Professional Documents
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Episode 2
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I. Mr Collins
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, DINING ROOM - DAY]
[The Bennet family dines together.]
MR BENNET: I hope, my dear, you have ordered a good dinner today because I have
reason to expect an addition to our family party.
MRS BENNET: Mr Bingley! Why, Jane, you sly thing. You never dropped a word.
MRS BENNET: Oh, and not a bit of fish to be got, oh, Lord. Lydia, my love, ring the bell. I
must speak to Hill directly.
[Lydia stops.]
[Lydia, Kitty, and Mrs Bennet giggle. Mr Bennet looks at them sternly and Lydia sits
down.]
MR BENNET: About a month ago I received this letter. And about a fortnight ago, I
answered it, for I thought it was a case of some delicacy and requiring early attention.
[Elizabeth smiles.]
1/30
MR BENNET: It is from my cousin, Mr Collins, who when I am dead may turn you all out
of this house as soon as he pleases.
MRS BENNET: Oh, my dear, pray, don't mention that odious man. I think it the hardest
thing in the world that your estate should be entailed away from your own poor children.
MR BENNET: Indeed, my dear, nothing can clear Mr Collins of the iniquitous crime of
inheriting Longbourn, but if you will listen to his letter, you may be softened by his
manner of expressing himself.
MR BENNET: "My dear sir, the disagreements subsisting between yourself and my late
honoured father always gave me much uneasiness; and since I have had the misfortune to
lose him…"
MR BENNET: "… to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breech." There, Mrs
Bennet. "My mind, however, now is made up on the subject…"
--
[EXT. ROSINGS CHURCH - DAY]
[Mr Bennet's voice fades into Mr Collins's voice as the scene changes to parishioners
exiting a church.]
MR COLLINS: "whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory at
Hunsford, where it is my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect
towards her ladyship. As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and
establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on
these grounds, I flatter myself, that my present overtures of good will are highly
commendable, and will not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. I am, sir, keenly
conscious of being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and assure you of my
readiness to make them every possible amends. I propose myself the satisfaction of
waiting on you and your family on Monday, the eighteenth…"
--
[EXT. HUNSFORD - DAY]
[Mr Collin's modest equipage takes off and he almost loses his seat.]
MR COLLINS: Have a care, Dawkins. "…and shall probably trespass on your hospitality
till the Saturday sevenight following. I shall travel as far as the turnpike in my own
modest equipage, where I hope to catch the Bromley post at thirty-five minutes past ten,
2/30
and thence to Watford. From whence I shall engage a hired carriage to transport me to
Longbourn, where, God willing, you may expect me by four in the afternoon."
--
[EXT. LONGBOURN - DAY]
[Mr Collin's carriage approaches Longbourn and the family comes out to greet him.]
MRS BENNET: Well, if he's disposed to make our girls any amends, I shan't be the person
to discourage him.
MR BENNET: Oh, I think not, my dear. Indeed, I have great hopes of finding him quite
the reverse.
[Mr Collins smiles and gets out. Elizabeth and Jane suppress their laughter as he steps
down.]
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, DINING ROOM - EVENING]
[The Bennets and Mr Collins sit down to dinner.]
MR COLLINS: Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Indeed, I am, sir. I have been treated with such
affability, such condescension, as I would never have dared to hope for. I have been
invited twice to dine at Rosings Park.
MR COLLINS: The garden, in which stands my humble abode, is separated only by a lane
from Rosings Park.
3/30
[Elizabeth puts down her spoon, which she was about to sip from, to hold in her laugher.]
MRS BENNET: I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?
MR COLLINS: Oh, she has one daughter, Ma'am, the heiress of Rosings, and of very
extensive property.
[Elizabeth puts her napkin too her mouth to hide her silent laughter. Lydia groans.]
MR BENNET: It is fortunate for you, Mr Collins, that you possess such an extraordinary
talent for flattering with delicacy. May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed
from the impulse of the moment, or are they the result of previous study?
MR COLLINS: They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, sir. I do, sometimes,
amuse myself by writing down and arranging such little compliments as may be adapted
to ordinary occasions. But I try to give them as unstudied an air as possible.
