Drama Script assigned to Llenasas

Pride and Prejudice

A novel from England by Jane Austen

Scene 1: The Meryton Assembly Rooms

(Music is heard on the piano, the P&P theme. It rises then fades as
the curtain opens. Elizabeth Bennet c.s. in spot, stage tableau
dancers in shadow surround her.)

Elizabeth: It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man

in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

(Music begins, lights up full on main cast in a lively dance. The

dance showcases the Bennet girls, with various partners, Mrs. Bennet
gossiping and pointing to her girls from the side, Mr. Bennet casually
sipping a drink, ignoring the entertainment. An imposing group enters,
greeted by Sir William - it is Bingley, Darcy, Caroline, and the
Hursts. They are introduced, as Darcy observes the proceedings with
detached indifference. Lady Lucas crosses to Mrs. Bennet with news.
The dance ends with the Bennets congregating around Mr. Bennet. They
are all terribly excited, especially Mrs. Bennet.)

Mrs. Bennet: Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bennet, wonderful news! Netherfield Park
is let at last. It is taken by a single man of large fortune from the
North of England. (Mr. Bennet is disinterested.) His name is Bingley,
and he has 5,000 a year! What a fine thing for our girls!

Mr. Bennet: (finally looking up at her, amused) How so? How can it
affect them?

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr. Bennet! How can you be so tiresome! You must
know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.

Lydia and Kitty: (giggling) I should laugh if he were to choose me!

Mr. Bennet: (shaking his head) So that is his design in settling

here. To marry one of our daughters?

Mrs. Bennet: Design? Oh, how can you talk such nonsense! But he may
very likely fall in love with one of them. And he has come tonight!
So you must introduce us directly.
(She points in the direction of the Bingley party.)
Elizabeth: Mama, please, he will see you.

Mr. Bennet: (rising, with irony) I'll tell you what I will do. I shall
tell Mr. Bingley that I have five daughters and he is welcome to any
of them. They are silly and ignorant like other girls. But then, he
may prefer a stupid wife. There, will that do?

Mrs. Bennet: (holding him back now) No, no, I beg you not to go if...
(She realizes he is teasing) Oh, you take delight in vexing me. You
have no compassion on my poor nerves!

Mr. Bennet: (sitting again) You mistake me, my dear. I have a high
respect for your nerves. They have been my old friends these twenty
years at least.

Mrs. Bennet: Now you see, Jane, he will not be prevailed upon, he'll
see us all ruined. Oh, if only we'd been able to have sons!

(At this point Sir William approaches, leading Bingley and Darcy over
to the Bennets.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Jane, Lizzy, they're coming over! Smile, girls,
smile....

Sir William Lucas: Mrs. Bennet, (They exchange bows/curtsy). Mr.

Bingley has expressed a wish to become acquainted with you and your
daughters.

Mrs. Bennet: Sir, that is very good of you. This is Jane, my eldest,
and Elizabeth, and Mary sits over there, and Kitty and Lydia, my
youngest. Do you like to dance, sir?

Mr. Bingley: There is nothing I love better, madam. And (looking at

Jane) if Miss Bennet is not otherwise engaged, may I be so bold as to
claim the next two dances?

Jane: I am not engaged, sir.

Mr. Bingley: Good.

Mrs. Bennet: (to Darcy) And you, sir, are you fond of dancing, too?

Mr. Bingley: Oh, I beg your pardon. Mrs. Bennet, may I present my
friend, Mr. Darcy.
(Darcy bows, the women curtsy.)

Mrs. Bennet: I hope you have come here eager to dance as your friend
has, sir.

Mr. Darcy: Thank you, madam, I rarely dance.

(Darcy abruptly tums and leaves.)

Mr. Bingley: Oh...well...excuse me.

(He goes after Darcy, followed by Sir William.)

Mrs. Bennet: Well, did you ever meet such a proud, disagreeable man?

Elizabeth: Mama, he will hear you!

Mrs. Bennet: I do not care if he does! Who is he to think himself so

far above his company?

Lady Lucas: He is Mr. Bingley's oldest friend, and he has a mighty

fortune and a great estate in Derbyshire. Bingley's wealth is nothing
to his. Ten thousand a year at least!

Mrs. Bennet: (now impressed) Well! Don't you think he is the

handsomest man you've ever seen, girls?

Elizabeth: (with an edge) I wonder if he'd be so handsome if he was

not so rich.

(A new dance begins, Jane dancing with Mr. Bingley, Caroline dancing
as well. Darcy stands aloof, watching Elizabeth dance. At the end,
Bingley confronts Darcy. Elizabeth is in range to overhear their
conversation.)

Mr. Bingley: Come, Darcy, I must have you dance. I hate to see you
standing about in this stupid manner.

Mr. Darcy: I certainly shall not. At an assembly such as this? It

would be insupportable.

Mr. Bingley: Good God, Darcy, I've never met so many pleasant girls
in my life. Several of them are uncommonly pretty.
Mr. Darcy: You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the
room.

Mr. Bingley: Darcy, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!
(Looking around, he spots Elizabeth) Look, look, there is one of her
sisters. She is very pretty, too.

Mr. Darcy: She is tolerable, I suppose. But she is not handsome

enough to tempt me. Go back to your partner and enjoy her smiles.
You're wasting your time on me.

(Bingley notices Elizabeth, makes a small embarrassed bow, and returns

to Jane. Elizabeth crosses to chat with Charlotte. Bingley takes
Jane's hand and a new dance begins, Mrs. Bennet gossiping and pointing
on the side. Darcy follows Elizabeth's movements closely, till the
dance ends.)

Scene 2: Longbourn, the next morning

(The curtain opens to reveal the Bennets sitting in the drawing room.)

Mrs. Bennet: And Jane was so admired! There was nothing like it.

Kitty: And Lydia and I danced every dance.

Lydia: And Mary none!

Mary: I believe the rewards of observation and reflection to be much

greater.

(The girls giggle and Mrs. Bennet ignores Mary.)

Mrs. Bennet: And Mr. Bingley favoured Jane above every other girl.
But the man he brought with him, Mr. Darcy, is not worth our concern,
though he may be the richest man in Derbyshire! The proudest, the
most disobliging... He slighted poor Lizzy, you know, and flatly
refused to stand up with her.

Mr. Bennet: (with an amused look at Lizzy) Slighted my Lizzy, did he?
Hmmh.

Elizabeth: I didn't care for him, father, so it's of little matter.

Mrs. Bennet: Another time, Lizzy, I would not dance with him if he
should ask you..

Elizabeth: I believe, ma'am, I may safely promise you never to dance

with Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Bennet: (rising and exiting) Ah, Lizzy! If your sisters only
showed your good sense...

(Mrs. Bennet and the girls follow him, chattering after Mr. Bennet,
leaving Elizabeth and Jane alone on stage.)

Elizabeth: If I could love a man who would love me for a mere fifty
pounds a year, I should be very well pleased. (Pause.) But such a man
could hardly be sensible, and you know I could never love a man who
was out of his wits.

Jane: (laughing) Oh, Lizzy! (thoughtfully) But Mr. Bingley, he is

just what a young man ought to be. Sensible, lively and I never saw
such happy manners.

Elizabeth: Handsome, too, which a young man ought to be if he

possibly can. And he seemed to like you very much, which shows good
judgment. Yes, I give you leave to like him. You've liked many a
stupider person.

Jane: Lizzy! (Enter Charlotte.)

Elizabeth: Oh, look, Charlotte has come. Charlotte!

Charlotte: Lizzy! My father is to give a party at Lucas Lodge and you

are all invited.

Elizabeth: You see, Jane? I think you are destined to see your
excellent Mr. Bingley once more.

(The three exit happily to theme music, lights out.)

Scene 3: Lucas Lodge

(Lights up on Lucas Lodge. Mary plays the piano, without much flair.
Jane sits talking with Mr. Bingley. Sir William busies himself about
the room, spots Darcy and Caroline, and the Hursts, and moves towards
them. Darcy turns away. Lydia, Kitty and Maria Lucas move centre
stage.)

Maria: Do you think Mary could play something we could dance to?

Lydia: (Moving to the piano) Mary, Mary, let's have no more of that
dull stuff, play something jolly, we want to dance.

Mary: Mama! Tell them it isn't fair!

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, for heaven's sake, play a jig, Mary!

(A dance begins. Lydia, Kitty and Maria Lucas dance with some
soldiers. The dance ends to applause, Kitty and Lydia giggling, etc.
Charlotte and Elizabeth rise.)

Charlotte: I see that Mr. Bingley continues his attentions to Jane,

Lizzy. Do you think he is in love?

Elizabeth: Hmmh... It's clear that he likes her very much.

Charlotte: Then she should leave him in no doubt of her heart. She
should show more affection even than she feels, not less, if she is
to secure him.

(Sir William and Lady Lucas approach.)

Sir William: Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing?

Lady Lucas: (Bringing Elizabeth over) Mr. Darcy, allow me to present

this young lady to you as a very desirable partner.

Sir William: You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much

beauty is before you.

Elizabeth: Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing.

Mr. Darcy: I would be very happy if you'd do me the honour of dancing

with me, Miss Bennet.

Elizabeth: Thank you, but excuse me...I am...not inclined to dance.

(She withdraws to Jane.)

Jane: Father, I have been invited to Netherfield to dine tomorrow

evening with Caroline Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
Mrs. Bennet: Not Mr. Bingley?

Jane: The gentlemen will be on a shooting party. May I have the

carriage, father?

Mrs. Bennet: The carriage? No indeed! You must go on horseback, for

it looks like rain. Then you will have to stay the night.

Jane: Papa!

Mr. Bennet: Let us leave the matter for tomorrow, shall we? Come
Lydia, Kitty, Mary. (He exits, followed by Lydia, Kitty and Mary.)

Mrs. Bennet: (to Jane) Don't look at me like that! Would you go all
the way to Netherfield and back without seeing Mr. Bingley? No
indeed. You will go on Nelly. That will do very well, indeed. (Jane
exits, flustered.) You will see, Lizzy. It will all work out, just as
l've planned!

(They exit to theme music, lights out.)

Scene 4: Longbourn, two days later

(The Bennets sit in the drawing room. Enter Mr. Bennet with a letter.)

Mrs. Bennet: Whatever are you reading, Mr. Bennet?

Mr. Bennet: Why, nothing, my dear, only a letter which tells me your
eldest daughter Jane is sick in bed at Netherfield. Congratulations,
Mrs. Bennet - if Jane should die of her fever it will be a comfort to
know it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and under your orders.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, nonsense! People do not die of trifling colds! She
will be very well taken care of.

Elizabeth: Mama, I think I must go to Netherfield.

Mr. Bennet: I suppose that is a hint for me to send for the carriage.

Elizabeth: Oh, no indeed, father, for I would much rather walk. It is

barely three miles to Netherfield and I'll be back for dinner.
Mrs. Bennet: Walk three miles in all that dirt! You'll not be fit to
be seen..

Elizabeth: I shall be fit to see Jane, which is all I want. I'm quite
determined, Mother.

Kitty: I know, Lizzy. Lydia and I will set you as far as Meryton.

Lydia: Let's call on Denny early before he is dressed. What a shock

he will get!

Mr. Bennet: Our life holds few distinctions, Mrs. Bennet, but I think
we may safely boast that here sit two of the silliest girls in the
country.

(Kitty and Lydia exit, giggling, followed by Elizabeth, to theme

music, as lights dim.)

Scene 5: Netherfield

(A servant leads Elizabeth into a room where Darcy, Bingley, Caroline

and the Hursts sit. Darcy and Bingley stand abruptly.)

Mr. Bingley/Mr. Darcy: Miss Bennet!

Elizabeth: Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy! I am come to enquire after my

sister.

Mr. Darcy: On foot?

Elizabeth: As you see. (To servant) Would you be so kind as to take

me to her?

(They pass through the seated company. All eyes follow Elizabeth as
she exits.)

Caroline: What does she mean by scampering about the country because
her sister has a cold?

Mr. Hurst: Absurdly long way to walk, if you ask me.

