PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

A Musical Play in Two Acts

based on the novel by Jane Austen

Book and Lyrics by Deborah Morris

Music by Ann Kapp Andersen

 Copyright 2007  

by  Deborah Morris and Ann Kapp Andersen

All Rights Reserved

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Speaking Roles (In the order they appear in the script)

Mrs. Bennet – A middle-aged woman with five unmarried daughters

Mr. Bennet – Mrs. Bennet’s husband

Jane – The Bennet’s eldest daughter

Elizabeth – The Bennet’s second daughter

Mary – The Bennet’s third daughter

Kitty – The Bennet’s fourth daughter

Lydia – The Bennet’s youngest daughter

Mr. Bingley – An eligible bachelor

Mr. Darcy – His eligible friend

Charlotte – Elizabeth’s best friend

Perkes – Mr. Bingley’s servant 

Miss Bingley – Mr. Bingley’s sister

Mrs. Hurst – Mr. Bingley’s sister

Mr. Hurst – Mrs. Hurst’s husband

Mr. Wickham – A soldier and enemy of Darcy

Mr. Collins – A cleric related to the Bennets

Mrs. Gardiner – Mrs. Bennet’s sister-in-law

Lady Catherine – Mr. Darcy’s aunt

Colonel Fitzwilliam – Mr. Darcy’s cousin

Mr. Gardiner – Mrs. Gardiner’s husband, a brother of Mrs. Bennet

Miss Darcy – Younger sister of Mr. Darcy

Hill – The Bennet’s servant 

Nonspeaking roles

Miss de Bourgh – Cousin to Mr. Darcy, only child of Lady Catherine

Dancers and chorus – From 4 to 6 couples as ball guests and villagers

LIST OF SONGS

ACT ONE

“The Marriage Song” The Bennet Family        Act I Scene 1

“Gigue”  Orchestra Act I Scene 2 

“Love’s Spell” Jane Act I Scene 3

“I Do Not Wish to Know”  Charlotte & Elizabeth Act I Scene 4

“Spiteful Banter” The Hursts & Miss Bingley Act I Scene 5

“As a Moth to the Flame” Darcy Act I Scene 7

“Sarabande” Orchestra Act I Scene 9

“Mr. Collin’s Proposal”       Mr. Collins & Elizabeth Act I Scene 10

“Love’s Spell” (Reprise 1) Jane Act I Scene 11

“The Reckoning” Elizabeth Act I Scene 14

“Moth to the Flame” (Reprise) Darcy Act I Scene 15

ACT TWO

“Take Me to Gretna Green” Lydia & Wickham Act II Scene 1

“Ask Me for the Stars” Darcy Act II Scene 4

“Lydia’s Triumph” Lydia Act II Scene 7

“Love’s Spell” (Reprise 2) Orchestra Act II Scene 9

“Lady C’s Ultimatum”    Lady Catherine & Elizabeth Act II Scene 10

“Ask Me for the Stars” (R.1)    Elizabeth Act II Scene 10

“Ask Me for the Stars” (R. 2)     Elizabeth & Darcy Act II Scene 11

“Come Drink the Cup” The Cast Act II – Epilogue

Act One - Scene One:

(Lights come up on stage right apron which represents the parlor of the Bennet home, Longbourn.  The female Bennet family members are engaged in various leisure activities.  Remnants of afternoon tea are in evidence.  Enter Mr. Bennet)

mrs. bennet:   Mr. Bennet!  Netherfield Hall has been let at last.  Lady Lucas has just been here, and she has told me all about it. . . . Well, don’t you want to know who has taken it?

mr. bennet:   You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.  

mrs. bennet:   Lady Lucas says that Netherfield is taken by a single young man from the north of England by the name of Bingley, and he is possessed of a large fortune. He came down on Monday, and was so much delighted with the place that he agreed to take it upon the spot.  What a fine thing for our girls!

(Giggling from Kitty and Lydia)

mr. bennet:   How so?  How can it affect them?

mrs. benet:   My dear Mr. Bennet. how can you be so tiresome?  A single, young man of large fortune - four or five thousand a year – must be in want of a wife.  Naturally, I am thinking of his marrying one of our daughters.  (More giggles from Kitty and Lydia)   

mr. bennet:   Is that his design in settling here?

mrs. bennet:   Design!  Nonsense!  How can you talk so?  But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them.  And therefore, you must visit him at once!  Sir William and Lady Lucas have already gone on Charlotte’s account, and it will be impossible for us to visit him if you do not.

mr. bennet:   You are overscrupulous, surely my dear.  With five unmarried daughters, I daresay Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you.  And I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls.  Though, I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.

elizabeth:   Oh, father.

mrs. bennet:   Mr. Bennet!  I desire you will do no such thing!  You take delight in vexing me.  You have no compassion on my poor nerves.  

