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TRANSMISSION SCRIPT

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE ONE

DURATION: 53'13" (Enterprises & UK)

PRODUCER: Sue Birtwistle, Rm. DG03, Centre House, Ext. 61080

[Page] 1/1

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE ONE

OPENING TITLES

Music-1M1

Opening titles

Dur: 00'45"

S/I CAPTIONS:

1. COLIN FIRTH JENNIFER EHLE

2. CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

ANNA CHANCELLOR

SUSANNAH HARKER

3. JULIA SAWALHA

ALISON STEADMAN

BENJAMIN WHITROW

4. in

Jane Austen's

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

5. Screenplay by

ANDREW DAVIES

[Page] 1/2

CAPTIONS - Cont.

Music - 1M1

6. Music by CARL DAVIS

7. Directed by SIMON LANGTON

FADE TO BLACK

X-FADE:

FADE UP:

1/1. EXT. NETHERFIELD PARK. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 1. [10.30]

Music-1M2

Dur: 02'52"

Pounding hooves really close, the horses snorting, and the screen full of glossy flanks as DARCY and BINGLEY gallop across a meadow, the horses snorting and kicking up dirt, all that immense power under control. They rein in their horses, looking across at the very pleasant prospect of Netherfield Hall. Very calm, very peaceful; the educated English countryside. A few gentle chords of music to tell us that everything is in its proper place in the ordered society.

BINGLEY is quite out of breath. DARCY, characteristically, more together. Doesn't like even his best friend to see him out of puff. They are dressed for exercise rather than for business or society. We'll see their formal manners later. Now we're seeing two very virile young blokes.

BINGLEY
It's a fair prospect.

DARCY
Pretty enough, I grant you.

BINGLEY
Oh, it's nothing to Pemberley, I know. But I must settle somewhere! Have I your approval?

[Page] 1/3

Music-1M2

DARCY
You will find the society something savage.

BINGLEY
Country manners? I think they are charming!

DARCY [[smiling]]
Then you had better take it.

BINGLEY
Thank you! I shall! I shall close with the attorney directly!

And he kicks his horse up, and rides off down the hill towards the house. DARCY follows.

[Page] 1/4

Music-1M2

l/2A&B. EXT. NETHERFIELD PARK. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY I. [10.30]

DARCY and BINGLEY cantering their horses in the middle distance. DARCY overtakes BINGLEY and goes ahead. We see that we have been watching them from the P.0.V. of ELIZABETH BENNET, out for a solitary ramble.

ELIZABETH turns and walks on. She is dressed like a gentlewoman, but she rambles like a gypsy, with a long springy stride. She's been picking a few wild flowers. She's pretty, but what strikes us most is her energy and high spirits. Seeing the horses galloping has stirred her up - she feels like running too. And there's no-one about, so she does, tentatively first, then running properly, down a field path.

[Page] 1/5

Music-1M2

1/3. EXT. LONGBOURN. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 1. [10.48]

ELIZABETH has slowed up now, a bit reluctant to be·going home to Longbourn, the Bennet house, but where else is there to be? She walks in through the gate.

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
Lydia, that's mine!

LYDIA [[o.o.v.]]
It's mine now. You'd never wear it anyway.

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
I would. I wanted to wear it today. Look what you have done to it! [shrill] Mamma! Mamma! Lydia has torn ...

ELIZABETH dawdles past the window of her father's library. He looks up from his book, over his spectacles and nods to her, indicating with a little sideways glance that it's hell in the drawing-room, and indeed we can already hear.

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
... up my bonnet and made it up new and says she will wear it to church, tell her she shall not, Mamma!

LYDIA [o.o.v.] [overlapping]
I shall wear it, Mamma, and beg you would tell her so, for it's all my own work and she would be a fright in it because she is too plain to look well in it.

[Page] 1/6

Music-1M2

l/3A. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 1. [10.50]

A bit of a flurry as KITTY tries to grab her bonnet and LYDIA holds it away from her.

MRS. BENNET, limp and distraught in her chair.

Owlish MARY looks up disapprovingly from her book.

LYDIA
No, you shall not have it. Mamma, tell her so!

MRS.BENNET
Lydia, Kitty, girls, would you tear my nerves into shreds? Oh, let her have it, Kitty, and be done.

KITTY
But it is mine, you let her have everything that is mine ...

MRS. BENNET
Ooh!

And bursting into tears, KITTY goes out of the room.

LYDIA grins broadly, pleased with the outcome and triumphantly places the bonnet on her head.

[Page] 1/7

Music-1M2

1/4. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. LATE SEPTEMBER DAY I. [10.52]

KITTY runs through, all upset and red in the face, as ELIZABETH comes in. JANE comes into the hall, from another direction. We hear MRS. BENNET through the open door of the drawing-room.

MRS. BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
Oh, what is to become of us all? Jane? Lizzy? Where are you?

JANE and ELIZABETH exchange a glance, and go towards the drawing-room.

JANE
Here, Mamma.

ELIZABETH
Coming, Mamma.

[Page] 1/8

Music-1M2

1/5. EXT. PATH FROM LONGBOURN CHURCH. LATE SEPTEIWBER. DAY2. [10.12] [SUNDAY]

The entire BENNET family leaving church, on their way home from morning service. Only a very short walk. But quite a few local YOKELS about.

MR. BENNET strides out in front. He is dying to get back to his library. MRS. BENNET is hard put to keep up with him. A disillusioned ex-sensualist in his late forties, he married a teenage beauty and has had over twenty years to repent at leisure. His wife, though still a good-looking woman is, unfortunately, a fool, though she means no harm.

JANE and ELIZABETH walk together. JANE is a beauty. She is intelligent and has a sense of humour, but it tends to be ELIZABETH who makes the witty remarks and JANE who appreciates them.

MARY walks on her own, clutching her prayer-book piously. She is the plain one of the five daughters, and has chosen to be the family intellectual: her problem here is that she is not very bright either.

LYDIA and KITTY, best of friends again, bring up the rear, whispering, giggling and squawking occasionally. KITTY is pretty and sly-looking. LYDIA is jailbait, and would look good on page 3 of The Sun. She is fifteen, KITTY, seventeen, MARY eighteen, ELIZABETH, twenty, JANE twenty-one.

MRS. BENNET is bursting with the big news.

MRS. BENNET
My dear! Mr. Bennet! Wonderful news! Netherfield Park is let at last!

MR. BENNET unmoved, not slackening a step.

[Page] 1/9

Music-1M2

MRS.BENNET
Yes, it is, for I have just had it from Mrs. Long, and do you not want to know who has taken it?

BENNET
You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.

MRS.BENNET
Why then, it is taken by a young man of large fortune from the North of England! A single man of large fortune, my dears! He came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place! His name is Bingley, and he will be in possession by Michaelmas! And he has five thousand a year! What a fine thing for our girls.

BENNET
How so? Em - how can it affect them?

MRS.BENNET
Oh, Mr. Bennet, how can you be so tiresome?

Now we're looking at ELIZABETH and JANE, ELIZABETH smiling at her FATHER'S pretended puzzlement.

MRS. BENNET [cont,]
You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them!

ELIZABETH [[to JANE]]
For a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

MRS. BENNET
Yes, he must indeed! And who better than one of our five girls?

[Page] 1/10

LYDIA giggles.

JANE
Lydia.

LYDIA
What a fine joke if he were to choose me!

KITTY
Or me.

They go into floods of giggles.

BENNET
So that is his design in settling here? To marry one of our daughters?

MRS. BENNET
Design? Oh, how can you talk such nonsense? But you know he may very likely fall in love with one of them, therefore you must visit him directly he comes.

BENNET
Visit him? Oh, no, no, I see no occasion for that.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Mr. Bennet!

BENNET
Go yourself with the girls. Or still better, send them by themselves.

MRS. BENNET
By themselves?

[Page] 1/11

BENNET
Aye, for you're as handsome as any of them. Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the party.

Music-IM3

Dur: 00'39"

LYDIA lets out another of her snorting giggles.

ELIZABETH Lydia.

MRS. BENNET strides out ahead.

MRS. BENNET
Everything I try to do for you girls ...

[Page] 1/12

Music-1M3

1/6. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. LATE SEPTEMBER DAY 2. [10.17]

MR BENNET strides into the house and across the hall. MRS. BENNET can still be heard outside:

MRS. BENNET [o.o.v.] [[o.o.v.]]
... is ruined! Ruined! Nobody thinks about your future, but me! Hill!

HILL [the maid] hurries to meet MRS. BENNET, who is followed by the GIRLS.

They're all in the hall now, filling it up with flutter.

HILL helps MRS BENNET with her coat and bonnet.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
Oh, Hill, Hill, I am so distressed, for Mr. Bennet says he will not visit Mr. Bingley when he comes!

HILL has heard all this stuff lots of times before, and mutters automatically:

HILL
Oh, there, there, now, Ma'am, I daresay it'll all be well.

The GIRLS chatter in the background, under the above:

KITTY [[in b/g]]
Mama, can't you reason with him?

[Page] 1/13

Music-1M3

LYDIA [[in b/g]]
What are we going to do if we're not allowed to meet anyone?

MRS.BENNET
No, no, it will not, for he is bent on ruining us all!

The GIRLS continue in background:

KITTY [[in b/g]]
Do you think Mr Bingley is tall or short?

LYDIA [[in b/g]]
What does it matter if we're never going to see him?

JANE
Mamma, I'm sure he is teasing you. He will call on Mr. Bingley as sure as he would call on any new neighbour of ours.

[Page] 1/14

Music-1M3

1/7. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 2. [10.19]

MR. BENNET standing by the fireplace as MRS. BENNET and JANE come in. One of his few pleasures in life is this really rather cruel teasing of his wife, and he feels like indulging it a little longer.

MRS. BENNET
No, no, Jane, how can you say that? You heard him yourself and you know that your father has a will of iron.

MR. BENNET as she sinks into a chair.

BENNET
You are in the right, my dear. But I'll tell you what I'll do. I shall write to Mr. Bingley, informing him that I have five daughters, and he is welcome to any of them that he chooses. They are all silly and ignorant, like other girls. Well, Lizzy has a little more wit than the rest ... but then he may prefer a stupid wife, as others have done before him. There, will that do?

ELIZABETH and MARY have come into the room. ELIZABETH smiles at her FATHER.

MRS.BENNET
No! No! I beg you will not write at all if you ... Oh, you take delight in vexing me, you have no compassion on my poor nerves.

[Page] 1/15

BENNET
You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They have been my old friends these twenty years at least.

ELIZABETH having trouble keeping a straight face.

MRS. BENNET
You don't know what I suffer!

BENNET
Well, I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of five thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.

MRS. BENNET [(fretfully)]
It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.

MR BENNET really enjoying the exit line she's fed him.

BENNET
Depend upon it, my dear, when there are twenty, I'll visit 'em all.

And he makes for the library. ELIZABETH again has to stifle a laugh. MARY looks up from her book.

MRS.BENNET
There, you see, Jane. He will not be prevailed upon. He'll see us all ruined. Oh, if only we had been able to have sons.

MARY
Misfortunes, we are told, are sent to test our fortitude, and may often reveal themselves as blessings in disguise.

[Page] 1/16

LYDIA enters the room, gives a huge noisy sigh, and collapses on to a chair in an ungainly but not totally unappealing posture.

LYDIA
Lord! I'm so hungry!

[Page] 1/17

INT. LONGBOURN. JANE'S BEDROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER NIGHT 2. [22.20]

JANE and ELIZABETH en deshabille. JANE combing her hair, LIZZY sitting watching her. JANE, though beautiful, is not at all self-admiring. This is work to be done. What follows is a very serious conversation, even though Elizabeth's tone is mostly very light and witty: like her father, she expresses some brutal truths in the form of jokes.

ELIZABETH thinks for a moment before speaking: when she does speak it comes out very bright, very complete.

ELIZABETH
If I could love a man who would love me enough to take me for a mere fifty pounds a year, I should be very well pleased.

JANE
Yes.

ELIZABETH the mischief bubbling up.

ELIZABETH
But such a man could hardly be sensible, and you know I could never love a man who was out of his wits.

JANE [[laughing]]
Oh, Lizzy. [pause, then hesitantly] A marriage where either partner cannot love or respect the other ... that cannot be agreeable ... to either party.

[Page] 1/18

ELIZABETH
As we have daily proof.
[[Brightly]]
But beggars you know cannot be choosers!

JANE
We are not very poor, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
With Father's estate entailed away from the female line, we have little but our charms to recommend us.

This troubles JANE, who turns to look at herself in the mirror. Her lovely shoulders gleaming in the candlelight are not just lovely shoulders; they are working capital, so to speak.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
One of us at least will have to marry very well. And since you are quite five times as pretty as the rest of us, and have the sweetest disposition, I fear the task will fall on you to raise our fortunes.

JANE
But, Lizzy ... I would wish ... I should so much like ... to marry for love.

ELIZABETH [very warmly]
And so you shall, I am sure.

She puts her arms round JANE. They are very fond of each other, these sisters. But ELIZABETH has to be merry.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Only take care you fall in love with a man of good fortune!

JANE
Well, I shall try, to please you.
[[pause]]
And you?

[Page] 1/19

ELIZABETH very straight, very committed.

ELIZABETH
I am determined that nothing but the very deepest love will induce me into matrimony. [merry again] So, I shall end an old maid, and teach your ten children to embroider cushions and play their instruments very ill!

She kisses JANE and goes out of the room.

Music-1M4

Dur: 0l'05"

[Page] 1/20

Music-1M4

1/9. INT. LONGBOURN. LANDING. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 2. [22.32]

ELIZABETH knocks, then opens her mother's door. Her MOTHER sitting up in bed, looking sorry for herself.

ELIZABETH
Goodnight, Mamma.

MRS.BENNET
My head is very ill tonight.

ELIZABETH passes Lydia and Kitty's half-open door. LYDIA, in her underclothes, is posing about holding a new bonnet on top of her head.

LYDIA
Lord! I said, I wouldn't dance with him if he was the last man in Meryton!

KITTY [o.o.v.] shrieks with laughter.

ELIZABETH
Goodnight, Lydia, goodnight, Kitty.

LYDIA AND KITTY
Goodnight, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH goes in her own room and closes the door.

[Page] 1/21

Music-1M4

1/10. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. LATE SEPTEMBER NIGHT 2. [22.35]

MR. BENNET at his desk, doing his accounts. Big ledger, lots of bills. He ticks his total. Doesn't like what he sees and sighs. Oh, well, he thinks, and reaches for a drink.

[Page] 1/22

Music-1M4

1/11. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 2. [22.36]

ELIZABETH sitting at her own mirror and looking at herself quizzically. What hopes for me? She is thinking. What hopes for any of us? We'll just have to wait and see, won't we? She blows out her candle.

[Page] 1/23

l/12B. EXT. NETHERFIELD PARK. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 3. (11.10]

LYDIA, KITTY and MARY on their way back from Meryton, carrying parcels. They see ELIZABETH out walking.

LYDIA [[calling]]
Lizzy! Wait till you hear our news!

They bustle on towards the house, ELIZABETH saunters down the hill.

[Page] 1/24

1/13. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWINGROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 3. [11.25]

MR. BENNET behind his newspaper, warding off the barrage issuing from LYDIA and KITTY. MARY sitting prim and solemn with her book. ELIZABETH with JANE. MRS. BENNET fretful in her chair.

LYDIA
Mr. Bingley is come to Netherfield.

KITTY
And Sir William Lucas has called on him!

KITTY has a cough; and all this overlaps.

LYDIA
Save your breath to cool your porridge, Kitty, I will tell Mamma!

MRS.BENNET
I do not wish to know, what should we care for Mr. Bingley, since we are never to be acquainted with him?

LYDIA
But, Mamma!

MRS.BENNET
Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for heaven's sake! Have a little compassion on my nerves.

KITTY
I don't cough for my own amusement!

[Page] 1/25

LYDIA [overlapping]
He has thirty servants!

LYDIA
Forty servants, and he is very handsome, and wears a blue coat!

KITTY
And he declared to Sir William that he loves to dance.

LYDIA
And he's promised to come to the next ball!

KITTY
At the Assembly Rooms!

LYDIA
On Saturday!

KITTY
And bring six ladies and four gentlemen!

LYDIA
Nay, it was twelve ladies and seven gentlemen!

ELIZABETH [[to JANE]]
Too many ladies.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lydia, I beg you would stop for we are never to know Mr. Bingley and it pains me to hear of him.

LYDIA
But,Mamma -

[Page] 1/26

MRS. BENNET
I am sick of Mr. Bingley!

It comes out as a great wail. MR. BENNET puts his paper down.

BENNET I am sorry to hear that. If I'd known as much this morning I should never have called on him.

MRS. BENNET instantly transformed.

MRS. BENNET
You have called on him?

BENNET
I'm afraid we cannot escape the acquaintance now.

She springs up, instantly restored to Lydia-like animal energy.

MRS.BENNET
Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet!

And she goes over to enfold him in her arms.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
How good you are to us!

BENNET [[somewhat smothered]]
Well, well.

MRS. BENNET [[laughing]]
Girls, girls! Is he not a good father! And never to tell us! What a good joke!
[[laughs]]
Oh, and now you shall all dance with Mr. Bingley!

[Page] 1/27

ELIZABETH
I hope he has a strong constitution, Mamma.

BENNET
And a fondness for silly young women.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, nothing you say shall ever vex me again!

BENNET
I am sorry to hear it. Well, Kitty, I think you may cough as much as you choose now.

And he takes his newspaper off to his library, leaving his family in high spirits.

[Page] 1/28

1/14. EXT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [19.45]

Music-1M5

"The Touchstone"

Dur: 01'26"

A primitive little town, no street lights. A few lights in the windows, but mostly dark. The Assembly Rooms' windows are ablaze with light, and the music floats out, very barn-dancey in feel. A few LOCALS have come out to see the posh PEOPLE arrive. Dressed up TRADESPEOPLE going in on foot, very pleased with themselves.

And here come the Netherfield carriages.

BINGLEY jumps down, eager and smiling

DARCY emerges from the coach, assists MISS BINGLEY out. DARCY is not looking forward to this evening, country hops are definitely not his scene; and MISS BINGLEY is frankly slumming.

MISS BINGLEY
Shall we be quite safe here, Mr. Darcy, do you think?

HURST and MRS. HURST join them, having alighted from the second carriage.

HURST
Damned silly way to spend an evening.

The NETHERFIELD PARTY walk towards the entrance

[Page] 1/29

Music-1M5

1/15. INT. ASSEMBLYROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [19.51]

Meryton's high society is not very high, and will include TRADESPEOPLE, dressed in their best but some of them feeling a bit uncomfortable in it. The atmosphere is hot and sweaty and a lot of heavy drinking and coarse male laughter going on around the refreshment table - ROWS of plump MATRONS sitting down - MRS. BENNET with LADY LUCAS [they are at the top end of the social scale here]. It's a bit of a knees-up, in fact, and as we come into it and range the room, the music is fast and furious, and the dancing energetic, sweaty, and not tremendously skilful.

LYDIA is bouncing merrily up and down, dancing opposite a gauche YOUNG MAN - LYDIA smiling flirtily at him. Further up the line, ELIZABETH is also dancing, but with more decorum.

And the tune comes to an end.

