Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel

But I do mind! To think that I should bring you into the neighbourhood of that rascal —

He must live somewhere, I suppose.

Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to me. – You are, indeed! How can you speak with any charity of a man who for years abused the patience and generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has attempted against your family the most dastardly action that —

[ Interrupting him with hauteur. ] We have already said too much of George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss him further.

[Bingley turns away hurt and embarrassed . Darcy seeing the effect of his words and manner, goes to him kindly, and speaks to him in a changed voice .]

Bingley, I entirely understand your indignation. Indeed, I share it so fully that I dare not trust myself to think of the man's villainy. It is better that I say nothing of him, even to you.

[ Moved. ] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy.

It is rather for me to ask yours.

[ There follows an awkward pause, which Bingley at length breaks by speaking in a tone of forced gaiety .]

Pretty place, this.

[ With a shrug. ] Very small.

What has the size to do with it? I think we are in luck to have such charming neighbours. You know we saw two of the young ladies going through the lane the other day. Why, Darcy, one of them is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld – and the other – the one with the dark eyes – she is uncommonly pretty. Don't you think so?

She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family connections.

[ Quickly. ] What do you mean?

I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in Meryton.

[ Shortly. ] Yes.

And that they have another in London who lives somewhere near Cheapside.

[ With irritation. ] If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside, it wouldn't make them one jot less handsome.

But it must materially lessen their chances of marrying men of any consideration in the world.

Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy.

Perhaps. But I am in no humour to give consequence to young ladies. I am here to please you, Bingley – and – [ He smiles meaningly. ] knowing your disposition, I think it is just as well that I came.

[Bingley is about to reply when the door opens and Mrs. Bennet enters, followed by Jane and Elizabeth. The two young men make ceremonious bows. Mrs. Bennet curtsies and then advances with delighted fussiness .]

Good morning, gentlemen. I am so sorry that Mr. Bennet has gone for his walk.

[ As she looks a little puzzled from one to the other , Bingley advances .]

Good morning, Mrs. Bennet. I am Mr. Bingley, your new neighbour at Netherfield. This is my friend, Mr. Darcy, of Pendleton, Derbyshire. [ All bow and curtsy. ] Mr. Bennet has been so kind as to call upon us, and we are most happy to have the honour of waiting upon the ladies of his family.

We are delighted to see you, I am sure! Mr. Bingley – Mr. Darcy – [ Indicating Jane] – my eldest daughter, Miss Bennet. [ Indicating Elizabeth] – Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

[ The girls make low curtsies – the gentlemen bow. ]

Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [ The guests and ladies seat themselves. ] I am sure you must like Netherfield, Mr. Bingley. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease.

Whatever I do is done in a hurry, Mrs. Bennet, and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, [ looking intently at Jane] I consider myself as quite fixed here.

It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, although you must both miss London. There is so much gaiety in London.

Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a confined and unvarying society.

[Mrs. Bennet looks vexed at this speech .]

But people themselves alter so much that there is something new to be observed in them forever.

[Darcy turns and looks at Elizabeth with surprise and interest .]

Then you are a student of character, Miss Elizabeth. It must be an amusing study.

Yes, Lizzy always likes to watch people. [ Looking at Darcy.] And there are plenty of people about, even if you do live in the country. The country is a vast deal pleasanter than London, is not it, Mr. Bingley?

When I am in the country I never wish to leave it, and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages and I am equally happy in either.

Ay – that is because you have the right disposition. [ Looking at Darcy.] But that gentleman seemed to think the country was nothing at all.

[ Quickly. ] Indeed, mamma, you are mistaken. You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there is not such a variety of people to be met with in the country as in town, which you must acknowledge to be true.

Certainly, my dear, nobody said there was – but as to not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four-and-twenty families.

[ As all become embarrassed at this speech , Bingley comes to the rescue .]

Yes, there are many fine estates hereabout. Can you see Sir William Lucas' place from the garden? I am not quite sure I have placed it.

Oh, yes, there is a fine view of the chimneys from the terrace. Sir William is our nearest neighbour. Such an agreeable man – so genteel, and so easy – [ Rising, she goes toward the glass doors. ] Come, Jane, we must show Mr. Bingley Sir William's chimneys.

[Mrs. Bennet, Bingley, and Jane go out upon the terrace .]

[ Smiling mischievously. ] Would not you also like to see the chimneys, Mr. Darcy?

Thank you. Like yourself, I prefer people to places.

Did I say that?

Not precisely. But I have drawn that conclusion.

[ Gathering her sewing materials, begins to embroider. ] Well, I can laugh at people better than places, and I dearly love a laugh.

Isn't that rather a dangerous trait, Miss Bennet? The wisest and the best of men may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke.

Certainly. But I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. [ Mischievously. ] But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without.