Mrs. Hurst: Did you see her hair? And her petticoat? She looks almost
wild!
Mr. Bingley: I think she looks remarkably well.

Caroline: Mr. Darcy, I'm inclined to think you wouldn't wish your
sister to make such an exhibition.

Mr. Darcy: Certainly not.

Caroline: It seems to me to show an abominable sort of conceited

independence.

Mr. Bingley: It shows an affection for her sister which is very

pleasing.

Mrs. Hurst: (changing the subject) But Jane Bennet is a sweet girl.
It's very sad she should have such an unfortunate family, such low
connections. Their uncle, she told us, is in trade and lives in
Cheapside. (The sisters giggle contemptuously)

Mr. Bingley: They would be just as agreeable to me had they uncles

enough to fill all Cheapside.

Mr. Darcy: But with such connections they can have very little chance
of marrying well, Bingley. That is the material point.

(Elizabeth re-enters. She has cleaned up a little.)

Mr. Bingley: Miss Bennet, how does your sister? Is she any better?

Elizabeth: She seems improved from her earlier state, sir, I thank
you.

Mr. Bingley: Excellent! I am pleased to hear it. Won't you sit down?
(Elizabeth sits and begins to read. Darcy is at a table writing.)

Mr. Hurst: Frightfully dull, this sitting around. Should we start

some cards? (He is ignored by all.)

Caroline: (to Darcy) What do you do so secretly, sir?

Mr. Darcy: It's no secret. I am writing to my sister.

Caroline: Oh, dear Georgiana! Oh, I long to see her. She is so

accomplished! Her performance at the pianoforte is exquisite. Do you
play, Miss Bennet?
Elizabeth: Aye, but very ill indeed.

Mr. Bingley: All young ladies are accomplished. They sing, they draw,
they dance, speak French and German, and I know not what.

Mr. Darcy: But not half a dozen would satisfy my notion of an

accomplished woman.

Caroline: Oh, certainly. No woman can be really esteemed accomplished

who does not also possess a certain something in her air, in her
manner of walking, and in the tone of her voice.

Mr. Darcy: And to all this she must yet add something more
substantial in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.

Elizabeth: I'm no longer surprised at you knowing only six

accomplished women, Mr. Darcy. I rather wonder at your knowing any.

Mrs. Hurst: Perhaps you have not had the advantage, Miss Bennet, of
moving in society enough. There are many very accomplished young
ladies amongst our acquaintance.

Mr. Hurst: Really? Who?

Elizabeth: I am sorry if I give offence, but I must speak as I find.

Caroline: Miss Bennet, let me caution you. It is impossible to mock

Mr. Darcy. He is a man without fault.

Elizabeth: Is he, indeed? A man without fault?

Mr. Darcy: That is not possible for any one. (Pause) I have faults
enough, Miss Bennet. My temper I cannot vouch for. It might be called
resentful. My good opinion once lost is lost forever.

(A servant enters.)

Servant: A Mrs. Bennet, a Miss Bennet, a Miss Bennet...and a Miss

Bennet, sir..

(Enter Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, Kitty and Mary. Caroline rolls her eyes in
disgust. Bingley rises to greet them.)
Mr. Bingley: Mrs. Bennet! What a pleasant surprise you are very
welcome. I hope you will not find Miss Bennet worse than you
expected.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, sir! I understand she is very ill indeed and suffers
a vast deal, though with the greatest patience, for she has the
sweetest temper in the world, Mr. Bingley.

Mrs. Hurst: (icily) Miss Bennet has received every possible

attention, ma'am, I assure you.

Mrs. Bennet: You are very good. Well, you have a sweet room here. I
think you will never want to leave Netherfield!

Mr. Bingley: I believe I should be happy to live in the country

forever. Wouldn't you, Darcy?

Mr. Darcy: You would? You don't find the society somewhat confined
and unvarying?

Mrs. Bennet: Confined and unvarying? Indeed, it is not, sir! I would

have you know we dine with four-and-twenty families.

(Caroline and Mrs. Hurst snicker as Elizabeth cringes.)

Lydia: (seizing the moment) Mr. Bingley, did you not promise to give
a ball at Netherfield? It will be a great scandal if you don't keep
your word.

Mr. Bingley: I am perfectly ready to keep my engagement. Shall we say

next Saturday evening?

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, there now, Lydia, that's a fair promise for you.
That's what I call gentlemanly behaviour. (Indirectly to Darcy) And
those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open
their mouths quite mistake the matter.

(A servant leads Jane in.)

Mr. Bingley: Oh, Miss Bennet!

Jane: Mr. Bingley. (Pause) Mama, I feel I may be well enough to

travel, now.
Mrs. Bennet: Thank the gentleman, Jane, for his kind hospitality. I'm
afraid we must be on our way, Mr. Bingley. (She curtsies, as do the
girls, giggling, and they exit.)

Mr. Bingley: Good bye, Mrs. Bennet. (To Jane) Miss Bennet. (He bows.)

Jane: (makes a small curtsy) Mr. Bingley. (She moves with Elizabeth
toward the door.)

Elizabeth: Oh, Jane! Notwithstanding your excellent Mr. Bingley, I

have never been so glad to leave a place in all my life! (They exit)

Caroline: What an absolute pleasure to have one's house to one's self

again! To be invaded by all the Bennets at one time it's intolerable,
really!

(Caroline and Mrs. Hurst shake their heads scornfully, Darcy frowns
and broods, Mr. Hurst looks bored and Bingley looks after Jane's exit,
then follows. Lights out to music.)

Scene 6: Longbourn, a few days later

(Enter Mr. Bennet, holding a letter. The Bennet women sit and read,
knit, etc.)

Mr. Bennet: Well, my dear - I have reason to expect an addition to

our family dinner this evening. About a month ago I received this
letter, 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, please 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 -- but if you will listen to his letter
you may be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself.

(The Bennets freeze, lights down, and up on Mr. Collins, centre

balcony.)

Mr. Collins: As a clergyman, 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 goodwill are highly commendable. 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.

(Lights down on balcony, Mr. Collins exits. Lights up on the Bennets.)

Mr. Bennet: And so he comes.

Elizabeth: But can he be a sensible man, sir?

Mr. Bennet: Let us hope not, Lizzy.

Servant: Mr. Collins, sir. (Servant exits.)

Mr. Bennet: Mr. Collins, you are very welcome!

Mr. Collins: (with an elaborate flourish) My dear Mr. and Mrs. Bennet!

Mrs. Bennet: Do come sit down, Mr. Collins. Lydia, ring the bell for
some refreshment. Please, Mr. Collins, tell us all about yourself.

Mr. Collins: My dear Mrs. Bennet -- I am but the humble servant of my

gracious patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who has shown me such
condescension as I have never enjoyed before. I have been invited
twice to dine at Rosings Park.

Mrs. Bennet: Has she any family?

Mr. Collins: She has one daughter, who is, unfortunately, of a sickly
constitution, which means she has deprived the British Court of its
brightest omament. (To Mr. Bennet) You may imagine, sir, how happy I
am on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which
are always acceptable to ladies.

Lydia: O, Lord!

Mr. Bennet: It is happy for you, Mr. Collins, that you possess the
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. Bennet: Excellent, excellent. (He rises, chuckling, and exits. Mr.
Collins pulls Mrs. Bennet aside.)

Mr. Collins: I must confess myself quite overwhelmed with the charms
of your daughters, Mrs. Bennet. Perhaps, especially, the eldest Miss
Bennet?

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, yes, Jane is admired wherever she goes. But I should
tell you, Mr. Collins, I think it very likely she will be very soon
engaged.

Mr. Collins: Oh!

Mrs. Bennet: As for my younger daughters, they are all very eligible,
sir. (Mr. Collins surveys the Bennet girls and seems struck by
Elizabeth.)

Lydia: We're all going for a walk to Meryton, Mama.

Mrs. Bennet: Perhaps you would care for a little exercise, Mr.
Collins?

Mr. Collins: Indeed I would, Mrs. Bennet. (Making eyes at Elizabeth)

Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the great honour of walking with me
into town?

(Elizabeth looks appalled, but accepts Mr. Collins' arm and all exit.)

Scene 7: Meryton

(A street. The Bennet girls walk with Mr. Collins.)

Mr. Collins:...and you must know, that the second chimney piece alone
in Rosings cost upwards of 800 pounds...

Elizabeth: A wondrous sum, indeed. (Enter Denny, Carter and Wickham.)

Lydia: Look, there's Denny and Captain Carter.

Kitty: Who's that with them?

Lydia: I don't know.

Kitty: He's fearful handsome.

Lydia: He might be if he were in regimentals. I think a man looks

nothing without regimentals.

Mary: One should not judge by appearance alone, Lydia. (Lydia

groans.)

Kitty: They're looking over. Lizzy, is he not mightily good-looking?

Elizabeth: (sternly) Lower your voice, he will hear you.

Lydia: (shouting) Denny!

Jane: (scolding) Lydia!

Lydia: What a laugh! We thought you were still in town.

Captain Carter: There was nothing amusing enough to hold us there,

Miss Bennet.

Denny: Allow me to introduce my good friend George Wickham. Miss Jane

Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine
Bennet and Miss Lydia Bennet.

Jane: This is Mr. Collins. (The men bow.)

Elizabeth: Do you stay long in Meryton, Mr. Wickham?

Mr. Wickham: All the winter I'm happy to say. I've taken a commission
in Colonel Forster's regiment.

Kitty: There, Lydia, he will be dressed in regimentals.

Captain Carter: And lend them much distinction, I daresay.

(Bingley and Darcy enter. Bingley approaches Jane, but Darcy stops on
seeing Wickham-they stare each other down, and Darcy tums and exits)

Kitty: Look, Jane, it's Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Bingley: How very fortunate! Do you know, we were just on our way
to Longboum to ask after your health.
Jane: You are very kind, sir. I'm quite recovered, as you see.

Mr. Bingley: Good. I'm very glad to know it.

Jane: I hope you will soon come to Longbourn and have tea with us.

Mr. Bingley: I shall be very happy to, Miss Bennet. (He turns, looks
for Darcy, puzzled.) Excuse me.

(Bingley exits after Darcy. The Bennets, Mr. Collins, Denny and Carter
converse, while Wickham and Elizabeth move downstage.)

Mr. Wickham: Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?

Elizabeth: As much as I ever wish to be. From the short time I've
spent in his presence, I think him very disagreeable. In truth,
everybody is disgusted with his pride.

Mr. Wickham: I've known him all my life.

Elizabeth: But....

Mr. Wickham: Yes, you're surprised. Perhaps you might have noticed
the cold manner of our greeting.

Elizabeth: I confess I did.

Mr. Wickham: He has done me great wrong, Miss Bennet. His father, the
late Mr. Darcy, was my godfather. My father was his steward, and when
he died, old Mr. Darcy cared for me, provided for me, loved me, I
believe, as though I were his own son. He intended me for the church.
But after he died, his son refused to honour his father's promises.
And so, you see, I'm left to make my own way in the world.

Elizabeth: This is quite shocking! I had not thought Mr. Darcy as bad
as this. He deserves to be publicly disgraced.

Mr. Wickham: Some day he will be, but not by me. Till I can forget
his father I can never defy or expose him.

Elizabeth: Have you made Mr. Bingley's acquaintance yet?

Mr. Wickham: No. But he seems an amiable gentleman. He has invited

all the officers. to attend his ball at Netherfield, to everyone's
satisfaction.
Elizabeth: I wonder very much how Mr. Darcy could impose upon him. He
cannot know what Mr. Darcy is.

Mr. Wickham: Probably not.

Mr. Collins: My dearest Elizabeth, we must in haste depart, as I

promised your excellent mother and father we would arrive on the hour
for dinner, and my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, has
impressed upon me the most sovereign importance of punctuality at all
times.....

Jane: Then we will go, Mr. Collins, if you will be so kind as to lead
us. Elizabeth, I am very sure, will follow shortly.

(They exchange smiles. Mr. Collins hesitates, then all exit save
Wickham and Elizabeth.)