The DANCERS disperse. We are aware of the chatter, and a big roar of laughter goes up from the red-faced BOOZERS at the refreshment table, and then dies down as PEOPLE become aware of - the NETHERFIELD PARTY, who are standing in the entrance. MISS BINGLEY and her sister, MRS. HURST, wear dresses that are high fashion, in contrast with the Bennet sisters' simple pretty frocks. The THREE MEN also stand out for style: HURST glowers around. He didn't want to come out at all. DARCY stares straight ahead of him, deeply pained by this vulgar gathering. Even BINGLEY'S eager smile is a bit frayed at the edges, he doesn't see anyone he knows - this is the right place, isn't it?

And then SIR WILLIAM LUCAS comes up, and makes things all right again. [He's fifty-odd, nouveau riche, the town's ex-Mayor, by nature inoffensive, friendly and obliging, and very deferential to the NETHERFIELD PARTY]

SIR WILLIAM
Mr. Bingley, allow me the pleasure of welcoming you to our little assembly here.

[Page] 1/30

BINGLEY
Sir William, I am very glad to see you! There is nothing that I love better than a country dance!

And as he turns to present the rest of the PARTY to SIR WILLIAM LUCAS, the MUSICIANS strike up again, more sedately this time.

Music-1M6

"A Trip to Highgate"

Dur: 03' 15"

CUT TO JANE and MARY, who are with Elizabeth's best friend CHARLOTTE LUCAS, late twenties, intelligent face, as ELIZABETH joins them.

ELIZABETH
Only two ladies, then, after all. Do you know who they are, Charlotte?

CHARLOTTE
Mr. Bingley's sisters, I understand. One of them is married to the gentleman there, a Mr. Hurst.

JANE
The taller gentleman?

CHARLOTTE
No, the other.

ELIZABETH
Better and better.

JANE
They are very elegant.

ELIZABETH
Better pleased with themselves than with what they see, I think.

We look at DARCY now, who certainly looks like that.

[Page] 1/31

Music-1M6

MRS. BENNET, who's been deep in chat with LADY LUCAS, calls the GIRLS over.

MRS. BENNET
Lizzy! Jane! Come here! You see that gentleman there? Lady Lucas has just told me he is Mr. Bingley's oldest friend, his name is Darcy, and he has a mighty fortune and a great estate in Derbyshire. Bingley's wealth is nothing to his!

Dropping her voice to a sibilant stage whisper:

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
Ten thousand a year! At least!

DARCY, very cool, very haughty.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
Don't you think he is the handsomest man you have ever seen, girls?

ELIZABETH
I wonder if he would be quite so handsome if he was not quite so rich.

JANE laughs.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lizzy! Oh Lord, they're coming over, smile, girls, smile.

SIR WILLIAM brings BINGLEY over, DARCY stays in the background.

SIR WILLIAM
Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley has expressed a wish to become acquainted with you and your daughters.

[Page] 1/32

Music-1M6

MRS.BENNET
Sir, that is very good of you.

BINGLEY bows, smiling, and they curtsey.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
This is Jane, my eldest, and Elizabeth ... And Mary sits over there ... And Kitty and Lydia, my youngest, you see there dancing. Do you like to dance yourself?

BINGLEY
There is nothing I love better, Madam. And if Miss Bennet is not otherwise engaged, may I be so bold as to claim the next two dances?

JANE [[smiling]]
I am not engaged, Sir.

BINGLEY
Good.

They are both having a nice time just smiling at each other.

MRS.BENNET
You do us great honour, Sir. Thank the gentleman, Jane!

DARCY is looking at her with some distaste.

ELIZABETH
Mamma.

MRS.BENNET
And you, Sir? Are you fond of dancing too?

[Page] 1/33

Music-1M6

DARCY amazed at being addressed by this vulgar stranger. A tiny awkward silence, till BINGLEY comes to.

BINGLEY
Oh, I beg your pardon. Mrs. Bennet; may I present my friend, Mr. Darcy?

DARCY bows very slightly and coldly. MRS. BENNET and the GIRLS curtsey.

MRS.BENNET
You are very welcome to Hertfordshire I am sure, Sir, and I hope you have come here eager to dance, as your friend has?

DARCY
Thank you, Madam; I rarely dance.

MRS.BENNET
Well, let this be one of the occasions, Sir, for I wager you'll not easily find such lively music ... or such pretty partners!

DARCY just stares at her and, inclining his head very slightly, he turns and walks away to join Bingley's SISTERS.

BINGLEY [[hesitant and embarrassed]]
Um ... Pray, excuse me, Ma'am.

BINGLEY takes his leave of MRS BENNET and her DAUGHTERS and follows DARCY.

MRS.BENNET
Well! Did you ever meet such a proud disagreeable man!

[Page] 1/34

Music-1M6

ELIZABETH
Mamma. He will hear you.

MRS. BENNET
I don't care if he does. And his friend disposed to be so agreeable and everything charming - who is he to think himself so far above his company?

ELIZABETH
Well, the very rich can afford to give offence wherever they go. We need not care for his good opinion.

MRS. BENNET
No, indeed!

ELIZABETH
Perhaps he is not so very handsome after all?

MRS. BENNET
No, indeed! Quite ill-favoured! Certainly nothing at all to Mr. Bingley!

And she looks proudly across to lovely JANE, who is exchanging a smile with BINGLEY across the room.

X-FADE:

[Page] 1/35

Music-1M6

X-FADE:

1/16. INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER NIGHT 4. [20.53] LATER.

Music-1M7

"Mutual Love"

Dur: 00'40"

A different dance and music. JANE and BINGLEY are dancing together.

DARCY looking at JANE and BINGLEY. He doesn't like what he sees. BINGLEY catches his eye and smiles. DARCY looks thoughtful. Looks over at MRS. BENNET across the room, who is saying nasty things about him to some other MIDDLE-AGED LADIES.

MRS BENNET
... that Mr Darcy is ...

DARCY looks down to the end of the dance, where the youth-club element is cavorting about - LYDIA shrieking, is fooling about with KITTY who is holding a ribbon out of reach as she grabs for it. Dreadful, dreadful people, thinks DARCY.

[Page] 1/36

Music-1M7

1/17. EXT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [20.55]

The lighted windows, the music from inside. The carriages (including Netherfield carriages and the Bennet carriage).

The OSTLER is drinking with his friends. Hearing the music, he gets up.

OSTLER
I'll show 'em!

He tries to do a few dance steps in the street, but falls over, into the horse trough.

[Page] 1/37

1/17A. INT. ASSEMBLYROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [21.00]

The dancers applaud the end of the dance. BINGLEY leads JANE over and introduces her to his SISTERS. We stay at a distance, and observe the body language, the SISTERS being gracious to her to please their brother, JANE'S shy delight at this rather flattering notice.

The music starts up again.

Music-1M8

"The 1st of April"

Dur: 01'02"

MRS. BENNET watching JANE from across the room, preening with delight.

MRS. BENNET
Mmm - you see how attentive he is to Jane ...

[Page] 1/38

Music-1M8

1/18. INT. ASSEMBLEY ROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [21.42] LATER.

BINGLEY dancing with JANE again.

ELIZABETH sitting out, next to MARY. DARCY prowls the room, ending up a little to one side of them.

MARY
I wonder at Kitty and Lydia, that they are so fond of dancing. I take little pleasure in a ball.

ELIZABETH
I would take more pleasure in this one if there were enough partners as agreeable as Jane's.

MARY
I believe the rewards of observation and reflection are much greater.

Though she seems pretty glum about it. ELIZABETH is more amused by their situation.

ELIZABETH
And so they are, when there are none others to be had. We shall have to be philosophers, Mary.

The dance finishes and BINGLEY leaves JANE with CHARLOTTE, although he never really leaves her in the sense that he keeps smiling back at her. Another dance starts up.

Music-1M9

"The Happy Captive"

Dur: 01'47"

[Page] 1/39

Music-1M9

BINGLEY is having a whale of a time, and wants DARCY to have one too.

BINGLEY
Come, Darcy, I must have you dance!

DARCY shakes his head; there's usually a hint of a smile when he's talking to BINGLEY, who goes straight on.

BINGLEY [cont.]
I must - I hate to see you standing about in this stupid manner! Come, you had much better dance!

ELIZABETH in shot. She can hear this, and it makes her smile. Stupid manner, yes, that's right.

DARCY
I certainly shall not. At an assembly such as this? It would be insupportable.

This makes ELIZABETH smile too.

DARCY [cont.]
Your sisters are engaged at present, and you know perfectly well it would be a punishment to me to stand up with any other woman in the room.

DARCY really means what he says, but he's aware that the strength of his language is in excess of his object. BINGLEY finds his pride and fastidiousness funny and endearing, and DARCY is not unwilling to play up to it. They are old and close friends, and must have had this conversation many times before - there's an undercurrent of humour to it which is not unconscious on Darcy's part.

[Page] 1/40

Music-1M9

BINGLEY
Good God, Darcy, I wouldn't be as fastidious as you are for a kingdom! 'Pon my honour, I never met so many pleasant girls in my life! And several of them uncommonly pretty. Eh?

And we see across to where JANE is with CHARLOTTE. She smiles back at him.

DARCY
You have been dancing with the only handsome girl in the room.

A chance for us to see that BINGLEY is really smitten.

BINGLEY
Darcy. She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld.

For a moment he almost forgets his purpose.

BINGLEY [cont.]
Look - look, there's one of her sisters! She's very pretty too - and I daresay very agreeable?

ELIZABETH a little disconcerted. She shouldn't be hearing this.

DARCY [[o.o.v.]]
She is tolerable, I suppose, but she's not handsome enough to tempt me. [cont ...]

DARCY turns back to BINGLEY.

[Page] 1/41

Music-1M9

DARCY [cont]
Bingley, I'm in no humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. Go back to your partner. Enjoy her smiles. You're wasting your time with me.

CUT BACK TO ELIZABETH. She got more than she bargained for with her bit of eavesdropping. But she's not shattered. It's not nice to be rejected by anyone, but she'd already made up her mind that DARCY is proud and disagreeable.

This'll give Charlotte a laugh, she thinks, and gets up to walk round to her. This means she has to pass DARCY. She doesn't like him, she's already smiling as she thinks how she's going to tell the story.

He looks at her, though, and he's thinking; actually, she is rather interesting. And continues to watch her, as she goes up to CHARLOTTE, and tells her the story, clearly as a joke. CHARLOTTE looks concerned at first, then laughs too, and they both look over and catch him looking at them.

X-FADE:

[Page] 1/42

Music-1M9

X-FADE:

1/19. INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS. MERYTON. LATE SEPTEMBER NIGHT 4. [22.10] LATER.

Music-lMl0

Dur: 00,43"

MONTAGE OF SHOTS:

LYDIA prancing away with wild abandon.

BINGLEY SISTERS looking snooty.

HURST sitting pissed and morose.

MARY, still a wallflower.

BINGLEY dancing with ELIZABETH, both laughing and talking.

BINGLEY dancing with JANE again.

DARCY watching.

BINGLEY and JANE. JANE'S face. She's so happy.

[Page] 1/43

-Music-1M10

1/20. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [23.08]

MR BENNET has had a jolly nice quiet evening with his book, and is now in the teeth of the gale of Mrs. Bennet's excited recital of the night's events. ELIZABETH, MARY and JANE there too, JANE blushing a bit at the account of her triumph. LYDIA lying flopped out on the sofa yawning great yawns, leaving little room for KITTY who perches on the end.

MRS.BENNET
And Jane was so admired, there was nothing like it!

LYDIA [[across this]]
Oh - Lord, I'm so fagged.

KITTY
And Lydia and I danced every dance!

LYDIA
And Mary none!

MRS.BENNET
And Mr. Bingley favoured Jane above every other girl, for he danced the first two with her, and then the next with Charlotte Lucas, which vexed me greatly, but lo, there in the very next nothing would please him but to stand up with Jane again, and then you know he danced with Lizzy, and then what do you think he did next?

[Page] 1/44

BENNET
Enough, enough, Madam! For God's sake let's hear no more of his partners! Would he had sprained his ankle in the first dance!

MRS.BENNET
Oh, and his sisters - ooh, such charming women! So elegant and obliging! Oh, I wish you had seen them! I dare say the lace on Mrs. Hurst's gown alone ...

MR. BENNET puts his hand up firmly:

BENNET
No lace. No lace, Mrs. Bennet, I beg you.

MRS.BENNET
But the man he brought with him! 'Mr. Darcy', as he calls himself, is not worth our concern, though he may be the richest man in Derbyshire! The proudest, the most horrid, disobliging - he slighted poor Lizzy, you know, and flatly refused to stand up with her!

BENNET
Slighted my Lizzy, did he?

He's genuinely very fond of LIZZY and though he expresses himself ironically, he means what he says.

ELIZABETH [[smiling at him]]
I didn't care for him either, Father, so it's of little matter.

MRS. BENNET
Another time, Lizzy, I would not dance with him if he should ask you!

[Page] 1/45

ELIZABETH
I believe, Ma'am, I may safely promise you never to dance with Mr. Darcy!

[Page] 1/46

1/21. INT. NETHERFIELD. DRAWING ROOM. LATE SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 4. [23.14]

The view from the other side, as it were. The room is at least twice the size of the Bennet drawing-room, where there never seems quite room enough for everyone. And the atmosphere much more sedate and languid.

HURST full length on a sofa. MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST gracefully disposed. BINGLEY sitting - the only one who'd had a lovely time. DARCY standing by the fire. MISS BINGLEY, who has designs on DARCY, is quite pleased with the way the evening went, and intends to capitalise on it.

MISS BINGLEY
And so, none of the Hertfordshire ladies could please you, Mr. Darcy?

He looks at her, but doesn't answer. He is well aware of what she's up to.

MRS.HURST
Not even the famous Miss Bennets?

The SISTERS have a little laugh. They are really savagely snobbish, and a bit insecure with it.

BINGLEY
Well, I never met with pleasanter people or prettier girls in my life!

DARCY
Bingley, you astonish me. I saw little beauty, and no breeding at all. The, er, eldest Miss Bennet is, I grant you, very pretty.

[Page] 1/47

BINGLEY
A fine concession! Come, man, admit it, she's an angel!

DARCY
She smiles too much.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, Jane Bennet is a sweet girl. But the mother!

She exchanges a look with BINGLEY.

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
I heard Eliza Bennet described as a famous local beauty! What do you say to that, Mr. Darcy?

DARCY bends to poke the fire.

DARCY
I should as soon call her mother a wit.

This really delights the SISTERS.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, Mr. Darcy! That is too cruel!

BINGLEY rises to join DARCY at the fireplace.

BINGLEY
Darcy, I shall never understand why you go through the world determined to be displeased with everything and everyone in it.

DARCY [there's affection in it]
And I will never understand why you are in such a rage to approve of everything and everyone that you meet.

[Page] 1/48

BINGLEY
Well, you shall not make me think ill of Miss Bennet, Darcy.

MISS BINGLEY
Indeed he shall not! I shall dare his disapproval, and declare she is a dear sweet girl, despite her unfortunate relations, and I should not be sorry to know her better!

MRS.HURST
No, no, nor I! You see, Mr. Darcy, we are not afraid of you!

DARCY
I would not have you so.

HURST snores a great roaring farty snore, and wakes himself up.

HURST
What? Aye, very true. Dammed tedious waste of an evening. What?

[Page] 1/49

1/23. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 5. [11.15]

JANE and ELIZABETH picking flowers.

JANE
He is just what a young man ought to be, Lizzy! sensible, lively, and I never saw such happy manners!

ELIZABETH
Handsome, too, which a young man ought to be, if he possibly can. And he seems to like you very much, which shows good judgement! No, I give you leave to like him; you've liked many a stupider person.

JANE
Dear Lizzy!

ELIZABETH
He could be happier in his choice of sisters and friends, though the sisters I suppose he cannot help.

JANE
Did you not like them?

ELIZABETH
Not at all. Their manners are quite different from his.

[Page] 1/50

JANE
At first, perhaps, but after a while I found them very pleasing. Miss Bingley is to keep house for her brother, and I'm sure they will be very charming neighbours.

ELIZABETH
One of them may be.

JANE No, Lizzy, I'm sure you're wrong. And even Mr. Darcy, you know, may improve on closer acquaintance.

ELIZABETH
Do you mean he'll be in humour to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men? Never!
[[imitating DARCY]]
'She is tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me.'

JANE [[laughing]]
It was very wrong of him to speak so.

ELIZABETH
Indeed it was! A capital offence! [As they turn the corner of the house] Oh, look! Charlotte is come!

We see CHARLOTTE approaching Longbourn.

And ELIZABETH runs off towards the gate.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Charlotte!

CHARLOTTE
Lizzy! My father is to give a party at Lucas Lodge and you are all invited!

[Page] 1/51

1/24. INT. LUCAS LODGE. DRAWING ROOM. EARLY OCTOBER. NIGHT 6. [19.18]

Music -1M11

"Air con Variazioni"

Dur: 02'42"

A large party. SIR WILLIAM and LADY LUCAS, CHARLOTTE, MARIA (about seventeen) some LITTLE LUCASES. MRS. BENNET and all the GIRLS. MRS. BENNET is talking nineteen to the dozen, most of it directed to LADY LUCAS. All the Netherfield people except MR. HURST.

MARY at the piano playing something solemn and unsuitable. MARIA turning the pages for her. Some people attending to the music, but not many.

SIR WILLIAM to MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST:

SIR WILLIAM I hope this will be the first of many occasions when Lucas Lodge will be graced with your presence ... here you see we are all easy with no awkwardness or ceremony.

MISS BINGLEY
Quite.

MRS. BENNET, over the above, though we don't catch much of it, most of it directed to LADY LUCAS.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, yes, my dear! Five thousand a year! Don't they look well together! A most agreeable young man! ...

[Page] 1/52

Music-1M11

KITTY calls to the LUCAS children:

KITTY
Now, children, I want to introduce you to the soldiers. ... This is Captain Carter ...

COLONEL and MRS FORSTER are making their way across the room to LADY LUCAS. He is mid to late thirties, very civilised, in a splendid dress uniform, she is much younger and a real goer with very flirty eyes.

MRS.BENNET
... And he would dance every dance with Jane, nothing else would do! Everybody says ...

LADY LUCAS, interrupts MRS BENNET to talk to COLONEL and MRS. FORSTER.

LADY LUCAS
And are you pleased with Hertfordshire, Colonel Forster?

FORSTER
Very much so, Lady Lucas, and never more so than this evening ... a regiment of infantry doesn't find a ready welcome everywhere, I fear.

MRS. BENNET [[butting in]]
I think your officers will be very well pleased with Meryton, Sir!

Two or three YOUNG OFFICERS, including DENNY and SANDERSON (small, with a bit of a stammer, very shy and eager) are laughing with LYDIA and KITTY.

MRS. FORSTER
Denny and Sanderson seem well pleased already!

[Page] 1/53

Music-1M11

And now back with SIR WILLIAM.

SIR WILLIAM
No doubt; you attend assemblies at St. James's Court, Miss Bingley?

MISS BINGLEY We go but rarely, Sir.

SIR WILLIAM
Indeed! I am surprised! I should be happy to introduce you there, you know, at any time when I'm in town.

MISS BINGLEY
You're too kind, Sir.

And she turns away from him.

SIR WILLIAM at a bit of a loss.

SIR WILLIAM
Well ... well! Good! Ah ... good.

And he wanders back towards the piano, past BINGLEY and JANE who are paying more attention to each other than to the music.

