 Pride And Prejudice Script (上)
Lydia! Kitty!
My dear Mr Bennet, have you heard?
Netherfield Park is let at last. Do you
not want to know who has taken it?
As you wish to tell me, my dear,
I doubt I have any choice in the matter.
Kitty, what have I told you
about listening at the door?
There's a Mr Bingley
arrived from the North.
- Five thousand a year!
- Really?
- He's single!
- Who's single?
A Mr Bingley, apparently. Kitty!
How can that possibly affect them?
Mr Bennet,
how can you be so tiresome?
You know he must marry one of them.
That is his design in settling here?
You must go and visit him at once.
Good heavens. People.
For we may not visit if you do not,
as you well know, Mr Bennet.
- Are you listening? You never listen.
- You must, Papa! At once!
There's no need. I already have.
- You have?
- When?
Oh, Mr Bennet,
how can you tease me so?
Have you no compassion
for my poor nerves?
You mistake me, my dear.
I have the highest respect for them.
They've been my constant companions
these twenty years.
Papa!
- Is he amiable?
- Who?
- Is he handsome?
- He's sure to be.
With a year,
it would not matter if he had warts.
Who's got warts?
I will consent to
his marrying whichever girl he chooses.
- So will he come to the ball tomorrow?
- I believe so.
- Mr Bennet!
- I have to have your muslin!
- I'll lend you my green slippers!
- They were mine.
- I'll do your mending for a week.
- I'll retrim your new bonnet.
Two weeks I'll do it for.
It's not the same!
It's not the same.
I can't breathe.
I think one of
my toes just came off.
If every man does not end the evening
in love with you,
then I'm no judge of beauty.
- Or men.
- No, they are far too easy to judge.
They're not all bad.
Humourless poppycocks,
in my limited experience.
One day,
someone will catch your eye,
and then you'll have
to watch your tongue.
How good of you to come.
Which of the painted peacocks
is our Mr Bingley?
He's on the right.
On the left is his sister.
- The person with the quizzical brow?
- That is his good friend, Mr Darcy.
- He looks miserable, poor soul.
- He may be, but poor he is not.
Tell me.
a year,
and he owns half of Derbyshire.
The miserable half.
Mr Bennet, you must introduce him
to the girls immediately.
Smile at Mr Bingley. Smile.
Mary.
Mr Bingley, my eldest daughter you know.
Mrs Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet,
Elizabeth and Miss Mary Bennet.
It is a pleasure. I have two others,
but they're already dancing.
I'm delighted to make your acquaintance.
And may I introduce Mr Darcy
of Pemberley in Derbyshire.
How do you like it
here in Hertfordshire?
Very much.
The library at Netherfield,
I've heard, is one of the finest.
It fills me with guilt. I'm not a good
reader. I prefer being out of doors.
Oh, I mean, I can read, of course.
And I'm not suggesting
you can't read out of doors.
I wish I read more, but there
seem to be so many other things to do.
That's exactly what I meant.
Mama, Mama! You will never, ever believe
what we're about to tell you.
- Tell me!
- She's going to take the veil.
- The regiment are coming!
- Officers?
They're going to be stationed
the whole winter, right here.
- Officers?
- As far as the eye can see.
Oh, look.
Jane's dancing with Mr Bingley.
Mr Bennet.
- Do you dance, Mr Darcy?
- Not if I can help it.
I didn't know you were coming
to see me. What's the matter?
We are a long way from Grosvenor Square,
are we not, Mr Darcy?
I've never seen so many pretty girls.
You were dancing
with the only handsome girl.
She is the most beautiful creature
I have ever beheld.
- But her sister Elizabeth is agreeable.
- Perfectly tolerable.
Not handsome enough to tempt me. Return
to your partner and enjoy her smiles.
You're wasting your time with me.
Count your blessings, Lizzie. If he
liked you, you'd have to talk to him.
Precisely.
I wouldn't dance with him
for all of Derbyshire,
let alone the miserable half.
Wait!
- I enjoyed that so much, Miss Lucas.
- How well you dance, Mr Bingley.
I've never enjoyed a dance so much.
My daughter Jane
is a splendid dancer, is she not?
She is indeed.
Your friend Miss Lucas
is a most amusing young woman.
Oh, yes, I adore her.
- It is a pity she's not more handsome.
- Mama!
Oh, but Lizzie
would never admit that she's plain.
Of course, it's my Jane who's considered
the beauty of the county.
Mama, please!
When she was a gentleman
was so much in love with her,
I was sure he would make her an offer.