(Music begins for “The Marriage Song”)

mr. bennet:   You mistake me, my dear.  I have a high respect for your nerves.  They are my old friends.  I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.

mrs. bennet:    And yet you withhold your assistance!

“The marriage song”

mrs. bennet:       I bear the burden all alone

                        you are no help at all.

                        A single man of fortune comes

                        And you refuse to call.

            Marriage is not what I expected

                        Thought you’d support me all the way

                        No, marriage is not what I expected it to be

                          Feeling more lonely every day.

mr. bennet:         My wife thinks just of silly things

                          of  fashion, balls and such.

                          I miss the charming girl I wed

                          her tenderness, her touch.

              Marriage is not what I expected

                          Little in common with my wife.

                          No, marriage is not what I expected it to be.

                          Now all my days are filled with strife.

elizabeth:    My father is a learned man.

My mother loves to sew;

How they came to fall in love

                             we truly do not know.

kitty and mary: Marriage for me will be more thrilling!

lydia: Marriage for me must be for fun.

elizabeth and jane:And marriage is sharing all your sorrows, all your dreams,

         blending two hearts to beat as one.

mrs. bennet:    (speaking)  Sometimes, Mr.  Bennet, I wonder if you care to see your daughters marry at all!     

               (singing)      My dear, you’d be no use to us 

                          should twenty suitors come

mr. bennet: Please rest assured, if twenty come

                          I’ll visit every one.

mr. & mrs. bennet: Marriage is not what I expected

                          when I was caught by passion’s fire.

                          No, marriage is not what I expected it to be!                      

kitty and mary: I dream of finding the right suitor!

lydia: I want a handsome man to love me!

jane: Someone who’s kind and understanding!

elizabeth:  A man who’s intelligent and strong!

bennet girls: Marriage is what we all desire!

mrs. bennet:   (speaking as the music fades)  Ah, you do not know what I suffer!

mr. bennet:   What is that you are doing Lizzy?

elizabeth:   Trimming my bonnet, Father.

mr. bennet:   I hope that Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy.

mrs. bennet:   We are not to know what Mr. Bingley will like, since we are not to visit.

elizabeth:   But you forget, Mamma, that we shall certainly meet him at the assemblies, and Lady Lucas has promised to introduce him.  

mrs. bennet:   She will do no such thing.  She has Charlotte to think of.  And Charlotte, who you must own is rather plain, will soon be past the age of getting a husband.  No, I will not depend upon Lady Lucas. . . . Don’t keep coughing so Kitty, for Heaven’s sake.  Have a little compassion on my nerves.  You tear them to pieces.

mr. bennet:   Kitty has no discretion in her coughs.  She times them ill.

kitty:   I do not cough for my own amusement, Father.

lydia:   When is the next ball to be, Lizzy?

elizabeth:   Tomorrow fortnight.  

jane: Perhaps, Mamma, your friend, Mrs. Long will introduce us to Mr. Bingley at the ball.

mrs. bennet:   Mrs. Long is gone to London and will not return until the day before the ball.  So it will be impossible for her to introduce him, for she will not know him herself.

mr. bennet:   Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her.

mrs. bennet:   When I am not acquainted with him myself?  Nonsense.  Nonsense.

mr. bennet:   Do you consider the forms of introduction as nonsense?  I cannot quite agree with you there.  What say you Mary?   For you are a young lady of deep reflection and read great books and make extracts. . . . While Mary is adjusting her ideas, let us return to Mr. Bingley.

mrs. bennet:   I am sick of Mr. Bingley!

mr. bennet:   I am sorry to hear that.  If I had known as much this morning, I certainly would not have called on him.  It is very unlucky, but as I have actually paid the visit we cannot escape the acquaintance now.

mrs. bennet:   Mr. Bennet!  But I knew I should persuade you at last!   And it is such a good joke too, that you should have gone this morning but never said a word about it until now.  What an excellent father you have, girls.

mr. bennet: Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you choose 

(Lights out)

Act One - Scene Two:

(Lights come up center stage to reveal a ballroom with a chamber orchestra. Charlotte Lucas and the female members of the Bennet family are among the milling guests. The orchestra is warming up their instruments.)

