Pride and Prejudice Play Script [PDF]

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Pride & Prejudice – Act 1 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?

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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 turns 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! 2

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.)

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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.) 4

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.)

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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.)

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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 I’ve planned! (They exit to theme music, lights out.)

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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.)

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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? 9

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?

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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! 11

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.)

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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?

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Mr. Collins: She has one daughter, who is, unfortunately, of a sickly constitution, which means she has deprived the British Court of its brightest ornament. (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.)

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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. 15

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 turns and exits) Kitty: Look, Jane, it's Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley: How very fortunate! Do you know, we were just on our way to Longbourn 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.

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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. Wickham – 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.)

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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! 18

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? 19

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.)

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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.) 21

(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.)

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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! 23

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.)

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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 I 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.) 25

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.)

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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. 27

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.)

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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? 29

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. 30

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 turns 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.)

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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. 32

(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.

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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. 34

(He storms out of the room, leaving Elizabeth in shock. Theme music and curtain.)

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) 35

“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.)

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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. 37

(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.)

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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.

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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.)

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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!

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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?

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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.) 43

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.)

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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.)

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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. 46

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.)

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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!

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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.)

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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 turn 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.

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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.)

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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. 52

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.

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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.)

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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? 55

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-inlaw. 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! 56

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. 57

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. 58

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? 59

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.

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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.)

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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 concerns.

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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! 63

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.)

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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.

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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 earnest. 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!

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(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.

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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.

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Elizabeth: (She draws closer to him, playfully) What did you come down to Netherfield for? Was it merely to ride to Longbourn 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.)

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