However, he did write her
some very pretty verses.
And that put paid to it.
I wonder who discovered the power
of poetry in driving away love.
- I thought poetry was the food of love.
- Of a fine, stout love.
But if it is only a vague inclination,
one poor sonnet will kill it.
So, what do you recommend
to encourage affection?
Dancing. Even if one's partner
is barely tolerable.
Mr Bingley is just what
a young man ought to be.
- Sensible, good-humoured...
- Handsome, conveniently rich...
Marriage should not be driven
by thoughts of money.
Only deep love
will persuade me to marry.
- Which is why I'll end up an old maid.
- Do you really believe he liked me?
He danced with you most of the night,
and stared at you the rest.
I give you leave to like him.
You've liked many stupider.
You're a great deal too apt
to like people in general.
All the world
is good in your eyes.
Not his friend. I still can't believe
what he said about you.
Mr Darcy?
I'd more easily forgive his vanity
had he not wounded mine.
But no matter.
I doubt we shall ever speak again.
He danced with Miss Lucas.
We were all there, dear.
It is a shame she's not more handsome.
There's a spinster
in the making and no mistake.
The fourth with a Miss King
of little standing,
and the fifth again with Jane.
If he had any compassion,
he would've sprained his ankle.
The way you carry on,
you'd think our girls look forward
to a grand inheritance.
When you die,
which may be very soon,
they will be left without a roof over
their head nor a penny to their name.
- Please, it's ten in the morning.
- A letter to Miss Bennet, ma'am.
From Netherfield Hall.
Praise the Lord. We are saved!
Make haste, Jane,
make haste. Oh, happy day!
It is from Caroline Bingley.
She has invited me to dine with her.
- Her brother will be dining out.
- Dining out?
- Can I take the carriage?
- Let me see.
- It is too far to walk.
- This is unaccountable of him.
Mama, the carriage for Jane?
Certainly not. She'll go on horseback.
Horseback!
Lizzie.
Now she'll have to stay the night,
exactly as I predicted.
Good grief, woman,
your skills in the art of matchmaking
are positively occult.
Though I don't think, Mama,
you can take credit for making it rain.
"My friends will not hear of me
returning home until I am better.
Excepting a sore throat, a fever and
a headache, nothing is wrong with me."
If Jane does die it will be a comfort
to know it was in pursuit of Mr Bingley.
People do not die of colds.
But she may perish with the
shame of having such a mother.
I must go to Netherfield at once.
Lady Bathurst is redecorating
her ballroom in the French style.
A little unpatriotic, don't you think?
Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
Good Lord, did you walk here?
I did.
- I'm so sorry. How is my sister?
- She's upstairs.
Thank you.
My goodness, did you
see her hem? Six inches deep in mud.
She looked positively mediaeval.
I feel such a terrible imposition.
They're being so kind to me.
I don't know who is more pleased at your
being here, Mama or Mr Bingley.
Thank you for tending
to my sister so diligently.
She's in far better comfort
than at home.
It's a pleasure.
I mean, it's not a pleasure
that she's ill. Of course not.
It's a pleasure that she's here,
being ill.
Not going to be famous, our pig.
Black on the back, but not related
to the learned pig of Norwich.
- Now that pig is...
- Mr Bennet.
It's all going to plan.
He's half in love with her already.
- Who is, blossom?
- Mr Bingley.
He doesn't mind
that she hasn't a penny.
He has more than enough
for the two of them.
- How will we meet them?
- Easy!
Wait for me!
You drop something. They
pick it up. And then you're introduced.
Officers!
You write uncommonly fast, Mr Darcy.
You're mistaken. I write slowly.
How many letters you must have occasion
to write, Mr Darcy.
Letters of business.
How odious I should think them.
It is fortunate, then,
they fall to me and not you.
Tell your sister I long to see her.
- I've already told her once.
- I do dote on her.
I was quite in raptures
at her beautiful design for a table.
Perhaps you will give me leave
to defer your raptures.
I have not room enough
to do them justice.
You young ladies are so accomplished.
- What do you mean?
- You paint tables, play the piano
and embroider cushions.
I never heard of a lady,
but people say she's accomplished.
The word is applied too liberally.
I do not know more than
half a dozen women
- that are truly accomplished.
- Nor I.
Goodness, you must comprehend
a great deal in the idea.
- I do.
- Absolutely.
She must have a knowledge of music,
singing, drawing, dancing
and the modern languages
to deserve the word.
And something in her air
and manner of walking.