SIR WILLIAM [cont.]
Capital. Capital.

MISS BINGLEY
Insufferable conceit! To imagine that we would need his assistance in society.

MRS.HURST
I am sure he is a very good sort of man, Caroline.

[Page] 1/54

Music-1M11

MISS BINGLEY
And I am sure he kept a very good sort of shop before his elevation to the Knighthood.

Looks across to DARCY

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
Poor Darcy. What agonies he must be suffering!

DARCY is staring very intently at ELIZABETH as she talks to COLONELFORSTER.

ELIZABETH
Are you in Meryton to subdue the discontented populace, Sir? Or do you defend Hertfordshire against the French?

FORSTER
Neither, Ma'am, I trust. We hope to winter very peacefully at Meryton. My soldiers are in great need of training. And my officers in ever great need of society.

ELIZABETH
Then as soon as you are settled I hope you will give a ball.

MRS. FORSTER
Oh, yes, my dear, do!

FORSTER [to ELIZABETH]
You think a ball would be well received?

LYDIA arrives, on DENNY'S arm, with KITTY and SANDERSON.

[Page] 1/55

Music-1M11

LYDIA
A ball? Who's giving a ball? I long for a ball, and so does Denny!

KITTY
And Sanderson, don't you Sanderson?

SANDERSON suddenly in the spotlight.

SANDERSON
I d-do indeed! Most passionately!

LYDIA [tenderly]
Ah, little Sanderson, I knew you would!

SANDERSON beams.

KITTY
Make him give a ball, Mrs. Forster! We'll dance with all the officers!

LYDIA
If Mary would only play something we could dance with them now! Mary!

She strides over to the piano, where MARY is conveniently on the final chords of the piece she is playing.

LYDIA [cont.]
Mary! Let's have no more of that dull stuff, play something jolly, we want to dance!

MARY [[very put out]]
But there are still two movements. Mamma! Tell them it isn't fair!

[Page] 1/56

MRS.BENNET
Oh, play a jig, Mary, no one wants your concertos here.

MISS BINGLEY and MRS HURST look askance at this vulgar squabbling. MARY looks as if she might cry.

SIR WILLIAM, rather sweet and sensitive.

SIR WILLIAM
I fear their taste is not as fine as yours and mine, Mary ... but let us oblige them this once, eh? For there is no one here who plays as well as you.

MARY
Very well ... though you know it gives me little pleasure.

LYDIA sighs and goes over to JANE and BINGLEY.

LYDIA
Jane! Mr. Bingley! Come and dance with us!

JANE
Not now, Lydia.

LYDIA charges off to organise the dancing at the other end.

SIR WILLIAM
Capital! Capital!

LYDIA, KITTY and two young officers, DENNY and SANDERSON, and TWO LITTLE KIDS.

MARY starts to play.

Music-1M12

"The Pleasures of the Town"

Dur: 03'48"

[Page] 1/57

Music-1M12

Now we are with ELIZABETH and CHARLOTTE.

CHARLOTTE
I see that Mr. Bingley continues his attentions to Jane, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
I'm very happy for her, Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE She does seem very well pleased with him

ELIZABETH
I think if he continues so, she's in a fair way to be very much in love with him.

CHARLOTTE
And Mr. Bingley? Do you think he is in love?

ELIZABETH
I think it is clear that he likes her very much.

CHARLOTTE
Then she should leave him in no doubt of her heart. She should show more affection even than she feels, not less, if she is to secure him.

ELIZABETH
Secure him? Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE
Yes, she should secure him as soon as may be!

ELIZABETH
Before she is sure of his character? Before she is even certain of her own regard for him?

[Page] 1/58

Music-1Ml2

CHARLOTIE [cheerful unabashed]

But of course! Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance, you know. There will always be vexation and grief and it is better to know in advance as little as possible of the defects of your marriage partner, is it not, now?

This is all very lighthearted and ELIZABETH takes it as joking.

ELIZABETH [[overlapping]]
Oh, Charlotte, you know it is not sound - you would never act like that yourself.

CHARLOTTE
Well, it seems that Jane will not ... and so we must hope that Mr. Bingley will. I think he gets little encouragement from his sisters.

We can see their haughty looks.

ELIZABETH Or his friend. DARCY is looking at ELIZABETH and he looks away abruptly.

CHARLOTTE
Mr. Darcy looks at you a great deal, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
I cannot think why. Unless he means to frighten me with his contempt. I wish he would not come into society - he only makes people uneasy.

SIR WILLIAM joins DARCY.

[Page] 1/59

Music-1Ml2

SIR WILLIAM
What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! Nothing like dancing, you know! One of the refinements of every polished society!

DARCY
And every unpolished society.

SIR WILLIAM
Sir?

DARCY
Every savage can dance.

DARCY sounds pretty savage himself.

SIR WILLIAM
Oh, yes. Yes. Quite.

A loud squeal from LYDIA - high jinks and goings on at the far end of the room.

ELIZABETH [[to CHARLOTTE]]
I think I should speak to my sister before she exposes us all to ridicule.

She moves further down the room, towards the DANCERS.

SIR WILLIAM
Capital! Capital! [cont ...]

He sees ELIZABETH on her way to have a word with LYDIA.

[Page] 1/60

Music-1Ml2

SIR WILLIAM [cont.]
Ah! Miss Eliza! Why are you not dancing? Mr. Darcy, allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure, when so much beauty is before you.

DARCY surprised though not unwilling. ELIZABETH terribly nonplused and embarrassed.

ELIZABETH
Indeed, Sir. I have not the least intention of dancing! Please don't suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner.

DARCY, who believes her, does the decent thing to relieve her distress.

DARCY
I would be very happy if you would do me the honour of dancing with me, Miss Bennet.

ELIZABETH
Thank you - but excuse me, I - am not inclined to dance.

SIR WILLIAM
Come, come, why not, when you see Mr. Darcy has no objection? Although he dislikes the amusement so much in general!

The last bit is a bit roguish and twinkly.

ELIZABETH [recovering]
Mr. Darcy is all politeness.

[Page] 1/61

Music-1M12

SIR WILLIAM
He is, he is, and why should he not be, considering the inducement? For who could object to such a partner? Eh, Darcy?

ELIZABETH
I beg you would excuse me. And she walks away.

SIR WILLIAM
Well ... well ...

SIR WILLIAM turns to the DANCERS.

SIR WILLIAM [cont.]
Oh, capital, Lydia! Capital!

MISS BINGLEY has arrived at DARCY'S elbow and now speaks to him in intimate tones.

MISS BINGLEY
I believe I can guess your thoughts at this moment.

DARCY [also softly]
I should imagine not.

MISS BINGLEY
You are thinking how insupportable it would be to spend many evenings in such tedious company.

DARCY
No, indeed, my mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.

[Page] 1/62

This is even better than she hoped.

MISS BINGLEY doing her level best with her own eyes.

MISS BINGLEY
And may one dare ask whose are the eyes that inspired these reflections?

DARCY [[same tone]]
Miss Elizabeth Bennet's.

MISS BINGLEY momentarily shattered.

MISS BINGLEY
Miss Elizabeth Bennet?

She is trying to do it with a merry little laugh, but she can't make it.

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
I am all astonishment.

[Page] 1/63

1/25. INT. LONGBOURN. DINING ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 7. [10.35]

The whole BENNET FAMILY at the breakfast table. JANE is opening a letter and her MOTHER is all agog:

MRS.BENNET
From Netherfield! Oh, Jane! Well, what does it say?

JANE
It is from Miss Bingley.

MRS.BENNET
Oh. Oh, well, that is a good sign too. Give it to me.

She comes round the table, grabs it and skims it eagerly.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
"My dear friend!" There now! "Dine with Louisa and me today" ... la di da, la di da, di da, la di da ... "as the gentlemen are to dine with the officers". Oh, that's unlucky. Still, you must go and make what you can of it. "Yours ever, Caroline Bingley!" Very elegant hand!

JANE
May I have the carriage, Father?

MRS.BENNET
The carriage! No, indeed, you must go on horseback, for it looks like rain, then you will have to stay the night!

[Page] 1/64

JANE
Mother.

MRS.BENNET
Why do you look at me like that? Would you go all the way to Netherfield and back without seeing Mr. Bingley? No, indeed. You will go on Nellie, that will do very well indeed!

[Page] 1/65

1/27. EXT. FIELD PATH. NEAR NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. DAY 7. [12.10]

Nellie is walking through the rain. JANE is getting soaked through.

[Page] 1/66

1/28. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWINGROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 7. [12.18]

ELIZABETH looking anxiously out of the window as the rain lashes against it. MR. BENNET reading. MRS. BENNET is embroidering, very pleased with herself

MRS. BENNET
There, Lizzy. You see? It is all exactly as I planned!

[Page] 1/67

1/28A EXT. FIELD. NEAR NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. DAY 7. [12.20]

JANE, on horseback, walking towards Netherfield. It is still raining.

[Page] 1/68

1/29. INT. NETHERFIELD. DINING ROOM. OCTOBER DAY 7. [17.15]

Late afternoon.

Poor Jane is not well at all, she feels rather sick and faint, looks flushed and woozy. And the table seems vast and the conversation is like some Kafkaesque and dangerous interview. A big clock ticks .

MRS.HURST
Now, let me see if I have got this right, Jane ... your mother's sister is named Mrs. Philips?

JANE
Yes.

MRS.HURST
And Mr Philips' estate is ...?

JANE
He lives in Meryton. He is an attorney.

MRS.HURST
And your mother's brother lives in London?

JANE
Yes . . . In Gracechurch Street.

MISS BINGLEY
In which part of London is Gracechurch Street, Jane?

JANE feels very faint.

[Page] 1/69

JANE
I ... er ... Forgive me ... I ... She nearly faints off her chair, steadies herself by holding on to the table. Neither of the SISTERS moves.

MISS BINGLEY
Fosset! Get help! Miss Bennet is unwell!

The FOOTMAN bows and leaves the room.

[Page] 1/70

1/30. INT. LONGBOURN. DINING ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 8. [10.22]

All the BENNETS at the breakfast table, except JANE.

BENNET
Well, my dear, if Jane should die of this fever, it will be comfort to know that it was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and under your orders.

MRS.BENNET
Oh, nonsense. People do not die of little trifling colds. She will be very well taken care of ...

ELIZABETH
Mamma, I think I must go to Netherfield.

MRS.BENNET
Go to Netherfield? No, there's no call for that. Jane is very well where she is, and you know there is nothing for you at Netherfield, you had much better go to Meryton with your sisters and meet the officers.

LYDIA
Aye, Lizzy, for there are more than enough to go round

ELIZABETH
I know that Jane would wish me to be with her.

BENNET
I suppose that is a hint to me to send for the carriage?

[Page] 1/71

ELIZABETH
No, indeed, Father, for I had much rather walk. It is barely three miles to Netherfield and I will be back for dinner.

MRS. BENNET
Walk three miles in all that dirt? You'll not be fit to be seen!

ELIZABETH
I shall be fit to see Jane, which is all I want. I am quite determined, Mother.

KITTY
I know, Lizzy! Lydia and I will set you as far as Meryton.

LYDIA [[whispering across the table]]
Aye! Let's call on Denny early before he is dressed - what a shock he will get!

LYDIA and KITTY do that thing that little girls do when they want to act mock-shocked, saying something that sounds like:

KITTY AND LYDIA
Ammmmmm!

BENNET
Our life holds few distinctions, Mrs. Bennet; but I think we may safely boast that here sit two of the silliest girls in the country!

[Page] 1/72

1/31. EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF MERYTON. OCTOBER. DAY 8. [10.53]

Music-1Ml3

Dur: 00'5 l"

Just coming into town. Plenty of PEOPLE going about their business. A flash of uniform further up the road.

KITTY
Bye, Lizzy!

LYDIA [grabbing her]
Look, Kitty! Isn't that Captain Carter? Come on, make haste!

And they charge off in pursuit of the OFFICERS without a backward glance.

[Page] 1/73

Music -1M13

1/32. EXT. MUDDY FIELDS NEAR NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. DAYS. [11.13]

ELIZABETH walking. Striding out. Bonnet in hand. Really enjoying the exercise. It's a fine day, sun glittering in the puddles. She's mucky already. She's approaching a stile, which she tackles quite athletically. Jumps down, and unfortunately her feet go inches deep into soft mud on the other side. She pulls one foot free. Has a look. Oh, God. Well, can't be helped. She sets off again.

[Page] 1/74

Music-1M13

1/33. EXT. NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. DAY 8. [11.25]

ELIZABETH, not coming up the drive but having taken a short cut up a slope through a shrubbery, emerges glowing and panting on to the forecourt of the house, and comes face to face with DARCY, immaculate in his country gent's gear, just having a little morning stroll. He is greatly taken aback and so is she.

DARCY
Miss Bennet.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy ... I am come to enquire after my sister.

DARCY
On foot?

ELIZABETH
As you see.

He certainly does. She's worked up quite a sweat, her hair and clothes are sweetly disarranged - DARCY is torn between disapproval and a powerful and unexpected surge of lust.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Would you be so kind as to take me to her?

He nods.

Music-1M14

Dur: 00'23"

They walk towards the house.

[Page] 1/75

Music-1M14

1/34. INT. NETHERFIELD. BEDROOM. OCTOBER. DAYS [11.32]

JANE in bed. Very weak, very feverish, very limp. Hair plastered down with sweat, weak smile. ELIZABETH at her bedside. ELIZABETH touches her face and smiles at her, JANE smiles weakly and closes her eyes.

[Page] 1/76

Music-1M14

1/35. INT. NETHERFIELD. DINING-ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 8. [11.36]

Second breakfast time. BINGLEY and his SISTERS seated, DARCY standing by the window looking out, HURST helping himself liberally from the cold cuts. He will subsequently chomp his way through a vast plateful ignoring all else.

MRS.HURST
Well, we must allow her to be an excellent walker, I suppose. But her appearance this morning! She really looked almost wild!

MISS BINGLEY
I could hardly keep my countenancer What does she mean by scampering about the country because her sister has a cold? [1aughs] Her hair, Louisa!

MRS.HURST
Her petticoat! I hope you saw her petticoat, brother! Six inches deep in mud, I am absolutely certain!

BINGLEY
I must confess it quite escaped my notice. I thought she looked remarkably well.

MISS BINGLEY addressing DARCY at the window. He turns.

MISS BINGLEY
You observed it, I am sure, Mr. Darcy.

[Page] 1/77

DARCY
I did.

MISS BINGLEY
I'm inclined to think you wouldn't wish your sister to make such an exhibition.

DARCY
Certainly not.

MISS BINGLEY
It seems to me to show an abominable sort of conceited independence.

BINGLEY
It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing.

MISS BINGLEY
I'm afraid, Mr. Darcy, that this escapade may have affected your admiration for her fine eyes?

She's trying to get him to look into her eyes again: she's a slow learner.

DARCY
Not at all. They were brightened by the exercise.

A little pause. MISS BINGLEY'S face falls.

MRS. HURST
But Jane Bennet is a sweet girl! It's very sad she should have such an unfortunate family, such low connections!

MISS BINGLEY
Their uncle, she told us, is in trade, and lives in Cheapside!

[Page] 1/78

MRS.HURST
Well, perhaps we should call, when we are next in town!

The SISTERS laugh at this. BINGLEY a bit bothered by it, because he really likes JANE.

BINGLEY
They would be just as agreeable to me had they uncles enough to fill all Cheapside!

DARCY turns from the window.

DARCY
But with such connections they can have very little chance of marrying well, Bingley. That is the material point.

He speaks with authority, and he is right, and BINGLEY knows it. The touch of anger in his tone is because he, as well as Bingley, fancies a girl who's beyond the pale.

ELIZABETH comes in on this somewhat charged pause; BINGLEY springs up.

BINGLEY
Miss Bennet, how does your sister do? Is she any better?

ELIZABETH
I am afraid that she is quite unwell, Mr. Bingley.

BINGLEY
Let me send for Mr. Jones - and you must stay until your sister is recovered.

ELIZABETH
Oh - I would not wish to inconvenience you

[Page] 1/79

The SISTERS exchange significant glances. They assume Elizabeth is after Darcy.

BINGLEY
I wouldn't hear of anything else! I'll send to Longbourn for your clothes directly.

ELIZABETH thinking what a nice man he is, quite moved by his instinctive generosity.

ELIZABETH
You are very kind, Sir.

HURST
Is there to be any sport today, or not?

[Page] 1/80

1/22. EXT. NETHERFIELD WOODS. LATE SEPTEMBER. DAY 5. [11. 10]

DARCY, BINGLEY and HURST with their guns and a KEEPER at the edge of the little spinney. Two gundogs in action.

KEEPER
Get on in there!

And the dogs crash noisily into the undergrowth to flush out the birds. GENTS ready with guns at their shoulders. A few birds flapping against the sky. BINGLEY fires. HURST fires.

[Page] 1/81

1/36. INT. NETHERFIELD. BEDROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 8. [12.05]

Music-1M15

Dur: 01'05"

ELIZABETH at Jane's bedside. The light is dim. From a long way off we can hear shooting. JANE opens her eyes and smiles at ELIZABETH. She looks better.

[Page] 1/82

Music -1Ml5

1/37. EXT. NETHERFIELD GROUNDS. OCTOBER. DAYS. [17.30] [DUSK]

The THREE CHAPS coming back from their shoot with the two dogs. The KEEPER has a big bag of birds.

[Page] 1/83

Music-1Ml5

1/38. INT. NETHERFIELD. BEDROOM. OCTOBER. NIGHT 8. [20.54]

JANE is sitting up in bed now, and has taken a little refreshment with ELIZABETH. ELIZABETH is at the candlelit toilet table, putting the finishing touches to her appearance, and jolly nice she looks too. She turns.

ELIZABETH
There. Shall I disgrace you, do you think?

JANE [[smiling]]
You look very pretty, Lizzy, as you are well aware.

ELIZABETH
Oh, Jane, I had much rather stay here with you. The Superior Sisters wish me miles away. Only your Mr. Bingley is civil and attentive.

JANE
He is not my Mr. Bingley, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
Oh, I think he is. Or he very soon will be.

[Page] 1/84

1/39. INT. NETHERFIELD. STAIRCASE/CORRIDOR. OCTOBER. NIGHT 8. [21.10]

Sound of billiard balls. ELIZABETH comes down the stairs. Bit of an adventure this, even though she's not looking forward to it. It is her debut into Netherfield life, and she's not even sure where everyone is. She reaches the bottom of the stairs. FOSSET, the Netherfield footman, notices ELIZABETH's hesitation.

FOSSET
I believe you will find Mr Bingley is in the drawing room, Ma'am.

ELIZABETH
Thank you.

She goes along the corridor.

She has to pass the billiard room, whose door is ajar. She glances in as she passes.

And there is DARCY, playing billiards by himself. Their eyes meet. Another awkward moment. He bows and then turns away. She goes on.

We stay with him in the billiard room. What's the matter with me, he thinks. Come on, Darcy, get your head straight. And he bends and pots a long red.

[Page] 1/85

1/40. INT. NETHERFIELD. DRAWING ROOM. OCTOBER NIGHT 8. [21.38] [A LITTLE LATER]

ELIZABETH is reading a book. A card game is in progress at the loo table. HURST very business like, MISS BINGLEY giving little cries of despair.

DARCY comes in, and from now on MISS BINGLEY's attention is all on him.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, Mr. Darcy, come and advise me, for Mr. Hurst carries all before him!

