LOUISA
Mrs. Gardiner, what a delightful coincidence that you were here at
Pemberley just when Mr. Darcy arrived.
MRS. GARDINER
Yes. We were very surprised.
LOUISA
Had you known of his impending arrival, or were you just playing a
hunch?
MRS. GARDINER
Neither. We were touring Derbyshire and had always planned to
stop at Lambton. I have many friends there.
LOUISA
I suppose that Miss Eliza was anxious to see the house, having heard so
much about it.
MRS. GARDINER
Oh no, not at all. We actually had to drag her onto the
grounds.
LOUISA
Oh, I'm sure she would've found her way here one way or the other.
MRS. GARDINER
No, Mrs. Hurst. She only came when we were assured that no one was
home.
LOUISA
Well, I'm sure that Miss Eliza would've --
MRS. GARDINER
Mrs. Hurst, I can assure you that my niece has no desire to intrude
upon Mr. Darcy's life.
LOUISA
Well, I didn't mean to suggest that --
MRS. GARDINER
Mr. Darcy can confirm that himself if he so desires.
LOUISA
I'm sorry, Mrs. Gardiner, it's just that a man in Mr. Darcy's position
has to be very careful.
MRS. GARDINER
I'm fully aware of that, Mrs. Hurst.
And you can tell your sister that she has nothing whatsoever to fear
from Lizzy.
LOUISA
Oh... Yes, I suppose Caroline doesn't hide her own intentions very
well.
MRS. GARDINER
In a day or two we'll be gone and out of your life forever.
LOUISA
Well... I'm not so sure.
MRS. GARDINER
I beg your pardon?
LOUISA
Pardon me for being so forward, but you seem like someone that I could
confide in.
MRS. GARDINER
Um... of course.
LOUISA
I'm afraid your arrival may have rekindled Mr. Darcy's feelings for your
niece. And my brother's feelings for her sister.
MRS. GARDINER
Heavens.
...May I ask, Mrs. Hurst, why your brother left Hertfordshire
so suddenly last autumn?
LOUISA
Oh.
Well, that was a decision that had been forced upon him.
MRS. GARDINER
Oh, dear. Everyone seems to be in a bit of a muddle.
LOUISA
Yes. It's obvious whom my sister wants, and Mr. Darcy of course wants,
...well, your niece. And my brother wants Miss Jane.
MRS. GARDINER
And I think Lizzy favours Mr. Wickham.
LOUISA
Oh, dear. There are a few things she should know about Mr. Wickham.