And she must improve her mind
by extensive reading.
I'm no longer surprised at your knowing
only six accomplished women.
- I wonder at you knowing any.
- Are you so severe on your own sex?
I never saw such a woman. She would
certainly be a fearsome thing to behold.
Miss Elizabeth,
let us take a turn about the room.
It's refreshing, is it not,
after sitting so long in one attitude?
It is a small kind of accomplishment,
I suppose.
Will you not join us, Mr Darcy?
You can only have two motives,
and I would interfere with either.
What can he mean?
The surest way to disappoint him
would be to ask him nothing.
Do tell us, Mr Darcy.
Either you are
in each other's confidence
and you have
secret affairs to discuss,
or you are conscious
that your figures
appear to the greatest
advantage by walking.
If the first,
I should get in your way.
If the second,
I can admire you much better from here.
How shall we punish him
for such a speech?
- We could laugh at him.
- No. Mr Darcy is not to be teased.
Are you too proud, Mr Darcy? And would
you consider pride a fault or a virtue?
- I couldn't say.
- We're trying to find a fault in you.
I find it hard to forgive
the follies and vices of others,
or their offences against me.
My good opinion,
once lost, is lost forever.
Oh, dear.
I cannot tease you about that.
What a shame,
for I dearly love to laugh.
A family trait, I think.
A Mrs Bennet, a Miss Bennet,
a Miss Bennet and a Miss Bennet, sir.
Are we to receive every
Bennet in the country?
What an excellent room you have, sir.
Such expensive furnishings.
I do hope
you intend to stay here, Mr Bingley.
Absolutely, I find the country
very diverting. Don't you agree, Darcy?
I find it perfectly adequate.
Even if society
is a little less varied than in town.
Less varied? Not at all.
We dine with four and families
of all shapes and sizes.
Sir William Lucas, for instance,
is a very agreeable man.
And a good deal less self-important
than some people half his rank.
Mr Bingley,
is it true you will hold a ball here?
A ball?
It would be an excellent way to meet new
friends. You could invite the militia.
- Oh, do hold a ball!
- Kitty!
When your sister recovers,
you shall name the day.
I think a ball is an irrational way
to gain new acquaintance.
It would be better if conversation,
not dancing, were the order of the day.
Indeed, much more rational,
but rather less like a ball.
Thank you, Mary.
What a fine imposing place to be sure,
is it not, my dears?
There's no house
to equal it in the county.
- Mr Darcy.
- Miss Bennet.
- There she is.
- I don't know how to thank you.
You're welcome any time
you feel the least bit poorly.
Thank you for your stimulating company.
Most instructive.
Not at all. The pleasure is all mine.
- Mr Darcy.
- Miss Elizabeth.
And then there was one
with great long lashes, like a cow.
Ask Mrs Hill
to order us a sirloin, Betsy.
Just the one, mind.
We're not made of money.
I hope, my dear,
you've ordered a good dinner today.
I've reason to expect
an addition to our family party.
His name's Mr Collins,
the dreaded cousin.
- Who is to inherit?
- Everything.
Even my piano stool
belongs to Mr Collins.
When?
He may turn us out of the house
as soon as he pleases.
The estate passes directly to him
and not to us poor females.
Mr Collins, at your service.
What a superbly featured room
and what excellent potatoes.
It's many years since
I've had such an exemplary vegetable.
To which fair cousin should I compliment
the excellence of the cooking?
We are perfectly able to keep a cook.
Excellent.
I'm very pleased
the estate can afford such a living.
I'm honoured to have as my patroness
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
You've heard of her, I presume?
My small rectory abuts her estate,
Rosings Park,
and she often condescends
to drive by my humble dwelling
in her little phaeton and ponies.
Does she have any family?
One daughter, the heiress of Rosings
and very extensive property.
I've often observed to Lady Catherine
that her daughter
seemed born to be a duchess,
for she has all the superior graces
of elevated rank.
These kind of compliments
are always acceptable to the ladies,
and which I conceive myself
particularly bound to pay.
How happy for you, Mr Collins,
to possess the talent for flattering
with such delicacy.
Do these attentions proceed
from the impulse of the moment
or are they
the result of previous study?
They arise
from what is passing at the time.
And though I do sometimes amuse myself
with arranging such little compliments,
I always wish to give them
as unstudied an air as possible.
Oh, believe me, no one would suspect
your manners to be rehearsed.
After dinner, I thought
I might read to you for an hour or two.
I have with me Fordyce's Sermons
which speak very eloquently
on all matters moral.