HURST
Ha.

MISS BINGLEY AND MRS. HURST
Ooh!

DARCY just gives one of his little smiles. MISS BINGLEY and MRS HURST groan. DARCY approaches ELIZABETH, who looks up, a bit surprised.

DARCY [[very grave]]
May I enquire after your sister, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH
I thank you - I believe she is a little better.

DARCY
I am very glad to hear it.

[Page] 1/86

Well, that was nice of him, she's disposed to be friendly and talk a bit more, but that seems to be his lot. He walks away and goes to the writing table.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, Mr. Hurst, I am quite undone!

HURST
Should have played the deuce.

As he rakes in his winnings.

MISS BINGLEY
He has undone us all, Mr. Darcy!

DARCY ignores this.

MRS.HURST
Will you join us, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH
I thank you, no.

MR.HURST
You prefer reading to cards, do you? Singular!

A small laugh from the SISTERS.

MISS BINGLEY
Miss Bennet despises cards. She is a great reader and has no pleasure in anything else.

ELIZABETH is rather taken aback.

[Page] 1/87

ELIZABETH
I deserve neither such praise nor such censure. I am not a great reader and take pleasure in many things.

MISS BINGLEY [[addressing DARCY]]
And what do you do so secretly, Sir?

DARCY
It is no secret. I am writing to my sister.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh! Dear Georgiana! Oh, how I long to see her! Is she much grown since the Spring? Is she as tall as me?

The SISTERS laugh.

DARCY
She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bennet's height, or a little taller.

MISS BINGLEY
And so accomplished! Her performance at the pianoforte is exquisite! Do you play Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH [smiles]
Aye, but very ill indeed.

BINGLEY
But all young ladies are accomplished! They sing, they draw, they dance, speak French and German, cover screens, and I know not what!

DARCY [[looks up]]
There are not half a dozen who would satisfy my notion of an accomplished woman.

[Page] 1/88

MISS BINGLEY
Oh certainly! No woman can be really esteemed accomplished who does not also possess a certain something in her air, in the manner of walking, in the tone of her voice, her address and expressions.

DARCY
And to all this she must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.

ELIZABETH [mischievously]
I am no longer surprised at you knowing only six accomplished women, Mr Darcy. I rather wonder at your knowing any.

MRS.HURST
You are very severe upon your sex, Miss Bennet.

ELIZABETH
I must speak as I find.

MISS BINGLEY [[weighing in]]
Perhaps you have not had the advantage, Miss Bennet, of moving in society enough. There are many very accomplished young ladies amongst our acquaintance!

HURST
Come! Come! This is a fine way to play at cards! You're all light.

DARCY is watching ELIZABETH.

Music-1M16

Dur: 00'20"

[Page] 1/89

Music-1M16

1/41. EXT. NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. DAY 9. [10.50]

The Bennet carriage comes up the drive.

MRS. BENNET, LYDIA and KITTY craning out.

MRS.BENNET
Look, girls! Is it not a fair prospect?

[Page] 1/90

1/42. INT. NETHERFIELD. DRAWING ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 9. [11.10] [A BIT LATER]

MRS. HURST, MR. HURST, BINGLEY, and DARCY. MISS BINGLEY strides into the room, in some irritation.

MISS BINGLEY
And now the mother! Are we to be invaded by every Bennet in the country? It is too much to be borne!

MR. HURST tries to escape but is too late. The FOOTMAN shows MRS. BENNET and ELIZABETH in, with KITTY and LYDIA following. MRS. BENNET has got herself up in her best outfit, and is determined not to be overawed by the grand folk. BINGLEY goes to her, eager and courteous as always. MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST look very frosty. DARCY looks as if someone's farted.

BINGLE
Mrs. Bennet! You are very welcome! I hope you do not find Miss Bennet worse than you expected?

MRS. BENNET
Indeed I do, Sir! She is very ill indeed, and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the world, for she has the sweetest temper, Mr. Bingley ... but she is a great deal too ill to be moved. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness.

HURST has managed to sneak out.

BINGLEY
But of course!

[Page] 1/91

BINGLEY looks to MISS BINGLEY as mistress of the establishment.

MISS BINGLEY [[frosty]]
Miss Bennet will receive every possible attention, Ma'am, I assure you.

MRS.BENNET
You are very good.

Mission accomplished, she can forget Jane now. She moves and looks about the room.

MRS.BENNET [cont.]
Well, you have a sweet room here!

The BINGLEY SISTERS exchange a glance, picked up by ELIZABETH

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
I think you will never want to leave Netherfield, now you are come here!

BINGLEY
I believe I should be happy to live in the country for ever, wouldn't you, Darcy?

DARCY
You would? You don't find the society somewhat confined and unvarying for your taste?

DARCY would in fact be happy to stay at home in Pemberley if he could. At the moment he is being very sociable for him, trying to initiate a sensible discussion of the relative attractions of town and country. But MRS. BENNET takes instant umbrage.

[Page] 1/92

MRS. BENNET
Confined and unvarying? Indeed, it is not, Sir! The country is a vast deal pleasanter than town, whatever you may say about it!

DARCY, seeing he'll get no sense from MRS. BENNET, turns and walks away. The BINGLEY SISTERS enjoying this. ELIZABETH and BINGLEY anxious.

ELIZABETH
Mamma, you mistake Mr. Darcy's meaning.

MRS. BENNET [["at" DARCY]]
Do I? Do I? He seems to think the country nothing at all!

ELIZABETH
Mamma.

MRS. BENNET [[out of control]]
Confined? Unvarying? I would have him know we dine with four and twenty families!

MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST are practically corpsing.

DARCY just an implacable back by the window.

ELIZABETH wishes the ground would open up.

ELIZABETH
Mamma?

She's trying to divert her MOTHER.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Have you seen Charlotte Lucas since I came away?

[Page] 1/93

MRS.BENNET
Yes, she called yesterday with Sir William. What an agreeable man he is! That is my idea of good· breeding; and those persons who fancy themselves very important, and never open their mouths, quite mistake the matter!

She's practically yelling this at the back of Darcy's head. Neither ELIZABETH nor BINGLEY can think of anything - LYDIA unwittingly saves the situation a bit:

LYDIA
Mr. Bingley, did you not promise to give a ball at Netherfield as soon as you were settled here? It will be a great scandal if you don't keep your word!

BINGLEY
I am perfectly ready to keep my engagement and, when your sister is recovered, you shall name the day of the ball, if you please.

LYDIA
Oh!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, there, now, Lydia! That's a fair promise for you! That's generosity for you. That's what I call gentlemanly behaviour!

Looking daggers at Darcy.

In on ELIZABETH's face.

[Page] 1/94

1/44. INT. NETHERFIELD. BATHROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 9. [16.43]

Music-1M17

Dur: 01'07"

It's late afternoon.

DARCY is in the bath. One of those big copper freestanding tubs.

He's cleaning up after the day's exertions.

An immaculately dressed VALET comes in and pours a great stream of water from a big jug on top of his head.

[Page] 1/95

Music-1M17

1/43. EXT. NETHERFIELD GROUNDS. OCTOBER. DAY 9. [16.47]

ELIZABETH walking in the grounds on her own, and glad to be alone, thinking about that awful exhibition her mother made of herself.

Turns round at the end of a walk, and sees a big dog, a Great Dane, at the other end. Equally startled to see her, he bounds off round the corner.

She smiles and runs after him.

[Page] 1/96

Music-1M17

1/46. INT. NETHERFIELD. BATHROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 9. [16.48]

DARCY gets out of the bath. The VALET helps him into his dressing gown.

He strolls over to the small open window, and looks down.

He sees ELIZABETH playing with the Great Dane.

DARCY'S face, looking at her. Hold it a few seconds.

[Page] 1/97

1/47. INT. NETHERFIELD. DRAWING ROOM. OCTOBER. NIGHT 9. [20.35]

The PARTY quite spread out over the big room. HURST stretched out on the sofa, asleep. BINGLEY is by the fire. MRS. HURST just sits. ELIZABETH is reading, and so is DARCY. MISS BINGLEY is walking about the room, trying to attract his attention.

MISS BINGLEY
Miss Eliza Bennet.

ELIZABETH looks at her surprised.

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
Let me persuade you to follow my example and take a turn about the room - it is so refreshing!

ELIZABETH gets up. MISS BINGLEY takes her arm.

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
Will you not join us, Mr. Darcy?

DARCY looks up from his book.

DARCY
That would defeat the object.

MISS BINGLEY
What do you mean, Sir?
[[to ELIZABETH]]
What on earth can he mean?

[Page] 1/98

ELIZABETH [[who has guessed]]
I think we would do better not to enquire.

MISS BINGLEY
Nay, we insist on knowing your meaning, Sir!

DARCY
Why, that your figures appear to best advantage when walking, and that I might best admire them from my present position.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, shocking! Abominable reply! How shall we punish him, Miss Eliza?

ELIZABETH
Nothing so easy. Tease him. Laugh at him.

MISS BINGLEY
Laugh at Mr. Darcy? Impossible! He is a man without fault.

ELIZABETH
Is he indeed? A man without fault?

The idea is absurd to her, especially in relation to Darcy who in Elizabeth's book is full of faults.

DARCY [[with calm arrogance]]
That is not possible for anyone. But it has been my study to avoid those weaknesses which expose a strong understanding to ridicule.

ELIZABETH [[mock naive]]
Such as ... vanity, perhaps? Or ... pride?

DARCY is stung by this, he understands her well enough, but he is still sure of himself.

[Page] 1/99

DARCY
Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride ... where there is a real superiority of mind, pride will always be under good regulation.

She smiles. To her mind he's really exposed himself now. This stings him more sharply.

DARCY [cont.]
I have faults enough, Miss Bennet, but I hope they are not of understanding. My temper I cannot vouch for. It might be called ... resentful. My good opinion, once lost, is lost for ever.

This has all suddenly become uncomfortably intimate. MISS BINGLEY is right off the field of play. Both DARCY and ELIZABETH are used to winning arguments whenever they choose, now each realises just how bright and dangerous the other is. ELIZABETH cannot quite maintain her usual playful tone.

ELIZABETH
That is a failing indeed. But I cannot laugh at it.

DARCY [looking at her steadily]
I believe every disposition has a tendency to some particular evil.

ELIZABETH manages to recover the light tone, but still can't take her eyes from his.

ELIZABETH
Your defect is a propensity to hate everyone.

DARCY
While yours is wilfully to misunderstand them.

[Page] 1/100

MISS BINGLEY [[rather desperately]]
Shall we have some music?

MISS BINGLEY goes to the piano and starts to play.

Music-1M18

"Rondo all'Ongarese"

Dur: 00'07"

[Page] 1/101

Music-1Ml8

1/48. EXT. NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. NIGHT 9. [21.05]

Just the house, the sound of piano music coming from the windows.

An owl calls.

[Page] 1/102

1/49. EXT. NETHERFIELD. OCTOBER. DAY 10. [10.45]

The small Netherfield carriage all ready to go, with ELIZABETH and JANE already in it. BINGLEY has come out to see them off. The Great Dane has as well - he stands at the bottom of the steps, looking very distinguished and sad.

BINGLEY
Give your parents my warmest salutations. And tell your Father he is most welcome to come and shoot with us at any time convenient.

JANE
Thank you, Sir - you are very kind.

So much more they'd like to say, but.

BINGLEY
Goodbye.

JANE
Goodbye.

BINGLEY, since there's nothing else for it:

BINGLEY
Drive on, Rossiter.

And off they go.

[Page] 1/103

1/51. INT. NETHERFIELD. DINING ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 10. [10.54]

Music-1Ml9

Dur: 00'45"

DARCY stands at the window. His view of the disappearing carriage.

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, how pleasant it is to have one's house to oneself again!

DARCY pays no attention, as if he hadn't heard.

M1SS BINGLEY [cont.]
But I fear Mr. Darcy is mourning the loss of Miss Eliza Bennet's pert opinions and fine eyes.

DARCY
Quite the contrary, I assure you.

[Page] 1/104

Music-1M19

1/50. INT. NETHERFIELD CARRIAGE. NETHERFIELD DRIVE. OCTOBER. DAY 10. [11.08]

ELIZABETH and JANE.

ELIZABETH
Oh, Jane, I'm sorry to say it, but notwithstanding your excellent Mr. Bingley, I've never been so happy to leave a place in my life!

X-FADE:

FREEZE FRAME:

JANE/ELIZABETH in carriage.

Music

Closing Titles

Dur: 01'00"

S/I CLOSING CAPTIONS:

Roller:

In Order of Appearance

MR. DARCY--COLIN FIRTH

MR. BINGLEY--CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

ELIZABETH BENNET--JENNIFER EHLE

MR.BENNET--BENJAMIN WHITROW

KITTY BENNET--POLLY MABERLY

LYDIA BENNET--JULIA SAWALHA

MRS BENNET--ALISON STEADMAN

MARY BENNET--LUCY BRIERS

JANE BENNET--SUSANNAH HARKER

HILL, the housekeeper--MARLENE SIDAWAY

SARAH, the maid--KATE O'MALLEY

MISS BINGLEY--ANNA CHANCELLOR

MR HURST--RUPERT VANSITTART

[Page] 1/105

CAPTIONS-Cont.

Closing Music

MRS HURST--LUCY ROBINSON

SIR WILLIAM LUCAS--CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN

CHARLOTTE LUCAS--LUCY SCOTT

LADY LUCAS--NORMA STREADER

MARIA LUCAS--LUCY DAVIS

OSTLER--ANDREW GRAINGER

HODGE, the gardener--ROY HOLDER

Col. FORSTER--PAUL MORIARTY

MRS FORSTER--VICTORIA HAMILTON

Lt.DENNY--DAVID BARK-JONES

Lt. SANDERSON--CHRISTOPHER STAINES

Capt. CARTER--ROGER BARCLAY

MAGGIE, the maid--ANNABEL TAYLOR

FOSSETT, the footman--NEVILLE PHILLIPS

Fortepiano played by--MELVYN TAN

FADE FREEZE FRAME

Developed for television in association with--CHESTERMEAD Ltd.

Casting--FOTHERGILL and LUNN

Choreography--JANE GIBSON

First Assistant Directors--PIP SHORT

--AMANDA NEAL

Production Manager--PAUL BRODRICK

Location Manager--SAM BRECKMAN

Continuity--SUE CLEGG

Production Co-Ordinator--JANET RADENKOVIC

Post Production P.A.--JENNY DOE

Second Assistant Director-- MELANIE PANARIO

Third Assistant Directors--SARAH WHITE

--ANNE-MARIE CRAWFORD

Programme Budget Assistant--ELAINE DAWSON

Contracts Executive--MAGGIE ANSON

Art Directors--MARK KEBBY

--JOHN COLLINS

Set Dresser--MARJORIE PRATT

Properties--SARA RICHARDSON

Construction Manager--BARRY MOLL

Production Operative Supervisor--VIC YOUNG

Visual Effects Designer--GRAHAM BROWN

Costume Design Assistants--KATE STEWART

--YVES BARRE

Wardrobe Master--MICHAEL PURCELL

Wardrobe Mistress--DONNA NICHOLLS

[Page] 1/106

CAPTIONS-Cont.

Closing Music

Make-Up Assistants--PHILIPPA HALL

--ASHLEY JOHNSON

--JENNY EADES

--DI WICKENS

Focus Puller--ROB SOUTHAM

Grip--BRENDAN JUDGE

Lighting Gaffer--LIAM McGILL

Sound Recordist--BRIAN MARSHALL

Boom Operator--KEITH PAMPLIN

Assistant Film Editor--JULIUS GLADWELL

Steadicam Operator--ALF TRAMONTIN

Camera Operator--ROGER PEARCE

Dubbing Editors--MIKE FEINBERG

--JOHN DOWNER

Dubbing Mixer--RUPERT SCRIVENER

Hair & Make-Up Designer--CAROLINE NOBLE

Costume Designer--DINAH COLLIN

Associate Producer (Post Production)--JULIE SCOTT

--FIONA McTAVISH

Script Editor--SUSIE CONKLIN

Film Editor--PETER COULSON

Production Designer--GERRY SCOTT

Photography--JOHN KENWAY

Executive Producer--MICHAEL WEARING

End of roller

1.Produced by

SUE BIRTWISTLE

2. A BBC/ A & E NETWORK Co...production

©BBCmcmxcv

FADE

50/LDL S062K

TRANSMISSION SCRIPT

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in six episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE TWO

DURATION: 53'08" (ENTERPRISES)

55'10 UK VERSION WITH RECAPS

PRODUCER: Sue Birtwistle, Rm DG03, Centre House, Ext 61080

[Page] 2/1

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE TWO

RECAP OF EPISODE 1:

Music

Dur: 01'59"

The BENNET FAMILY leaving church.

MRS BENNET
My dear! Mr Bennet! Wonderful news! Netherfield Park is let at last!

BINGLEY and DARCY on horseback, viewing Netherfield Park from a distance.

MRS BENNET [[v/o]]
His name is Bingley. And he has five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls.

The five BENNET daughters.

MRS BENNET [[v/o]]
You must know that I'm thinking of his marrying one of them.

[Page] 2/2

Music

Dancing at the Assembly Rooms at Meryton.

MRS BENNET [[v/o]]
Lizzy! Jane!

MISS BINGLEY and DARCY disdainfully viewing the assembled company.

MRS BENNET [[v/o]]
You see that gentleman there? His name is Darcy.

MRS BENNET, ELIZABETH and JANE.

MRS BENNET
Bingley's wealth is nothing to his.

BINGLEY and DARCY, having been introduced to MRS BENNET and two of her DAUGHTERS.

BINGLEY
And if Miss Bennet is not otherwise engaged, may I be so bold as to claim the next two dances?

JANE
I am not engaged, Sir.

MR BENNET, who has stayed at home, is told about the dance.

MRS BENNET
And Jane was so admired. But Mr Darcy, as he calls himself... He slighted poor Lizzy, you know, and flatly refused to stand up with her!

[Page] 2/3

Music

MR BENNET is concerned by this news but ELIZABETH is not taking it very seriously.

ELIZABETH
I believe, Ma'am, I may safely promise you never to dance with Mr Darcy!

ELIZABETH is confronted with DARCY again at a party at Lucas Lodge.

SIR WILLIAM
Mr Darcy, allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner.

DARCY
I would be very happy if you would do me the honour of dancing with me, Miss Bennet.

ELIZABETH
Excuse me, I am not inclined to dance.

BINGLEY'S SISTERS tell BINGLEY and DARCY of the lowlines of the Bennet family, during JANE'S enforced stay at Netherfield Park.

MISS BINGLEY
Their uncle, she told us, is in trade and lives in Cheapside.

BINGLEY
They would be just as agreeable to me had they uncles enough to fill all Cheapside.

DARCY
But with such connections, they can have very little chance of marrying well, Bingley.

[Page] 2/4

Music

While JANE and ELIZABETH discuss the situation upstairs in Jane's bedroom:

JANE
He is not my Mr Bingley, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
Oh, I think he is. Or he very soon will be.

MRS BENNET, KITTY and LYDIA have come to Netherfield Park to visit JANE.

LYDIA
Mr Bingley, did you not promise to give a ball at Netherfield? It will be a great scandal if you don't keep your word.

BINGLEY
I'm perfectly ready to keep my engagement. And when your sister is recovered, you shall name the day of the ball.