[Mr Collins smiles warmly at Jane, Mrs Bennet notices, and Jane avoids his gaze by
looking down and drinking her water.]
--
[EXT. LONGBOURN, PARK - DAY]
[Lydia and Kitty giggle as they play horseshoes. Mary walks as she reads a book. Jane and
Elizabeth talk as they stroll together. Mr Collins walks with Mrs Bennet.]
MR COLLINS: I must confess myself quite overwhelmed with the charms of your
daughters, Mrs Bennet.
MRS BENNET: Oh, you are very kind, sir. They are sweet girls, though I say it myself.
MRS BENNET: Ah, yes, Jane is admired wherever she goes. But I think I should tell you,
Mr Collins, I think it very likely she will be very soon engaged.
MR COLLINS: Ah.
4/30
MRS BENNET: As for my younger daughters, now, if any of them…in their case I know of
no prior attachment at all.
MR COLLINS: Ah.
[Mr Collins scans from Kitty to Lydia, who are giggling and playing, to Mary, who is
reading a book, to Jane and Elizabeth, who are lovely and laughing.]
LYDIA: We're all going to Meryton, Mamma, to see if Denny is returned from town.
MRS BENNET: Perhaps you would care for a little exercise, Mr Collins.
LYDIA: Ugh.
MR COLLINS: Would you do me the great honour of walking with me into town?
--
[EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY]
[The Bennet girls and Mr Collins walk across a bridge into Meryton. Mr Collins is
panting.]
MR COLLINS: You visit your Aunt Philips in Meryton frequently I understand, cousin?
ELIZABETH: Yes, she is very fond of company, but I'm afraid you'll find her gatherings
poor affairs after the splendours of Rosings Park.
MR COLLINS: Oh, no, I think not. I believe I possess the happy knack, much to be desired
in a clergyman, of adapting myself to every kind of society whether high or low.
MR COLLINS: Yes, indeed, and though it is a gift of nature, constant study has enabled
me, I flatter myself, to, to make a kind of art of it.
--
[EXT. MERYTON - DAY]
KITTY: There! I'm sure that is new in since Friday. Isn't it nice? Do you think I'd look well
in it?
5/30
[Lydia tries to take Kitty's hand and lead her away, but Kitty resists.]
KITTY: No, I shan't! Jane, come here. Look at this. Jane, I am determined to have this
bonnet.
KITTY: Where?
LYDIA: Denny!
JANE: Lydia!
[Lydia and Kitty wave, and Denny crosses the street with his friend.]
[Denny solutes.]
LT. DENNY: There was nothing amusing enough to hold us there. Allow me to introduce
you to my good friend, George Wickham.
[Wickham takes off his hat and bows. Denny points to the ladies in turn and the ladies
curtsy.]
LT. DENNY: Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine
Bennet, and, er, Miss Lydia Bennet.
6/30
MR WICKHAM: Er, all winter, I'm happy to say. I've taken a commission in Colonel
Forster's regiment.
LT. DENNY: And lend them much distinction, I daresay. Out swagger us all, eh,
Wickham?
LYDIA: Shall you come with us to our Aunt Philips this evening, Mr Wickham?
LYDIA: It's only supper and cards, but we shall have some laughs.
MR WICKHAM: I am afraid I have not been invited by Mr. and Mrs Philips.
MR WICKHAM: Well, if Mrs Philips extended the invitation to include me…I should be
delighted.
MR BINGLEY: How very fortunate! Do you know we were just on our way to Longbourn
to ask after your health?
[Elizabeth looks up at Darcy, who is about to dismount. Wickham turns to look at him and
Darcy stops.]
JANE: You are very kind sir. I am quite recovered, as you see.
JANE: I hope you are still willing come and have tea with us.
JANE: Aye, and then you may come with us to our Aunt Philips's.
7/30
***
MR COLLINS: …at Longbourn has afforded me with such a variety of social intercourse.
[Mr Collins stands in a group with Mrs Philips, Jane, and Elizabeth.]
MR COLLINS: And what a charming apartment you have here, Mrs Philips.
MRS PHILIPS: Does it indeed, sir? I am much obliged to you, I'm sure.
MR COLLINS: Oh, indeed, it is. Oh, my dear Madam, if you thought that I intended any
slight on your excellent, and very comfortable arrangement, I am mortified.