Are you familiar with Fordyce's Sermons,
Miss Bennet?
Mrs Bennet, I have been bestowed by the
good grace of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
a parsonage of no mean size.
I have become aware of the fact.
It is my avowed hope
that soon I may find a mistress for it.
And I have to inform you
that the eldest Miss Bennet
has captured my special attention.
Oh, Mr Collins.
Unfortunately, it is incumbent upon me
to hint that the eldest Miss Bennet
is very soon to be engaged.
Engaged.
But Miss Lizzie,
next to her in age and beauty,
would make anyone an excellent partner.
Do not you agree? Mr Collins?
Indeed. Indeed.
A very agreeable alternative.
Mr Collins is a man who
makes you despair at the entire sex.
- Yours, I believe.
- Oh, Mr Wickham, how perfect you are.
He picked up my handkerchief.
Did you drop yours on purpose?
Mr Wickham is a lieutenant.
- An enchanted lieutenant.
- What are you up to, Liddy?
- We happened to be looking for ribbon.
- White, for the ball.
Shall we all look
for some ribbon together?
- Good afternoon, Mr James.
- Miss Lydia, Miss Bennet.
I shan't even browse.
I can't be trusted.
I have poor taste in ribbons.
Only a truly confident man
would admit that.
No, it's true.
And buckles.
When it comes to buckles, I'm lost.
- You must be the shame of the regiment.
- The laughing stock.
What do your superiors do with you?
Ignore me. I'm of next to no importance,
so it's easily done.
- Lizzie, lend me some money.
- You already owe me a fortune.
- Allow me to oblige.
- No, Mr Wickham, please...
I insist.
- I pity the French.
- So do I.
- Look, Mr Bingley.
- Mr Bingley!
I was just on my way to your house.
How do you like
my ribbons for your ball?
- Very beautiful.
- She is. Look, she's blooming.
Oh, Lydia.
Be sure to invite Mr Wickham.
He is a credit to his profession.
You can't invite people
to other people's balls.
Of course, you must come, Mr Wickham.
If you'll excuse me,
ladies, enjoy the day.
Do you plan to go
to the Netherfield ball, Mr Wickham?
Perhaps. How long
has Mr Darcy been a guest there?
About a month.
Forgive me, but are you
acquainted with him, with Mr Darcy?
Indeed, I've been connected
with his family since infancy.
You may well be surprised,
given our cold greeting this afternoon.
I hope your plans in favour
of Meryton will not be affected
- by your relations with the gentleman.
- It is not for me to be driven away.
If he wishes to avoid seeing me,
he must go, not I.
I must ask, what is the manner
of your disapproval of Mr Darcy?
My father managed his estate.
We grew up together, Darcy and I.
His father treated me like a second son,
loved me like a son.
We were both with him the day he died.
With his last breath,
his father bequeathed me
the rectory in his estate.
He knew I had my heart set
on joining the Church.
But Darcy ignored his wishes
and gave the living to another man.
- But why?
- Jealousy.
His father...
Well, he loved me better
and Darcy couldn't stand it.
- How cruel.
- So now I'm a poor foot-soldier.
Too lowly even to be noticed.
- Breathe in!
- I can't anymore. You're hurting.
Betsy.
Betsy!
- There must've been a misunderstanding.
- Jane, you never think ill of anybody.
How could Mr Darcy do such a thing?
I will discover the truth
from Mr Bingley this evening.
Let Mr Darcy contradict it himself.
Till he does,
I hope never to encounter him.
Poor, unfortunate, Mr Wickham.
Wickham is twice the man Darcy is.
And, let us hope,
a rather more willing dancer.
There they are, look.
- Oh, yes.
- Billy.
Jane Martin is here.
May I say what an immense pleasure
it is to see you again.
- Mrs Bennet.
- Miss Bingley.
Charming.
I'm so pleased you're here.
So am I.
And how are you? Miss Elizabeth?
Are you looking for someone?
No, not at all, I was just admiring
the general splendour.
- It is breathtaking, Mr Bingley.
- Good.
You might have passed
a few pleasantries with Mr Bingley.
I've never met a
more pleasant gentleman in all my years.
Did you see how he dotes on her?
Dear Jane,
always doing what's best for her family.
- Charlotte!
- Lizzie!
- Have you seen Mr Wickham?
- No. Perhaps he's through here.
Lizzie, Mr Wickham is not here.
Apparently, he's been detained.
Detained where? He must be here.
- There you are.
- Mr Collins.
