Pride and Prejudice 1995

by

Jane Austen
Adapted for television by
Andrew Davies

c1 Episode 1 Scene 1
A beautiful summer day in the English countryside (Hertfordshire), ca. 1813. Two wealthy young gentlemen ride hard, their horses heels kicking up mud, and pull up at a vantage point to look at Netherfield House, nestling attractively in its grounds. One of them is Charles Bingley, an attractive, smiling young man on a white horse. The other, more reserved, whom we do not get a close look at, is Fitzwilliam Darcy, who rides a chestnut horse. BINGLEY: Its a fair prospect. DARCY: Pretty enough, I grant you. BINGLEY: Oh, its nothing to Pemberley, I know. But I must settle somewhere. Have I your approval? DARCY: Youll find the society something savage. BINGLEY: Country manners? I think theyre charming. DARCY: Then youd better take it. BINGLEY: Thank you. I shall. I shall close with the attorney directly. In good humour, the two friends ride off again, galloping across the fields .From a vantage point on a slope above them, an attractive young woman looks down at the distant riders, with mild curiosity. This is Elizabeth Bennet, pretty, intelligent and fresh faced, with brown hair curling softly around her face, brown eyes and a mischievous smile. She wears a summer bonnet tied on with a blue bow, and a simple white dress with a matching blue short jacket. She also wears stout, sensible walking boots. She is out to enjoy a walk. She turns, and skips and runs off, throwing ladylike behaviour to the winds, free and happy and healthy. Her pace slows to a walk as she reaches the charming village of Meryton, passing a grazing horse and foal. She has picked a bunch of wild flowers. As she approaches her home, Longbourn house, we hear the sound of girls quarrelling loudly, but this does not faze her. The house is a charming example of the period, with ivy growing up the outer walls, and a pleasant garden. LYDIA: (V/O) Well, its mine now. You never wear it anyway. KITTY: (V/O) I wanted to wear it, I want to wear it today. Look what youve done to it! Mama! Mama! Elizabeth hesitates, and decides not to enter the front door. She walks around the house, peering into her fathers library from the garden. Mr Bennet sits at his desk, reading a book, and keeping himself away from the noise of his family. Elizabeth catches his eye and smiles. He rolls his eyes at the noise, and returns the smile. He is a country gentleman, with grey hair and reading glasses. KITTY: (V/O) Lydia has stolen my bonnet and made it up new, and says she will wear it to church. Tell her she shall not, Mama! LYDIA: (V/O) I shall wear it, Mama, and beg you would tell her so, for its all my own work, and she would be a fright in it because shes too plain to look well in it! In the morning room, Mrs Bennet sits in her armchair, looking martyred and getting cross. She wears a brown and green striped older style full skirted dress, a light shawl and a lacy cap over her brown hair. She has some darning. Plain Mary, the third Bennet daughter, sits at the table, looking a little disapproving of her sisters. She has dark hair, plainly styled, and wears glasses. She wears a green pinafore dress over a high necked, long sleeved white blouse. She fancies herself the intellectual of the family. Kitty, the fourth daughter, and Lydia, the youngest, run around the room yelling, as Kitty tries to snatch back her bonnet from Lydia. Kitty wears a yellow muslin frock with brown sprigs, Lydia a white muslin frock with polka dots. Both are in short sleeved, summery dresses. Both have dark hair and are attractive in a youthful, high spirited way, though Lydia appears to have the strongest personality and the loudest voice. MRS BENNET: Oh! LYDIA: (Running) No, you shall not have it! You shant! KITTY: Let it go! MRS BENNET: Oh, would you tear my nerves in tattered shreds? Oh, let her have it, Kitty, and be done! KITTY: But its mine! You let her have everything that is mine! She runs off, weeping, slamming the door. Lydia turns in triumph to the wall mirror to try on her bonnet. MRS BENNET: Oh! As Kitty runs off in tears, she passes Jane Bennet, the oldest daughter, making her way to the morning room. Jane is a very pretty, placid girl with blonde hair, tall and graceful. She wears white muslin, and is carrying a book. She glances mildly at Kitty and then stops to greet Elizabeth, who has just entered the house. 2

MRS BENNET: Oh, what is to become of us all? Jane! Lizzie! Where are you? The two girls look at each other, they areused to this. They smile. JANE: (Calling) Here, Mama! ELIZABETH: (Unfastening her bonnet) Coming, Mama. Later, outside the pretty village church. Service has ended, and the congregation stand in knots to chat, or make their way home. Mrs Bennet, smart in a rust coloured bonnet and coat, is talking with animation to Mrs Long, resplendent in green. Her daughters wait nearby, chatting politely to a gentleman. They all carry prayer books. Mr Bennet raises his hat and walks on, and the Bennet girls troop after him, with some pushing and shoving between Lydia and Kitty. Mrs Bennet hurries to catch up with them, full of news. MRS BENNET: (Moving fast to catch up with her husband) My dear! Mr Bennet! Wonderful news! Netherfield Park is let at last! MR BENNET: Is it. MRS BENNET: Yes it is. For I have just had it from Mrs Long. And do you not want to know who has taken it? MR BENNET: You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it. MRS BENNET: Why then, it is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England. A single man of large fortune, my dear. He came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place. His name is Bingley, and he will be in possession by Michaelmas, and he has five thousand a year! What a fine thing for our girls. Mr Bennet stops at this, and the whole family party comes to a halt. MR BENNET: How so? And how can it affect them? MRS BENNET: Oh Mr Bennet, how can you be so tiresome? You must know that Im thinking of his marrying one of them! Mr Bennet walks on briskly, and the rest follow. Jane and Elizabeth are walking together. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) For a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. The younger girls giggle. MRS BENNET: (Looking over her shoulder) Yes he must, indeed! And who better than one of our five girls? Lydia giggles and snorts at this. Jane turns around disapprovingly. JANE: Lydia! LYDIA: (Giggling) What a fine joke if he were to choose me! KITTY: (Giggling) Or me! MR BENNET: 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 you know, he may very likely fall in love with one of them. Therefore you must visit him directly he comes. MR BENNET: Visit him? Oh no, no, I see no occasion for that. MRS BENNET: Oh, Mr Bennet! MR BENNET: Go yourself, with the girls. Or still better, send them by themselves. MRS BENNET: By themselves! MR BENNET: Aye, for youre as handsome as any of them. Mr Bingley might like you best of the party. Mrs Bennet can think of no fitting reply. Lydia giggles at this, and Elizabeth looks at her. ELIZABETH: Lydia! They turn in to the house gateway. Mrs Bennet begins wailing, and Mr Bennet strides into the house, puts down his hat and cane, and heads for the living room. Mrs Hill, the housekeeper, moves quickly to the front door as Mrs Bennet enters. 3

MRS BENNET: Hill! Hill, I am so distressed! Hill starts to unbutton Mrs Bennets coat. The girls take off their bonnets. MRS BENNET: For Mr Bennet says he will not visit Mr Bingley when he comes. HILL: Oh there, there maam. KITTY: Mama, cant you reason with him? LYDIA: How are we to meet anyone? HILL: It will be alright. MRS BENNET: No, no it will not, for he is bent on ruining us all! She heads off to her sitting room, followed by Jane. Mary, the quiet girl, is left alone. Mr Bennet is tending the fire in the grate. JANE: Mama, I am sure he is teasing you. He will call on Mr Bingley as sure as he would call on any new neighbour of ours. Mrs Bennet enters the room, with Hill pursuing her to take her bonnet and give her a shawl. Mrs Bennet goes to the mirror to secure her cap in place. MRS BENNET: No, no Jane, how can you say that? You heard him yourself, and you know that your father has a will of iron. The girls quietly enter the living room, and sit down. MR BENNET: Youre in the right, my dear. But Ill tell you what Ill do. I shall write to Mr Bingley, informing him that I have five daughters, and hes welcome to any of them that he chooses. Theyre all silly and ignorant like other girls. Well, Lizzie has a little more wit than the rest. But then, he may prefer a stupid wife, as others have done before him. There, will that do? MRS BENNET: No, no. I beg you will not write at all if you -Oh, you take delight in vexing me! You have no compassion for my poor nerves.

MR BENNET: You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. Theyve been my old friends these twenty years at least. Elizabeth smiles quietly at this, and Jane tries not to. MRS BENNET: You dont know what I suffer! MR BENNET: Well, I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of five thousand a year come into the neighbourhood. MRS BENNET: It will be no use to us if twenty such should come since you will not visit them! MR BENNET: Depend upon it, my dear, when there are twenty, Ill visit em all. He goes. Jane and Elizabeth smile. MRS BENNET: You see, Jane? He will not be prevailed upon. He will see us all ruined! Oh, if only wed been able to have sons! MARY: Misfortunes, we are told, are sent to test our fortitude. And they often reveal themselves as blessings in disguise. Lydia enters and rolls her eyes at Marys pronouncement. She flops into a chair in an unladylike way, clutching her stomach. LYDIA: Lord, Im so hungry!

Disc 1 Episode 1 Scene 2

That night. Jane sits at her dressing table in her nightgown, brushing out her long hair. Elizabeth, also in night clothes, with her hair in a long plait, sits on a wooden chest at the foot of Janes bed, hugging her knees, watching Jane, and thinking. ELIZABETH: If I could love a man who would love me enough to take me for a mere fifty pounds a year, I should be very well pleased. JANE: Yes. ELIZABETH: But such a man could hardly be sensible, and you know I could never love a man who was out of his wits. JANE: (Smiling) Oh Lizzie! (Thinking) A marriage where either partner cannot love or respect the other -- that cannot be agreeable, to either party. ELIZABETH: (Wry) As we have daily proof. But beggars you know, cannot be choosers. JANE: We are not very poor, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: With fathers estate entailed away from the female line, we have little but our charms to recommend us. One of us at least will have to marry very well. (Smiling) And since you are quite five times as pretty as the rest of us, and have the sweetest disposition, I fear the task will fall on you to raise our fortunes. JANE: But Lizzie, I would wish -- I should so much like -- to marry for love. Elizabeth gets up, and comes to her to give her a hug. ELIZABETH: And so you shall, Im sure. Only take care to fall in love with a man of good fortune. They both smile. JANE: Well, I shall try, to please you. And you? ELIZABETH: I am determined that nothing but the very deepest love will induce me into matrimony. So, I shall end an old maid, and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill! They both laugh. Elizabeth drops a kiss on the top of Janes head, and leaves the room, picking up her shawl from the bed. She taps on her mothers bedroom door and opens it, to find Mrs Bennet languishing in bed. ELIZABETH: Goodnight, Mama. MRS BENNET: My head is very ill tonight. Elizabeth smiles and gently closes the door. The door to Lydia and Kittys room is open. Lydia, in her petticoat, is trying on a bonnet. LYDIA: (To Kitty) Lord, I said I wouldnt dance with him if he was the last man in Meryton! Kitty giggles, as does Lydia. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Good night, Lydia. Goodnight, Kitty. LYDIA & KITTY: Goodnight, Lizzie. Elizabeth goes into her own room and closes the door. Mr Bennet, downstairs in his library, is adding up figures in his account book. He makes a mark with a quill pen, and looks solemn, shaking his head. He takes the port decanter. In her room, Elizabeth sits looking pensively at her reflection in the dressing table mirror. She decides she looks alright, and then suddenly blows out her candle. Daytime, in a country lane. Trees line the path, birds sing. Lydia, Kitty and Mary are going for a walk, and Lydia is giggling. She suddenly spots Elizabeth, walking alone from another direction, and waves madly at her, calling out loudly. LYDIA: Lizzie! Wait till you hear our news! Elizabeth smiles and waves -- the end of her quiet walk. Back at Longbourn, Mr Bennet is trying to read the newspaper, Mrs Bennet sits in her favourite chair, Mary reads a book at the table, Jane is embroidering, and Elizabeth sits next to her. Kitty and Lydia are determined to tell the news. LYDIA: Mr Bingley has come to Netherfield! 5

KITTY: And Sir William Lucas has called on him! LYDIA: Save your breath to cool your porridge, Kitty. I will tell Mama. Kitty starts to cough. MRS BENNET: I do not wish to know. What should we care for Mr Bingley, since we are never to be acquainted with him. LYDIA: But Mama! MRS BENNET: Dont keep coughing so, Kitty, for heavens sake! Have a little compassion on my nerves. KITTY: I dont cough for my own amusement. LYDIA: (Cutting across her) He has thirty servants! Forty servants, and hes very handsome and wears a blue coat. KITTY: And he declared to Sir William that he loves to dance! LYDIA: And he promised to come to come to the next ball! KITTY: At the Assembly Rooms. LYDIA: On Saturday. KITTY: And bring six ladies and four gentlemen. LYDIA: No, it was twelve ladies and seven gentlemen. ELIZABETH: (Quietly to Jane, who smiles) Too many ladies. MRS BENNET: Oh Lydia, I beg you would stop! For we are never to know Mr Bingley, and it pains me to hear of him. (She casts a meaningful look at her husband) LYDIA: But Mama! MRS BENNET: I am sick of Mr Bingley! MR BENNET: (Lowering his newspaper) I am sorry to hear that. If Id known as much this morning, I should never have called on him. Kitty and Lydia are open mouthed with astonishment and pleasure. MRS BENNET: You have called on him! MR BENNET: I am afraid we cannot escape the acquaintance now. Mrs Bennet wails with delight, and gets up to go to her husband and give him a hug. Jane and Elizabeth smile at her pleasure. MRS BENNET: Oh, my dear Mr Bennet! How good you are to us! MR BENNET: (Smiling) Well, well, well. MRS BENNET: Oh girls, girls, is he not a good father? And never to tell us! What A good joke! She laughs, and almost dances with joy. MRS BENNET: Oh, now you shall all dance with Mr Bingley! Mary looks a little disapproving. Mrs Bennet clasps hands with Lydia and Kitty. All the girls laugh with their mother. ELIZABETH: (Laughing) I hope he has a strong constitution, Mama. MR BENNET: And a fondness for silly young women. MRS BENNET: Oh my dear Mr Bennet. Nothing you say shall ever vex me again. MR BENNET: Im sorry to hear it. (He gets up briskly) Well, Kitty, I think you may cough as much as you choose now. 6

He leaves the room. Mrs Bennet is still celebrating the good news. She laughs and dances with Kitty and Lydia, while Jane and Elizabeth watch and smile. Saturday night, outside the Meryton Assembly Rooms (at the Red Lion). A fine carriage draws up, pulled by four horses. Two runners holding flaming torches go ahead of it. It stops outside the Red Lion. Jolly dance music can be heard from within. A footman opens the carriage door and lets down the steps, and Mr Bingley emerges, smiling, in full evening wear. He is followed by Mr Darcy, who looks rather disdainful of his surroundings. Both men put on their hats. Miss Caroline Bingley, Charless sister, emerges next. She is very fashionably dressed in yellow, with a tall feather in her hat. Darcy glances around. Miss Bingley comes up to him, smiling. MISS BINGLEY: Shall we be quite safe here, Mr Darcy do you think? Mr Hurst, an indolent man with a thickening waist, emerges next, and looks around. MR HURST: Damned silly way to spend an evening. We get our first close look at Mr Darcy. He is tall and very handsome, with dark wavy hair and a manly bearing. He is clearly proud and reserved. He says nothing.

Disc 1 Episode 1 Scene 3

Inside the Assembly Rooms. People are laughing and dancing a lively country dance, involving clapping and a reel. Mrs Bennet and several of her daughters stand and watch. Charlotte Lucas stands with them, a plain but pleasant young woman, and a close friend of Elizabeth. Lydia and Elizabeth are both dancing, and smiling happily. Lydia is very buxom and bouncy, in pretty blue gingham. Elizabeth is charming in white. The dance comes to an end, and people clap, chat and walk about. There is a sudden silence as the Bingley party enters the room, and stands in the doorway, looking a little out of place in their fine London garb. Mrs Hurst is in red. She and her sister, Miss Bingley, look a little haughty. Bingley looks around, prepared to be charmed. Darcy keeps to the background, looking inscrutable. Sir William Lucas finally steps forward to greet them. SIR WILLIAM: Mr Bingley. (He bows) Allow me the pleasure of welcoming you to our little assembly here. MR BINGLEY: (Smiling) Sir William. (He bows) Im very glad to see you. Theres nothing that I love better than a country dance. The fiddler starts up a new tune. Bingley turns to introduce Sir William to his party. Partners prepare to dance. Elizabeth leaves the dance floor, and comes to Jane and Charlotte and Mary, smiling. She glances at the new arrivals. ELIZABETH: Only two ladies then, after all. Do you know who they are, Charlotte? CHARLOTTE: Mr Bingleys sisters, I understand. One of them is married to the gentleman there. A Mr Hurst. JANE: (Looking at Darcy, who stands apart, looking out of place) The taller gentleman? CHARLOTTE: No, the other. ELIZABETH: Better and better! JANE: Very elegant. ELIZABETH: (Smiling, and noting the two sisters disdainful looks) Better pleased with themselves than what they see, I think. Her glance notes Mr Darcy. Mrs Bennet: (Calling and beckoning) Lizzie! Jane! Come here! The girls cross to their mother, who indicates Mr Darcy. MRS BENNET: You see that gentleman there? Lady Lucas has just told me hes Mr Bingleys oldest friend. His name is Darcy, and he has a mighty fortune and a great estate in Derbyshire. Darcy is quietly speaking to Caroline Bingley. MRS BENNET: Bingleys wealth is nothing to his. (Sotto voce) Ten thousand a year at least. Darcy glances around the room. He is remarkably handsome. MRS BENNET: Dont you think hes the handsomest man youve ever seen, girls? ELIZABETH: (Having fun, and aside to Jane) I wonder if he would be quite so handsome if he was not quite so rich. Sir William is crossing the room, bringing Bingley with him. Mrs Bennet positively quivers. MRS BENNET: Oh Lizzie! Oh Lord! Theyre coming over. Smile girl, smile. Jane smiles. She looks very pretty. Sir William arrives with Bingley, who smiles charmingly. SIR WILLIAM: Mrs Bennet. Mr Bingley has expressed a wish to become acquainted with you and your daughters. MRS BENNET: (Smiling) Sir, that is very good of you. She, Jane and Elizabeth bow. Darcy walks closer, stopping within range of Bingley, but looking away. MRS BENNET: This is Jane, my eldest. And Elizabeth. (Pointing over to a chair by the wall, where Mary sits, glum faced) And Mary sits over there. And Kitty and Lydia, my youngest, you see there dancing. Kitty and Lydia are dancing a reel. Darcy has now come a little closer, and has turned his attention to the conversation.

MRS BENNET: (To Bingley) Do you like to dance yourself? BINGLEY: (Smiling) There is nothing I love better, madam. And if Miss Bennet is not otherwise engaged, may I be so bold as to claim the next two dances? JANE: (Smiling charmingly) I am not engaged, sir. BINGLEY: Good. MRS BENNET: You do us great honour, sir. Thank the gentleman, Jane. ELIZABETH: (Slightly embarrassed) Mama! MRS BENNET: (Looking past Bingley to Darcy) And you, sir. Are you fond of dancing too? Darcy is forced to look at her, but remains frozen and silent. BINGLEY: Oh, I beg your pardon. Mrs Bennet, may I present my friend, Mr Darcy. Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth and Jane give Darcy a smile and a formal bow, and he returns the bow a little stiffly, without smiling. MRS BENNET: You are very welcome to Hertfordshire I am sure, sir. And I hope you have come here eager to dance, as your friend has. DARCY: Thank you madam, I rarely dance. MRS BENNET: Well, let this be one of the occasions sir, for I wager youll not easily find such lively music, or such pretty partners. Darcy bows stiffly and immediately walks away while Mrs Bennet is glancing at Elizabeth. When she looks back, he has gone. All of them (including Bingley) find this a little rude and awkward. BINGLEY: Um -- pray, excuse me maam. He bows, and walks away to his party, seeking Darcy. MRS BENNET: (To Elizabeth) Well! Did you ever meet such a proud, disagreeable man! ELIZABET: Mama, he will hear you! MRS BENNET: I dont care if he does! And his friend disposed to be so agreeable, and everything charming. Who is he to think himself so far above his company? Bingley has reached Darcy, who is still uncommunicative, glancing briefly with slight disdain at Mrs Bennet. ELIZABETH: Well, the very rich can afford to give offence wherever they go. But we need not care for his good opinion. MRS BENNET: No indeed. ELIZABETH: (Mischievous) Perhaps he is not so very handsome after all. MRS BENNET: No indeed! Quite ill favoured. Certainly nothing at all to Mr Bingley. (Jane and Elizabeth smile) The evening moves on. Bingley dances with Jane, both of them smiling a lot at one another. Darcy watches this, smiling briefly, and slightly shaking his head as Bingley catches his eye and smiles at him. Darcy glances across the room, and sees Mrs Bennet seated surrounded by ladies, clearly talking about him and his shortcomings. He looks back at the dance, and sees Lydia dancing boisterously, laughing and drawing attention to herself. Outside the Red Lion, the coachman and some male villagers stand, drinking, laughing, joking, smoking pipes. One man gets up and does a clumsy dance to the music, spilling his tankard of beer. The other cheer him on as he loses his footing and falls into the horse water trough. Inside, the dance finishes, to applause. Bingley escorts Jane over to his sisters, and introduces them. Mrs Bennet watches this with approval, leaning in to talk to her sister about it. Later, another dance is in progress. Bingley and Jane dance together again. Darcy walks around the outskirts of the room, keeping aloof, but looking at Bingley from time to time. Sir William, all smiles and good nature, approaches him, but decides not to speak when Darcy chooses not to notice him. Instead, Sir William walks on, passing Elizabeth and Mary who are seated nearby and watching the progress of the dance. Mary is pinching her lips together, Elizabeth smiles charmingly, pleased with everything. MARY: I wonder at Kitty and Lydia. They are so fond of dancing. I take little pleasure in a ball. ELIZABETH: I would take more pleasure in this one if there were enough partners as agreeable as Janes. 9

MARY: I believe the rewards of observation and reflection are much greater. ELIZABETH: And so they are, when there are no others to be had. We shall have to be philosophers, Mary. The dance ends, and Bingley escorts Jane towards some other young ladies. The group all stand and chat for a while. A new dance begins. Bingley approaches Darcy, still looking inscrutable. They happen to be standing quite near Elizabeth, in what is now a relatively quiet part of the room. She smiles to herself. BINGLEY: Come, Darcy. I must have you dance. I must. I hate to see you standing about in this stupid manner. Come, you had much better dance. DARCY: (Quelling) I certainly shall not. In an assembly such as this? It would be insupportable. He glances at the dance in progress, where Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst are taking part. Elizabeth cannot help overhearing the conversation. DARCY: Your sisters are engaged at present, and you know perfectly well it would be a punishment for me to stand up with any other woman in the room. BINGLEY: Good God, Darcy, I wouldnt be as fastidious as you are for a kingdom. Upon my honour, I never met so many pleasant girls in my life, several of them uncommonly pretty. Hey? They both look to Jane, who is smiling and chatting with a young lady. DARCY: You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the room. BINGLEY: Darcy, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld. He notices Elizabeth sitting down, and tries to draw Darcys attention to her. Elizabeth looks away, but is still listening. BINGLEY: Look! Look! Theres one of her sisters. Shes very pretty too, and I dare say very agreeable. DARCY: She is tolerable, I suppose, but shes not handsome enough to tempt me. Bingley, Im in no humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. Go back to your partner, enjoy her smiles. Youre wasting your time with me. Elizabeth does not take kindly to these remarks, but she keeps herself under control. Bingley departs. Elizabeth steals a glance at Darcy, momentarily cross. Then she smiles at herself, and gets up, glancing very briefly at Darcy as she passes close by him. Darcy notices her, and cant help himself from looking at her. He keeps looking, while she crosses to Charlotte Lucas, and talks to her. Elizabeth catches his glance for a moment. the two girls giggle, and after a while, the spell is broken, and Darcy looks away. Later, another dance is in progress, and Miss Bingley takes part, in a stately and refined manner. Mr and Mrs Hurst also dance. Later still. Mary sits by the wall. Elizabeth, laughing, dances with Bingley. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst sit down and watch, glancing at each other when they see Elizabeth with their brother. Mr Hurst is getting drunk. Lydia dances boisterously. Mrs Bennet eats and giggles with her friends. Bingley dances with Jane again. Darcy watches them.

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Disc 1 Episode 1 Scene 4

Later that night, at the Bennets home. Mr Bennet is trying to read a book. Mrs Bennet, in all her finery, is recounting the evening to him, while the girls sit and giggle. MRS BENNET: And Jane was so admired. There was nothing like it. (She laughs) Lydia collapses on the sofa. LYDIA: Oh Lord, Im so fagged. KITTY: And Lydia and I danced every dance. LYDIA: And Mary none! (They giggle) Elizabeth enters the room and sits down. MRS BENNET: And Mr Bingley favoured Jane above every other girl. For he danced the first two with her, and then the next with Charlotte Lucas, which vexed me greatly, but lo! there in the very next nothing would please him but to stand up with Jane again! And then you know he danced with Lizzie, and then, what do you think he did next? MR BENNET: Enough, enough madam, for Gods sake! Lets hear no more of his partners. Would he had sprained his ankle in the first dance! He gets up to poke the fire. MRS BENNET: Oh, and his sisters! Oh! Such charming women! So elegant and obliging! Oh, I wish you had seen them. I dare say the lace on Mrs Hursts gown alone -MR BENNET: No lace, no lace, Mrs Bennet, I beg you! MRS BENNET: But the man he brought with him! Mr Darcy as he calls himself -- s not worth our concern. Though he may be the richest man in Derbyshire. The proudest, the most horrid, disobliging -- he slighted poor Lizzie, you know, and flatly refused to stand up with her. MR BENNET: Slighted my Lizzie, did he? Hmm. ELIZABETH: I didnt care for him either, father, so its of little matter. MRS BENNET: Another time, Lizzie, I would not dance with him if he should ask you. ELIZABETH: I believe, maam, I may safely promise you never to dance with Mr Darcy. The same evening, up at Netherfield Hall. Supper is served. Miss Bingley takes a cup of tea and sits with the others. Hurst is sprawled full length on one sofa. Darcy stands by the fireplace. MISS BINGLEY: And so none of the Hertfordshire ladies could please you, Mr Darcy? MRS HURST: Not even the famous Miss Bennets? (Miss Bingley laughs) BINGLEY: Well, I never met with pleasanter people or prettier girls in my life. DARCY: Bingley, you astonish me. I saw little beauty and no breeding at all. The er -- eldest Miss Bennet is, I grant you, very pretty. BINGLEY: A fine concession. Come man, admit it! Shes an angel. DARCY: She smiles too much. MISS BINGLEY: Oh, Jane Bennet is a sweet girl. But the mother! Even Bingley cannot think of how to defend Mrs Bennet. MISS BINGLEY: I heard Eliza Bennet described as a famous local beauty. What do you say to that, Mr Darcy? DARCY: I should as soon call her mother a wit. Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley burst out laughing.

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MISS BINGLEY: Oh Mr Darcy, thats too cruel. BINGLEY: Darcy, I shall never understand why you go through the world determined to be displeased with everything and everyone in it. DARCY: And I will never understand why you are in such a rage to approve of everything and everyone that you meet. BINGLEY: Well, you shall not make me think ill of Miss Bennet, Darcy. MISS BINGLEY: Indeed he shall not. I shall dare his disapproval, and declare she is a dear, sweet girl despite her unfortunate relations, and I should not be sorry to know her better. MRS HURST: No, no, nor I. You see, Mr Darcy, we are not afraid of you. DARCY: (Mildly good humoured) I would not have you so. With a giant snore which draws Darcys reluctant attention, Mr Hurst wakes up, and sits upright, unfocussed. MR HURST: What? Aye, very true. Damned tedious waste of an evening. What? Bingley looks at him, trying to stay polite. Daytime at Longbourn. Elizabeth and Jane are happily engaged in the garden, enjoying the day. Jane has a basket over her arm, and is walking about picking autumn flowers. Elizabeth sits on a step, arranging lavender and flowers in her own basket. Birds sing. JANE: He is just what a young man ought to be, Lizzie. Sensible, lively, and I never saw such happy manners. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Handsome too, which a young man ought to be if he possibly can. And he seems to like you very much, which shows good judgement. No, I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person. Jane laughs at this. Elizabeth stands, and they walk slowly together. JANE: Dear Lizzie. ELIZABETH: He could be happier in his choice of sisters and friends, though his sisters I suppose he cannot help. JANE: Did you not like them? ELIZABETH: Not at all! Their manners are quite different from his. JANE: At first, perhaps, but after a while I found them very pleasing. Miss Bingley is to keep house for her brother. And I am sure they will be very charming neighbours. ELIZABETH: (Teasing) One of them, maybe. She looks at Jane, smiling. JANE: No Lizzie, I am sure you are wrong. And even Mr Darcy, you know, may improve on closer acquaintance. ELIZABETH: Do you mean hell be in humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men? Never! Jane and Lizzie laugh at this. ELIZABETH: (Imitating Darcy, and laughing) She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me. JANE: (Laughing, but shaking her head) It was very wrong of him to speak so. ELIZABETH: (Laughing) Indeed it was. Capital offence. They walk round the side of the house, and Elizabeth sees Charlotte arriving, and chatting briefly to the gardener, who doffs his hat. ELIZABETH: Oh look, Charlotte is come. (Calling) Charlotte! Elizabeth runs to her friend. CHARLOTTE: (Calling and waving) Lizzie! My father is to give a party at Lucas Lodge, and you are all invited. Cut to the evening of the party at Lucas Lodge. Close up on Mary, spectacles perched on the end of her nose, seated at the piano and earnestly playing serious music, in a rather pedestrian manner. She has some spots on her complexion. Jolly party chatter is heard. Jane (looking lovely) and Charlotte (looking pleasant but plain) are conversing with an unseen person. Darcy can be seen in 13

the background, standing against a wall and avoiding conversation, though his eyes are gazing somewhere. Cut to Sir William Lucas, genial host (though florid of complexion), talking to Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, who are doing the polite thing. SIR WILLIAM: I hope this will be the first of many occasions when Lucas Lodge will be graced with your presence. Here you see we are all easy, with no awkwardness or ceremony. MISS BINGLEY: (Distant but polite) Quite. Cut to Mrs Bennet, holding a wine glass, and talking to her friend Lady Lucas. Elizabeth stands next to them, smiling and looking around. MRS BENNET: Oh yes, my dear! Five thousand a year. LADY LUCAS: Oh! MRS BENNET: Dont they look well together? A most agreeable young man. Elizabeth looks around the room. We see now that there are a number of young officers present, very smart in red evening jackets and white knee breeches. Colonel Forster walks past, his young wife on his arm. Kitty draws the attention of a young officer towards an animated group which now contains Kitty, Lydia (broadly smiling), four young officers and two younger Lucas children. Mary continues to play, solemn faced. MRS BENNET: (Now in full flight) And he would dance every dance with Jane. Nothing else would do! Everybody said -But Lady Lucas cuts her off, to address the Colonel and his lady who have now walked over to them. Forster is in his early forties, a man used to command. His wife is a much younger woman, who seems to defer to him. LADY LUCAS: And are you pleased with Hertfordshire, Colonel Forster? FORSTER: Very much so, Lady Lucas. Never more so than this evening. A regiment of infantry doesnt find a ready welcome everywhere, I fear. MRS BENNET: I think your officers will be very well pleased with Meryton. Loud laughter is heard, in which Lydias voice can readily be distinguished. She is enjoying her time with the group of admiring officers. MRS FORSTER: (Glancing at the group, and smiling) Denny and Sanderson seem well pleased already. Mrs Bennet is happy. Elizabeth remains politely smiling in attendance. Cut to Sir Williams conversation SIR WILLIAM: No doubt you attend assemblies at St James Court, Miss Bingley. MISS BINGLEY: (Polite) We go but rarely, sir. SIR WILLIAM: Indeed, I am surprised. I shall be happy to introduce you there, you know, at any time when Im in town. Mrs Hurst glances expressively at her sister. MISS BINGLEY: You are too kind, sir. Making slight curtsies, the sisters move away, and Sir William bows to them, sure he has just done a good deed. SIR WILLIAM: (To himself, smiling) Well, well. (He moves off to survey his party) Good, good. (He catches the eye of his daughter Charlotte) Capital, capital! He walks off, passing Bingley and Jane who are absorbed in polite conversation. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst have drawn aside, and now sit on a sofa. MISS BINGLEY: Insufferable conceit! To imagine that we would need his assistance in society. MRS HURST: (Smiling) I am sure he is a very good sort of man, Caroline. MISS BINGLEY: And I am sure he kept a very good sort of shop before his elevation to the knighthood. They laugh at this. Miss Bingley glances around, sees Darcy, who is always her main interest, and confides in her sister. MISS BINGLEY: Poor Darcy! What agonies he must be suffering. Darcy stands near a mirror, looking steadfastly across the room. The camera follows the line of his gaze, past Lydia, laughing with officers, to the group, with which Elizabeth stands. She is smiling quietly. She suddenly notices that he is looking at her, and after a moment, brings her attention back to the group, addressing Colonel Forster. 14

ELIZABETH: Are you in Meryton to subdue the discontented populace, sir, or do you defend Hertfordshire against the French? FORSTER: Neither, maam, I trust. We hope to winter very peacefully at Meryton. My soldiers are in great need of training. And my officers in ever great need of society. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Then as soon as you are settled, I hope you will give a ball. MRS FORSTER: (Instantly enthusiastic, and clutching at her husbands arm) Oh yes, my dear, do! FORSTER: You think a ball would be well received? Lydia hears this as she passes, arm in arm with a young officer (Denny). LYDIA: A ball! Whos giving a ball? Oh I long for a ball -- and so does Denny. (She turns to her partner) Kitty is following close behind, arm in arm with a shy, blond young officer (Sanderson) KITTY: And Sanderson! Dont you Sanderson? SANDERSON: (He stutters) I -- do indeed. Most passionately! (He smiles widely) Lydia takes his hand. LYDIA: Ah, little Sanderson! I knew you would. KITTY: Make him give a ball, Mrs Forster. Well dance with all the officers. LYDIA: And if Mary would only play something, we could dance with them now! Lydia sets off in determined fashion towards the piano, where Marys solemn piece is just coming to an end. LYDIA: (Speaking loudly) Mary! Mary, lets have no more of that dull stuff. Play something jolly. We want to dance! People nearby glance towards them - including Jane and Bingley, Sir William and Charlotte. MARY: But there are still two movements! Lydia sighs impatiently. Mary turns towards her mother, speaking loudly. MARY: Mama, tell them it isnt fair! MRS BENNET: (Speaking very loudly) Oh, play a jig, Mary! No one wants your concertos here! Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst glance expressively at one another on hearing this. Darcy, in his isolation, also feels a little taken aback at this vulgarity. Sir William, the peacemaker, comes up kindly to speak to Mary. SIR WILLIAM: I fear their taste is not as fine as yours and mine, Mary. But let us oblige them this once, eh? For there is no one here who plays as well as you. Lydia and Kitty look smug. Mary swallows her hurt pride. MARY: Very well. (Pointedly, to Lydia) Though you know it gives me little pleasure. Lydia just rolls her eyes and walks off towards her sister. LYDIA: Jane! Mr Bingley! Come and dance with us! JANE: (Smiling) Not now, Lydia. A good humoured girl (when she gets her own way), Lydia smiles and takes the hands of a young Lucas boy, aged perhaps twelve, and a younger girl. She leads them into a small set which has formed on one side of the room, made up of Kitty and Sanderson, Lydia and Denny and the two children. Elizabeth looks at them, smiling and shaking her head. Mary starts a lively tune, and the jolly little dance begins.