While staying at Netherfield with JANE, ELIZABETH is, by force, in DARCY'S company during the evenings.

DARCY
I believe every disposition has a tendency to some particular evil.

ELIZABETH
Your defect is a propensity to hate everyone.

DARCY
While yours is wilfully to misunderstand them.

[Page] 2/5

Music

At last, JANE and ELIZABETH return home. As the carriage leaves Netherfield:

ELIZABETH
Oh, Jane, I've never been so happy to leave a place in my life.

DARCY watches them go.

FADE TO BLACK

[Page] 2/1

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE TWO

FADE UP

OPENING TITLES

Music-2M1

Opening titles

Dur: 0'45"

S/I CAPTIONS:

1. COLIN FIRTH JENNIFER EHLE

2. DAVID BAMBER

CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

ANNA CHANCELLOR

SUSANNAH HARKER

3. BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

ADRIAN LUKIS

JULIA SAWALHA

ALISON STEADMAN

BENJAMIN WHITROW

4. in

Jane Austen's

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

[Page] 2/2

CAPTIONS - Cont.

Music-2M1

5. Screenplay by

ANDREW DAVIES

6. Music by CARL DAVIS

Directed by SIMON LANGTON

FADE TO BLACK

X-FADE:

FADE UP:

2/1. EXT. FIELDS NEARLONGBOURN. NOVEMBER. DAY 11. [09.35]

Music-2Ml

Dur: 00'23"

X-FADE:

ELIZABETH out for a walk before breakfast. Lots of energy, feeling good. Reaches the top of a bit of high ground. Pauses, and gazes all round her. Sound of wings. She looks up. A skein of ducks overhead, heading towards Netherfield.

ELIZABETH'S FACE, looking after them. Wouldn't it be good, to fly like that? Sounds of distant gunfire. Fly too high, they shoot you down. She turns, and walks down the hill towards Longbourn. And before we CUT TO the breakfast table, we hear the start of her father's speech.

BENNETT [[o.o.v.]]
I hope, my dear, you have ordered a good dinner today, because ...

[Page] 2/3

Music-2M2

2/2. INT. LONGBOURN. DINING ROOM. NOVEMBER. DAYII. [10.05]

The whole FAMILY seated round the table.

BENNET
... I have reason to expect an addition to our family party.

MRS. BENNET [[in raptures]]
Mr. Bingley! Why, Jane, you sly thing, you never dropped a word!

ELIZABETH flashes a quick look at JANE, who looks puzzled and embarrassed.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
Oh, and not a bit of fish to be got, oh Lord ... Lydia, my love, ring the bell. I must speak to Hill directly!

BENNET [[enjoying himself]]
It is not Mr. Bingley. It is a person I never saw in the whole course of my life.

LYDIA
Colonel Forster!

KITTY
Captain Carter!

LYDIA
No, I know - Denny!

[Page] 2/4

Both LYDIA and KITTY in giggles. Denny, we might surmise, is the flirtiest officer so far encountered. MR BENNET gives them a look, and they subside.

BENNET
About a month ago, I received this letter, and about a fortnight ago, I answered it, for I thought it was a case of some delicacy, requiring early attention.

ELIZABETH smiles.

BENNET [cont.]
It is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon as he pleases.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, my dear, pray don't mention that odious man! I think it the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your own poor children!

BENNET [with heavy irony]
Indeed, my dear, nothing can clear Mr. Collins of the iniquitous crime of inheriting Longbourn. But if you will listen to his letter, you may be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself. [reads aloud] "My dear Sir, the disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had the misfortune to lose him ...

LYDIA snorts, taking the literal meaning. Her father gives her a look.

[Page] 2/5

BENNET [cont.]
"... to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach". There, Mrs. Bennet. "My mind however is now made up on the subject ..."

Music-2M3

Dur: 02'08"

[Page] 2/6

Music-2M3

2/3. EXT. HUNSFORD-CHURCH. NOVEMBER. DAY 12. [10.12]

It is now COLLINS' voice we hear continuing the letter, as we see him beaming unctuously and shaking hands with his PARISHIONERS after morning service.

COLLINS is fat, and looks both very silly and very pleased with himself, 25 years old, and carries on like an old fart in his fifties.

COLLINS [v.o.]
... for, having received my ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Now we see LADY CATHERINE, and a formidable sight she is too, a big tall very elaborately dressed woman who is monarch of all she surveys, accompanied by her incongruously sallow, thin, and pinchy-faced DAUGHTER, also got up to the nines.

MR. COLLINS bowing and cringing for all he's worth, all the way down the church path after them.

COLLINS [[v.o.]]
... whose bounty and beneficience has preferred me to the valuable rectory at Hunsford, where it is my earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her Ladyship.

[Page] 2/7

Music-2M3

2/4. EXT. ROAD BY HUNSFORD CHURCH. NOVEMBER. DAY 12. [10.18]

LADY CATHERINE is gracious enough to vouchsafe COLLINS a regal nod as she enters her carriage, and COLLINS looks after her, ecstatic at the happiness of his situation .

COLLINS [[v.o.]]
... As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence, and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures ofgoodwill are highly commendable ...

[Page] 2/8

Music-2M3

2/5. EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. NOVEMBER. DAY 11. [09.40]

COLLINS, dressed for travel fussily supervising the loading of his luggage on to his gig by a MANSERVANT and MAIDSERVANT.

COLLINS [[v.o.]]
... and will not lead you to reject the offered olive branch.

It's quite a high step up for someone of Collins' girth and awkwardness, despite the Manservant's helping hand.

COLLINS [[v.o.]]
I am, Sir, keenly conscious of being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends. I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family on Monday, the eighteenth ...

The gig moves off with a jerk, unsettling him.

COLLINS [cont.]

[[in vision]]
Have a care, Dawkins!

[[v.o.]]
... and shall probably trespass on your hospitality ...

[Page] 2/9

Music-2M3

2/6. EXT. COUNTRY ROAD. NOVEMBER. DAY 11. [11.15]

The gig moves along at an easy amble. COLLINS has got it all together now, and has recovered his habitual look of great self-satisfaction.

COLLINS [[v.o.]]
... till the Saturday sevenight following. I shall travel as far as the turnpike in my own modest equipage, where I hope to catch the Bromley Post at thirty five minutes past ten, and thence to Watford, from whence I shall engage a hired carriage ...

[Page] 2/10

Music-2M3

2/7. EXT. LONGBOURN. NOVEMBER. DAY 11. [15.38]

The Meryton 'taxi' is approaching. MR. and MRS BENNET, JANE, ELIZABETH and MARY, are coming outside to greet him.

COLLINS [[v.o.]]
... to transport me to Longbourn. Where, God willing, you may expect me by four in the afternoon.

BENNET
And here he comes.

ELIZABETH
But he must be an oddity, don't you think?

MRS.BENNET
Well, if he's disposed to make our girls any amends, I shan't be the person to discourage him.

ELIZABETH
Can he be a sensible man, Sir?

BENNET [[with some relish]]
Oh, I think not, my dear. Indeed, I have great hopes of finding him quite the reverse. The carriage has arrived.

BENNET [cont.]
Mr. Collins! You are very welcome!

[Page] 2/11

Music-2M3

COLLINS gets down carefully, backwards, so that his enormous trousers fill the screen.

ELIZABETH and JANE'S FACES, trying not to laugh. Having achieved terra firma, COLLINS turns round ponderously, and beams at the BENNETS.

COLLINS
My dear Mr. and Mrs. Bennet!

He bows, ingratiatingly.

[Page] 2/12

2/9. INT. LONGBOURN. DINING ROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 11. [17.32]

The whole FAMILY at table, the meal well progressed. MR. BENNET drawing COLLINS out. MARY takes it all seriously, LYDIA and KITTY bored stiff, ELIZABETH and JANE enjoying the fun. Though JANE's always afraid her Dad might go too far.

BENNET
You seem, ah, very, ah, fortunate in your patroness, Sir.

COLLINS
Lady Catherine de Bourgh!

He loves just to pronounce her name.

COLLINS [cont.]
Indeed I am, Sir! I have been treated with such affability, such condescension, as I would never have dared to hope for! I have been invited twice to dine at Rosings Park!

He directs quite a few little glances at JANE.

BENNET
That so. Amazing.

MRS.BENNET
Does she live near you, Sir?

[Page] 2/13

COLLINS
The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park!

BENNET
Only a lane, eh? Fancy that, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH is worried she might be going to laugh out loud.

MRS. BENNET
I think you said she was a widow, Sir? Has she any family?

COLLINS She has one daughter, Ma'am, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.

MRS. BENNET
And has she been presented at court?

COLLINS
She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution which unhappily prevents her being in town. And by that means - as I told Lady Catherine myself one day she has deprived the British Court of its brightest ornament.

He now addresses himself to MR. BENNET principally, one man of the world to another.

COLLINS [cont.]
You may imagine, Sir, how happy I am on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies.

[Page] 2/14

COLLINS beams round at the LADIES too, getting "I don't believe this" looks from ELIZABETH and JANE, nodding assent from MARY, one of her long-puffing sighs from LYDIA.

BENNET
It is fortunate for you, Mr. Collins, that you possess such an extraordinary talent for flattering with delicacy.

ELIZABETH has had to put her napkin up to her mouth. And keep it there, her bright eyes dancing above it.

BENNET [cont.]
May I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment or are they the result of previous study?

A little sound comes from behind Elizabeth's napkin, but COLLINS takes the enquiry very seriously.

COLLINS
They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, Sir. I do sometimes amuse myself by writing down and arranging such little compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions - but I try to give them as unstudied an air as possible.

BENNET [[well satisfied]]
Excellent. Excellent.

COLLINS gives JANE a special smile. God, she thinks, smiling uneasily back, what have I done to deserve this?

[Page] 2/15

2/10. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. NOVEMBER. DAY 13. [11.20]

LYDIA and KITTY are energetically playing quoits, with many a squeal. MARY passes by with a book. ELIZABETH and JANE at a little distance, walking together talking. A very pretty scene, as COLLINS walks with MRS. BENNET.

COLLINS
I must confess myself quite overwhelmed with the charms of your daughters, Mrs. Bennet!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, you're very kind, Sir, they are sweet girls, though I say it myself.

COLLINS [[almost roguishly]]
Perhaps especially the eldest Miss Bennet?

MRS.BENNET
Ah. Yes - Jane is admired wherever she goes. But I think I should tell you, Mr. Collins - I think it very likely she will be very soon engaged.

COLLINS
Ah.

MRS.BENNET
As for my younger daughters, now - if any of them - in their case I know of no prior attachment at all!

COLLINS
Ah.

[Page] 2/16

Music-2M4

Dur: 00'13"

It's the work of a moment, as the Collins life force redirects itself: KITTY click, LYDIA, click MARY, click, ELIZABETH, her laughing face in focus.

LYDIA runs over.

LYDIA
We're all going to Meryton, Mamma, to see if Denny is returned from town!

MRS.BENNET
Perhaps you would care for a little exercise, Mr. Collins?

COLLINS
Indeed I would, Mrs. Bennet.

And he makes a beeline for ELIZABETH.

LYDIA
Ergh!

COLLINS
Cousin Elizabeth, would you do me the great honour of walking with me into town?

[Page] 2/17

2/11. EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF MERYTON. NOVEMBER. DAY 13. [12.15]

THREE COUPLES: LYDIA and KITTY pressing on ahead, talking scandal, eager to get at the OFFICERS. JANE and MARY walking sedately. ELIZABETH and COLLINS behind them. His ponderous compliments tend to slow the pace.

COLLINS
You visit your Aunt Philips in Meryton frequently, I understand, cousin?

ELIZABETH [[rather mischievously]]
Yes, she is very fond of company, but I am afraid you'll find her gatherings poor affairs after the splendours of Rosings Park.

COLLINS
No, I think not. I believe I possess the happy knack, much to be desired in a clergyman, of adapting myself to every kind of society, whether high or low.

ELIZABETH
That is fortunate indeed.

COLLINS
Yes, indeed, and though it is a gift of nature, constant study has enabled me, I flatter myself, to make a kind of art of it.

[Page] 2/18

2/12. EXT. MERYTON HIGH STREET. NOVEMBER. DAY 13. [12.25]

Quite a few PEOPLE strolling about or just going about their business. A few bright flashes of uniform here and there in the distance. LYDIA wants to press on towards them, but is held up by KITTY, who holds her back, having seen a nice bonnet in a shop window.

KITTY
There! I'm sure that is new in since Friday! Isn't it nice? Don't you think I'd look well in it?

LYDIA
Not as well as me. Come on!

KITTY
No, I shan't. Jane! Come here! Look at this. Jane, I am determined to have this bonnet!

LYDIA
Look! There's Denny!

The rest of the LONGBOURN PARTY have caught up with them now.

KITTY
Where?

LYDIA
There! Look!

[Page] 2/19

LIEUTENANT DENNY, in uniform, rather sparky, a teaser and a ladies' man, is on the opposite side of the street, with WICKHAM, who is in Mufti. WICKHAM is a strikingly good-looking young man, with a sensitive mobile face.

KITTY
Who's that with him?

LYDIA
I don't know!

KITTY
He's fearful handsome!

LYDIA
He might be if he were in regimentals. I think a man looks nothing without regimentals!

COLLINS, who catches this, snorts, slightly miffed.

KITTY
They're looking over. Lizzy, is he not mightily good-looking?

DENNY is telling WICKHAM who they are.

LYDIA [[shouting]]
Denny!

JANE
Lydia!

Shouting in the street is not on.

[Page] 2/20

DENNY leads WICKHAM over and gives a mock salute.

LYDIA [[undeterred]]
What a fine joke! We thought you were still in town!

DENNY
There was nothing amusing enough to hold us there. Allow me to introduce my good friend George Wickham. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, Miss Catherine Bennet, and ...

Last but by no means least, a real goer, he implies:

DENNY [cont.]
Miss Lydia Bennet!

JANE
This is our cousin, Mr. Collins.

COLLINS bows very formally. WICKHAM looks very happy to have met all these nice people. After the bowing and smiling, a tiny pause.

ELIZABETH who is really quite taken with WICKHAM:

ELIZABETH
Do you stay long in Meryton, Mr. Wickham?

WICKHAM
All winter, I am happy to say. I have taken a commission in Colonel Forster's regiment.

Yes, they do like the look of each other.

[Page] 2/21

KITTY
There, Lydia! He will be dressed in regimentals!

DENNY
And lend them much distinction, I dare say. Outswagger us all, eh, Wickham?

WICKHAM
Denny, you misrepresent me to these young ladies.

He manages to seem both charming and very slightly shy.

LYDIA
Shall you come with us to our Aunt Philips this evening, Mr. Wickham?

KITTY
Oh, yes! Denny is coming you know!

LYDIA
It's only supper and cards but we shall have some laughs!

WICKHAM
I am afraid I have not been invited by Mr. and Mrs. Philips ...

WICKHAM is smiling at ELIZABETH.

LYDIA
Oh no-one cares about that sort of thing nowadays!

WICKHAM
If Mrs. Philips extended the invitation to include me - I should be delighted.

[Page] 2/22

Music-2M5

Dur: 00'38"

CUT TO a view up the street. Two horsemen, BINGLEY and DARCY, looking dead elegant, walking down the street towards them.

KITTY [[meaningfully]]
Look, Jane. It's Mr. Bingley!

JANE looks a bit exposed and vulnerable at the sight of her beloved. BINGLEY dismounts and goes straight to JANE.

BINGLEY
How very fortunate! Do you know, we were just on our way to Longbourn to ask after your health.

DARCY has stayed back a little, but on seeing ELIZABETH looks as if he is going to dismount.

JANE [[o.o.v.]]
You are very kind, sir, I am quite recovered, as you see.

WICKHAM turns as ELIZABETH looks past him to DARCY. As DARCY notices WICKHAM, his expression immediately changes to one of astonishment and dismay.

BINGLEY [[o.o.v.]]
Yes. I am very glad to know it.

WICKHAM looks back, also disturbed or embarrassed by the encounter.

JANE [[o.o.v.]]
I hope you will still be able to come to have tea with us as Longbourn.

[Page] 2/23

Music-2M5

BINGLEY [[o.o.v.]]
I should be very happy to, Miss Bennet.

WICKHAM just tips his hat to DARCY. DARCY now looks angry rather than shocked.

LYDIA [[o.o.v.]]
Aye, and then you may come with us to our Aunt Philips's this evening.

JANE [[o.o.v.]]
Lydia!

DARCY makes the tiniest movement in acknowledgement. Then he rides on down the road, without a word to anyone.

ELIZABETH, intrigued.

DARCY'S ramrod back as his horse walks sedately away.

[Page] 2/24

2/13. INT. MRS. PHILIPS' DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 13. [20.17]

A good big room, opening out into another one beyond, from which the sound of male laughter can be heard. The PARTY, which is a lively and informal affair, is well underway already, but the LONGBOURN PARTY, [everyone except Mr. and Mrs. Bennet] has just arrived - LYDIA and KITTY head off in search of OFFICERS.

LYDIA
Oh look -there's Denny.

KITTY
And Chamberlayne.

MARY heads towards the piano, carrying her music. JANE, ELIZABETH and COLLINS with MRS. PHILIPS.

The room is furnished without good taste but not pretentious, either. Just a lot of higgledy-piggledy stuff that's been in this undistinguished family for generations, a lot of it. MRS. PHILIPS likes it anyway, and COLLINS gets off on the wrong foot straight away.

COLLINS
It is so gratifying to me that my stay at Longbourn has afforded me such a variety of social intercourse. [He looks around him] What a charming apartment you have here, Mrs. Philips. Upon my word, it reminds me greatly of the small summer breakfast room at Rosings!

MRS. PHILIPS [[not a little miffed]]
Does it indeed, Sir? I'm much obliged to you, I'm sure.

[Page] 2/25

Kind JANE comes in quickly:

JANE
I'm sure that Mr. Collins wishes to pay a compliment, Aunt.

MRS. PHILIPS
Does he? I see.
[[she doesn't]]

JANE
Rosings Park, we must understand, is very grand indeed.

COLLINS
Indeed it is! Oh, my dear Madam, if you thought that I intended any slight on your excellent and very comfortable arrangements, I am mortified! Rosings Park is the residence of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh!

MRS. PHILIPS
Oh. Now I understand!

COLLINS
The chimney piece in the second drawing room alone cost eight hundred pounds!

In the background we can see KITTY and LYDIA with DENNY and WICKHAM. WICKHAM has got his uniform on tonight, and the GIRLS are admiring him and teasing him, LYDIA being so bold as to touch. WICKHAM catches ELIZABETH'S eye briefly, and smiles, but then is cut off from view.

MRS. PHILIPS
Now I see. It's clear, there's no offence at all. Will you oblige me and sit down to a game of Whist?

[Page] 2/26

COLLINS
I must confess I know little of the game Madam? but I shall be glad to improve myself, [turning to ELIZABETH] ... if my fair cousin will consent to release me?

ELIZABETH [[with deep-felt sincerity]]
With all my heart, Sir.

Both ELIZABETH and JANE feel mightily relieved, as MRS. PHILIPS bears COLLINS off.

Music-2M6

Variations on 'Nel cor piu non mi sento'

Dur: 04'15"

[Page] 2/27

Music-2M6

2/14. INT. PHILIPS' DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 13. [21.05]. LATER.

