously wealthy! Do come and prepare.
#Left,Text
Prepare what? Without sinking to highway robbery I cannot countenance such extravagance!
#Right,none
#Right,Godmother,mirror
#Right,Text
Don't worry, George and I have everything in order. Come along and enjoy it - there's an excellent buffet.
#Left,Text
Harrumph. I see I am outflanked and outnumbered. 
Very well. 
#Left,Text
Did you mention a buffet, Lady Fleetwood?
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,18,Start
#Left,Bella,mirror
#Right,Mama
#Left,Text
Thank you for understanding that I simply had to hold this ball, once I had invited Henry Worthington.
#Left,Text
I must beg even more favours as I ride to Lord Worthington's garden. Can you make the final preparations before the ball?
#Right,Text
Go to your rendezvous, Bella. I'm sure that we are equal to the task. 
#Right,Text
But return quickly with this celebrated bachelor - I want to meet him for myself!
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,18,End
#Left,Papa
#Right,Edward
#Left,Text
Well the ball is going ahead, now Bella is nowhere to be found. Confound the girl!
#Right,Text
I rode over with her to Worthington's estate - he invited her to see his exquisite new gardens.
#Right,none
#Right,Charlotte
#Right,Text
She is in love with him, you know Papa.
He will be a better neighbour than Bleakley ever was.
#Left,Text
Well, well. I was taken in just like Edward when it came to Bleakley it seems.
#Left,Text
Let's hope this Worthington comes up trumps shall we?
#Right,Text
I hope that I can have a ball, too, when I'm older Papa?
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,19,Start
#Right,Bella
#Left,Henry,mirror
#Left,Text
Do you like my gardens Bella? I hope that they will complement the house, when it is complete.
#Right,Text
They are wonderful. I feel so alive here. And I know these hills so well.
#Left,Text
I hope you will often be here with me. 
I want this place to be a delightful haven for my family for generations. 
#Left,Text
As we become better acquainted, I believe my instincts were true that first night we danced - we are meant for each other.
#Right,Text
Henry, I have never been happier than when I am with you.
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,19,End
#Right,Bella
#Left,Henry,mirror
#Left,Text
The carriage is ready - shall we go to your ball?
#Right,Text
Only if you promise me every dance.
#Left,Text
I promise.
#Right,none
#Left,none

#Chapter,20,Start
#Right,Bella
#Left,Henry,mirror
#Left,Text
What a delightful occasion. Your family is charming, and the music is wonderful.
#Right,Text
I'm glad you approve - it has always been a dream of mine to hold a ball at home. I think I should like to hold many more.
#Left,Text
I must give this watch to your father and introduce myself. And then we can dance!
#Right,none
#Left,none
#Chapter,20,End
#Left,Godmother
#Right,uncle,mirror
#Right,Text
My dear friends and family, we have an announcement!
#Left,Text
George and I are to be married! 
#Right,Text
You see Bella, I told you that love was just around the corner.
#Right,Text
And this really is the most splendid ball I've attended in years.
#Right,none
#Left,none
#End File