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Elizabeth, smiling, now stands with Charlotte, where they can both see the dance. CHARLOTTE: I see that Mr Bingley continues his attentions to Jane, Lizzie. They both glance across to Jane and Bingley, who talk only to one another, smiling. ELIZABETH: (Smiling with pleasure at the sight) Im very happy for her, Charlotte. CHARLOTTE: She does seem very well pleased with him. ELIZABETH: I think if he continues so, shes in a fair way to be very much in love with him. CHARLOTTE: Oh! And Mr Bingley? Do you think he is in love? Elizabeth turns for another look at the couple. ELIZABETH: Well, it is 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. ELIZABETH: (Laughing) Secure him? Charlotte! CHARLOTTE: Yes! She should secure him as soon as may be. ELIZABETH: Before she is sure of his character? Before she is even certain of her own regard for him? CHARLOTTE: (Pragmatic) But of course! Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, you know. There will always be vexation and grief. And it is better to know in advance as little as possible of the defects of your marriage partner. (Smiling) Is it not, now? As they speak, Darcy crosses the room, wine glass in hand, looking over at Elizabeth. He stops, watching her at a distance as she laughs at this comment. ELIZABETH: You know it is not sound. You would never act like that yourself. CHARLOTTE: (Glancing at Jane and Bingley) Well it seems that Jane will not. So we must hope that Mr Bingley will. (Glancing at the sofa behind her) I think he gets little encouragement from his sisters. ELIZABETH: Or his friend. She turns to note Darcy, who drinks from his wine glass, looking a little bored, but still keeping an eye on her. Charlotte also observes Darcy. CHARLOTTE: Mr Darcy looks at you a great deal, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: I cannot think why. Unless he means to frighten me with his contempt. I wish he would not come into society. He only makes people uneasy. Darcy is just standing, lost in his own thoughts. Sir William approaches him, smiling. SIR WILLIAM: (Referring to the dance) What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr Darcy. Nothing like dancing, you know. One of the refinements of every polished society. Lydia and Denny skip past, laughing. DARCY: (In quelling mood, looking at the dancers) And every unpolished society. SIR WILLIAM: Sir? DARCY: Every savage can dance. SIR WILLIAM: Oh yes. Yes, quite. An officer tweaks at Lydias hair ribbon as she dances past. She ducks, squealing merrily. Elizabeth observes this. ELIZABETH: I think I should speak to my sister before she exposes us all to ridicule. 16

Elizabeth sets off towards Lydia, passing close by Sir William and Darcy. SIR WILLIAM: (A propos nothing) Capital, capital! Sir William is struck by a fine thought, and pursues Elizabeth. SIR WILLIAM: Oh, Miss Eliza! She turns and smiles as he catches up with her. Darcy watches. SIR WILLIAM: Why are you not dancing? He takes Elizabeths hand, and before she can protest, he escorts her to Mr Darcy. SIR WILLIAM: Mr Darcy, allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you. Darcy, still looking at Elizabeth, seems very willing. His expression has softened considerably. She is embarrassed by the situation. ELIZABETH: (To Sir William) Indeed sir, Ive not the least intention of dancing. Please dont suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner. DARCY: (Solemnly) I would be very happy if you would do me the honour of dancing with me, Miss Bennet. ELIZABETH: (Looking at him) Thank you, but excuse me. I -- I am not inclined to dance. SIR WILLIAM: Oh come, come, why not? When you see Mr Darcy has no objection, although he dislikes the amusement so much in general. ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy is all politeness. SIR WILLIAM: He is, he is! And why should he not be, considering the inducement? For who could object to such a partner, eh Darcy? Elizabeth is a little flustered. Darcy looks as though he might actually agree with Sir William, and never stops looking steadily at her. ELIZABETH: I beg you would excuse me. Elizabeth curtsies slightly to Darcy, and makes her escape. He makes her a small formal bow as she moves away. SIR WILLIAM: Well, well. (Turning to the dance) Oh capital, Lydia! Capital! Darcy is left to consider his feelings at being rejected. He is obviously interested in Elizabeth. Miss Bingley walks across the room, and comes up behind Darcy. She smiles and speaks quietly to him, presuming an intimate acquaintance. He still looks towards Elizabeth, a smile playing on his lips. MISS BINGLEY: I believe I can guess your thoughts at this moment. DARCY: I should imagine not. MISS BINGLEY: (What a challenge! She smiles, and whispers intimately to him) You are thinking how insupportable it would be to spend many evenings in such tedious company. DARCY: (Still looking across the room, a smile on his lips) No indeed, my mind was more agreeably engaged. Ive been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow. MISS BINGLEY: (Bravely asking, but perhaps expecting a compliment to herself) And may one dare ask whose the eyes that inspired these reflections? DARCY: (Immediately and intrepidly) Miss Elizabeth Bennets. Miss Bingley has not heard what she wanted. Her smile freezes, and from behind Darcys shoulder, she glances across the room with him to where Elizabeth is standing, talking and laughing with an officer. MISS BINGLEY: (Trying to control her disappointment, and keeping the smile fixed to her face) Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am all astonishment! She walks away, but Darcy doesnt notice, because he is still gazing at Elizabeth. The music ends. Darcy still gazes at the object of his interest. Lunch at Longbourn. The entire family is seated at the dining table, with Mr Bennet at the head, his back to the window, and Mrs Bennet at the foot. The Maid has just handed Jane a note, which she opens. Mrs Bennet cannot contain herself. MRS BENNET: From Netherfield! Oh Jane! Well, what does it say? JANE: (Reading) It is from Miss Bingley. MRS BENNET: Oh. Oh well, that is a good sign too. 17

She puts down her napkin, stands, and bustles around to Jane. MRS BENNET: Give it to me! She snatches the note from Jane, and begins to read it aloud, seating herself again. MRS BENNET: My dear friend - ooh (she chuckles) -- there now. Mr Bennet, eating, looks a little weary at all this. MRS BENNET: Dine with Louisa and me today -- (scanning the note for good bits) la di da -- la di da la di da -- as the gentlemen are to dine with the officers. Oh, thats unlucky. (To Jane) Still, you must go and make what you can of it. Yours ever, Caroline Bingley. Very elegant hand. JANE: May I have the carriage, father? Her mother interrupts before he has a chance to reply. MRS BENNET: Carriage? No indeed! You must go on horseback. For it looks like rain, then you will have to stay the night. She laughs, delighted with her plan. There is the faintest hint of thunder outside. Mr Bennet turns to look out at the weather. JANE: (Slightly shocked) Mother! MRS BENNET: Well, why do you 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. Mr Bennet raises his eyebrows and glances at Jane, but says nothing, just wipes his lips. Later that day. Jane is riding slowly along on Nellys back. Thunder sounds. Rain pours down on her. She looks miserable as she gets soaked. At home, the family are in the parlour. Mr Bennet reads a book, Mrs Bennet embroiders on a frame. Elizabeth walks to the window, concerned for Jane as she sees the rain pouring down. MRS BENNET: There, Lizzie, you see? It is all exactly as I planned. Elizabeth turns and just looks at her mother, then looks out of the window again. Jane is still slowly riding through the rain, across the fields. Later that evening, at Netherfield. Jane sits at a candlelit dining table, with Caroline and Louisa, attended by a formal servant in a powdered wig. She has a shawl wrapped around her, and looks miserable as she picks at her food. MRS HURST: Now, let me see if Ive got this right, Jane. Your mothers sister is named Mrs Phillips? JANE: (Very quiet) Yes. MRS HURST: And Mr Phillips estate is -- um --? JANE: He lives in Meryton. Hes an attorney. This isnt going well. Caroline smiles politely as she eats. MRS HURST: And your mothers brother lives in London? JANE: (Clearly unwell) Yes. In Gracechurch Street. MISS BINGLEY: In which part of London is Gracechurch Street, Jane? JANE: I -- um -- forgive me, I -She half faints, putting her head in her hands. Mrs Hurst just looks at her. MISS BINGLEY: (To the formally clad butler) Fossett, get help. Miss Bennet is unwell. Fossett bows with dignity, and goes. Next morning at Longbourn. The Bennet family is seated at the breakfast table, eating. MR BENNET: Well my dear, if Jane should die of this fever, it will be comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr Bingley, and under your orders. MRS BENNET: Oh, nonsense! People do not die of little trifling colds. She will be very well taken care of!

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ELIZABETH: Mama, I think I must go to Netherfield. MRS BENNET: Go to Netherfield! No, theres no call for that! Jane is very well where she is. And you know there is nothing for you at Netherfield. You had much better go to Meryton with your sisters, and meet the officers. LYDIA: Aye Lizzie, for there are more than enough to go around. Elizabeth remains politely resolute. ELIZABETH: I know that Jane would wish me to be with her. MR BENNET: I suppose that is a hint for me to send for the carriage. ELIZABETH: Oh no indeed, father, for I had much rather walk. It is barely three miles to Netherfield, and Ill be back for dinner. MRS BENNET: Walk three miles in all that dirt? Youll not be fit to be seen! ELIZABETH: Well, I shall be fit to see Jane, which is all I want. I am quite determined, mother. KITTY: I know, Lizzie. Lydia and I will set you as far as Meryton. LYDIA: (Mischievous) Aye, lets call on Denny early before he is dressed. What a shock he will get! (She giggles) LYDIA & KITTY: Ummm! 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.

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Meryton. A horse is led past. The three Bennet girls walk down the street, Lizzie on her own, Kitty and Lydia arm in arm. They are all primly attired, wearing bonnets and carrying reticules. The younger girls are looking for officers. Kitty turns to Elizabeth. KITTY: Goodbye, Lizzie. Elizabeth smiles, and heads off on her own. Lydia tugs at Kittys arm, demanding her attention. LYDIA: Look Kitty, isnt that Captain Carter? Come on, make haste! The two girls run after the Officer. The sun has come out. Elizabeth strides briskly along a country lane, enjoying her walk. She climbs a stile, and as she jumps down, she lands in thick mud, which covers her shoes, and splashes her petticoats and the bottom of her skirt quite thoroughly. She pulls a wry face, but can do nothing about it, so she walks on through the muddy field, swinging her bonnet in her hand, full of energy. Later, she looks a little weary, as she comes within sight of Netherfield. She stops short, as does a surprised Mr Darcy, who has been out strolling, and who now encounters her. DARCY: Miss Bennet! ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy. She drops him a small curtsy, and keeps her composure, though she avoids looking directly at him as much as possible. ELIZABETH: I am come to enquire after my sister. DARCY: (After staring at her a moment) On foot? ELIZABETH: As you see. Darcy makes no reply, but seems inclined to smile. Elizabeth gets a little impatient. ELIZABETH: Would you be so kind as to take me to her? Darcy says nothing (though he still has the silly look on his face), but turns and makes a gesture that indicates walk this way! Elizabeth goes towards the house, walking ahead of him. A little later. A handsome bedroom at Netherfield. There is a fire in the grate. Jane is tucked up in bed, looking unwell. Elizabeth sits on the bed beside her, holding her hand. Janes hair is loose, falling across the pillow. Her sister gently strokes her face, and smiles encouragement. Downstairs in the dining room, lunch is in progress. Bingley, Caroline, Louisa and Mr Hurst sit at the table. Darcy walks about the room, carrying a tea cup and saucer, which has just been filled by a servant. He moves to look out of a window, ignoring the conversation. The ladies are dissecting Elizabeth. MRS HURST: Well, we must allow her to be an excellent walker, I suppose. (Caroline laughs) But her appearance this morning! She really looked almost wild! MISS BINGLEY: I could hardly keep my countenance. What does she mean by scampering about the country because her sister has a cold? (Laughs) Her hair, Louisa! MRS HURST: Well, her petticoat! I hope you saw her petticoat, brother. Six inches deep in mud, Im absolutely certain. MR BINGLEY: (Eating) I must confess, it quite escaped my notice. I thought she looked remarkably well. Darcy has turned from the window, and Miss Bingley immediately seeks to include him. MISS BINGLEY: You observed it, I am sure, Mr Darcy. DARCY: I did. MISS BINGLEY: Im inclined to think you wouldnt wish your sister to make such an exhibition. DARCY: Certainly not. MISS BINGLEY: (Hoping to gain some ground here) It seems to me to show an abominable sort of conceited independence, hmm? Louisa nods agreement. Mr Hurst ignores everybody, eating and drinking wine.

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BINGLEY: It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing. Darcy is half looking out the window again. MISS BINGLEY: (Smiling winningly) I am afraid Mr Darcy that this escapade may have affected your admiration for her fine eyes? DARCY: Not at all. They were brightened by the exercise. He drinks his tea. Miss Bingley is not pleased with the results of her flirting. her smile freezes. MRS HURST: (To retrieve the situation) But Jane Bennet is a sweet girl. Its very sad she should have such an unfortunate family. MISS BINGLEY: And such low connections. Darcy turns his back on all this, looking out of the window again. MISS BINGLEY: Her uncle she told us is in trade, and lives in Cheapside. MRS HURST: Well, perhaps we should call when we are next in town. The sisters burst out laughing at this. Bingley looks a little cross with them. BINGLEY: They would be just as agreeable to me had they uncles enough to fill all Cheapside. Darcy rejoins the conversation, turning back towards the table. DARCY: With such connections, they can have very little chance of marrying well, Bingley. (He puts down his cup.) That is the material point. At this moment, a servant holds open the door and bows, and Darcy stops and turns to see Elizabeth enter the room. Bingley instantly stands to greet her. Hurst just eats. BINGLEY: Miss Bennet. How does your sister do? Is she any better? ELIZABETH: I am afraid that she is quite unwell, Mr Bingley. BINGLEY: Let me send for Mr Jones. And you must stay until your sister is recovered. Darcy watches Elizabeth with a softened expression on his face. ELIZABETH: Oh, I would not wish to inconvenience you. BINGLEY: I wouldnt hear of anything else. Caroline makes a small face to her sister on hearing this. BINGLEY: Ill send to Longbourn for your clothes directly. ELIZABETH: (Giving in gracefully) You are very kind, sir. Bingley looks at a servant, who bows and sets off on his mission. MR HURST: Will there be any sport today, or not? Later, out in the fields. A country lad sets his dogs to drive birds out of hiding, and Darcy, Bingley and Hurst each stand with a shotgun, firing at the birds as they take flight. Elizabeth stands at the window in Janes room. She can hear the sounds of shooting. She fiddles with her necklace, perhaps a little bored. She turns to look at jane, whose face is shiny with sweat as she lies on her pillow. Jane smiles gently at her sister. Lizzie looks at her with compassion. Later, towards dusk. The gentlemen walk home from their sport. Darcy is easily the tallest and best looking of them. The dogs (spaniels) follow, tails wagging. Evening. Janes room. Candles are lit. Elizabeth glances at herself in a mirror, then turns to Jane. She is in one of her pretty evening dresses, and looks charming. ELIZABETH: (She smiles, and presents herself for inspection) There. Shall I disgrace you, do you think? JANE: You look very pretty, Lizzie. As you are well aware. ELIZABETH: (Approaching the bed) Oh Jane, I had much rather stay here with you. The superior sisters wish me miles away. (She sits on the bed, smiling) Only your Mr Bingley is civil and attentive. JANE: He is not my Mr Bingley, Lizzie.

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ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Oh, I think he is. Or he very soon will be. Jane laughs gently. A little later. Elizabeth walks downstairs, a little uncertain of herself, wondering which door she should open. Fossett the butler approaches her unexpectedly, and she jumps slightly. FOSSETT: I believe you will find Mr Bingley is in the drawing room, Maam. He bows and moves away. ELIZABETH: Thank you. Elizabeth is still not positive which is the right door. She goes into a room with the door ajar, to find herself unexpectedly in a billiards room with a large table dominating the space. Mr Darcy, in his waistcoat and shirtsleeves, is on his own, playing billiards. As soon as he sees her, he bows formally, cue in hand, and looks at her. She glances at him - perhaps there is an attraction there? - then turns and quickly leaves the room. Darcy takes aim, and slams the red ball into the corner pocket. Later, in the drawing room. Silence. Elizabeth sits on a sofa, reading a book. Caroline, Louisa, Bingley and Hurst are seated at a small table, playing cards. Darcy enters the room, now wearing his jacket, his game over. Elizabeth glances up at him, a polite smile on her face. As soon as he closes the door, Caroline stakes her claim. MISS BINGLEY: Oh Mr Darcy, come and advise me, for Mr Hurst carries all before him. Hurst slams down a winning card. HURST: Hah! OTHERS: Oh! Darcy turns his attention to Elizabeth. He walks across the room to stand before her. DARCY: (Gravely formal) May I enquire after your sister, Miss Bennet? ELIZABETH: (Looking up from her book, and smiling) I thank you. I believe she is a little better. DARCY: I am very glad to hear it. The card game interrupts any further conversation they might have had. MISS BINGLEY: Oh Mr Hurst, I am quite undone! HURST: You shouldnt have played the deuce. MISS BINGLEY: He has undone us all, Mr Darcy. But Darcy walks away to another part of the room, and sits down at a writing desk, with his back to the others. The card players consider a new hand. Louisa turns to Elizabeth with a polite smile. MRS HURST: Will you join us, Miss Bennet? ELIZABETH: I thank you, no. HURST: You prefer reading to cards, do you? Singular. Darcy has taken writing paper from a drawer, and now prepares to write a letter. MISS BINGLEY: Miss Bennet despises cards. She is a great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else. The sisters laugh gently, and even Bingley smiles. ELIZABETH: I deserve neither such praise nor such censure. I am not a great reader, and take pleasure in many things. Hurst prepares to deal. Caroline cannot leave Darcy alone. She calls to him. MISS BINGLEY: And what do you do so secretly, sir? Darcy, who is now busy writing, glances at her briefly, then continues his task. Elizabeth observes. DARCY: It is no secret. I am writing to my sister. MISS BINGLEY: Oh, dear Georgiana! Oh, I long to see her! Is she much grown since the spring? Is she as tall as me? (She laughs)

23

DARCY: (Still writing) She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bennets height, or a little taller. Caroline ploughs on, determined to show ownership by her knowledge. MISS BINGLEY: And so accomplished! Her performance at the pianoforte is exquisite! Do you play, Miss Bennet? ELIZABETH: Aye, but very ill indeed. BINGLEY: But all young ladies are accomplished. They sing, they draw, they dance. Speak French and German, cover screens, and I know not what. He picks up his new hand of cards. DARCY: (Still writing) There are not half a dozen who would satisfy my notion of an accomplished woman. Elizabeth continues to observe. MISS BINGLEY: (The faithful assistant) Oh certainly! No woman can be really esteemed accomplished who does not also possess a certain something in her air. In the manner of walking. In the tone of her voice. Her address and expressions. DARCY: (Still writing) And to all this, she must yet add something more substantial. In the improvement of her mind by extensive reading. Elizabeth smiles at this. ELIZABETH: I am no longer surprised at you knowing only six accomplished women, Mr Darcy. Darcy turns his head to look at her, something Caroline could not accomplish. ELIZABETH: I rather wonder at you knowing any. She turns her attention back to her book. Darcy, however, turns in his chair to look more fully in her direction. MRS HURST: You are very severe upon your sex, Miss Bennet ELIZABETH: I speak as I find. MISS BINGLEY: (Smiling sweetly) Perhaps you have not had the advantage, Miss Bennet, of moving in society enough. There are many very accomplished young ladies amongst our acquaintance. Elizabeth is very aware of how she is being put down. HURST: Come, come, this is a fine way to play at cards! Youre all light! They all attend to their cards. Darcy continues to gaze at Elizabeth.

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Disc 1 Episode 1 Scene 7

Next day. A closed carriage drawn by two horses drives through the gates of Netherfield. Mrs Bennet leans from the window. MRS BENNET: (Smiling broadly) Look girls! Is it not a fair prospect? Lydia and Kitty lean excitedly from the carriage window to look at the house. The carriage continues its approach. Morning room at Netherfield. Caroline enters, closing the door, in a bad mood. Louisa, Bingley, Hurst and Darcy are already in the room. Darcy sits quietly in a chair by the fireplace, keeping to himself. MISS BINGLEY: (As she closes the door) And now the mother! Are we to be invaded by every Bennet in the country? It is too much to be borne. She sits despondantly beside her sister. A servant opens the door to admit Mrs Bennet and her daughters. Hurst, meanwhile, is rapidly making his escape from the room. He comes face to face with Mrs Bennet. HURST: Oh lord! He stands to one side while Mrs Bennet enters, followed by Elizabeth, Kitty and Lydia. Bingley immediately stands, as does Darcy. Both gentlemen offer a formal bow, while Mrs Bennet curtsies. BINGLEY: Mrs Bennet, you are very welcome. I hope you do not find Miss Bennet worse than you expected. MRS BENNET: Indeed I do, sir. She is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the world. Mr Bingley looks very concerned at this. Darcy, in the background, is just watching Hurst then makes his escape, observed by Lydia. MRS BENNET: For she has the sweetest temper, Mr Bingley, but she is a great deal too ill to be moved. Caroline and Louisa roll their eyes at this. Elizabeth stands near her mother, hoping she will say nothing to embarass herself. MRS BENNET: We must trespass a little longer on your kindness. Bingley glances briefly at Darcy. BINGLEY: But of course. MISS BINGLEY: Miss Bennet will receive every possible attention, Maam, I assure you. MRS BENNET: You are very good. (She laughs nervously) Having succeeded in her purpose, Mrs Bennet then feels more expansive, and starts to move about the room. Elizabeth follows, a little anxious. MRS BENNET: Well, you have a sweet room here. I think you will never want to leave Netherfield now you are come here. BINGLEY: I believe I should be happy to live in the country for ever! (Turning to his friend) Wouldnt you, Darcy? DARCY: (After a brief pause) You would? You dont find the society somewhat confined and unvarying for your taste? MRS BENNET: (Quite cross at this supposed insult) Confined? And unvarying? Indeed it is not, sir! The country is a vast deal pleasanter than town, whatever you may say about it. Mr Darcy simply turns away in disgust, walking over to a window and looking out. Elizabeth is embarassed for her mother, and steps in. ELIZABETH: Mama, you mistake Mr Darcys meaning. MRS BENNET: Do I? Do I? He seems to think the country nothing at all! ELIZABETH: (Quietly) Mama! MRS BENNET: Confined! Unvarying! I would have him know we dine with four and twenty families! Caroline and Louisa cannot help it - suppressed giggles burst from them. Elizabeth is mortified at the exhibition her mother is making of herself. Bingley looks a little cross at his sisters. Silence. Elizabeth tries to save the situation by changing the subject. ELIZABETH: (In desperation) Mama! Have you seen Charlotte Lucas since I came away? 26

MRS BENNET: Yes. She called yesterday with Sir William. What an agreeable man he is! That is my idea of good breeding. And those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open their mouths quite mistake the matter. She sits, triumphant. Everyone else is embarassed. Darcy resolutely continues to stare out of the window. Bingley looks concerned for his friend. Lydia finally breaks the moment. She steps forward. LYDIA: Mr Bingley, did you not promise to give a ball at Netherfield as soon as you were settled here? It will be a great scandal if you dont keep your word. BINGLEY: (Smiling) I am perfectly ready to keep my engagement. And when your sister is recovered, you shall name the day of the ball, if you please. Lydia smiles with delight. Mrs Bennet exclaims loudly. Caroline and Louisa can only look at each other at this loud mouthed display. MRS BENNET: Oh! There now, Lydia! Thats a fair promise for you. Thats generosity for you. Bingley glances uneasily round at Darcy, still fixed on the view outside. MRS BENNET: (Rubbing it in) Thats what I call gentlemanly behaviour. Silence. Elizabeth is mortified. Later. Close up on Darcy, naked and in a bathtub in his bedroom. He is washing himself, his hair all ruffled. He looks gorgeous. A servant enters with a large copper pitcher full of water. Darcy leans forward, and the servant pours the water over Darcys head and down his back. Darcy shakes his head, and leans back in the tub. Outside, in the garden below, Elizabeth is strolling. She hears a dog bark, It is a beautiful dalmatian, which wags its tail and runs off playfully. She smiles, and runs after it towards the house, abandoning herself to the spirit and energy of the moment. Upstairs, Darcy emerges from his bath, and steps into his robe which the servant is holding up for him. He walks to the window, picking up a towel to dry his hair. As he looks out, dripping wet and half naked, his attention is immediately caught by the sight of Elizabeth, below his window. She is playing exuberantly with the dog, tussling with it for a stick it holds in its jaws. She has no idea she is observed. He watches her, transfixed. Evening. The drawing room. Hurst lies sleeping full length on a sofa. Louisa sits yawning in a chair. Caroline paces about the room, flicking through a book she is holding. Bingley stands at the fireplace. Darcy sits nearby, engrossed in a book he is reading. Caroline cannot resist - she tosses aside her book, walks up to Darcy, and stands before him. She leans over, and tilts her head so that she can see what he is reading. But despite her nearness, Darcy resolutely keeps his gaze on his book, turning a page when he has finished reading. Caroline decides on a desperate course of action. She walks to the table, where Elizabeth sits quietly, also engaged in a book. MISS BINGLEY: Miss Eliza Bennet! Elizabeth looks up from her book. MISS BINGLEY: Let me persuade you to follow my example and take a turn about the room. Its so refreshing! Elizabeth is surprised, but smiles politely, closes her book, and stands. Caroline sneaks a quick look in Darcys direction. Then she links arms with Elizabeth, and they slowly walk around the room together. Caroline leads them straight towards Darcy, who is now looking at them, rather than at his book. MISS BINGLEY: Will you not join us, Mr Darcy? DARCY: That would defeat the object. MISS BINGLEY: What do you mean, sir? What on earth can he mean? Elizabeth guides them away from Darcy. ELIZABETH: I think we would do better not to enquire. MISS BINGLEY: (Twisting her head back to look at Darcy) Nay, we insist on knowing your meaning, sir. DARCY: (Cheeky) Why, that your figures appear to best advantage when walking, and that I might best admire them from my present position. Louisa laughs. MISS BINGLEY: Oh shocking! Abominable reply! How shall we punish him, Miss Eliza? She walks them back towards Darcy. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Nothing so easy. Tease him. Laugh at him. MISS BINGLEY: Laugh at Mr Darcy? Impossible. He is a man without fault. ELIZABETH: Is he indeed? (She confronts him) A man without fault? 27

DARCY: That is not possible for anyone. But it has been my study to avoid those weaknesses which expose a strong understanding to ridicule. ELIZABETH: Such as vanity perhaps, and pride? DARCY: Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride -- where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation. Elizabeth just looks at him, smiling, suppressing obvious retorts. Caroline can only look on helplessly, as they focus on one another, excluding her completely. DARCY: I have faults enough, Miss Bennet, but I hope they are not of understanding. She gives him a slightly quizzical look. DARCY: My temper I cannot vouch for. (Pause) It might be called resentful. My good opinion, once lost, is lost for ever. ELIZABETH: That is a failing indeed. But I cannot laugh at it. DARCY: (Still holding her gaze) I believe every disposition has a tendency to some particular evil. ELIZABETH: Your defect is a propensity to hate everyone. DARCY: Well, yours is wilfully to misunderstand them. Caroline has felt completely excluded long enough. MISS BINGLEY: Shall we have some music? Hmm? Elizabeth and Darcy still look at one another. Elizabeth glances at Caroline, who hastens to the piano, sits down, and plays something fast. She plays with great expertise. Darcy is left to contemplate this little confrontation. Next morning. Bingleys carriage is at the door. Bingley stands beside it, looking in to Jane and Elizabeth, who smile back at him. Elizabeth keeps considerately (and privately amused) to the background, but the other two only really have eyes for each other. BINGLEY: Give your parents my warmest salutations. And tell your father he is most welcome to come and shoot with us at any time convenient. JANE: (Smiling) Thank you, sir. You are very kind. BINGLEY: (Smiling warmly at her. Reluctant to part.) Goodbye. JANE: Goodbye. Bingley keeps smiling, and staring at her, as he steps back from the carriage. Elizabeth smiles quietly. After a moment, Bingley calls to the driver. BINGLEY: Drive on, Rochester! He waves, and smiles, and the carriage departs. From an upstairs window, Darcy watches, staring at the departing carriage. Behind him, Caroline, Louisa and Hurst settle at the dining table for lunch. MISS BINGLEY: Oh, how pleasant it is to have ones house to oneself again! (She looks to Darcy at the window) But I fear Mr Darcy is mourning the loss of Miss Eliza Bennets pert opinions and fine eyes. (She laughs, as much in frustration as anything else) Darcy still looks out the window, clearly focussing on the departing Elizabeth, but he speaks calmly and deliberately. DARCY: Quite the contrary, I assure you. The carriage makes its tranquil way along the road. ELIZABETH: (Sighing with relief) Oh Jane! Notwithstanding your excellent Mr Bingley, I have never been so happy to leave a place in my life! At Netherfield, Darcy continues to look out of the window with mixed feelings, a half smile on his lips.

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Disc 1 Episode 2 Scene 1

The next day. A sunny autumn day in November. Elizabeth is out walking, as is her habit, enjoying the country air, and watching flocks of birds in the sky. She half runs down a slope. The dining room at Longbourn. The Bennet family is seated around the table. MR BENNET: I hope, my dear, you have ordered a good dinner today, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family party. MRS BENNET: (Delighted) Mr Bingley! Why Jane, you sly thing! You never dropped a word! Jane is not sure about this. She glances at Elizabeth, who looks at her quizzically, smiling slightly. Mr Bennet calmly eats. MRS BENNET: Oh, and not a bit of fish to be got. Oh Lord! Lydia my love, ring the bell. I must speak to Hill directly. Lydia obediently gets up, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin. She pulls up short at her father's next comment. MR BENNET: It is not Mr Bingley. It is a person I never saw in the whole course of my life. His family are all surprised at this. LYDIA: (Speculating) Colonel Forster? KITTY: Captain Carter? LYDIA: No, I know! Denny! (Both girls giggle mightily at this) At a look from her father, Lydia stops smiling, and resumes her place at the tableMr Bennet picks up a letter that lies by him on the table, and glances at it. MR BENNET: About a month ago, I received this letter, and about a fortnight ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is from my cousin, Mr Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases. MRS BENNET: Oh my dear, pray don't mention that odious man. I think it the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your own poor children. MR BENNET: Indeed my dear, nothing can clear Mr Collins of the iniquitous crime of inheriting Longbourn, but if you will listen to his letter, you may be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself. Putting on his spectacles, Mr Bennet begins to read from the letter. MR BENNET: My dear Sir, The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him -He is interrupted by a snort of derisive laughter from Lydia. He gives her a look which silences her, and continues reading. -- to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach. There, MrsBennet. My mind however is now made up on the subject -Mr Bennet's voice fades, to be replaced by that of Mr Collins. The shot changes to a view of Hunsford church on a sunny Sunday. MR COLLINS: (V/O) -- on the subject, for having received my ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh -We move to a shot of the church porch, where Mr Collins in his black priest's frock and white parson's neck bands farewells his parishioners. Lady Catherine, followed by her sickly daughter Anne sails proudly out of the church, and Mr Collins bows deeply to her. Other parishioners tip their hats, which she takes as her due. Mrs Jenkinson holds a parasol over Anne, to protect her from the sun's rays. MR COLLINS: (V/O) -- whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to the valuable rectory at Hunsford, where it is my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her Ladyship. Mr Collins continues to bow as her Ladyship's entourage walks past him, and down the church path. His manner is grave and stately, very formal. He is a relativelyyoung man, though not at all handsome. MR COLLINS: (V/O) -- As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish theblessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and onthese grounds, I flatter myself that my present overtures of goodwill arehighly commendable, and will not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. Mr Collins emerges from the parsonage in black coat and broad brimmed hat, carryinga bag and an umbrella. A maid servant watches him. A male servant is placing a trunk into the back of an open carriage. Mr Collins walks with dignity to the carriage, and waits for the man servant to take his cane, and help him up beside the driver. He loses his dignity a little, scrambling up into place. 29

MR COLLINS: (V/O) -- I am, sir, keenly conscious of being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends.I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family on Monday the 18th -Retrieving his dignity, he nods to the servants, and then to the driver that he may start. But the carriage lurches a little, throwing Mr Collins off balance. MR COLLINS: (To the driver) Have a care, Dawkins! (V/O) -- and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday night following. I shall travel as far as the turnpike in my own modest equipage, where I hope to catch the Bromley post at thirty five minutes past ten. And thence to Watford. We now see a small carriage with a hood up making its way towards Longbourn house. MR COLLINS: (V/O) From thence I shall engage a hired carriage to transport me to Longbourn where, God willing, you may expect me by four in the afternoon. Mr and Mrs Bennet emerge from the front door at Longbourn, followed by Elizabeth and Jane and Mary. They watch the carriage arrive. Hill also watches, while a male servant moves to hold the horse . MR BENNET: And here he comes. ELIZABETH: But he must be an oddity, don't you think? MRS BENNET: Well, if he's disposed to make our girls any amends, I shan't be the person to discourage him. ELIZABETH: Can he be a sensible man, sir? MR BENNET: Oh I think not, my dear. Indeed, I have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse. He steps up to the carriage, followed by his wife. MR BENNET: Mr Collins! You are very welcome. Mr Collins smiles, and attempts a dignified descent from the carriage, which doesn't entirely come off. Elizabeth and Jane look at one another, suppressing smiles. Mary almost simpers, and pats her hair. Mr Collins turns to his cousins, with an ingratiating smile. MR COLLINS: Dear Mr and Mrs Bennet! (He bows) That evening, in the dining room. The whole family, including Mr Collins, is dining, waited on by the servants. Elizabeth is seated next to him. They are on the soup course. MR BENNET: (Breaking bread into his soup) You seem -- ah -- very -- ah -- fortunate in your patroness. MR COLLINS: (Looking rapturous.) Lady Catherine de Bourgh! This sets Lizzie off - she smiles while trying to drink a spoonful of soup. Indeed I am, sir! I have been treated with such affability, such condescension, as I would never have dared to hope for. Ihave been invited twice to dine at Rosings Park. MR BENNET: Is that so? Amazing. MRS BENNET: Does she live near you, sir? MR COLLINS: The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park. MR BENNET: Only a lane, eh? Well, fancy that, Lizzie. Mary seems fascinated by what Mr Collins says, but Lizzie and her father clearly appreciate the humour of the situation. Elizabeth exchanges a glance with Jane across the table. MRS BENNET: I think you said she was a widow, sir. Has she any family? MR COLLINS: She has one daughter, ma'am, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property. MRS BENNET: And has she been presented at Court? MR COLLINS: She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which unhappily prevents her being in town, and by that means -- as I told Lady Catherine myself one day he smiles in anticipation of delivering his bon mot -- she has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. You may imagine, sir, how happy I am on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. 30

Elizabeth struggles to keep a straight face. She discreetly dabs her lips with her napkin. Mary smiles encouragement at Mr Collins. Lydia, less polite, sighs audibly, and her sisters turn to look at her. MR BENNET: It is fortunate for you, Mr Collins, that you possess such an extraordinary talent for flattering with delicacy. Elizabeth keeps her face hidden in her napkin May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are they the result of previous study? A small gasp of laughter escapes Elizabeth behind her napkin. Jane tries hard not to smile, biting her lip. MR COLLINS: (Thinking about it) They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, sir. (Lizzie recovers herself) 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! Mr Collins smiles ingratiatingly. Mrs Bennet is not sure if she is missing something. Jane takes a drink of water

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Disc 1 Episode 2 Scene 2

Next day, out in the garden. Kitty and Lydia are throwing hoops over a ring, laughing and giggling. Mary walks past, reading. Jane and Elizabeth stroll about chatting to one another. Mr Collins walks in the garden with Mrs Bennet. MR COLLINS: I must confess myself quite overwhelmed with the charms of your daughters, Mrs Bennet. MRS BENNET: Oh, you are very kind, sir. They are sweet girls, though I say it myself. MR COLLINS: (Coyly) Perhaps especially the eldest Miss Bennet? MRS BENNET: (Acting swiftly to quash this train of thought) Ah yes, Jane is admired wherever she goes. But I think I should tell you, Mr Collins, I think it very likely she will be very soon engaged. MR COLLINS: (Put out for a moment or two) Ah. MRS BENNET: As for my younger daughters, now, if any of them -- in their case, I know of no prior attachment at all. MR COLLINS: (Cheering up) Ah! Mr Collins' glance travels from Kitty to Lydia to Mary, and finally comes to rest on Elizabeth, who is laughing with Jane. He looks thoughtful. Lydia runs over, smiling. LYDIA: We are all going to Meryton, Mama, to see if Denny is returned from town. MRS BENNET: Perhaps you would care for a little exercise, Mr Collins? MR COLLINS: (Getting excited at the prospect) Indeed I would, Mrs Bennet. Lydia's face falls at this. She looks at Kitty in horror. Mr Collins moves swiftly in Elizabeth's direction, a big smile on his face. MR COLLINS: (Calling) Cousin Elizabeth! He reaches Elizabeth and Jane. MR COLLINS: Would you do me the great honour of walking with me into town? Elizabeth says nothing, but she and Jane exchange glances .A little later, the five sisters are walking to Meryton, accompanied by Mr Collins. They cross a picturesque arched bridge over a river. Kitty and Lydia run ahead. They are both wrapped in bright red cloaks, no doubt in honour of the officers. Mary converses with Jane. Elizabeth is trapped with her cousin, whom she offers as little encouragement as possible, walking briskly along, and looking at the view from the bridge. MR COLLINS (A little breathless from the pace) You visit your Aunt Phillips in Meryton frequently I understand, Cousin? ELIZABETH: Yes, she is very fond of company. But I am afraid you will find her gatherings poor affairs after the splendours of Rosings Park. MR COLLINS: (Smiling) Oh no, I think not. I believe I possess the happy knack, much to be desired in a clergyman, of adapting myself to every kind of society, whether high or low. ELIZABETH: That is fortunate indeed. MR COLLINS: Yes indeed. And though it is a gift of nature, constant study has enabled me -- I flatter myself -- to - to make a kind of art of it. He is forced to stop conversing by the urgent need to draw breath - clearly he is not as fit as Elizabeth and her sisters .Meryton. Horses, people and carts move up and down. The Bennet party walks along the street, Kitty and Lydia well in the lead, looking out for soldiers. Kitty spots a bonnet on display in a shop window (T. Bentley, milliners), and pulls Lydia over to look at it. KITTY: There! I'm sure that is new in since Friday! Isn't it nice. Don't you think I'd look well in it? LYDIA: Not as well as me. Come on! She tries to pull Kitty away, but Kitty refuses. Lydia keeps her eye out eagerly for officers. KITTY: No, wait, stop! (Calling) Jane! Come here! Look at this! (Jane approaches) Jane, I am determined to have this bonnet. (Lydia sees what she wants, and moves forward eagerly.) 33

LYDIA: Look, there's Denny! KITTY: Where? LYDIA: (Pointing across the street) There, look! They look across the street to see Denny in uniform. With him is a tall young man in civilian dress. Both men are looking towards them. KITTY: Who's that with him? 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. Elizabeth, Jane and the others have now joined them, and are casually looking at the young stranger. KITTY: They are looking over. (Jane and Lizzie instantly avert their gaze) Lizzie, is he not mightily good looking? LYDIA: (Yelling lustily, and waving) Denny! JANE: Lydia! Denny immediately crosses the street to them, followed a few paces behind by the mysterious young man. Denny salutes. LYDIA: What a fine joke. We thought you were still in town. DENNY: There was nothing amusing enough to hold us there. Allow me to introduce my good friend. George Wickham. Wickham removes his hat, and bows. Each lady curtsies or nods as she is introduced. DENNY: Miss Bennet. Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet and - uh - Miss Lydia Bennet. JANE: This is our cousin, Mr Collins. The gentlemen bow to each other. ELIZABETH: Do you stay long in Meryton, Mr Wickham? WICKHAM: Ah -- all 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. Lydia giggles. DENNY: And lend them much distinction, I daresay. Outswagger us all, eh Wickham? WICKHAM: (Smiling) Denny, you misrepresent me to these young ladies. LYDIA: (Smiling) Shall you come with us to our Aunt Phillips this evening, Mr Wickham? Mary looks a little disapproving at this forward behaviour, as does Mr Collins. KITTY: Oh yes, Denny is coming, you know. LYDIA: It's only supper and cards, but we shall have some laughs. WICKHAM: Well, I am afraid I have not been invited by Mr and Mrs Phillips. Elizabeth looks at him, and likes what she sees. He has easy manners and charm, and is tall with curling dark hair and a nice smile. He seems to notice her. LYDIA: Oh, no one cares about that sort of thing nowadays. WICKHAM: If Mrs Phillips extended the invitation to include me, I shall be delighted.

