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

[Distressed.] Tell me, Lizzy!

Elizabeth

She says it was Darcy who paid all the money to Wickham – it was Darcy saved us – and – and she says I persuaded him. I ensnared him, and – and she has insulted me.

Jane

My dear, dear Lizzy. There must be some mistake. It was my good uncle who —

Elizabeth

[A little calmer.] No – no, Jane, it must be true. I can put things together now. My aunt's hints in the letter – you know I did not want to show it you. Then what Lydia let fall, and her fear of Wickham's anger.

Jane

[Soothingly.] Well, dear, even so, Mr. Darcy's motive is clear enough – and that should give you no pain.

Elizabeth

You are mistaken. I know his motive. He feels that he is responsible because he was silent about Wickham's true character. He told me that all this would never have happened, had he done his duty. And now, he will despise us. He will never wish to see us again as long as he lives!

[She walks up and down in great excitement.]

Harris

[Entering; to Jane.] The young gentlemen from Netherfield, Madam. I told them they would find you here.

Elizabeth

Oh, Jane, I cannot see them.

[She tries to run away, but before she can escape Bingley enters, all smiles, followed by Darcy, who looks very much troubled and excited. They are both in riding dress; Darcy carries a whip.]

Bingley

[Shaking hands.] Miss Bennet, I am so happy to see you again. Miss Elizabeth, it is good indeed to be back once more at Longbourn.

[He takes Jane to a garden seat.]

Darcy

[Embarrassed.] Miss Bennet, believe me, I should not have followed my friend. I only expected to ride with him to the Lodge, but – but I met my aunt coming away from here, and from something she said, I feared, – I imagined she might have offended – distressed you.

[Elizabeth does not reply.]

Bingley

[Gaily.] Miss Bennet is going to show me the Hermitage. We shall be back directly.

[Jane and Bingley go out.]

Darcy

[Looking anxiously at Elizabeth, who remains silent.] Forgive my intrusion. I will go.

[He starts to go away.]

Elizabeth

[Recovering herself.] No – stay, Mr. Darcy. Excuse my own incivility. Your aunt's visit has excited me. I shall be myself in a moment. [Darcy stands by, miserable. At length she speaks in a calmer tone.] Mr. Darcy, your aunt has told me of our overwhelming obligation to you. You must let me thank you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister.

Darcy

[Exploding and banging his whip against his knees.]

Damn! – Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. I beg your pardon. What right has my aunt to meddle in my affairs? How dare she give you such distress?

Elizabeth

It is far better that we know the truth, Mr. Darcy. For my part, I can never express to you our obligation.

Darcy

Oh, Miss Bennet – I beg of you! The obligation was entirely my own. I only did what was my decent, plain duty. [Faltering.] You remember – I told you – if I had spoken, this would never have happened.

Elizabeth

Yes, I remember. But you exaggerated your responsibility. I – we – of course my father will see you about your loan to us. I would not have Lady Catherine think —

Darcy

[Furious again.] Oh, I will settle matters with Lady Catherine! Have no fears on that score, Miss Bennet. She shall be set right, I assure you.

Elizabeth

Thank you. And for all your trouble – your kindness – my family can never repay you.

Darcy

Your family owes me nothing. If I had any thought beyond my duty, it was a thought of – you. [Elizabeth turns away.] Oh, pardon me. Perhaps, I ought not to say all this – but I owe you a great deal, Miss Bennet – more than you can know; and I want you to understand me better. I really am not the pretentious prig I must have seemed to you. I wish you could forgive my abominable pride.

Elizabeth

[Looking at him with a half smile.] I will, on one condition.

Darcy

Name it.