Mrs. Bennet:   The dancing is shortly to begin, and there is yet no sign of the elusive Mr. Bingley.  I wonder if he comes at all?  I was quite distressed when he refused my invitation to dine with us on Tuesday.

Jane:   I am sure he will be here Mamma.  Do you not recollect that Mr. Bingley went up to town to collect a party of acquaintances for the ball?

Mrs. Bennet:   A party?  What sort of party?

Lydia:   Oh, it is to be a large party of twelve ladies and seven gentlemen.

Mary:   I have heard it reported that he arrived yesterday with a party of six, five sisters and a cousin.  

Mrs. Bennet:   How unfortunate! 

Elizabeth:   All our questions as to the size and nature of the party will shortly be answered.  For I am much mistaken if that is not Mr. Bingley just arrived.

Mrs. Bennet:   What luck!  They are but a party of five, and three of them gentlemen.

Lydia:   I shall discover who they are.  (Leaves the group)

Kitty:   None of the gentlemen are as handsome as the regimental officers.

Jane:   Mr. Bingley’s manners appear easy and unaffected.

Elizabeth:   I wonder if Lydia will discover who the tall gentleman is with him.  He is much handsomer than Mr. Bingley.

Lydia:   (Returning breathless) The two ladies are Mr. Bingley’s sisters. The shorter gentleman is his brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst.  And the tall, noble-looking man is a Mr. Darcy.  They say he has ten thousand a year and an estate in Derbyshire.

Mrs. Bennet:   Ten thousand a year!

Elizabeth:   He may have more money than Mr. Bingley, but let us see if he will dance with the local young ladies.

Jane: As for me, I would sooner have an amiable partner than a rich one.

(Couples take their places for the dance, including the Bennet girls as music for the “Gigue” begins.  Mr. Bingley leads Jane out onto the floor.  Mr. Darcy stands at the side observing.  Elizabeth, who is without a partner, sits in the only available chair. At the end of the first dance  Mr. Bingley approaches Darcy. Music continues to play softly in the background.)

Mr. Bingley:   Come, Darcy.  I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner.  You had much better dance.  

Mr. Darcy:    At such an assembly as this it would be insupportable.  Your sisters are engaged, and there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to stand up with. 

Mr. Bingley:   Darcy!  Upon my honor, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening.  And there are several of them uncommonly pretty.

Mr. Darcy:   You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room.

Mr. Bingley:   Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld!  But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. 

Mr. Darcy:   Which do you mean?  (He turns to make eye contact with Elizabeth and then turns back)  She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt  me.  You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.  

(Elizabeth rises, staring at Darcy.  He turns toward her as though he feels her gaze.  The music and lights fade and a spot is left briefly on Darcy and Elizabeth before the stage goes black)

Act One - Scene Three:

(The female Bennet family members enter the parlor to find Mr. Bennet dozing in a chair.  A servant follows them in, collects bonnets and cloaks and exits.  Kitty, Mary and Lydia follow  after kissing their father and saying goodnight.  Elizabeth and Jane remain.)

Mrs. Bennet:  Oh! My dear Mr. Bennet.  We have had a most excellent ball.  Jane was so admired!  Mr. Bingley thought her quite beautiful, and danced with her twice!  He has such agreeable manners and is so excessively handsome!  His sisters are also very fine.  Why, I never in all my life saw anything more elegant than their dresses.  I daresay the lace upon Mrs. Hurst’s gown . . .

Mr. Bennet:   Stop!   I refuse to hear any description of finery!

Mrs. Bennet:   Oh, my dear, Mr. Bingley’s friend Mr. Darcy, is quite an odious, horrible man. And he insulted our Lizzy.  Said she was not handsome enough to dance with!   So high and conceited that there was no enduring him!  He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so great!  Not handsome enough to dance with!  I only wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one of your set downs.  I quite detest the man!  (Exit Mr. and Mrs. Bennet on her last line)

Elizabeth: Well . . .?

Jane:   Oh Lizzy, Mr. Bingley is just what a young man ought to be, sensible, good-humored, lively.  And I never saw such happy manners!  So much ease, and with such perfect good breeding!