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Elizabeth is pleased at this. She glances up to the street to see two horsemen reining in - Bingley and Darcy. The men stop and look over, and Bingley dismounts. KITTY: Look Jane! It's Mr Bingley! (She and Lydia giggle) Jane smiles, and looks down. Bingley leads his horse over, smiling with pleasure. He addresses Jane. 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 am quite recovered, as you see. Elizabeth's glance turns towards Mr Darcy, who is still sitting on his horse at a little distance, looking over at them. Darcy, catching her gaze, is just about to dismount when Wickham turns around to look, and Darcy sees him for the first time. Darcy freezes, and stays on his horse. The two men stare at one another for a few moments. There is clearly some kind of animosity between them. Eventually, Wickham tips his hat to Darcy, who then looks away, and deliberately rides his horse off slowly down the street, without looking back. Elizabeth has observed all this .Jane and Bingley's polite conversation has continued under all this mystery. BINGLEY: Yes, I am very glad to know it. JANE: I was hoping you might come to have tea with us. BINGLEY: I shall be very happy to, Miss Bennet. That evening, at Aunt Phillips' party. A variety of guests, and servants in powdered wigs. Lydia and Kitty, in party clothes, come into the drawing room giggling and excited. LYDIA: (Giggling and pointing) Oh look, there's Denny! The two girls head off in pursuit. Mary follows them , unsmiling, clutching her sheet music to her bosom. Mr Collins can be heard in full flight. MR COLLINS: It is so gratifying to be invited here to Longbourn. There is such a variety of social intercourse. He stands with Jane and Elizabeth, both trapped but polite, and their Aunt Phillips. He glances around the room. MR COLLINS: What a charming apartment you have here, Mrs Phillips! Upon my word, it reminds me greatly of a small summer breakfast room at Rosings. MRS PHILLIPS (Not very pleased at this) Does it indeed, sir? I am much obliged to you, I'm sure. Elizabeth is casting discreet looks around the room, hoping to be saved. JANE: I'm sure that Mr Collins wishes to pay a compliment, Aunt. MRS PHILLIPS: Does he? I see. (She eyes Mr Collins) JANE: Rosings Park, we must understand, is very grand indeed. MR COLLINS: Oh, indeed it is. (Realising) Oh my dear madam, if you thought that I intended any slight on your excellent and very comfortable arrangements, I am mortified! (Mrs Phillips is slightly mollified.) Rosings Park is the residence of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Jane and Elizabeth watch all this. MRS PHILLIPS: Oh! Now I understand. MR COLLINS: The chimney piece in the second drawing room alone cost eight hundred pounds. Elizabeth turns her gaze across the room to Wickham, now handsome in scarlet regimentals. He is looking at her, and smiles, and she returns his smile. MRS PHILLIPS: Now I see! It's clear there's no offence at all. Will you oblige me and sit down to a game of whist? MR COLLINS: I must confess, I know little of the game, madam. But I shall be glad to improve myself. (Turning to Elizabeth) If my fair cousin will consent to release me. ELIZABETH: (With a charming smile) With all my heart, sir. He is charmed. Mrs Phillips leads him away to play cards. Mary starts to play a slow piece on the piano. Jane and Elizabeth look at each other and smile .A little later. Mr Collins is playing cards, partnering Mrs Phillips against another pair. He stares at his hand earnestly, chooses a card, and lays it down with a smile. MRS PHILLIPS: (Displeased) Oh! Mr Collins! 35

MR COLLINS: What are trumps again? MRS PHILLIPS: Hearts, Mr Collins! Hearts! Mr Collins is momentarily chastised. Mary continues to play. Lydia, Kitty a third girl and two young officers (one of whom is Denny) sit at another table, playing a merry card game - perhaps Fish, or lottery tickets. Wickham stands watching them for a moment, then seats himself in a chair opposite Elizabeth, with an easy familiarity. WICKHAM: (Smiling) I must confess, I thought I should never escape you younger sisters. Elizabeth, who is very disposed to like him, laughs at this. ELIZABETH: They can be very determined. Lydia especially. They both glance at the group around the table. WICKHAM: They are pleasant girls. (Looking deliberately at Elizabeth) Indeed, I find that society in Hertfordshire quite exceeds my expectations. (She smiles) I don't see Mr Bingley and his friends here this evening. ELIZABETH: I think some of Mr Bingley's friends would consider it beneath their dignity. WICKHAM: Really? (He nods, and thinks for a moment) Um -ELIZABETH: About a month. WICKHAM: I have known him all my life. We played together as children. ELIZABETH (Puzzled) But -WICKHAM: Yes, you're surprised. Perhaps you might have noticed the cold manner of our greeting? ELIZABETH: I confess I did. WICKHAM: Do you -- ? (He thinks for a moment) Are you much acquainted with Mr Darcy? ELIZABETH: As much as I ever wish to be. I have spent three days in the same house with him, and I find him very disagreeable. WICKHAM: (Nodding at this) I fear there are few who would share that opinion. Except myself. ELIZABETH: But he is not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his pride. WICKHAM: Do you know -- Does he intend to stay long at Netherfield? ELIZABETH: I do not know. (Smiling) But I -- I hope his being in the neighbourhood will not affect your plans to stay. WICKHAM: Thank you. But it is not to me to be driven away by Mr Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. We are -- not on friendly terms, but I have no reason to avoid him but one. He has done me great wrong. Elizabeth is of course concerned and interested. Wickham leans forward to confide in her. WICKHAM: His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr Darcy, was my godfather, and one of the best men that ever breathed. My father was his steward. And when he died, old Mr Darcy cared for me. Um -- provided for me. Loved me, I believe, as though I were his own son. He intended me for the church, and it was my dearest wish to enter into that profession. But, after he died, and the living he had promised me fell vacant, the son refused point blank to honour his father's promises. Elizabeth feels for him, resenting Darcy's behaviour. WICKHAM: And so you see, I have to make my own way in the world. ELIZABETH: (Distressed) This is quite shocking. I had not thought Mr Darcy as bad as this. To descend to such malicious revenge! He deserves to be publically disgraced! WICKHAM: Some day he will be, but not by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him. Lydia laughs very loudly from her card table, and claps her hands, and Wickham looks over at her. Wickham and Elizabeth share a smile over her noisiness. ELIZABETH: I wonder at the pride of this man! How abominable! You are more temperate than I should be in your situation. 36 have you known Mr Darcy long?

WICKHAM: Well, I have not the resentful temper that some men have. (Making the best of it) And my situation, you know, is not so bad. (He smiles) At present, I have every cause for cheer. I can't bear to be idle, and my new profession gives me active employment. My fellow officers are excellent men. (Looking at Elizabeth) And now I find myself in society as agreeable as any I have ever known. You see? I absolutely forbid you to feel sorry for me. Elizabeth smiles, very taken with him. Lydia approaches Wickham from behind. LYDIA: Lizzie? Lizzie, why should you feel sorry for Mr Wickham? WICKHAM: Why? Because -because I have not had a dance these three months together!

LYDIA: Oh, Mr Wickham! Well, you shall have one now! She grabs Wickham's hand and pulls him to his feet, dragging him behind her. LYDIA: (Calling) Mary! Mary! The Barley Mode! Mary immediately begins to play a lively tune. Wickham, being towed behind Lydia, gives Elizabeth a helpless shrug and a smile. Elizabeth is left to absorb the new information. MRS PHILLIPS: (V/O) Oh, Mr Collins! Elizabeth watches Wickham dance, and smiles at him when he looks across at her and smiles. He partners Lydia in the dance, while Denny partners Kitty. Lizzie ponders

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Disc 1 Episode 2 Scene 3

Later that night, in Jane's bedroom. Both girls are in their nightgowns, hair loose. Elizabeth sits on the bed, her arms wrapped around her knees. JANE: I cannot believe it, Lizzie. Mr Darcy would have far too high a respect for his father's wishes to behave in such an unchristian way. (She sits on the bed) And Lizzie, consider. How could his most intimate friends be so deceived in him? ELIZABETH: I could more easily imagine Mr Bingley being imposed upon than to think that Mr Wickham could invent such a history. JANE: I believe you like Mr Wickham, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: (After a moment) I confess, I do like him. I do not see how anyone could not like him. There is something very open and artless in his manner. He feels deeply, I believe, and yet has a natural merriment and energy despite all this. (She smiles) Yes Jane, I confess I like him very much. JANE: But after so short an acquaintance, do you think we should believe in him so implicitly? ELIZABETH: How could he be doubted? He gave me all the circumstances, Jane. Names, facts. Everything without ceremony. If it isn't so, let Mr Darcy contradict it. Besides, there was truth in all his looks. JANE: It is difficult indeed. It is distressing. (She shakes her head) One doesn't know what to think. ELIZABETH: I beg your pardon! One knows exactly what to think. Another day. The family are in the drawing room. Mr Bennet is pouring himself a drink. Mrs Bennet's voice sails loudly through the house. MRS BENNET: Oh girls! Girls! We have all been invited to a ball at Netherfield! Kitty and Lydia are trying on bonnets in front of a mirror. LYDIA: Oh good! I love a ball! KITTY: So do I! Mrs Bennet sits down, invitation in hand. MRS BENNET: Oh, this will be a compliment to you, Jane, you know. Jane and Elizabeth sit at the table, as does Mr Collins. Mary stands behind him, showing him a document, and he is engaged in quietly explaining it to her. MRS BENNET: The invitation includes you, Mr Collins. She laughs, and he laughs at the honour extended to him. ELIZABETH: But shall you accept, sir? Would it be entirely proper? Would your bishop approve? MR COLLINS: Your scruples do you credit, my dear cousin. But I am of the opinion that aball of this kind, given by a man of good character to respectable people, can have no evil tendency. (He stands up) And I am so far from objecting to dancing myself that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins during the curse of the evening. Lydia and Kitty look horrified. Elizabeth is not all that thrilled. Mrs Bennet smiles broadly. Mr Collins clears his throat. MR COLLINS: And I take this opportunity of soliciting yours -- (he turns, and Mary's face lights up for a moment, then she is crestfallen) Miss Elizabeth, for the first two dances. He leans down and gives her what he imagines is a charming smile. Elizabeth is speechless, but trapped. Kitty and Lydia giggle loudly. Mr Collins hums a jolly tune. Out in the garden. Kitty and Lydia, wearing their new bonnets, are seated on a double swing hanging from a tree. Denny and Carter push them back and forth while they giggle, and wave their legs in the air. Elizabeth is walking with two escorts - the unwanted Mr Collins and Mr Wickham. MR COLLINS: -- And I dare say you will be able to imagine the scope of the whole, Mr Wickham, when I tell you that the chimney piece alone in the second drawing room cost all of eight hundred pounds. Elizabeth exchanges amused looks with Wickham.

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WICKHAM: Eight hundred pounds, sir. I hazard a guess it must be a very large one. MR COLLINS: It is very large indeed, sir. (He is about to expand on this when Wickham forestalls him) WICKHAM: Her ladyship is fond of a good blaze then. MR COLLINS: Oh! (He is about to hold forth again when Jane calls him) JANE: (Running across the grass to rescue Lizzie) Mr Collins! How fortunate! I must claim you for my sister Mary. She has found a passage in Fordyce's Sermons which she cannot make out at all. Mr Collins is most reluctant to leave Elizabeth, but doesn't know how to refuse politely. MR COLLINS: Well, I -- I -JANE: I believe it is of great doctrinal import, sir. MR COLLINS: Well, in that case -JANE: You are very kind, sir. She is in the drawing room Jane moves off, and Mr Collins has no choice but to follow. Lizzie and Wickham nod politely to him as he goes. WICKHAM: (Smiling) Mr Collins's conversation is very -- um -- wholesome. ELIZABETH: And there's plenty to be had of it, I assure you. Both smiling, they walk on, content to be together. ELIZABETH: Have you made Mr Bingley's acquaintance yet? WICKHAM: No. But I am already disposed to approve of him. He has issued a general invitation to the officers for his ball at Netherfield which has caused great joy in more than one quarter. (They laugh) He must be a very amiable gentleman. ELIZABETH: Oh yes. He is eager to approve of everyone he meets. But he is a sensible man, with taste and judgement. I wonder very much how Mr Darcy could have imposed upon him. He cannot know what Mr Darcy is. WICKHAM: Probably not. Mr Darcy can please when he chooses, if he thinks it's worth his while. Among his equals in wealth and consequence, he can be liberal minded, honourable, even agreeable. ELIZABETH: (Shaking her head at this) I wonder you can speak of him so tolerantly. WICKHAM: He is not wholly bad. They are in sight of the girls on the swing, who are giggling. Elizabeth stops, and turns to face Wickham. ELIZABETH: Tell me, what sort of girl is Miss Darcy? WICKHAM: (Reflecting) I wish I could call her amiable. As a child, she was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me. And I devoted hours and hours to her amusement. But she has grown too much like her brother. Very -(he hesitates) -- very proud. I never see her now. Since her father's death, her home has been in London. She is but sixteen years old. Your sister Lydia's age. ELIZABETH: Lydia is fifteen. WICKHAM: Oh. He turns to look at the giggling girls and the officers. He laughs. Elizabeth and Wickham turn around, and continue their walk in another direction. WICKHAM: I was amused by your cousin's reference to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is Mr Darcy's aunt, you know, and her daughter Anne, who will inherit a very large fortune, is destined to be Mr Darcy's bride. ELIZABETH: Really? He nods assent. 39

ELIZABETH: (She smiles mischievously) Poor Miss Bingley. He laughs gently, and they walk on.

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Disc 1 Episode 2 Scene 4

The evening of the Netherfield ball. Mrs Bennet enters Elizabeth's bedroom, to find her seated in front of a mirror with Sarah the maid attending to her hair. Elizabeth looks lovely in a cream ball gown, and she has ribbons arranged in her hair. There is the sound of background chatter from Lydia and Kitty's room. MRS BENNET: (Happy) Ah, you look very well, Lizzie. (Elizabeth smiles) You'll never be as pretty as your sister Jane, but I will say you look very well indeed. ELIZABETH: (Not as happy as she was) Thank you, Mama. She looks critically at her hair ribbons in the mirror. MRS BENNET: And I hope you will pay Mr Collins every courtesy tonight, because he has been very attentive to you. KITTY: (V/O) -- and I think your gown is very unbecoming. Mrs Bennet leaves Elizabeth's room. In the hallway, she encounters Lydia backing out of her room, a ballgown in her arms. Lydia is in pantaloons, corset and petticoat, her bosom well exposed. LYDIA: (To an unseen Kitty) Then I shall ask Lizzie. She will bear me out! MRS BENNET: Lydia child, what are you doing? Go back in your room and dress yourself! LYDIA: I have to ask Lizzie something! (She runs off) MRS BENNET: Oh! Lydia runs into Lizzie's room, where Elizabeth and the maid are still fiddling with her hair. Lydia holds up her dress, a pretty pink frock with ribbons threaded through. LYDIA: Lizzie! Lizzie, look. What do you think? Kitty says not, but I think it becomes me very well. ELIZABETH: (Still focussed on her own appearance) I wonder that you ask me then. LYDIA: You look very nice. ELIZABETH: Thank you. LYDIA: Lizzie, I hope you will not keep Wickham to yourself all night. Kitty and I want to dance with him as well, you know. ELIZABETH: I promise I shall not. Even if I wished to, I could not. (Bemoaning her fate) I have to dance at least the first two with Mr Collins. LYDIA (Pulling a face) Lord, yes. He's threatened to dance with us all. She runs out. In the hall, Mr Collins steps briskly from his room, humming a merry tune to himself. He pulls up short with a startled gasp as Lydia runs out and they confront each other. Lydia gasps in shock as well, clutching her dress to her bosom. They juggle for space to pass one another. Mr Collins puts up a hand to avert his gaze. Lydia sees the funny side, and begins to giggle hysterically. She runs off to her room. Mr Collins regains his dignity as he descends the stairs, but is brought up short by sounds of unbridled mirth from the girls' bedroom - Lydia has evidently told Kitty. Outside Netherfield. The house is warmly lit and inviting. Carriages arrive briskly at the front steps. Music can be heard from within. The Bennet's carriage arrives. Mr Collins gets out first, and extends his hand to Lizzie. MR COLLINS: Allow me, Cousin Elizabeth. She jumps down, smiling with anticipation of a pleasant evening Jane follows her, and the two look happily at each other. Mrs Bennet and the rest follow. As Jane and Elizabeth mount the steps to the house, Elizabeth looks up at a window, and sees Mr Darcy framed there. He observes her, and then moves away from the window. Elizabeth is momentarily pulled up by her newly found dislike of him, but then smiles at Jane and continues. Inside the house. Many guests are gathered, and there is the pleasant hum of party chatter, as well as music. Footmen in powdered wigs take their cloaks. Jane and Lizzie proceed into the room, to be met by the family welcoming committee - Mr and Mrs Hurst, Miss Bingley, and then the smiling Mr Bingley. The girls drop curtsies. MISS BINGLEY: My dear Jane, how delightful to see you! You are so well recovered. MRS HURST: (To Lizzie) 41

Miss Bennet. How pleasant. MISS BINGLEY (To Jane) Louisa and I have been quite desolate without you. (Turning to her sister) Haven't we? Mr Hurst? HURST: What? Miss Bingley gives up on him. MRS HURST: (Smiling) Mrs Bennet! Mr Bennet! MISS BINGLEY: (As they pass along the line) Oh, Mrs Bennet! Mr Bennet! Quite delighted! Ah! And all your daughters. Lydia and Kitty are immediately distracted. KITTY: Oh, there's Denny! LYDIA: And Chamberlayne! They move off in pursuit of the officers. Bingley is conversing with Jane and Lizzie, though his attention is almost exclusively on Jane. MR BENNET: (To Miss Bingley) And my cousin, Mr Collins. MR COLLINS: (Bowing low) May I congratulate you on your very elegant arrangements, Ma'am. (She politely curtsies) It puts me in mind greatly of . . . Perhaps you have visited Rosings Park? Elizabeth ventures out into the room, looking everywhere to see if she can spot Mr Wickham. No luck. Mr Bingley approaches her, smiling charmingly. MR BINGLEY: Miss Bennet? He offers her his spare arm, Jane is on the other, and escorts the sisters into the main ballroom. The orchestra plays .In the ballroom, knots of people bow and acknowledge the three of them. A clock tells us that it is perhaps 8.30pm. Elizabeth glances around the room. Bingley and Jane smile often at one another, and chat politely. Elizabeth thinks she may have spotted Wickham amongst a group of officers. From beyond them, Darcy turns and looks at her with admiration, though she probably does not notice him. Elizabeth still looks around for a sign of Wickham. She spots Denny in his red dress uniform, and smiles at him. He comes over to her at once, and bows. Jane and Bingley move on together, and chat to other groups of people .DENNY: Miss Bennet. You look quite remarkably well this evening. ELIZABETH: Thank you. DENNY: I am instructed to convey to you, Miss Bennet, my friend Wickham's most particular regrets that he has been prevented from attending the ball. Elizabeth is disappointed, but tries to remain polite. She chews her bottom lip. DENNY: He's been obliged to go to town on a matter of urgent business. Though I don't imagine it would have been so urgent if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman. Denny turns and looks in the direction of Darcy, who still stands alone in a corner of the room, watching Elizabeth. She looks across at him involuntarily at this, and when Darcy catches her eye, he walks away. Lydia rushes up and grasps Denny's arm, ending any further private conversation. She brings with her Kitty and young Lt Chamberlayne. LYDIA: (Smiling) Denny, I hope you've come prepared to dance with us tonight. CHAMBERLAYNE: (To Lizzie) Forgive the intrusion, ma'am. I would dance with both your sisters, at once if I could, but as it is -LYDIA: (Brushing him aside) Never mind that! Come on, Denny. She takes his hand, and tows him off behind her. He gives Elizabeth a smile as he goes. Kitty attaches herself to his other hand and follows. Chamberlayne takes the time to bow and smile to Elizabeth, then Kitty grabs him, and pulls him away too. Elizabeth is vexed. She chews her bottom lip again. All her promised pleasure for the evening has fallen apart. Oh well - she reconciles herself to the fact. In another part of the room, she sees her good friend Charlotte Lucas. She gives her a charming smile from where she stands, and then crosses the room to her. The two girls take hands and kiss. ELIZABETH: Charlotte! I have so much to acquaint you with! Mr Collins suddenly appears beside them. He politely clears his throat, and smiles in what he imagines to be a winning manner at Elizabeth.

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ELIZABETH: Charlotte, may I present our cousin, Mr Collins. My friend Miss Lucas. CHARLOTTE: (Smiling and curtsying politely) How do you do, sir? MR COLLINS: Miss Lucas, I am indeed honoured to meet any friend of my fair cousin's. (He gives Elizabeth a smarmy smile) So many agreeable young ladies! (Charlotte gives Elizabeth a quizzical look) I am quite enraptured. The string orchestra starts a sprightly air which signals the first dance. Mr Collins smiles at Elizabeth again, and offers her his hand. Resigned to her fate, she allows him to lead her onto the dance floor. She casts a long suffering quick glance at Charlotte as she goes. Couples are now lined up in a long row down the room. Lizzie and Mr Collins bow formally to one another as the dance commences. Mr Collins looks rather like a black grasshopper as he skips the opening measures. He keeps his eye fixed on Elizabeth, smiling in her direction. As the next measure begins, he moves off the wrong way, colliding with the lady behind him. ELIZABETH: Other way, Mr Collins! MR COLLINS: (As he collides) Ooh! Madam, a thousand apologies -ELIZABETH: (Already impatient) Come, Mr Collins! He hastens to join her in the circle of couples which has formed. MR COLLINS: (Running to catch up) My dear cousin, I apologise! A number of non-dancers watch the progress of the dance. One of them is Darcy, who cannot help smiling to himself at Mr Collins' bumbling display. As the dance progresses, Elizabeth becomes more and more out of humour with her cousin. She glances up, and sees Darcy watching her, and believing him to be the author of her disappointment tonight, she gives him a brief sour look. Darcy decides to move on. He walks slowly about the room, and from his point of view, we see Mrs Bennet chatting with animation to Lady Lucas, then Jane and Bingley happily dancing together. When Bingley must partner another lady in the course of the dance, he glances at Jane and smiles. Darcy, stern faced, keeps walking. He notes Lydia, dancing with Denny. Darcy turns, and his gaze goes back to Elizabeth, smiling in spite of herself, especially when the steps of the dance let her be with someone other than Mr Collins. The dance comes to an end. Darcy is still steadfastly watching Lizzie.

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Another dance is in progress. Charlotte and Lizzie stand off to one side, engaged in conversation. CHARLOTTE: -- It's extraordinary. And are you sure it's true? ELIZABETH: Charlotte, how could it be otherwise? Every circumstance confirms it, and Mr Darcy has boasted to me himself of his resentful, implacable -Charlotte sees Mr Darcy himself approaching, and quickly speaks to hush Lizzie. CHARLOTTE: Lizzie! The two girls look at one another for a moment. Has he heard? Darcy stands silent, waiting for their attention. They both turn to face him, and he bows formally, to which they offer a slight curtsy. Elizabeth is in no very good humour with him at present. DARCY: (To Lizzie) If you are not otherwise engaged, would you do me the honour of dancing the next with me, Miss Bennet. LIZZIE: Why, I -- had not -- (She stops short, unable to think of an excuse. She smiles politely) I thank you, yes. He bows again, and immediately walks away. Lizzie is instantly cross with herself. ELIZABETH: Oh, why could I not think of an excuse? Hateful man! I promised myself I would never dance with him. CHARLOTTE: He pays you a great compliment in singling you out, Lizzie. Think what you are doing. (The current dance comes to an end at this point, and the partners bow and curtsy) You'd be a simpleton indeed if you let your fancy for Wickham lead you to slight a man of ten times his consequence! Elizabeth smiles slightly, then walks away in no very good mood to take her place in the dance. The orchestra plays an introduction. The couples who are to dance stand in two rows facing one another. Darcy and Elizabeth are at the head of the line. Darcy looks earnestly at Elizabeth while the introduction plays. It is obvious throughout that he admires her. She looks straight ahead, unsmiling. Jane and Bingley are also dancing, about two couples down the line. The dance begins. Darcy (along with all the other men) bows gracefully. He is a skilled dancer, who executes all the moves with grace and composure. The first step brings the partners towards each other, and there is a close up of Darcy's bare hand clasping Elizabeth's gloved hand for the first time. The dance is a simple, walking dance, where the partners weave in and out, and each couple gradually moves down the line. Darcy and Elizabeth execute the first measures without speaking, although the dance requires them to look at each other, as they circle one another, holding opposite hands, and then step around one another, back to back. They complete the first major movement of the dance, and step into second place in the line .As the second measure begins, Elizabeth finally breaks the silence. ELIZABETH: I believe we must have some conversation, Mr Darcy! Lydia and Kitty can be seen standing to the side, whispering. Darcy continues the movement, but does not immediately reply. ELIZABETH: (As they circle one another, holding hands) A very little will suffice. The movement of the dance takes them apart, then together again. She resumes. ELIZABETH: You should say something about the dance, perhaps. I might remark on the number of couples. They are separated again, then move round one another back to back. Elizabeth puffs out her cheeks -- she has nearly given up. When they move forward, side by side, Darcy speaks. DARCY: You talk by rule, then, when you are dancing? ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Yes, sometimes it is best! Then we may enjoy the advantage of saying as little as possible. They move apart again, around another couple. They come together, now third couple in the line, and begin again, holding hands as they circle one another. In the background, Mary can be seen paying attention to Mr Collins, who watches the dance. .After a moment: DARCY: Do you consult your own feelings in this case, or seek to gratify mine? The dance takes them apart, then together. ELIZABETH: Both, I imagine. The dance moves them again, and they step into fourth place in the line. 45

ELIZABETH: We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room. DARCY: (Who cannot fail to see what she is doing) This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure. The movement of the dance takes them down to fifth place in the line. They dance in silence for a while, through two more measures. Elizabeth decides that she will offer no more conversation. Eventually, Darcy makes an effort, while they are again holding hands and circling one another. DARCY: Er -- do you often walk into Meryton? ELIZABETH: Yes, quite often. The dance takes them around the next couple, who happen to be Jane and Bingley. ELIZABETH: When you met us the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance. They cross one another again, and dance several more steps before Darcy replies. They move forward in a line, side by side, with Bingley and Jane on either side of them. DARCY: Mr Wickham has the happy manners that enable him to make friends. Whether he is equally capable of keeping them is less certain. They move apart again, and come together as the last couple in the line. Elizabeth pulls a face to herself at Darcy's reply. She speaks again when they come together, holding hands and turning. ELIZABETH: He has been unlucky as to lose your friendship in a way he is likely to suffer from all his life. Darcy has no answer to this. He continues to look at her. They come to a temporary stop, waiting to be collected by the next couple up the line. They face one another. A smiling Sir William Lucas comes over to them, and stands beside Darcy. SIR WILLIAM: Allow me to congratulate you, sir. Such superior dancing is rarely to be seen. (Darcy continues to look straight ahead at Elizabeth.) I am sure you will own your fair partner is well worthy of you. I hope to have this pleasure often repeated. Especially when a certain desirable event takes place. Eh, Miss Lizzie? Elizabeth and Darcy both glance at Jane and Bingley, smiling happily as they dance together. Darcy continues to stare at them, thinking. SIR WILLIAM: What congratulations will then flow in! ELIZABETH: (Trying to quiet him) Sir, I don't -SIR WILLIAM: (Smiling and raising a finger) Nay, nay, I understand! Darcy looks hard at Jane and Bingley. SIR WILLIAM: (To Darcy) I'll not detain you a moment longer from your bewitching partner, sir. Pleasure sir! Darcy ignores him. He takes Elizabeth's hand as they repeat the circling moves of the dance. SIR WILLIAM: Capital! Capital! Both Darcy and Elizabeth look a little vexed. ELIZABETH: I remember hearing you once say that you hardly ever forgave. That your resentment, once created, was implacable. They are now standing facing one another, while another couple passes between them. Then they move off together. ELIZABETH: You are very careful, are you not, at allowing your resentment to be created? DARCY: (As they turn to walk up the dance together) I am. They separate, and come together as the outside couple of a group of four to walk further up the line, separated by the couple between them. They come together again. ELIZABETH: And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice? They turn, then take hands as they circle one another. DARCY: I hope not. May I ask to what these questions tend? ELIZABETH: Merely to the illustration of your character. I am trying to make it out. They stand facing one another. A couple passes between them. DARCY: And what is your success? 46

ELIZABETH: I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as to puzzle me exceedingly. They circle the next couple, then come around to be outside couple again as they walk forward. They step together, then apart. And the dance ends. Along with all the others, they bow and curtsy deeply to one another. As do all the other couples, Darcy takes Elizabeth's hand, and leads her from the dance floor. DARCY: (As they walk, hand in hand) I wish, Miss Bennet, that you would not attempt to sketch my character at the present moment. I fear the performance would reflect no credit on either of us. They reach the side of the room, and he releases her hand, placing his hands behind his back. ELIZABETH: But if I don't take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity. DARCY: I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours. He bows, she curtsies, and he walks quickly away. Elizabeth is left to reflect on this encounter with mixed feelings. Darcy may be angry at first, but his feelings for her soon restore her in his favour .Later that evening, the whole company is in the supper room, gathered around a series of tables. there is much eating, drinking, laughter and chatter. Miss Bingley can be seen playing the hostess, walking between tables. Mr and Mrs Bennet sit with Mary. Mrs Bennet is stuffing herself. Mary is showing her music to a gentleman (perhaps from the orchestra?) who smiles politely, then walks away. Elizabeth and Jane stand together, laughing at something said at one of the tables. Bingley is sitting elsewhere, laughing heartily. Elizabeth walks away, and Miss Bingley approaches her. MISS BINGLEY: So, Miss Eliza! I hear you're quite delighted with George Wickham. No doubt he forgot to tell you among his other communications that he is merely the son of old Wickham, the late Mr Darcy's steward. (She laughs) But Eliza, as a friend, let me recommend you not to give credit to all his assertions. Wickham treated Darcy in an infamous manner. ELIZABETH: (Cross at this address) Has he? How? MISS BINGLEY: I don't remember the particulars, but I do know that Mr Darcy was not in the least to blame. Elizabeth smiles at this, she knows who to believe. MISS BINGLEY: I pity you, Eliza, for the discovery of your favourite's guilt. But really, considering his descent, one could not expect much better. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Why his guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same. I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than being the son of Mr Darcy's steward, and he informed me of that himself. MISS BINGLEY: (Offended) I beg your pardon. Excuse my interference. It was kindly meant. She moves on, out of humour. Elizabeth is none too pleased at this encounter. She walks on. Jane rises from the table behind her, and follows Lizzie to a punch bowl, where they each take a glass of punch.

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ELIZABETH: Insolent girl! JANE: Lizzie! ELIZABETH: I see nothing in her paltry attack but her own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr Darcy! JANE: Yes, but Lizzie! (She looks around, and speaks quietly) Mr Bingley did say that though he does not know the whole of their history, he fears that Mr Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. In the background, we see Darcy seated at a table. He looks up towards the sisters, then occupies himself drinking a glass of wine, and sitting staring at nothing. ELIZABETH: Does he know Mr Wickham himself? JANE: No, not at all. ELIZABETH: (Sure of her ground) Then he has had his account from Mr Darcy! (She breathes rapidly) I have not the least doubt of Mr Bingley's sincerity. Of course he would believe his friend, and it does him credit. But as to the other two gentlemen, I shall venture to think of them both as I did before. She takes a sip of her punch. Bingley walks between the tables, the good humoured host. He happens to stand behind the seated Mary. BINGLEY: (To the room in general) Shall we not have some music? I have a great desire for a song. Caroline, can we persuade you? Caroline is about to assent when Mary jumps up and bustles over to seat herself at the piano. Caroline looks sharply at her brother BINGLEY: (A polite smile frozen to his face) Oh! Miss Mary Bennet. I see you've anticipated me. Mary puts on her spectacles and settles herself. She starts to play, solemnly and stiffly. Mrs Bennet smiles, Mr Bennet anticipates nothing very good. Caroline looks daggers. Guests listen politely. Elizabeth and Jane prepare for embarrassment. Mary starts to sing. She is not very talented, and has no charm, but she is loud. MARY: (Singing) Slumber dear maid. Green boughs will cover thee, Come and lean over thee, where thou art laid -Caroline makes her way stiffly, affronted, across the room. Her sister gets up from her place near Mr Darcy, and goes to join her. Bingley sits next to Darcy. Hurst sits opposite them, pouring wine. Caroline and Louisa walk past Jane and Elizabeth, who feel the embarrassment of their sister's performance. The Bingley women stand glowering in a corner. Darcy is moved to look around at Mary for a moment. Mrs Bennet is enjoying the performance as only a mother can, singing along quietly to herself. Mr Bennet rests his head on his hand, hiding his eyes. Jane suddenly spots something that worries her. JANE: Lizzie! Look! They look up to see Mr Collins sidling up behind Darcy, who has not observed his approach. JANE: They have not been introduced. Can we not prevent him? ELIZABETH: (Also concerned) Too late! Mr Collins bows to Darcy, who finally turns his head and sees him close by. His look is not welcoming. MR COLLINS: Mr Darcy! I have made a remarkable -- I may say an amazing --discovery! I understand that you are the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park! He smiles, excited. Darcy continues to look at him, impassively, but says nothing. MR COLLINS: Well, Mr Darcy, I am in the happy position of being able to inform you that her ladyship was in the best of health (he calculates) eight days ago! (He smiles widely) DARCY: (Solemn and polite) I am glad to hear it. (He stands, towering over Mr Collins) And what is your name, sir? MR COLLINS: My name is William Collins, Mr Darcy. And I have the very great honour to -But Darcy just turns and walks away from him. Collins, a little embarrassed, covers, bowing and smiling to Mr Darcy's back. MR COLLINS: Well. Well-49

Elizabeth looks at Darcy as he walks right past her, and goes to stand in the corner with Caroline and Louisa. Mary continues her slow, dirge like ballad . Outside, groomsmen wait with carriages. A dog howls, hearing Mary sing. Inside, Mary's song comes to an excruciating conclusion. There is polite applause. Jane is now seated in Darcy's place, beside Bingley. Mary immediately starts to play another song, much to Lizzie's consternation. MARY: (Singing) My mother bids me bind my hair with bands of rosy hue-Mr Bennet decides to take matters into his own hands. He gets up, and walks across to Mary, whose playing falters to a stop. MR BENNET: You do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit. Now Elizabeth is embarrassed by her father's action, kindly though it was. Mary takes off her spectacles, embarrassed, and leaves the piano with her music, returning to the Bennet table, where Mr Collins is holding forth. MR COLLINS: -- If I were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air. Indeed I should (He gets up, and edges his way towards the piano) For I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. Caroline and Louisa look at one another in horror. Darcy looks rather concerned as he stands with them. What might Mr Collins do? The others watch in horrified fascination. Louisa hastens to the piano, sits down, and begins to pay, fast and expertly. Mr Collins can do nothing but stand there foolishly, beating time. Mrs Bennet leans across the table, and speaks loudly to Sir William and Lady Lucas, sitting opposite. MRS BENNET: Mr Collins is such a sensible, respectable young man, and he's taken quite a fancy to Lizzie. Elizabeth overhears this, not well pleased. MRS BENNET: 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! Elizabeth is mortified -- first, that Mr Collins wants her, second, that her mother's indiscreet confidences are very audible. Even Bingley, sitting with Jane, glances around, a little disconcerted. Darcy hears all from his vantage point at the side of the room. MRS BENNET: -- (Her mouth full) And of course, that will throw the girls into the path of other rich men-Louisa plays strongly. Lizzie's source of embarrassment widens, as she hears an officer calling Lydia, and her sister's wild laughter. She looks around .Lydia bursts into the room, shrieking with laughter. She holds Denny's sword above her head, and dances around with it. He pursues her, trying to retrieve it. Kitty runs behind them, laughing, followed by Chamberlayne DENNY: Lydia! Lydia! (He is a little embarrassed too) Lydia gives up the sword, and collapses into a chair near Jane and Bingley. LYDIA: Lord, Denny, fetch me a glass of wine. I can scarcely draw breath, I am so fagged! Elizabeth is horrified at this display. She closes her eyes, and turns away her head. Louisa's playing comes to a triumphant conclusion.

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Elizabeth/Kitty: And Chamberlayne and Denny again! Elizabeth: Lydia only danced with him twice! Kitty: 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. Mrs Bennet: Lizzy! Mr Collins, I'm sure there can be no objection! Elizabeth: Kitty, don't leave me. Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy, my dear! Kitty: Why? It's only Mr Collins. Mrs. Bennet: Come, Kitty. I want you upstairs. Mr Collins has something to say to Lizzy! Elizabeth: Dear Mamma, don't go. Mr Collins can have nothing to say that anyone could not hear. Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy. I insist that you stay where you are and hear Mr Collins! Come, Kitty! Come along. Mr. Collins: Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty adds to your other perfections. But you can hardly doubt the object of my discourse, however your feminine delicacy may lead you to dissemble. For, as almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my future life! But before I am run away by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying -Elizabeth: Mr Collins -Mr. Collins: -- my reasons for marrying are: First, I think it a right thing for every clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness. And thirdly, which perhaps I should have mentioned first, that it is the particular recommendation of my noble patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh! "Mr Collins", she said, "you must marry". "Choose properly", she said. "Choose a gentlewoman for my sake, and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up too high. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her!" And your wit and vivacity, I think, must be acceptable to her, when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite. Yes. So much for my general intention in favour of matrimony. Now, as to my particular choice: My dear cousin, being, as I am, to inherit all this estate after the death of your father, I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters. And now nothing remains, but to assure you, in the most animated language, of the violence of my affections! Elizabeth: Mr Collins, please Mr. Collins: To fortune I am perfectly indifferent. I'm well aware that pounds in the four per cents is all that you may be entitled to, but rest assured, I shall never reproach on that score when we are married! Elizabeth: You are too hasty, sir! You forget that I've made no answer. Let me do so now. I thank you for your compliments. I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but...it is impossible for me to accept them. Mr.Collins: I am by no means discouraged. Indeed not. I understand that young ladies often reject the addresses of the man they mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour, and therefore I shall hope, my dear cousin, 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 am convinced I am the last woman of the world who could make you so. Mr. Collins: My dear Miss Elizabeth, my situation in life, my connection with the noble family of de Bourgh, are circumstances highly in my favour. Consider that it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may be made to you. You cannot be serious in your rejection. I must attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, in the usual manner of elegant females.

