Emma: So today, I have noticed some things. The sky is bluer, the sun is shinier and the world is even brighter than before. That's what happens the day after a storm and as difficult as it was, I have weathered my own. I have bundled up, asked myself the tough questions, grappled with personal lessons and, well, you that old saying, 'Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger'? I am Emma Woodhouse, and now I am unstoppable. 

[Intro music plays]

Emma: Helping my sister Izzy work through her problems with John reminded me of something very important that I almost forgot. I have a gift, and it is my duty to share it with the world. I have been put on this planet to make people's lives better, and that is what I do. To stumble is human, but to recover and run at full speed, now that's heroic.

[Intercom buzzes]

Harriet: Oh, hi Emma! I took some time this morning to look up some prospective new clients.

Emma: There you go! Way to take the initiative. I want all the clients. We need to push that pedal to the floor. Let's throw a party. 

Harriet: A party? Now?

Emma: More like an intimate gathering. High quality attendees, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, you know.

Harriet: I think so.

Emma: We can invite all those prospective clients and any others you find. It will be the perfect opportunity for me to introduce myself to the people that need me. 

Harriet: That's a great idea! Do we want an open bar?

Emma: Obviously! Nothing like a little social lubricant to get people to reveal personal problems, and that's where we come in. Harriet, find a place that can host us.

Harriet: Absolutely!

[Intercom off]

Emma: Hello.

Alex: I couldn't help but overhear.

Emma: You can never help but overhear.

Alex: A party?

Emma: More like an intimate gathering. 

Alex: With an open bar?

Emma: And hors d'oeuvres! We aren't savages.

Alex: That sounds expensive. Who's paying for this?

Emma: We are! It's the perfect environment to get new clients, and we can celebrate our most recent client victory.

Alex: You did a good job with Izzy and John, but they're not clients, they are our siblings.

Emma: Hence the celebration! Family love.

Alex: And love is all they need. We, on the other hand, shouldn't be spending money that we don't have.

Emma: Money follows success.

Alex: Have you ever even looked at our Q4 profits and losses?

Emma: Yeah, they look great. Lots of numbers mean lots of money.

Alex: Lots of numbers may mean lots of money, but in our case it means lots of money being spent.

Emma: It shows we're bold and fearless.

Alex: And a company that hemorrhages finances.

Emma: Ugh, such a downer. OK, Mr Knightley, I see what you want me to do. 

Alex: You do?

Emma: It's not going to be as appealing to our guests, but I'll have Harriet make it a cash bar. 

Alex: Emma?

Emma: Yes?

Alex: I need you to make someone's life better. A friend.

Emma: Really? I'd love to. 

Alex: I need you to meet with Maddy Bates.

Emma: [laughs] Oh my god, you're serious. I'm already on her email list of daily inspirational quotes, how much better of a friend could I possibly be?

Alex: Despite what you think, she actually has a lot of useful information to share. 

Emma: Uh, about homemade jams, maybe.

Alex: She's actually really good with the numbers.

Emma: And that's why you're here, to share numbers with her. Didn't you meet with her last week?

Alex: Yes, and we were going over our company's expenses for the fourth quarter, and she had some really innovative ideas on how we could become more efficient.

Emma: Wow, is it me, or did it just get really boring in here?

Alex: Emma, I think you... 

Emma: Look, you: business, me: creative. Don't blur the boundaries! Division of labor works. You remember the industrial revolution.

Alex: Do you even know the bad things that happened because of the industrial revolution? I... you know, forget it. Maddy's business is going through a bit of a... slow period right now.

Emma: OK, and...?

Alex: And she's depressed about it. And it doesn't help that you keep cancelling on her lunches. I think a chat with you would really cheer her up.

Emma: Alex Knightley, look at you trying to help people! I must be rubbing off on you.

Alex: Well, you do set a pretty strong example.

Emma: Hm. So you want me to meet with Maddy and make her life better? 

Alex: Yeah, just listen to her, and hear what she has to say. 

Emma: Oh, I see your game, Alex Knightley!

Alex: Game, what game? There's no game.

Emma: You want me to listen to Maddy so that I will learn how to be more financially responsible. Why do you even try?

Alex: I'll admit that that would be an added bonus, but she really does need the help.

Emma: Look, if this is about her business, that's your department.

Alex: I might know the business, but you are the one that helps people. 

Emma: See, isn't it better when we stick to what we're good at? Maximize efficiency and division of labor, industrial revolution!

Alex: So you'll do it?

Emma: Yes. And then we'll throw our party?

Alex: Fine. But one more thing. You know Maddy, she doesn't like to ask for help.

Emma: Of course. You know it's my specialty to help people who can't ask for it. That is, if you're sure she needs it?

Alex: I am. So we good?

Emma: She won't even know I'm helping.

Alex: Good.

[Outro music plays]