(Music begins to rise in the background)

I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second time.  I did not expect such a compliment.  

Elizabeth:   Did you not?  I did for you.

“LOVE’S SPELL”

Jane: (singing)          When he held out his hand and I lifted my eyes

                    Then I paused at the warmth in his glance

                    As I trembled inside at the power of his touch

                    I abandoned myself to the dance. 

      Love’s spell then captured me, 

                    It took me by surprise.

                    Love’s spell enraptured me, 

                    I saw it in his eyes.

Elizabeth: (Spoken) Well, he was very handsome, which a young man ought to be if he possibly can.

Jane: (Singing)        It was more than good looks that enchanted my heart

                  As he led me out on to the floor.

                  Though we’d only just met something whispered within

                  “You’ve danced with him this way before.”

      Love’s spell then captured me, 

                    It took me by surprise.

                    Love’s spell enraptured me, 

                    I saw it in his eyes.

Elizabeth:   (Spoken) Why then, his character is thereby complete, and I give you leave to like him.  You have liked many a stupider person.  

Jane:           (Spoken)   Oh, Lizzy!

(Singing)          Though my heart seems to say that he may be the one

                    I know only the future will tell

                    If my feelings are real on this magical night

                    Or tis only the lure of love’s spell.

Love’s spell has captured me, 

                    It takes me by surprise.

                    Love’s spell enraptures me, 

                    I’ve found it in his eyes.

Elizabeth:    Mr. Bingley is a very fine gentleman to be sure, Jane.  But you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in general!   I never heard you speak ill of a human being in my life. 

Jane:   But I always speak what I think.

Elizabeth:   That is the wonder.  And so you liked this man’s sisters too, did you? 

Jane:   Not at first.  But they are pleasing women when you converse with them.  Miss Bingley is to live with her brother and keep his house.  She has invited me to tea on Monday.  

Elizabeth:   I wonder if Mr. Bingley will be there?

(Lights out)

Act One - Scene Four:

(Lights come up on Elizabeth and Charlotte on the stage left apron which has been extended to represent the garden at Longbourn)

Elizabeth:   You know, Charlotte, it is only a fortnight since Jane and Mr. Bingley first met at the Meryton assembly, and she already admires him very much.  I am glad that Jane’s general cheerfulness protects her from the suspicions of the world.

Charlotte:    Ah, Eliza, Jane’s calm manner may prove to be a  disadvantage.  In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection than she feels.  Mr. Bingley may never do more than like Jane if she does not encourage him.

Elizabeth:   But she does encourage him . . . as much as her nature will allow.  If I can sense her regard for him, he must also.

Charlotte:   Perhaps, but Jane should make the most of every moment.  When she is sure of him, there will be time enough for falling in love.

Elizabeth: If I were determined to get a rich husband, I dare say I should adopt your plan.  But Jane cannot act by design.  And as yet she cannot even be certain of his character.

Charlotte:    Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.  It is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.

Elizabeth:   You make me laugh, Charlotte.  But it is not sound! You know it is not.  And you would never behave in such a manner yourself!

Charlotte: Would I not?

(Music begins playing) “I Do Not Wish To Know!”

Elizabeth:     If a man picks his teeth, or his face, or his feet?

Charlotte:   I do not wish to know!

Elizabeth:    Should he burp or he snore, be an absolute bore?

Charlotte:   I do not wish to know!

Elizabeth:     If he walks in his sleep or he bleats like a sheep?

Charlotte:   I do not wish to know!

Elizabeth:     If he’s rude to his friends, or has breath which offends?

Charlotte:   Surely, I do not need to know!

Elizabeth:    Charlotte, you cannot, must not mean it!  How could one live with such a man? 

Charlotte:   Every man has his little weakness, better know as little as one can!

Elizabeth:      If he drinks to excess or knows not how to dress?

Charlotte:   I do not wish to know!

Elizabeth:      Should he gamble or swear, wear a false piece of hair?

Charlotte:   I do not wish to know!

Elizabeth:      If he stays out all night and is eager to fight?

Charlotte:   I do not wish to know!

Elizabeth:      If he’s lived a wild life or has more than one wife?

Charlotte:   (spoken) Perhaps that is something I should know!  But in general . . . 

(Singing) Surely, I do not need to know! 

What can it profit any young woman

knowing her future partner’s flaws?

Elizabeth: And should you marry someone frightful?

Is there nothing that would give you pause?