MR COLLINS: The chimneypiece in the second drawing room, alone, cost eight hundred
pounds.
MRS PHILIPS: Now, I see, it's clear there's no offence at all. Will you oblige me and sit
down to a game of whist?
MR COLLINS: I must confess, I know little of the game, Madam. But I shall be glad to
improve myself, if my fair cousin will consent to release me.
8/30
[Elizabeth smiles condescendingly at Mr Collins.]
[Mr Collins and Mrs Philips smile and leave. Elizabeth raises her eyebrows to Jane, and
they both chuckle inwardly. Mr Collins places a card down at the gaming table, the other
gentleman smiles.]
MR COLLINS: Ah.
[Lydia, Kitty, and Mrs Forster are playing cards with a bunch of officers. Mr Wickham
steps slowly away and sits next to Elizabeth.]
MR WICKHAM: I must confess, I thought I should never escape your younger sisters.
MR WICKHAM: But they're pleasant girls. Indeed, I find that society in Hertfordshire
quite exceeds my expectations. I don't see Mr Bingley and his friends here this evening.
ELIZABETH: I think some of Mr Bingley's friends would consider it beneath their dignity.
[Wickham nods.]
[Elizabeth is confused.]
ELIZABETH: B--but…
MR WICKHAM: Yes, you are surprised. Perhaps, you might have noticed the cold manner
of our greeting?
ELIZABETH: As much as I ever wish to be. I've spent three days in the same house with
him, and I find him very disagreeable.
9/30
MR WICKHAM: I fear there are few who would share that opinion…except myself.
ELIZABETH: But he is not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his
pride.
ELIZABETH: I do not know, but hope his being in the neighbourhood will not affect your
plans to stay.
[Elizabeth is distressed.]
MR WICKHAM: And so, you see, I have to make my own way in the world.
ELIZABETH: This is quite shocking. I had not thought Mr Darcy as bad as this. To
descend to such malicious revenge, he deserves to be publicly disgraced.
MR WICKHAM: Someday he will be, but not by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never
defy or expose him.
ELIZABETH: I wonder at the pride of this man. How abominable. You are more
temperate than I should be in your situation.
MR WICKHAM: Well, I have not the resentful temper that some men have. And my
situation, you know, is not so bad. At present, I have every cause for cheer. I can't bear to
be idle, and my new profession gives me active employment. My fellow officers are
excellent men, and now I find myself in a society as agreeable as any I have ever known.
[Elizabeth smiles.]
MR WICKHAM: You see, I absolutely forbid you to feel sorry for me.
[Lydia approaches.]
LYDIA: Lizzy? Lizzy, why should you feel sorry for Mr Wickham?
MR WICKHAM: Why? Because…because I have not had a dance these three months
together.
10/30
LYDIA: Oh, poor Mr Wickham! Why, you shall have one now. Mary! Mary, "The Barley
Mow."
[New music starts up and Elizabeth smiles as Lydia and Wickham and another couple
begin to dance.]
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, JANE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT]
[Jane and Elizabeth are in their nightgowns. Elizabeth sits on the bed, and Jane gets up
from a chair.]
JANE: I cannot believe it, Lizzy. Mr Darcy would have far too high a respect for his
father's wishes to behave in such an un-Christian way. And, Lizzy, consider, how could his
most intimate friends be so deceived in him?
ELIZABETH: I could more easily imagine Mr Bingley being imposed upon, than to think
that Mr Wickham could invent such a history.
ELIZABETH: I confess I do like him. I do not see how anyone could not like him. There is
something very open and artless in his manner. He feels deeply, I believe, and yet has a
natural merriment and energy, despite all this. Yes, Jane, I confess I like him very much.
JANE: But, after so short an acquaintance, do you think we should believe in him so
implicitly?
ELIZABETH: How could he be doubted? He gave me all the circumstances, Jane; names,
facts, and everything without ceremony. If it isn't so, let Mr Darcy contradict it. Besides,
there was truth in all his looks.
JANE: It is difficult, indeed. It is distressing. One does not know what to think.
***
MRS BENNET: Oh, girls, girls! We have all been invited to a ball at Netherfield!
