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

Lady Catherine

Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this. I am Mr. Darcy's own aunt, and am entitled to know all his dearest concerns.

Elizabeth

But you are not entitled to know mine.

Lady Catherine

Let me be rightly understood. This match can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you got to say?

Elizabeth

Only this – that if it is so, you can have no reason to suppose Mr. Darcy will make an offer to me.

Lady Catherine

[Hesitating.] The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. While in their cradles, my sister and I planned their union. Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? Do not you see that honour, decorum – nay, interest, forbid you marrying my nephew? Yes interest, Miss Bennet. For you will be slighted and despised by everyone connected with him!

Elizabeth

These are heavy misfortunes. But the wife of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness that she could have no cause to repine.

Lady Catherine

[In a rage.] Obstinate, headstrong girl! Tell me once for all – are you engaged to my nephew?

Elizabeth

[Hesitates, then firmly.] I am not.

Lady Catherine

[Relieved.] And will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement?

Elizabeth

I will make no promise of the kind.

Lady Catherine

Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I shall not go away until you have given me the assurance I require.

Elizabeth

And I certainly never shall give it. I must beg, therefore, to be importuned no further on the subject.

Lady Catherine

[In a fury, but trying to speak calmly.] Not so hasty, if you please. I had hoped to spare you this last humiliation – but your insolence forbids it. I am no stranger to the particulars of your sister's infamous elopement. I know all! The young man's marrying her was a patched-up business at the expense of my nephew. [Elizabeth starts violently.] Oh, you needn't start, Miss! Nobody knows about the whole affair better than you. But I don't wonder you blush to find yourself discovered. You used your arts well. My nephew must have spent full five or six thousand pounds to save your family from disgrace. I should think that such generosity might appeal a little to your gratitude and your sense of decency.

Elizabeth

[Amazed.] Oh, Madam, – I —

Lady Catherine

It is quite useless to protest. I have my facts from the best authority. Heaven knows Darcy has reason enough to keep away from Wickham's flirtations and entanglements, but [stopping herself.] that is a family affair. However, you have managed to get him mixed up in them again to the extent of five thousand pounds. But that is not enough, – you want to make this shameless girl my nephew's sister, and the son of his father's steward his brother. Heaven and Earth! Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?

Elizabeth

[Speaking with great effort.] Madam, you have insulted me in every possible manner. I must beg to return to the house. This is beyond endurance.

Lady Catherine

Selfish girl! You are then resolved to have him?

Elizabeth

Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say.

Lady Catherine

[Rising from her chair.] Very well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine your ambition will be gratified. Depend upon it, I shall carry my point. [Going.] I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. You deserve no such attention. You will see what it is to rouse my displeasure.

[Lady Catherine goes out.]

Elizabeth

[Sinking upon the garden seat, overwhelmed.] Can it be possible? Do we owe all this to Darcy? Oh, it is intolerable! [She puts her hands over her face in an abandonment of grief.]

Jane

[Is heard outside calling.] Lizzy! Lizzy! [She enters, and on seeing her sister rushes to her.] Lizzy dear! What is it? Is there any new trouble?

Elizabeth

[Throwing her arms about her sister.] Oh, Jane, Jane! Yes, there is no end of trouble. Lady Catherine has been here.

Jane

[Astounded.] Lady Catherine!

Elizabeth

Yes, yes, and – she says – that – oh, Jane —

Jane