Mr. Wickham: I'm amused by your cousin's reference to Lady Catherine

de Bourgh. She is Mr. Darcy's aunt, you know, and her daughter Anne,
who'll inherit a very large fortune, is destined to be Mr. Darcy's
bride.

Elizabeth: Really? Poor Miss Bingley. (Pause) I wonder, Mr. Wickharn

- would you join us for tea at Longbourn? I would like to introduce
you to my mother and father.

Mr. Wickham: It would be my pleasure, Miss Bennet.

(Denny and Carter return and they exit, Elizabeth looking after them,
then turning to follow her sisters. Lights out to theme.)

Scene 8: The Netherfield Ball

(Lights up on a fine ballroom as the theme is heard. Elizabeth enters,

looking for someone. She runs into Denny and Captain Carter who bow.)

Captain Carter: Miss Bennet! You look quite remarkably well this
evening.

Elizabeth: Thank you.

Denny: I'm sorry to convey to you, Miss Bennet, my friend Wickham's
most particular regrets that he's been prevented from attending the
ball.

(Lydia latches on to Denny's arm.)

Lydia: Denny, I hope you've come prepared to dance with us tonight.

(She leads both men away. Elizabeth turns to find Mr. Collins at her
elbow. The notes of a dance are heard. Mr. Collins takes Elizabeth by
the hand. It is soon obvious that he is a terrible dancer, moving the
wrong way, tripping over others etc. Elizabeth is embarrassed. Darcy
observes stoically.)

Elizabeth: Other way, Mr. Collins!

Mr. Collins: Oh, madam, a thousand apologies...

Elizabeth: Come, Mr. Collins!

Mr. Collins: Oh, my dear Elizabeth, I apologise...

(The dance ends, and Mr. Collins bows meekly, then withdraws.
Elizabeth finds Charlotte.)

Elizabeth: Charlotte! I have so much to acquaint you with.

(She pulls her aside and they chat for a moment, while music plays.
Darcy stares at them intently.)

Elizabeth: Well, Charlotte?

Charlotte: It's extraordinary news, Lizzy. And... are you sure it's
true?

Elizabeth: How can it be otherwise? Everyone knows Mr. Darcy to be a

resentful, proud... (Darcy approaches, unseen.)

Charlotte: Lizzy!

Elizabeth: What?

Mr. Darcy: If you're not otherwise engaged, would you do me the

honour of dancing the next with me, Miss Bennet?
Elizabeth: Why, I... I had not... I thank you, yes. (Darcy abruptly
bows and leaves.) Why could I not think of an excuse? Hateful man! I
promised myself I would never dance with him.

Charlotte: Think what you're doing, Lizzy-he pays you a great

compliment in singling you out.

(The dance begins. They execute several steps before Elizabeth

speaks.)

Elizabeth: I believe we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy. You

should say something about the dance perhaps. I might remark on the
number of couples.

Mr. Darcy: Do you talk by rule then when you are dancing?

Elizabeth: Yes, sometimes it is best. Then we may enjoy the advantage

of saying as little as possible.

(They dance a while in silence.)

Mr. Darcy: Do you often walk into Meryton?

Elizabeth: Yes, quite often. 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. Whether he is equally capable of keeping them is less
certain.

Elizabeth: He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship in a way

which he is likely to suffer from all his life. I remember hearing
you once say that you hardly ever forgave. You are very careful, are
you not, in allowing your resentment to be created?

Mr. Darcy: I am.

Elizabeth: And you never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?

Mr. Darcy: I hope not. May I ask to what these questions tend?

Elizabeth: Merely to the illustration of your character. I'm trying

to make it out.

Mr. Darcy: And what is your success?

Elizabeth: I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of
you as to puzzle me exceedingly.

Mr. Darcy: I wish, Miss Bennet, that you would not attempt to sketch
my character at the present moment.

Elizabeth: But if I don't take your likeness now, I may never have
another opportunity.

Mr. Darcy: I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.

(Here the dance ends, Darcy bows and abruptly leaves her. Elizabeth,
puzzled, moves downstage to Charlotte.)

Mr. Bingley: Shall we not have some music? Caroline, can we persuade
you?

(Here Mary moves to the piano, plays rather poorly, and sings even
worse. After polite applause, she begins another, but is cut off by
Mr. Bennet.)

Mr. Bennet: That'll do extremely well, child. You've delighted us

long enough.

Mrs. Bennet: (too loudly) Mr. Collins is such a sensible, respectable

young man. And he's taken quite a fancy to Lizzy. And I don't think
he could find a better wife. He favoured Jane at first but Bingley
was there before him. Now, there will be a great marriage. And, of
course, that will throw the girls into the path of other rich men.

Denny: (chasing after Lydia and his hat) Lydia, Lydia...!

Lydia: Lord! Denny, fetch me a glass of wine. I can scarce draw

breath. (Music up and lights out.)

Scene 9: Longbourn, the next day

(Enter Kitty and Elizabeth.)

Kitty: I danced with Denny three times! Lydia only danced with him
twice. Oh...and I thought Mary sang very ill!
Elizabeth: Oh, yes, poor Mary. But she is determined to do it.

Kitty: More fool her, I say. Mr. Collins trod on my frock and tore
it, you know.

(Enter Mrs. Bennet, followed by Mr. Collins.)

Mrs. Bennet: No, Mr. Collins, I am sure there can be no objection.

Lizzy, my dear! Come, Kitty, I want you upstairs. Mr. Collins has
something to say to Lizzy. (They exit.)

Mr. Collins: My dear Elizabeth you can hardly doubt the object of my
discourse however your feminine delicacy may lead you to dissemble.
For almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the
companion of my future life.

Elizabeth: Mr. Collins!

Mr. Collins: 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 but
to assure you of the violence of my affections.

Elizabeth: You are too hasty, sir. I thank you for your compliments.
I'm very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is
impossible for me to accept them.

Mr. Collins: (He hesitates, then) I am by no means discouraged, indeed

not. I understand that it is usual for young ladies to reject the
addresses of the man they secretly mean to accept when he first
applies for their favour, and therefore I shall hope to lead you to
the altar before long.

Elizabeth: Upon my word, your hope is an extraordinary one in view of

my declaration. I was perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not
make me happy and I'm convinced I am the last woman in the world that
could make you so.

Mr. Collins: My dear Miss Elizabeth you should consider that it is by

no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to
you.
Elizabeth: (offended now) I thank you for the honour of your
proposals, sir, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. Can I
speak plainer?

Mr. Collins: You are uniformly charming! (Elizabeth throws up her arms
and flees, and Mr. Collins exits, feebly.)

(Mr. Bennet wanders on stage with a book, sits and reads. Enter Mrs.
Bennet.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately! We are all
in uproar! You must make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins!

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 that he will not have
Lizzy.

Mr. Bennet: And what I am to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless

business.

Mrs. Bennet: Speak to Lizzy about it! Tell her you insist upon her
marrying him.

Mr. Bennet: (sighing) Let her come in.

Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy! Lizzy! Your father wishes to speak to you.

(Elizabeth enters, arms folded in defiance.)

Mr. Bennet: Come here, my child. I understand Mr. Collins has made
you an offer of marriage. And this offer of marriage you have
refused?

Elizabeth: I have.

Mr. Bennet: I see. Right, we now come to the point. Your mother
insists on your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?

Mrs. Bennet: Yes, or I will never see her again.

Mr. Bennet: Uh huh. 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
I will never see you again if you do.

(Elizabeth grins, kisses him and leaves; Mr. Bennet leaves as well.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr. Bennet!!!

(Mr. Collins enters, opposite, putting on his coat and hat, and
exiting.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr. Collins! Oh, I don't know what will become of us
all!

(She exits, music and lights low.)

Scene 10: Longbourn, the next day

(Jane and Elizabeth sit in the drawing room, conversing, as Lydia and
Kitty burst in.)

Lydia: Lizzy, Jane! What do you think? Mr. Collins has made an offer
of marriage to Charlotte Lucas!

Kitty: And she has accepted him!

Elizabeth: Charlotte? Engaged to Mr. Collins? Impossible!

(Kitty and Lydia exit, giggling. A servant leads in Charlotte and Mr.
Collins.)

Servant: Mr. Collins and Miss Lucas, miss.

Elizabeth: (uncomfortably) Mr. Collins....Charlotte....do come in.

Mr. Collins: My dear Elizabeth, you can see before you the happiest
of men! I must relay my happy news to your dear mother and father.
(He exits, led by Jane.)

Elizabeth: Charlotte...this cannot be...I....

Charlotte: Why should you be surprised, Lizzy? I'm not romantic, you
know, I never was. I ask only a comfortable home and considering Mr.
Collins's character and situation in life, I'm convinced that my
chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on
entering the marriage state.

Elizabeth: Charlotte, I'm sorry. If Mr. Collins has been so fortunate

as to secure your affections, I'm delighted for you both.

(Mr. Collins re-enters, followed by a fussing Mrs. Bennet, and Jane.)

Mr. Collins: My dear Charlotte. Your estimable father awaits us at

Lucas Lodge.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh Mr. Collins! (She runs after them as they exit.)

Elizabeth: Jane, it was such a humiliating spectacle! She must know

she is marrying one of the stupidest men in England. I never believed
her capable of that!

Jane: But, Lizzy - Mr. Collins is not the cleverest of men, perhaps,
but he is respectable. And as far as fortune goes, it is an eligible
match.

(Lydia and Kitty enter.)

Lydia: There you are! Have they gone? Thank the lord!

Kitty: Lizzy, isn't Mr. Wickham coming to tea this afternoon?

Elizabeth: Yes, I believe he is. (To Jane) Any diversion at the

moment will be most pleasant.

(They exit, lights dim.)

Scene 11: Longbourn, that evening

(Wickham is seen departing as the Bennets sit in the drawing room.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, young George Wickham is such a charming young man!

Mr. Bennet: Indeed he is. It was very good of him to entertain us

with stories about his misfortunes. Which such narratives to hand,
who would read novels?
Elizabeth: But I believe he's truly been treated contemptuously by
Mr. Darcy, Father!

Mr. Bennet: Well, I dare say he has, Lizzy. Though Darcy may turn out
to be no more the black-hearted villain than your average rich man.

Mary: We should all give very careful thought before pronouncing an

adverse judgement on any of our fellowmen.

Lydia: Oh, Lord!

Mrs. Bennet: If only he had five or six thousand a year, I would be

happy to see him married to any of the girls. But nothing turns out
the way it should! And now Mr. Bingley, of whom we all had such
expectations, is gone forever!

Elizabeth: What? I cannot believe it!

Jane: It's true. I've heard from Caroline Bingley. It is now quite
definite that they will stay in town for the whole winter.

Mrs. Bennet: I don't know what will become of us all. That I should
live to see Charlotte Lucas take my place as mistress of this house!

Mr. Bennet: My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us
hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that / might outlive
you. (He exits grinning.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh Mr. Bennet! (She flutters away, as Elizabeth moves to

Jane.)

Elizabeth: Jane, what if you were to go to town? I'm sure Aunt and
Uncle Gardiner would be very happy to take you back to Gracechurch
Street with them after Christmas.

Jane: Why would you have me go to London, Lizzy?

Elizabeth: No reason. I myself shall be visiting Charlotte, so we

shall each, in our own way, be making discoveries. And if yours
should lead you to Mr. Bingley, well.....

Jane: Oh, Lizzy! (They exit, arm in arm.)

Scene 12: Longbourn, some weeks later

(Enter Elizabeth, reading a letter. She appears ready for travel, She
begins, and Jane enters and continues from the centre balcony.)

Elizabeth: "My dearest Lizzy..."

Jane: I know you will be incapable of gloating when I confess, I have

been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me. When I
visited her she made it very evident that she took no pleasure in
seeing me. When I asked after her brother she made it clear that he
knows of my being in town but is much engaged at present with Mr.
Darcy and his sister. I must conclude, then, that Mr. Bingley now no
longer cares for me. (She exits.)

Elizabeth: Poor, poor Jane!

