Dec 19, 1812
There's only one night left to study the book
DARCY
You'd better go, my dear. I have some reading to finish.
LIZZY
Reading? But dearest, this is our last chance to flirt shamelessly with one another.
DARCY
Well, there's something important that I have to take care of.
LIZZY
I think it's so silly that we have to stay apart for one more evening even though we'll be man and wife in less than twenty-four hours.
DARCY
Yes, dear, but in the eyes of the Lord --
LIZZY
Everyone expects me to remain virtuous on the day before the wedding and then to be with child on the day after.
DARCY
Oh, Lizzy!
LIZZY
Wouldn't it be fun to do something a little spicy on the night before our wedding?
DARCY
Well Lizzy, there are rules of propriety, you know.
LIZZY
How cruel of you to be away on business on the day before our wedding.
DARCY
Well, it's all taken care of now.
LIZZY
I hope I don't sound like a nagging wife already, Mr. Darcy, but I did miss you dreadfully.
DARCY
I know, Lizzy. I missed you too. It was torture having to ride off and leave you behind. The only thought in my mind all day long was about coming back to you. ...Now why don't you run off to bed?
LIZZY
Bed? But it's only half past eight.
DARCY
Well, I have some correspondence to catch up on.
LIZZY
Correspondence? Does this have anything to do with that large book you were carrying when you got back today?
DARCY
Oh, that. It's just a ledger.
LIZZY
Quite a fancy book just to hold your accounts.
DARCY
Well, nothing's too grand for Pemberley, you know.
LIZZY
Have I ever told you that I'm quite good with figures?
DARCY
You don't say.
LIZZY
Summing and subtracting and such. I'm quite proficient with surds and logarithms too.
DARCY
Didn't your sister say she needed your help with her dress or something?
LIZZY
I don't think so. ...You know, my dear, you were sorely missed today by absolutely everyone. You weren't even available to rehearse the wedding with Pastor Bryan and the rest of us.
DARCY
Oh, dear. I forgot all about that.
LIZZY
Little Billy Lucas had to fill in for you.
DARCY
Which one is he?
LIZZY
I even let him kiss the bride.
DARCY
He's the twelve-year-old I hope.
LIZZY
Do you think you'll be able to perform properly tomorrow?
DARCY
Perform? What do you mean? What did Bingley say about the book?
LIZZY
Nothing at all. ...Actually, you'll have to talk to Mr. Bingley about the wedding ceremony. He'll show you where to stand and what to do.
DARCY
Oh, heavens. The ceremony you mean.
LIZZY
Oh, and when the pastor asks you if you'll take me as your wedded wife, the correct answer is "I will", my dear.
DARCY
I'd better write that down.
LIZZY
Why don't we go for a walk?
DARCY
No, no, I can't. [Yawn] Oh, I'm getting so tired. Are you getting tired too, Lizzy?
LIZZY
Heavens! That was the most disingenuous yawn I've ever seen! You're trying to rid yourself of me, aren't you?
DARCY
No, of course not, my dear. But it'll be a busy day tomorrow. We'll both need our rest.
LIZZY
I think I'll sit up with you while you're going over your accounts tonight. I can sharpen your quills and blot your digits and kiss you in funny places while you work.
DARCY
No, no, Lizzy. I have to take care of some other things.
LIZZY
Tonight?
DARCY
In private.
LIZZY
In private? Is this some sort of secret male ritual to prepare for marriage? Is Mr. Bingley involved in this?
DARCY
It's all for your own good, my dear. Believe you me.
Next dialogue: time for bed after the wedding celebration
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