11/30
KITTY: And so do I!
MRS BENNET: Oh, this will be a compliment to you, Jane, you know. The invitation
includes you, Mr Collins.
ELIZABETH: But shall you accept, sir? Would it be entirely proper? Would your bishop
approve?
MR COLLINS: Your scruples do you credit, my dear cousin. But I am of the opinion that a
ball of this kind, given by a man of good character to respectable people, can have no evil
tendency. And I am so far from objecting to dancing myself...
MR COLLINS: That I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins
during the course of the evening. And I take this opportunity of soliciting yours…
MR COLLINS: La la da da da da da da.
--
[EXT. LONGBOURN, PARK - DAY]
[Denny and another officer push a laughing Kitty and Lydia on a two-person swing, and
Mr Collins walks with Elizabeth and Wickham.]
MR COLLINS: And I daresay you will be able to imagine the scope of the whole, Mr
Wickham, when I tell you that the chimneypiece, alone, in the second drawing room cost
all of eight hundred pounds.
MR WICKHAM: Eight hundred pounds, sir. I hazard a guess it must be a very large one.
MR COLLINS: Oh…
JANE: Mr Collins! How fortunate. I must claim you for my sister, Mary. She has found a
passage in Fordyce's Sermons that she cannot make out at all.
12/30
JANE: I believe it is of great doctrinal import, sir.
JANE: You are very kind, sir. She is in the drawing room.
ELIZABETH: And there is plenty to be had of it, I assure you. Have you made Mr
Bingley's acquaintance yet?
MR WICKHAM: No, but I am already disposed to approve of him. He's issued a general
invitation to the officers for his ball at Netherfield, which has caused great joy in more
than one quarter.
MR WICKHAM: Probably not. Mr Darcy can please what he chooses, if he thinks it's
worth his while. Among his equals in wealth and consequence, he can be liberal-minded…
honourable…even agreeable.
[Elizabeth and Wickham see Kitty and Lydia still on the swing, but Elizabeth stops and
turns to him.]
MR WICKHAM: Well, I wish I could call her amiable. As a child, she was affectionate an
pleasing, and extremely fond of me. And I have devoted hours to her amusement, but she
has grown too much like her brother, very…very proud. I never see her now. Since her
father's death, her home has been in London. She is but sixteen years old. Your sister
Lydia's age.
13/30
[Elizabeth and Wickham watch Lydia and Kitty laughing on the swing. Kitty jumps off
towards the officer in front of them. Wickham and Elizabeth chuckle and turn back to the
house.]
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, ELIZABETH'S ROOM/CORRIDOR - EVENING]
[Mrs Bennet enters Elizabeth's room. Elizabeth has a maid helping her get ready for the
ball.]
MRS BENNET: You'll never be as pretty as your sister, Jane, but I will say you look very
well, indeed.
MRS BENNET: And I hope you will pay Mr Collins every courtesy tonight, because he has
been very attentive to you.
[Lydia exits their room in her petticoat with a gown in her arms.]
MRS BENNET: Lydia, child, what are you doing?! Go back in your room and dress
yourself!
[Mrs Bennet and Lydia go separate ways. Lydia enters Elizabeth's room.]
14/30
LYDIA: Lizzy, Lizzy look.
LYDIA: What do you think? Kitty says not, but I think it becomes me very well.
LYDIA: Lizzy, I hope that you'll not keep Wickham to yourself all night. Kitty and I want
to dance with him as well, you know.
ELIZABETH: I promise I shall not. Even if I wished to, I could not. I have to dance at least
the first two with Mr Collins.
[Mr Collins hums as he exits a room, but sees Lydia in her under dress. He is unsettled,
and Lydia covers herself with her gown, giggling furiously, as they try to pass each other
in the corridor. Mr Collins puts his hand to the side of his face to cover his eyes, and Lydia
giggles and runs to her room. Mr Collins regains his composure for a moment as he
descends the stairs, but Kitty and Lydia burst out in giggles. He stops and pulls himself
together again before going down the rest of the stairs.]
***
[Collins helps Elizabeth, who hops out, followed by a more graceful Jane. They walk up a
few steps, and Elizabeth sees Mr Darcy in an upper window. Darcy looks away.]