MARY is plonking away on the piano in the background. At the card table, COLLINS plays the King of Spades.

MRS. PHILIPS
Oh! Mr. Collins!

COLLINS
Er ... what were trumps again?

MRS. PHILIPS
Hearts, Mr. Collins! Hearts!

WICKHAM joins ELIZABETH for a tête-a-tête, which is just what they both wanted.

WICKHAM
I must confess I thought I should never escape your younger sisters.

ELIZABETH [[laughs]]
They can be very determined - Lydia especially.

WICKHAM
But they're pleasant girls - indeed I find that society in Hertfordshire quite exceeds my expectations. [cont ...]

Not laid on too thick, but it's clearly for her, and she likes it.

[Page] 2/28

Music-2M6

WICKHAM [cont.]
I don't see Mr. Bingley and his friends here this evening.

ELIZABETH
I think some of Mr. Bingley's friends would consider it beneath their dignity.

WICKHAM
Really. Um ... have you known Mr. Darcy long?

ELIZABETH
About a month.

WICKHAM
I have known him all my life. We played together as children.

ELIZABETH's face.

ELIZABETH
But ...

WICKHAM
Yes. You are surprised. Perhaps you might have noticed the cold manner of our greeting?

ELIZABETH
I confess I did.

WICKHAM
Do you ... are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?

She smiles. She likes this delicacy. He doesn't want to offend her by slagging off a friend. She'll leave him in no doubt.

[Page] 2/29

Music-2M6

ELIZABETH
As much as I ever wish to be. I've spent three days in the same house with him, and I find him very disagreeable.

WICKHAM [[rather ruefully]]
I fear there are few who would share that opinion, except myself.

ELIZABETH
But he is not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his pride.

WICKHAM
Do you know ... does he intend to stay long at Netherfield?

ELIZABETH
I do not know ... but I hope his being in the neighbourhood will not affect your plans to stay.

She is telling him she's on his side, at the very least.

WICKHAM [[smiles]]
Thank you. But it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. Oh, we are not on friendly terms, but I have no reason to avoid him but one: he has done me great wrong. [cont ...]

Delicacy prevents ELIZABETH asking why. It seems she's not going to find out. Then WICKHAM looks at her in the eyes, and speaks intimately, emotionally, as if he's decided that here is the one person who will understand.

[Page] 2/30

Music-2M6

WICKHAM [cont.]
His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr. Darcy, was my Godfather, and one of the best men that ever breathed. My father was his steward ... and when he died, old Mr. Darcy cared for me, provided for me ... loved me, I believe - as though I were his own son. He intended me for the church, and it was my dearest wish to enter into that profession. But after he died, when the living he had promised me fell vacant, the son refused point blank to honour his father's promises. And so, you see, I have to make my own way in the world.

ELIZABETH
This is quite shocking. I had not thought Mr. Darcy as bad as this. To descend to such malicious revenge, he deserves to be publicly disgraced!

She is really worked up.

WICKHAM
Some day he will be. But not by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him.

LYDIA lets out a squeal from the card table. She has clearly won the game and is making much of it. WICKHAM and ELIZABETH smile at this, and then continue:

ELIZABETH
I wonder at the pride of this man. How abominable! You are more temperate than I should be in your situation.

WICKHAM
Well, I have not the resentful temper that some men have! And my situation, you know, is not so bad. At present I have every cause for cheer. I can't bear to be idle, and my new profession gives me active employment. My fellow officers are excellent men ... [cont ...]

[Page] 2/31

Music-2M6

WICKHAM [cont.]
And now I find myself in a society as agreeable as any I have ever known.

WICKHAM's animal spirits, his appetite for life, his gaiety, are all genuine and equal to Elizabeth's own. ELIZABETH can't help smiling back.

WICKHAM [cont.]
You see? I absolutely forbid you to feel sorry for me!

She's charmed out of her socks. All that suffering and injustice, and he comes up merry as a cricket. Her kind of guy.

LYDIA
Lizzy? Lizzy, why should you feel sorry for Mr. Wickham?

An awkward moment.

WICKHAM
Why? Because ... because I have not had a dance these three months together!

LYDIA
Poor Mr. Wickham! Well, you shall have one now.

She takes his hand and drags him off. WICKHAM manages to get in a look at ELIZABETH - there we go, you know I'd much rather be with you - and is hauled off into the other room.

LYDIA [cont.]
Mary! Mary! The Barley Mow!

[Page] 2/32

Music-2M7

"The Barley Mow"

Dur: 00'17"

And as a jolly romping tune strikes up. we stay on ELIZABETH's face, thinking what a night I've had, and hear from the card table:

MRS. PHILIPS
Oh, Mr. Collins!

[Page] 2/33

2/15. INT. LONGBOURN. JANE'S BEDROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 13. [23.12]

The same night. Another soft light and shoulders scene, for ELIZABETH and JANE.

JANE
I cannot believe it, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy would have far too high a respect for his father's wishes to behave in such an unchristian way. And Lizzy, consider, how could his intimate friends be so deceived in him?

ELIZABETH
I could more easily imagine Mr. Bingley being imposed upon than to think that Mr. Wickham could invent such a history!

JANE
I believe you like Mr. Wickham, Lizzy.

Her turn to tease a bit, and ELIZABETH is a wee bit embarrassed. ELIZABETH blushing a bit, as it were.

ELIZABETH
I confess I do like him. I do not see how anyone could not like him. There is something very open and artless in his manner ... he feels deeply I believe, and yet has a natural merriment and energy, despite all this. Yes, Jane, I confess I like him very much!

JANE
But after so short an acquaintance ... do you think we should believe in him so implicitly?

[Page] 2/34

ELIZABETH
How could he be doubted? He gave me all the circumstances, Jane - names, facts - and everything without ceremony. If it isn't so, let Mr. Darcy contradict it! Besides, there was truth in all his looks.

JANE
It is difficult, indeed - it is distressing. One doesn't know what to think.

ELIZABETH [[briskly]]
I beg your pardon, one knows exactly what to think!

[Page] 2/35

2/16. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. NOVEMBER. DAY 14. [14.38]

MR. BENNET has taken refuge from COLLINS, and is helping himself to a nice glass of something. His peace is invaded by his wife's ecstatic cries.

MRS. BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
Oh, girls! Girls! We have all been invited to a ball at Netherfield!

[Page] 2/36

2/17. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWJNG ROOM NOVEMBER. DAY 14. [14.39]

MRS. BENNET, COLLINS, and all the GIRLS. KITTY and LYDIA have been trying different ribbons on a bonnet. JANE engaged in practical tasks.

LYDIA
Oh, good! I love a ball!

KITTY
And so do I!

MRS.BENNET
Oh, this will be a compliment to you Jane, you know.

COLLINS, sitting very close to ELIZABETH, has been showing her pictures of Rosings Park, as a kind of aphrodisiac. MARY listens in.

COLLINS [[Background chat to ELIZABETH]]
Here you see the south aspect of Rosings ... I dare say you will seldom have seen such an elegant edifice ...

MRS. BENNET
The invitation includes you, Mr. Collins.

ELIZABETH
But shall you accept, Sir? Would it be entirely proper? Would your bishop approve?

[Page] 2/37

COLLINS
Your scruples do you credit, my dear cousin. But I am of the opinion that a ball of this kind, given by a man of good character, to respectable people, can have no evil tendency ...

MARY nods solemnly.

COLLINS [cont.]
And I am so far from objecting to dancing myself: that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins during the course of the evening!

MR COLLINS beams round at the fair COUSINS. Some of them try to smile back, some don't.

COLLINS [cont.]
And I take this opportunity of soliciting yours, Miss Elizabeth, for the first two dances!

ELIZABETH's face, as her SISTERS start giggling and COLLINS starts singing a dance tune.

[Page] 2/38

2/18. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. NOVEMBER. DAY 15. [11.32]

Music-2M8

Dur: 00'19"

CARTER, DENNY, LYDIA and KITTY having a jolly time. The CHAPS are giving the GIRLS a swing

ELIZABETH, WICKHAM and COLLINS are walking in an awkward threesome. COLLINS is keen not to be ousted by this interloper, and determined to show him who's who and what's what.

COLLINS
And I dare say you will be able to imagine the scope of the whole, Mr. Wickham, when I tell you that the chimney piece alone in the second drawing-room cost all of eight hundred pounds!

WICKHAM
Eight hundred pounds, Sir! I hazard a guess it must be a very large one?

COLLINS
It is very large, indeed, Sir.

WICKHAM
Her Ladyship, is fond of a good blaze then?

COLLINS
Oh ...

But JANE has come up, to rescue ELIZABETH for WICKHAM.

[Page] 2/39

JANE
Mr. Collins! How fortunate! I must claim you for my sister Mary. She has found a passage in Fordyce's Sermons that she cannot make out at all.

COLLINS
Well, I, er ...

JANE
I believe it is of great doctrinal import, Sir.

COLLINS
In that case ...

JANE
You are very kind, Sir. She is in the drawing room.

COLLINS can't think of anything to say or do. So he stands there helplessly, then lumbers off after JANE. ELIZABETH and WICKHAM stroll on, happy to be together, happy to be alone. She doesn't go weak at the knees or anything; she's easy with him, she likes him, she fancies him.

WICKHAM
Mr. Collins' conversation is very, um, wholesome.

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
And there is plenty to be had of it, I assure you!

They walk on a little. No awkwardness about the silence.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Have you made Mr. Bingley's acquaintance yet?

[Page] 2/40

WICKHAM
No, but I'm already disposed to approve of him. He has issued a general invitation to the officers for his ball at Netherfield, which has caused great joy in more than one quarter. He must be a very amiable gentleman.

ELIZABETH
Oh, yes. He is eager to approve of everyone he meets - but he is a sensible man, with taste and judgement. I wonder very much how Mr. Darcy could impose upon him. He cannot know what Mr. Darcy is.

WICKHAM
Probably not. Mr. Darcy can please what he chooses, if he thinks it worth his while. Among his equals in wealth and consequence, he can be liberal-minded, honourable ... even agreeable.

ELIZABETH
I wonder you can speak of him so tolerantly.

WICKHAM
He is not wholly bad.

ELIZABETH looks at LYDIA and KITTY, laughing on the swing.

ELIZABETH
Tell me - what sort of girl is Miss Darcy?

WICKHAM
I wish I could call her amiable. As a child, she was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me, and I have devoted hours and hours to her amusement ... but she is grown too much like her brother - very, very proud. I never see her now. Since her father's death, her home has been in London. She is but sixteen years old ... your sister Lydia's age ...

[Page] 2/41

ELIZABETH
Lydia is fifteen.

Shrieks and yelps from LYDIA and KITTY in the distance. [The tone is two adults talking with amused indulgence about a teenager.]

WICKHAM
I was amused by your cousin's reference to Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She is Mr. Darcy's aunt, you know, and her daughter, Anne, who will inherit a very large fortune, is destined to be Mr. Darcy's bride.

ELIZABETH
Really!

Walks on a pace or two, then suddenly smiles.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Poor Miss Bingley.

[Page] 2/42

2/19. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [16.30]

SARAH is dressing ELIZABETH,s hair. She looks very pretty, and wants to, for WICKHAM.

An anxious MRS. BENNET comes in to check on Lizzy.

MRS.BENNET
Ah - you look very well, Lizzy. You'll never be as pretty as your sister Jane, but I will say you look very well indeed!

In the background, we can hear Lydia and Kitty squabbling down the corridor:

LYDIA [[o.o.v.] [sarcastic]]
I hope you are not wearing those ribbons!

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
Why? What's wrong with them?

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
Thank you, Mamma.

The argument between LYDIA and KITTY continues under the above:

LYDIA [[o.o.v.]]
Oh, nothing, except that they look dreadful. None of the officers will want to dance with you looking like that!

[Page] 2/43

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
I think pink is nice. It is a nicer colour on me than it is on you!

LYDIA [[o.o.v.]]
Well, wear pink ribbons then, and don't mind me!

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
I shan't mind you!

LYDIA [[o.o.v.]]
It doesn't matter what you wear, for no-one will be looking at you!

MRS.BENNET
And I hope you will pay Mr. Collins every courtesy tonight because he has been very attentive to you!

KITTY [[o.o.v.]]
Lydia Bennet you are a hateful girl! And I think your gown is very unbecoming too!

And MRS. BENNET leaves Elizabeth's room.

[Page] 2/44

2/20. INT. LONGBOURN. LANDING. NOVEMBER NIGHT 16. [16.35]

MRS. BENNET encounters LYDIA, who has just flounced out on to the landing, shouting back to KITTY.

LYDIA
Then I shall ask Lizzy, she will bear me out!

LYDIA is in her underwear, carrying her party frock.

MRS.BENNET
Lydia, child, what are you doing? Go back in your room and dress yourself!

LYDIA
I have to ask Lizzy something!

LYDIA goes straight past her. MRS. BENNET sighs loudly.

[Page] 2/45

2/21. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABEIB'S BEDROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [16.36]

LYDIA marches in.

LYDIA
Lizzy. Lizzy look.

She holds the dress up to her.

LYDIA [cont.]
What do you think? Kitty says not, but I think it becomes me very well

ELIZABETH [smiling]
I wonder that you ask me then.

LYDIA
You look very nice.

ELIZABETH
Thank you.

LYDIA
Lizzy, I hope you will not keep Wickham to yourself all night. Kitty and I want to dance with him as well you know!

ELIZABETH
I promise I shall not. Even if I wished to, I could not. I have to dance at least the first two with Mr. Collins.

[Page] 2/46

LYDIA
Lord, yes. He's threatened to dance with us all! She does one of her great puffing sighs, and marches out.

[Page] 2/47

2/22. INT. LONGBOURN. LANDING. NOVEMBER NIGHT 16. [16.38]

COLLINS, all dressed up for the evening, emerges from his room, closes the door carefully behind him, turns, and comes face to face with LYDIA as she emerges on to the landing. LYDIA lets out a strangled squawk, and holds the dress up to her face, her big eyes peering over it.

COLLINS' face. Thunderstruck.

LYDIA finds it irresistibly funny. Practically choking, she at last manages to move, though she is shaken from head to foot with giggles.

COLLINS puts up his hand to shield his eyes as he edges past her

[Page] 2/48

2/23. INT. LONGBOURN. STAIRS. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [16.42]

COLLINS, still in shock, walking down the stairs. From Lydia's room, we hear LYDIA and KITTY shrieking with laughter.

Music-2M9

Dur: 00'54"

[Page] 2/49

Music-2M9

2/24. EXT. NETHERFIELD. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [l9.10]

The house is ablaze with light, all the first floor windows, light pouring out of the open entrance down the stairs, as the Bennet carriage arrives. Other carriages already there, sound of music from inside. As the BENNETS get out of their carriage, FOOTMEN come out to help.

COLLINS rather elaborately and unnecessarily helping ELIZABETH and JANE down - ELIZABETH skips down quite lightly. She's excited, looking forward to the evening ... just seeing Wickham will be lovely, and when he sees her, he's going to be crazy about her. I wonder if he's here already, she thinks, and glances up at the windows. And sees the tall forbidding form of DARCY silhouetted in one of the windows.

Close shot of DARCY, unsmiling, looking down.

ELIZABETH looks away, her pleasure clouded for the moment, and then hurries into the house.

[Page] 2/50

Music-2M9

2/25. INT. NETHERFIELD. RECEPTION HALL. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [19.15]

Quite a few of the GUESTS there already, some going up the stairs - COLONEL and MRS. FORSTER, the LUCASES, ONE or TWO other OFFICERS, some POSH NOBS - and BINGLEY wreathed in smiles, and both his SISTERS and HURST, the SISTERS being very gracious:

MISS BINGLEY
Oh, my dear Jane, how delightful to see you, and so well recovered!

A little kiss. MRS. HURST greets ELIZABETH.

MRS. HURST
Miss Bennet - how pleasant to see you. Have you been keeping up your country rambles?

MISS BINGLEY [[to JANE]]
Louisa and I have been quite desolate without you, haven't we? Mr. Hurst?

HURST
What?

JANE is now free to move on to BINGLEY.

BINGLEY
Miss Bennet.

JANE
Mr. Bingley.

[Page] 2/51

That's all they need to say.

MRS. BENNET, nervous and very much on her dignity, and MR. BENNET, quite at his ease, taking in the scene with a sardonic eye, approach the reception line.

MRS. HURST
Mrs. Bennet.

They curtsey.

MRS.BENNET
Delighted

MRS.HURST
Mr. Bennet.

LYDIA and KITTY almost bouncing up and down in their eagerness to get at the OFFICERS, and MARY, also quite starry-eyed. She has brought her own music, poor dab.

COLLINS very eager to pay those little compliments that ladies love to hear. MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST being markedly cooler to everyone except JANE.

Likewise we hear, a good deal of it overlapping:

Music-2Ml0

Dur: 02'36"

MISS BINGLEY
Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet ... quite delighted ... and all your daughters.

KITTY
Oh, there's Denny!

LYDIA
And Chamberlayne!

[Page] 2/52

Music-2MI0

BENNET
... and my cousin, Mr - er -Collins?

COLLINS
May I congratulate you on your very elegant arrangements, Ma'am? It puts me to mind greatly of ... perhaps you may have visited Rosings Park?

MRS. HURST
Colonel Forster! Mrs. Forster! How enchanting! [We stay mostly with ELIZABETH, as we shall throughout the evening, and now she is through the reception line, as it were, and a bit at a loss. BINGLEY has eyes only for JANE, but he remembers his lovely manners, and turns, smiling warmly, to offer her his free arm.]

BINGLEY
Miss Bennet.

And the three of them go off together.

[Page] 2/53

Music-2M10

2/26. INT. NETHERFIELD. BALLROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [19.25]

A glittering, elegant, very formal sort of scene. Beautiful room, tall windows, chandeliers, lots of ELEGANT PEOPLE, and the OFFICERS look really dashingly smart in their best red dress tunics. Small BAND, as at Meryton, but this one isn't local - at the moment they are playing for conversation not for dancing, something delicate and Mozartish.

ELIZABETH thinks it all looks lovely as she enters with JANE and BINGLEY - but she can't see Wickham. She scans the officers. Then as the GROUP parts, she sees DARCY looking across the room at her, grave, unsmiling. She looks away. DENNY has seen her too, and comes across in his characteristic jaunty way, stands in front of her with his waggish little bow, as JANE and BINGLEY move on.

DENNY
Miss Bennet. You look quite remarkably well this evening.

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
Thank you.

DENNY
I am instructed to convey to you, Miss Bennet, my friend Wickham's most particular regrets that he has been prevented from attending the ball.
[cont ...]

She wants to ask 'Where is he then?' but she's already given enough of her interest away.

[Page] 2/54

Music-2M10

DENNY [cont]
He's been obliged to go to town on a matter of urgent business ...
[[confidentially]]
... though I don't imagine it would have been so urgent if he'd not wished to avoid a certain gentleman.

DENNY and ELIZABETH glance towards DARCY, who is looking at them. DARCY turns abruptly and stalks away.

DENNY gives ELIZABETH a meaningful 'nuff said' look. LYDIA and KITTY charge up with CHAMBERLAYNE.

LYDIA
Denny! I hope you've come prepared to dance with us tonight!

CHAMBERLAYNE (to ELIZABETH)
Forgive this intrusion, Ma'am - I would dance with both your sisters at once if I could, but as it is ...

LYDIA
Oh, never mind that! Come on, Denny!