(Enter Mr. Bennet.)

Mr. Bennet: Well, Lizzy, on pleasure bent again? Never a thought of

what your poor father will suffer in your absence?

Elizabeth: It is a pleasure I could well forego, Father, as I think

you know. But I shall be happy to see Charlotte again.

Mr. Bennet: What of Mr. Collins, and the famous Lady Catherine de
Bourgh? As a connoisseur of human folly, I should have thought you
impatient to be savouring these delights.

Elizabeth: Of some delights I believe, sir, a little goes a long way.

Mr. Bennet: Yes. Well, think of me, Lizzy. Until you or Jane return,
I shall not hear two words of sense spoken together. You'll be very
much missed, my dear. (She kisses him lightly.) Very well, very well.
Get along with you.

(Elizabeth exits as Mr. Bennet feigns indifference.)

Mr. Bennet: Very much missed indeed. (He turns and exits, lights out
to theme.)
Scene 13: Hunsford

(Outside the Hunsford Rectory. Mr. Collins is practicing his bows,

while Charlotte sits.)

Mr. Collins: No, no, no, my dear Mrs. Collins, I simply must improve
upon my bows. For you know how Lady Catherine frowns upon the
careless execution of even the simplest of civilities.

Charlotte: Yes, I am quite aware of that, Mr. Collins.

Mr. Collins: Perhaps a grander, deeper bow, very low, like so (he
makes a very large, low bow, then looking over to Charlotte) in
keeping with the humility of my position and her great patronage?

Charlotte: That suits you very well, my dear.

(Enter Sir William, Maria, and Elizabeth from behind Mr. Collins.)

Mr. Collins: Sir William, Maria, Elizabeth. I am truly honoured to

welcome you to my humble abode! Let us begin, Sir William, with a
tour of my gardens. (They move d.r., with Maria.)

Charlotte: I am happy to see you, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: And I you. (They hug, then sit on the garden bench.)

Charlotte: (Pause.) Mr. Collins tends the gardens himself and spends
a good part of the day in them.

Mr. Collins: (very loudly) Notice, Sir William, the sublime

arrangement of my perennials, the maintenance of which occupies me
constantly.

Charlotte: And then he has to walk to Rosings nearly every day.

Elizabeth: Walking is very beneficial exercise..

Charlotte: Oh, indeed it is.

Mr. Collins: And further afield you cannot help but note, I am sure,
the splendor that is Rosings, separated from my house by only a
humble laneway.
(In glancing towards Rosings he notices something, points, and becomes
frantic.)

Charlotte: And when he is in the house he is mostly in his book room,

which affords a good view of the road whenever Lady Catherine's
carriage goes by.

Elizabeth: And you prefer to sit in this parlour?

Charlotte: Yes. So it often happens that a whole day passes in which

we've not spent more than a few minutes in each other's company.

Elizabeth: I see.

(Mr. Collins, Sir William and Maria come quickly to the bench.)

Mr. Collins: My dear! Mr. Darcy has arrived at Rosings and with him
his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. We are called for at once! Make
haste, make haste!

Charlotte: I think this visit must be due to you, Lizzy.

Elizabeth: You are mistaken, Charlotte. For I know Mr. Darcy dislikes
me as much as I do him.

Mr. Collins: Make haste! Make haste! (They all exit.)

Scene 14: Rosings

(A grand drawing room. The focal point is Lady Catherine, but Darcy
leans by the piano near Fitzwilliam, eyeing Elizabeth intently. Mr.
Collins, Charlotte, Sir William, Maria and Elizabeth enter
tentatively.)

Maria: Ohhh! I am so very nervous about meeting Lady Catherine in

person!

Mr. Collins: Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear sister. Lady

Catherine neither demands nor expects to find in her visitors the
kind of grace and elegance she herself so regularly manifests. (They
enter, bow/curtsy, and are seated.)
Lady Catherine de Bourgh: (Pause.) Well. Your friend appears to be
quite a genteel pretty sort of girl, Mrs. Collins. Do you have
brothers and sisters, Miss Bennet?

Elizabeth: Yes, ma'am, I am the second of five sisters.

Lady Catherine: Are any of your younger sisters out?

Elizabeth: Yes, ma'am, all of them.

Lady Catherine: All? What? All five out at once? The younger ones out
before the older are married? Your younger sisters must be very
young.

Elizabeth: Yes, ma'am, my youngest is not sixteen.

Lady Catherine: Well!

Elizabeth: She is full young to be out much in company. But really,

ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters that they
not have their share of society and amusement, simply because their
eldest sister has not the means or inclination to marry early. Sir
William, wouldn't you agree?

Sir William Lucas: Uhm.... well.....

(At this Darcy suppresses his laughter. Lady Catherine looks sharply
at him, then back to Elizabeth.)

Lady Catherine: Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly
for so young a person! Pray, what is your age?

Elizabeth: I am not one and twenty.

Lady Catherine: Hmmh. (Pause) You must play on the pianoforte, for
me, Miss Bennet.

Elizabeth: Your ladyship is very generous. I am not sure my talents

are up to the expectations of the present company...

Lady Catherine: (with a sharp look) Come, come! I insist.

Elizabeth:...but I shall endeavour to satisfy.

(Elizabeth crosses to the piano and plays a short piece. Darcy and
Fitzwilliam hover near the piano. Some polite applause when she
finishes.)

Lady Catherine: You will never play really well, Miss Bennet, unless
you practise more. You may come to Rosings as often as you like and
play in some other part of the house.

Elizabeth: You are very kind, ma'am.

(Lady C. continues holding court, silently, while a new conversation

begins.)

Colonel Fitzwilliam: I am delighted to make your acquaintance at

last, Miss Bennet.

Elizabeth: At last, sir?

Colonel Fitzwilliam: Well, I have heard much of you and none of the
praise has been exaggerated, I assure you.

Elizabeth: I can well believe that. Mr. Darcy is my severest critic.

Mr. Darcy: (moving to them, awkwardly) I hope that your family is in

good health.

Elizabeth: I thank you, yes. (Pause. Then mischievously) My sister has

been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her?

Mr. Darcy: No. No, I've not had that pleasure.

Elizabeth: (to Fitzwilliam) Mr. Darcy and I, you see, are not the
best of friends.

Colonel Fitzwilliam: I'm very surprised to hear that.

Elizabeth: Why should you be? I always believe in first impressions

and his good opinion once lost is lost forever. So, you see, it's a
hopeless case, is it not, Colonel Fitzwilliam? (An awkward pause
follows.)

Mr. Darcy: I fear I am ill qualified to recommend myself to

strangers, Miss Bennet.
Elizabeth: Shall we ask him why? Why a man of sense and education,
who has lived in the world, should be "ill qualified to recommend
himself to strangers "?

Mr. Darcy: I'm... I have not that talent which some possess of
conversing easily with strangers.

Elizabeth: I do not play this instrument as well as I should wish to,

but I have always supposed that to be my own fault, because I would
not take the trouble of practising.

Mr. Darcy: You are perfectly right. We neither of us perform to

strangers. (Darcy tums and abruptly leaves. Puzzled, Elizabeth plays a
final theme on the piano.)

Lady Catherine: What are you telling Miss Bennet? I must have my
share in the conversation. Darcy...where are you off to? This is all
highly irregular... (etc.) (Lights out to theme.)

Scene 15: Rosings Park

(Elizabeth walks, in front of the curtain, admiring the grounds. Enter

Fitzwilliam.)

Colonel Fitzwilliam: Miss Bennet!

Elizabeth: Colonel Fitzwilliam!!

Colonel Fitzwilliam: Shall we take a tour of the park together?

Elizabeth: With pleasure! (Pause.) Do you know Mr. Bingley and his
sisters?

Colonel Fitzwilliam: I know him a little. Bingley is a pleasant

gentleman. He is a great friend of Darcy's.

Elizabeth: Yes. It seems Mr. Darcy takes great care of him.

Colonel Fitzwilliam: Oh, yes. I understand that he congratulates

himself on having lately saved Mr. Bingley the inconvenience of a
most imprudent marriage.
Elizabeth: (startled, and angry) Did Mr. Darcy give a reason for his
interference?

Colonel Fitzwilliam: I understand there were some very strong

objections to the lady.

Elizabeth: And what right did Mr. Darcy have to determine in what
manner his friend was to be happy? (softer) But perhaps there was not
much affection in the case.

Colonel Fitzwilliam: No, perhaps not. But if that were the case it
would lessen the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly, don't you
think? (Elizabeth has turned away.) Oh, Miss Bennet, are you unwell?

Elizabeth: A sudden headache. Perhaps I've walked too far today.

Colonel Fitzwilliam: Let us take the shorter way back.

(They exit the nearest way.)

Scene 16: Hunsford

(Elizabeth sits, reading. Enter a servant with Mr. Darcy.)

Servant: Mr. Darcy, miss. (Exit.)

Elizabeth: Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy: I beg your pardon. I would not wish to intrude upon your
privacy. (An awkward pause. Darcy looks around uneasily) This seems a
very comfortable house. (Pause.) And Mr. Collins appears extremely
fortunate in his choice of wife.

Elizabeth: Yes, indeed he is.

Mr. Darcy: It must be very agreeable to her to be settled within so

easy a distance of her family.

Elizabeth: Easy distance? It is nearly fifty miles! (Pause.) But near

and far are relative terms. It is possible for a woman to be settled
too near her family.
Mr. Darcy: Yes, exactly! You would not wish to be always near
Longbourn, I think?

(Here a long pause, as Darcy fidgets.)

Elizabeth: Mr. Darcy, I....

Mr. Darcy: In vain I have struggled. You must allow me to tell you
how ardently I admire and love you. (Pause.) In declaring myself
thus, I am fully aware that I will be going expressly against the
wishes of my family, my friends and, I hardly need add, my own better
judgment. But it cannot be helped. I beg you most fervently to
relieve my sufferings and consent to be my wife.

Elizabeth: (Pause.) I have never desired your good opinion and you
have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to cause pain
to anyone, but it was most unconciously done and, I hope, will be of
short duration.

Mr. Darcy: And this is all the reply I am to expect? I might wonder
why with so little effort at civility I am rejected.

Elizabeth: And I might wonder why with so evident a desire to offend

and insult me you chose to tell me that you liked me against your
will! Was this not some excuse for incivility if I was uncivil? Do
you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has
been the means of ruining the happiness of a most beloved sister? Can
you deny that you have done it?

Mr. Darcy: I have no wish to deny it. I did everything in my power to

separate my friend from your sister.

Elizabeth: And long before I discovered that, my dislike of you was

decided when I heard Mr. Wickham's story of your dealings with him.

Mr. Darcy: You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns!

Elizabeth: Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can help
feeling an interest in him?

Mr. Darcy: His misfortunes! Yes, his misfortunes have been great
indeed!
Elizabeth: And of your infliction! You have reduced him to his
present state of poverty and yet you can treat his misfortunes with
contempt and ridicule.

Mr. Darcy: And this is your opinion of me? My faults by this

calculation are heavy indeed! But I am not ashamed of the feelings I
related they were natural and just! Did you expect me to rejoice in
the inferiority of your connections? To congratulate myself on the
hope of relations whose condition in life is so decidedly below my
own?

Elizabeth: You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy! The mode of your declaration
merely spared me any concern I might have felt in refusing you, had
you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner. You could not have made
me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted
me to accept it. From the very beginning your manners impressed me
with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit and your
selfish disdain for the feelings of others! I had not known you a
month before I felt you were the last man in the world whom I could
ever marry!

Mr. Darcy: You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend
your feelings and now have only to be ashamed of what my own have
been. Please forgive me for having taken up your time and accept my
best wishes for your health and happiness.

Act 2

Scene 17: Rosings/Hunsford split stage

(Lights up on Darcy as he composes a letter, stage right in spot.)