--
[INT. NETHERFIELD, FRONT HALL - EVENING]
[Jane and Elizabeth enter with smiles. Servants help them remove their cloaks and they
step into the host reception queue.]
15/30
MISS BINGLEY: Oh, my dear Jane, how delightful to see you. And so well recovered.
MISS BINGLEY: Louisa and I have been quite desolate without you, haven't we? Mr
Hurst?
MR HURST: What?
MISS BINGLEY: Oh, Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet, quite delighted. Ah, and all your daughters.
[Mr Bingley, who already has Jane's arm, offers his other arm to Elizabeth.]
--
[INT. NETHERFIELD, BALLROOM - EVENING]
[Bingley enters with the eldest Bennet sisters. The musicians are already playing.]
16/30
[The officers bow. Elizabeth looks around the ballroom. Darcy notices Elizabeth and turns
to gaze at her. She keeps searching and smiles as she catches Lt. Denny's eye. Denny
approaches and bows to Elizabeth. All three bow back, and Jane and Bingley leave
Elizabeth.]
LT. DENNY: Miss Bennet, you look quite remarkably well this evening.
LT. DENNY: I am instructed to convey to you, Miss Bennet, my friend Wickham's most
particular regrets that he's been prevented from attending the ball. He's been obliged to
go to town on the matter of urgent business, though I don't imagine it would have been so
urgent if he'd not wished to avoid a certain gentleman.
[Denny motions by looking over his shoulder at Darcy. Elizabeth follows his gaze. Darcy
looks upset and moves. Lydia and Kitty run up to Denny with another officer.]
LT. CHAMBERLAYNE: Forgive the intrusion, Ma'am. I would dance with both your sister
at once if I could, but as it is…
[Lydia grabs Denny's arm and drags him away. Kitty takes Denny's other arm as he leaves,
and then grabs Lt. Chamberlayne's arm and drags him away as he's trying politely bow a
farewell to Elizabeth. Elizabeth looks around, bored, until she spots Charlotte. Elizabeth
smiles and they walk towards each other.]
ELIZABETH: Charlotte
MR COLLINS: Ahem.
[Charlotte curtsies.]
MR COLLINS: Miss Lucas, I am, indeed, honoured to meet any friend on my fair cousin's.
So many agreeable young ladies. I'm quite enraptured.
17/30
[The music starts. Mr Collins takes Elizabeth's hand and she gives Charlotte an "Oh, great,
here we go" look. Elizabeth and Mr Collins step into the dance lines and bow to each
other. The dance begins and Mr Collins hops like a duck. The ladies dance next and he
admires Elizabeth as she moves around gracefully. Mr Collins makes a wrong turn.]
[Mr Collins runs into a lady and tries to get back into the dance.]
[Darcy witnesses the embarrassing moment and smiles in amusement as Elizabeth and
Mr Collins continue dancing. Elizabeth sees his smirk and turns her face away. Darcy
follows them down the line, watching the dance.]
--
[INT. NETHERFIELD, BALLROOM - EVENING]
[Dancing continues as Elizabeth gossips with Charlotte.]
ELIZABETH: Charlotte, how could it be otherwise? Every circumstance confirms it, and
Mr Darcy has boasted to me himself of his resentful, implacable--
CHARLOTTE: Lizzy!
ELIZABETH: What?
[Charlotte and Elizabeth turn towards him. Darcy bows, they curtsy.]
MR DARCY: If you're not otherwise engaged, would you do me the honour of dancing the
next with me, Miss Bennet?
[Darcy bows and leaves. Elizabeth turns away and stamps her foot.]
ELIZABETH: Why could I not think of an excuse? Hateful man. I promised myself I
would never dance with him.
18/30
CHARLOTTE: Well, he pays you a great compliment in singling you out, Lizzy. Think
what you're doing. You'd be a simpleton, indeed, if you let your fancy for Wickham lead
you to slight a man of…ten times his consequence.
[The song ends, and Elizabeth goes to take her place in the next dance. The dancers bow
and curtsy to their partners. Elizabeth and Darcy dance for a while without talking. They
hold hands and turn clockwise around each other, then counter clockwise.]
