MR. GARDINER
Lizzy! There you are. You'll never guess what just happened.
LIZZY
Yes, uncle?
MR. GARDINER
It seems the master has returned a day early.
LIZZY
The master? Who do you mean? ... Oh, my god!
MR. GARDINER
The gardener and I just saw him in the distance riding towards the
house.
LIZZY
What? Is he sure it's Mr. Darcy?
MR. GARDINER
He says it's not unusual for this to happen.
LIZZY
Oh my god. Oh my god.
MR. GARDINER
I certainly wouldn't mind meeting him.
LIZZY
I can't let him see me.
Where's the carriage?
MR. GARDINER
Lizzy. What's the matter? He'd probably like to say hello to you.
LIZZY
Oh, I think not, uncle.
MR. GARDINER
But Lizzy --
LIZZY
Uncle, I'm not feeling well. I think I'll return to the carriage.
MR. GARDINER
You're not feeling well?
LIZZY
Uncle, really. He mustn't know I'm here.
MR. GARDINER
Well, I don't really expect to see him in any case. He certainly
wouldn't be greeting visitors himself, Lizzy. He leaves that job to
--
LIZZY
But that housekeeper might tell him that I was here.
MR. GARDINER
But she doesn't even know your name.
LIZZY
But she heard you both calling me "Lizzy". And she knows I'm
acquainted with him. Oh, dear.
MR. GARDINER
Well, if he does come out, I'll tell him that you --
LIZZY
If he finds out who I am, he'll have me chased off the grounds.
MR. GARDINER
Oh, nonsense, Lizzy.
LIZZY
Tell him I'm "Lizzy Johnston".
I'll be hiding in the carriage.
MR. GARDINER
Lizzy. Come back here.
LIZZY
Is it parked by the stables?