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Elizabeth: I assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions to the kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I thank you for the honour of your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings forbid it in every respect. Can I speak plainer? Mr. Collins: You are uniformly charming! And I am persuaded that when sanctioned by your excellent parents...my proposals will not fail of being acceptable. Mrs.Bennet: Oh, Mr Bennet! You are wanted immediately. We are all in uproar! You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr Collins. She vows she won't have him, and if you don't make haste, Mr Collins will change his mind and won't have her! Mr. Bennet: I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking? Mrs. Bennet: Of Mr Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr Collins, and Mr Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy! Mr. Bennet: What am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business. Mrs. Bennet: Speak to Lizzy about it yourself! Tell her you insist upon her marrying him! Mr. Bennet: Let her come in. Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy! Lizzy! Your father wishes to speak to you. Mr. Bennet: Come here, my child.I...I understand Mr Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true? Elizabeth: Yes, sir. Mr. Bennet: Very well. 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: 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". Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr Bennet! Mr. Bennet: Sit down, Miss Lizzy! I insist upon you marrying Mr Collins! Lydia: Why, Charlotte, what do you do here? Charlotte: I am come to see Elizabeth. Kitty: Mr Collins has made Lizzy an offer, and what do you think? She won't have him! Charlotte: Then I am very sorry for him, though I couldn't say I'm surprised. Mrs. Bennet: If you don't, I will never speak to you again! Mr Bennet: I do not discuss the matter any longer. Mrs. Bennet: Mr Collins! Wait! Kitty: Mamma's beside herself. He says he won't stay another night. Charlotte: I wonder, should I invite him to dine with us? Lydia: Aye, do! Do! Take him away and feed him. For he's been in high dudgeon all morning! Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr Collins!

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Mr. Collins: I am resigned. Resignation is never so perfect, as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estimation. Until tomorrow then, madam. I take my leave. Mrs. Bennet: Oh, Mr Collins!

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Kitty/Lydia: Lizzy! Jane! Lydia: What do you think? Mr Collins has made an offer of marriage to Charlotte Lucas! Kitty: She's accepted him! Charlotte? Engaged to Mr Collins? Impossible! Mr. Collins: The fireplace in the great room at Rosings would be much larger than that. A fireplace of truly prodigious dimensions. Charlotte: But why should you be surprised, my dear Lizzy? Do you think it incredible that Mr Collins could procure any woman's good opinion, because he didn't succeed with you? Elizabeth: Charlotte, I did not mean... I "was" surprised. Charlotte, if Mr Collins has been so fortunate as to secure your affections, I'm delighted for you both. Charlotte: I see what you are feeling. I'm not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home. And, considering Mr Collins' character and situation in life, I'm convinced my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people composed? on the dream of marriage state. Mr. Collins: My dear Charlotte! Cousin Elizabeth, you can see before you the happiest of men! Elizabeth: Jane, it was such a humiliating spectacle! She knows she's marrying one of the stupidest men in England. I never believed her capable of that. Jane: Lizzy, you do not make allowances for differences of situation and temper. Our cousin Mr Collins is not the cleverest of men, perhaps, but he is respectable. He is not vicious, and as far as fortune goes, it's an eligible match. Elizabeth: "Very" eligible! You wouldn't think of marrying a man like that, simply to secure your own comfort. Jane: No, but Lizzy, not everyone is the same. Elizabeth: Dear Jane! I doubt that you will have to make a choice between marrying for love and marrying for more material considerations. Jane: Though you may, perhaps? Hill: This came just now from Netherfield, ma'am. Jane: Thank you. -It's from Caroline Bingley. She writes..that the whole party will have left Netherfield by now, for London. And without any intention of coming back again. Mrs Bingley (VO) My brother Charles at first thought that his business which takes him to London might be concluded in a few days, but we're certain that this cannot be so. I am convinced that when Charles gets to town, he will be in no hurry to leave it again. I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in Hertfordshire, my dearest friend, except your society. Mr Darcy, of course, is impatient to see his sister. And to confess the truth, I'm scarcely less eager to meet her again, from the hope I dare to entertain of her being hereafter... my sister. Am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of an event which would secure the happiness of so many? Jane: Is it not clear enough? Caroline Bingley is convinced her brother is indifferent to me and she means most kindly to put me on my guard. Oh Lissy can there be any other opinion on the subject? Elizabeth: Yes, there can! Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you, and she wants him to marry Miss Darcy. She hopes to keep him in town and persuade you that he does not care about you. Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No one who has seen you and Bingley together can doubt his affection. Jane: I cannot believe Caroline is capable of wilful deceit. All I can hope for is that she is deceived herself. Elizabeth: Believe her to be deceived, by all means, but she can hardly convince a man so much in love that he's in love with someone else instead! If Bingley is not back by your side and dining at Longbourn within two weeks, I shall be very much surprised. Lydia: I don't envy Charlotte in the slightest! Fancy marrying a clergyman!

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Kitty: He'll read from Fordyce's sermons every night. Lydia: Before they go to bed! Look at that hideous cloth! It would do very well for Mary. Kitty: Look! There's Denny and Carter. And Wickham! Lydia: I suppose you'll keep him all to yourself again? Kitty: Of course. She's violently in love with him! Elizabeth: For heaven's sake, lower your voice. Denny: Good afternoon to you, Ladies! How fortunate! We were going to Longbourn in search of you. Lydia: We came into town in search of you! Elizabeth: We hoped we would see you at the Netherfield ball. Wickham: I was very sorry to lose the pleasure of dancing with you. But fate, it would seem...No. With you I must be entirely open. I decided that it would be wrong for me to be there. I found that I had better not meet with Mr Darcy. Scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself. Elizabeth: I understand and admire your forbearance. Not that it would give me a moment's concern to see Mr Darcy publicly set down, but in Mr Bingley's house... It would grieve me to see him embarrassed and discomfited. Wickham: And through him, your sister. Elizabeth: Yes. Wickham: I hear Mr Collins is engaged to be married. Elizabeth: Yes, to my good friend Charlotte Lucas. Wickham: I had thought that his intentions tended in another direction. Elizabeth: Perhaps they did, but they took a little turn, to everybody's satisfaction. Wickham: And relief. Elizabeth: I hope that you will stay and take tea with us. I should like to introduce you to my mother and father. Wickham: Thank you.

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Mrs.Bennet: Oh, young George Wickham is such a charming young man, is he not, my dear? Mr. Bennet: What? Oh, indeed he is. It was very good of him to entertain us so eloquently with stories about his misfortunes. With such narratives to hand, who would read novels? Elizabeth: But I believe he has truly been treated contemptibly by Mr Darcy, father. Mr. Bennet: I dare say he has. Though Darcy may be no more of a black-hearted villain than your average rich man, used to his own way. Mary: It behoves us all to take very careful thought before pronouncing an adverse judgement on any of our fellow men. Lydia: Lord! Mrs.Bennet: I feel very sorry for poor Mr Wickham. And so becoming in his regimentals! I remember the time when I liked a red coat myself well enough. And I do still in my heart. And there's no need to smile like that, Miss Lizzy! Though Mr Wickham has taken a fancy to you, I'm sure you've done nothing to deserve it, after your dealings with Mr Collins! Well, it is all in vain, it will all come to nothing! The poor young man! If only he had five or six thousand a year, I'd be happy to see him marry 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 off forever! Elizabeth: What? Jane: I've heard again from Caroline Bingley. It's now definite that they will stay in town for the whole winter. Elizabeth: I cannot believe it. Jane: It is true. Mr. Bennet: Come now, Jane, take comfort. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love now and then. When is it your turn, Lizzy? You can't be long outdone by Jane, when here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He's a pleasant fellow. He would jilt you creditably. Elizabeth: Thank you, sir, but a less agreeable man would do. We must not all expect Jane's good fortune. Mr. Bennet: True, but it is a comfort to think... that whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate mother who will always make the most of it. Mrs. Bennet: I don't know what will become of us all, indeed I do not! And I cannot bear to think of Charlotte Lucas being mistress of this house! That I should be forced to make way for her, and see her take my place! Mr. Bennet: My dear, don't give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I might outlive you. Jane: You mustn't be anxious for me, Lizzy. He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before. But, I may remember him as...the most amiable man of my acquaintance. That is all. I have nothing either to hope or fear ...and nothing to reproach him with. At least I have not had that pain. Elizabeth: My dear Jane. You're too good. Your sweetness and disinterestedness are truly angelic. Jane: Don't tease me, Lizzy. Elizabeth: Indeed I do "not" tease you. There are few people whom I really love, and even fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more I am dissatisfied with it. Jane, what if you were to go to town? Aunt and Uncle Gardiner would gladly take you with them to Gracechurch Street after Christmas. Jane: Why would you have me go to London, Lizzy? Elizabeth: No reason. A change of scene and society? Mrs. Bennet: Why are you so late? I'm sure I feared your coach had overset itself, or you had been attacked by robbers! Mr. Gardiner: Nonsense, we made good time. How do you do, Fanny? 57

Mrs. Bennet: Very ill, Edward. No one knows what I suffer with my nerves. But then I never complain. Mr. Gardiner: That's the best way, Fanny. Mrs.Bennet: You're very good. Lydia: Have you brought us some presents? Mrs. Gardiner: I see you've not changed, Lydia. Lydia: Why, have I not grown? Elizabeth: Aye, in everything but good sense. - Lizzy! Mrs. Bennet: Get yourselves in, get yourselves in, for you have barely time for a change of clothes! We are bidden to the Philips' this evening. I have no desire to be going here and there at night. I should much rather sit at home and rest my poor nerves.

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- # God rest ye merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, - # Remember Christ our Saviour Was born on Christmas Day, - # To save us all from Satan's pow'r... Mrs. Bennet: Aye, poor Jane. I would not have you think I blame poor Jane at all! Mrs.Philips: Who could blame poor Jane for the matter? She is the dearest girl in the world! Mrs.Bennet: I was telling our dear sister, Mrs Gardiner, she did her best. Mrs.Philips: She would have got Bingley if she could. Mrs.Bennet: She would. She did her best, and no one could do any more than that Mrs. Bennet: But, oh, sister, when I think about Lizzy! Mrs. Philips: It must be very hard, sister. Mrs. Bennet: It "is" very hard. She could have been Mr Collins' wife by now! Mrs. Philips: That would have given you such comfort! Mrs. Bennet: Oh, those Lucases are such artful people indeed. They are all for what they can get! However, your coming just at this time is the greatest of comforts. And we are very pleased to hear what you tell us about the latest fashions for long sleeves. Elizabeth: May I present Mr Wickham to you, Aunt? Mrs. Gardiner: I understand you come from Derbyshire, Mr Wickham. Wickham: Indeed I do, ma'am. Do you know the country? Mrs.Gardiner: Very well. I spent some of the happiest years of my life at Lambton. Wickham: That is not five miles from where I grew up, at Pemberley! Mrs. Gardiner: Pemberley! Surely Pemberley it is the most handsome house in Derbyshire, and consequently in the whole world! Wickham: I see you take my view of things, ma'am, and are you acquainted with the family? Mrs. Gardiner: No, not at all Wickham: I had the good fortune to be the protg of old Mr Darcy. He was the very best of men.Mrs Gardiner I wish you'd known him. Lydia: And a four on yours, and I'm out! Lord, I've won again! Let's have some dancing now. I long for a dance! Mary! Mary, play Grimstock. Sir William: Capital! Capital! Fine girls, are they not, Mr Gardiner? Mr Gardiner: Indeed they are, Sir William. The two eldest in particular, perhaps? Sir Williams: Indeed, indeed. They would grace the court of St. James itself! But let's not forget the younger Miss Bennets! Mr. Bennet: Aye, they have arms and legs enough between them, and are three of the silliest girls in England. Elizabeth: When do you go into Kent? Charlotte: We shall spend the wedding night at Lucas Lodge, and then travel to Hunsford on Friday. You will write to me, Lizzy? I believe I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. I shall depend on hearing from you very often.

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Elizabeth: That you certainly shall. Charlotte: My father and Maria are to come to me in March. Lizzy, will you promise to be one of the party? You will be as welcome as either of them. Elizabeth: Then how could I refuse? But I'll only come if you guarantee me a glimpse of the famous chimney piece at Rosings Park Charlotte: That you could scarcely avoid, even if you wished to! Maria: Have you asked her? Is she to come to Hunsford with us? Charlotte: Yes. Maria: Good! Maria: I shan't be half so frightened of Lady Catherine if you are with us, Lizzy! Maria: Who is that girl dancing with Mr Wickham? Elizabeth: Her name is Mary King. She's come to stay with her uncle in Meryton. Maria: She's not very pretty, is she? Charlotte: Beauty is not the only virtue, Maria. She's just inherited a fortune of 10 000 Pounds, I understand. Mrs. Gardiner: Now that is a definite virtue! Mrs.Bennet: It is very hard, very hard. And I feel sorry for Lizzy, because she's done little to deserve it. Lydia: For Wickham to pursue Miss King all the way to Barnet, just for her 10 000 pounds! Kitty: I wish someone would die and leave me pounds. Then all the officers would violently fall in love with me! Mrs. Bennet: I'm sure they would Kitty my dear, I'm sure they would be. Kitty: Did you think her pretty, mamma? Mrs. Bennet: No indeed, she has nothing to any of you. Lydia: A little short freckled thing! Poor Wickham. How he must be suffering. Jane: (VO) January the th. My dearest Lizzy, here we continue at Gracechurch Street to be quiet and comfortable. Aunt and Uncle could not be kinder or more attentive. All I lack here, dear Lizzy, is you, to make me laugh at myself. You will remember that three weeks ago, when our Aunt was going to that part of town, I took the opportunity of calling on Miss Bingley in Grosvenor Street. I was very eager to see Caroline again. And I thought she was glad to see me, though a little out of spirits. She reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming to London, and I thought it very strange that both my letters should have gone astray. Elizabeth: Very strange indeed. Jane: (VO) My visit was not long, as Caroline and Mrs Hurst were going out. Mrs Hurst/Miss Bingley: Goodbye, Miss Bennet. Jane: (VO) They promised to call at Gracechurch Street in a day or two. I waited at home every morning for three weeks, and at length, today she came. I know, my dear Lizzy, you will be incapable of triumphing at my expense, when I confess I have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me. 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.

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Lydia: Lizzy! Come quick! Denny and Carter are here. And guess who else? Wickham! Wickham: I heard that you were going into Kent. I felt I could not let you go without calling to see you once. Elizabeth: I'm very glad you did. I've missed our conversations. I hear I am to congratulate you on your forthcoming betrothal to Miss King? Wickham: I think you must despise me. Elizabeth: Indeed I do not believe me! I understand, as my younger sisters are not yet able to, that handsome young men must have something to live on, as well as the plain ones. Wickham: Miss Bennet..how.I would wish you believe me that... had circumstances been different... Elizabeth: Had old Mr Darcy never had a son. Oh, yes. But life is full of these trials, as my sister Mary reminds us daily. I sincerely wish you every happiness in the world. Wickham: You are very forbearing. Elizabeth: I flatter myself I am! I think Jane would be quite proud of me. Wickham: I hope you and I, at least, will always be good friends. Elizabeth: I'm sure we shall, Mr Wickham. Mr.Bennet: Well, Lizzy, on pleasure bent again. Never a thought of what your poor parents 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 your cousin Mr Collins and of the famous Lady Catherine de Bourgh? As a connoisseur of human folly, I 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 your sister Jane return, I shall not hear two words of sense spoken together. You'll be very much missed, my dear. Very well, very well. Go along then. Get along with you. Sir William: Aye, Maria. All that land to the left of us belongs to Rosings Park. Maria: All of it? Oh, Lady Catherine must be very rich indeed! Sir William: I believe so, I believe so! And she has many favours in her gift. Your sister has made a fortunate alliance! Yes, well, I believe the next turn takes us on to Hunsford. Mr. Collins: Sir William! Maria! Cousin Elizabeth. I am truly honoured to be able to welcome you to my humble abode! My dear Sir! Sir William: My dear Mr Collins! Mr. Collins: I am deeply honoured to make a humble welcome to the Parsonage... Charlotte: I am happy to see you, Elizabeth. Elizabeth: And I you. Mr. Collins The staircase, I flatter myself, is eminently suitable for a clergyman in my position, being neither too shallow nor too steep. Sir William: As serviceable a staircase as I've ever seen, sir. At St. James' Court...

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Mr. Collins: Though it is nothing to the staircases you will see at Rosings. I say staircases, because there are several, and each in its way very fine. And here, if you would permit me, cousin Elizabeth. This will be your bedchamber, while you are with us. And I trust you will find it comfortable and convenient. Elizabeth: Indeed it is a very pleasant room. Mr. Collins: Observe that closet, cousin Elizabeth. What do you say to that? Elizabeth: Well... Mr. Collins: Is it not the very essence of practicality and convenience? Lady Catherine de Bourgh herself was kind enough to suggest that these shelves be fitted. Elizabeth: Shelves in the closet... Happy thought indeed. Mr. Collins: She is kindness itself. Nothing is too small to be beneath her notice, is it not, my dear? Charlotte: She is a very attentive neighbour. Mr. Collins: We dine at Rosings Park twice every week! And are never allowed to walk home. Sir William: That is generosity itself, is it not, Maria? Mr.Collins: Her ladyship's carriage is regularly ordered for us. I should say one of her ladyship's carriages, for she has several. And now, Sir William, you were kind enough to express a wish to see my gardens. Charlotte: Mr Collins tends the gardens himself, and spends a good part of every day in them. Elizabeth: The exercise must be beneficial. Charlotte: Oh, yes. I encourage him to be in his garden as much as possible. And he has to walk to Rosings nearly every day. Elizabeth: So often? Is that necessary? Charlotte: Perhaps not, but I confess I encourage him in that as well. Walking is very beneficial exercise. Elizabeth: Oh, indeed it is. Charlotte: When he's in the house, he is mostly in his book room, which affords a good view of the road, whenever Lady Catherine's carriage should drive by. Elizabeth: And you prefer to sit in this parlour? Charlotte: Yes. So, it often happens that a whole day passes in which we haven't spent more than a few minutes in each other's company. Elizabeth: I see. Charlotte: I find that I can bear the solitude very cheerfully. I find myself...quite content with my situation, Lizzy. Maria: Charlotte, come quickly! Elizabeth: What is it? Maria: Lizzy! Lizzy! Come into the dining room. There's such a sight to be seen! Make haste! Maria: Look, Lizzy, look! Elizabeth: Is this all? I expected the pigs had got into the garden! Here's only Lady Catherine and her daughter. Maria: No, that's old Mrs Jenkinson. With her is Miss Anne de Bourgh! Elizabeth: She's rude to keep Charlotte out in this wind! What a little creature she is! 63

Maria: I like her appearance. Elizabeth: She looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do very well. She'll make him a proper wife. Maria: Who, Lizzy?

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Mr. Collins: Mark the windows. There are in all. ! And I have it on good authority that the glazing alone originally cost in excess of pounds! Sir William: It's a very handsome building, and prettily situated, sir. Elizabeth: And by no means lacking in windows. Mr Collins: Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress, which becomes herself and her daughter. She won't think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to preserve the distinction of rank. Elizabeth: Thank you, Mr Collins, that is a great comfort. Lady de Burgh: An apothecary will serve your needs quite adequately. Make sure it be no one but Nicholson, Mrs Collins. I shall be extremely angry if I hear you have gone elsewhere. Mr.Collins: I have no intention to, Lady Catherine. No indeed. No intention at all. Lady de Burgh: Well. Your friend appears to be quite a genteel pretty sort of girl, Mrs Collins. Her father's estate is entailed on Mr Collins, I understand. Mr. Collins: Yes, ma'am, and I am, believe me... Lady de Burgh: Do you have brothers and sisters, Miss Bennet? Elizabeth: Yes, ma'am, I am the second of five sisters. Lady de Burgh: Are any of your younger sisters out? Elizabeth: Yes, ma'am, all of them. Lady de Burgh: All? What? All five out at once? The younger ones out before the older are married? Your youngest sisters must be very young? Elizabeth: Yes, ma'am, my youngest is not sixteen. Lady de Burgh: Well! She is full young to be out much in company. Elizabeth: But really, ma'am, I think it would be hard upon younger sisters, that they not have their share of society and amusement, simply because their elder sisters have not the means or inclination to marry early. Sir William, wouldn't you agree? Sir William: Well... Lady de Burgh: Upon my word! You give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person! Pray, what is your age? Elizabeth: With three younger sisters grown up, your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it. Lady de Burgh: Miss Bennet, you cannot be more than twenty, I am sure. Therefore there is no need to conceal your age! Elizabeth: I am not one and twenty. Lady de Burgh: Mrs Collins, did I tell you of Lady Metcalf's calling on me yesterday to thank me for sending her Miss Pope? "Lady Catherine", said she, "you have given me a treasure." Yes! Yes. Elizabeth and Charlotte are out walking, a gentle stroll along a country lane. Maria follows, stopping to pick flowers. ELIZABETH: It is beautiful. I think I could grow almost as fond of these woods and hills as you have, Charlotte. MARIA: (running to catch up) Lizzie!

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ELIZABETH: Mmmm? MARIA: We have been here three weeks, and already we have dined at Rosings Park six times. I would never have expected it to be so many. CHARLOTTE: No, nor I. Mr Collins comes into view, running hard and waving his hat to attract attention. MR COLLINS: (Shouting) My dear! Maria! Cousin Elizabeth! (He stops, and pants hard.) Mr Darcy has arrived at Rosings. And with him, his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of the Earl of Matlock. And the gentlemen have vouchsafed us the greatest honour. They are coming to call on us at the Parsonage. CHARLOTTE: When, my dear? MR COLLINS: Even now, Mrs Collins. Even now! They are hard upon my heels, make haste Make haste! He gesticulates anxiously, and Maria scurries off to follow him. Charlotte and Elizabeth follow at a more leisurely pace. CHARLOTTE: I think this must be due to you, Lizzie. Mr Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me. ELIZABETH: You are mistaken, Charlotte, for I know he dislikes me as much as I do him. MR COLLINS: (Wildly waving his hat in agitation) Make haste, make haste! Maria runs hard at his urging. and we see her and Mr Collins scurrying off. At the Parsonage. Maria sits, a little uneasy in this company, to one side. Elizabeth sits calmly beside a table. Darcy is on a sofa, where he has been trapped by Mr Collins. Colonel Fitzwilliam comes to sit facing Elizabeth. He is a very pleasant looking gentleman of about thirty, with an engaging smile and manner. FITZWILLIAM: I am delighted to make your acquaintance at last, Miss Bennet. ELIZABETH: At last, sir? 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. She glances across the room to where he is sitting, distantly tolerating Mr Collins who sits close, leaning in to him. Darcy looks her way. FITZWILLIAM: I hope we shall see you frequently at Rosings while we are there? I am fond of lively conversation. ELIZABETH: This you do not find at Rosings Park? FITZWILLIAM: Well, my aunt does talk a great deal, but seldom requires a response. Elizabeth tries to conceal a smile at this. FITZWILLIAM: My friend there speaks hardly a word when he comes into Kent. But he's lively enough in other places. Elizabeth glances briefly at Darcy, who is watching her intently from the sofa. FITZWILLIAM: Nobody plays, nobody sings. I believe you play and sing, Miss Bennet. ELIZABETH: Oh, a little, and very ill. I wouldn't wish to excite your anticipation. Darcy continues to look at her, with a half smile on his lips. FITZWILLIAM: I am sure you're too modest. But any relief will be profoundly welcome, I assure you. Elizabeth flicks another brief glance at Darcy, who is still looking at her. ELIZABETH: Can you tell me why Mr Darcy keeps staring at me? What do you think offends him? She and Fitzwilliam both turn to look at Darcy, who immediately gets to his feet and walks towards them, ignoring Mr Collins who has been earnestly chattering to him. He looks down at Elizabeth for a moment, and she calmly returns his gaze while he thinks of something to say. DARCY: I hope that your family is in good health? ELIZABETH: I thank you, yes. 66

A long pause follows. Darcy still looks at her. Eventually, Elizabeth decides to speak. ELIZABETH: My sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her? Darcy takes a few moments to decide on his answer to this, but never stops looking at her. DARCY: No. No, I have not had that pleasure. After a moment, he walks slowly away, and looks out of the window. All other conversation in the room has stopped as people look at him. After a moment, Elizabeth smiles and shrugs, and speaks to Colonel Fitzwilliam. ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy and I you see are not the best of friends. FITZWILLIAM: Well, I am very surprised to hear that. ELIZABETH: (She speaks with a degree of mischief, aware that Darcy can hear her.) Why should you be? I always believe in first impressions, and his good opinion, once lost, is lost for ever. Darcy turns to look at her. She smiles, knowing she has won a point. ELIZABETH: So you see, it is a hopeless case, is it not, Colonel Fitzwilliam? He smiles back at her. Darcy finally tears his gaze away to look out of the window again. A beautiful day, a pastoral scene. Elizabeth is out alone for a walk, enjoying her solitude. She admires the view as she walks, looking up into tall trees. Mr Darcy suddenly rides into view, cutting across her path. His beautiful chestnut horse snorts. Darcy sees Elizabeth, and reins in his horse. Elizabeth comes to a halt, and they stare at one another for a few moments, Elizabeth calm and composed, Darcy a little flustered. After a while, he collects himself, turns his horse, and rides off down the path. Elizabeth continues her walk.

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An evening at Rosings Park. Elizabeth is in the Music Room, seated at the piano. She is playing a light air, reasonably competently. Colonel Fitzwilliam sits beside her on the piano stool, turning her music. He is smiling. While playing, Elizabeth glances briefly through the open door into the drawing room, where Darcy sits on a sofa next to Charlotte and Maria, who hold tea cups. Opposite them, on another sofa, sit Mr Collins, Mrs Jenkinson and Miss Anne De Bourgh, who looks pinched and bored. Lady Catherine presides over the gathering in a large wing backed chair. All are listening with varying degrees of politeness to Elizabeth's playing. Darcy watches her closely. Elizabeth finishes. LADY CATHERINE: You will never play really well, Miss Bennet, unless you practice more. You may come to Rosings as often as you like, and play on the pianoforte in Mrs Jenkinson's room. (Mrs Jenkinson eagerly nods her agreement.) She would be in nobody's way in that part of the house. ELIZABETH: Thank you, ma'am. Darcy abruptly gets up and walks away. The others in the room hang on her every word. LADY CATHERINE: There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment in music than myself. Or a better taste And if I had ever learnt, I should be a true proficient. So would Anne-Elizabeth starts another piece. Darcy's travels have brought him to the piano, and he stands looking down at her. She glances at him as she plays, and smiles. He looks at her with a smile softening his features. ELIZABETH: Do you mean to frighten me, Mr Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me. But I won't be alarmed. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me. She smiles at Colonel Fitzwilliam, who returns her smile. DARCY: (Smiling) I know you find great enjoyment in professing opinions which are not your own. ELIZABETH: (Looking at Darcy) Your cousin would teach you not to believe a word I say, Colonel Fitzwilliam. That is ungenerous of him, is it not? FITZWILLIAM: It is indeed, Darcy! ELIZABETH: Impolitic too. For it provokes me to retaliate, and say somewhat of his behaviour in Hertfordshire which may shock his relations. Darcy never takes his eyes off her. He smiles, and fiddles with a signet ring he is wearing. DARCY: I am not afraid of you. FITZWILLIAM: What have you to accuse him of? I should dearly like to know how he behaves himself among strangers. ELIZABETH: The first time I ever saw Mr Darcy was at a ball, where he danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce, and more than one lady was in want of a partner. (Fitzwilliam laughs at this. Darcy looks away for a moment.) I am sorry to pain you, but so it was. FITZWILLIAM: (Laughing) I can well believe it. DARCY: I fear I am ill qualified to recommend myself to strangers. ELIZABETH: (Playing a fragment of melody) 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? She looks at Darcy, awaiting his answer. DARCY: I am -(He stops, thinks, starts again) I have not that talent which some possess of conversing easily with strangers.

ELIZABETH: (Meeting and holding his gaze.) I do not play this instrument so well as I would wish to, but I have always supposed that to be my own fault, because I would not take the trouble of practising. Darcy smiles at her, and nods slightly. DARCY: You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you can think anything wanting. We neither of us perform to strangers. They hold their gaze. Darcy is perhaps about to say something else, when Lady Catherine's raised voice from the next room interrupts them. LADY CATHERINE: What are you talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? I must have my share in the conversation. 69

Darcy, still looking towards Elizabeth, responds by slightly raising his eyebrows, and looking mildly annoyed. At Hunsford Parsonage, the drawing room, morning. Elizabeth sits alone, writing a letter to Jane. ELIZABETH: (V/O as she writes) -- As for the daughter, she is a pale, sickly creature with little conversation and no talent. I am sorry to be hard on any of our sex, but there it is. Mr Darcy shows no inclination for her, and treats her with the same contemptuous indifference that he shows to everyone. But Lady Catherine is clearly determined to have him for a son-in-law, and she is not a woman to be gainsaid. She is interrupted by the sudden ringing of the doorbell. She quickly covers her letter, stands and smooths her hair, and turns to face the door just as the maid servant opens it and ushers in Mr Darcy, carrying his hat, gloves and walking cane. Elizabeth is surprised. ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy! Darcy bows, and stands facing her. The maid curtsies and closes the door, leaving them alone. There is a little constraint between them. ELIZABETH: Mrs Collins and Maria are just now gone into Hunsford village with my cousin. You find me all alone this morning, Mr Darcy. DARCY: I beg your pardon. I would not wish to intrude upon your privacy. Elizabeth sits down. ELIZABETH: I was just writing a letter to my sister Jane in London, that is all. DARCY: Ah. He stands in the middle of the room. A pause follows. Elizabeth decides she will not break it. Darcy, after a while, moves to a chair and sits down, looking a little uncomfortable. He looks away. Finally, Elizabeth feels she must speak. ELIZABETH: Mr Bingley and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London? Darcy glances at her. DARCY: Perfectly so, I thank you. (He offers nothing else) ELIZABETH: I understand Mr Bingley has not much idea of ever returning to Netherfield? DARCY: It is probable that he may spend very little time there in future. ELIZABETH: If he means to be there but little, it would be better for the neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely. DARCY: I should not be surprised if he were to give it up, as soon as any eligible purchase offers. A silence. They both look off, away from each other. Eventually, Darcy feels moved to speak. DARCY: This seems a very comfortable house. Lady Catherine I believe did a great deal to it when Mr Collins first came to Hunsford. ELIZABETH: I believe she did. I am sure she could not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful recipient. DARCY: (With a brief smile) Mr Collins appears extremely fortunate in his choice of wife. ELIZABETH: Yes, indeed he is. Though seen in a prudential light, it is a good match for her as well. They are looking at each other. Darcy now finds conversation is flowing a little more easily. DARCY: It must be very agreeable to her to be settled within so easy a distance of her family. ELIZABETH: Easy distance do you call it? It's nearly fifty miles! DARCY: What is fifty miles of good road? Yes, I call it a very easy distance. ELIZABETH: Near and far are relative terms. It is possible for a woman to be settled too near her family. DARCY: Yes, exactly. You would not wish to be always near Longbourn, I think. A silence. Elizabeth cannot think how to reply to this. Darcy perhaps realises he has overstepped the mark. He abruptly gets up. DARCY: I shall trespass on your time no longer. 70

He bows politely. DARCY: Please convey my regards to Mrs Collins and her sister. Elizabeth moves to stand up. Darcy puts out a restraining hand, as he turns towards the door. DARCY: No, no, please don't trouble yourself. He leaves the room, closing the door. Elizabeth sits, not at all sure what to make of this encounter. Elizabeth is out for another walk along the wooded path. She carries a letter. Colonel Fitzwilliam walks briskly towards her across a field smiling. He hails her. FITZWILLIAM: Miss Bennet! ELIZABETH: Colonel Fitzwilliam! FITZWILLIAM: (Smiling) I've been making a tour of the Park, as I do every year. Shall we take this way together? ELIZABETH: With pleasure. They set off, enjoying their leisurely walk. ELIZABETH: Do you know Mr Bingley and his sisters? FITZWILLIAM: Oh, I know them a little. Bingley is a pleasant, gentlemanlike man. He's a great friend of Darcy's. ELIZABETH: Oh yes. Mr Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him. FITZWILLIAM: Oh yes, I believe Darcy does take care of him. I -I understand that he congratulates himself on having lately saved Mr Bingley from the inconvenience of a most imprudent marriage. Elizabeth is surprised and not pleased to hear this. ELIZABETH: Did Mr Darcy give his reason for this interference? FITZWILLIAM: I understand there were some very strong objections to the lady. ELIZABETH: And why was he to be the judge? FITZWILLIAM: You are disposed to think his interference officious? ELIZABETH: I do not see what right Mr Darcy had to determine and direct in what manner his friend was to be happy. But, as you say, we know none of the particulars. Perhaps there was not much affection in the case. FITZWILLIAM: Perhaps not. But if that were the case, it would lessen the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly, don't you think? (He laughs) Elizabeth comes to a halt. She looks a little agitated. FITZWILLIAM: (Concerned) Miss Bennet, are you unwell? ELIZABETH: (Keeping her feelings under control.) A sudden headache. Perhaps I have walked too far today. FITZWILLIAM: (Offering his arm) Let us take the shorter way back. Elizabeth takes his arm, and they move off.

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At Hunsford Parsonage. Elizabeth sits, watching Charlotte help Mr Collins into his overcoat. Maria puts on her gloves. The maid stands by to help, holding Mr Collins' hat and cane. CHARLOTTE: You're sure, Lizzie? Because I would willingly stay at home with you, and brave all Lady Catherine's displeasure. MR COLLINS: My dear Charlotte, I beg you to consider! ELIZABETH: (Standing up, and smiling) I shall be quite alright. It is only a headache, it will pass. And I am sure more speedily in quiet and solitude. MR COLLINS: And I am quite sure once all the circumstances are fully explained to Lady Catherine, she will not be angry. For she has indeed such Christian generosity of spirit-Elizabeth stops herself from being impolite. Charlotte cuts off his flow. CHARLOTTE: My dear! The time! Mr Collins panics, looking for his hat. MR COLLINS: My dear, why did you not say before? They start to leave -he is agitated. MR COLLINS: I cannot begin to count the occasions on which her Ladyship has impressed upon me the sovereign importance of punctuality. They fly out the door, leaving Elizabeth relieved and alone. Rubbing her neck, she wanders into the living room. A little later on, around 6.20pm according to the clock on the mantelpiece. Elizabeth is lying on a couch, reading over her letters from Jane. The doorbell is pulled. Elizabeth gets up and straightens her gown. The maid opens the door, and Darcy strides into the room with a great sense of purpose, hat in hand. His bow is extremely perfunctory. DARCY: Forgive me, I hope you are feeling better. He walks straight past Elizabeth to the wall mirror, without even waiting for a reply. ELIZABETH: I am, thank you. Darcy turns to look at her. ELIZABETH: Will you not sit down? He doesn't respond, so Elizabeth calmly goes and sits by the table. She waits, glancing at him. Darcy seems very agitated. He says nothing, though he looks as though he has something to say. He paces about the room, looking at her from time to time. He clears his throat, puts down his hat, sits facing her, breathing rapidly. She watches him. He gets up and paces again. Silence. He approaches her. DARCY: (Agitated) In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. Elizabeth sits, astonished. DARCY: 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 judgement. Elizabeth is speechless. DARCY: The relative situations of our families is such that any alliance between us must be regarded as a highly reprehensible connection. Indeed, as a rational man, I cannot but regard it as such myself. But it cannot be helped. Elizabeth takes all this in. DARCY: (He is still breathing hard) Almost from the very earliest moments of our acquaintance, I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard which despite all my struggles has overcome every rational objection, and I beg you most fervently to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife. Elizabeth carefully schools her anger before she speaks. ELIZABETH: In such cases as these, I believe the established mode is to express a sense of obligation. But I cannot. Darcy looks at her, waiting to hear his fate, perhaps more confident than he should be in her answer. ELIZABETH: 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 unconsciously done, and I hope will be of short duration. 72

Darcy walks away from her, towards the mirror. He rubs his face, thinks for a moment, collects himself, and finally turns to face her. DARCY: And this is all the reply I am to expect? (His emotions rise a little) 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, against your reason, and even against your character. Darcy receives this reply, thinking about it. ELIZABETH: Was this not some excuse for incivility if I was uncivil? I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. 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? DARCY: I have no wish to deny it. I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister, and I rejoice in my success. Towards him I have been kinder than towards myself. ELIZABETH: (Allowing more anger to rise) But it is not merely that on which my dislike of you is founded. Long before it had taken place, my dislike of you was decided when I heard Mr Wickham's story of your dealings with him. This causes a reaction from Darcy. ELIZABETH: How can you defend yourself on that subject? DARCY: (Bursting out, as he paces) You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns! ELIZABETH: (Also raising her voice) Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can help feeling an interest in him? DARCY: (Still pacing, with a note of bitterness in his voice) 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. Darcy absorbs this. DARCY: And this is your opinion of me? My faults by this calculation are heavy indeed. He paces again, picks up his hat, pauses to consider, and approaches her. DARCY: But perhaps these offences might have been overlooked had not your pride been hurt by the honest confession of the scruples which had long prevented my forming any serious design on you. Had I concealed my struggles, and flattered you. But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. Nor am I ashamed of the feelings I related. They were natural and just. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? Elizabeth gets up, and turns away from him, angry. DARCY: To congratulate myself on the hope of relations whose condition in life is so decidedly below my own? Elizabeth turns to face him. He intently absorbs everything she says, taking the blows she gives him. ELIZABETH: (With rising forcefulness) 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. They stare at each other. DARCY: (Remaining calm, trying to put away his feelings) 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. He bows to her, and quietly leaves, without looking back. Elizabeth stands in the middle of the room, agitated, and breathing hard.