ELIZABETH: I believe we must have some conversation, Mr Darcy. A very little will
suffice.
[Darcy and Elizabeth loop around another couple and cross in front of one another.]
ELIZABETH: Yes, sometimes it is best. Then we may enjoy the advantage of saying as
little as possible.
[The men and women return to the two lines. Darcy and Elizabeth turn clockwise with
each other then counter clockwise, holding hands.]
MR DARCY: Do you consult your own feelings in this case, or seek to gratify mine?
MR DARCY: This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I'm sure.
[Loop couple. Repeat dance. Back to the lines and turn clockwise with each other then
counter clockwise, holding hands.]
19/30
ELIZABETH: Yes, quite often.
ELIZABETH: When you met us, the other day, we had just been forming a new
acquaintance.
MR DARCY: Mr Wickham has the happy manners that enable him to make friends.
[Cross, loop; hold hands and turn clockwise with each other, then counter clockwise.]
ELIZABETH: He has been unlucky as to lose your friendship in a way he is likely to suffer
from all his life.
[Darcy and Elizabeth are on the end of their dance lines when Sir William approaches
Darcy.]
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS: Allow me to congratulate you, sir. Such superior dancing is rarely
to be seen. I'm sure you know your fair partner is well worthy of you. I hope to have this
pleasure often repeated. Especially when a certain desirable event takes place.
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS: Eh, Miss. Lizzy? Hmm? What congratulations will then flow in?
SIR WILLIAM LUCAS: Nay, Nay, I understand. I'll not detain you one moment longer
from your bewitching partner, sir. A pleasure, sir! Capital, capital!
[Sir William claps his hands. Darcy and Elizabeth begin the dance again. Hold hands, turn
clockwise with each other, then counter clockwise.]
ELIZABETH: I remember hearing you once say that you hardly ever forgave; that your
resentment, once created, was implacable. You are very careful, are you not, in allowing
your resentment to be created?
MR DARCY: I am.
20/30
[Stand in lines as other couples loop and cross.]
[Hold hands, turn clockwise with each other, then counter clockwise.]
ELIZABETH: I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as to puzzle me
exceedingly.
[Loop couple. Forward and backward step lines on the outside. The dancers return to
starting positions and bow and curtsy as the song ends. The dance couples hold hands and
Darcy leads Elizabeth off of the dance floor.]
MR DARCY: I wish, Miss Bennet, that you would not attempt to sketch my character at
the present moment. [Mr Darcy lets go of her hand.] I fear the performance would reflect
no credit on either of us.
[Mr Bennet is talking to Sir William in the background; Mrs Bennet is sitting in a chair
listening in to Elizabeth and Darcy's conversation.]
ELIZABETH: But if I don't take your likeness now, I may never have another
opportunity.
V. Dinner Music
MISS BINGLEY: So, Miss Eliza, I hear you're quite delighted with George Wickham. No
doubt he forgot to tell you, among his other communications, that he is merely the son of
old Wickham, the late Mr Darcy's steward.
MISS BINGLEY: But Eliza, as a friend, let me recommend you not to give credit to all his
assertions. Wickham treated Darcy in an infamous manner.
21/30
MISS BINGLEY: Don't remember the particulars, but I do know that Mr Darcy was not in
the least to blame. I pity you, Eliza, for the discovery of your favourite's guilt; but, really,
considering his descent, one could not expect much better.
ELIZABETH: His guilt and his descent appear, by your account, to be the same. I've heard
you accuse him of being nothing worse than the son of Mr Darcy's steward, and he
informed me of that himself.
MISS BINGLEY: Beg your pardon. Excuse my interference. It was kindly meant.
[Miss Bingley walks away from Elizabeth, offended. Elizabeth sighs and heads for the
punch bowl. Jane notices and follows Elizabeth.]
JANE: Lizzy.
ELIZABETH: I see nothing in her paltry attack but her own wilful ignorance in a man as
Mr Darcy.
JANE: Yes, but Lizzy. Mr Bingley did say that, though he does not know the whole of the
history, he fears that Mr Wickham is by no means a respectable young man.
ELIZABETH: Oh, well, then he has had his account from Mr Darcy! I've not the least
doubt Mr Bingley's sincerity. Of course he would believe his friend, and it does him credit;
but as to the other two gentlemen...
