Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel

Mrs. Bennet

Yes, you may depend upon me, Mr. Collins. I will speak to Lizzy myself directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl and does not know her own interest. But I will make her know it.

Mr. Collins

[Alarmed.] Pardon me, Madam, but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation. If, therefore, Miss Elizabeth persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me.

Mrs. Bennet

[Alarmed in her turn.] Sir, you quite misunderstand me. Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. Let me see her alone for a moment. That will be the best.

Mr. Collins

But Madam – I —

Mrs. Bennet

[Almost forcing Mr. Collins out of the room.] Oh, I shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure. [Mr. Collins goes out. Mrs. Bennet goes quickly to Elizabeth.] Lizzy, what is the meaning of all this? Have you refused Mr. Collins?

Elizabeth

Yes, mamma, but please listen —

Mrs. Bennet

[Angrily.] No, I will not listen. I tell you what, Miss Lizzy, if you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all. I am going at once to the library and speak to your father. You will listen to him perhaps.

[Mrs. Bennet starts to go when she sees Mr. Bennet outside passing the glass doors. He is just returning from his walk and carries a book under his arm.]

Mrs. Bennet

Oh, there he is now! [She runs to the door, and opens it.] Oh, Mr. Bennet – Mr. Bennet! [Mr. Bennet turns. Mrs. Bennet runs out, takes him by the arm, and tries to pull him into the room by main force. Mr. Bennet, puzzled, submits.]

Mrs. Bennet

[While she draws Mr. Bennet into the room.] Oh, Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately. We are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and, if you do not make haste, Mr. Collins will change his mind and not have her.

Mr. Bennet

I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what are you talking?

Mrs. Bennet

Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy.

Mr. Bennet

Lizzy? I thought it was Jane.

Mrs. Bennet

No – no – It's Lizzy now!

Mr. Bennet

Ah! And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.

Mrs. Bennet

Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [Pointing to Elizabeth at the fireplace.] Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him.

Mr. Bennet

[Turning to Elizabeth.] Come here, child. [Elizabeth goes to her father.] This is an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is this true?

Elizabeth

Yes – papa – it – is.

Mr. Bennet

Very well – and this offer of marriage you have refused.

Elizabeth

I have, sir.

Mr. Bennet

We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting him. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?

Mrs. Bennet

Yes, or I will never see her again!

Mr. Bennet

An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day, you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again, if you do not marry Mr. Collins; and I will never see you again if you do.

ACT II

The Conservatory or Orangery at Netherfield. On one side, an archway, approached by two or three steps and hung with curtains, separates the Orangery from the ball-room. On the opposite side is a smaller archway with curtains, which are looped back, giving a glimpse of the drawing-room beyond. There is another door on the right. Bingley is discovered directing two Footmen, who are putting a bench in place. Darcy stands watching him.

Bingley

A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push those lights farther back – behind the trees. Yes, that is better. [Looking about him.] I think that is all. You may go. [The men leave the room.] Well, Darcy, do you approve of the arrangements? Have you anything to suggest? Any criticisms?

Darcy