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DISC 2 Episode 1 Scene 1

Immediately after Darcy's failed proposal to Elizabeth. The front door of the Hunsford parsonage opens, and Darcy emerges, grim faced, his hair messy, pulling on his gloves. He walks away from the house, looking unhappy. In the parlour, Elizabeth paces up and down, agitated and emotional, angry tears in her eyes. She stops to utter a cry of frustration. Darcy walks briskly towards Rosings Park, carrying his hat in his hand. He reaches the front steps, and mounts them, looking like a thundercloud. As he walks, Elizabeth's voice comes back to haunt him. ELIZABETH: (V/O) You are the last man in the world whom I could ever marry - Do you think that any consideration would tempt me? -Your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others - My opinion of you was decided when I heard Mr Wickham's story of your dealings with him. DARCY: (Stopping short) Well, at least in that I may defend myself. In the parlour at Hunsford, Elizabeth, now seated, is recalling what passed between them. She is still agitated. DARCY: (V/O) Could 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 gasps in annoyance at this. At Rosings Park, Darcy is now swiftly crossing the open hallway on his way to the staircase. He is pulled up short by his memory, which he doesn't enjoy reflecting on. ELIZABETH: (V/O) You are mistaken, Mr Darcy. The mode of your declaration merely spared me the concern I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner. LADY CATHERINE: (V/O) Who's there, Fitzwilliam? FITZWILLIAM: (Smiling) Darcy! (He approaches him) We've quite despaired of . . . LADY CATHERINE: (V/O) Is that my nephew? Where have you been! Let him come in and explain himself. Fitzwilliam looks to the drawing room door with a tolerant smile. Darcy cannot bear the idea of confronting his aunt at the moment. DARCY: (To Fitzwilliam) No! (Distracted and breathing a little harder than usual.) You'll forgive me. You'll forgive me. He turns and begins to run up the stairs. FITZWILLIAM: Darcy, you are unwell? Darcy stops on the stairs for a moment, turns. He speaks politely, but with an air of distraction. DARCY: I am very well, thank you, but I have a pressing matter of business. You'll forgive me. Make my apologies to Lady Catherine, Fitzwilliam. Darcy turns and runs up the stairs, and we hear his bedroom door close. Lady Catherine comes into the hall with an inquiring look on her face. Darcy's bedroom. He enters and stands for a moment, breathing hard and at a loss. After a moment, he strides over to a writing desk, seats himself, opens a drawer and removes notepaper, dips a quill in ink, and begins to write with urgency. DARCY: (V/O)( as he writes) To Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He thinks for a moment how to begin. Then he starts to write, his pen scratching busily across the paper. DARCY: (V/O) Be not alarmed, madam, on receiving this letter, that it contain any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were this evening so disgusting to you. He drops the pen, and sits back heavily in his chair, thinking, very serious faced. DARCY: (V/O) But I must be allowed to defend myself against the charges laid at my door, in particular those relating to Mr Wickham which, if true, would indeed be grievous, but are wholly without foundation, and which I can only refute by laying before you his connection with my family. Darcy gets up abruptly and goes to the bedroom window. He stands looking out and thinking, leaning one hand on the window frame. Outside, the long summer evening continues, and birds twitter their evening song.

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DARCY: (V/O) Mr Wickham is the son of a very respectable man who had the management of our family estates, and my own father was fond of him, and held him in high esteem. The camera pulls away from Darcy at the window, and back into childhood memory. Two boys scramble down a river back, carrying fishing rods and nets. Two panting, friendly dogs accompany them, and a man servant watches over them. Ducks quack. DARCY: (V/O) We played together as boys. The boys reach the river, and begin eagerly to fish, side by side. DARCY: (V/O) After his father's early death, my father supported him at school, and afterwards at Cambridge-The cloisters at Cambridge University. Darcy, in academic cap and gown, walks briskly along, carrying books and papers under his arm. DARCY: (V/O) -- and hoped he would make the church his profession. Darcy enters a college building, and opens the door of his study/bedroom. He stops short, surprised at what he sees. DARCY: (V/O) But by then George Wickham's habits were as dissolute as his manners were engaging. Wickham, in his shirt sleeves, sits in a chair facing the door. A girl dressed only in her underwear sits on his lap, kissing him. She gets up quickly when Darcy opens the door, and runs in confusion to cover herself. Darcy, disappointed and slightly contemptuous, stares at Wickham, who gets to his feet and insolently returns his gaze. A waiting area/hallway at Pemberley. George Wickham stands, hat and cane in his hands, and crosses to a mirror, where he examines himself. DARCY: (V/O) My own excellent father died five years ago, and his attachment to Mr Wickham was to the last so steady that he desired that a valuable family living might be his as soon as it was vacant. A footman enters and bows. Wickham turns expectantly. He is ushered into Darcy's library, and the doors are closed behind him. DARCY: (V/O) Mr Wickham declined any interest in the church as a career, but requested, and was granted, the sum of three thousand pounds instead of the living. In the library, Darcy sits writing a cheque at his large desk. Wickham stands before him, then starts to pace as Darcy continues with his task. DARCY: (V/O) He expressed an intention of studying the law. I wished, rather than believed him to be sincere. Darcy drops his pen, and hands the cheque across the table to Wickham, with a stern look on his face, fiddling with his signet ring. Wickham smiles as he takes it. WICKHAM: Thank you. Wickham moves to the door immediately, then turns. WICKHAM: I am most exceedingly obliged. He gives a polite little bow and goes, closing the door. DARCY: (V/O) All connection between us seemed now dissolved. Wickham is back in the hallway. Georgiana Darcy happens to walk towards him at that moment. She is young, blonde, pretty and shy, and dressed in white. Wickham sees her and turns on the charm, giving her a special smile. WICKHAM: Georgiana! He takes her hand, bows over it and kisses it, looking up into her eyes with a smile. She smiles back at him. He goes, and she watches him leave, obviously taken with his charms. A close up on Darcy's hand writing his letter to Elizabeth, the sentences close packed and beautifully written. DARCY:(V/O) Being now free from all restraint, his life was one of idleness and dissipation. We now see Darcy, later in the evening, sitting at the desk in his bedroom. He looks up from his writing for a moment. He is recalling a difficult and painful incident. He has removed his jacket and cravat, and sits in his waistcoat and shirtsleeves, the shirt neck open. DARCY: (V/O) How he lived I know not. But last summer, our paths crossed again under the most painful circumstances, which I myself would wish to forget. My sister Georgiana, who is more than ten years my junior, was left to the guardianship of Colonel Fitzwilliam and myself. Darcy contemplates the past, obviously feeling the pain of the memory. The scene transforms to the seaside. Georgiana stands at a lookout, staring over a wild sea front and cliff. DARCY: (V/O) About a year ago, she was taken from school to Ramsgate, and placed in the care of a Mrs Younge, in whose character we were most unhappily deceived. 75

We see Mrs Younge behind Georgiana, waiting for a gentleman to descend the steps to the lookout point. It is Mr Wickham. He tips his hat to Mrs Younge. Georgiana turns, delighted to see him. He smiles, and approaches her. Mrs Younge watches, smiling with approval. DARCY: (V/O) And thither also went Mr Wickham, undoubtedly by design. Wickham hastens to Georgiana's side, takes her hand, and looks at her lovingly. She smiles sweetly up at him. He tucks her hand under his arm, and they walk slowly together along the promenade, the pounding sea below them. DARCY: (V/O) She was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement. She was then but fifteen years old. An open horse and carriage is driven along the upper promenade, Darcy sitting in it. DARCY: (V/O) A day or two before the intended elopement, I joined them unexpectedly. The carriage pulls up and Darcy steps out. He walks to a low wall, and looks down to the look out point. He sees Georgiana and Wickham below him. Wickham bends solicitously over her, his hand on her shoulder in an intimate fashion. She glances up and sees her brother looking down. Momentarily surprised, she smiles with pleasure to see him, and leaves Wickham, who looks up himself. Georgiana begins to climb the steps as Darcy descends, and they meet half way, where Darcy embraces her protectively. DARCY: (V/O) Unable to support the idea of grieving a brother whom she looked up to almost as a father, she acknowledged the whole plan to me at once. From below, Wickham and Mrs Younge, standing together, look up at brother and sister. Pemberley. Georgiana stands outside a closed door, waiting and watching.

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DARCY: (V/O) You may imagine what I felt, and how I acted. The door of the library opens abruptly and Wickham emerges. He looks for a moment at Georgiana, then passes by her, opening another door and leaving hastily, slamming the door behind him. Darcy stands framed in the library doorway, looking at Georgiana. DARCY: (V/O) Mr Wickham left the place immediately. Georgiana, looking a little lost and sad, stands for a moment looking after Wickham. Darcy speaks to her quietly from the library. DARCY: Come. Georgiana slowly enters the library. Darcy holds out a hand to her, and when she comes to him, he puts his arms around her, embracing her protectively, with love, and rocking her gently. DARCY: (V/O) Mr Wickham relinquished his object, which was of course my sisters fortune of thirty thousand pounds. We are back in Darcys bedroom, where he sits focussed on his writing. DARCY: (V/O) A secondary motive must have been to revenge himself on me. Had he succeeded, his revenge would have been complete indeed. This, madam, is a faithful narrative of all my dealings with Mr Wickham. Darcy sits back in his chair. He is both tired and distressed. He leans his head back for relief, then after a few moments, leans forward and settles to his writing task again. Dawn breaks over Rosings Park. Early morning birds sing. In Darcys room, he is now in shirtsleeves, having shed his waistcoat. He dips his hands into a bowl of water, bends down, and splashes it over his face, to wake himself up. He picks up a small towel, and wipes it across his face, and then sighs an exhausted breath. He looks very rumpled. He crosses the room to where a candle stump still burns on the desk, and pinches out the flame with his fingers. We see the finished letter, sealed with wax, on the desk. Scattered nearby are several cut quill points, with a knife, showing just how much writing he has done. Breakfast time at Hunsford parsonage. Charlotte, Maria and Mr Collins are seated at the table. Mr Collins has a large mouthful of food, and makes appreciative noises as he chews it over. Elizabeth enters the parlour, carrying her bonnet. Charlotte, pouring tea, looks up at her. CHARLOTTE: Oh! You do look pale, Lizzie. Why dont you have some breakfast? I am sure it will do you good. ELIZABETH: (Restrained) No, no, I am well Charlotte. I -I think I have stayed indoors too long. Fresh air and exercise are all I need. The woods around Rosings are so beautiful at this time of year. Mr Collins looks at her, eager to contribute his say, but his mouth is bulging with food, and he cannot speak though he does utter indistinct sounds. Elizabeth goes. A little later, Elizabeth is walking slowly through a field, carrying her bonnet in her hand, and occasionally swiping at flowers with it. The day is sunny, calm and peaceful. Birds sing, and she is alone with her thoughts. She looks around, and seeing no one, breaks into an unladylike run, pelting along to relieve her feelings. She slows to a walk again when she reaches a grove of trees Ahead of her, unseen, Darcy stands with his back to her, waiting. He wears his grey topcoat, and carries his hat and cane. She suddenly sees him, stops dead, and tries to retreat unseen but she steps on a twig, which snaps, and he instantly turns around. She turns anyway, and begins to walk swiftly away from him. He follows her, and calls out. DARCY: Miss Bennet! She stops reluctantly, and turns to face him. ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy. (She is still angry with him) DARCY: (Stiffly) Ive been walking in the grove some time in the hope of meeting you. (He holds out the letter) Will you do me the honour of reading this letter? She takes it, and glances down at it. He bows, and immediately walks away. Elizabeth starts to open her letter, finds a tree stump to sit on, sits down, and begins to read. DARCY: (V/O) -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, who knows every particular of these transactions. I know not under what form of falsehood Mr Wickham imposed himself on you, but I hope you will acquit me of cruelty towards him. Elizabeth looks up from the letter, remembering. WICKHAM: (V/O) (at first, then an image of him walking along the street in Meryton) -- I found as the time drew near that I had better not meet with Mr Darcy. Scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself. We see Elizabeth reading again. 78

DARCY: (V/O) The other charge levelled at me is that, regardless of the sentiments of either party, 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. Elizabeth, angry, heaves a breath of annoyance, closes the letter, and walks off. DARCY: (V/O) I had not long been in Hertfordshire before I saw that Bingley admired your sister. But it was not until the dance at Netherfield that I suspected a serious attachment. The dance at Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are in the foreground, smiling and looking at each other to the exclusion of others as they partner each other. DARCY: (V/O) His partiality was clear, but though she received his attentions with pleasure, I did not detect any symptoms of peculiar regard. Bingley and Jane are now seated at a supper table, looking at each other. DARCY: (V/O) The serenity of her countenance convinced me that her heart was not likely to be easily touched. Elizabeth is walking swiftly through the woods, her cheeks red with exercise and anger. ELIZABETH: Insufferable presumption! DARCY: (V/O) I did not believe her to be indifferent because I wished it. I believed it on impartial conviction. ELIZABETH: Oh! Very impartial! Elizabeth walks up to the front of the parsonage. Maria rushes out to meet her. MARIA: Lizzie, the two gentlemen came to take their leave! ELIZABETH: (Surprised) Mr Darcy came here? MARIA: Oh yes, but he went away again directly. But the Colonel waited for you for over half an hour. And now they are both gone out of the country! ELIZABETH: (Snappy) I dare say we shall be able to bear the deprivation! She enters the house, and runs swiftly upstairs to her room, followed by a surprised Maria. Elizabeth enters her room, and slams the door shut. She immediately seats herself near the window, and returns to the letter. DARCY: (V/O) As to my objections to the marriage, the situation of your family, though objectionable, was nothing in comparison with the total want of propriety so frequently betrayed by your mother, your younger sisters, and even occasionally your father. Elizabeth looks up from the letter, cross at this presumption of Darcys. But then she recalls their behaviour, and has to reluctantly acknowledge some justice in his comment. The dance at Netherfield. Mary is singing badly at the piano. Mr Bennet approaches her. MR BENNET: -- That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. A close up of Mrs Bennet, rather vulgarly stuffing food in her face, and talking very loudly about Jane and Bingley. MRS BENNET: -- Now there will be a great marriage!-Lydia whirls around the room, waving a sword over her head, laughing. She is pursued by several officers. She collapses, laughing and breathless, into a chair. MRS BENNET: -- And you know that will throw the girls into the path of other rich men. DARCY: (V/O) My friend left Netherfield for London on the following day-We now see a parlour in a London house. Bingley sits, confronted by Darcy who stands before him, while Louisa and Caroline look on intently. Darcy is evidently reasoning with Bingley. DARCY: (V/O) -- There, I engaged in the office of pointing 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 sisters indifference to him. Bingley is clearly unhappy, and doesnt give in easily. Darcy stands back, and lets Louisa and Caroline make their own arguments against the match. DARCY: (V/O) I cannot blame myself for having done thus much. Elizabeth is seen reading again. ELIZABETH: (Shaking her head and frowning) For destroying all her hope of happiness? Yes, I am sure you do not blame yourself! Hateful man! 79

DARCY: (V/O) There is but one part of my conduct in the affair on which I do not reflect with satisfaction. ELIZABETH: Oh really? You astonish me! DARCY: (V/O) That is, that I concealed from him your sisters being in town. Jane is seen leaving the Bingleys town house, solemn faced. As she crosses the hall behind the liveried footman, the camera pans up to the upper landing, where Darcy stands half concealed, watching her go. DARCY: (V/O) Perhaps this concealment was beneath me. It is done, however, and it was done for the best. On this subject, I have nothing more to say, and no other apology to offer. Elizabeth is seen reading the letter again. ELIZABETH: (Angry again) Insufferable! Voices calling from downstairs interrupt her. MARIA: (V/O) Lizzie! MR COLLINS: (V/O) ( a little testy) Charlotte, my dear, we will be late! CHARLOTTE: (V/O) (urgent) Lizzie!

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Charlotte, Maria, Elizabeth and Mr Collins walk up the front drive towards Rosings, passing a gardener pushing a wheelbarrow. MR COLLINS: I have been endeavouring to reckon up the number of times Lady Catherine de Bourgh has invited us since your arrival here. I believe it may be as many as ten invitations! MARIA: Eleven, counting this one. MR COLLINS: Eleven! (He laughs) There. (To Elizabeth, who walks along with a remote expression on her face) You have indeed been favoured with peculiar condescension. (No acknowledgment) Do you not agree, Miss Elizabeth? ELIZABETH: (Politely recollecting herself) Oh! Yes! MR COLLINS: (Smiling) Indeed, how could anybody think otherwise? And this is to be your last invitation. On this visit, at least. ELIZABETH: (Almost sarcastic) Yes. It is truly a very cruel deprivation. Indeed, I hardly know how I shall bear the loss of Lady Catherine's company. MR COLLINS: (Unaware of the irony) You feel it keenly! Yes, of course you, do! My poor young cousin! The drawing room at Rosings. Everyone is seated, gathered around Lady Catherine in her imposing wing chair. Anne de Bourgh, Charlotte and Mr Collins are on one sofa. Maria and Elizabeth on the other. LADY CATHERINE: -- They are such fine young men, and so particularly attached to me. They were excessively sorry to go, but so they always are. The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably, but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely. (Smiling) His attachment to Rosings certainly increases. Everyone (except Elizabeth) is fully focussed on Lady Catherine, smiling at her every word. Elizabeth looks a little depressed, and her gaze falls elsewhere. Lady Catherine becomes aware of this, and stops smiling. LADY CATHERINE: You are very dull this evening, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You have scarce spoke two words together. Are you so out of spirits? ELIZABETH: (Quietly) No indeed, madam. LADY CATHERINE: But of course you are, to be going away yourself. MR COLLINS: Who indeed would not be sad to be deprived of Rosings? And indeed of the gracious condescension -Lady Catherine cuts across him, and he instantly stops, afraid of giving offence, putting his hand to his lips to indicate silence. LADY CATHERINE: You will write to your mother and tell her you wish to stay a little longer. She could certainly spare you for another fortnight. ELIZABETH: (Keeping calm) But my father cannot. Maria looks at Elizabeth nervously, wondering how she dares to answer back. ELIZABETH: He wrote last week to hurry my return. Your Ladyship is very kind, but I believe we must leave as planned on Friday. LADY CATHERINE: Oh, your father may spare you if your mother can. Daughters are never of much consequence to a father. And if you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to take you as far as London myself in the barouche box. Mr Collins gasps at the compliment offered, looking at his wife. LADY CATHERINE: -- For I cannot bear the idea of two young women travelling post, by themselves. It is highly improper. I am excessively attentive to all those things. ELIZABETH: My uncle is to send a servant for us when we change to the post. LADY CATHERINE: Oh! Your uncle! He keeps a manservant, does he? I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of these things. Where will you change horses? ELIZABETH: Well, ma'am -LADY CATHERINE: At Bromley, of course. Mention my name at the Bell, and they will attend you. ELIZABETH: (With a small smile) Your Ladyship is very kind. 82

MR COLLINS: Indeed, we are all infinitely indebted to your Ladyship's kindly bestowed solicitude, and -LADY CATHERINE: (Impatient) Yes, yes! But this is all extremely vexing. She gives Elizabeth an annoyed if impotent look. Mr Collins has his hand to his mouth again, silencing himself. LADY CATHERINE: I am quite put out! At the Parsonage. Elizabeth enters the drawing room to find Maria in turmoil. Her trunk is open, and clothes strewn everywhere, while Maria desperately folds dresses. ELIZABETH: Why Maria, whatever are you doing? I thought the trunks went outside before breakfast. MARIA: But Lady Catherine was so severe last evening about the only right way to place gowns that I couldn't sleep! And I am determined to start afresh. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Maria, this is your trunk. These are your gowns. You may arrange them in any way you wish. (Whispering) Lady Catherine will never know. Outside the house, the trunks are stacked on the ground beside the carriage, and then loaded on board by servants. MR COLLINS: (V/O) (to Maria) Well, my dear sister, you will have much to tell your father and mother. Charlotte runs around, directing the servants where to place the luggage. After a moment, Mr Collins approaches Elizabeth, who is standing apart, looking off into the distance. MR COLLINS: Well, Cousin. You have seen for yourself now the happiness of our situation. Our intimacy at Rosings is a blessing of which few could boast. ELIZABETH: (With a smile) Aye, indeed they could not. MR COLLINS: Indeed! And now that you have witnessed our felicity, perhaps you may think that your friend has made a very fortunate alliance. Perhaps more so than -- but on this point, it would be as well to be silent. ELIZABETH: You are very good. MR COLLINS: Only let me assure you that I can, from my heart, most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage. (He glances at his wife, still directing the servants) My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind, and one way of thinking. (He smiles happily) We seem to have been designed for each other! Charlotte looks at him, and he gives her a coy little wave and smile. Elizabeth smiles warmly at her, and Charlotte gently smiles back. Elizabeth and Maria are bouncing along inside the post coach. Elizabeth is lost in her own thoughts. Maria is reading her diary, and smiling contentedly. MARIA: Oh Lizzie! It seems but a day or two since we first came, and yet how many things have happened! ELIZABETH: A great many indeed. A man and a sleeping woman sit across the carriage from the two girls. MARIA: We have dined nine times at Rosings. (Happy) Oh, how much I shall have to tell! Elizabeth smiles, then turns her face away to the coach window. ELIZABETH: (Quietly, to herself) How much I shall have to conceal. She looks out of the coach window, thinking, as the countryside passes. After a moment, Mr Darcy's impassioned face appears in her mind's eye. DARCY: You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. Elizabeth snaps out of this reflection, and the London/Folkstone coach drives on. The coach arrives At Meryton, sounding the post horn. As Lizzie and Maria emerge from the coach, Lydia throws open the upstairs parlour window of the Inn, waving, smiling and calling out. LYDIA: Lizzie! Lizzie! Elizabeth looks up, and breaks into a smile when she sees Lydia and Kitty, waving in reply. Lydia mimes that they should come up, and closes the window. A few minutes later, Lydia re-enters the parlour, leading Lizzie, Kitty and Maria. 83

LYDIA: Lord, to see your faces when you looked up at the window. I'll wager you didn't expect we'd come to meet you, did you? ELIZABETH: No, we did not. Lizzie and Maria take off their coats. Lydia proudly displays a cold lunch laid out on the table, waiting for them. A male Inn servant stands waiting in the background. LYDIA: There! Is not this nice? Cold ham and pork and salads and every good thing. And we mean to treat you all. Oh, but you must lend us the money, we spent all ours. Look! She snatches up a bonnet and shows it off. LYDIA: I don't think it's very pretty, but I thought I might as well buy it as not. KITTY: It's vile, isn't it Lizzie. (She giggles) ELIZABETH: Very ugly. What possessed you to buy it, Lydia? LYDIA: Well, there were two or three much uglier in the shop. I shall pull it to pieces as soon as we get home, and see if I can make something better. She casually tosses the bonnet aside. LYDIA: Well, it doesn't signify what anyone wears, for the regiment will leave Meryton and will be at Brighton for the whole summer. Our hearts are broken. The girls seat themselves at the table, and prepare to eat. KITTY: We want papa to take us all to Brighton for the summer, but he simply will not. ELIZABETH: I am glad to hear it. MARIA: Oh, but shouldn't you like to go to Brighton, Lizzie? ELIZABETH: Indeed I should not. LYDIA: (Teasing) Oh, she would. She would love it above all things when she hears the news about a certain person we all know. Shall we tell her, Kitty? KITTY: Yes, and watch to see if she blushes.(She giggles) Elizabeth is aware of the servant, overhearing this. She addresses him calmly. ELIZABETH: You may go now. We'll call you if you're needed again. SERVANT: Very good, miss. (He goes.) LYDIA: Wickham is not to marry Mary King after all. She's been taken away by her uncle to Liverpool, and Wickham is safe. ELIZABETH: Perhaps we should say Mary King is safe. MARIA: (Wide eyed) But was there a very strong attraction between them, do you think? LYDIA: Not on his side, I'm sure. I shouldn't think he cared three straws about her. (Wrinkling her nose) Who could, about such a nasty, freckled little thing? (Lizzie gives her a reproving look) Don't look at me like that, Lizzie. I know you think as ill of her as I do. Pass the celery, Kitty. (Kitty does so). Aren't you glad we came to meet you? We shall be such a merry party on the journey home. The journey home, after lunch. We see the outside of the Bennet family carriage, and hear the voices of the girls squabbling from within. LYDIA: (V/O) Kitty, you're squashing my bag! KITTY: (V/O) I can't help it! You should have put it on the roof. There isn't room for it. LYDIA: (V/O) It's the way you sit. If you didn't loll about, there'd be room for us all and the bags. KITTY: (V/O) I don't loll about!

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LYDIA: (V/O) You do! KITTY: (V/O) Ow! That evening. Elizabeth and Jane are in their nightclothes, sitting up in Jane's room for a private talk. Jane's hair is in a long plait. Elizabeth's is loose, and hangs in pretty clouds down her back Jane gets into bed, and Lizzie sits on the bed. JANE: (Fascinated) Mr Darcy proposed! I can scarce believe it! Not that anyone's admiring you should be astonishing. (Lizzie smiles at this) But he always seemed so severe. So cold, apparently. And yet he was in love with you all the time. Poor Mr Darcy! ELIZABETH: I confess, I cannot feel so much compassion for him. He has other feelings which will soon drive away any regard he felt for me. You do not blame me for refusing him? JANE: Blame you? Oh no! ELIZABETH: But you do blame me for speaking so warmly of Wickham? JANE: No! How could you have known about his vicious character? If indeed he was so very bad. But I cannot believe Mr Darcy would fabricate such a dreadful slander. Involving his own sister, too. No, it must be true. Perhaps there has been some terrible mistake. ELIZABETH: (She cannot help laughing at her sister's compulsion to see only good in everyone) No, Jane! That won't do. You'll never be able to make them both good. There is just enough merit between them to make one good sort of man. (A little reluctant to admit it) And for my part, I am inclined to believe it is all Mr Darcy's. JANE: Poor Mr Darcy! (After reflection) Poor Mr Wickham! There is such an expression of goodness in his countenance! ELIZABETH: Yes, I am afraid one has all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it. JANE: But Lizzie, I am sure when you first read that letter, you could not have made so light of it as you do now. ELIZABETH: Indeed I could not. I was very uncomfortable. Till that moment, I never knew myself, and I had no Jane to comfort me. Oh, how I wanted you! The sisters embrace lovingly. ELIZABETH: There is one point on which I want your advice. Should our general acquaintance be informed of Wickham's true character? JANE: (After considering this) Surely there could be no occasion to expose him so cruelly. What is your own opinion? ELIZABETH: That it ought not to be attempted. Mr Darcy has not authorised me to make it public -- especially as regards his sister. And for the rest, who would believe it? The general prejudice against Mr Darcy is so violent, and Wickham will soon be gone. I believe we should say nothing about it at present. JANE: Yes, I agree. Perhaps he is sorry now for what he has done, and is anxious to re-establish his character in the world. We must not make him desperate. Lizzie smiles, looking at her sister with love. ELIZABETH: Oh Jane! I wish I could think so well of people as you do!

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In the dining room at Longbourn. The clock on the mantelpiece tells us it is 6.10pm. Being summer, it is still daylight. Mr Bennet eats his dinner determinedly. LYDIA: Won't you speak to papa, Lizzie, about our going to Brighton? You know he listens to your advice. ELIZABETH: You flatter me, Lydia. But in any case, I shouldn't attempt to persuade him. I think it's a very good thing that the regiment should be removed from Meryton, and that we should be removed from the regiment. MRS BENNET: Oh Lizzie! How can you say such a thing? ELIZABETH: Very easily, ma'am. If one poor company of militia can cause such havoc in our family, what would a whole camp full of soldiers do? LYDIA: (Contemplating this dreamily A whole camp full of soldiers! MRS BENNET: Oh, I remember when I was a girl. I cried for two days together when Colonel Miller's regiment went away. I thought I should have broke my heart. LYDIA: (Giving her father a dirty look) Well, I'm sure I shall break mine. KITTY: And I! Mrs Bennet takes a quick look at her husband. MRS BENNET: There, there my dears. But your father is determined to be cruel. MR BENNET: (Unfazed) I confess I am. I'm sorry to be breaking so many hearts, but I've not the smallest intention of yielding. MARY: I shall not break my heart, papa. The pleasures of Brighton would have no charms for me. I should infinitely prefer a book. Lydia sighs impatiently. KITTY: Mrs Forster says she plans to go sea bathing. LYDIA: (Pleading with her father) I am sure I should love to go sea bathing! Mr Bennet takes a drink of wine. MRS BENNET: A little sea bathing would set me up forever. MR BENNET: And yet I am unmoved. He dabs his mouth with his napkin, and gets up from the table. MR BENNET: Well, well. I'm glad you are come back, Lizzie. I am glad you are come back, Jane. He leaves the room, closing the door. Lydia throws a tantrum. LYDIA: Oh! I want to go to Brighton! She throws down her knife and fork. In the garden at Longbourn. The sun shines, Birds sing. Lizzie walks slowly with a flower basket over her arm, thinking. She walks past Jane, who is cutting flowers. Jane gives her a compassionate look, but is sad herself. Lizzie looks at her. ELIZABETH: You are not happy, Jane. It pains me to see it. JANE: It is just that I did --I still do prefer Mr Bingley to any other man I have ever met. And Lizzie, I did believe he -. Well, I was mistaken. That is all. I am resolved to think of him no more. There. Enough! I shall be myself again. As if I had never set eyes on him. (She comes to her sister, and takes her hand) Truly Lizzie, I promise I shall be well. I shall be myself again. I shall be perfectly content. Jane goes back slowly towards the house. Mrs Bennet has come out to do some gardening. She is in a low mood when she speaks to Lizzie. MRS BENNET: Well Lizzie. What do you think about this sad business of Jane's? I cannot find out that she saw anything of Bingley in London. (She begins to cut flowers) Well, he is a very undeserving young man. And I don't suppose there's the least chance of her getting him now. If he should come back to Netherfield, though -ELIZABETH: I think there is little chance of that, mama. 87

MRS BENNET: Oh well. Just as he chooses. No one wants him to come. Though I shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill. And if I was her, I would not have put up with it. Well, my comfort is, she will die of a broken heart, and then he'll be sorry for what he's done! Elizabeth has kept her countenance through all this. MRS BENNET: So. The Collins's live quite comfortable, do they? Well, I only hope it will last. And I suppose they talk about having this house too when your father is dead. They look on it as quite their own, I daresay. ELIZABETH: (Laughing gently) They could hardly discuss such a subject in front of me, mama. MRS BENNET: Well, I make no doubt they talk about it constantly when they are alone. Well, if they can be easy with an estate that is not lawfully their own, so much the better. I should be ashamed of having one that was only entailed upon me. Lydia and Kitty erupt from the house and run towards them. Lydia is yelling and excitedly waving a letter. LYDIA: Mama! Mama! Lizzie! Guess what? You never will, so I'll tell you. Mrs Forster has invited me as her particular friend to go with her to Brighton! MRS BENNET: Oh! LYDIA: Colonel Forster is to take a house for us! MRS BENNET: Oh Lydia! I am so happy! Ooh, what an honour to be so singled out! Elizabeth keeps her thoughts to herself. Kitty is unhappy at the turn of events. KITTY: It is not fair, Lizzie. Mrs Forster should have asked me as well as Lydia. I may not be her particular friend, but I have just as much right to be asked as she has. LYDIA:(Defiant) Ha ha ha ha! KITTY: And more too, for I am two years older. She runs back to the house, upset. Elizabeth feels the foolishness of it all. LYDIA: Well, I shall buy her a present, I daresay. There is no call for her to be in a miff because Mrs Forster likes me above anyone. ELIZABETH: Lydia, before you crow too loud over your sister, remember papa has not given you permission to go, and nor is he like to. LYDIA: Oh, papa won't stop me going. Not when I've been specially invited by the Colonel of the regiment to be his wife's particular companion. (She is excited) Oh mama, I shall have to be bought new clothes, for I've nothing fit to wear, and there will be balls and parties every night! MRS BENNET: Why, of course you shall have new things! We wouldn't see you disgraced in front of all the officers! LYDIA: (Excited) Ooh! All the officers! Ooh! She and her mother laugh and rejoice together. Elizabeth remains solemn. A little later, in the library. Mr Bennet sits at his desk, while Elizabeth paces. MR BENNET: Look, I understand your concern, my dear. But consider. Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some public place. And here is an opportunity for her to do so! At very little expense or inconvenience to her family. ELIZABETH: (Now standing in front of his desk) If you were aware, father, of the very great disadvantage to us all which must arise from Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner -which has already arisen from it -I am sure you would judge differently! MR BENNET: Already arisen? What, has she frightened away some of your lovers? This has hit much closer to home than he knows. Lizzie stops short. MR BENNET: Oh, now don't be cast down, Lizzie. Such squeamish youths are not worth your regret. (Lizzie opens her mouth to speak) Oh come, Lizzie! ELIZABETH: Indeed, you are mistaken. I have no injuries to resent. I speak of general, not particular, evils. Our -our very respectability is called into question by Lydia's wild behaviour! She tries to calm down. ELIZABETH: Excuse me, I must speak plainly. If you do not take the trouble to check her, she will soon be beyond the reach of amendment. Her character will be fixed as the most determined flirt that ever made herself and her family ridiculous! You know that Kitty follows wherever Lydia leads. Don't you see that they will be censured and despised wherever they are known? And that they will involve their sisters in their own disgrace! 88 position as a family, our --

Mr Bennet gets up, and moves to a sofa nearby, taking Lizzie's hand to draw her down beside him. He speaks gently to her. MR BENNET: Lizzie. Lizzie, come here. (She sits reluctantly) Don't make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known, you will be respected and valued. And you will not appear to any less advantage for having a couple -- or I may say three -- very silly sisters. We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton. Lizzie, unhappy at all this, pulls away her hand. MR BENNET: Colonel Forster is a sensible man. And luckily, she's too poor to be an object of prey to a fortune hunter. He stands before her. She opens her mouth to expostulate, but he holds up a warning finger. MR BENNET: Now leave it now, Lizzie. I believe all will turn out well. He sits at his desk again, and Lizzie is left with no argument to make.

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A dinner party at Longbourn. The drawing room, after dinner. Coffee and tea are being served by Jane, seated at the table. Elizabeth receives a cup. Several officers are present, including Wickham and Denny and Colonel and Mrs Forster. Party chatter, above which Lydia can be heard giggling. Wickham glances around briefly at the sound. Mrs Bennet sits holding a teacup, talking to Col. Forster. Mr Bennet, sipping a glass of wine, and Wickham look on. MRS BENNET: We are so desolated, Colonel, that the regiment is to leave Meryton. But words cannot express what we feel about your kindness to our dear Lydia. COL. FORSTER: Well ma'am, it appears that Mrs Forster cannot do without her. Look at the pair of them. Thick as thieves. They turn to look at the table, where Lydia and Mrs Forster are laughing loudly, heads close together, while Denny bends down to say something amusing to them. COL. FORSTER: Lord knows what they find to talk about. But anything to keep the ladies happy, hmm? What do you say, Wickham? WICKHAM: (Smiling) Well, I say amen to that, sir. He bows and walks away, looking for Elizabeth. She smiles when she sees him approaching. WICKHAM: (Looking at her) There's one lady I shall be very loathe to part from. ELIZABETH: Well, we must bear it as best we can. You are for Brighton, I shall be touring the Lakes with my aunt and uncle. I daresay we shall find ample sources of consolation and delight. In our different ways. WICKHAM: Perhaps. How did you find Rosings? ELIZABETH: Very interesting. Colonel Fitzwilliam was there with Mr Darcy. Are you at all acquainted with the Colonel? WICKHAM: I -- um -- (to some respect) yes, in former years. (Regaining his composure, he smiles charmingly) A very gentlemanly man. How did you like him? ELIZABETH: I liked him very much indeed. WICKHAM: His manners are very different from his cousin's. ELIZABETH: Yes. (She bites her lip, decides what to say) But I think Mr Darcy improves on closer acquaintance. WICKHAM: Indeed? In what respect? Has he acquired a touch of civility in his address? For I dare not hope that he has improved in essentials. ELIZABETH: No. In essentials I believe he is very much as he ever was. WICKHAM: Ah. (He must take this as he chooses) ELIZABETH: I don't mean to imply that either his mind or his manners are changed for the better. Rather, my knowing him better improved my opinion of him. WICKHAM: I see. He gives her an uncertain smile and a slight bow as Mrs Forster comes up to claim him, drawing him away by the arm. MRS FORSTER: Wickham? Wickham! Come here. WICKHAM: At your service, ma'am. He sits at the table with Mrs Forster, Lydia and others. Elizabeth watches him, and speaks to herself. ELIZABETH: Yes, go, go. I would not wish you back again. She smiles slightly at the change in her thinking, and drinks her tea. The day of Lydia's departure for Brighton. Mr and Mrs Bennet and Lydia emerge from the front door at Longbourn. Lydia is rushing towards the carriage. She wears a smart new bonnet and jacket (brown with white polka dots).