Perhaps you will do me the honour,
Miss Elizabeth.
Oh, I did not think you danced,
Mr Collins.
I do not think it incompatible
with the office of a clergyman.
Several people, her Ladyship
included, have complimented me
on my lightness of foot.
Apparently, your Mr Wickham has
been called on some business to town.
Dancing is of little consequence
to me, but it does...
...but it does afford
the opportunity to lavish...
...upon one's partner attentions...
- My informer tells me...
...that he would be less inclined
to be engaged, were it not for...
...the presence
of a certain gentleman.
Which is my primary object.
That gentleman barely warrants the name.
It is my intention, if I may be so bold,
to remain close to you
throughout the evening.
May I have the next dance,
Miss Elizabeth?
You may.
- Did I agree to dance with Mr Darcy?
- I dare say you will find him amiable.
It would be most inconvenient since I've
sworn to loathe him for all eternity.
- I love this dance.
- Indeed. Most invigorating.
It is your turn to say something,
Mr Darcy.
I talked about the dance.
Now you ought to remark on the size
of the room or the number of couples.
I'm perfectly happy to oblige.
What would you like most to hear?
That reply will do for present.
Perhaps by and by I may observe
that private balls
are much pleasanter than public ones.
For now, we may remain silent.
Do you talk as a rule while dancing?
No. No, I prefer to be
unsociable and taciturn.
Makes it all so much more enjoyable,
don't you think?
Tell me, do you and your sisters
very often walk to Meryton?
Yes, we often walk to Meryton.
It's a great opportunity
to meet new people.
When you met us, we'd just had the
pleasure of forming a new acquaintance.
Mr Wickham's blessed with such happy
manners, he's sure of making friends.
Whether he's capable
of retaining them is less so.
He's been so unfortunate as to lose
your friendship. That is irreversible?
- It is. Why do you ask such a question?
- To make out your character.
- What have you discovered?
- Very little.
I hear such different accounts
of you as puzzle me exceedingly.
I hope to afford you more clarity
in the future.
- Is that Mr Darcy of Pemberley?
- I believe so.
I must make myself known to him.
He's a nephew of my patroness,
Lady Catherine.
He will consider it an impertinence.
Mr Darcy.
Mr Darcy.
Mr Darcy. Good evening...
What interesting relatives you have.
Mary, dear,
you've delighted us long enough.
Let the other young ladies have a turn.
... since I was a child,
and then she died.
I have a beautiful grey.
Of course, Caroline's
a much better rider than I, of course.
Oh, yes. We fully expect
a most advantageous marriage.
And my Jane, marrying so grand,
must throw her sisters in the way.
Clearly my family are seeing who can
expose themselves to the most ridicule.
- At least Bingley has not noticed.
- No.
- I think he likes her very much.
- But does she like him?
Few of us are secure enough to be
in love without proper encouragement.
Bingley likes her enormously,
but might not do more
if she does not help him on.
She's just shy. If he cannot
perceive her regard, he is a fool.
We are all fools in love.
He does not know
her character as we do.
She should move fast
and snap him up.
There is plenty of time
for us to get to know him afterwards.
I can't help feeling
that someone's going to produce a piglet
and make us chase it.
- Oh, dear!
- I do apologise, sir.
I'm awfully sorry. Do forgive me.
Emily, please!
Mary, my dear Mary.
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
- I've been practising all week.
- I know, my dear.
I hate balls.
Mr Bennet, wake up.
Oh, I've never had such a good time!
Charles, you cannot be serious.
We'll have a wedding here in less than
three months if you ask me, Mr Bennet.
Mr Bennet!
Mary, please.
Thank you, Mr Hill.
Mrs Bennet, I was hoping,
if it would not trouble you,
that I might solicit
a private audience with Miss Elizabeth.
Oh, certainly,
Lizzie would be very happy indeed.
Everyone, out. Mr Collins would like
a private audience with your sister.
Wait, Mr Collins can have nothing
to say to me that anybody need not hear.
I desire you will stay where you are.
Everyone else to the drawing room.
- Mr Bennet.
- But...
Now.
- Jane. Jane, don't... Jane!
- Jane.
Papa, stay.
Dear Miss Elizabeth,
My attentions have been
too marked to be mistaken.
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
with my feelings,
perhaps I may state
my reasons for marrying.
Firstly, that it is
the duty of a clergyman
to set the example
of matrimony in his parish.
Secondly, I am convinced
it will add greatly to my happiness.
And thirdly,
that it is at the urging
of my esteemed patroness,
Lady Catherine,
that I select a wife.