And should he scratch?

Charlotte: He would still be a catch!

Elizabeth: And should he flirt?

Charlotte: I refuse to be hurt!

Elizabeth: If he is lazy?

Charlotte: Tis better than crazy!

Elizabeth: What if he’s stupid?

Charlotte: It will not stop Cupid!

Elizabeth: If he’s too well fed?

Charlotte: I will still share his bed!

Elizabeth: If he’s too hairy?

Charlotte: I’ll still wish to marry!   (spoken)  In short my dear Eliza, you see,

Charlotte and Elizabeth:

When the goal is in sight

One should never take flight

At the sign of a weakness or so!

If to wed is your aim

Then you must play the game, of

I do not wish to know!

(Music fades as Elizabeth and Charlotte collapse in each other’s arms laughing.)

Charlotte:   Well, Jane will have another chance with Mr. Bingley. Has she not been invited to Netherfield Hall to dine?  

Elizabeth:  She has.  Only Bingley will not be there. The men are dining in Meryton with the officers.  However, Mother has insisted that Jane go on horseback in hopes that it will rain - as it seems likely to do - and then she may be asked to spend the night.

Charlotte:   And what of you Eliza?  Mr. Darcy is paying you quite a bit of attention as of late.

Elizabeth:   Mr. Darcy!  The man who makes himself so disagreeable!  Wherever I go he draws near, says nothing, but remains in earshot of whatever I am saying.  What can he mean, Charlotte, by listening to my conversations?

Charlotte:   That is a question I dare you to ask Mr. Darcy yourself when next you meet.

Elizabeth:   Do you think that I dare not?  Well then,  if I do not begin to be impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him!

(Elizabeth and Charlotte exit giggling as the lights fade)

Act One - Scene Five:

(Lights come up on center stage - the sitting room at Netherfield Hall. Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Mr. Darcy sit around a table playing cards.  A servant, Perkes, enters stage right and approaches Mr. Bingley.)

mr. bingley:   Yes, Perkes.  What is it?

perkes:   A young lady is here, sir.  She says that her name is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and she wishes to see her sister.

mr. bingley: Then, by all means, show her in!

perkes:   Begging your pardon, sir.  The young lady says that she does not wish to intrude, especially since she has just walked here from Longbourn and has mud upon her shoes.  She requests that she be allowed to go directly up to see Miss Jane Bennet.

mr. bingley:    Nonsense! Show her in at once, Perkes.

perkes:  Very good, sir.

mr. bingley:    We are not afraid of a little mud, are we?

(Perkes enters stage right followed by a somewhat disheveled Elizabeth.  The gentlemen rise as she enters the room.)

mr. bingley:   Miss Elizabeth Bennet!  I am very glad to see you.

elizabeth:  Pardon my intrusion Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley.  I have been unable to rest since I received Jane’s note two days ago saying that she had been taken ill.  I do so wish to see her for myself.

mr. bingley: And I am certain that your sister will be very happy to see you as well.

miss bingley:   You shall be taken to her directly.  But will you not have some refreshment first?  The doctor has just left her, and she is resting now.

elizabeth:   The doctor?

miss bingley:   He says that she has developed a fever and must be kept quiet.

mr. bingley:   Naturally, we will not think of moving her to Longbourn until she is completely recovered. And you are most welcome to remain with your sister, should you so desire.

elizabeth:   I do appreciate your kindness.

miss bingley:   Then we must send for your clothes, Miss Elizabeth.  Now, will you take some refreshment?  You must be tired after such a walk.

elizabeth:    Thank you, no.  I should like to see Jane as soon as possible.

miss bingley: Very well.  

elizabeth:   You are most kind.

mr. bingley: It is truly our pleasure, Miss Elizabeth.

perkes:   If you will follow me, Miss Bennet.

(Elizabeth and Perkes exit stage right.  Music begins for “Spiteful Banter”)

miss bingley:   To come here uninvited.  Her manners are very bad, indeed!

mrs. hurst: A mixture of pride and impertinence.