Mr. Darcy: To Miss Elizabeth Bennet. (Pause) Please allow me to

defend myself against the charges you have laid at my door. In
particular those relating to Mr. Wickham, which if true, would indeed
be grievous, but which are wholly without foundation. Mr. Wickham is
the son of a very respectable man, who had the management of our
estates. After his father's early death, my father supported him at
Cambridge, and hoped he would make the church his profession. But
when my own excellent father died five years ago, Mr. Wickham
declined any interest in the church as a career, but requested the
sum of 3,000 pounds instead of the living.

(Here Darcy rises and moves d.s.)

All connection between us seemed now dissolved. But last summer our
paths crossed again, under the most painful circumstances. My younger
sister, Georgiana, had always been fond of Mr. Wickham. Upon his
return, she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent
to an elopement. She was then but fifteen years old. A day or two
before the intended elopement, I joined them unexpectedly. You may
imagine what I felt and how I acted. Mr. Wickham left immediately. He
relinquished his object, which was my sister's fortune of 30,000
pounds. A secondary motive must have been to revenge himself on me.
Had he succeeded, his revenge would have been complete indeed.

(Lights up on Elizabeth, stage left, as servant enters.)

Servant: This letter has just arrived for you, miss. (Exit.)

Elizabeth: Thank you. (She reads it over, then aloud)

"This, madam, is a faithful narrative of all my dealings with Mr.

Wickham. And for its truth I can appeal to the testimony of Colonel
Fitzwilliam."

Could Wickham be such a man? (She continues to read the letter.) "The
other charge levelled at me, is that I detached Mr. Bingley from your
sister. I have no wish to deny this, nor can I blame myself for any
of my actions in this matter."

(Here Elizabeth grows angry. Darcy takes over.)

Mr. Darcy: I had not long been in Hertfordshire before I saw that
Bingley admired your sister. His partiality was clear, but though she
received his attentions with pleasure, I did not detect any symptoms
of peculiar regard. When my friend left Netherfield for London, I
pointed out to him the certain evils of his choice of your sister as
a prospective bride. It was not difficult to convince him of your
sister's indifference to him.
There is but one part of my conduct in the affair on which I do not
reflect with satisfaction. That I concealed from him your sister's
being in town. It was done, however, for the best, and for this I
have no apology to offer.
Elizabeth: For destroying her hope of happiness? I'm sure you do not
blame yourself! Hateful man! (She tears the letter to pieces, as Maria
enters.)

Maria: Elizabeth! The coach is here. (Noticing her distress.) What's

the matter?

Elizabeth: Nothing at all. I'm more than ready to leave this place.

Maria: Hasn't it been a wonderful time? So much has happened, and I

shall have so much to tell! (She exits, happily)

Elizabeth: And I will have so much to conceal. (She exits after Maria.
Lights out to theme.)

Scene 18: Longbourn, a few days later

(Jane and Elizabeth sit in the drawing room.)

Jane: Mr. Darcy proposed! I can scarcely believe it! Not that anyone
admiring you should be astonishing. But he always seemed so severe,
so cold. And yet he was in love with you all the time! Poor Mr.
Darcy.

Elizabeth: Poor Mr. Darcy?! I cannot feel so much compassion for him.
He has other feelings which will soon drive away any regard he felt
for me.

(Enter Lydia, and Kitty following.)

Lydia: Mama, mama! (noticing Elizabeth) Lizzy! Guess what! Mrs.

Forster has invited me to go with her to Brighton!

Kitty: Is it not unfair, Lizzy? Mrs. Forster should have asked me as

well. I may not be her dearest friend, but have as much right to be
asked!

Lydia: There's no call to be in a miff because Mrs. Forster likes me

best..

Elizabeth: Before you crow too loud, Lydia, remember papa has not
given you permission to go. Nor is he like to.
(Mrs. Bennet scurries in all excited.)

Lydia: Papa won't stop me. Not when I'm invited by the Colonel to be
his wife's particular companion! Mama, I need new clothes, for I've
nothing fit to wear, and there will be balls and parties!

Mrs. Bennet: Of course you shall have new things! We wouldn't see you
disgraced in front of all the officers! Ooooh! All the officers! Come
along, Jane, we shall need your advice.
(They exit in a flurry, passing Mr. Bennet as he enters, ignoring
them, to join Elizabeth on stage.)

Elizabeth: Sir, I must speak plainly. If you do not check Lydia, she
will soon be beyond the reach of amendment. She will become the most
determined flirt that ever made herself and her family ridiculous!
Our position as a family, our very respectability, is called into
question by Lydia's wild behaviour.

Mr. Bennet: Don't make yourself uneasy, Lizzy. Wherever you and Jane
are known, you must be respected and valued. And you will not appear
to any less advantage for having three very silly sisters. We shall
have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton. Colonel
Forster is a sensible man. And luckily she's too poor to be an object
of prey to a fortune hunter. Leave it now, Lizzy. I believe all will
turn out well.

(He reaches for Elizabeth, but she turns away, and leaves him alone.)

Scene 19: Longbourn, the next day

(Wickham walks with Elizabeth, while Lydia runs about getting ready,
with Colonel Forster, Mrs. Forster and Mrs. Bennet talking together.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, my dear Colonel Forster! Must you go all the way to
Brighton? I don't know how we will manage without you!

Colonel Forster: Indeed, ma'am, we are very sorry to be leaving such

a fine, welcoming society. But duty calls.

Mrs. Bennet: And it is so kind of you to take my dearest Lydia along.

What a wonderful time it will be for her!
Colonel Forster: It seems Mrs. Forster cannot do without her.
Anything to make the ladies happy, I say.

Mrs. Forster: We shall all get along famously, I should think.

Mrs. Bennet: Wherever is that girl? Lydia? Lydia! (She exits, followed
by the Forsters.)

Elizabeth: Well. You are for Brighton, I'll be touring the Lakes with
my aunt and uncle. I dare say we'll find ample sources of consolation
and delight, in our different ways.

Mr. Wickham: Perhaps. How did you find Rosings?

Elizabeth: Interesting. Colonel Fitzwilliam was there with Mr. Darcy.

Are you acquainted with the Colonel?

Mr. Wickham: In some respects, yes. A very gentlemanly man. His

manners are very different from his cousin's.

Elizabeth: Yes. But I think Mr. Darcy improves on closer

acquaintance.

Mr. Wickham: Indeed? In what respect? Has he acquired a touch of

civility in his address? For I dare not hope he is improved in
essentials.

Elizabeth: No. In essentials, I believe he is very much as he ever

was.

Mr. Wickham: I see.

Mrs. Forster: (re-enters) Wickham. Wickham! I need you.

Mr. Wickham: At your service, ma'am! (He makes a slightly hasty bow
and leaves Elizabeth, exiting with Mrs. Forster.)

Elizabeth: Yes, go, go. I would not wish you back again.

(Enter Lydia with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Mary.)

Lydia: Goodbye, papa, Goodbye, mama.

Mrs. Bennet: Lydia, my dear, we shall miss you most cruelly!

Lydia: I shall write every day of what I'm doing and make you wild
with envy.

Mary: I shall not envy her a jot!

Lydia: Goodbye, Jane. Goodbye, Lizzy! If I see any eligible beaux for
you, I'll send word express!

(Lydia has scarcely left when Kitty enters with news.)

Kitty: Mama! Lizzy! My aunt and uncle Gardiner have arrived! (The
Gardiners enter.)

Mrs. Gardiner: Well, Lizzy! We bear you bad tidings. Not too grievous
though, I hope.

Mr. Gardiner: My business won't allow me time away to visit all the
Lake country. We shall have to content ourselves with Derbyshire.

Elizabeth: Oh. But Derbyshire has many beauties, has it not?

Mrs. Gardiner: Indeed. And one of its finest is Pemberley, the great
estate of Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth: I see. Perhaps this will prove an interesting journey

after all. (They exit.)

Scene 20: Pemberley

(Enter Elizabeth, the Gardiners, and a housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, who

speaks aside to Mr. Gardiner.)

Mrs. Gardiner: So how do you like Pemberley, Lizzy?

Elizabeth: Very well. I don't think I've ever seen a place so happily
situated. I like it very well indeed.

Mrs. Gardiner: Perhaps the beauty of the house renders its owner a
little less repulsive, Lizzy?

Elizabeth: Yes, perhaps. Perhaps a "very" little.

Mrs. Reynolds: This is the music room. And there's a fine prospect
from that window down towards the lake.

Mr. Gardiner: Look at this, my dear. It's quite magnificent! (He

moves to meet her downstage.)

Elizabeth: (aside) Of all this I might have been mistress.

Mr. Gardiner: Your master is from home, we understand.

Mrs. Reynolds: Yes, but we expect him here tomorrow, sir. (Elizabeth
starts at this news.) He is coming with a large party of friends and
Miss Georgiana. This portrait was painted earlier this year, for her
sixteenth birthday.

Mr. Gardiner: She is a very handsome young lady!

Mrs. Reynolds: Oh, yes! The handsomest young lady that ever was seen.
And so accomplished. She plays and sings all day long!

Mrs. Gardiner: Lizzy! Look at this picture. It reminds me very much

of someone we know!

Mrs. Reynolds: This one, ma'am? That young gentleman was the son of
the late Mr. Darcy's steward, Mr. Wickham. He is gone into the army
now. But he's turned out very wild. Very wild indeed, I'm afraid. And
that's my master. And very like him too.

Mrs. Gardiner: It's a handsome face -- is it like him, Lizzy?

Mrs. Reynolds: Does this young lady know the master?

Elizabeth: Yes, a little.

Mrs. Reynolds: And he is a handsome gentleman, is he not, ma'am?

Elizabeth: Yes, very handsome..

Mrs. Reynolds: I'm sure I know none so handsome. Nor so kind. I've
never had a cross word from him, and I've known him since he was four
years old.

Mrs. Gardiner: His father was an excellent man.

Mrs. Reynolds: He was, ma'am. His son will be just like him. The best
landlord, and the best master. Ask any of his tenants or his
servants. Now if you will follow me, there's a finer, larger portrait
of him in the gallery upstairs.

(She leads the Gardiners out of the room, Elizabeth lingering behind,
staring at the portrait. Enter Darcy opposite, and they startle one
another.)

Elizabeth: Oh! Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy: Miss Bennet. I -

Elizabeth: I did not expect to see you, sir. We understood you were
from home, or we should never have -

Mr. Darcy: I returned a day early. Excuse me, your parents are in
good health?

Elizabeth: Yes, they are very well. I thank you, sir.

Mr. Darcy: I'm glad to hear it. How long have you been in this part
of the country?

Elizabeth: But two days, sir.

Mr. Darcy: And where are you staying?

Elizabeth: At Lambton Inn.

Mr. Darcy: Ah, yes. Well, I'm just arrived myself. (Pause.) And your
parents are in good health? And all your sisters?

Elizabeth: Yes, they are all in excellent health, sir.

Mr. Darcy: Excuse me. (He makes a hasty bow and exits, as the
Gardiners return.)

Mr. Gardiner: The man himself, I presume!

Mrs. Gardiner: As handsome as in his portrait.

Elizabeth: We must leave here at once! Oh, I wish we'd never come!
What must he think of me?
Mrs. Gardiner: What did he say?

Elizabeth: Nothing of consequence. He enquired after my parents (She

begins to exit but runs into Darcy again.)

Mr. Darcy: Miss Bennet. Allow me to apologize for not receiving you
properly. Were you leaving?

Elizabeth: We were, sir. I think we must.

Mr. Darcy: I hope you are not displeased with Pemberley?

Elizabeth: No, not at all.

Mr. Darcy: Would you introduce me to your friends?

Elizabeth: Certainly. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner, Mr. Darcy. Mrs.
Gardiner is my aunt, Mr. Darcy. My sister Jane stayed at their house
when she was in London.

Mr. Darcy: Delighted to make your acquaintance, madam, sir. You're

staying at Lambton, I hear.

Mrs. Gardiner: Yes, sir. I grew up there as a girl.

Mr. Darcy: Delightful village. I ran to Lambton as a boy almost every

day in the summer.

Mr. Darcy: Mr. Gardiner, do you care for fishing?

(He motions Mr. Gardiner to the window with him, pointing out the
lake.)

