Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet Lines

Jane Austen: I would treasure your opinion on this opening:

It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. However little known the personality of such a man may be, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of his new neighbors that he is considered as the rightful property of all women and their unmarried daughters.

Lydia: Married or single?

Lydia!

Jane: Lizzy, I do wish you could convince Father not to tease poor Mamma.

Dearest Jane, you are too good for the rest of us. 'Tis a harmless joke. And Mamma quite forgets that we shall meet the acclaimed Mr. Bingley at the Meryton assembly if not sooner.

Lady Lucas: He is quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely agreeable, and to crown the whole- fond of dancing!

There, you see, Lydia? He is fond of dancing.

Charlotte: As do I, Father.

Poor Mr. Bingley. Soon to be trampled upon by all the young women of Hertfordshire. If only such a paragon could be accompanied by a brother or two.

Mrs. Bennet: I daresay she is proficient at the instrument, though I cannot say as much for her singing.

Mamma!

Jane: I should be most pleased to, Mr. Bingely. Thank you!

It seems as if Mr. Bingley's attentions are solely for Jane. The rest of the assembly, however, is quickly turning its attention to that of his friend, Mr. Darcy.

Mrs. Bennet: What a fine figure of a man. Such handsome features. Do you not agree, Lizzy?

He is certainly... tall, Mamma.

Mrs. Bennet: Why, that is twice what Bingley is worth! Oh, I declare he must be the handsomest man that ever was seen!

I wonder if Mamma would find him quite as handsome if he were a man of only one thousand pounds.

Mrs. Bennet: 'Tis true you are not so beautiful as Jane, Lizzy, but I daresay, you are tolerable!

Thank you, Mamma.

Mrs. Bennet: I would never imagine making such inappropriate remarks at a public assembly. I say, Lizzy, another time I would not dance with him if I were you.

I believe, ma'am, I may safely promise you never to dance with Mr. Darcy. Perhaps he is not so handsome as Mr. Bingley after all.

Charlotte: If I may suggest it, perhaps he has a right to be proud.

That is very true, and I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.

Bennet: Yes, better come away, my dear. I think you have delighted us... long enough.

If my family had set out on purpose to embarrass themselves, they could not be playing their parts with any more success! Mercifully for all, this evening is nearing its conclusion.

Darcy: Good night, Miss Bennet. Perhaps our paths will cross again during Bingley's stay in Hertfordshire.

I do not doubt it, Mr. Darcy, though I daresay it is unlikely to be at a ball such as this.

Darcy: Oh?

I am afraid our small village is ill-equipped to provide a dance partner... tolerable enough to tempt you.

Beginning of scene at lady lucas's lodge.

Lady Lucas's promise of a military regiment quartered at Meryton was not long delayed. Indeed, we are on this night invited to Lucas Lodge for their formal Meryton welcoming- to the excessive delight of Lydia and Kitty, as well as Mamma, who is, of course, anxious for another opportunity to present Jane as an eligible match for Mr. Bingley.

Jane: He is just what a young man ought to be, Lizzy. Sensible, good humored, lively, and I never saw such happy manners.

Mmm, he is also handsome, which a young man ought to be if he possibly can. And he could not help seeing that you were at least twice as pretty as every other woman in the room. Yes, I give you leave to like him. You have liked many a stupider person!

Charlotte: Mr. Bingley seems to admire Jane a great deal, Lizzy.

I am happy for her, Charlotte. I believe she is soon likely to be very much in love.

Charlotte: If that is true, hen she would do better to show more affection than she feels.

More affection? Dear Charlotte, they are barely acquaintances.

Charlotte: What does that signify? Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly, but he may never do more than like her if she does not help him on.

And she will! Once she has a better understanding of his character and as much as her gentle nature will allow.

Denney: Miss Lydia, please!

And is my family made to appear more tolerable from my younger sisters' refusal to guard their tempers? What does Mr. Darcy mean by listening to our conversation?

Sir William: Ah, yes, well. Quite right. Very clever, though I doubt not that you are adept in the science yourself? You must allow me to present to you- this young lady and a very desirable partner.

Please- Sir William-

Charlotte: A capital idea, Father! I shall open the instrument, Lizzy. You know what must follow.

You are a very strange creature by way of a friend!

Sir William: Come now, Darcy. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you.

Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing-

Sir William: There now, you see, my dear? Though this gentleman dislikes the amusement in general, he has no objection.

Mr. Darcy is all politeness

Darcy: Do you feel an inclination, Miss Bennet, to... dance a reel? A... a reel, Miss Bennet?

Oh, I heard you before, but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know to say "Yes" so that you may despise my country tastes, but I always delight in cheating a person of such premeditated contempt. I have therefore made up my mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a reel at all- and now despise me if you dare.

Scene shift to Netherfield

This morning, Jane received a letter from Netherfield, the contents of which, I must say, sparked the excitement of my mother almost more so than the recipient herself.

Jane Austen: I take pleasure in borrowing from our lives as it gives me moments to relive our sweet upbringing. I believe your illness shall prove a worthy story for my character, Jane.

The next morning we received another note from Netherfield.

Mrs. Bennet: People do not die of little trifling colds. She will be well taken care of, and se will see Mr. Bingley! There, Lizzy. Was not this a lucky idea of mine?

I must go to her, Mamma.

Mrs. Bennet: Go to her?!

I cannot leave poor Jane in the care of Miss Bingley.

Mrs. Bennet: Is this a hint to me, Lizzy, to send for the horses?

No, indeed. The distance is but three miles to Netherfield. I would much rather walk.

Mrs. Bennet: In all that mud and dirt?! You will not be fit to be seen when you get there!

I shall be very fit to see Jane, which is all I want.

Bingley: Miss Bennet! You are very welcome.

Forgive my intrusion, but I have come to inquire after my sister.

Darcy: You have walked here from Longbourn?

It is an easy distance.

Caroline: Of course it is, Miss Eliza. We must allow for all the young ladies of Hertfordshire to be excellent... walkers, Mr. Darcy.

Excuse me, but how fares my sister?

Jane Austen: Father sometimes asked where the wanderings of my mind take me. As always, my meanderings are with them.

Jane is still very weak, though I've finally had the comfort of seeing her sleep soundly. Her improvement, however, has an unwanted side effect. I am no longer able to plead Jane's illness as my excuse for remaining above stairs.

Bingley: Miss Elizabeth, I do wish you would join us. The trumps are not on my side tonight.

I do not believe I could be of any help, sir. I have not the skill at the card table of my mother or aunts.

Caroline: Miss Eliza Bennet despises cards. She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else.

I deserve neither such praise nor censure. I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.

Bingley: In nursing your sister, I am sure you have pleasure.

Thank you, Mr. Bingley.

Bingley: May I fetch you another book? Only I wish my collection were larger for your benefit and for my credit.

I assure you, this suits perfectly.

Darcy: I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen that are really accomplished.

Then you must comprehend a great deal in the notion of it.

Darcy: The improvement of her mind... by extensive reading.

I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women, Mr. Darcy. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.

Caroline: Are you so severe upon your own sex?

I never saw such a woman. I never saw such capacity and taste and intelligence and elegance all in one lady, Mr. Darcy.

Caroline: Perhaps you lack the proper... connections, Miss Eliza. I must protest that we have met many young women in our acquaintance who answer that description.

Have you? Well, then, I humbly leave Mr. Darcy in your capable hands so that you may extol their virtues to his satisfaction. I confess I have nothing to offer that could so please Mr. Darcy.

Re entering with letter

Such insufferable snobbery! As soon as Jane were the slightest bit better, I wrote to Mamma and begged her to send the carriage. This is her reply.

Mrs. Bennet: Do be a good girl and request of Mr. Bingley that Jane trespass on his kindness a little longer

The next day passed as tediously as the first. That night, I sent another post to Mamma, this time informing her that both Jane and Dr. Jones agreed that she was much improved

Mrs. Bennet: Please convey to Mr. Bingley our sincerest thanks for his good attentions to our dear Jane and beg that he continue to attend her a little while more.

I have now been here almost a week! Honestly were it not for sweet Jane and her attentive Mr. Bingley, I might truly go mad.

Caroline: Our purpose? What could he mean, Miss Eliza?

I do not know, but I believe the surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it.

Caroline: Shocking! I have never heard anything s abominable! How shall we punish him, Miss Bennet?

Nothing is so easy. If you wish it, tease him. Laugh at him.

Caroline: Tease him? Tease Mr. Darcy? Tease calmness of temper and presence of mind?

