JANE
Why, Mr. Darcy. How nice to see you again. Are you just back from
London?
DARCY
Good morning, Miss Bennet. Yes, I've just returned. And I've just heard
your wonderful news. Allow me to congratulate you on your engagement to
my very best friend.
JANE
Thank you, sir.
DARCY
He is most delighted, I can tell you that for certain, Miss Bennet.
JANE
Thank you.
DARCY
And so am I.
JANE
Thank you once again, sir.
DARCY
And how is your family?
JANE
Very well.
DARCY
Each one is quite well?
JANE
Yes, all of them.
DARCY
Every single one?
JANE
Indeed.
DARCY
Miss Bennet, would you mind terribly if I asked you a question? Just a
small question.
JANE
Certainly, sir. How can I be of assistance?
DARCY
Well, I was wondering if your sister has mentioned anything about,
...well, about her opinion of, ...well, of ...
JANE
Of?
DARCY
Of Oakham Mount.
JANE
One of my sisters?
DARCY
Yes, Miss Elizabeth.
JANE
Yes, I believe she does enjoy the view. In the autumn especially.
It's always been one of our favourite spots in the area.
DARCY
And, ...has she enjoyed her recents visits there?
JANE
Yes, the weather has been quite agreeable these last few weeks.
DARCY
But has she, ...has she said anything about, um...
JANE
About?
DARCY
Any particular feelings she may have about, ...about those visits in
particular?
JANE
Why, yes she has in fact. Only yesterday she told me that the mud
at the base of the hill, near that large oak tree, is rather deeper
than usual.
DARCY
Oh. The mud.
JANE
Mr. Darcy, let me be perfectly frank. I do know what you're
getting at, and I must give you the same advice that you yourself
gave Charles last November. And that advice is as follows. The
object of your affection has no particular regard for you, sir, and
you had best quit Netherfield at once.
DARCY
Oh. Oh dear.
JANE
Charles still values your friendship, and he himself would never ask
you to leave. However, I'll soon be mistress of this house, and I
will not have the man who --
DARCY
You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your
feelings, and have only to make immediate arrangements with my valet to
--
JANE
No, no, Mr. Darcy! I'm just teasing! I don't mean any of it!
DARCY
What?
JANE
I was just punishing you a little bit for the suffering you caused
me earlier this year. But I'm all finished. Of course
you're welcome to stay here.
DARCY
Oh, Miss Bennet. Thank goodness.
JANE
I know why you did what you did. Charles has explained everything,
including the book he threw at you.
DARCY
Yes. It still hurts.
JANE
He values your friendship immensely, and so do I. Don't worry, Mr.
Darcy. You'll always be welcome here.
DARCY
Well, I am still in a bit of shock at your reproach. I would have
expected such a treatment from your sister.
JANE
Yes, Lizzy will be quite amused when I describe the look on your
face.
DARCY
Yes, Miss Elizabeth.
JANE
You're wondering how she feels about you, I suppose. She told me what
happened last April.
DARCY
Oh.
JANE
All I can tell you is that lately she has been very quiet. With
Lizzy this is usually a sign that she has a lot on her mind.
DARCY
I understand my aunt came to visit several days ago.
JANE
Yes. Lizzy hasn't said much about the visit, but I can tell that
it's upset her.
DARCY
I can imagine. My aunt told me yesterday about the visit. She's
not happy, but it's made me hopeful.
JANE
Well, perhaps you should take another walk with Elizabeth to Oakham
Mount this afternoon. But watch out for the mud.