Nov 15, 1811
With Elizabeth in the library at Netherfield
DARCY
Ah, Miss Bennet, here you are. I was wondering where you'd been hiding after dinner these past few evenings.
ELIZABETH
Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy. I was just leaving.
DARCY
No, no. Please don't leave on my account.
ELIZABETH
Well, I do rather enjoy this room. I was here many years ago when my father came to see an old book of Mr. Forsyth's. I was just a little girl. I've never been in this room since.
DARCY
And here I thought you were a great reader. But you only come here to reminisce.
ELIZABETH
No, I do enjoy Mr. Bingley's books, even though I can't claim to be a great reader.
DARCY
Forgive me. I was only trying to make a little... I mean, I was trying to be sarcastic, ...Well, anyway, do you recall the name of that old book?
ELIZABETH
A history of Europe, I think. I remember lots of maps.
DARCY
Maps. I'll wager it was Paige-Jones' book. I have several copies at Pemberley. Very hard to find.
ELIZABETH
Your library is really that large?
DARCY
No, no, my librarian can easily find it at Pemberley. I meant it's hard to find in bookshops these days.
ELIZABETH
Your library warrants a librarian?
DARCY
And his two assistants.
ELIZABETH
That's funny, Mr. Darcy. I can't picture you as much of a reader. I've never even seen you with a book while I've been here.
DARCY
Actually, yes, I have read quite extensively, Miss Bennet. And my library is the work of many --
ELIZABETH
I've only ever seen you playing cards, or writing a letter, or dancing... oh, no, not dancing.
DARCY
Yes. How long will you continue to tease me about that, I wonder.
ELIZABETH
Do you think that Mr. Bingley will really hold a ball when Jane is recovered? Everyone in Meryton has probably heard about his promise by now.
DARCY
Yes, I'm sure your mother has already spread the word all over.
ELIZABETH
Excuse me?
DARCY
Oh, I mean, I meant, no, I, ...
ELIZABETH
I saw the expression on Miss Bingley's face when her brother agreed to the ball. I must apologize for my younger sister's presumption in making such a request.
DARCY
Oh, think nothing of it. Bingley will take any excuse to hold a ball.
ELIZABETH
How will you yourself survive the event?
DARCY
Well, I have been to many, many balls, Miss Bennet. Pemberley itself has a great number of very large rooms, large enough, I'd say, for perhaps three hundred guests.
ELIZABETH
How lucky for you to have such an estate, Mr. Darcy. You're never at a loss for something to boast about.
DARCY
Well --
ELIZABETH
Perhaps we should adjourn to the parlour so that Miss Bingley can enjoy your sarcasm.
DARCY
Well, I've already spent most of the day surrounded by Miss Bingley.
ELIZABETH
You're quite adept at making her laugh. How nice it must be to have a travelling companion with such a compatible sense of humour.
DARCY
Believe me, Miss Bennet, Miss Bingley and I don't have --
ELIZABETH
When the two of you came back from riding yesterday she was in a very good mood.
DARCY
Well, she had made it thrice around the park without falling off.
ELIZABETH
Oh, did you ever find your father's riding crop?
DARCY
No, I can't find it anywhere on the grounds here. I may have lost it on your father's estate.
ELIZABETH
So you were trespassing when you lost it?
DARCY
Well, I might have lost my way for a moment. Perhaps when your sister finally recovers I could call at Longbourn and --
ELIZABETH
Finally recovers? She is doing her best, I assure you.
DARCY
Oh, no, I meant, of course she will recover soon, and then perhaps I could call at Longbourn and you and I could --
ELIZABETH
Yes, the gardener might have time to show you around.
DARCY
The gardener? My word. You're in quite a caustic mood tonight, Miss Bennet.
ELIZABETH
Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Darcy. I'm just a bit on edge. In a moment I'll have to enter the parlour and face Miss Bingley and the Hursts. They'll stare at me as if I have two heads.
DARCY
Oh, dear. I promise not to stare at you if you wish.
ELIZABETH
And then when Miss Bingley insists upon a turn about the room, well, I'll feel like I'm a rustic oddity on display.
DARCY
Well, then, perhaps I could join you on your circuit of the room tonight. If I wouldn't be in the way.
ELIZABETH
Excellent idea, sir. I'll be able to sit down and admire your figure.
The next dialogue: with Miss Bingley in the library
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