My object in coming to Longbourn
was to choose such a one
from among Mr Bennet's daughters,
for I am to inherit the estate
and such an alliance will surely...
...suit everyone.
And now nothing remains but for me to
assure you in the most animated language
- of the violence of my affections.
- Mr Collins!
And no reproach
on the subject of fortune
- will cross my lips once we're married.
- You forget I have given no answer.
Lady Catherine will
thoroughly approve when I speak to her
of your modesty, economy
and other amiable qualities.
Sir, I am honoured by your proposal,
but I regret that I must decline it.
I know ladies
don't seek to seem too eager...
Mr Collins, I am perfectly serious.
You could not make me happy.
And I'm the last woman
in the world who could make you happy.
I flatter myself that your refusal
is merely a natural delicacy.
Besides, despite manifold attractions,
it is by no means certain another offer
of marriage will ever be made to you.
I must conclude that you simply seek
to increase my love by suspense,
according to the usual practice
of elegant females.
I am not the sort of female
to torment a respectable man.
Please understand me,
I cannot accept you.
Headstrong, foolish child.
Don't worry, Mr Collins. We'll have this
little hiccup dealt with immediately.
Lizzie. Lizzie!
Mr Bennet, we're all in an uproar!
You must come
and make Lizzie marry Mr Collins.
Mr Collins has proposed to Lizzie,
but she vowed she will not have him,
and now the danger is
Mr Collins may not have Lizzie.
- What am I to do?
- Well, come and talk to her.
Now!
- Tell her you insist they marry.
- Papa, please.
You will have this house
and save your sisters from destitution.
- I can't marry him.
- Go and say you've changed your mind.
- Think of your family.
- You cannot make me.
Mr Bennet, say something.
Your mother insists
upon you marrying Mr Collins.
Yes, or I shall never see her again.
From this day onward, you must be
a stranger to one of your parents.
Who will maintain you
when your father is dead?
Your mother will never see you again
if you do not marry Mr Collins,
and I will never see you again
if you do.
Thank you, Papa.
Ungrateful child!
I shall never speak to you again.
Not that I take
much pleasure in talking.
People who suffer as I do
from nervous complaints
can have no pleasure
in talking to anybody.
Jane!
What's the matter? Jane?
I don't understand
what would take him from Netherfield.
Why does he not know when he'll return?
Read it.
"Mr Darcy is impatient to see his sister
and we are scarcely less eager.
I do not think Georgiana Darcy
has her equal for beauty,
elegance and accomplishment.
I hope to call her hereafter my sister."
Is that not clear enough?
Caroline sees her brother
in love with you
and has taken him off
to persuade him otherwise.
But I know her to be incapable
of wilfully deceiving anyone.
- It's more likely he does not love me.
- He loves you. Do not give up.
Go to our aunt and uncle's in London,
let it be known you are there
and I am sure he will come to you.
Give my love to my sister
and try not to be a burden, dear.
Poor Jane.
Still, a girl likes to be
crossed in love now and then.
Poor Jane.
Still, a girl likes to be
crossed in love now and then.
It gives her something to think of
and a sort of distinction
amongst her companions.
- I'm sure that will cheer her up, Papa.
- It's your turn now, Lizzie.
You've turned down Collins.
You're free to go off
and be jilted yourself.
What about Mr Wickham?
He's a pleasant fellow
and he'd do the job credibly.
- Father...
- And you have an affectionate mother
who would make the most of it.
- Charlotte!
- My dear Lizzie.
I've come her to tell you the news.
Mr Collins and I are... engaged.
- Engaged?
- Yes.
- To be married?
- What other kind of engaged is there?
For heaven's sake, Lizzie,
don't look at me like that.
I should be
as happy with him as any other.
- But he's ridiculous.
- Oh, hush.
Not all of us can afford to be romantic.
I've been offered
a comfortable home and protection.
There's a lot to be thankful for.
I'm years old.
I've no money and no prospects.
I'm already a burden to my parents.
And I'm frightened.
So don抰 judge me, Lizzie.
Don't you dare judge me.
Dear Charlotte,
thank you for your letter.
I'm glad the house,
furniture and roads are to your taste,
and that Lady Catherine's behaviour
is friendly and obliging.
What with your departure,
Jane's to London
and the militia to the North
with the colourful Mr Wickham,
I must confess, the view
from where I sit has been rather grey.
As for the favour you ask,
it is no favour at all.
I would be happy to visit you
at your earliest convenience. |
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