DENNY lets them drag him away, giving ELIZABETH a 'can't be helped' farewell glance that would be a wink if he weren't a gentleman.

ELIZABETH sees CHARLOTTE LUCAS who is with her PARENTS and her younger sister MARIA [very awed by her surroundings]. The TWO FRIENDS move to greet each other.

ELIZABETH
Charlotte! I have so much to acquaint you with! [cont...]

If she can't be with WICKHAM, at least she can talk about him freely to her best friend. But no luck. Here comes COLLINS.

[Page] 2/55

Music-2M10

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Charlotte. May I present our cousin, Mr. Collins? My friend, Miss Lucas.

CHARLOTTE
How do you do, Sir?

COLLINS
Miss Lucas, I am indeed honoured to meet any friend of my fair cousins. So many agreeable young ladies! I am quite enraptured!

ELIZABETH shoots a glance at CHARLOTTE to see what she makes of COLLINS. But CHARLOTTE is good at keeping a straight face.

Music-2M11

"The Shrewsbury Lasses"

Dur: 01'53"

The MUSICIANS strike an introductory chord and the DANCERS move out on to the floor. ELIZABETH forces a smile as COLLINS leads her to the end of their set.

The dancing at Netherfield is much more decorous than the dancing at Meryton. This first dance is one in which COLLINS is able to make an immediate and highly visible blunder:

ELIZABETH
Other way, Mr. Collins! He collides with a LADY.

COLLINS
Ooh! Oh! Madam, a thousand apologies ...

ELIZABETH
Come, Mr. Collins!

[Page] 2/56

Music-2Mll

COLLINS
My dear cousin, I apologize ...

It looks as if she's going to have to drag him round bodily. God, I hope no one's looking at us, she thinks, and glances up to see that DARCY is, with a slight sardonic smile.

We stay with DARCY, who strolls along the side of the room, passing SIR WILLIAM who is being jolly as usual, and MRS. BENNET, who is holding forth to LADY LUCAS.

MRS.BENNET
... Not as handsome as some, it is said. In fact, rather stout and phlegmatic in appearance ...

DARCY looks at JANE and BINGLEY, who are dancing and smiling happily at each other. This makes him frown. He walks alone into the adjoining refreshment room.

LYDIA and KITTY have got themselves a couple of OFFICERS to dance with. DARCY at the window, staring out into the night.

[Page] 2/57

2/27. INT. NETHERFIELD BALL. NOVEMBER NIGHT 16. [20.20] LATER.

Music-2Ml2

"Wildboar's Maggot"

Dur: 00'53"

Another dance in progress, different music. MARY clutching her music, looking longingly at the piano. ELIZABETH has managed to get a tete-a-tete with CHARLOTTE.

CHARLOTTE
It's extraordinary! And you are sure it is true?

ELIZABETH
Charlotte, how could it be otherwise? Every circumstance confirms it. And Mr. Darcy has boasted to me himself of his resentful, implacable ...

CHARLOTTE
Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
What?

And turns to see DARCY two feet away, and about to speak to her. He bows. ELIZABETH and CHARLOTTE curtsey.

DARCY
If you are not otherwise engaged, would you do me the honour of dancing the next with me, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH
Why - I - had not - I thank you. Yes. [cont ...]

[Page] 2/58

Music-2Ml2

He bows, turns, and walks away.

ELIZABETH [cont.] [[furious with herself]]
Oh, why could I not think of an excuse? Hateful man. I promised myself I would never dance with him.

CHARLOTTE
He pays you a great compliment in singling you out, Lizzy. Think what you are doing. You'd be a simpleton indeed if you let your fancy for Wickham lead you to slight a man often times his consequence.

This is the brutal realpolitik of the marriage stakes. ELIZABETH doesn't know how she can escape it, but she hates it.

A big chord as the dance comes to an end.

[Page] 2/59

2/28. INT. NETHERFIELD BALL. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [20.55] LATER.

Music-2M13

"Mr Beveridge's Maggot"

Dur: 05'03"

ELIZABETH and DARCY are, at last, dancing with each other. This is the sedatest dance we've seen so far, one that allows plenty of pauses for conversation. But at the moment, they're not talking at all.

At the start of the dance, their hands meet - it's the first time they've touched each other. DARCY's face is gravely intent. Hers is bothered and ill at ease.

And they dance very well together - he's very controlled but not at all awkward, she's much more instinctive and natural in her style. Their movements fit together perfectly, greatly to her surprise, and she can't help enjoying the sheer physical pleasure of it - she's dancing for herself: for the dance. Her eyes leave him, he never stops looking at her.

She's not going to make any undue effort. He seems not to know how to start. They're together, but apart. She cracks first. She didn't want to, but it's her nature. Lighthearted tone covering a little hostility.

ELIZABETH
I believe we must have some conversation, Mr. Darcy.

Instantly DARCY turns to look into ELIZABETH's eyes, slightly disconcerting her.

ELIZABETH [cont]
A very little will suffice. You should say something about the dance, perhaps. I might remark on the number of couples.

[Page] 2/60

Music-2Ml3

DARCY
Do you talk by rule, then, when you are dancing?

ELIZABETH
Yes, sometimes it is best. Then we may enjoy the advantage of saying as little as possible.

DARCY
Do you consult your own feelings in this case, or seek to gratify mine?

ELIZABETH
Both, I imagine. We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room.

DARCY
This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure.

In that little exchange, he's seeking more intimacy, she is on the whole avoiding it. The dance interrupts for a few bars. This time DARCY starts.

DARCY
Ah ... do you often walk into Meryton?

ELIZABETH
Yes, quite often.
[[can't resist it]]
When you met us the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance.

Now ELIZABETH is looking DARCY in the face. And is rewarded. He doesn't like this at all. He looks past her. He looks as if he'd like to kill someone, but says in measured tones:

[Page] 2/61

Music-2Ml3

DARCY
Mr. Wickham has the happy manners that enable him to make friends ... whether he is equally capable of keeping them, is less certain.

ELIZABETH
He has been unlucky as to lose your friendship, in a way he is likely to suffer from all his life!

He looks at her again. His anger is in fact not directly with her, rather his longstanding hatred of WICKHAM. But he looks pretty frightening at this moment. Well, she thinks, I've really made an enemy of him now, and I don't care. And in blunders affable SIR WILLIAM, noticing none of this.

SIR WILLIAM
Allow me to congratulate you, Sir! Such superior dancing is rarely to be seen. And I'm sure you'll own your fair partner is well worthy of you! I hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event takes place!

Looking significantly over to BINGLEY and JANE.

SIR WILLIAM [cont.]
Eh, Miss Lizzy? What congratulations will then flow in!

ELIZABETH
Sir, I ...

DARCY looking over at BINGLEY. It's as if the seriousness of his friend's involvement has struck him for the first time.

SIR WILLIAM
Nay, nay, I understand, I'll not detain you one moment longer from your bewitching partner, Sir! A great pleasure, Sir - capital! Capital!

[Page] 2/62

Music-2Ml3

And off he goes, beaming and smiling. DARCY still looking over at BINGLEY and JANE.

They return to the dance - physically in harmony, but feeling quite hostile each to the other.

Quite a bit of the dance without any conversation. Darcy's eyes on ELIZABETH all the time, grave and intense; it is hard for her to know what he's thinking. In fact he's thinking how much he fancies her, what a worthy opponent she is, and how much he resents her arrogant assumption that he's in the wrong.

ELIZABETH frowns, there's something on her mind. Hesitates once, then plunges in boldly:

ELIZABETH
I remember hearing you once say that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was implacable.

He inclines his head in assent.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
You are very careful, are you not, in allowing your resentment to be created?

DARCY
I am.

ELIZABETH
And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?

It's rather an offensive question.

DARCY's finding this interrogation impertinent.

[Page] 2/63

Music-2M13

DARCY
I hope not. May I ask to what these questions tend?

ELIZABETH, trying to lighten it.

ELIZABETH
Merely to the illustration of your character. I am trying to make it out.

DARCY
And what is your success?

ELIZABETH
I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceeding.

DARCY, interesting this: he cares what she thinks of him. The last chord of the dance sounds. DARCY walks ELIZABETH back to her seat.

DARCY
I wish, Miss Bennet, that you would not attempt to sketch my character at the present moment. I fear the performance would reflect no credit on either of us.

ELIZABETH, playfulness masking aggression again:

ELIZABETH
But if I don't take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity!

DARCY [[coldly closing up]]
I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.

They are now back at ELIZABETH's seat. DARCY bows, turns on his heels, and walks off.

[Page] 2/64

2/29. INT. NETHERFIELD BALL. SUPPER ROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [21.35] LATER.

Lots of PEOPLE eating and drinking. ELIZABETH in a friendly little GROUP with BINGLEY and COLONEL FORSTER, says something that makes them laugh, then turns away and comes face to face with MISS BINGLEY.

MISS BINGLEY
So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham!

Elizabeth's look of surprise: partly at the haughty and rather combative tone MISS BINGLEY adopts.

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
No doubt he forgot to tell you, among his other communications, that he was merely the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy's steward!

That last with a little tinkling laugh.

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
But, Eliza ... as a friend ... let me recommend you not to give credit to all his assertions. Wickham treated Darcy in an infamous manner.

ELIZABETH
Has he? How?

MISS BINGLEY
Don't remember the particulars - but I do know that Mr. Darcy was not in the least to blame. [cont ..... ]

[Page] 2/65

MISS BINGLEY [cont.]
I pity you, Eliza, for the discovery of your favourite's guilt, but really, considering his descent, one could not expect much better.

ELIZABETH [[angrily]]
His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same. I've heard you accuse him of being nothing worse than the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, and he informed me of that himself.

MISS BINGLEY [[turning away haughtily]]
I beg your pardon - excuse my interference. It was kindly meant.

MISS BINGLEY walks off. ELIZABETH stares after her with real dislike.

ELIZABETH moves away. JANE follows her.

ELIZABETH
Insolent girl!

JANE
Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
I see nothing in her paltry attack but her own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy!

JANE
Yes, but Lizzy ... Mr. Bingley did say, that though he does not know the whole of the history, he fears that Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man.

ELIZABETH
Does he know Mr. Wickham himself?

[Page] 2/66

JANE
No, not at all.

ELIZABETH
Well, then he had his account from Mr. Darcy. I have not the least doubt of Mr. Bingley's sincerity. Of course he would believe his friend, and it does him credit. But as to the other two gentlemen, I shall venture to think of them both as I did before.

Across the room:

BINGLEY
Shall we not have some music? I have a great desire for a song. Caroline! Can we persuade you? Oh. Miss Mary Bennet! I see you've anticipated me!

For as soon as she heard the word music, MARY made a beeline for the instrument, and is sitting tight before MISS BINGLEY can make a move.

ELIZABETH and JANE exchange a glance: Oh God this is going to be bad.

Music - Mary's song (1)

"Ombra Mai Fu'Bra"

Dur: 02'09"

And off goes MARY. Not a good voice. Not a good choice of song. But MRS. BENNET basks complacently, ignoring the glances and winces of some of the POSHER GUESTS. After a moment or two, conversation starts. Perhaps mercifully.

JANE
Lizzy. Look.

COLLINS is advancing on DARCY.

ELIZABETH
But they haven't been introduced!

[Page] 2/67

Music - Mary's song (1)

JANE
Can we not prevent him?

ELIZABETH Too late.

Now we're with COLLINS and DARCY. [MARY singing and playing in background.]

COLLINS
Mr. Darcy.

DARCY gives COLLINS a very unencouraging look up and down.

COLLINS [cont.]
I have made a remarkable - I must say an amazing discovery! I understand that you are the nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park!

DARCY doesn't reply.

COLLINS [cont.]
Well, Mr. Darcy, I am in the happy position of being able to inform you that her Ladyship was in the best of health eight days ago!

DARCY
I am glad to hear it.

All this with minimal civility.

DARCY [cont.]
What is your name, Sir?

[Page] 2/68

Music - Mary's song (1)

COLLINS
My name is William Collins, Mr. Darcy!

He makes it sound like exceptionally good news. DARCY, however, merely nods and walks away.

COLLINS [cont.]
I have the very great honour to ... well. Well.

He is not at all displeased with his little social adventure.

MARY at the piano is getting near to some high notes that are not quite within her range.

JANE and ELIZABETH suffering as they see the raised eyebrows of the BINGLEY SISTERS.

[Page] 2/69

Music - Mary's song (1)

2/30. EXT. NETHERFIELD. NOVEMBER NIGHT 16. [21.50]

A couple of COACHMEN in greatcoats, feeling the cold. A couple of carriages waiting. The horses standing patiently. A couple of dogs sitting by or under the carriages.

From inside we can hear MARY attacking the high notes. One of the dogs starts to sing too.

COACHMAN
Rowley.

The dog with his head pointed skywards, keening.

[Page] 2/70

Music - Mary's song (1)

2/31. INT. NETHERFIELD BALL. SUPPER ROOM. NOVEMBER. NIGHT 16. [21.51] LATER.

MARY reaches the conclusion of her song. Sporadic applause.

ELIZABETH making frantic eye-signals to MR. BENNET, for MARY is already turning the pages of her music, determined to sing another one. BINGLEY is now sitting with Jane, his face a little anxious, his smile a little strained. DARCY's lip curled in contempt.

Music - Mary's song (2)

"My Mother Bids Me Bind My Hair"

Dur: 00'14"

MR. BENNET gets the hint, and even though MARY has played the first notes of the introduction:

BENNET
That'll do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough.

MARY looks up, mortified.

BENNET [cont.]
Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.

Poor MARY skulks away from the piano, wishing the floor would open.

COLLINS [[booming rather]]
If I were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air. Indeed I should: for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman!

[Page] 2/71

He has secured the amused and incredulous attention of half the COMPANY. MISS BINGLEY looks meaningfully at DARCY, who is coming to the conclusion that COLLINS is probably a madman. MRS. HURST rushes to the piano, sits down and starts to play.

Music - Mrs Hurst on Piano

"Rondo Alla Turka"

Dur: 00'57"

JANE and BINGLEY leaning close, talking. MRS. BENNET to LADY LUCAS, but too loud:

MRS.BENNET
Mr Collins is such a sensible respectable young man, and he has taken quite a fancy to Lizzy, and I don't think he could find a better wife! He favoured Jane at first, but Bingley was there before him. Now there will be a great marriage! And, of course, that will throw the girls into the path of other rich men!

DARCY hears this, and looks at her with contempt, and then at BINGLEY, who looks embarrassed. And through all this, we are sharing ELIZABETH's feelings - Mary, her father, her mother, Collins - it's as though they'd set out to expose themselves as thoroughly as possible.

Then LYDIA charges into the room, laughing wildly, with a drawn sword held aloft, pursued by CARTER and DENNY.

DENNY
Lydia! Lydia! Lydia!

LYDIA, blissfully unaware, plonks down into a chair, still laughing:

LYDIA
Lord! Denny, fetch me a glass of wine! I can scarce draw breath, I'm so fagged!

ELIZABETH closes her eyes.

[Page] 2/72

2/31A EXT. LONGBOURN. DAY. NOVEMBER DAY17. [11.25]

WIDE SHOT of the house.

We hear the start of ELIZABETH and KITTY'S conversation over:

KITTY
And Chamberlayne. And then Denny again! And Lydia only danced with him twice!

[Page] 2/73

2/32. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 17. [11.25]

ELIZABETH and KITTY enter.

KITTY
I thought Mary sang very ill.

ELIZABETH
Oh, yes. Poor Mary. But she is determined to do it.

KITTY
More fool her, I say. Mr. Collins trod on my frock and tore it you know.

Then an ominous chord, as MRS. BENNET calls:

MRS. BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
Lizzy, my dear!

As she leads COLLINS into the room:

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
Oh, Mr. Collins, I'm sure there can be no objection.

ELIZABETH
Kitty. Don't leave me.

MRS. BENNET
Lizzy, dear!

[Page] 2/74

KITTY
Why? What's the matter? It's only Mr. Collins.

MRS.BENNET
Come, Kitty. I want you upstairs. Mr. Collins has something to say to Lizzy!

ELIZABETH
Dear Mamma - don't go. Mr. Collins must excuse me - he can have nothing to say that anyone could not hear.

MRS. BENNET in a rare demonstration of naked parental power:

MRS. BENNET
Lizzy. I insist that you stay where you are and hear Mr. Collins.

She knows ELIZABETH can't flatly disobey her. Triumph.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
Come Kitty! Come along!

And leads her out of the room. ELIZABETH prepares for COLLINS' addresses.

COLLINS
Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty adds to your other perfections. But you can hardly doubt the object of my discourse, however your feminine delicacy may lead you to dissemble! For, as almost as soon as I entered the house, I singled you out as the Companion of My Future Life. [cont ...]

He expects her to be as impressed with this concept as he is. But she is mainly concerned with keeping a straight face.

[Page] 2/75

COLLINS [cont.]
But before I am run away by my feelings on this subject ...

Here ELIZABETH is in grave danger of laughing.

COLLINS [cont.]
... perhaps it would be advisable for me to state My Reasons for Manying.

He has reached the end of the first para, as it were, of his rehearsed speech, and clears his throat.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Collins ...

He raises a solemn hand to stop her. ELIZABETH sits.

COLLINS
My reasons for marrying are: First, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness. And thirdly - which perhaps I should have mentioned first - that it is the particular recommendation of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh! "Mr. Collins," she said, "you must marry. Choose properly," she said, "choose a gentlewoman for my sake, and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up too high. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her!" [cont ... ]

Thinking about Lady Catherine is the nearest Collins ever gets to rapture.

[Page] 2/76

COLLINS [cont.]
And your wit and ... vivacity ... I think must be acceptable to her - when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite. Yes.

He's not quite sure. Nevertheless. Back to the speech:

COLLINS [cont.]
So much for my general intention in favour of matrimony. Now, as to my particular choice, my dear cousin; being, as I am, to inherit all this estate after the death of your father ...

He surveys his future property with some complacency.

COLLINS [cont.]
... but I could not satisfy myself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters.

ELIZABETH'S face. She can't believe she's hearing this. And now he is actually laboriously getting into a kneeling position!

COLLINS [cont.]
And now nothing remains but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affections.

ELIZABETH in some distress, caught between embarrassment and laughter.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Collins, please ....

[Page] 2/77

COLLINS
To fortune I am perfectly indifferent. I am well aware that one thousand pounds in the four per cents is all you may ever be entitled to. But rest assured, I shall never reproach on that score when we are married.

ELIZABETH
You are too hasty, Sir! You forget that I've made no answer. Let me do so now. I thank you for your compliments - I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals - but it is impossible for me to accept them.

COLLINS gets up again. A bit thrown for a moment, but only for a moment.

COLLINS
I am by no means discouraged. Indeed not. I understand that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour ... and therefore I shall hope, my dear cousin, to lead you to the altar before long.

An awful ponderous playfulness about some of that. ELIZABETH who resents his patronising tone:

ELIZABETH
Upon my word, your hope is an extraordinary one in view of my declaration. I was perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I'm convinced I am the last woman in the world who could make you so.

COLLINS
My dear Miss Elizabeth, my situation in life, my connection with the noble family of de Bourgh, are circumstances highly in my favour; you should consider that it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to you. [cont ...]

[Page] 2/78

COLLINS [cont.]
You cannot be serious in your rejection - I must attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, in the usual manner of elegant females.

