Lady Ashford Quotes in Belle (2013)

Lady Ashford: [to Lady Mansfield] Do you feel I have any lesser need to ensure my child's well being and future than you?

[everybody remains silent]

Lady Ashford: [looks around, then loudly referring to Dido Elizabeth Belle] Does she still have a tongue?

Dido Elizabeth Belle: I have a tongue, madam. Though yours explains well enough why I may not marry your son. You view my circumstances as unfortunate, though I cannot claim even a portion of the misfortune to those whom I most closely resemble. My greatest misfortune would be to marry into a family who would carry me as their shame, as I have been required to carry my own mother - her apparent crime to be born negro, and mine to be the evidence. Since I wish to deny her no more than I wish to deny myself, you will pardon me for wanting a husband who feels forgiveness of my bloodline is both unnecessary and without grace.

Lady Ashford: I had no idea she'd be so black.

Lady Ashford: You will refrain from any intercourse with the negro. Lord and Lady Mansfield may find it fascinating to have a Lady Mulatto running around in their house, but I will not have one running around in mine.

Oliver Ashford: She is an heiress.

Lady Ashford: Although exceptions can be made.

Oliver Ashford: It is said that her father left her a rather vast fortune.

Lady Ashford: I mean to say, if that is your inclination.

Oliver Ashford: She is rather soft on the eye. I have thought no further of it, Mama.

Lady Ashford: Where do you get your information?

Oliver Ashford: Her sister-cousin has a rather fast tongue.