“Spiteful Banter”

mr. hurst:   (singing) Scampering about the countryside!

mrs. hurst:  Her sister has a cold!

mr. hurst:    She walked three miles in the mud?

mrs. hurst:   She’s really rather bold!

miss bingley:  And what of her appearance!  She looked so blowsy too.

mrs. hurst:    She did, indeed, dear Caroline!  It’s not what ladies do!

all three:   Shocking! Shocking! That’s all we have to say.  Miss Bennet appeared scandalous today!

miss bingley:  I hope you saw her petticoat. 

mrs. hurst:     Six inches deep in grime. 

mr. hurst:       I’ve heard about these country girls.  They do it all the time.

miss bingley:  Her uncle is a lawyer of lower London fame.

mr. hurst:       He lives and works in Cheapside!

mrs. hurst:     What a name! 

all three:    Shocking! Shocking!  That’s all we have to say.  

          Miss Bennet appeared 

          scandalous today!   

          It’s really rather shocking! That’s all we have to say.  Miss Bennet

          appeared scandalous today!  

(Miss Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst laugh heartily)

mr. bingley:   I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked remarkably well. And if the Bennet girls had uncles enough to fill all of Cheapside, it would not make them one jot less agreeable!

mr. darcy: True.  But it must lessen their chance of marrying men of any consequence in the world. 

 (Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst give each other a very pointed look as the lights fade)

Act One - Scene Six:

(Lights come up on stage left apron to reveal a guest bedroom at Netherfield Hall.  Jane is propped up in bed and Elizabeth attends her.)

elizabeth:    Jane, dearest, you have missed several important developments in the past few days.

 Jane:   Do tell me.

elizabeth:   Well, our cousin, Mr. Collins - the clergyman - is come for a visit.  He is the one, you know, who will inherit Longbourn when Papa dies, as Papa has no male heir.

 Jane:   Oh.  And what does Mr. Collins want?

elizabeth:   Apparently he wishes to familiarize himself with his future estate.

 Jane:   And how does Mama receive him?

elizabeth:   She did not receive him well at first.  She proclaimed him to be a monster.  But for now Mr. Collins remains and hints at a further interest.

 Jane:   And what is that?  

elizabeth:    Mr. Collins has expressed a great interest in admiring his fair Bennet cousins “whose beauty and fame have been widely reported.”

Jane:   Oh, no.

elizabeth:    Oh, yes.  Mama likes him well enough now that he means to marry one of us.  But you, dear Jane, are safe.  Mama has informed Mr. Collins that you have already developed a preference for your Mr. Bingley, and he for you.  And although Mr. Collins seems determined to pay his addresses to me, I too have met someone - who at first glance - seems rather promising.

Jane: Who can it be?  You cannot mean Mr. Darcy?

elizabeth:     Mr. Darcy!  He is the last man I should find interesting.  No, there is a new officer assigned to the regiment in town.  His name is Mr. Wickham, and he is possessed of both pleasing address and countenance.  And what more could one expect in a future partner?

Jane:    Oh Lizzy!  Have you had private conversation with him?

elizabeth:   Yes, at Aunt Phillips’ dinner party last night.  You will meet him at  the next assembly ball.  And I am sure that you will like him too.

 Jane:   You could not like anyone who is not wonderful.  Oh Lizzy, I am so glad that you are to stay with me!  I must confess that I have dreaded spending another night here alone.

elizabeth:   Well, I am also glad that I am to stay, for your sake, Jane, dear.  Do you know,  Mr. Bingley’s genuine concern for your well being has quite raised him in my estimation. Although I could tell that Miss Bingley was none too happy about extending such an invitation.  If she were a more amiable person I should feel sorry for her.

Jane:   Why is that?

elizabeth:     Caroline Bingley’s conversation is designed only to make her appear pleasing to Mr. Darcy.  But, however much she angles, he does not take the bait.

Jane:   Poor Caroline!

elizabeth:   Fear not!  She has not given up on him.  Indeed, I look forward with anticipation to this evening, when I shall once again observe Miss Bingley’s dogged pursuit of the exalted Mr. Darcy.  

(Lights fade)

Act One - Scene Seven:

(The sitting room at Netherfield Hall.  Mr. Darcy is at a desk writing letters.  Mr. and Miss Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst sit at a table playing cards.)

