Anthony Andrews acts with such wonderful affect! Just look at his face when he answers "tell her I love her" at the end! He's putting on the character of Sir Percy as he says it xD
Note the number of times men have promised via the "I give you my word" formula. Armand used it when convincing the Count de Tournay to meet Robespierre. He'll be back that night, you have my word. Now Percy uses it with great effect to Marguerite. Giving one's word in the 18th century was a mark of a culture based on honor. To give one's word was to place your honor on the line. No one gives their word today! It's I'll try, or, let's talk tonight, or whatever. There are no solemn honor-bound commitments. They took honor and duty seriously. Notice also that no men upon meeting ever shake hands. They bow. I noticed a bit of hand-shakes in the John Adams mini-series. But here in formal England, a man bows to another man or woman upon meeting and upon leaving. Note also the smooth movement of Percy (Anthony Andrews) as he rises from the settee. He has that grace becoming an aristocrat of his age. No lounging on a chair like Thomas Jefferson used to, as those who knew him described, and as shown in the Adams mini-series. Interesting historical details.
That's the mistake so many more recent historical productions make: They don't research carefully the manners, mannerisms, social mores, speech, and other details. Either that or they try to "modernize" to suit the tastes of modern audiences. And yes, I wish it were still typical that when someone gives their word, it's a promise with their honor behind it. But then, a lot of people nowadays have very little concept of personal honor.
The hand-shake was introduced in the Americas - as a way to differentiate themselves from the British Aristocracy when they severed ties with the British Crown.
I don't blame her. Percy had been keeping his distance plus keeping up his very best "Percy the nitwit" act ever since their wedding reception. However, thanks to this scene and then going home to find the note he'd written her, she figured it out right away.
A fine adventure, but Jane and Anthony could have done a version with characters of far greater richness and depth then the adventure format gave them. A loss.