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LYDIA: Goodbye, papa. Goodbye, mama. MRS BENNET: (Catching up and taking her hands) Oh Lydia my dear, we shall miss you most cruelly. LYDIA: (Happy) Well, I shall write every day of what I am doing, and make you wild with envy. Her sisters are gathered nearby, and Kitty pouts at this. KITTY: Oh! LYDIA: (To Kitty) Well, I can't help it! MARY: I shan't envy her a jot. LYDIA: (Excited) Well, I must go. Goodbye, Jane. Goodbye, Lizzie. If I see any eligible beaux for you, I'll send you word express. She goes to climb into the carriage, but misses her footing, tripping a little. Mrs Bennet exclaims with worry for her. LYDIA: (Laughing at her mishap) Oh Lord! What a laugh if I should fall and break my head. KITTY: I wish you would! MRS BENNET: Oh my dear girl! Take every opportunity of enjoying yourself. Lydia, now seated in the carriage, nods and smiles broadly. She waves from the window as the carriage departs. LYDIA: Bye! Bye! She leans out of the window, waving. Her mother, sad at the loss of her favourite daughter, waves back, holding back tears. Her sisters wave, except Elizabeth, who still disapproves of the trip. Kitty bursts into tears, and her father approaches her. MR BENNET: Well, never mind, Kitty. I daresay, in a year or two, you'll have got over it tolerably well. Kitty bursts into even louder tears at this. MR BENNET: If anyone should ask for me, I shall be in my library, and not to be disturbed. They go back indoors. Another fine day. A closed carriage, drawn by four white horses, arrives at Longbourn. Lizzie and Jane run out to greet it, smiling and waving. It contains Mr and Mrs Gardiner and their four children. Mr Gardiner is Mrs Bennet's brother. There is much hugging, kissing and laughing as they all climb down from the carriage. JANE: (To the children, who flock around her) You must be so tired! How you are all grown since we last saw you! One of the girls gives Jane a drawing. JANE: And very pretty too! Now, come into the house! Mr and Mrs Gardiner stand back a moment, smiling, watching Jane with their children. MRS GARDINER: Such a sweet, steady girl! (Elizabeth approaches and kisses her on the cheek) Well, Lizzie! (Lizzie kisses her uncle on the cheek) We bear you bad tidings. Not too grievous though, I hope. MR GARDINER: The guilt is mine. My business won't allow me time away to visit all the Lake country. We shall have to content ourselves with Derbyshire. Elizabeth is a little disappointed, but she smiles and rallies. ELIZABETH: Oh! But -- Derbyshire has many beauties, does it not? MRS GARDINER: Indeed to me Derbyshire is the best of all counties. You will judge for yourself whether Chatsworth is not the equal of Blenheim. And surely the southern counties have nothing to compare to the wild and untamed beauty of the peaks. We now see a rolling vista of peaks and green fields in Derbyshire. The Gardiners and Elizabeth are riding in an open carriage pulled by four white horses in summer in Derbyshire. There are two coachmen driving. The carriage passes through beautiful rolling green hills. MR GARDINER: Nature and culture in harmony, you see Lizzie. Wildness and artifice, and all in the one perfect county. MRS GARDINER: Well I was born and grew up here, so I should never disagree with that. 91

ELIZABETH: Where exactly? MRS GARDINER: At Lambton. A little town of no consequence to anyone except those fortunate enough to have lived in it. I think it the dearest place in the world. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Then I shall not be happy till I have seen it. MRS GARDINER: It has one further claim on your interest. It is but five miles from Pemberley, and owes much of its prosperity to that great estate. ELIZABETH: (A little disturbed) So near! MRS GARDINER: Not that I or any of my acquaintance enjoyed the privilege of intimacy with that family. We moved in very different circles. London. A fencing school. Darcy is engaged in energetic swordplay with Bates, a fencing master Darcy wears a loose shirt, open at the neck. He is obviously a skilled fencer. The action is fast, and Darcy is grimly determined, concentrating on his swordplay. His breaks Bates's guard and touches him on the chest, smiling or grimacing with the victory. BATES: A hit acknowledged. Very good, sir. He salutes Darcy with his foil. Darcy walks away, and leans against a pillar. He is panting from his exertions. BATES: Enough, sir? DARCY: Enough, thank you Bates. BATES: Will you come again tomorrow, sir? DARCY: Not tomorrow. I have business in the north. I'll come back tomorrow week. BATES: Very good, sir. Bid you good day, sir. He steps up and offers his hand. Darcy shakes it. DARCY: Thank you, Bates. Good day. Bates walks away. Darcy moves off, his face covered in sweat from his exertions, breathing hard. He is grimly determined. DARCY: (To himself) I shall conquer this. I shall! Derbyshire. Close up of Elizabeth's boots as she walks up a picturesque hill. At the top she rests by a distinctive rock formation, and admires the view. Mrs Gardiner calls up to her from below. MRS GARDINER: Elizabeth! be careful! How could I face your father if you took a fall? Elizabeth takes in the scene before her. ELIZABETH: Beautiful! The parlour of the Red Bull Inn at Lambton. Elizabeth and the Gardiners are dining privately there, waited on by Hannah, one of the Inn's maid servants. MR GARDINER: Thank you, Hannah! HANNAH: You're welcome, sir. She clears some dishes, and goes. The others begin to serve themselves. ELIZABETH: (Smiling contentedly) I think I should be quite happy to stay my whole life in Derbyshire. MRS GARDINER: I am happy to hear it. Now, what do you say to our visiting Pemberley tomorrow? It's not directly in our way, but no more than a mile or two out of it. ELIZABETH: (Uncomfortable) Do you especially wish to see it, aunt? MRS GARDINER: I should have thought you would, having heard so much about it. And the associations are not all unpleasant. Wickham passed all his youth there, you know. ELIZABETH: (Smiling, but quietly determined) We have no business there. I should feel awkward to visit the place without a proper invitation. 92

MR GARDINER: No more than Blenheim, or Chatsworth. There was no awkwardness there! MRS GARDINER: I shouldn't care for it myself, Lizzie, if it were merely a fine house richly furnished. Hannah returns with more food. MRS GARDINER: But the grounds are delightful. They are some of the finest woods in the country. MR GARDINER: (To Hannah) Ah! How far are we from Pemberley, my dear? HANNAH: Not more than five miles, sir. MRS GARDINER: The grounds are very fine, are they not? HANNAH: As fine as you'll see anywhere, ma'am. She takes the lid off a dish, and Mr Gardiner gives it an appreciative sniff. HANNAH: My oldest brother is an undergardener there. ELIZABETH: Is the family here for the summer? HANNAH: No ma'am. (She bobs a curtsy and goes.) MRS GARDINER: Well? ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Perhaps we might visit Pemberley after all.

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The following morning. The carriage drives from Lambton towards Pemberley through attractive countryside, which is part of the Pemberley estate. MR GARDINER: (Good humoured) I think we've seen woods and groves enough to satisfy even your enthusiasm for them, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: I confess, I had no idea Pemberley was such a great estate. Shall we reach the house itself before dark, do you think? MRS GARDINER: Be patient. Wait! She looks out expectantly. Within moments, the carriage clears some trees, and before them is a fine prospect. A beautiful, stately home, with a lake in the foreground. Pemberley MRS GARDINER: There! MR GARDINER: (To the driver) Stop the coach! Elizabeth is very struck by the beauty of the place. MRS GARDINER: I think one would be willing to put up with a good deal to be mistress of Pemberley. MR GARDINER: The mistress of Pemberley will have to put up with a good deal. From what I hear. MRS GARDINER: She's not likely to be anyone we know. Elizabeth is still gazing in admiration, mixed no doubt with some private thoughts. MRS GARDINER: How do you like the house, Lizzie? ELIZABETH: Very well. I don't think I have ever seen a place so happily situated. I like it very well indeed. (She reflects on past circumstances) MR GARDINER: Drive on! A pity then its owner should be such a proud and disagreeable man. ELIZABETH: Yes, a great pity. MRS GARDINER: Perhaps the beauty of the house renders its owner a little less repulsive, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: (Smiling, recovering her spirits) Yes. Perhaps. Perhaps a very little. MR GARDINER: Well, shall we apply to the housekeeper to see inside the place? Lizzie smiles and nods. The carriage enters an archway into Pemberley's courtyard. Inside the house. The Gardiners and Elizabeth are being taken on a tour by Mrs Reynolds, the housekeeper. They pause by a handsome desk. MRS REYNOLDS: That's where Mrs Darcy used to write her letters every morning. It was her favourite room. They glance about, and then pass on. A small clock chimes eleven. MRS REYNOLDS: (Proud to show off the house) This is the music room. The Gardiners look about, delighted. Elizabeth walks more slowly behind them. MRS GARDINER: Charming! MR GARDINER: What a lovely room this is! MRS GARDINER: Delightful! MRS REYNOLDS: (To Elizabeth) And there's a fine prospect from that window down towards the lake. Elizabeth turns and walks to the window. MRS GARDINER: (To her husband) Look at this, my dear. 95

Elizabeth looks out at the view of the lake. ELIZABETH: (To herself) And of all this, I might have been mistress. Mrs Reynolds is standing by a piano, covered with a dust cloth. MRS REYNOLDS: This piano has just come down. It's a present from my master for Miss Georgiana. MR GARDINER: Your master is from home we understand. MRS REYNOLDS: Yes, but we expect him here tomorrow, sir. Elizabeth turns from the window at this, not sure whether she is more glad or sorry to hear it. MRS REYNOLDS: He is coming with a large party of friends, and Miss Georgiana. Elizabeth decides she is relieved to avoid the embarrassment. Another room. They stop to look at a portrait of Georgiana which has not yet been hung, but rests on an easel. MRS REYNOLDS: This portrait was painted earlier this year, for her sixteenth birthday. MR GARDINER: Ah! She is a very handsome young lady! MRS REYNOLDS: Oh yes! The handsomest young lady that ever was seen! And so accomplished! She plays and sings all day long. Mrs Gardiner has wandered into the hallway, and is examining some miniatures in a glass case. MRS GARDINER: (Calling) Lizzie! Look at this picture! The others gather around the glass case. There are a number of miniatures. Two of them, side by side, show Darcy and Wickham. MRS GARDINER: It reminds me very much of someone we know. MRS REYNOLDS: (Pointing) This one, ma'am? That young gentleman was the son of the late Mr Darcy's steward, Mr Wickham. He's gone into the army now, but he's turned out very wild. Elizabeth registers this. MRS REYNOLDS: Very wild indeed, I'm afraid. (Her voice fills with pride and pleasure) And that's my master. And very like him, too. MRS GARDINER: Well, it is a handsome face, but I have never seen the original. Is it like him, Lizzie? MRS REYNOLDS: Oh! 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: (Nodding) Mmm. I am sure I know none so handsome. Nor so kind. MR GARDINER: Indeed? MRS REYNOLDS: Aye, sir. I've never had a cross word from him in my life. And I've known him since he was four years old. But then I've always observed that they that are good natured when they are children are good natured when they grow up. MRS GARDINER: His father was an excellent man. MRS REYNOLDS: He was, ma'am. And his son will be just like him. The best landlord and the best master. Ask any of his tenants, or his servants. Some people call him proud, but I fancy that's only because he don't rattle away like other young men do. Now, if you will follow me, there's a finer, larger portrait of him in the gallery upstairs. She moves off. MRS REYNOLDS: This way, sir, if you please. Mr Gardiner follows her. During all the above, Mrs Gardiner has been keeping half an eye on Lizzie, puzzled. She now hangs back, in speaks in a half whisper to Elizabeth. 96

MRS GARDINER: This fine account of Darcy is not quite consistent with his behaviour to poor Wickham. ELIZABETH: Perhaps we might have been deceived there. MRS GARDINER: That's not likely, is it? They slowly walk upstairs to the gallery. Out in the woods, a horseman approaches. Darcy gallops into view on a white horse. He pulls up for a moment, within sight of the house, and has a look around. He is a little hot and bothered from his ride, and he will soon need a shave. He looks a little dispirited. After a few moments, he urges his horse on again. He gallops towards the lake, and impetuously dismounts. He throws his hat and crop on the grass, and starts to pull off his riding gloves. Inside the house, Mrs Reynolds leads the party to the gallery. Mr and Mrs Gardiner are very taken with its splendour. They admire the portraits on the walls. Mrs Reynolds leads them to a particular portrait. MRS REYNOLDS: There! Elizabeth slowly looks up to see a very handsome portrait of Darcy, standing and resting one arm on the back of a chair. Down by the lake, Darcy pulls off his jacket, and throws it down. He sits on the ground, and unfastens his cravat, then removes it, and unbuttons his waistcoat. In the gallery, Elizabeth is still looking at his portrait, smiling gently, remembering that this man had once declared his love for her. By the lake, Darcy stands up. he has now removed his boots, and unfastened his collar. He still wears shirts, breeches and stockings. He stands for a few moments, and then suddenly dives into the lake, plunging deep beneath the surface, and swimming strongly. Elizabeth and the Gardiners now stroll in a semi-enclosed garden close to the house. Elizabeth, lost in her own thoughts, is some distance from her aunt and uncle

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Darcy, refreshed, strides towards the house, carrying his clothes. He has put his boots on, but the clothes he wears are soaking wet and his shirt, untucked, clings to his body, showing his chest. His hair clings damply around his face. A groomsman walks beside him, leading his horse. GROOMSMAN: Would you like to ride him, sir? DARCY: No, no, no. Take him back to the stables. The groomsman moves off with the horse. Darcy continues towards the house, walking though a field of tall yellow flowers. Elizabeth walks down towards the edge of the lake. She suddenly hears a twig break, and looks around to see Darcy walk into view. She is astonished. Darcy takes a few more steps before he notices her, but then he comes to a dead stop and absolutely starts with surprise. ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy! DARCY: (After a pause, while he collects himself a little) Miss Bennet! I -- uh -Elizabeth is embarrassed, and tries to explain her presence. Neither of them can sustain looking at the other for more than a couple of moments at a time. Both blush. Darcy is also conscious of his irregular appearance. ELIZABETH: I did not expect to see you -sir. We understood all the family were from home, or we should never have presumed -DARCY: (Also a little embarrassed) I returned a day early. (Trying to gather his wits, and be polite) Ah --excuse me, your parents are in good health? ELIZABETH: Ah -- yes! They are very well. I thank you, sir. DARCY: I am glad to hear it. (Pause, while he gropes for something to say) How long have you been in this part of the country? ELIZABETH: But two days, sir. DARCY: (Looking at her - which makes him run out of things to say finally) And where are you staying? ELIZABETH: At the Inn at Lambton. DARCY: Oh yes, of course. (Pause, while he thinks again) Um. Well, I -- I'm just -- arrived myself. (Pause) And your parents are in good health? And all your -- sisters? ELIZABETH: Oh yes. They are all in excellent health. Sir. DARCY: (Lost. After another pause.) Excuse me. He bows, and walks quickly away towards the house. Elizabeth closes her eyes, and just gasps with embarrassment and mixed feelings once he leaves her. The Gardiners. arm in arm, make their way down the garden towards her, noting Darcy's retreat. MR GARDINER: The man himself, I presume? MRS GARDINER: And just as handsome as in his portrait, though perhaps a little less formally attired. ELIZABETH: (Agitated) We must leave here at once! She walks briskly back in the direction of the house, to find the carriage, followed by her surprised aunt and uncle. MRS GARDINER: Well of course, if you wish. ELIZABETH: Oh! I wish we had never come! What must he think of me? MRS GARDINER: Was he displeased? What did he say? ELIZABETH: (Still agitated) Oh -nothing of consequence! He enquired after my parents, and -99

A little later. The courtyard at Pemberley. A door bursts open, and Darcy dashes out of the house and runs down the front steps, buttoning his jacket as he goes. He has speedily changed into dry and respectable clothes, though his hair remains damp. He is panting a little, and he looks about anxiously for signs of Elizabeth. He strides briskly thorough the archway. As he emerges on the other side, he sees Elizabeth hurrying to get into the waiting carriage. DARCY: Miss Bennet! She stops and turns to look at him. The Gardiners slowly approach behind him. DARCY: Please allow me to apologise for not receiving you properly just now. You are not leaving? ELIZABETH: We were, sir. I think we must. DARCY: (Trying to prolong the moment. He is making a considerable effort to be polite and genuine, despite his surprise and recent agitation.) I -- hope you are not displeased with Pemberley? ELIZABETH: No, not at all. DARCY: (Eager) Then you approve of it? ELIZABETH: Very much. (She smiles, then collects herself) I think there are few who would not approve. DARCY: But your good opinion is rarely bestowed, and therefore more worth the earning. ELIZABETH: (Subdued) Thank you. Darcy turns, and sees the Gardiners standing politely a little way off. He turns back to Elizabeth. DARCY: Would you do me the honour of introducing me to your friends? ELIZABETH: Certainly. She walks towards them, and Darcy turns to face them, standing beside her. ELIZABETH: Mr and Mrs Edward Gardiner, Mr Darcy. Mr Gardiner removes his hat. ELIZABETH: Mrs Gardiner is my aunt, Mr Darcy. (She cannot help a little dig) My sister Jane stayed at their house in Cheapside when she was lately in London. This does not ruffle Darcy's composure. He bows politely. DARCY: Delighted to make your acquaintance madam. Delighted sir. You are staying in Lambton, I hear? MRS GARDINER: Yes sir. I grew up there as a girl. DARCY: Delightful village. I remember running from Pemberley to Lambton as a boy almost every day in the horse chestnut season. There was one very fine tree there, I remember. Elizabeth has been looking down, but she steals a glance at Darcy. MRS GARDINER: (Pleased) On the green, by the smithy! DARCY: The very one. Mr Gardiner, do you care for fishing? MR GARDINER: Indeed I do sir, when I get a chance of it. DARCY: If you have time, sir, you must come and fish in my trout stream. Elizabeth glances up at Darcy again. Is this the proud, haughty man she once knew? He seems friendly, almost eager to please. DARCY: Or there are carp, tench and pike in the lake here, if your bent runs to course fishing. I shall be happy to provide you with rods and tackle, show you the best spots. Let us walk down now. (He turns and addresses the coachman) Follow us to the lake. My man will show you. Darcy walks off with Mr Gardiner. DARCY: There's a place down there 100

Mrs Gardiner links arms with the surprised Elizabeth, and they follow slowly behind the men. MRS GARDINER: Is this the proud Darcy you told us of? He is all ease and friendliness. No false dignity at all! ELIZABETH: I am as astonished as you are. I can't imagine what has affected this transformation. But Mrs Gardiner has a fairly shrewd idea. She knows admiration when she sees it. MRS GARDINER:(Looking at Lizzie) Can you not? They walk down to a vantage point, where Darcy is pointing things out to Mr Gardiner. Elizabeth stands a little apart, while Mrs Gardiner goes to her husband. Almost immediately, Darcy approaches Elizabeth. He indicates the path. DARCY: Shall we? They begin to stroll along the path, side by side. The Gardiners, arm in arm, follow slowly behind. DARCY: Er -- do you have --? ELIZABETH: I -DARCY: Pray, continue. Elizabeth walks with her arms folded behind her back. Darcy fiddles with his signet ring, but after a while, he also folds his arms behind his back, mirroring her body language. ELIZABETH: I was going to say again sir how very unexpected your arrival was. If we had known you were to be here, we should not have dreamt of invading your privacy. The housekeeper assured us you would not be here until tomorrow. DARCY: Pray, do not make yourself uneasy. (He looks at her as they walk) I had planned it so myself, but I found I had business with my steward, and so rode on ahead of the rest of the party without informing anyone. They will join me tomorrow, and among them are those who claim an acquaintance with you. It is Mr Bingley and his sisters. For a moment, their eyes meet. Elizabeth looks away, but he still looks at her. ELIZABETH: (After a moment) Oh. They mount some steps. DARCY: There is another person in the party who more particularly wishes to know you. Would you allow me to - (he stops, and clears his throat) -Do I ask too much to introduce my sister to you? During your stay at Lambton? He continues to look at her, a little anxious, as they walk. Elizabeth looks ahead. ELIZABETH: I should be very happy to make her acquaintance. DARCY: (Still looking at her) Thank you. The two couples slowly walk on through a grove of trees. A little later, Darcy takes Elizabeth's hand, and helps her into the carriage, which has been driven around to meet them. The Gardiners are already seated. Darcy closes the carriage door, and looks up at Elizabeth, who gives him a smile. ELIZABETH: Thank you. DARCY: I hope we shall meet again, very soon. Good day Mr Gardiner. Mrs Gardiner. (Looking with softened face at Lizzie, and bowing slightly) Good day, Miss Bennet. The carriage drives off. Darcy stand, and watches it depart. Elizabeth turns and looks back at him, a softened expression on her own face

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A tranquil summer's day, one or two days after the previous scene. A view from the hill with the unusual rock formation. Lambton. The cobbled street which contains the Red Bull. Elizabeth returns from one of her walks. Hannah, the maid, pokes her head from an upstairs window as Elizabeth approaches the inn. Lizzie looks up at her. HANNAH: If you please, ma'am! There's two gentlemen and a lady waiting upon you in the parlour. One of the gentlemen is Mr Darcy. Elizabeth brightens at this news. ELIZABETH: Thank you. Tell them I shall come directly. Elizabeth enters the inn. Shortly after, she enters the parlour, her bonnet under her arm. Darcy is seated, waiting. As soon as he sees her, he stands and faces her, pleased to see her. He holds his hat and cane and wears his grey riding topcoat. ELIZABETH: (Smiling, a little uncertain) Mr Darcy. He bows, and looks at her. She curtsies. ELIZABETH: I hope that you have not been waiting long. A young woman can be seen in the next room, peeping at Elizabeth. DARCY: (All politeness and deferent good humour) Not at all. May I -- introduce my sister, Georgiana? He steps aside, indicating the young woman. Georgiana is pretty, blonde and sixteen, a sweet, shy girl. Elizabeth smiles slightly, in response to his smile, and then walks into the next room to meet Georgiana. DARCY: Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The two young women curtsy to one another. GEORGIANA:(Shyly) How do you do? ELIZABETH: I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy. I have heard so much about you. GEORGIANA: And I about you. DARCY: Mr Bingley is here with us, and very desirous to see you as well. He insisted on accompanying us. May I summon him? ELIZABETH: Of course! I should like to see him very much. Darcy smiles again, and bows in acknowledgment, leaving to fetch Bingley. Elizabeth turns back to Georgiana with a sweet smile. ELIZABETH: I understand that you are fond of music, and play very well. GEORGIANA: (Abashed) Oh no, not play very well. I mean -- but I am very fond of music. I should dearly love to hear you play and sing. My brother has told me he has rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure. Elizabeth smiles, rather taken with what this implies about Darcy's regard for her. ELIZABETH: (Smiling sweetly, a little embarrassed) Well, you shall. But I warn you, your brother has grossly exaggerated my talents. No doubt for some mischievous reason of his own. GEORGIANA: (Earnest and sincere) 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: (Smiling) An ideal elder brother then. GEORGIANA: Oh yes! I could not 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. The girls look at each other, each well disposed to like the other. Footsteps draw their attention, and a smiling Bingley enters, hat in hand, followed by Darcy. BINGLEY: Miss Bennet! I can't tell you how delighted I was when Darcy told me you were not five miles from Pemberley! How do you do? He smiles, and they bow/curtsy to one another. 103

BINGLEY: But I can see that you're well. ELIZABETH: Very well indeed, thank you. BINGLEY: Good, good. Excellent! And your family? ELIZABETH: Very well, sir. BINGLEY: Yes? (It is obvious he wants to ask about Jane. He hesitates.) Pray tell me, are all your sisters still at Longbourn? ELIZABETH: All except one. Bingley shows a little hope. ELIZABETH: My youngest sister is at Brighton. Bingley covers well. BINGLEY: Ah. He glances at Georgiana, who curtsies and moves away to her brother. They begin a quiet conversation. BINGLEY: It seems too long - it is too long since I had the pleasure of speaking to you. ELIZABETH: It must be several months. BINGLEY: It is above eight months, at least. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were dancing together at Netherfield. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) I think you must be right. BINGLEY: Do you know, I don't think I can remember a happier time than those short months I spent in Hertfordshire. DARCY: Miss Bennet! My sister has a request to make of you. Shyly, and clearly at her brother's suggestion, Georgiana approaches Elizabeth. She speaks slowly, but with sincerity. GEORGIANA: Miss Bennet, my brother and I would be -- honoured if you and your aunt and uncle would be our guests at Pemberley for dinner. Would tomorrow evening be convenient? Elizabeth glances at Darcy, then back to Georgiana, smiling with pleasure. ELIZABETH: Thank you, we shall be delighted. Georgiana glances back at Darcy, as does Elizabeth for a moment. ELIZABETH: I can answer for Mr and Mrs Gardiner. They have no fixed engagements. GEORGIANA: (Smiling) And shall we hear you play? ELIZABETH: (Smiling sweetly) If you insist upon it, yes you shall. The following evening, after dinner at Pemberley, in the music room. A close up on Darcy in evening dress, his face absolutely suffused with love and pleasure. He sits on a sofa, watching Elizabeth across the room sing and play. Elizabeth sings sweetly, but she is right -- she is not a great performer. She sings and plays an English version of Voi Che Sapete ELIZABETH: (Singing) Say ye who follow love's fleeting spell, what is this sorrow naught can dispel? Georgiana stands beside Elizabeth at the piano, ready to turn the pages of her music for her. We now see that the room also contains Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, looking rather bored as they sit side by side on a sofa facing Darcy, Hurst slumps alone, drinking and bored. Bingley and the Gardiners sit looking gently pleased at the performance, and a couple of liveried footmen in powdered wigs stand discreetly. Elizabeth finishes, and they all applaud -- everyone enthusiastically, except Caroline and Louisa, who are merely polite. Hurst doesn't applaud at all - just focuses on his wine. BINGLEY: Absolutely marvellous! The others continue quiet conversations, except Darcy who sits in silence. GEORGIANA: Will you not play again? You played that song so beautifully. ELIZABETH: (Closing the sheet music) Not very beautifully. Not faithfully at all. You must have seen how I fudged and slurred my way through the difficult passages. It is a beautiful instrument, though. 104

GEORGIANA: My brother gave it to me this week. He is so good. I don't deserve it. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Oh, I am sure you do. Your brother thinks you do. (She looks across the room at Darcy) And as you know, he is never wrong. Darcy immediately looks back at her, aware she has cast her eyes in his direction. Elizabeth gets up smiling from her chair. ELIZABETH: Now, it is your turn. Georgiana looks a little scared. ELIZABETH: Oh, I absolutely insist. She puts out an arm to encourage Georgiana to sit at the piano. GEORGIANA: In front of all these people? She reluctantly sits at the piano. Darcy watches all this, in very good humour with Elizabeth. GEORGIANA: I will play, but please don't make me sing. ELIZABETH: (Turning over music) If you like. Georgiana starts to play - she is a good musician. Elizabeth walks into the main part of the room, in Darcy's general direction. As she passes the sofa where the two sisters are seated, Caroline hails her. MISS BINGLEY: Pray Miss Eliza, are the militia still quartered at Meryton? ELIZABETH: No, they are encamped at Brighton for the summer. MISS BINGLEY: That must be a great loss for your family. ELIZABETH: (Remaining polite) We are enduring it as best we can, Miss Bingley. MISS BINGLEY: I should have thought one gentleman's absence might have caused particular pangs. ELIZABETH: I can't imagine who you mean. MISS BINGLEY: I understood that certain ladies found the society of Mr Wickham curiously agreeable. Georgiana hears this, and strikes a dischord in her playing. Elizabeth looks to her, concerned. Darcy, even more concerned, half rises to go to her. He catches Lizzie's eye fleetingly. She immediately turns back to the piano. ELIZABETH: I'm so sorry. I'm neglecting you. Georgiana starts to play again as Lizzie comes to her, and stations herself where she can turn the music. ELIZABETH: How can you play with no one to turn the pages? Darcy sits back in his seat, relieved, and loving Elizabeth for stepping in to save the moment. He looks across at her. ELIZABETH: (Bending down to the music and turning a page) There. Allow me. After a moment, she raises her eyes, and looks directly across the room from beneath her lashes at Darcy. She looks utterly charming. Darcy looks back at her, glowing with love and admiration, his breathing quickened. They hold the secret gaze for a long, long moment, softly smiling at one another across the room. Later that evening, a carriage stands ready outside Pemberley. Elizabeth and the Gardiners are leaving. Bingley, Darcy and Georgiana have come out to farewell them. Bingley is polite and effusive, Georgiana smiles, and stands with her arm linked through her brother's. Darcy stands very quiet, but watches steadfastly as the carriage departs. BINGLEY: (Waving) Goodbye! With a smile, Bingley offers Georgiana his arm, and escorts her back to the house. Darcy steps forward to watch the carriage as it disappears.

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The music room. Caroline and Louisa are seated facing one another. Hurst slumps asleep next to his wife. Darcy and Bingley reenter the room. Darcy goes to a side table, and pours first Bingley and then himself a glass of wine. He is in a good mood. MISS BINGLEY: (Ill advised) How very ill Eliza Bennet looked this evening! I have never in my life seen anyone so much altered as she is since the winter. MRS HURST: Quite so, my dear. MISS BINGLEY: She is grown so brown. MRS HURST: Mmm. MISS BINGLEY: And coarse. MRS HURST: Mmmm. MISS BINGLEY: Louisa and I are in agreement we should hardly know her. What do you say, Mr Darcy? Darcy takes his glass and moves to stand by the fireplace, his back to them. The clock on the mantel indicates it is nearly 10.30 DARCY: I noticed no great difference. She is, I suppose, a little tanned. Hardly surprising, when one travels in the summer. MISS BINGLEY: (Rising) Hmm. For my part, I must confess, I never saw any beauty in her face. Her features are not at all handsome. Darcy moves to sit in the place she has vacated. MISS BINGLEY: Her complexion has no brilliancy. Oh, her teeth are tolerable, I suppose, but -- nothing out of the common way. (She laughs) And as for her eyes, which I have sometimes heard called fine, I could never perceive anything extraordinary in them. Darcy keeps his countenance, but does not appreciate what is being said. It is clear that this is not a successful attack, but Caroline feels impelled to continue, at risk of hurting herself. MISS BINGLEY: And in her air altogether, there is a self-sufficiency without fashion which I find intolerable. (She walks to the fireplace) BINGLEY: (Trying to save the situation) I think -- um -MISS BINGLEY: And when we first knew her in Hertfordshire - how amazed we all were to find her a reputed beauty! I particularly recall you, Mr Darcy, one night after they'd been dining at Netherfield, saying, she a beauty? I would as soon call her mother a wit! Caroline and Louisa laugh at this. Darcy drinks some wine, wipes his lips, and stays resolutely silent. MISS BINGLEY: Oh, but afterwards she seemed to improve on you. I even believe you thought her rather pretty at one time. DARCY: (No longer able to resist replying) Yes I did. But that was only when I first knew her. (He gets up.) For it has been many months now since I have considered her one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance. He stares defiantly at Caroline, who looks very unhappy. She has hurt no one but herself. Later still. Darcy, still in evening dress, walks purposefully along the darkened portrait gallery, lighting his way with a candle. Two dogs accompany him. He is smiling to himself. The song that Elizabeth sang hangs on the air. He enters the dark music room, and places his candlestick on the mantelpiece. He stands, lost in thought. He looks over at the piano, smiling quietly to himself. In his imagination, he sees Elizabeth looking up at him again from the piano. He thinks about her with great pleasure. Next morning. A fine day at Pemberley. Birds sing in the grounds. Up in Mr Darcy's handsome bedroom, a valet approaches carrying several jackets. Darcy stands before a full length mirror in his shirt sleeves and waistcoat, fiddling with his cravat. He is taking great care with his appearance this morning. The valet presents a jacket for inspection. DARCY: Ah no, no -- the green one. The valet fusses over the jackets. Darcy points, slightly impatient. DARCY: Yes, that'll do. Good. He takes the jacket, and puts it on. The valet tries to settle his collar. DARCY: No, never mind. 106

A little later. Darcy rides into view on a white horse, across the grounds in front of Pemberley. He is a man with a purpose as he gallops over the brow of a hill, towards the village of Lambton. At the inn, Elizabeth and the Gardiners are in the parlour. They are about to go on an outing. Hannah the maid enters, carrying letters. HANNAH: If you please, ma'am. The post's just come. She passes two letters to Elizabeth. ELIZABETH: (Pleased) Thank you, Hannah. Hannah curtsies and leaves. MR GARDINER: (To his wife) A good girl, that. Very obliging. Elizabeth has been looking at the outside of her letters, her bonnet in her hand. ELIZABETH: Two letters from Jane. At last! I have been wondering why we had not -- (she looks closely at the second letter) This one was misdirected at first. No wonder, for she wrote the direction very ill indeed. (She smiles) Would you be very angry if I beg you to postpone our outing? MRS GARDINER: Not at all! Of course you want to read your letters. (She glances at her husband for confirmation) Your uncle and I will walk to the church, and call back for you in an hour. ELIZABETH: (Grateful) Thank you. You are very kind.

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With a smile, the Gardiners immediately leave. Lizzie sits down to enjoy her letters from Jane. She opens the first, and begins to read, smiling. JANE: (V/O) My dearest Lizzie, I hope your journey has been as delightful as you anticipated. We all miss you, our father most of all, I believe. I confess, I have hardly had time to write. My nephews and nieces have commandeered almost every moment. But they are such dear children. Our mother indeed finds their exuberance a little trying for her nerves. ELIZABETH: Mama -Smiling at this, Lizzie turns the page. JANE: (V/O) She spends much of the day above stairs in her room, or with Mrs Phillips. (A change of tone in Jane's voice) Oh dearest Lizzie, since writing the above, something has occurred of a most unexpected and serious nature. But I am afraid of alarming you. Be assured, we are all well. What I have to say relates to poor Lydia. ELIZABETH: Lydia! As Jane's voice over commentary continues, the scene changes to show what she is describing. JANE: (V/O) An express came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed A rider gallops up the front door of Longbourn. He begins to beat on the door. MRS BENNET: (In fright) Oh, Mr Bennet! What is it? Oh, we shall be murdered in our beds! Mr Bennet in nightshirt, dressing gown and nightcap, makes his way to the door, carrying a candle. He opens the door, and receives a letter from the rider. The family gathers around him as he reads the letter -- Hill, Mrs Bennet, Jane, Mary and finally Kitty. JANE: (V/O) The letter was from Colonel Forster, to inform us that Lydia was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers. To own the truth, with Wickham. Mrs Bennet gasps in shock at this, and collapses, supported by Jane and Mary, who help her to a chair. MRS BENNET: Oh! Oh, Lydia! Oh Mr Bennet, we are all ruined! (She cries loudly) JANE: (V/O) You will imaine the surprise and shock -While Jane tends her mother, she glances at Kitty, who stands back a little, looking slightly guilty. JANE: (V/O) To Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected -Mr Bennet looks at Kitty, a serious expression on his face. The scene moves back to Elizabeth, reading at the inn, looking very concerned, tears in her eyes. JANE: (V/O) I am very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides! But I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood. Elizabeth looks up, tears in her eyes, very distressed. ELIZABETH: I wish I could believe it. She returns to the letter. JANE: (V/O) His choice is disinterested, at least. He must know that our father can give him nothing. ELIZABETH: (Tears roll unheeded down her cheeks) Yes, that is true. But how could he do this? She is silly enough for anything. But Wickham love Lydia? Marry Lydia? She has a flashback to Wickham at a party. WICKHAM: (In close up, smiling at an unseen Elizabeth) There is one lady I shall be very loathe to part from. He steps aside, and from Elizabeth's point of view we see Lydia with her back to us, talking to Mrs Forster. Laughing, Lydia turns around to see Wickham now looking at her. She returns the look, with great interest. Elizabeth reads again. JANE: (V/O) We expect them soon, returned from Gretna, man and wife. But I must conclude. I cannot be away from our poor mother long. I shall write again as soon as I have news. 109

Elizabeth puts down the letter, and quickly breaks the seal on the other one, tearing it open. Her breathing becomes more agitated as she reads. JANE: (V/O) My dearest Lizzie, 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: (Very distressed) Great God, I knew it! JANE: (V/O) I cannot think so ill of him. ELIZABETH: I can. Oh, poor Lydia. Poor, stupid girl. She resumes reading. JANE: (V/O) Colonel Forster said he feared that Wickham was not a man to be trusted. Elizabeth hears Darcy's words in her mind. DARCY: (V/O) She was then but fifteen years old.JANE: (V/O) They were traced as far as Clapham, and to London our father has gone with Colonel Forster to try to discover them. Dearest Lizzie, I cannot help but beg you all to come here as soon as possible. ELIZABETH: (Putting down the letter) Oh yes! Where is my uncle? Deeply agitated, her cheeks stained with tears, she gets up and walks swiftly to the parlour door. As she approaches, it opens, and Hannah enters. HANNAH: If you please, ma'am Immediately behind her is Mr Darcy, who enters the room and bows. Hannah goes. DARCY: Miss Bennet, I hope this -ELIZABETH: I beg your pardon. I must find Mr Gardiner this moment on business that can not be delayed. I have not an instant to lose. Darcy immediately perceives that something is very wrong, and is deeply concerned. He speaks with more feeling than politeness. DARCY: Good God! What is the matter? Elizabeth bursts into tears. Darcy wants to do something for her. DARCY: Of course, I will not detain you for a moment, but let me go, or -- or let the servant go and fetch Mr and Mrs Gardiner. You are not well, you cannot go yourself. ELIZABETH: No, I must -DARCY: Come, I insist! He steps forward, takes her arm, and guides her to a chair beside the table. DARCY: This will be for the best. (Calling) Hello there! Hannah swiftly returns. DARCY: Will you have Mr and Mrs Gardiner fetched here at once. Still holding her arm, Darcy gets Elizabeth seated. DARCY: (To Elizabeth) They walked in the direction of -- ? ELIZABETH: The church. DARCY: (To Hannah) The church! HANNAH: Yes, sir. At once! She bobs a curtsy, and goes, closing the parlour door behind her. Darcy seats himself directly facing Elizabeth. Her distress upsets him. He leans forward, and takes her hand in both of his. DARCY: You are not well. May I not call a doctor? 110

ELIZABETH: (Distressed) No. I am well. I am well. Aware of proprieties, Darcy removes first one of his hands from hers, then (reluctantly) the other. He still leans towards her, solicitous and concerned. DARCY: Is there nothing you can take for your present relief? Er -- a glass of wine? Can I get you one? She shakes her head. DARCY: Truly, you look very ill. Elizabeth takes out a handkerchief, and wipes her eyes. ELIZABETH: (Trying to gain control over herself) No, I thank you. There is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from home. (She bursts into tears.) Darcy wants desperately to comfort her, but it is not his place to do so. He puts his hand up to his lips, in lieu of touching her again, and watches her closely. ELIZABETH: (Recovering a little) I'm sorry, forgive me. DARCY: (All compassion) No, no. He almost touches her hand. He breathes deeply, in sympathy, and keeps his eyes fixed on her. ELIZABETH: I have just received a letter from Jane with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from anyone. (She takes a deep, tearful breath) My youngest sister has left all her friends -- has eloped -- has thrown herself into the power of -- Mr Wickham. She looks directly at him as she says this. He cannot help reacting, but stays close and waits for her to continue. ELIZABETH: They have run away together from Brighton. You know him too well to doubt the rest. She has no money. No connections. Nothing that can tempt him. Darcy gets up abruptly, and walks away a little, turning away from her while he absorbs this. Elizabeth's tears come anew. ELIZABETH: When I think that I might have prevented it! I who knew what he was! Had his character been known, this could not have happened! (She looks up at Darcy's back) But it is all too late now. DARCY: (Solemn) I am grieved indeed. Grieved, shocked. (He turns around to look at her) But is it certain? Absolutely certain? ELIZABETH: Oh yes. They left Brighton together on Sunday night. They were traced as far as London, but not beyond. They are certainly not gone to Scotland. Darcy paces around the room. DARCY: And what has been done? What has been attempted to recover her? He comes to rest looking out of the window. ELIZABETH: My father has gone to London, and Jane writes to beg my uncle's immediate assistance. I hope that we shall leave within half an hour. But what can be done? I know very well that nothing can be done! How is such a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. She is lost for ever, and our family must partake of her ruin and disgrace. It is hard to read what Darcy is thinking. He is solemn, and slightly withdrawn. DARCY: (After a pause) I am afraid you have long been desiring my absence.-Elizabeth feels even more unhappy as she becomes aware what this means between them -- an end of every new hope. DARCY: (After a slight pause) This unfortunate affair will, I fear, prevent my sister's having the pleasure of seeing you at Pemberley today. ELIZABETH: (Trying to be normal, but with tears still in her eyes) Oh yes. Be so kind as to -- apologise for us to Miss Darcy. Say that urgent business calls us home immediately. If you would be so kind -- as to conceal the unhappy truth as long as possible. I know that it cannot be long. DARCY: You may be assured of my secrecy. (Making a move)But I have stayed too long. (He picks up his hat and cane from where he discarded them on the table) I shall leave you now, Elizabeth stands to face him, vulnerable and upset. ELIZABETH: Yes. Thank you. She drops him a small formal curtsy. He bows in return. ELIZABETH: Goodbye. 111

He nods, and turns to go. As he opens the parlour door, he stops, and looks back at her for a lingering moment, solemn faced. Then he goes, closing the door behind him. ELIZABETH: (Upset but resigned) I shall never see him again A little late, outside the Inn. Ostlers bustle about, carrying the family's trunks, and loading them into the carriage. Mrs Gardiner emerges, in conversation with a subdued Elizabeth. Mr Gardiner joins them. They are both concerned for Lizzie. MRS GARDINER: Even if what you say of Wickham is true, I still cannot believe this of Lydia. ELIZABETH: Ever since the militia was quartered at Meryton, there has been nothing but love, flirtation and officers in her head! MRS GARDINER: (Soothing) We must not assume the worst. It may yet be that this is all a misunderstanding, or just a passing folly that her friends can hush up and will in time be quite forgotten. Elizabeth, distressed, shakes her head at this. MRS GARDINER: It is possible, Lizzie! MR GARDINER: Indeed it is! Why would any young man form a design against a girl who is by no means unprotected or friendless, and who is actually staying in the Colonel's family? Look at it any way you like -- the temptation is not worth the risk. Mr Gardiner helps his wife and Lizzie to board the carriage. ELIZABETH: (Turning at the carriage door) Not perhaps of risking his own interest, but I do believe him capable of risking everything else! That evening, at Pemberley. The music room. We hear Georgiana playing. Close up on Darcy, sitting lost in thought and a little unhappy, leaning his cheek on his hand as he sits on the sofa. It is obvious that he has kept Elizabeth's secret, as Bingley smiles widely and applauds when Georgiana finishes, as do Caroline and Louisa. Hurst is fast asleep in a chair, head hanging back. Darcy doesn't even applaud, just sits, lost in thought. Caroline stands to take a small piece of fruit, and looks at him. MISS BINGLEY: You are very quiet this evening, Mr Darcy. I sincerely hope you are not pining for the loss of Miss Eliza Bennet. (She sits down again) DARCY: (Abrupt) What?! Caroline's smile freezes -- she had not expected this response. Darcy immediately gets up from the sofa. DARCY: Excuse me. He immediately leaves the room. The others look at one another, a little surprised.