MR BINGLEY: Shall we not have some music? I have a great desire for a song.
[Miss Bingley rises from her chair, but Mary rushes past and sits down at the piano.]
MR BINGLEY: Oh, Miss. Mary Bennet, I see you have anticipated me.
[Mary begins with poor playing skills, followed by even poorer singing.]
[At this Miss Bingley walks stiffly and slowly across the room, beckoning her sister with
her eyes to join her. Mr Hurst pours himself some more spirits.]
22/30
MARY: ♫ Green bows wi—i--il cover thee. ♫
[Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst whisper to each other, offended. Bingley and Darcy give
sidelong looks at Mary and her horrible skill.]
MARY: ♫ Come as, breathe over for thee, where thou art late. ♫
[Mr Bennet puts his head in his hand while Mrs Bennet rocks from side to side, mouthing
the words and enjoying the song, oblivious to its painful sound. Mary repeats the verses.]
[Mr Collins keeps nodding. Mr Darcy walks past Jane and Elizabeth to join Bingley's
sisters, and makes some remark to them.]
MARY: ♫ Oh gentle maid. Green bows will cover thee. Come as, breathe over me... ♫
23/30
[Mary finishes, quite pleased with herself, and the group claps politely. Mary starts a new
song.]
MR BENNET: You do extremely well, child. You've delighted us long enough. Let the
other young ladies have time to exhibit.
[Mr Bennet gives a wry smile. Elizabeth is upset, and Mary sadly takes off her glasses and
brings her music with her. Conversation begins again.]
[Miss Bingley gives Mrs Hurst a "do something!" look, and Mrs Hurst rushes to the piano
to get there before Mr Collins.]
[Mrs Hurst sits at the piano and begins playing rapidly. Mrs Bennet talks to the Lucases
with her mouth full, loud enough for the whole room to hear.]
MRS BENNET: Mr Collins is such a sensible, respectable young man, and he's taken quite
a fancy to Lizzy...
MRS BENNET: And I don't think he could find a better wife. He favoured Jane at first...
MRS BENNET: Now there will be a great marriage. And, of course, that will throw the
girls into the path of other rich men.
OFFICER: Lydia!
24/30
[Lydia giggles as she enters with a stolen sword and two officers chasing her. Kitty is close
behind.]
[Lydia and the officer bump into Elizabeth, who tries not to spill her drink. The officer
retrieves his sword from Lydia and she collapses ungracefully into a chair.]
LYDIA: Lord! Denny, fetch me a glass of wine. I can scarce draw breath, I'm so fat!
[Elizabeth heaves a horrified sigh, and closes her eyes from the humiliation. Mrs Hurst
finishes her song, pleased with her own playing.]
***
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, DINING ROOM - DAY]
[Kitty and Elizabeth enter. Elizabeth has a vase of flowers.]
KITTY: And Chamberlayne did, and then Denny again. And Lydia'd already danced with
him twice. I thought Mary sang very ill.
KITTY: More for her I say. Mr Collins trod on my frock and tore it, you know.
MRS BENNET: Lizzy, my dear! Hehe, oh, Mr Collins, I'm sure there can be no objection.
Haha.
MRS BENNET: Come, Kitty, I want you upstairs. Mr Collins has something to say to
Lizzy.
ELIZABETH: Dear Mamma, don't go. Mr Collins must excuse me; he can have nothing to
say that anyone could not hear.
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MRS BENNET: Lizzy, I insist that you stay where you are and hear Mr Collins. Come,
Kitty.
[Mrs Bennet chuckles as she closes the door, and pauses to listen before leaving. Elizabeth
moves away from Collins as he steps forward. She fiddles with the vase.]
MR COLLINS: Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty adds to your other
perfections. But you can hardly doubt the object of my discourse, however your feminine
delicacy may lead you to dissemble. For, as almost as soon as I entered the house, I
singled you out as the companion of my future life.
MR COLLINS: But before I am run away by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would
be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying.
ELIZABETH: Mr Collins…
MR COLLINS: Hm.