Mr. Gardiner: Indeed I do, when I get the chance.

Mr. Darcy: You must fish in my trout stream. Or there are carp and
pike in the lake, for coarse fishing. I'll gladly provide you with
rods and tackle, show you the best spots.

Mrs. Gardiner: (quietly, to Elizabeth) Is this the proud Darcy you

told us of? He is all ease and friendliness. No false dignity at all!

Elizabeth: I'm as astonished as you are.

Mr. Gardiner: My dear, you must see this!

(Mrs. Gardiner crosses to Mr. Gardiner, as does Darcy, to Elizabeth.)

Elizabeth: I should like to say again, sir, how very unexpected your
arrival was. If we had known you were to be here....

Mr. Darcy: Do not make yourself uneasy. I rode on ahead of the rest
of the party. They will join me tomorrow and there is one person who
particularly wishes to know you. Will you allow me to...do I ask too
much to introduce my sister to you, during your stay at Lambton?

Elizabeth: I should be very happy to make her acquaintance.

Mr. Darcy: Then would you join us for dinner tomorrow evening?

Elizabeth: I....yes, I would very much like to.

Mr. Darcy: Thank you. (He bows to the Gardiners) Good day, Mr.
Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you
again soon. Good day, Miss Bennet.

(They exit, Elizabeth glancing back and holding Darcy's look, lights
dim to theme.)

Scene 21: Pemberley, the next evening

(Enter a servant and Elizabeth. Caroline, Georgiana, Darcy and the

Hursts sit.)

Servant: Miss Bennet, sir.

Mr. Darcy: (rising to greet Elizabeth and bowing; in the direction of

his sister.) Miss Bennet. May I introduce my sister Georgiana?
Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Elizabeth: I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy. I've heard so
much about you.

Georgiana: And I about you.

Elizabeth: I understand that you are fond of music, and play very
well.
Georgiana: Oh, no. Not play "very" well. I mean, but I am very fond
of music. I should dearly love to hear you play. My brother has told
me he has rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure.

Elizabeth: Well, you shall. But I warn you, your brother has grossly
exaggerated my talents. No doubt for some mischievous reason.

Georgiana: Oh, no. That could not be so. My brother never

exaggerates. He always tells the absolute truth. Except that
sometimes I think he is a little too kind to me.

Elizabeth: An ideal elder brother, then.

Georgiana: Yes! I couldn't imagine a better or a kinder one.

Elizabeth: You make me feel quite envious. I have no brothers at all.

Only four sisters.

Georgiana: I should have liked to have a sister. (Enter Mr. Bingley.)

Mr. Bingley: Miss Bennet! I was so delighted when Darcy told me you
were not five miles from Pemberley! How do you do? I see you are
well.

Elizabeth: Very well, thank you,

Georgiana: Shall we hear you play, Miss Bennet?

Elizabeth: If you insist upon it, yes, you shall. (She sits at the
piano and plays.)

Mr. Bingley: Absolutely marvellous!

Georgiana: Will you not play again? You played that song so
beautifully.

Elizabeth: Not very beautifully, not faithfully at all. You must have
seen how I slurred my way through the difficult passages. It's a
beautiful instrument, though.

Georgiana: My brother gave it to me for my birthday. He is so good. I

don't deserve it.
Elizabeth: I am sure you do. Your brother thinks you do, and as you
know, he is never wrong. Now, it's your turn. (Georgiana hesitates.)
Oh, I absolutely insist!

Georgiana: In front of everyone? I will play, but please don't make

me sing.

Elizabeth: If you like. (Georgiana plays to applause.)

Mr. Bingley: Delightful!

Caroline: Pray, Miss Eliza, are the Militia still quartered at

Meryton?

Elizabeth: No, they are encamped at Brighton for the summer.

Mrs. Hurst: That must be a great loss for your family.

Elizabeth: We're enduring it as best we can.

Caroline: I should have thought one gentleman's absence might have

caused particular pangs. I understood that certain ladies found the
society of Mr. Wickham curiously agreeable.

(Darcy rises angrily. Elizabeth looks at him, then returns to the

piano with Georgiana.)

Elizabeth: Will you walk with me, Miss Darcy? We must get better
acquainted. (She and Georgiana exit.)

Mrs. Hurst: How very ill Eliza Bennet looks this evening! I've never
seen anyone so much altered as she is since the winter.

Mr. Hurst: She looks as plain as ever to me.

Mrs. Hurst: She is grown so brown and coarse. I should hardly know
her. What do you say, Mr. Darcy?

Mr. Darcy: I notice no great difference. She is, I suppose, a little

tanned. Hardly surprising when one travels in the summer.

Caroline: For my part, I must confess, I never saw any beauty in her
face. Her features are not at all handsome. Her complexion has no
brilliancy. Her teeth are tolerable, I suppose, but nothing out of
the common way. And as for her eyes, which I have sometimes heard
called fine, I could never perceive anything extraordinary in them.

Mr. Bingley: I think she looks remarkably well, and --

Mrs. Hurst: And in her air there is a self-sufficiency without

fashion, which I find intolerable. When we first knew her in
Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find her a reputed beauty!

Caroline: But afterwards she seemed to improve on you. I even believe

you thought her rather pretty at one time.

Mr. Darcy: Yes, I did. That was only when I first knew her. For many
months now I have considered her one of the handsomest women of my
acquaintance.

(Bingley grins, as Darcy stalks out, and Caroline looks shocked.

Lights out.)

Scene 22: Lambton Inn, the next morning

Servant: Excuse me, miss, but the post just came. (She hands letters
to Elizabeth, curtsies, then exits.)

Elizabeth: Thank you. Two letters from Jane. At last!

(She sits and opens the first, as Jane appears on the balcony.)

Jane: My dearest Lizzy, I hope your journey has been as delightful as

you anticipated. We all miss you. Our father most of all, I
believe...and especially now, as something has occurred of a most
unexpected and serious nature. An express came at twelve last night,
just as we were all gone to bed. The letter was from Colonel Forster,
to inform us that Lydia was gone off to Scotland she has eloped, with
Mr. Wickham!

Elizabeth: Lydia and Wickham! So imprudent a match on both sides!

Jane: We expect them to return soon, as man and wife. But I must
conclude. I cannot be away from our poor mother for long. She will
not be consoled. I shall write again as soon as I have news.

(Here Elizabeth anxiously tears open the next letter.)

Jane: My dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what to write, but I have bad
news! Imprudent as a marriage would be, we now fear worse: That it
has not taken place. That Wickham never intended to marry Lydia at
all!

Elizabeth: Great God, I knew it!

Jane: Colonel Forster said he feared that Wickham was not a man to be
trusted. Father has gone with him to try to discover them. I cannot
help but beg you all to come here as soon as possible!

Elizabeth: Oh, yes! Where is my uncle? (A servant enters, with Mr.

Darcy.)

Servant: Mr. Darcy, miss.

Mr. Darcy: Miss Bennet, I hope this...

Elizabeth: I beg your pardon. I must find Mr. Gardiner on business

that cannot be delayed.

Mr. Darcy: Good God! What is the matter? Of course I will not detain
you, but let me go, or let the servant go and fetch Mr. and Mrs
Gardiner. Hello there! (The servant returns.) Have Mr. and Mrs.
Gardiner fetched here at once.

Servant: Yes, sir, at once.

Mr. Darcy: You are not well. May I not call a doctor?

Elizabeth: No, there is nothing the matter with me. I am only

distressed by some dreadful news, which cannot be concealed from
anyone. My youngest sister has left all her friends and has eloped,
with Mr. Wickham. You know him too well to doubt the rest.

Mr. Darcy: (Pause.) I am grieved, indeed. Grieved, shocked, (Longer

pause) But what has been attempted to recover her?

Elizabeth: My father has gone to London. And Jane writes to beg my

uncle's immediate assistance. But what can be done? How are they even
to be discovered? She is lost forever, and our whole family must
partake of her ruin and disgrace.
Mr. Darcy: (Pause.) I'm afraid you have long been desiring my
absence.

Elizabeth: If you would be so kind as to conceal the unhappy truth as

long as possible. -- I know that it cannot be long.

Mr. Darcy: You may be assured of my secrecy. (Pause.) But I have

stayed too long. I shall leave you now. (He hesitates, then exits
rather abruptly.) Goodbye.

Elizabeth: I shall never see him again.

(Lights out slowly to theme.)

Scene 23: Longbourn, a few days later

(Enter Elizabeth and the Gardiners, where Kitty, Mary and Mrs. Bennet
sit.)

Jane: Lizzy! I am so glad to see you.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh! Oh, Lizzy! Oh, brother! We are all ruined forever!
If only Mr. Bennet had taken us all to Brighton, none of this would
have happened! I blame those Forsters!

Elizabeth: Mama...!

Mrs. Bennet: And now here is Mr. Bennet gone away. I know he will
fight Wickham, and then he will be killed, and then what is to become
of us all? Those Collinses will tum us out before he is cold in his
grave!

Mr. Gardiner: Sister, calm down. Nothing dreadful will happen! I'll
be in London. tomorrow, and we will consult as to what is to be done.

Mrs. Bennet: Yes, yes, that is it! You must find them out, and if
they be not married, you must make them marry. Above all, keep Mr.
Bennet from fighting!

Jane: Mama, I am sure he does not mean to fight.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh yes, he does! And Wickham will kill him for sure,
unless you can prevent it, brother! You must tell him what a dreadful
state I'm in! How I have such tremblings and flutterings. Such spasms
in my side and pains in my head and beatings at my heart, that I can
get no rest either night or day!

(She exits, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.)

Mary: This is the most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much
talked of.

Elizabeth: Yes, Mary. I think we have all apprehended that much.

Kitty: And I think it is most unfair that everyone's treating me so

poorly, for I have not done anything naughty! And I don't see that
Lydia has done anything dreadful either.

Jane: Kitty, please!

Mary: Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we must draw from it
this useful lesson: That loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable.

Elizabeth: Yes... thank you, Mary. (She and Jane rise and move
downstage.) Now, Jane, tell me everything about it. What did Colonel
Forster say?

Jane: Colonel Forster did own he suspected some partiality on Lydia's

side, but nothing to give him any alarm. (Pause. She holds out a
letter.) Lydia wrote a note for Mrs. Forster before she went away.

(Lydia appears with Wickham on the centre balcony.)

Lydia: My dear Harriet, you will laugh when you discover where I am
gone. Don't send them word at Longbourn of my going. It will make the
surprise all the greater, when I write to them and sign my name Lydia
Wickham! What a good joke it will be.

Elizabeth: Thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia! What a letter to have

written at such a moment. But at least she believed they were to be
married, whatever he might persuade her to afterwards. But poor
father!

Jane: I never saw anyone so shocked. He couldn't speak for ten

minutes. Mother was in hysterics, and the house was in confusion.
(Enter Aunt Philips)

Kitty: Lizzy, Jane! Here's Aunt Philips! She can tell us the news
from Meryton.
Mrs. Philips: Come, let me to your mother, Jane, though Heaven knows
I have no glad tidings for her.

(They exit to theme.)

Scene 24: Longbourn, the same day

(Mrs. Philips sits with Mrs. Bennet.)

Mrs. Philips: Every day I hear some new bad tale of Mr. Wickham!

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr. Wickham, that everybody praised to the skies!
Mr. Wickham, that half the town was mad in love with. All the time a
villain! A very demon from hell sent to ruin us!

Mrs. Philips: I have heard he's run up debts with every tradesman in
the town.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, sister!

Mrs. Philips: I've heard tales of debauches, intrigues, seductions!

They say there's hardly a tradesman in the town whose daughters were
not meddled with!

Mrs. Bennet: Now he's meddling with our dearest girl. The foul fiend!
He must be discovered and "made" to marry her!

Mrs. Philips: I have to say, sister, that I always distrusted his

appearance of goodness.

Mrs. Bennet: Aye, sister, so did I, and warned the girls!

Mrs. Philips: Too smooth and plausible by half!