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The next day. The Gardiner's carriage arrives at Longbourn. The Gardiner children, playing in the garden, see it, and run with delight to greet their parents. Elizabeth emerges first, and kisses a niece, then hurries into the house, untying her bonnet. Jane comes to meet her, and they embrace in the hall, while the Gardiners outside are greeting their children. JANE: Oh Lizzie! Oh, I am so glad to see you! ELIZABETH: Has anything been heard? JANE: No, not yet. But now uncle has come, I hope everything will be well. Our father left for town on Tuesday, and we have heard from him only once since then to tell us he has arrived in safety. Mama has been asking for you every five minutes since daybreak. ELIZABETH: Oh. And how is she? (She is taking off her coat, gloves and scarf. etc) JANE: She has not yet left her room. ELIZABETH: And you look pale. Oh Jane, how much you must have gone through! JANE: I am so happy to see you, Lizzie. Come! Jane takes Lizzie away, up to see her mother. Mrs Bennet's bedroom. She sits in an armchair in her nightclothes, fanning herself with a handkerchief, and clearly distressed. Kitty and Mary are with her. Jane and Lizzie enter, followed by Mr Gardiner and then his wife. MRS BENNET: Oh. Oh Lizzie! Oh brother! (Each takes one of her offered hands. Mr Gardiner kisses her hand.) We are all ruined for ever. (She sniffs back tears) If only Mr Bennet had taken us all to Brighton, none of this would have happened. I blame those Forsters! I am sure there was some great neglect on their part, for she is not the kind of girl to do that sort of thing, (Mr Gardiner nods sympathetically), if she had been properly looked after! ELIZABETH: Mama! MRS BENNET: And now here is Mr Bennet gone away, and 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. (She sobs) And if you are not kind to us, brother, I don't know what we shall do! Mr Gardiner takes her hands, comfortingly. MR GARDINER: Sister, calm down. Nothing dreadful will happen. I shall be in London tomorrow morning, and there we will consult as to what is best 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! But above all, keep Mr Bennet from fighting! JANE: Mama, I am sure he does not mean to fight. MRS BENNET: Oh yes! Yes he does! And -- and Wickham will kill him for sure unless you can prevent it, brother. (She has worked herself up again) You must tell him what a dreadful state I am in. How I have such tremblings and flutterings all over me. 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. MR GARDINER: Sister, calm yourself. Jane and Lizzie glance at one another. Lizzie does not have much patience with her mother's display, but stays quiet. MRS BENNET: And tell Lydia not to give any directions about wedding clothes till she has seen me. For she does not know which are the best warehouses. (She cries loudly.) Later that day. Darcy is seated in his carriage, solemn faced, hair ruffled. He is thinking. The carriage is being driven at speed. He is on his way to London. The dining room at Longbourn. The family -- including Mr and Mrs Gardiner -- are gathered at lunch. Mrs Bennet is absent. MARY: This is the most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much talked of. ELIZABETH: Yes, thank you Mary. I -- I think we have all apprehended that much. MARY: But we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into each other's wounded bosoms the balm of sisterly consolation. 114

JANE: Mary, pass the potatoes to your aunt Gardiner. MARY: I beg your pardon? KITTY: Oh never mind, I will. MRS GARDINER: (Receives the dish) Thank you, Kitty. KITTY: (Aggrieved) And that's the first kind word I've had from anyone since Lydia went away. It is most unfair, for it is not as if I have done anything naughty. And I don't see that Lydia has done anything so very 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. MRS GARDINER: My dear Mary, this is hardly helpful. MARY: Well, a woman's reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful, and therefore we cannot be too guarded in our behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex. ELIZABETH: (To stop her) Yes! Thank you, Mary. Mary smiles, pleased, and continues to eat. Later. The drawing room at Longbourn. Jane stands looking out of the window, lost in thought. Lizzie enters, and goes to her. ELIZABETH: Now, Jane, tell me everything about it that I have not already heard. What did Colonel Forster say? Had they no apprehension about anything before the elopement took place? JANE: Colonel Forster did own he suspected some partiality on Lydia's side, but nothing to give him any alarm. (She moves away from Elizabeth) Lizzie, I feel I am to blame. For it was I who urged you not to make Wickham's bad conduct known. And now poor Lydia is suffering for it. No one else suspected him for a moment. I am,--- I am to blame. ELIZABETH: You are not to blame! No more than I, or Mr Darcy, or anyone else deceived by Wickham. You have nothing to blame yourself for. Others are culpable, not you. JANE: She -- wrote a note for Mrs Forster before she went away. Jane takes the note from where it is concealed in the book she is carrying, and hands it to Lizzie. Lizzie sits to read it. ELIZABETH: My dear Harriet, you will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help laughing myself at your surprise tomorrow morning, as soon as I am missed The scene changes to the night of the elopement, outside the Forster's house in Brighton. Lydia, carrying a small bag, rushes out along the front balcony, and smiles hugely and waves at Wickham waiting for her below by a carriage. He waves back urgently, indicating for her to make haste. Lydia's voice takes over the narrative. LYDIA: (V/O) -- I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with whom I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love. She runs down the steps to him, and he comes up to greet her, giving her a swift embrace and kiss before taking her hand and running back down to the carriage. LYDIA: (V/O) 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. Wickham hastens an excited Lydia into the carriage. He is a little wary, keeping an eye out in case they are discovered. LYDIA: (V/O) What a good joke it will be! I can scarcely write for laughing. Wickham closes the carriage door, it starts to move, and Lydia throws her arms around him. They begin to kiss passionately. Back at Longbourn, Lizzie puts down the letter. ELIZABETH: Thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia! What a letter to have written at such a moment! But at least it shows that she believed Wickham's purpose was marriage, whatever he might have persuaded her to afterwards. (She hands the note back to Jane) Oh, our poor father! How he must have felt it. JANE: (Sitting beside Lizzie) I never saw anyone so shocked. He could not speak a word for fully ten minutes. Our mother was taken ill with hysterics, and the whole house was in confusion. Lady Lucas has been very kind, offering her services.

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LIZZIE: (Getting up, distressed at this realisation that the world knows of their shame) She had better have stayed home. Assistance is impossible! (She puts a hand to her face) And condolence insufferable! Let her triumph over us at a distance and be satisfied. She opens the door to leave the room. JANE: Lizzie, that is unkind! I am sure she meant well. ELIZABETH: (Turning to look at her) Perhaps she did. I am sorry. It is just that I can't help be -- (She pauses, sad) Oh Jane! Jane do you not see that more things have been ruined by this business than Lydia's reputation? Jane looks upset too. Lizzie quietly leaves the room, closing the door. Later that evening, up in Lizzie's bedroom. She is in her nightclothes, her hair loose. She sits in front of her mirror, looking sadly at her own reflection. She thinks of Darcy, and sees his image reflected in her mirror, looking kindly but remotely at her. DARCY: I have stayed too long. I shall leave you now. He walks away. Lizzie sits, tears in her eyes, a solemn look on her face. What has she lost? Her thoughts are disturbed by a tap on the door. ELIZABETH: Come in! Jane (in her nightclothes) opens the door, and quietly enters. JANE: I thought you would not be in bed yet. She comes to Lizzie, and takes her hand. JANE: I have been thinking about what you said this afternoon. That it is not only Lydia's reputation that has been ruined. ELIZABETH: (Quietly) I was angry and upset. I should not have said it. It does no good to dwell on it. JANE: You meant, I suppose, that you and I -- and Mary and Kitty -- have been tainted by association. That our chances of making a good marriage have been materially damaged by Lydia's disgrace. Lizzie gets up, and moves to her bed. ELIZABETH: The chances of any of us making a good marriage were never very great. Now I should say they are non existent. No one will solicit our society after this. Mr Darcy made that very clear to me. JANE: Mr Darcy? Does he know our troubles? (She sits on Lizzie's bed) ELIZABETH: He happened upon me a moment after I had first read your letter. He was very kind, very gentlemanlike. But he made it very clear he wanted nothing more than to be out of my sight. (She is saddened by this, and takes Jane's hand.) He will not be renewing his addresses to me. And he will make very sure his friend does not renew his to you. JANE: I never expected Mr Bingley would renew his addresses, Lizzie. I am quite reconciled to that. But surely you do not desire Mr Darcy's attentions, do you? ELIZABETH: No. No, I never sought them. JANE: But you do think he was intending to renew them? You think he's still in love with you? ELIZABETH: I don't know. I don't know what he was two days ago. All I know is that he -- or any other respectable man will want nothing to do with any of us. They both sit, quiet and saddened.

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Night time. The busy streets of London. Mr Darcy emerges from an Inn, talking to an ostler as he strides rapidly along. A boy approaches with a tankard on a tray, and Darcy takes it and drinks from it as he walks - not a moment to lose. Day time. The garden at Longbourn. Kitty is standing alone in the garden, playing with a cup and ball on a string, when she sees a familiar open carriage approaching. KITTY: Oh Lord! (She runs to Mary, who is sitting reading) Look who's coming! MARY: Who is it, Kitty? KITTY: Mr Collins, of course! (She looks around for a means of escape) Well I'm not going to sit with him for anyone. She runs away towards the garden arch and concealment. We now see Mr Collins, sitting next to the driver. looking firm of purpose. The drawing room at Longbourn. Mr Collins stands alone by the fireplace. His cousins dutifully come in - Jane, Elizabeth and Mary. MR COLLINS: I had hoped to condole with your poor father and your mother. JANE: Our father is still in London, sir, and our mother is not yet well enough to leave her room. MR COLLINS: Ah. Ah. Mmm. He is momentarily at a loss. The girls all sit in a row on a sofa, facing him as he stands at the fireplace. MR COLLINS: I feel myself called on, not only by our relationship, but by my situation as a clergyman to condole with you all on the grievous affliction you are now suffering under. JANE: (Polite) Thank you, sir. MARY: It has often been said that a friend in need is a friend indeed, sir. MR COLLINS: Yes. (He clears his throat) Be assured, ladies, that Mrs Collins and myself sincerely sympathise with you in your present distress, which must be of the bitterest kind, proceeding from a cause which no time can remove. The death of your sister would have been a blessing in comparison. Lizzie reacts, and Jane lays a gently restraining hand upon hers. MR COLLINS: And it is more to be lamented because there is reason to suppose, my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in your sister has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence. (Lizzie pinches her lips together to remain silent) Though I am inclined to think that her disposition must be naturally bad. Howsoever that may be, you are grievously to be pitied. Jane and Lizzie, after a moment's hesitation, rise together to respond. JANE: We are very grateful sir, for your -MR COLLINS: In which opinion I am joined by Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter, to whom I have related the affair in full. Lizzie and Jane sit again. MR COLLINS: They agree with me in apprehending that this false step in one sister must be injurious to the fortunes of all the others. For who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family? Kitty can be seen peering in the window from the garden, to see if he is still there. A pause follows this pronouncement. Mr Collins, pleased to have delivered himself of his speech, prepares to sit. Lizzie suddenly stands, and he must remain standing. ELIZABETH: Who indeed, sir? And now perhaps, in view of that consideration, you may feel that it would be unwise for you to stay any longer now. Mr Collins considers this, a little on the back foot. MR COLLINS: Well -- well, perhaps you are right. Yes, perhaps you are right Cousin Elizabeth. ELIZABETH: I always feel that a clergyman cannot be too careful. Especially one so fortunate as to enjoy the condescension and the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. MR COLLINS: Your thoughtfulness does you credit, Cousin Elizabeth. He backs towards the door. 117

MR COLLINS: I am very, very sorry for you all. He bows, and prepares to leave. Outside, by his carriage. Mr Collins shakes his head sorrowfully, then prepares to climb up, passing his cane and book to the manservant while he does so. He looks like a black crow. Lizzie, Jane and Mary stand in the garden to watch him. Lizzie is angry. ELIZABETH: Insufferable man! JANE: I suppose he means well. ELIZABETH: Oh, then you suppose wrongly, Jane. His purpose in coming was to enjoy our misfortunes, and congratulate himself on his own happy situation. MARY: I think it very kind of him to visit and condole with us. They turn, and politely wave as Mr Collins is driven off. He nods gravely to them. Kitty pokes her head around the archway. KITTY: Is he gone? ELIZABETH: Yes. KITTY: Good. ELIZABETH: An forever, with any luck. Mrs Phillips can be seen hastening towards them. KITTY: Look, here's Aunt Phillips! She can tell us all the news from Meryton. ELIZABETH: I doubt there's much to tell we'd care to hear. JANE: Our mother will be pleased to see her. Mrs Phillips, a little out of breath, reaches them. MRS PHILLIPS: Well, girls. Here's a to do! Does your mother still keep to her bed? JANE: She is not in bed, but she keeps to her room. MRS PHILLIPS: Well, well, the less the servants hear the better, I daresay. Come, let me to her, Jane. For heaven knows, I've no glad tidings for her. They all turn and make their way to the house. Mrs Bennet's bedroom. Mrs Phillips is sitting by her. MRS PHILLIPS: -- And not a day goes by but 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 PHILLIPS: I have heard he's run up debts with every reputable tradesman in the town. MRS BENNET: Oh sister! MRS PHILLIPS: I have heard tales of gaming debts. MRS BENNET: Oh sister! MRS PHILLIPS: Of drunken routs, in which more things were broken beyond repair than heads and furniture, sister. MRS BENNET: (Waving her hanky) Oh sister, stop. MRS PHILLIPS: (On a roll) Debauches, intrigues, seductions. (Leaning closer) They say there's hardly a tradesman in the town whose daughters were not meddled with. MRS BENNET: Oh! And now he's meddling with our dearest girl! The foul fiend! Well he shall be discovered, and made to marry her.

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MRS PHILLIPS: 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 PHILLIPS: 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!

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London. Daytime. A small upper apartment, looking down onto a busy street. Sounds of activity below. Lydia sits at a table by the window, looking out and humming. She is getting bored. She looks back into the room, where Wickham in his shirt sleeves sits in an armchair, looking at some papers on a small table before him. He is not all that happy at the moment. LYDIA: When shall we travel into Hertfordshire, my love? WICKHAM: Come away from the window, dear. When I have settled my business affairs. These things always take longer than one thinks they will. He turns back to his letter, dipping a quill in ink. WICKHAM: You're not unhappy, surely? LYDIA: Lord, no. (She gets up and crosses to the double bed, which fills much of the small room) It's just that I can't wait to see my mother's face. And my sisters'. Kitty will be so envious. (She smoothes the ruffled bed sheets) How I shall laugh! I hope we shall be married from Longbourn. Then all my sisters will have to be my bridesmaids. Wickham looks up and smiles fleetingly. Lydia comes to stand behind him, and puts her hands on his shoulders. LYDIA: Oh, I do wish we could go out into the town, and be seen at plays and assemblies. Wickham is already tiring of all this. He pats her hand, looks up at her. WICKHAM: All in good time. Be patient, dear. He refills his wine glass from a bottle. Lydia runs her hands through his hair, and laughs. LYDIA: Lord, it makes me want to burst out laughing, when I think that I have done what none of my sisters has. And I the youngest of them all! Longbourn. Daytime. Jane runs upstairs, calling, passing Sarah the maid. JANE: Mother! There is a letter from my uncle Gardiner! (She runs into her mother's room.) Father is coming home today! MRS BENNET: And does he bring Lydia? JANE: No. MRS BENNET: Oh! (She collapses back into her chair) JANE: He and my uncle have not yet discovered where she is. My uncle will continue his enquiries alone! MRS BENNET: (In tears) What! Coming home and without poor Lydia? But who will fight Wickham and make him marry her if he comes away? Oh Jane! Jane, what is to become of us? Oh! Oh, fetch my smelling salts! I feel my faintness coming upon me again! Oh! Oh! Jane quickly picks up the smelling salts and opens the stopper, holding them out to her mother who is gesticulating for her to hurry. She takes a sniff, then falls back in tears. Later that day. It is raining. A solemn faced Mr Bennet gets out of the carriage, and enters the house, escorted by a man servant who holds an umbrella over him. Jane and Lizzie stand waiting for him at the front door, but he brushes past them and continues into the house. MR BENNET: Not now, Jane. Not now, Lizzie. He takes off his hat and damp cloak, goes into the library and closes the door, while the girls watch him. They look at each other. London, at night. A busy street. Darcy walks along slowly, searching. He brushes past people. He stops by a young woman, and asks her for directions. She points ahead. He gives her some coins, and continues on his quest. Turning the corner, he finds the house he is looking for, and raps briskly on the door with his cane. It is opened by a servant. Standing behind her is a woman who gasps when she recognises Darcy. He stares at her, grim faced. The servant tries to close the door on him, but he holds it open, and enters. DARCY: Mrs Younge . . . Longbourn. The same evening. The drawing room. Lizzie, Jane, Mary and Kitty sit there. Mary embroiders, Kitty seems to be engaged in decoupage, Jane and Lizzie are reading, though Lizzie cannot focus on her book. She sits, fiddling with her hair. JANE: Shall I go and get father? He's had nothing to eat since he came home. LIZZIE: (Closing her book) Let me. You take mother her tea. 120

They both get up. Just then, the door opens, and Mr Bennet enters the room. He sits down with a sigh. MR BENNET: Well, Jane. Elizabeth. Mary, Kitty. Elizabeth sits to look at him. ELIZABETH: (Compassionate) You look so tired, father. It must have been a dreadful time for you. MR BENNET: Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it. JANE: Oh papa! ELIZABETH: You must not be so severe upon yourself. MR BENNET: No, Lizzie. Let me for once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough. ELIZABETH: Do you still suppose them to be in London, sir? MR BENNET: Yes. Where else could they be so well concealed? KITTY: And Lydia always wanted to go to London. MR BENNET: She is happy, then. And her residence there will probably be of some duration. (Reaching out, he takes Lizzie's hand) Lizzie, I bear you no ill will for being justified in your advice to me in May, which, considering the event, shows some greatness of mind, I think. JANE: I must take mama her tea. Jane gets up, and pours a cup of tea. MR BENNET: She still keeps her state above stairs, does she? (Laughs briefly) Good. It lends such an elegance to our misfortune. Another time, I'll do the same. I'll sit in my library in my nightcap and powdering gown and I'll give as much trouble as I can. Or perhaps I may defer it, till Kitty runs away. KITTY: I'm not going to run away, papa. If I should go to Brighton, I would behave better than Lydia. MR BENNET: You? Go to Brighton? It wouldn't trust you as near it as Eastbourne! Not for fifty pounds. (He gets up) No Kitty, I have at last learnt to be cautious, and you will feel the effects of it. No officer is ever to enter my house again! Or even to pass through the village! Balls will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters! And you are never to stir out of doors until you can prove you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational manner! Kitty begins to sob. Her father goes to her, and puts a hand on her shoulder. MR BENNET: Well, well, well, don't make yourself unhappy, my dear. If you're a good girl for the next ten years, I'll take you to a review at the end of them. Kitty cries even harder at this. Mr Bennet quietly leaves the room. London. Night. Darcy appears at the entrance of a narrow street. He holds a piece of paper on which is evidently written an address. He consults the paper and walks, looking around. he stops, and looks at an upper window. Upstairs in their room, Lydia lies sprawled on the bed. She is in her nightclothes. She is restless. She gets up, and heads to the window. LYDIA: Oh dearest, shall we not go out tonight? Wickham in shirtsleeves sits in an armchair, drinking wine. LYDIA: Can we not go to the theatre? Wickham sighs impatiently, says nothing, but pours another drink. Lydia looks from the window. LYDIA: Lord! What in the world is he doing here? WICKHAM: (Turning at this) What? LYDIA: What a joke! WICKHAM: Who? Who is it? LYDIA: You will never guess! 121

WICKHAM: (Brusquely and impatient) Who is it?! LYDIA: Mr Darcy! The next day. An express rider on horseback travels at speed, riding towards Longbourn. Hearing his arrival, Hill peers out of a window, and then opens the front door to him, paying him for the letter he brings. She takes it, and then knocks on the library door. MR BENNET: (V/O) Come in! Hill enters, and gives him the letter. MR BENNET: Thank you, Hill. She drops a curtsy, and leaves. A little later, Hill goes into the garden, carrying a clothes basket. She is on her way to pick clothes from the line when she sees Jane and Elizabeth, both cutting flowers and pottering in the garden. She hesitates, then approaches them. JANE: Yes, Hill, what is it? Is Mrs Bennet asking for one of us? HILL: No, ma'am. I -- I beg your pardon, but -- did you know that an express come for master from Mr Gardiner? ELIZABETH: When did it come, Hill? HILL: Oh, about half an hour ago, ma'am. Jane and Elizabeth drop their flower baskets and run in search of Mr Bennet. He is not indoors -- they run down to the bottom of the garden, where their father can be seen pacing about. They stop, breathless. MR BENNET: Well, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: Papa! What news? (Panting) What news? Have you heard from my uncle? MR BENNET: Yes, yes, I have had a letter from him. ELIZABETH: Well what news does it bring? Good or bad? MR BENNET: (Taking out the letter) What is there of good to be expected? (He hands the letter to Lizzie) Perhaps you'd like to read it yourself. The two girls sit on a bench to eagerly read the letter. MR BENNET: Read it aloud, Lizzie. I hardly know what to make of it myself. ELIZABETH: (Reading, still catching her breath) My dear brother, At last I am able to send tidings of my niece and Mr Wickham. I have seen them both! The girls smile with relief. JANE: It is as I always hoped! They are married! ELIZABETH: (Reading ahead) They are not married. (Their faces fall again) Nor could I find there was any intention of being so. But if you are willing to perform the engagements I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are. (To her father) What engagements? MR BENNET: (Pacing) Read on. ELIZABETH: (Reading) All that is required of you is to assure your daughter her equal share of five thousand ponds she will inherit on your death, and also allow her during your life one hundred pounds per annum. (Looking up, surprised) So little? What about Wickham's debts? MR BENNET: Read on. ELIZABETH: You will easily comprehend Mr Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be. (She smiles) JANE: (Smiling) There! MR BENNET: (Still pacing) Read on, Lizzie! ELIZABETH: I am happy to say there will be some little money even when all his debts are discharged to settle on my niece. I cannot believe it. MR BENNET: Huh! Read on. 122

ELIZABETH: We have judged it best that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hope you will approve -JANE: Oh! Poor Kitty will be disappointed not to be a bridesmaid! ELIZABETH: Send back your answer as soon as you can, and be sure to write explicitly as to the financial settlement. Yours, etc. (She folds the letter) 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, I think. MR BENNET: (Now seated on another bench) You think that, Jane, if it gives you comfort. ELIZABETH: Have you answered the letter? MR BENNET: No, but I must. And soon. A short pause. Elizabeth stands, thinking about the evils of the situation. ELIZABETH: And they must marry. Yet he is such a man. MR BENNET: (Getting up) Yes, yes, they must marry. There's nothing else to be done. But there are two things I want very much 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

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That evening, in Jane's bedroom. Jane has washed her hair, and now sits in front of the fire to dry it. Elizabeth sits on a chest at the end of the bed. Both are in nightclothes. ELIZABETH: (Sighing) I wish I had never spoken a word of this whole affair to Mr Darcy. JANE: Dear Lizzie, please do not distress yourself. I'm sure Mr Darcy will respect your confidence. ELIZABETH: I'm sure he will. That is not what distresses me. JANE: What then? ELIZABETH: I don't know! How he must be congratulating himself on his escape! How he must despise me now. JANE: But Lizzie, you never sought his love. Nor welcomed it when he offered it. If he has withdrawn his high opinion of you now, why should you care? ELIZABETH: I don't know! I can't explain it! I know I shall probably never see him again. I cannot bear to think that he is alive in the world and thinking ill of me. Elizabeth sits and thinks these unhappy thoughts. We see Darcy, perhaps in her imagination, in close up, looking unhappy, as she recalls him from their last meeting.

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The next day at Longbourn. Mrs Bennet's room. She is very happy. Jane and Elizabeth are with her. Jane holds the letter. MRS BENNET: (Laughing) Oh, I knew it would all come out right in the end! Oh my dear, dear Lydia! She will be married. (Laughs) Oh, my good, kind brother. I knew how it would be. I knew he would manage everything. Oh, but the clothes! And of course, she must be married from Longbourn. This is all nonsense about her being married from Cheapside. She must be married in Longbourn church, where all her friends can see her. ELIZABETH: No ma'am, that is not possible. You must see that. MRS BENNET: I do not see that! Why should I see that? Why should that be?! ELIZABETH: (Unable to be polite) Because she has been living with Mr Wickham in London! And if she were to arrive home unmarried still ! MRS BENNET: (Grudging) Oh well, I suppose it must be, if you put it like that. But it is all very vexing! And your uncle has been most high handed. I don't see why he should take so much upon him! JANE: Mama, we are greatly indebted to Mr Gardiner! ELIZABETH: He must have laid out a great deal of money to pay off Mr Wickham's debts! More than we can ever repay. MRS BENNET: And why should he not? Who else should lay out money but her own uncle? ELIZABETH: Mother! MRS BENNET: Oh well! I am so happy! A daughter married! And only just sixteen! Mrs Wickham. Ooh! How well that sounds! (Recalling) Oh, but the wedding clothes! Lizzie my dear, go down to your father and ask how much he will give her. (She laughs) Lizzie gets up and leaves the room. Half way down the stairs, she stops and sighs in frustration at her mother. Mrs Bennet can still be heard making plans. MRS BENNET: (V/O) Oh Jane! As soon as I am dressed, I shall go to Meryton and tell my sister Phillips. Oh, ring the bell for Hill! It will look good, I'm sure. And I shall call on Lady Lucas and Mrs Long. Oh Jane! Jane, it's such wonderful news! Oh, where is Hill? Hill can be seen in the background, running to Mrs Bennet's room. Lizzie enters the open door of the library, looking at her father, who stands lost in contemplation. ELIZABETH: (Quietly) Papa? He turns, and holds out his hand to her. She takes it, and they stand together in silence, listening to Mrs Bennet. MRS BENNET: (V/O) Oh Hill! Have you heard the good news? -MR BENNET: Shut the door, Lizzie. She closes the door, cutting off the sound of Mrs Bennet. 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? (He doesn't answer) Do you think my uncle will have to pay out a great deal of money? MR BENNET: I do. Wickham's a fool if he takes her for a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. ELIZABETH: (Stunned) Ten thousand pounds? Oh 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. (He sits) The reason was, of course, I intended to father a son. The son would inherit the estate, no part of which would be entailed away, so providing for my widow and any other children. By the time your mother and I 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: (Shaking his head) I should have taken better care of you all. The satisfaction of prevailing upon one of the most worthless young men in Britain might then have rested in its proper place. As it is, the thing is done with extraordinary little inconvenience to myself. When you take into 127 And you shall have a bowl of punch to make merry --

account what I shall save on Lydia's board and pocket allowance, I'm scarcely ten pounds a year worse off. (Lizzie just looks at him) I am heartily ashamed of myself, Lizzie. But don't despair. It'll pass. And no doubt, more quickly than it should. He leaves, and Elizabeth is left with her reflections. London. A church in Cheapside. A carriage pulls up, containing Mr and Mrs Gardiner and Lydia in her wedding clothes -a simple but elegant white gown and bonnet. She carries a bouquet of flowers. Mr Gardiner helps first her then his wife down from the carriage. He then takes Lydia's hand to escort her into the church. Lydia is beaming. She looks around. LYDIA: Where is everyone? Inside the church, Wickham stands when he hears the bridal party approaching. He is not entirely happy, but has decided to make the best of it, and gives Lydia a smile as she walks towards him. Darcy suddenly stands up beside him . He is there as groomsman and witness, and no doubt to ensure the ceremony takes place. He is stern faced, but determined to do his duty. Lydia is all smiles, but she is the only one deriving pleasure from this event. A vicar steps up to the altar, and turns to face the bride and groom. VICAR: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God . . . A close up of the Gardiners, looking solemn faced as the witness the wedding. MR GARDINER: (V/O) -- Mr Wickham is to resign from the militia, and go into a northern regiment. Happily, there are still some among his former friends whom are still willing to assist him in purchasing a commission. Close up of Darcy, turning to look solemnly, and with dislike, at Wickham. The camera then pans to Wickham and Lydia, being married. MR GARDINER: (V/O) I have written to Colonel Forster to request that he will satisfy Mr Wickham's creditors in Brighton, for which I have pledged myself-The dinner table at Longbourn. It is 5.30pm, and still broad daylight. Mr Bennet reads aloud from this same letter. His wife and daughters quietly eat and listen MR BENNET: ".-- Perhaps you will be so good as to do the same for his creditors in Meryton, of whom I enclose a list (He picks up a large sheet or two of paper, and waves them in the air), according to his information. I hope at least he has not deceived us." Hmm, let us all hope so. "As soon as they are married, they will journey directly to join his regiment in Newcastle, unless they are first invited to Longbourn." MRS BENNET: Oh yes, my dear Mr Bennet! Of course they must come here! I long to see my dear Lydia. And dear Wickham too, of course. As she rattles on, Lizzie, Jane and Mr Bennet can only listen in appalled silence. MRS BENNET: But it is shocking that poor Lydia should have been sent away from Brighton. And such a favourite among all the officers! There were several of the young men there, you know, that she liked very much, and they will miss her as much as she will miss them. These northern officers may not be quite so pleasant. MR BENNET: My dear Mrs Bennet, I am sure our youngest daughter will have no difficulty in finding friends as silly as she is in Newcastle. She has a talent for making a spectacle of herself wherever she goes. Sarah and Mrs Hill enter, bearing bowls of fruit. MRS BENNET: But if they are to leave Brighton, they should come to Hertfordshire, and reside in the neighbourhood. Haye Park might do, if the Goldings would quit it, or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing rooms were larger. KITTY: Or Purvis Lodge. MRS BENNET: Oh no, dear! Not Purvis Lodge! The attics there are dreadful! MR BENNET: Mrs Bennet? Before you take any -- or all -- of these houses, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in the neighbourhood, they shall never have admittance! Mr and Mrs Wickham will never be welcome to Longbourn!

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Some days later. A small open carriage approaches, drawn by one brown horse. Lydia, in fine clothes, and Wickham sit inside. They smile at one another, and seem relatively content. Lydia is peering excitedly for a view of Longbourn house. The carriage pulls up, and the whole Bennet family steps out of the house to greet the new arrivals. Mrs Bennet is the most pleased. She steps forward, waving her hanky. The others are subdued. Wickham gets down and assists Lydia from the carriage. She goes immediately to her smiling mother. LYDIA: (All smiles) Lord! It seems an age since we were at Longbourn! And here you all are, just the same. MRS BENNET: Oh my dear, dear Lydia! (She embraces her daughter happily) At last! (She looks at her) Oh, I do believe you've grown! (She squeezes her cheeks) Oh, how we've missed you! LYDIA: Oh, we've been far too merry to miss any of you! Wickham has been smiling, but even he can see this is not the most welcoming committee. Lydia and her mother laugh. Lydia takes Wickham's arm, to draw him to her. LYDIA: Well, here we are. Haven't I caught myself a handsome husband? MRS BENNET: Indeed you have, my love! Wickham is all smiles again. He catches Lizzie's eye. She looks at him with concealed contempt, then looks away. MRS BENNET: You are very welcome, sir. WICKHAM: You are all goodness and kindness, ma'am. As always. (He smiles and bows politely to her) MRS BENNET: Oh, let me give you a kiss, then. (She steps forward, and kisses Wickham on the cheek) Mr Bennet, mindful of propriety, steps forward. He is subdued, but polite. MR BENNET: Well, shall we go in? MRS BENNET: (Smiling) Oh! She takes her husband's arm, and they lead the way into the house. Jane moves to follow, but Lydia and Wickham step up, arm in arm. LYDIA: No, Jane. I take your place now. You must go lower, because I am a married woman. She thinks this is a great joke. Wickham takes another glance at Lizzie. He and Lydia move towards the house. LYDIA: Mrs Wickham! (She looks back at her sisters, making a face) Lord, how droll that sounds! Wickham and Lydia laugh at this. Her sisters look at her, then each other, keeping their thoughts to themselves, then approach the house. Later. Jane, Lizzie, Kitty and Lydia have gone out for a walk in the green fields. Wickham is on horseback, and is galloping around them nearby, enjoying the ride. Occasionally, he rides his horse in a circle around the girls. Lydia watches him with great fondness. LYDIA: How do you like my husband, Lizzie? I believe you envy me. For was he not a favourite of yours once? Wickham rides past them again, smiling and waving. ELIZABETH: Not at all, I assure you. LYDIA: What a pity we didn't all go to Brighton. I could have got husbands for all my sisters. ELIZABETH: Thank you for my share of the favour, but I don't particularly like your way of getting husbands. Wickham canters close by them again. Lydia looks at him, smiling. LYDIA: Isn't my husband a fine horseman? Colonel Forster himself said he has as good a seat as any officer in the regiment. Wickham jumps his horse over a log, and Lydia gasps and giggles with pleasure. LYDIA: I wished he could wear his red coat at the wedding, and have a guard of honour with their sabres drawn. But the officers could not be spared from their duties. And in the end, there was no one there but my aunt and uncle and Mr Darcy. Lizzie stops walking, astonished. 129

ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy! Mr Darcy was at your wedding? LYDIA: Oh yes! For someone had to come with Wickham and be groomsman. I had much rather it had been Denny or one of our other friends, but -- (she stops, gasps, and puts her hands over her mouth) Oh Lord! (She laughs) Oh Lord, I forgot! I wasn't to say a word! And I promised them so faithfully. What will Wickham say now? (She laughs a little) It was supposed to be a secret. She laughs. Wickham rides close by them again, smiling at them. Lydia runs off, laughing. Elizabeth thinks -- what can all this mean? She walks slowly, her mind turning this over. ELIZABETH: (V/O) My dear aunt, pray write and let me understand how he of all people should have been there. Unless you too are bound to the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary. London, the Gardiner residence in Cheapside. Two of the children are playing a game of spillikins at a table in the drawing room. Mrs Gardiner sits at a small desk, writing a reply to Elizabeth. MRS GARDINER: (V/O) My dear niece, I must confess myself surprised by your letter. If you were indeed in ignorance of the part that Mr Darcy played in bringing about the marriage, let me enlighten you at once. Mr Darcy paid us an unexpected visit-At Longbourn, Elizabeth is walking in the garden, reading this letter from her aunt. She makes her way to a seat in a quiet part of the garden. MRS GARDINER: (V/O) -- and so, my dear Lizzie, Mr Darcy would brook no opposition. He insisted on doing everything himself, and bearing the entirety of the expense. Nothing was to be done that he did not do himself. And your uncle, instead of being allowed to be of use to his niece, was forced to put up with having the credit of it. The scene shifts back to the Gardiners' drawing room. Darcy sits facing them, speaking with determination. DARCY: I must be allowed to insist on this. The fault is mine, and so must the remedy be. It was through my mistaken pride, my reserve, that Mr Wickham's character has not been made known to the world. Had I not thought it beneath me to lay my private actions open to the world, his character would have been exposed, and this elopement could never have taken place. MR GARDINER: Mr Darcy, I really believe you take too much upon yourself. DARCY: I must insist on this, sir. I assure you that in this matter, argument is fruitless. (He stands) The responsibility is mine. I must have it, sir. I shall not give way. Mr Gardiner glances at his wife for confirmation, and then with a slight sigh of capitulation, holds out a hand, which Darcy shakes firmly. Elizabeth's solitude is suddenly interrupted. Wickham stands nearby, watching her. Lydia and Kitty can be seen giggling together in the background. After a while, they go back into the house WICKHAM: My dear sister! (Elizabeth looks up, surprised) Oh, I am afraid I am interrupting your solitary reverie. ELIZABETH: (Folding her letter) You are indeed. But it doesn't follow that the interruption must be unwelcome. WICKHAM: (Approaching her, smiling) I should be sorry if it were. You and I were always good friends. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) True. WICKHAM: Then -- shall we take a turn together? Sister. They take a leisurely stroll together through the garden. WICKHAM: I was surprised to see Darcy in town last month. We -- um -- we passed each other several times. I wonder what he could be doing there? ELIZABETH: Perhaps preparing for the wedding. (Wickham gives her a swift look) With Miss de Bourgh. WICKHAM: Yes. Yes, perhaps. ELIZABETH: (Wondering how far he will go) It must have been something particular to take him there at this time of year. WICKHAM: Undoubtedly. They continue their stroll. WICKHAM: Did you see him while you were at Lambton? I thought I understood from the Gardiners that you had. ELIZABETH: Yes, he introduced us to his sister. WICKHAM: Did you like her? 130

ELIZABETH: Yes, I did like her, very much indeed. WICKHAM: Well I have heard indeed that she is uncommonly improved within this last year or two. When I last saw her, she was not very promising. I am glad you liked her. I hope she will turn out well. ELIZABETH: I daresay she will. She has got over the most trying age. WICKHAM: Did you go by the village of Kympton? ELIZABETH: I don't recollect that we -WICKHAM: Oh, I mention it because it was the living I should have had. ELIZABETH: (Stopping) And how should you have liked making sermons? WICKHAM: Exceedingly well. ELIZABETH: I did hear that there was a time when sermon making was not so palatable to you as it seems to be at present. That you actually declared your resolution of never taking orders, and were compensated accordingly. Wickham looks embarrassed for a moment or two. WICKHAM: Well-ELIZABETH: (Having won her point) Oh come, Mr Wickham, we are brother and sister you know. Let us not quarrel about the past. She holds out a hand, he bends and kisses it, and she walks on into the house. Wickham follows, knowing she has found him out.