Is Mr. Darcy so upright that he is not to be laughed at?

Darcy: Of course not. But I have striven in my life to avoid certain weaknesses which often expose one to ridicule.

Such as vanity? And pride?

Darcy: Vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride- where there is a real superiority of mind and upbringing- pride will be always under good regulation.

I see. Miss Bingley, I fear I must disappoint you. Mr. Darcy has no defect to laugh at. He owns it himself without disguise.

Darcy: I have made no such assertion/ I have faults enough, Miss Bennet. Some may call my temper... resentful. I cannot easily forgive the follies of others nor their offenses against myself. My good opinion once lost is lost forever.

That is a failing, indeed. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.

Darcy: There is, I believe, in everyone, a tendency to some particular evil, a natural defect.

Yours is a propensity to hate everybody!

Darcy: And yours is to willfully misunderstand them!

I wrote to Mamma again!

Mrs. Bennet: Lizzy! Stay where you are!

Augh! Only after a full week's time is Mamma satisfied with her scheme. Unfortunately, she has finally sent the carriage... and it's not empty!

Lydia: Mr. Bingley. Do you not remember your promise to throw a ball once you settled in Netherfield?

Lydia!

Mrs. Bennet: That is my idea of good breeding, and those persons who fancy themselves very important and never open their mouths quite mistake the matter!

Mamma!

Mrs. Bennet: Why, when she was only fifteen, there was a gentleman at my brother Gardiner's in town, so much in love with her that he wrote down some poetry and-

And thus ended his affection! I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love.

Darcy: I have been used to considering poetry as the food of love.

Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everyth8ing nourishes what is strong already, but if it be only a slight, thin sort of infatuation, one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.

Scene shift to Longbourn

To my speech he makes no answer? And why does he smile so? In the spirit of mockery surely, for our mother's behavior does Jane no great favors in securing Bingley's affection, though in truth the man does not seem to mind Mamma's impertinence.

Jane Austen: Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another. You'll see.

Miss Bingley certainly wishes to escape the possibility of such a relation. But what would any of us be to Mr. Darcy? Alas, I resolved to think on him no more for though I am glad to finally return to Longbourn, there is soon to be another young man of more... immediate concern.

Mrs. Bennet: If, under the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, your cousin is in a position to remedy the dreadful entail and make amends to the girls, I shall not be the person to discourage him.

I cannot make hi out. "Once you are dead"? And what can he mean by apologizing for being next in the entail? Can this be a sensible man, Papa?

Collins: Hmm... Done, madam.

Really?

Jane Austen: What, my dear?

Truly...

Jane Austen: Patie-

Ugh! Patience! Mamma, it seems, is stirring the fire, for the man she could not bear to speak of earlier today is now her dearest companion. The nature of her latest scheme? I can hardly guess- though I have my suspicions. These cares will fade, however, for we have at last arrived in Meryton and Captain Denny is introducing us to-

Denney: No indeed, Miss Bennet, I assure you. Wickham has just arrived from town.

From London, sir?

Kitty: Aye, then Denney and Carter might welcome him with a parade of sabers and trumpets!

Kitty, please! Mr. Wickham, do excuse my younger sisters' impertinence. They have eyes for little else besides the men of the regiment these days.

Kitty: There, Lydia, you see? He'll be a soldier after all!

Perhaps you all might show Mr. Collins the lay of the shops?

Lydia: Lizzy!

He does so wish to become acquainted with Meryton.

Collins: Miss Elizabeth, you are very generous in your attentions to me. I promise I will not be gone from your side a moment longer than necessary!

Do... take your time, Mr. Collins.

Wickham: M. Collins is a quite... courteous fellow, Miss Bennet. Is he not the new vicar at Hunsford Parsonage?

Yes! Are you familiar with it?

Wickham: Only with its benefactress.

Not... Lady Catherine de Bourgh!

Wickham: Yes! You are acquainted?

Heavens no but I believe we may soon have our fill of her influence through our esteemed guest. Forgive my rudeness, Mr. Wickham. I fear we have all made a rather ridiculous first impression.

Wickham: Though hard, my life has afforded me the desire to make friends based on the merits of their own character rather than those of their relations.

Can such a man truly exist?

Wickham: Mr. Darcy.

Extraordinary!