Mrs. Bennet: But would anybody listen to me? And now we are all, all
ruined! Oh, my poor girl. My poor, poor Lydia!

(They exit. Enter Mr. Bennet, reading a letter. Elizabeth and Jane
enter opposite.)

Elizabeth: Papa, what news? What news from my uncle? Good or bad?
Mr. Bennet: (handing over the letter) Perhaps you would like to read
it yourself. Read it aloud, Lizzy. I hardly know what to make of it
myself.

Elizabeth: "My dear brother, at last I am able to send tidings of my

niece and Mr. Wickham. I have seen them..."

Jane: It's as I hoped! They are married!

Elizabeth: "They are not married, but if you will perform the
engagements I have ventured to make for you, they will be before
long." What engagements?

Mr. Bennet: Read on.

Elizabeth: "All that is required is to assure your daughter her equal

share of her inheritance, and also allow her, during your life, 150
pounds per annum." So little?

Mr. Bennet: Uh-huh. Read on..

Elizabeth: "We've judged it best that my niece should be married from

this house. I hope you approve. Send back your answer as soon as you
can, with the explicit financial settlement. Yours," etc... How can
it be possible he will marry her for so little?

Jane: He must not be undeserving, as we thought. He must truly be in

love with her.

Mr. Bennet: You think that, Jane, if it gives you comfort.

Elizabeth: And they must marry. Yet he is such a man.

Mr. Bennet: Yes, they must marry. There's nothing else to be done.
But there are two things I want to know: One is, how much money your
uncle laid down to bring this about, and the other, how am I ever to
repay him?

(Mr. Bennet exits. Enter Mrs. Bennet, now very energetic, and Mrs.
Philips.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, I am so happy! A daughter to be married. And only

just sixteen. "Mrs. Wickham". Oh, how well that sounds! Oh, but the
wedding clothes! Jane, go down to your father and ask how much he
will give her. And we must invite them to Longbourn! Oh, sister! Oh,
Jane!

(She exits after Jane: Mr. Bennet re-enters)

Mr. Bennet: Someone, at least, finds pleasure in these events.

Elizabeth: But considering what we thought only a few hours ago, it's
not so bad, is it? Do you think my uncle paid out much money?

Mr. Bennet: I do. Wickham's a fool if he takes her for less than
10,000 pounds.

Elizabeth: 10,000 pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be

repaid?

Mr. Bennet: I wish I had laid by an annual sum to bribe worthless

young men to marry my daughters, but I have not, I confess. The
reason was, of course, that I intended to father a son. By the time
we had abandoned hope of producing an heir, it seemed a little late
to begin saving.

Elizabeth: You could not have foreseen this, father.

Mr. Bennet: I should have taken better care of you all. (Pause, then
brightening) As it is, when you take into account what I shall save
on Lydia's board and pocket allowance, I am scarcely ten pounds a
year worse off. (Pause.) I am heartily ashamed of myself, Lizzy. But
don't despair, it will pass....and no doubt more quickly than it
should.

(Elizabeth puts her arm around his shoulders, lights out to theme.)

Scene 25: Longbourn, a few days later

(Enter the Bennets, Lydia, and Wickham.)

Lydia: Lord! It seems an age since we were at Longbourn. Here you all
are, just the same!

Mrs. Bennet: My dear, dear Lydia, at last! Oh, I do believe you've

grown! Oh, how we have missed you!
Lydia: We've been far too merry to miss any of you! Well, here we
are! Haven't I caught myself a handsome husband?

Mrs. Bennet: Indeed you have, my love! (To Wickham) You are very
welcome, sir.

Mr. Wickham: You are all goodness and kindness, ma'am, as always.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, let me give you a kiss, then!

(She takes his arm and she and Wickham and Mr. Bennet exit.)

Lydia: "Mrs. Wickham!" Lord, how droll that sounds! How do you like
my husband, Lizzy? I believe you envy me. Was he not a favourite of
yours once?

Elizabeth: Not at all.

Lydia: A pity we didn't all go to Brighton, I could have got husbands

for all my sisters!

Elizabeth: Thank you, but I don't particularly like your way of

getting husbands.

Lydia: How I wished my dear Wickham could have worn his red coat at
the wedding, and have a guard of honour, but there was no one there
but my aunt and uncle and Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth: Mr. Darcy? Mr. Darcy was at your wedding?

Lydia: Oh, yes. Someone had to be groomsman. I had much rather it had
been Denny or one of our friends... Oh, Lord, I forgot. I wasn't to
say a word! What'll Wickham say now? It was supposed to be a secret!

(She exits, giggling, followed by Kitty, Mary, and Jane. Elizabeth

darts to a table and pulls out a piece of writing paper.)

Elizabeth: My dear Aunt, pray write and let me understand how Mr.
Darcy should have been at Lydia's wedding.

(Enter Mrs. Gardiner on the centre balcony.)

Mrs. Gardiner: My dear niece, I must confess myself surprised by your

letter. It was Mr. Darcy who discovered Lydia and Wickham in London,
and who insisted on doing everything himself and bearing the entirety
of the expense.

(She exits. Enter Lydia and the rest of the Bennets as she prepares to
leave.)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Lydia, when shall we meet again?

Lydia: Not these two or three years, perhaps.

Mrs. Bennet: Not these two or three years! Oh, what shall I do? And
Mr. Bennet is so cruel as to refuse to take us into the North
Country!

Mr. Bennet: On that you may depend, Mrs. Bennet.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Lydia! You will write to me often, won't you?

Lydia: I don't know. We married women don't have much time for
writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have nothing better to
do.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Lydia! Mr. Wickham, take care of my girl!

Mr. Wickham: I shall, ma'am, to the very best of my ability. And

thank you, ma'am, and to you, sir, for your continued kindness and
hospitality. And to you, my dear sisters-in- law. But, the carriage
awaits. Duty and honour call me to the North. So, come, my dear!

Mr. Bennet: He's as fine a fellow as ever I saw! How he simpers and
smirks! I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas
to produce such a son-in-law.

(He exits in disgust. Enter Mrs. Philips.)

Mrs. Philips: Sister! Have you heard? Mr. Bingley is coming back to
Netherfield, and the whole town is talking about it!

Mrs. Bennet: Oh sister, tell me all the news.... (They exit,

gossiping, as Elizabeth and Jane exchange looks)

Elizabeth: Jane...

Jane: Stop it, Lizzy. (They exit arm in arm to theme.)

Scene 26: Longbourn, a few days later

(The Bennets sit in the drawing room.)

Mrs. Bennet: Three days he has been in the neighbourhood, and still
he shuns us! I say it's all your father's fault! He will not call on
Mr. Bingley, so you shall die old maids!

Mr. Bennet: You promised last time that he'd marry one of my
daughters, but it all came to nothing. I won't be sent on a fool's
errand! (He exits)

Mrs. Bennet: Oh Mr. Bennet!

Kitty: Mama! Mama, look! I think he's coming!

Mrs. Bennet: Is it really him? I believe it must be! He is come,

Jane! Put on your blue gown. No, stay where you are!

Kitty: Who's with him? It looks like that man who used to be with him
before. Mr...you know, that tall proud one.

Mrs. Bennet: Mr. Darcy! I believe it is. Well, any friend of Mr.
Bingley's will always be welcome here, to be sure. But I must say I
hate the sight of him!

(Bingley and Darcy enter.)

Servant: Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, ma'am.

Mrs. Bennet: Mr. Bingley, you are very, very welcome.

Mr. Bingley: How do you do, Mrs. Bennet. I....

Mrs. Bennet: It's far too long since you were here, and very kind of
you to call. (stiffly) And Mr. Darcy, you are welcome, too. (Back to
Bingley) We began to be afraid you would never come back. People did
say, you meant to quit the place entirely, but I hope that is not
true.

Mr. Bingley: Well, no, I...

Mrs. Bennet: I expect you've heard Mr. Wickham's gone into the
regulars. Thank Heaven he has some friends, though perhaps not as
many as he deserves! Do you mean to stay long in the neighbourhood on
this visit?

Mr. Bingley: Our plans are not yet settled, but I hope, we shall stay
some weeks. At the very least.

Mrs. Bennet: When you've killed your own birds, I beg you would come
here and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet's manor. I'm sure
he'll be happy to oblige you! (stiffly, again) I suppose you may
bring your friends, if you will.

Mr. Bingley: Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. (He and Darcy rise, bow to her,
then Jane, before exiting.) Miss Bennet.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Jane! This is such good news! I must tell Aunt
Philips!

(She exits, as Elizabeth crosses to Jane and takes her by the hand.)

Elizabeth: Jane, take care.

Jane: Don't think me to be in any danger now, Lizzy.

Elizabeth: I think you are in very great danger of making him as much
in love with you as ever.

(Lights dim on centre stage, and up on centre balcony, where Darcy and
Bingley enter.)

Mr. Bingley: You tell me now that she was in London all those months?
And you concealed it from me?

Mr. Darcy: Yes. I can offer no justification. It was an arrogant

presumption, based on a failure to recognize your true feelings and
Miss Bennet's. I should never have interfered. It was wrong of me,
Bingley, and I apologize.

Mr. Bingley: You admit that you were in the wrong?

Mr. Darcy: Utterly and completely.

Mr. Bingley: Then... I have your blessing?

Mr. Darcy: Do you need my blessing?

Mr. Bingley: No. But I should like to know I have it all the same.

Mr. Darcy: Then go to it.

(Darcy exits, and Bingley nervously adjusts his outfit, then follows,
as lights dim above and rise centre stage on Jane, Elizabeth, Mary and
Kitty. Mrs. Bennet returns.)

Mrs. Bennet: Jane! Jane! Oh, my dear Jane! He is come!

Jane: Who is come?

Mrs. Bennet: Mr. Bingley, of course!

(Enter a Servant leading Mr. Bingley.)

Servant: Mr. Bingley, ma'am,

Mrs. Bennet: Mr. Bingley! It is ever so nice to see you again so

soon! Do sit down.

Mr. Bingley: Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. (He is staring at Jane, and
practically misses the chair.)

Mrs. Bennet: So Mr. Darcy is gone to town? (She winks at Kitty.)

Mr. Bingley: Yes, ma'am.

Kitty: What's the matter, mama? Why do you keep winking at me? What
am I to do?

Mrs. Bennet: Wink at you? Why should I wink at you, child? What a
notion! But now you ask, I do have something I would speak to you
about. Come, come with me. And you, Mary. Come!

(They exit, Jane and Bingley sit nervously, and Elizabeth tries to
avoid looking at them. A moment later, a voice breaks the silence.)

Mrs. Bennet: (calling offstage) Lizzy! Lizzy!....I need you upstairs,

at once!

(Reluctantly, Elizabeth curtsies to Bingley, glances at Jane, and

leaves.)
Mr. Bingley: First, Miss Bennet, I must confess...I have committed
the most unpardonable error in judgment.

Jane: Yes?

Mr. Bingley: That is to say...at least...you must forgive me...

Jane: For what, Mr. Bingley?

Mr. Bingley: For being blinded by folly. From the very first time we
met, Miss Bennet, I have been most sincerely in love with you. If I
had not been so stupid as to accept some astonishingly poor advice, I
should never have left Netherfield last November.

Jane: And yet I came to London.. in the faint hope of seeing you
there...did not your sister tell you?

Mr. Bingley: I am very sorry to say no. And once I learned of that
concealment, I could only speculate on what else had been withheld
from me. I had been convinced of your indifference, when I had hoped
you felt all along as I did...that you loved me...?

Jane: I did....I do...I am sorry you have been led so astray.

(Bingley moves to her swiftly on one knee.)

Mr. Bingley: Miss Bennet....would you do me the great honour of

becoming my wife?

Jane: I will, sir.

(He rises, but before they can embrace, Elizabeth enters the room.
Bingley suddenly breaks away from Jane.)

Elizabeth: Oh, I am so sorry.

Mr. Bingley: Excuse me. I must at once to your good father, without
delay!

Elizabeth: (to Jane, as the Bennets spill into the room) Well?