MR COLLINS: My reasons for marrying are - first, that I think it a right thing for every
clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it
will add very greatly to my happiness. And thirdly, which perhaps I should have
mentioned first, [Elizabeth chuckles silently and shakes her head.] that it is the particular
recommendation of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. "Mr Collins," she
said, "you must marry. Choose properly," she said, "Choose a gentle woman, for my sake;
and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up too high. Find
such a woman as soon as you can. Bring her to Hunsford and I will visit her." And your
wit, and vivacity, I think, must be acceptable to her when tempered with the silence and
respect, which her rank will inevitably excite. Heh, yes, but so much for my general
intention in favour of matrimony, now as to my particular choice. My dear cousin, being
as I am to inherit all this estate after the death of your father, I could not satisfy myself,
without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters. And now, nothing remains
[Mr Collins gets down on his knee in front of her.] but to assure you in the most animated
language, of the violence of my affections.
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ELIZABETH: You are too hasty, sir. You forget that I have made no answer, and let me do
so now. I thank you for your compliments.
ELIZABETH: I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for
me to accept them.
MR COLLINS: And, therefore, I shall hope, my dear cousin, to lead you to the altar before
long.
MR COLLINS: My dear Miss Elizabeth, my situation in life, my connection with the noble
family of de Bourgh are circumstances highly in my favour. You should consider that it is
by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to you.
MR COLLINS: You cannot be serious in your rejection. I must attribute it to your wish of
increasing my love by suspense in the usual manner of elegant females.
ELIZABETH: I assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions to the kind of elegance, which
consists in tormenting a respectable man. I thank you for the honour of your proposals,
but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings forbid it in every respect. Can I
speak plainer?
[Elizabeth gives a frustrates sigh, turns on her heal and marches over to the door. She
opens it and marches off.]
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, STUDY - DAY]
[Mrs Bennet enters. Mr Bennet is reading.]
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MRS BENNET: Oh! Mr Bennet. You are wanted immediately. We are all in uproar. You
must come and make Lizzy marry Mr Collins; for she vows she will not have him, and if
you do not make haste, Mr Collins will change his mind, and he will not have her.
MR BENNET: I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?
MRS BENNET: Of Mr Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares, she will not have Mr Collins, and
Mr Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy.
MRS BENNET: Oh, speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her you insist upon her marrying
him.
[Mr Bennet takes of his glasses, and Mrs Bennet goes to open the door.]
[Elizabeth marches in and looks at her father. Mrs Bennet closes the door. Mr Bennet
stands.]
[Mr Bennet and Elizabeth walk over to the wall, and Lizzy folds her arms in front of her.]
MR BENNET: Right, very well. And, er, this offer of marriage you have refused?
ELIZABETH: I have.
MR BENNET: I see. Ahem, right. Well, here we come to the point. Your mother...
MR BENNET: Well, an unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day, you
must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do
not marry Mr Collins, and, er, I will never see you again…if you do.
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MRS BENNET: Oh, Mr Bennet!
[Elizabeth looks at her father. Mr Bennet returns to his chair. Elizabeth clasps her hands
behind her back and raises her eyebrows as Mrs Bennet "cries" and sits in a chair.]
--
[EXT. LONGBOURN - DAY]
[Lydia and Kitty walk out of the house in travelling clothes and purses.]
MRS BENNET: Sit down, Miss. Lizzy! I am sick of what you always do to…
KITTY: Mrs. Collins has made Lizzy an offer, and what do you think? She won't have him.
CHARLOTTE: Then I am very sorry for him, though I couldn't say I'm surprised.
MRS BENNET: …if you do not Miss. Lizzy, I will never speak to you again!
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, DINING ROOM - DAY]
[Elizabeth sits at the table and her mother opens the door to speak to Mr. Collin's who
runs way.]
MR COLLINS: It is too…
--
[EXT. LONGBOURN - DAY]
LYDIA: Aye, do, do. Take him away and feed him, for he has been in high dudgeon all
morning.
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[Kitty and Lydia giggle as they walk away. Charlotte pauses to think before entering the
house.
--
[INT. LONGBOURN, FRONT HALL - DAY]
[Mr Collins put on his travelling clothes as Charlotte waits for him.]
[Mr Collins and Charlotte exit and Mrs Bennet waves at them with her handkerchief.]
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