Wickham: I am afraid, Miss Bennet, it cannot possibly have escaped your notice that very cold meeting just now.

Indeed, I would not wish to pry, but-

Wickham: Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?

As much as I ever wish to be! I have spent six days in the same house with him. Far too long to spend with such a disagreeable person.

Wickham: I have no right to give my opinion. I have known him too long to be a fair judge. Has Mr. Darcy... been in Hertfordshire long?

About a month.

Wickham: And is he... much thought of?

Mr. Wickham, he is not at all liked in hardly any house save for Netherfield. Everybody is disgusted with his pride.

Mrs. Bennet: We are very favored with your personal invitation, Mr. Bingley. And you are so generous to include Mr. Collins as well, is he not, Lizzy?

Indeed, Mamma, but I wonder that you do not dread a rebuke from the archbishop, sir. Is it appropriate f a clergyman to attend a ball?

Collins: I thank you most exceedingly for yr selfless consideration, but I feel that a ball given by a young man of character can have no evil tendency.

But would Lady Catherine approve?

Shift into Netherfield

Promised to Mr. Collins by my own mother! And I so dearly wished to have been engaged by Mr. Wickham for those dances. I confess the thought entered my mind as rapidly as it would have Lydia's! Everything he said was agreeable. Such manners and ease of expression. Why, even the dullest topic he rendered interesting. And in the days leading up to the Netherfield ball, my thoughts of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham were surpassed only by my desire to learn what terrible disservice had been wrought upon him by Mr. Darcy!

Collins: Miss Benet, thank you most emphatically for the dance.

It was my pleasure, Mr. Collins.

Collins: I daresay we were excellently matched on the floor.

Quite. Though I believe-

Wickham: Miss Elizabeth! Would you favor me with your hand for the next two dances?

Thank you, Mr. Wickham, I would be delighted. Excuse me, Mr. Collins. Thank you!

Wickham: I must confess, the gesture is wholly selfish. I have been hoping for a dance with you since our walk together in Meryton.

As I have been hoping for the chance of speaking with you!

Wickham: Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. You are both charming and transparent. You are no doubt curios as to the nature of my acquaintance with Mr. Darcy?

I confess I have thought of little else. It is impossible to imagine just how he has been the means of your ruin.

Wickham: He's not always been bad. You see, my father had the management of old Mr. Darcy's estate.

His steward?

Wickham: Precisely. Darcy and I spent the better part of our youth together. I daresay we were once as brothers. This surprises you.

How can it not?

Wickham: His father, the late Mr. Darcy, was my godfather, and upon my own father's death promised to provide for me. He intended me for the church and meant to provide me a parish and a living as soon as it became available.

And did he?

Wickham: No. He died before one became vacant, after which young Darcy ignored his father's wishes, and in time gave the living I should have had to another man. I was left penniless

Good heavens! How could Mr. Darcy dishonor his own father's will?

Wickham: There was such informality in the terms of it, the law was not in my favor.

This is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced!

Wickham: Some time he will be, but it shall not be by me. 'Til I can forget the father, I can never defy or expose the son.

I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this. What can have induced him to behave so cruelly?

Wickham: I believe Darcy grew jealous. His father was uncommonly attached to me, though I was but the poor son of his steward. Had the late Mr. Darcy liked me less, his son might have borne with me better.

Such malicious revenge, such injustice! I wonder now at his intimacy with Mr. Bingley, who seems so amiable. He cannot know what Mr. Darcy is.

Caroline: Ah, Miss Eliza, your sister has been telling me how much you favor George Wickham, though I'm sure he failed to mention that he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy's overseer.

Yes, he informed me of that himself.

Caroline: Did he?! Well, let me advise you, as a friend, do not trust in all his assertions. I do not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wickham treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner!

Has he?

Caroline: I pity you, Miss Eliza, for the discovery of your favorite's guilt, but really considering his lineage, one cannot expect much better.

His guilt and his lineage appear by your account to be the same. You accuse him of nothing worse than being the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, a relation he proudly acknowledged.

Wickham: Miss Bennet, I regret that I have been obliged to go to town on urgent business. I must painfully withdraw my invitation to dance.

Why?!

Denney: I am sorry, Miss Elizabeth. I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now if it were not for a certain gentleman.

Charlotte! I have much to tell you.