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Another day. It is time for Lydia and Wickham to depart. The carriage is brought to the front door. The family emerges from the house to say goodbye, Wickham leading the way. Mrs Bennet is arm in arm with Lydia, and is clearly upset at her departure. MRS BENNET: Oh my dear! When shall we meet again? LYDIA: (Cheerful) Lord, I don't know! Not these two or three years, perhaps. She links arms with Wickham, who waits by the carriage. MRS BENNET: (Tearful) Oh! Not these two or three years! (She hugs Lydia) Oh what shall I do! And Mr Bennet so cruel as to refuse to take us into the north country! MARY: I should refuse to go in any case. MRS BENNET: Oh, hold your tongue, girl! Who asked you? Lydia smiles up at Wickham, stroking his jacket, and he smiles back at her. MRS BENNET: Oh Lydia! (She hugs her again) You will write to me often, won't you? LYDIA: Well, 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 as I shall. Wickham and Lydia laugh. MRS BENNET: Oh Lydia! Oh Mr Wickham, take care of my girl. WICKHAM: (All charm and grace) I shall, ma'am, to the very best of my ability. And thank you, ma'am, and to you sir, for your continued and unstinting kindness and hospitality. And to you, my dear sisters in law, and now as dear to me as sisters ever could be. But -the carriage awaits, duty and honour call me to the north, and so come my dear. Lydia quickly enters the carriage, followed by Wickham. Mrs Bennet presses her handkerchief to her lips. The couple lean out of the carriage window, Lydia all smiles. WICKHAM: Let us say not farewell, but as the French have it, au revoir! The carriage pulls away, with Lydia leaning from the window to wave. The family all wave back. MR BENNET: (To Lizzie) He's as fine a fellow as ever I saw. He simpers and smirks and makes love to us all. Oh, I'm prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce such a son in law. Time passes for the Bennet family. A sunny afternoon. Elizabeth and Jane stroll through the garden. Elizabeth looks a little bored. Mary can be heard playing the piano from indoors. We see her, stumbling slightly over the hard passages as she practices. Across the room, Kitty sits at the table, busily redecorating a bonnet. She looks at her handiwork, hates it, and tosses it aside. Mrs Bennet is up in her room, feeling unwell. Hill carries a tray of afternoon tea to her, and servants fuss around while Mrs Bennet waves her handkerchief about in the air. Mr Bennet sits in his library by the fire with a glass of wine. He is engrossed in a book, and is well content. Nightime. Lizzie, in her nightclothes, goes slowly to her mirror, and sits before it. She is dispirited. She looks at her reflection for a moment, and then with resolution, blows out the candle beside her. Daytime. Mrs Phillips makes her way to Longbourn, a basket over her arm, hastened by the gossip she has to pass on. MRS PHILLIPS: (V/O) Sister! Sister! Have you heard the news? Mr Bingley is coming back to Netherfield, and the whole town is talking of it Netherfield Hall. A delivery cart drives up to the front, and four male servants in their shirt sleeves emerge to take delivery of foodstuffs and other goods. Shutters are opened on the windows. Smoke comes from the chimney. The servants carry baskets of supplies into the kitchen area of the house. Later. Bingley and Mr Hurst are out shooting birds. Bingley takes careful aim, fires, and evidently has some success. He smiles. A gamekeeper with dogs stands by. The kitchen at Longbourn. Lizzie and Jane stand at a table, making up large bunches of fragrant herbs and flowers, which they then hang up to dry. JANE: No, I do assure you, this news does not affect me. Truly, Lizzie. Lizzie just smiles at this. JANE: I am glad of one thing. He does not bring any ladies. If it is merely a shooting party, we shall not see him often. I am not afraid of myself, but I dread other people's remarks, Lizzie. 133

ELIZABETH: Then I shall venture none -- however sorely I am tempted. (They smile) After all, it is hard that the poor man can't come to a house he has legally rented without raising all this speculation. JANE: That is just what I think. ELIZABETH: Then we shall leave him to himself. JANE: Yes. Lizzie says nothing, but she gives her a very knowing smile as she hangs up a bunch of herbs. JANE: Stop it, Lizzie! They giggle. Later, in the small drawing room. Mary is practising at the piano. Mrs Bennet walks about listlessly. MRS BENNET: Three days he has been in the neighbourhood, and still he shuns us! (Raising her voice for her husband's benefit) I say it's all your father's fault. He would not do his duty and call. So you shall all die old maids! And we shall be turned out by the Collinses to starve in the hedgerows. We can now see into the larger drawing room, where Mr Bennet stands by the fire. Kitty stands looking out of the window. Jane and Lizzie sit at the table, quietly embroidering. MR BENNET: (Calling from the next room) You promised me last year that if I went to see him, he'd marry one of my daughters. And it all came to nothing. Well I won't be sent on a fool's errand again. Hmph! Kitty has seen something interesting. KITTY: Mama! Mama look, I think he is coming! Mrs Bennet rushes to the window. Jane, secretly excited, looks up at Lizzie, who smiles gently back at her. Mrs Bennet and Kitty peer through the curtains. We see two gentlemen approach slowly on horseback. MRS BENNET: Is it really him? I believe it must be. He is come, Jane! He is come at last! She rushes over to Jane. MRS BENNET: Run and put on your blue gown. Jane gets up to obey. Mrs Bennet pulls her back by the arm. MRS BENNET: No! No, stay where you are! KITTY: (Still looking out the window) Who is that with him? MRS BENNET: Oh Lord, I don't know, dear! Some acquaintance, I suppose. Jane is a little nervous. Lizzie takes her hand for comfort. Mary comes to sit at the table. Even she is affected by the air of excitement. Mrs Bennet tidies her hair. Kitty hangs out the window. The gentlemen are still slowly riding towards the house. KITTY: It looks like that man who used to be with him before. Mr -- oh, what's his name? You know, that tall, proud one. Lizzie is astonished by this news. A little smile of secret delight appears on her face, and her breathing quickens. Jane gives her a look of understanding. MRS BENNET: Mr Darcy! (She peers out the window) I believe it is. Well, any friend of Mr Bingley's will always be welcome here, to be sure. But else I must say that I hate the sight of him! Elizabeth picks up her embroidery to cover her feelings. She hears the following pronouncements by her mother with some inner distress. Mrs Bennet checks her appearance in a wall mirror. MRS BENNET: But I am determined to be civil, if only because the man is a friend of Bingley's. But no more than civil. Oh, sit up straight, Jane! Pull your shoulders back! (She tugs at Jane's shoulders) A man could go a long way without seeing a figure like yours, if you would only make the most of it. By now, all four daughters are decorously sitting at the table. The outer door can be heard, and Mrs Bennet rushes to sit politely and regally in an armchair to receive her visitors. Hill opens the door of the drawing room. We can see Bingley waiting outside. HILL: Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy, ma'am. (She drops a polite curtsy) The ladies all stand to greet their guests, who carry their hats and riding crops. Bingley steps forward, smiling widely, to address Mrs Bennet. He and Darcy bow, Darcy with grave formality. Darcy looks very handsome, but a little reserved. Elizabeth steals a glance at him as he stands relatively near her.

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MRS BENNET: (All smiles) Mr Bingley! You are very, very welcome. BINGLEY: How do you do, Mrs Bennet? I -MRS BENNET: (Interrupting) It is far too long since you were here, and very, very kind of you to call. Under cover of this, Elizabeth steals another sideways glance at Darcy. He is looking at the floor. Almost at once, he glances sideways back at her, and then returns his gaze to Mrs Bennet. They are both perhaps embarrassed and uncertain and Elizabeth is the only one who knows what a debt her family owes this man. This makes her mother's treatment of him even more agonising. MRS BENNET: Mr Bennet of course would have paid his addresses before this, were it not -- Well, here you are! (She laughs) I am delighted. (Finally, she acknowledges his friend, though clearly with less effusiveness) And Mr Darcy. You are welcome too. The ladies seat themselves. Bingley takes a seat opposite Mrs Bennet (and from where he can see Jane, whom he is aware of, but has not looked at yet). Darcy quietly takes himself over to the window, where he stands looking into the room, resting his hand on the back of Bingley's chair. Bingley also feels some slight embarrassment in the difference between Mrs Bennet's treatment of him and Darcy, but he is utterly polite and charming. Darcy's eyes glance fleetingly at Elizabeth, and she is aware of it. She puts more focus into her sewing than it would normally get. MRS BENNET: We began to be afraid you would never come back again. People did say you meant to quit the place entirely by Michaelmas. But I hope however that is not true. Ring the bell for tea, Kitty! (Kitty gets up to obey) A great many changes have taken place since you went away. Elizabeth cannot resist looking at Darcy again. He is facing away from her, but he too cannot resist -- he turns his head, and slides his eyes quickly in her direction then away again. Lizzie is eager to know what to make of this, but cannot be sure. She maintains her look, and he returns it. MRS BENNET: -- Miss Lucas is married and settled, and one of my own daughters. I expect you have heard of it. Indeed, you must have read it in the papers. BINGLEY: Yes, indeed. I -MRS BENNET: Though it was not put in properly. Kitty resumes her seat, and continues with some sketching. Jane glances at Bingley, and he casts his eyes quickly in her direction, obviously very aware of her while he is being polite to her mother. Darcy, hearing where the conversation is going, turns his back on the room, and looks out of the window. Lizzie glances at Jane, anguished at her mother's behaviour. MRS BENNET: -- It only said, "Lately, George Wickham Esquire to Miss Lydia Bennet", without a syllable said about who her father was, or where she lived, or anything. And now they are gone to Newcastle, and there they are to stay. I don't know how long. I expect you've heard he has gone into the Regulars. Bingley is ready to reply, but gets no chance. Mrs Bennet gives Darcy's back a dirty glance, and clearly makes the following remark for his benefit. MRS BENNET: Well, thank heaven he has some friends. Though perhaps not as many as he deserves. Elizabeth feels deeply this insult to Darcy. She addresses Bingley, in a desperate attempt to save the situation, and change the subject. ELIZABETH: Do you mean to stay long in the neighbourhood on this visit? BINGLEY: (Who clearly feels the embarrassment of the moment Uh - (he glances to Darcy for support, but Darcy is looking determinedly out of the window) -- our plans are -- not yet -- firmly settled. But I hope -- I hope we shall stay some weeks. Jane smiles gently at him, and this brings a big smile of happiness to his face. BINGLEY: I hope very much we shall a few weeks. (Smiling at Jane, who returns his smile) At the very least. Darcy clearly hears what is said, but keeps his own counsel, and remains looking out of the window. Bingley's gaze lingers with Jane, until politeness forces him to look back at Mrs Bennet. MRS BENNET: Well, when you have killed all your own birds, Mr Bingley (Bingley's attention is forced back to Mrs Bennet), I beg you would come here and shoot as many as you please on Mr Bennet's manor. (She laughs) I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you. (Bingley's polite smile is a little fixed at this) And I suppose you may bring your friends-Darcy turns his head slightly at this. MRS BENNET: -- If you will. Elizabeth sighs quietly, in embarrassment at her mother's treatment of Darcy. After the visit. The two gentlemen are seen riding slowly away from the house In the garden. Lizzie and Jane stroll and talk together. JANE: Now that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly at ease. 135

ELIZABETH: (Not sure she can say the same) Good! JANE: Now I know my own strength, and I shall never again be embarrassed by his coming. We shall be able to meet now as -- as common and indifferent acquaintances. ELIZABETH: (Laughing) Yes, very indifferent! Jane! Take care! JANE: Don't think me to be in any danger now, Lizzie. ELIZABETH: I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever. Jane looks a little shy, but does not deny this.

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Netherfield Hall., next morning. A carriage waits by the front door. A servant opens a door and Darcy emerges, in a dark travelling coat, carrying his hat and cane. Bingley follows him, almost angry, insofar as that is possible for him. BINGLEY: You tell me now that she was in London all those months, and you concealed it from me? They descend the front steps. DARCY: Yes. I can offer no justification. It was an arrogant presumption based on a failure to recognise your true feelings. And Miss Bennet's. They have reached the carriage. Darcy turns to look at his friend. DARCY: I should never have interfered. It was very wrong of me, Bingley, and I apologise. BINGLEY: (Almost surprised at receiving an apology from Darcy of all people) Do you admit that you were in the wrong? DARCY: Utterly and completely. BINGLEY: (Too long used to being guided by his friend) Then -I have your blessing? DARCY: Do you need my blessing? BINGLEY: (Realising his own power) No! (Softening) But I should like to know I have it all the same. DARCY: (Smiling) Then go to it! He climbs into the carriage and sits. He glances at his friend. The door is closed, and he is driven off. Bingley watches his departure. Then, now a man of decisiveness, he hails a passing servant. BINGLEY: Bring me my horse -- at once! Quick, man! Bingley rides his horse through country lanes, on his way to Longbourn. He is smiling, almost excited. At Longbourn, in the upstairs hallway. Mrs Bennet in her nightclothes, hair in curlers, erupts along the passageway. MRS BENNET: Jane! Jane! Oh my dear Jane! She bursts into Jane's bedroom. Jane, only partly dressed, her hair in a plait, sits on her bed. JANE: Mama, what is the matter? MRS BENNET: He is come! He is come! JANE: Who is come? MRS BENNET: Mr Bingley, of course! Jane responds to this news with a little gasp. MRS BENNET: Make haste, make haste! Hurry down! Oh, gracious, you're not half dressed! (She rushes out of the room) Hill! Hill! She runs along the corridor, holding up her nightgown. MRS BENNET: Oh, where is Hill? She rushes along and into Lizzie's room. Lizzie sits while Sarah helps her to do her hair. MRS BENNET: Oh, never mind, Sarah. You must come to Miss Bennet this moment! Come along girl and help her on with her gown! Never mind Miss Lizzie's hair! Kitty runs from her room and along the corridor. Mrs Bennet is running from Lizzie's room, towing Sarah behind her. MRS BENNET: Make haste! KITTY: Mama! Mama! Where is my new locket that Lydia brought me from London? Mary emerges, carrying her music.

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KITTY: Mary, have you seen my new locket? MARY: I shouldn't know it if I did see it. I care nothing for such baubles. She carries on down the corridor. Kitty sticks out her tongue at her. MRS BENNET: Oh, never mind your locket, girl! Lizzie emerges from her room, and so does Jane, who is unfastening her plait. MRS BENNET: Jane, stir yourself! He is here! He is here! JANE: Mama, Lizzie and I will be down as soon as we can. Let Kitty go down. She is forwarder than any of us. MRS BENNET: Oh, hang Kitty! What has she to do with it! Kitty's face crumples, and she stamps her foot petulantly and runs off. Mrs Bennet pushes Jane back to her room, and Sarah runs after her, leaving Lizzie fiddling with her own hair. MRS BENNET: Jane, be quick! Oh where is your muslin dress, dear? Oh Hill! Hill! The drawing room. Mr Bingley sits, feeling a little helpless. Jane, Kitty and Lizzie sit facing him on the sofa. Mary sits on a chair. Mrs Bennet sits near Bingley. Silence, finally broken by Mrs Bennet. MRS BENNET: So Mr Darcy has gone to town? BINGLEY: Yes, ma'am. He left quite early this morning. A long, uncomfortable silence ensues. Mrs Bennet starts to stare hard at Kitty and Lizzie, and winks at them both. Lizzie knows what her mother is trying to do, and resolutely decides to ignore it, for Jane's sake. She hopes Bingley has not noticed. Kitty looks puzzled. Bingley is not sure what the atmosphere bodes. Mrs Bennet winks very determinedly at Kitty. KITTY: What's the matter, mama? Why do you keep winking at me? Mrs Bennet rolls her eyes. KITTY: What am I to do? MRS BENNET: Wink at you? Why should I wink at you, child? What a notion! Why should I be winking at my own daughter, pray? But now you ask, it puts me in mind. I do have something I would speak to you about. Come! She stands, and instantly, Bingley stands politely, and a little nervous. MRS BENNET: Come with me! And you, Mary -- come! Mary and Kitty dutifully follow their mother out of the room. Bingley gives a small polite bow to each of them. Elizabeth and Jane remain seated. Elizabeth picks up her embroidery. Bingley sits, but no one can think of anything to say. After a few moments, the door opens. Hill enters, embarrassed at being sent on this task. HILL: Um -- Miss Elizabeth. Er -- you're needed upstairs. She curtsies and goes. Elizabeth has no choice. She smiles to Bingley and goes. He stands and bows to her. At the door, she gives Jane an apologetic look. Alone at last! Jane gives Bingley a sweet, shy look. Bingley looks nervous, but he is working himself up to the task at hand. Kitty, Mary and Lizzie sit upstairs with their mother, Lizzie under sufferance. Mary reads a book. Kitty tends the fire. After a silence, Lizzie speaks. ELIZABETH: Mother, please let me go down to Jane. I promised I would stay with her. MRS BENNET: Stay where you are! Five more minutes will do the trick. Mrs Bennet is confident. A few minutes later, Lizzie comes running down the stairs. She approaches the drawing room, and throws open the door. Bingley and Jane are standing close together by the fireplace, deep in pleasurable conversation. They pull back a little from one another. Lizzie is embarrassed, and turns to leave. ELIZABETH: Oh! I'm so sorry. JANE: No! No, don't go, Lizzie. Bingley leans down to Jane, and whispers something in her ear. Then, smiling at both of them, he leaves the room. ELIZABETH: (Smiling) Well? 138

JANE: Oh Lizzie! She is deeply happy. She embraces her sister. JANE: I am so happy! It is too much. It is too much. Oh, why can't everyone be as happy as I am? They laugh together with pleasure. JANE: He loves me, Lizzie. He loves me! ELIZABETH: Oh, of course he does? JANE: He told me he always loved me. All the time! He didn't believe -She walks away, then turns back to her sister. JANE: Oh Lizzie! Could you believe things would end in this happy way? ELIZABETH: (Happy for her) I could, and I do. JANE: I must go to my mother. Oh Lizzie! To know I shall be giving such pleasure to all my dear family. How shall I bear so much happiness? She kisses Lizzie's cheek, and goes, smiling. Lizzie is very happy for her, but when she is alone, she starts to think a little of her own situation, not sure what will happen. Later, Bingley is leaving Longbourn, escorted by Mr Bennet. The others follow, with Jane and Mrs Bennet leading the way. MR BENNET: Come back tomorrow, sir, if you can bear to. Come and shoot with me, if you will. There are few men whose society I can tolerate with equanimity, but I believe you may turn out to be one of them. He holds out a hand with a smile, and Bingley shakes it vigorously. Jane looks at him, beaming. BINGLEY: Thank you, sir. I shall be very happy to. MR BENNET: Very well, very well. Go along with you. Bingley glances at Jane, then mounts his horse, aided by a groom. Once mounted, he tips his hat, smiling. BINGLEY: Till tomorrow, then! And off he goes. MR BENNET: (Smiling) Jane, congratulations. You will be a very happy woman. JANE: Thank you, father. (She kisses him on the cheek) I believe I shall. MR BENNET: Well, well. You're a good girl. (He takes her hand, and proceeds back to the house) And I've no doubt you will do very well together. You are each of you so complying that nothing will ever be resolved on. JANE: (Smiling) Papa! MR BENNET: So easy that every servant will cheat you. JANE: (Laughing) No indeed! MR BENNET: And so generous that you will always exceed your income. MRS BENNET: Exceed their income! What are you talking about? Don't you know he has five thousand a year? He moves on. Mrs Bennet laughs happily, and embraces Jane, kissing her cheek. 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 goes indoors. Jane turns to Lizzie, wanting happiness for her. JANE: Oh Lizzie! If only I could see you as happy. 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. Till I have your goodness, I can never have your happiness. But perhaps if I have very good luck, I may in time meet with another Mr Collins. 139 I must go and tell mama. Oh, he has gone to papa already.

They go into the house, arm in arm, laughing together.

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Another day at Longbourn. A most impressive carriage with riders in red coats is seen approaching up the drive. Kitty runs out to look, curious. The carriage contains Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne. Kitty runs back inside. Her mother (embroidering) and Lizzie (reading a book) are seated in the drawing room. KITTY: (Calling) Mama! Lizzie! Come and look! The most enormous carriage has arrived! (She bursts into the room) They all go to look out of the window. A stentorian and disapproving voice is heard from the hallway. LADY CATHERINE: (V/O) What an extremely small hallway! HILL: (V/O) If you will wait here, your ladyship, I'll tell Mrs Bennet you're here. LADY CATHERINE: (V/O) No! I will not wait! Where is she? Is this the drawing room? Hill runs in ahead of her. HILL: Lady Catherine de Bourgh! Lady Catherine sweeps in imperiously, and looks around with distaste. The ladies curtsy politely to her. She selects a chair, and sits as if she owns the place. The others stand. A silence follows. At length: LADY CATHERINE: That lady I suppose is your mother. ELIZABETH: Yes she is. Mama, this is Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Small polite nods follow. Another silence. LADY CATHERINE: (Looking at Kitty) And that, I suppose, is one of your sisters? MRS BENNET: Yes, ma'am. She is my youngest girl but one. My youngest of all is lately married. LADY CATHERINE: You have a very small park here. And this must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening in summer. Why, the windows are full west. Elizabeth is very aware of Lady Catherine's rudeness. MRS BENNET: (Sitting) Indeed, they are, your ladyship. But we never sit in here after dinner. We have -Lady Catherine cuts her off, and stands. LADY CATHERINE: Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you would favour me with your company. She leaves the room in state. Mrs Bennet has nothing to say. Elizabeth, with no choice, follows Lady Catherine. Out in the garden, the two women walk through an archway into a wilder part of the garden. Lady Catherine briskly leads the way, heading for the two stone benches. Autumn leaves lie heavy on the ground. The church bell chimes 3pm. She turns to face Elizabeth. LADY CATHERINE: You can be at no loss to understand the reason for my journey, Miss Bennet. ELIZABETH: Indeed you are mistaken, madam. I am quite unable to account for the honour of seeing you here. LADY CATHERINE: Miss Bennet, you ought to know I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you choose to be, you shall not find me so. A report of an alarming nature reached me two days ago. I was told not only that your sister was to be most advantageously married, but that you -- Miss Elizabeth Bennet! -- would be soon afterwards united to my own nephew Mr Darcy. Elizabeth reacts with surprise, but keeps her countenance. Lady Catherine walks around her. LADY CATHERINE: Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place to make my sentiments known to you. ELIZABETH: If you believed it to be impossible, I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What would your ladyship propose by it? LADY CATHERINE: At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted! ELIZABETH: Your coming to Longbourn to see me will be taken as a confirmation of it, if indeed such a report exists. 141

LADY CATHERINE: This is not to be borne! Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied! Has my nephew made you an offer of marriage? ELIZABETH: Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible. LADY CATHERINE: It ought to be so! But your arts and allurements may have made him forget what he owes to himself and all the family. You may have drawn him in. ELIZABETH: If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it. LADY CATHERINE: Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am almost the nearest relation he has, and I am entitled to know all his nearest concerns! ELIZABETH: But you are not entitled 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: (Really getting cross) Only this. That if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose he will make an offer to me. LADY CATHERINE: (Very slightly on the back foot) The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother as well as hers. (She circles Elizabeth again) While she was in her cradle we planned the union, and are now to be prevented by the upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections or fortune? Is this to be endured? 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! I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment. ELIZABETH: That will make your ladyship's situation at present more pitiable, but it will have no effect on me. LADY CATHERINE: I will not be interrupted! If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quite 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. So far we are equal. LADY CATHERINE: But who is your mother? Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition! ELIZABETH: Whatever my connections may be, if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you. LADY CATHERINE: (Very loud) Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him? Elizabeth, after a slight pause, has no choice but to answer this question. ELIZABETH: I am not. LADY CATHERINE: (Closing her eyes in momentary relief) And will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement? ELIZABETH: I will make no promise of the kind -LADY CATHERINE: What -ELIZABETH: And I must beg you not to importune me any further on the subject. She turns to go back to the house. LADY CATHERINE: Not so hasty, if you please! But Elizabeth keeps walking, so Lady Catherine is obliged to chase after her. LADY CATHERINE: I have another objection. Your youngest sister's infamous elopement! I know it all! Oh, is such a girl to be my nephew's sister in law? Elizabeth stops at this, and turns around, angry, to confront her. LADY CATHERINE: Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted? ELIZABETH: You can have nothing further to say. You have insulted me by every possible method. I must beg to return to the house. 142

And she turns and walks off again. LADY CATHERINE: (Following) You -- you have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew? Unfeeling, selfish girl! You refuse to oblige me? You refuse the claims of duty, honour, gratitude? They have now reached her waiting carriage. LADY CATHERINE: You are determined to ruin him, and 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? (Elizabeth looks defiant) Very well. I shall know how to act. She enters her carriage, where her daughter sits, looking sickly. Elizabeth gasps with pent up emotions. Lady Catherine arranges herself, and then speaks without looking at Elizabeth. LADY CATHERINE: I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased. Drive on! A whip is cracked, and the carriage departs. Elizabeth watches her go, and returns to the house.

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Later, Mr Bennet pokes his head out of the library. He carries a letter. He spots Elizabeth, walking in the hall with a book in her hand. MR BENNET: Lizzie! I was going to look for you. Come into my room! She follows him into the library. MR BENNET: (In good humour) I received a letter this morning which has astonished me exceedingly. Lizzie sighs and bites her lip, assuming it has come from Lady Catherine. MR BENNET: From Mr Collins! ELIZABETH: What can he have to say? MR BENNET: Well, he begins with congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest daughter, but I shan't sport with your intelligence by reading his remarks on that topic. (He looks through the letter for the relevant passage) Ah yes! Here, here, here. (Reading) "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."- (Amused) Can you guess who he means, Lizzie? Hmm? (Laughs, as he turns the page) Now, now, now it comes out. "My motive for cautioning you is as follows. His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye." Mr Darcy, you see, is the man. Mr Darcy! Of all men! (Laughs) Lizzie is secretly anguished, but her father thinks it is a great joke. MR BENNET: Who never looks at a woman except to see a blemish. Are you not diverted? ELIZABETH: (Covering her feelings with a forced laugh) Oh yes! MR BENNET: Mr Darcy, who probably never looked at you in his life before! (Laughs) This is admirable. But Lizzie, you look as if you didn't enjoy it. You're not going to be missish now, and pretend to be affronted by an idle report? ELIZABETH: (Laughing to cover) Oh no, no! I am excessively diverted. But it's all so strange. MR BENNET: Pray, what said Lady Catherine de Bourgh? (Another good joke) I suppose she came to refuse her consent, eh? He laughs at this, and Lizzie laughs too, although she is mortified. MR BENNET: Well, well, what do we live for, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn. ELIZABETH: True. True. Another day. The Bennet women are all seated in the drawing room. Lizzie reads a book. Jane seems to be painting. Mary and Kitty sew. Mrs Bennet embroiders on a frame. A door slams. A clock chimes. Hill suddenly enters the room. HILL: Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy, ma'am. Elizabeth immediately gets to her feet, emotions in turmoil. Bingley enters briskly with a smile, followed more slowly by Darcy. The ladies all rise. BINGLEY: (To Mrs Bennet, with a polite bow) Good day to you! MRS BENNET: Mr Bingley. Bingley moves on with a glowing smile to take Jane's hand. From the doorway, Darcy bows formally and gravely to Elizabeth, looking up at her as he does so. He continues to look at her, an enigmatic (though certainly not unfriendly) expression on his face. Elizabeth takes some hope from this. BINGLEY: (A conspirator) It is a fine day. Should we perhaps all walk toward Meryton? A leisurely walk along a pretty country lane. Jane and Bingley are in the lead, followed by Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy looks good in his grey topcoat and hat. Elizabeth wears a simple bonnet tied with a pretty blue ribbon, and a short orange jacket. Kitty brings up the rear. Kitty suddenly runs to catch up when they reach a turn off lane. KITTY: Lizzie! Darcy and Elizabeth stop and turn to her. 145

KITTY: Do you mind if I just run down the lane here to call on Maria Lucas? ELIZABETH: (Just the briefest glance at Darcy) Uh -- no. Not at all. Kitty runs off, and the pair resume their walk. Darcy says nothing, though he seems content. A farm hand fiddles with the reins of his horse and cart behind them. Elizabeth is steeling herself to raise a subject. At last, she speaks. ELIZABETH: Mr Darcy. Immediately he stops, and turns to face her. ELIZABETH: I can go no longer without thanking you for your kindness to my poor sister. (Her breathing has quickened with the effort of telling him this. Darcy accepts the thanks silently.) Ever since I have known of it, I have been most anxious to tell you how grateful I am, for my family and for myself. He turns, and continues to walk, saying nothing, but continuing to listen. Elizabeth keeps pace with him. She glances at him occasionally, but he is keeping his own counsel. ELIZABETH: You must not blame my aunt for telling me. Lydia betrayed it first, and then I couldn't rest till I knew everything. I know what trouble and mortification it must have cost you. Please let me say this, please allow me to thank you on behalf of all my family, since they don't know to whom they are indebted. DARCY: (After a moment, and still without looking at her) If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone. Your family owes me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you. Elizabeth is both embarrassed and delighted by this reply. Darcy stops, and turns to her. His own emotions are now a little heightened. DARCY: You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. (A softened but anxious expression) My affections and wishes are unchanged. But one word from you will silence me on this subject forever. He looks at her earnestly, waiting for her reply. Elizabeth is breathless and happy, and a little shy. ELIZABETH: (Not looking at him, except for little glances) Oh, my feelings! My feelings are -- I am ashamed to remember what I said then. My feelings are so different. (She looks at him, a gentle smile on her lips) In fact, they are quite the opposite. Darcy is delighted, a man happy in love at last. His face is filled with pleasure and happiness. Both feeling in very good spirits with the other, they recommence their walk. But now, they are drawn together, so that they gently bump against one another as they walk. They are too happy to speak for a moment. DARCY: Lady Catherine told me of her meeting with you. I may say that her disclosure had quite the opposite effect to the one she intended. (He smiles) It taught me to hope as I'd scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before. I knew that had you absolutely decided against me, you would have acknowledged it openly. ELIZABETH: (Laughing) Oh yes! You know enough of my frankness to believe me capable of that! After abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple in abusing you to all your relations. DARCY: And what did you say of me that I did not deserve? (She glances up at him) My behaviour to you at the time was unpardonable. I can hardly think of it without abhorrence. They walk in silence for a few moments. DARCY: Your reproof I shall never forget. "Had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner". You know not how those words have tortured me. ELIZABETH: I had not the smallest idea of their ever being taken in such a way. DARCY: I can easily believe it. You thought me devoid of every proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your countenance I shall never forget as you said I could not have addressed you in any possible way that would induce you to accept me. ELIZABETH: Oh, do not repeat what I said then! He glances at her, then shakes his head. 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 -- (he turns to look at her with love) -- dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. He continues to look at her as she brings her gaze up to meet his, and smiles sweetly at him. The newly happy lovers walk on, in companionable silence, some distance behind Jane and Bingley. That night, in Elizabeth's bedroom. She sits at her mirror, hair loose down her back. Jane sits nearby. Both are in their nightclothes. JANE: (Surprised) Engaged! To Mr Darcy! (Lizzie laughs with happiness) No, you are joking! It is impossible!

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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: No Lizzie, it can't be true. I know how much you dislike him! Elizabeth gets up, laughing, and a little shy, and comes to sit on her bed. ELIZABETH: No, 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: (Still concerned) Dearest Lizzie, do be serious. How long have you loved him? ELIZABETH: Well, it's been coming on so gradually I hardly know. (Joking) But I believe I must first date it from seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley. JANE: Lizzie! They both giggle together. Next day, at 4.30pm, in Mr Bennet's library. Lizzie sits in a chair before her father's desk. He comes from behind the desk to sit facing her, concerned. MR BENNET: Are you out of your senses to be accepting this man, Lizzie? Have you not always hated him? ELIZABETH: Papa -MR BENNET: I -- I have given him my consent. He is the kind of man indeed to whom I should never dare refuse anything. (She smiles at this) But let me advise you to think the better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzie. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. He's rich, to be sure. 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 is moved. MR BENNET: Well my dear, if this be the case, he deserves you. (He stands) I could not have parted with you to anyone less worthy, Lizzie. He drops a kiss on her head, pleased for her, but sad to be losing his favourite daughter.

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Disc 2 Episiode 3 Scene 7

The double wedding ceremony, shortly before Christmas at the Longbourn church. In the congregation, we recognise many familiar faces, including Colonel Fitzwilliam, in his regimental red uniform, Mr Collins and Charlotte, Mr and Mrs Bennet, Kitty and Mary, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mrs Phillips, Georgiana Darcy, Miss Bingley and Mr and Mrs Hurst VICAR: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman -The camera pans across the smiling faces of Bingley and Jane, who wears a simple bonnet with a veil draped over it. VICAR: -- and this man and this woman -The camera pans across Darcy and Elizabeth, also wearing a pretty, simple white bonnet with a small veil. They smile also. Darcy looks very happy in a quiet way. They all listen to the vicar's words. VICAR: -- in holy matrimony -Both couples are seen, listening to the vicar. The two brides hold simple posies of greenery. They wear simple but very pretty white dresses, with long sleeves. The men both wear smart cutaway jackets, waistcoats and pantaloons. VICAR: -- Which is an honourable estate, instituted by God in the time of man's innocency -The camera focuses on a group which contains Georgiana Darcy (happy for her brother), Miss Bingley (down in the mouth), Colonel Fitzwilliam (pleased for Darcy), Mr Hurst (paying attention for once), and Mrs Hurst, who glances across at her sister. VICAR: -- signifying to us the mystical union that is between Christ and his church, and therefore is not by any to be enterprised lightly, or want only, to satisfy man's carnal lusts and appetites -We now see Mr and Mrs Bennet. He glances at his wife at this. VICAR: -- but reverently, discreetly, advisedly -Mary and Kitty watch the ceremony. VICAR: -- soberly, and in the fear of God -Mr Collins stands looking solemn. Charlotte glances at her husband. VICAR: -- duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained. Mr Gardiner smiles at his wife, who returns his regard. VICAR: -- First, it was ordained for the procreation of children -Lady Catherine sits looking sour faced and unhappy at Rosings Park. Her sickly daughter sits nearby, holding a handkerchief delicately to her nostrils. VICAR: -- Secondly, as a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication -We see Lydia sprawled on a bed, laughing, wearing nightclothes. Wickham, in shirt sleeves, sits on the edge of the bed, drinking a glass of wine. Lydia nudges him with her bare foot, and he turns to her smiling, then sinks back into his wine and private thoughts. VICAR: -- Thirdly, for the mutual society, help and comfort that the one ought to have of the other -The camera now focuses on Darcy and Elizabeth, the perfect couple, listening to the vicar's words, and gently smiling. Elizabeth glances shyly towards Darcy. VICAR: -- both in prosperity and adversity -Bingley looks proudly down at Jane, with a smile. VICAR: -- Into which holy estate these persons present come now to be joined. We see both couples, smiling and attentive to the solemnity of the ceremony. After the wedding ceremony. Outside the church. There is snow on the ground and on the bushes. Villagers line the exit, smiling and clapping. Two smiling women run out of the churchyard with an arch of greenery, which they hold out for the happy couples to walk under. Jane and Bingley emerge first, arm in arm, laughing and very happy. Jane now wears a pretty cloak over her dress, and Bingley has on his hat. They duck as rice is thrown. They enter a waiting open carriage, while people mill around, offering congratulations. Mr and Mrs Bennet stand smiling nearby. Darcy and Elizabeth emerge next, also arm in arm. They are very happy too, but they don't show it quite as obviously. Darcy, however, is smiling broadly in a way no one has seen before. Elizabeth is a very happy woman. They look at each other and smile 149

happily as they walk towards a second open carriage. They enter and sit down, to loudly voiced congratulations from all. Darcy smiles at everyone -an unaccustomed action. Mr and Mrs Bennet have now moved up to smile at them. Bingley and Jane laugh with happiness. Jane turns to her husband with love, putting her hands into his. Elizabeth rests her hand for a moment on Darcy's thigh. They are both smiling. They look at each other. The carriages set off while everyone watches and waves farewell. Darcy and Elizabeth only have eyes for each other. Jane and Bingley wave and smile at their families and friends. A close up of Mr and Mrs Bennet waving and watching the departure. MRS BENNET: Three daughters married. Oh Mr Bennet, God has been very good to us! MR BENNET: Yes, so it would seem. Darcy and Elizabeth in their carriage look at one another with love, smiling. After a few moments, they lean slowly towards one another, and gently and sweetly kiss.

The End

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