Jane: Oh, Lizzy! Mama! I'm so happy! Why can't everyone be as happy
as I am? He loves me, Lizzy. He loves me!
Elizabeth: Of course he does!

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Jane! Jane! Did I not tell you it would be so?

Jane: He told me he loved me all the time. He didn't think me in love

with him! He is gone to papa already! Oh, Lizzy, could you believe
things would end in this happy way?

Elizabeth: Yes, Jane only because you deserve it so.

(Re-enter Bingley with Mr. Bennet.)

Mr. Bennet: Come back tomorrow, sir, if you can bear to. Come and
shoot with me. There are few men whose society I can tolerate well. I
believe you may be one of them.

Mr. Bingley: Thank you, sir. I shall be very happy to.

Mr. Bennet: Very well, very well. Get along with you.

Mr. Bingley: Till tomorrow, then! (Bingley exits)

Mr. Bennet: Jane, congratulations. You will be a very happy woman.

Jane: Thank you, father. I believe I shall.

Mrs. Bennet: Oh, my dear, dear Jane! I am so happy! Oh, I knew how it
would be! I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing. He is
the handsomest man that was ever seen!

(She exits on the arm of Mr. Bennet, Mary and Kitty following.)

Jane: Oh, Lizzy. If there were only such another man for you.

Elizabeth: If you were to give me forty such men.....I could never be

as happy as you. But perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may in time
meet with another Mr. Collins!

(They exit, laughing and hugging one another.)

Scene 27: Longbourn, a few days later

(Enter Kitty, breathlessly, to Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth.)

Kitty: Mama, Lizzy-the most enormous carriage has just arrived.

Lady Catherine: (trying to enter past a servant) What an extremely

small hall!

Servant: if you'll wait here, your ladyship, I'll tell my mistress

you're here..

Lady Catherine: No, I will not wait! Where is she? Is this the
drawing-room?

Servant: Lady Catherine de Bourgh, ma'am. (Exits.)

Lady Catherine: (Pause. She stares down Elizabeth) This must be a most
inconvenient sitting-room in summer. Why, the windows are full west!

Mrs. Bennet: Indeed, your ladyship, but we never sit in here after
dinner. We -

Lady Catherine: (coldly) Mrs. Bennet. I desire some time alone with
your daughter.

Mrs. Bennet: Yes, ma'am. Come, Kitty. (They exit, bewildered.)

Lady Catherine: (Pause.) Miss Bennet, you ought to know I am not to

be trifled with. A report of an alarming nature reached me two days
ago. I was told that you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, will soon be united
to my nephew, Mr. Darcy! I insist on being satisfied! Has my nephew
made you an offer of marriage?

Elizabeth: Your ladyship seems to think it impossible.

Lady Catherine: It ought to be so, but your arts and allurements may
have made him forget what he owes to himself and the family. You may
have drawn him in!

Elizabeth: If I had, I should be the last to confess it.

Lady Catherine: Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I am almost the
nearest relation. he has, and I am entitled to know all his nearest
concems.
Elizabeth: But not to know mine, nor will such behaviour as this
induce me to be explicit.

Lady Catherine: Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which

you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. Mr. Darcy
is engaged to "my" daughter. Now, what have you to say?

Elizabeth: Only this: That if he is so, you can have no reason to

suppose he'll make an offer to me.

Lady Catherine: The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind.

From their infancy they have been intended for each other. And should
this now be prevented by the upstart pretensions of a young woman
without family, connections or fortune? It shall not be! Your
alliance would be a disgrace! Your name would never even be mentioned
by any of us.

Elizabeth: These would be heavy misfortunes, indeed.

Lady Catherine: Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you. If

you were sensible, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you
have been brought up!

Elizabeth: Lady Catherine, in marrying your nephew I should not

consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman, I am a
gentleman's daughter.

Lady Catherine: But who was your mother? Your uncles and aunts? Do
not imagine me ignorant of their condition.

Elizabeth: If your nephew does not object to my connections, they can

be nothing to you.

Lady Catherine: Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?

Elizabeth: I am not.

Lady Catherine: And will you promise me never to enter into such an
engagement?

Elizabeth: I will make no promise of the kind. You have insulted me

by every possible method. I must beg leave to return to my mother.
Lady Catherine: You have no regard then, for the honour and credit of
my nephew? Unfeeling, selfish girl! You are determined to make him
the contempt of the world!

Elizabeth: I am only resolved to act in a manner which will

constitute my own happiness, without reference to you, or to any
person so wholly unconnected with me.

Lady Catherine: And this is your final resolve? Very well. I shall
know how to act! I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no
compliments to your mother. I am most seriously displeased.

(Lady C. exits in a huff, as Elizabeth puts her head in her hands.

Enter Mr. Bennet.)

Mr. Bennet: Lizzy, Lizzy! I was just looking for you. I received a
letter this morning, which has astonished me exceedingly. From Mr.
Collins.

Elizabeth: What can he have to say?

(Mr. Collins appears on the centre balcony.)

Mr. Collins: Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long

bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it, and
the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one
of the most illustrious personages in the land. My motive for
cautioning you is as follows: His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
does not look on the match with a friendly eye..

(Exit Mr. Collins.)

Mr. Bennet: Can you guess who he means, Lizzy? Mr. Darcy, you see, is
the man. Mr. Darcy, who probably never looked at you in his life
before! But Lizzy, what said Lady Catherine? I suppose she came to
refuse her consent, eh? What do we live for, but to make sport for
our neighbours and laugh at them in our turn?

(He exits laughing, leaving Elizabeth alone. She sighs, and sinks into
a chair, her head in her hands, laughing to keep from crying.)

Elizabeth: True, true,

(Theme music as lights dim.)

Scene 28: Longbourn, a few days later

(Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth and Jane sit in the parlour. A servant
enters, leading in Bingley and Darcy.)

Servant: Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, ma'am.

Mr. Bingley: This is a fine day for a walk. Shall we? (The four
exit.)

Mr. Bennet: I wonder that Mr. Darcy should have returned. What would
his aunt think?

(He chuckles to himself, and exits, leaving Mrs. Bennet confused and
chasing after him)

Mrs. Bennet: Whatever do you mean, Mr. Bennet? Mr. Bennet!

(Lights dim; up on Jane and Bingley, entering opposite, and followed

by Darcy and Elizabeth, who move center stage.)

Elizabeth: Mr. Darcy I can go no longer without thanking you for your
kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known of it, I've been
most anxious to tell you how grateful I am, for my family and for
myself. I know what trouble it must have cost you. Please allow me to
thank you, on behalf of all my family, since they don't know to whom
they are indebted.

Mr. Darcy: If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone. Your
family owes me nothing. As much as I respect them, I believe I
thought only of you. (Pause.) You're too generous to trifle with me.
If your feelings are unchanged, tell me so. My affections and wishes
are the same. But one word from you will silence me on this subject
forever.

Elizabeth: Oh, my feelings...My feelings are...I am ashamed to

remember what I felt then. My feelings are so different. In fact,
they are quite the opposite.

Mr. Darcy: (with great relief) Lady Catherine told me of her meeting
with you. It taught me to hope, when I had scarcely ever allowed
myself to hope before. Had you absolutely decided against me, you
would have acknowledged it openly.

Elizabeth: Yes, you know enough of my frankness to believe me capable

of that!

Mr. Darcy: What did you say of me that I did not deserve? My
behaviour at the time was unpardonable. Your reproof I shall never
forget. "Had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner." How those
words have tortured me!

Elizabeth: I had no idea of their being taken such a way.

Mr. Darcy: I can easily believe it. You said I could not have
addressed you in any way that would have induced you to accept me.

Elizabeth: Do not repeat what I said then!

Mr. Darcy: No, I have been a selfish being all my life. As a child I
was given good principles, but was left to follow them in pride and
conceit. And such I might still have been but for you.

(Bingley interrupts as he draws near.)

Mr. Bingley: Well, Darcy? How goes it? Shall we return to

Netherfield?

Mr. Darcy: With one stop at Longbourn on the way, I should think.
Good day, Miss Bennet.... Miss Bennet.

(He and Bingley exit with bows. Jane comes up to Lizzy.)

Jane: Whatever could Mr. Darcy mean, to stop at Longbourn?

Elizabeth: Jane....oh Jane....we are engaged!

Jane: Engaged to Mr. Darcy! No, you are joking. It is impossible!

Elizabeth: This is a wretched beginning! If you don't believe me, I'm

sure no one else will. Indeed, I am in eamest. He still loves me, and
we are engaged.

Jane: It can't be true. I know how much you dislike him!

Elizabeth: No, it is all forgotten! Perhaps I didn't always love him
as well as I do now. But... in such cases as these a good memory is
unpardonable.

Jane: Oh, Lizzy!

(They exit, laughing, as lights dim to music.)

Scene 29: Longbourn, some time later

(Darcy exits the stage, nearly bumping into Elizabeth as she enters.
Mr. Bennet sits in his chair, fidgeting.)

Elizabeth: Father...?

Mr. Bennet: Are you out of your senses to be accepting this man,
Lizzy? Have you not always hated him?

Elizabeth: Papa....

Mr. Bennet: I've given him my consent. He's the kind of man, indeed,
to whom I should never dare refuse anything. But let me advise you to
think the better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. My child, let
me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in
life. He is rich, but will he make you happy?

Elizabeth: Have you any objections apart from your belief in my

indifference?

Mr. Bennet: None whatever. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant

sort of man - but this would be nothing, if you really liked him.

Elizabeth: I do. I do like him. I love him. Indeed, he has no

improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. If you only knew his
generous nature. I didn't always love him, but I love him now so very
dearly. He is truly the best man I have ever known.

Mr. Bennet: (Pause.) Well, my dear, if this be the case, he deserves

you. I could not have parted with you to anyone less worthy. (He
embraces her.)
Elizabeth: There is one more thing I must tell you, Papa. It was Mr.
Darcy, not my uncle Gardiner, who was responsible for rescuing Lydia
and saving our family name.

Mr. Bennet: (startled) So, Mr. Darcy did everything? So much the
better. It will save me a world of trouble. Had it been your uncle's
doing, I must and would have paid him; but these violent young lovers
carry everything their own way. I shall offer to pay him tomorrow he
will rant and storm about his love for you, and there will be an end
of the matter.

Elizabeth: (laughing) Father... if you please... he would not want

you to know, so it is just as well kept between us.

Mr. Bennet: Very well, my dear, very well.

(Elizabeth rushes back to him for a final hug, then exits, as Mr.
Bennet takes up his book in his favourite chair. The curtains close
slowly to music, as Darcy and Elizabeth enter on the apron, opposite
one another. They slowly close up space during their dialogue.)

Elizabeth: Mr. Darcy...!

Mr. Darcy: Miss Bennet

Elizabeth: I've just come from my father...and I just have to

say....have to ask....when did you first begin to love me?

Mr. Darcy: I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the
words, which laid the foundation. I was in the middle before I knew
that I had begun.

Elizabeth: My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners

my behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil. Now
be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?

Mr. Darcy: For the liveliness of your mind, I did.

Elizabeth: But what made you so shy of me, when you first called?
Why, especially, when you called, did you look as if you did not care
about me?

Mr. Darcy: Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no
encouragement.
Elizabeth: But I was embarrassed.

Mr. Darcy: And so was I.

Elizabeth: Still -- you might have talked to me more.

Mr. Darcy: A man who felt less, might have.

Elizabeth: (She draws closer to him, playfully) What did you come down
to Netherfield for? Was it merely to ride to Longboum and be
embarrassed? Or had you intended any more serious consequence?

Mr. Darcy: (Stepping closer to her.) My real purpose was to see you,
and to judge whether I might ever hope to make you love me.

Elizabeth: (Drawing up close) And... what have you decided?

Mr. Darcy: (Holding her head in his hands.) That as a single man, in
possession of a large fortune, all I will ever need, my loveliest
Elizabeth - is you.

(They kiss. Lights dim to theme, then up as curtain opens to curtain

call.)

REFERENCE
https://www.scribd.com/document/201046156/Pride-and-Prejudice-play-sc
ript