(Elizabeth enters stage right.)

miss bingley:   Ah, there you are, Miss Eliza.  Will you not join us at cards?

elizabeth: Thank you, no.  While Jane sleeps, I will amuse myself with a book.

mr. hurst:  Do you prefer reading to cards?

miss bingley:   Miss Eliza Bennet despises cards.  She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else.

elizabeth: I deserve neither such praise nor such censure.  I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.

mr. bingley:   In nursing your sister, I am sure you have pleasure.   Please make use of my library, Miss Elizabeth.  I only wish my collection were larger. 

elizabeth: I assure you, sir, these shall do very well for me.

miss bingley:  What a delightful library you have at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy.  Charles, when you build your house, I advise you to take Pemberley for a model.

mr. bingley:   Upon my word, Caroline, It would be more possible to get Pemberley by purchase than by imitation!

mr. hurst:    What is the point of our playing cards, if neither of you are going to pay attention to the play?

Miss Bingley:  You are right.  I am weary of cards.  (to Mr. Darcy)  How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course of a year!  You always write such charming, long letters.  My brother Charles leaves out half his words and blots the rest. . .  Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to join me in taking a turn about the room.  I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude. 

elizabeth:    Very well.

miss bingley:   Mr. Darcy, will you not join us?

mr. darcy: Thank you, no.  You can have only two motives for choosing to take a turn about the room.  And my joining you would interfere with either of them.

miss bingley:   What could he mean by such a statement?  Miss Eliza, can you comprehend such a man?

elizabeth:    Not at all.  But depend upon it.  He means to be severe on us.  And our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it.

miss bingley: But, I am dying to know his meaning.

mr. darcy:   Very well.  You either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other’s confidence and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking.  If the first, I should be completely in your way.  And, if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the fire.

miss bingley: Oh! I never heard anything so abominable!  How shall we punish him for such a speech?

elizabeth: We can all punish and plague one another.  Tease him.  Laugh at him.  You must know how it is to be done.

miss bingley: But upon my honor I do not.  Tease calmness of temper and presence of mind?  No, no.  I feel he may defy us there.  Mr. Darcy may hug himself.

elizabeth:   Ah.  Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at.  That is an uncommon advantage.  And uncommon I hope it will continue.  For I love to laugh at follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, vanity and pride . . .

mr. darcy:   Vanity is a weakness, indeed,  but pride . . . Where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation.  But, I have faults enough, Miss Bennet, my temper I dare not vouch for.  And my good opinion once lost, is lost forever.

elizabeth:   Implacable resentment is a failing indeed!  But you have chosen your fault well.  I really cannot laugh at it.  You are safe from me.

mr. darcy: There is, I believe in every disposition, a tendency to some particular evil.

elizabeth: And yours is the propensity to hate everybody.

mr. darcy: And yours is willfully to misunderstand them.

(Darcy stands.  Darcy and Elizabeth look deeply into each other’s eyes during an uncomfortably long silence.)

elizabeth:   Now, I am a little tired and shall bid you all good night.

mr. bingley: Pray give my compliments to your sister, Miss Eliza.  I look forward to her speedy recovery and plan to give a ball here at Netherfield just as soon as she is well enough to attend.

elizabeth:   Thank you, Mr. Bingley!  I am certain that Jane shall anticipate such a ball with pleasure.  (Exit stage right)

miss bingley:   Well, I for one cannot pretend to regret that we shall soon see the last of Miss Eliza Bennet!

mr. darcy:   I must beg you to excuse me as well.  I require solitude and fresh air.

(Darcy exits onto the stage left apron.  The center stage lights fade as the lights come up on the stage left apron which represents a garden at Netherfield.  The music reflects his agitated state.)

“AS A Moth to the Flame”

mr. darcy:    Damn her impudence!  Damn her gall!  Why must she exist at all?

 (singing)        Too high to be a mistress, too low to be my wife

                        And yet she’s playing havoc with my life!

(speaking)   To the devil with you, Miss Elizabeth Bennet!  And damn this power you have over me! It is against all reason - this attraction!  And yet . . .

As a moth to the flame 

                               I am drawn by your light

                               It’s peril to give in

                               Though I’ve no will to fight.

                               Is there nothing that will ease this constant pain,

                               Or must I burn like a moth in the flame?

                 All that I believe in, all I thought I knew

                               Whispers that I dare not be unwise.

                               Then my world is shaken, when you come into my view

                                And I’m captured by the fire in your eyes.

                  As a moth to the flame

                                As a bee to the flower

                                All my reason resists

                                Yet I’m still in your power.

                                 Do I struggle ever onward in vain?

                                 Or must I burn like a moth in the flame?

                   All that I believe in, all I thought I knew

                                 Whispers that I dare not be unwise.

                                  Then my world is shaken, when you come into my view

                                  And I’