He's said enough to make ELIZABETH angry now:

ELIZABETH
I assure you Sir, that I have no pretensions to the kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I thank you for the honour of your proposals but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings forbid it in every respect. Can I speak plainer?

COLLINS
You are uniformly charming!

ELIZABETH turns and walks briskly from the room.

COLLINS [cont.]
And I am persuaded that when sanctioned by your excellent parents ...

She's gone, so he has to say the last bit to himself.

COLLINS [cont.]
... my proposals will not fail of being acceptable.

[Page] 2/79

2/33. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. NOVEMBER. DAY 17. [12.10]

MR. BENNET looks up from his book as his WIFE bursts in, in a state of some agitation.

MRS.BENNET
Oh, Mr. Bennet! You are wanted immediately we are all in 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 he will not have her!

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

MRS. BENNET almost jumping up and down.

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!

BENNET
But what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business.

MRS. BENNET
Speak to Lizzy about it yourself! Tell her you insist upon her marrying him!

He looks at her for a moment, considering.

[Page] 2/80

BENNET
Let her come in.

MRS. BENNET opens the door.

MRS. BENNET [calling]
Lizzy! Lizzy! Your father wishes to speak to you!

ELIZABETH comes in. Looking and feeling stirred up and rebellious

BENNET
Come here, my child. I - er - I understand Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. It is true?

ELIZABETH
Yes, Sir.

BENNET
Very well ... and this - er - this offer of marriage you have refused?

ELIZABETH
I have.

BENNET
I see. Right, well, we now come to the point. Your mother insists on your accepting it? Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?

MRS. BENNET
Yes, or I will never see her again!

[Page] 2/81

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 - er - I will never see you again if you do.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Mr. Bennet!

ELIZABETH smiles, feeling amused, gratified, and affectionate. Her MOTHER feels tragic.

[Page] 2/82

2/34. EXT. LONGBOURN. NOVEMBER. DAY 17. [13.20]

LYDIA and KITTY, sallying forth to Meryton on foot, meet CHARLOTTE LUCAS just arriving at the house.

We can hear MRS. BENNET inside the house, under their conversation:

MRS. BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
Sit down, Miss Lizzy! I insist upon you marrying Mr. Collins!
[[pause]]
If you go on refusing offers of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all! And I'm sure I don't know who is to maintain you when your father is dead.

LYDIA
Why, Charlotte, what do you do here?

CHARLOTTE
I am come to see Elizabeth.

Explosions of giggles.

KITTY
Mr. Collins has made Lizzy an offer, and what do you think? She won't have him!

CHARLOTTE
Then I am very sorry for him - though I couldn't say I am surprised.

MRS. BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
If you do not, Lizzy, I shall never speak to you again!

[Page] 2/83

2/34A. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWINGROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 17. [1320]

Inside we see MRS. BENNET crossing from a mutinous ELIZABETH in one room to an aggrieved COLLINS in another.

COLLINS [[o.o.v.]]
I do not wish to discuss the matter any longer.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Mr. Collins! Mr. Collins! Wait!

[Page] 2/84

2/34B. EXT. LONGBOURN. NOVEMBER. DAY 17. [13.20]

KITTY
Mamma's beside herself! He says he won't stay another night!

CHARLOTTE
I wonder - should I invite him to dine with us this evening?

LYDIA [[they're parting now]]
Aye, do! Do! Take him away and feed him! For he's been in high dudgeon all morning!

Music-2M14

Dur: 00'39"

MRS. BENNET can still be heard in the house under the above:

MRS.BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
Mr. Collins ... Wait ... Mr. Collins! I will make her see sense! Please do not be disheartened, Sir, for I am sure all is not lost ...

LYDIA and KITTY run off laughing towards Meryton. CHARLOTTE braces herself and goes in.

[Page] 2/85

Music-2M14

2/35. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. NOVEMBER. DAY 17. [13.47]

COLLINS with CHARLOTTE and MRS. BENNET.

MRS. BENNET [[dolefully]]
Oh! Mr. Collins!

His tone indicates that he resents it very much indeed.

COLLINS
I am resigned. Resignation is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estimation. Until tomorrow, then, Madam.

He bows.

COLLINS [cont.]
I take my leave.

He turns, and proceeds at a stately pace.

MRS. BENNET [in tears]
Oh, Mr. Collins!

X-FADE:

FREEZE FRAME:

MS MRS BENNET

Music:

Closing titles

Dur: 00'50"

S/I CLOSING CAPTIONS:

[Page] 2/86

Roller:

Closing music

In Order of Appearance

ELIZABETH BENNET--JENNIFER EHLE

MR BENNET--BENJAMIN WHITROW

MRS BENNET--ALISON STEADMAN

JANE BENNET--SUSANNAH HARKER

LYDIA BENNET--JULIA SAWALHA

KITTY BENNET--POLLY MABERLY

MARY BENNET--LUCY BRIERS

MR COLLINS--DAVID BAMBER

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH--BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

MISS ANNE DE BOURGH--NADIA CHAMBERS

MRS JENKINSON--HARRIET EASTCOTT

MAGGIE, the maid--ANNABEL TAYLOR

Lt. DENNY--DAVID BARK-JONES

Lt. WICKHAM--ADRIAN LUKIS

MR BINGLEY--CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

MR DARCY--COLIN FIRTH

MRS PHILIPS--LYNN FARLEIGH

Capt. CARTER--ROGER BARCLAY

Lt. CHAMBERLAYNE--TOM WARD

SARAH, the maid--KATE O'MALLEY

FOSSETT, the footman--NEVILLE PHILIPS

MRS HURST--LUCY ROBINSON

MR HURST--RUPERT VANSITTART

MISS BINGLEY--ANNA CHANCELLOR

CHARLOTTE LUCAS--LUCY SCOTT

SIR WILLIAM LUCAS--CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN

LADY LUCAS--NORMA STREADER

MARIA LUCAS--LUCY DAVIS

Col. FORSTER--PAUL MORIARTY

MRS FORSTER--VICTORIA HAMILTON

Fortepiano played by--MELVYN TAN

FADE FREEZE FRAME

Developed for television in association with CHESTERMEAD Ltd.

Casting--FOTHERGILL and LUNN

Choreography--JANE GIBSON

First Assistant Directors--PIP SHORT

--AMANDA NEAL

Production Manager--PAUL BRODRICK

Location Manager--SAM BRECKMAN

Continuity--SUE CLEGG

Production Co-Ordinator--JANET RADENKOVIC

Second Assistant Director--MELANIE PANARIO

[Page] 2/87

Closing Music

CAPTIONS-Cont:

Closing Music

Third Assistant Directors--SARAH WHITE

--ANNE-MARIE CRAWFORD

Art Directors--MARK KEBBY

--JOHN COLLINS

Properties--SARA RICHARDSON

Lighting Gaffer--LIAM McGILL

Sound Recordist--BRIAN MARSHALL

Steadicam Operator--ALF TRAMONTIN

Camera Operator--ROGER PEARCE

Dubbing Editors--MIKE FEINBERG

--JOHN DOWNER

Dubbing Mixer--RUPERT SCRIVENER

Make-Up Designer--CAROLINE NOBLE

Costume Designer--DINAH COLLIN

Associate Producer--JULIE SCOTT

(Post Production)--FIONA McTAVISH

Script Editor--SUSIE CONKLIN

Film Editor--PETER COULSON

Production Designer--GERRY SCOTT

Photography--JOHN KENWAY

Executive Producer--MICHAEL WEARING

End of roller

MIX TO MOVING B/G:

PAN OVER EMBROIDERED MATERIAL

1. Produced by

SUE BIRTWISTLE

2. A BBC/ A & E NETWORK Co-production

©BBCmcmxcv

FADE

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE THREE

FADE UP

OPENING TITLES

Music-3Ml

Opening titles

Dur: 00'45"

S/I CAPTIONS:

1. COLIN FIRTH JENNIFER EHLE

2. DAVID BAMBER

CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

ANNA CHANCELLOR

SUSANNAH HARKER

BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

3. ADRIAN LUKIS

JULIA SAWALHA

ALISON STEADMAN

BENJAMIN WHITROW

[Page] 3/1

CAPTIONS - Cont:

Music-3M1

4. in

Jane Austen's

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

5. Screenplay by

ANDREW DAVIES

6. Music by

CARL DAVIS

7. Directed by

SIMON LANGTON

FADE TO BLACK

X-FADE

FADE UP:

2/37. EXT. LONGBOURN. NOVEMBER. DAY 18. [14.17]

Music-3M2

Dur: 00'28"

LYDIA and KITTY come panting down the drive.

[Page] 3/3

Music-3M2

2/38. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. NOVEMBER. DAY 18. [14.20]

LYDIA and KITTY can be seen through the window as they run round the house.

LYDIA
Lizzy! Jane!

ELIZABETH and JANE, as KITTY and LYDIA enter, out of breath.

LYDIA [Cont.]
What do you think? Mr. Collins has made an offer of marriage to Charlotte Lucas!

A beat or two, then:

KITTY
And she's accepted him!

ELIZABETH'S face.

ELIZABETH
Charlotte? Engaged to Mr Collins? Impossible.

[Page] 3/4

3/2. INT. LUCAS LODGE. DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 19. [11.45]

Lucas Lodge, unlike Longbourn, would be a modern house with some pretensions to grandeur; Sir William had it built to his own specifications when he retired from commerce.

ELIZABETH and CHARLOTTE in the foreground. In the background SIR WILLIAM strolls about with COLLINS, both very pleased with each other. COLLINS is describing the delights of Rosings, with many gestures indicating the vast size of the fireplaces.

COLLINS
The fireplace in the great room at Rosings would be much larger than that ... a fireplace of truly prodigious dimensions ... huge ...

COLLINS continues in the background, as:

CHARLOTTE
But why should you be surprised, my dear Lizzy? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?

ELIZABETH feeling the implied rebuke:

ELIZABETH
Charlotte, I didn't mean ...
[[getting herself together]]
... I was surprised but, Charlotte, if Mr. Collins has been so fortunate as to secure your affections, I'm delighted for you both.

[Page] 3/5

CHARLOTTE
I see what you are feeling. I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home. And, considering Mr. Collins' character and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.

ELIZABETH and CHARLOTTE are looking at each other. The look says a lot.

CHARLOTTE knows what she's doing. She's settling for the best deal she can get, and that's what Elizabeth will have to do, sooner rather than later. It's a grim thought for Elizabeth. And now COLLINS comes over and takes CHARLOTTE's hand.

COLLINS
My dear Charlotte!

He displays his happiness, beaming proprietorially.

SIR WILLIAM smiles at COLLINS.

CHARLOTTE very self-possessed, her smile perhap's a little wry.

COLLINS [cont.]
Cousin Elizabeth! You can see before you the happiest of men!

ELIZABETH, trying to smile.

[Page] 3/6

3/3. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER DAY 19. [13.53]

JANE sitting placidly enough, with her embroidery. ELIZABETH's strong feelings making her move about.

ELIZABETH
Oh, Jane, it was such a humiliating spectacle! She knows she is marrying one of the stupidest men in England - I never believed her capable of that.

JANE
Oh, Lizzy, you do not make allowances for differences of situation and temper. Our cousin Mr. Collins is ... not the cleverest of men, perhaps. But he is respectable. He is not vicious and as far as fortune goes, it is an eligible match.

ELIZABETH
Oh, very eligible. You would never think of marrying a man like that, simply to secure your own comfort!

JANE
No ... but Lizzy, not everyone is the same.

ELIZABETH
Dear Jane! I doubt that you will have to make a choice between marrying for love and marrying for more material considerations!

JANE [teasing]
Though you may, perhaps?

[Page] 3/7

HILL comes in with a letter.

HILL
This came just now from Netherfield, Ma'am.

JANE
Thank you.

She opens the letter. Starts to read.

JANE [cont.]
It is from Caroline Bingley.

Reads a bit more. Obviously not good news. JANE'S face.

JANE looks up from the letter, puzzled and distressed.

JANE [cont.]
She writes that the whole party will have left Netherfield by now, for London - and without any intention of coming back again.

Music-3M3

Dur: 00'45"

ELIZABETH'S face.

MIX:

[Page] 3/8

Music-3M3

MIX:

3/4. EXT. NETHERFIELD. NOVEMBER. DAY 19. [11.05]

The house being closed up. Trunks are being carried out to the waiting carriage.

We hear Miss Bingley's voice over:

MISS BINGLEY [[v.o.]]
My brother, Charles, at first thought that the business which takes him to London might be concluded ...

[Page] 3/9

Music-3M3

3/5. EXT. NETHERFIELD/COUNTRY ROAD. NOVEMBER. DAY 19. [12.20]

The Netherfield carriage moving steadily away from Netherfield along the road. DARCY and BINGLEY on horseback, riding behind it.

MISS BINGLEY [[v.o.]]
... in a few days, but we are certain that this cannot be so. I am convinced that when Charles gets to town, he will be in no hurry to leave it again. I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave ...

[Page] 3/10

Music-3M3

3/6. INT. NETHERFIELD CARRIAGE. COUNTRY ROAD. NOVEMBER. DAY 19. [12.23]

MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST.

MISS BINGLEY looks pleased with herself.

MISS BINGLEY [[v.o.]]
... in Hertfordshire, my dearest friend, except your society. Mr. Darcy, of course is impatient to see his sister and to ...

[Page] 3/11

Music-3M3

3/8. INT. GRAND LONDON HOUSE. GROSVENOR STREET. DRAWING-ROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 19. [16.18]

GEORGIANA DARCY, tall like her brother, and with his aristocratic good looks, stands arm in arm with DARCY. She is really, as we shall discover later, a sweet and painfully shy girl, but for the purposes of this shot she looks as haughty and dangerous as poor Jane could possibly imagine.

As we hear the voice-over, we see her step forward, see BINGLEY step towards her, take her hand, bend over it and kiss it, and see the satisfied smiles of MISS BINGLEY, DARCY, and MRS. HURST.

MISS BINGLEY [[v.o.]]
... confess the truth, I am scarcely less eager to meet her again from the hope I dare to entertain of her being hereafter my sister. Am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of an event which will secure the happiness of so many?

MIX:

[Page] 3/12

MIX:

3/9. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 19. [13.58]

JANE upset, ELIZABETH outraged on her behalf.

JANE looks up from the letter.

JANE
Is it not clear enough? Caroline Bingley is convinced her brother is indifferent to me and she means, most kindly, to put me on my guard. Oh, Lizzy, can there be any other opinion on the subject?

ELIZABETH
Yes, there can! Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in love with you, and she wants him to marry Miss Darcy. She hopes to keep him in town and persuade you that he does not care about you.

JANE shakes her head.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No one who has seen you and Bingley together can doubt his affection.

JANE
I cannot believe Caroline is capable of wilful deceit. All I can hope for in this case is that she is deceived herself.

[Page] 3/13

ELIZABETH
Oh, well, believe her to be deceived by all means, but she can hardly convince a man so much in love that he's in love with someone else instead! If Bingley is not back by your side and dining at Longbourn within two weeks, I shall be very much surprised!

[Page] 3/14

3/10. EXT. MERYTON HIGH STREET. NOVEMBER. DAY 20. [13.20]

LYDIA, KITTY and ELIZABETH on the prowl.

LYDIA
Well, I don't envy Charlotte Lucas in the slightest! Fancy wanting to marry a clergyman!

KITTY
He will be reading to her from Fordyce's sermons every night!

LYDIA
Before they go to bed!

They go off into one of their giggling fits. They stop to look in a shop window.

LYDIA [cont]
Oh, look at that hideous cloth, it would do very well for Mary, don't you think?

KITTY
Look! There's Denny and Carter! And Wickham!

LYDIA
I suppose you'll keep Wickham all to yourself again, Lizzy.

KITTY
Well of course she will, she is violently in love with him!

[Page] 3/15

ELIZABETH
Kitty, for heaven's sake, lower your voice!

For the CHAPS are almost upon them. DENNY with his usual waggish flourish:

DENNY
Good afternoon to you, Ladies!

KITTY and LYDIA giggle.

ELIZABETH and WICKHAM smile at each other.

DENNY [cont.]
What a fortunate meeting! For we were about to walk towards Longbourn in search of you.

LYDIA
We came into town in search of you!

WICKHAM's face.

ELIZABETH's face. Yes, it is nice to see him again.

[Page] 3/16

3/11. EXT. MERYTON HIGH STREET. NOVEMBER. DAY 20. [13.35]

KITTY and LYDIA on ahead, talking and laughing with CARTER and DENNY. ELIZABETH walks more sedately with WICKHAM.

ELIZABETH
We were hoping we would see you at the Netherfield ball.

WICKHAM
And I was very sorry indeed to lose the pleasure of dancing with you there. But fate, it would seem ... No. With you, I must be entirely open. I decided that it would be wrong for me to be there. I found, as the time drew near, that I had better not meet with Mr. Darcy. Scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself.

His implication is that a violent encounter is not out of the question, and ELIZABETH finds this manly emotion rather stirring.

ELIZABETH
I do understand ... and I admire your forebearance. Not that it would give me a moment's concern to see Mr. Darcy publicly set down ... but in Mr. Bingley's house ... it would grieve me to see him embarrassed and discomfited.

WICKHAM
And, through him, your sister.

[Page] 3/17

She looks at him. Gosh, he's quick on the uptake, as quick as she is.

ELIZABETH
Yes.

They both smile, walk on a little bit thinking how nice this is.

WICKHAM
I hear your cousin Mr. Collins is engaged to be married.

ELIZABETH
Yes, to my good friend Charlotte Lucas.

WICKHAM
I had thought that his intentions tended in another direction.

ELIZABETH
Perhaps they did, but they took a little turn, to everybody's satisfaction.

WICKHAM
And relief.

Yes, that bit was nice too.

ELIZABETH
I hope that you will stay and take tea with us. I should like to be able to introduce you to my mother and father.

WICKHAM
Thank you.

Music-3M4

Dur: 00'45"

[Page] 3/18

Music-3M4

3/12. EXT. LONGBOURN. NOVEMBER DAY 20. [15.57]

LONG SHOT of the THREE OFFICERS taking their-leave; MRS. BENNET being quite flirty with them. Clearly they are paying her compliments and she's bridling like the girl she used to be.

Amid the banter and laughter, ELIZABETH's eyes meet WICKHAM's, and they both smile.

The OFFICERS start to walk off. LYDIA runs after them.

LYDIA [[calling]]
Denny!

He stops and turns and she runs up to him to whisper something in his ear. They both laugh. LYDIA comes galumphing back laughing.

[Page] 3/19

Music-3M4

3/13. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 20. [16.05] DUSK.

HILL and a young MAID are clearing away tea things. MR BENNET reading his paper. JANE looking pale and wan, hemming a skirt or petticoat. MARY with a book of sermons, as MRS. BENNET and the other DAUGHTERS come in from saying goodbye to the OFFICERS.

MRS.BENNET
Oh, young George Wickham is such a charming young man, is he not, my dear?

BENNET
What? - Oh, indeed he is. It was very good of him to entertain us so eloquently with stories about his misfortunes. With such narratives to hand, who would read novels?

This disturbs ELIZABETH. She respects her father's judgement, and is not sure how serious he is being.

ELIZABETH
But I believe he has truly been treated contemptibly by Mr. Darcy, Father.

BENNET
Well, I dare say he has, Lizzy. Though Darcy may turn out to be no more of a black-hearted villain than your average rich man who is used to his own way.

MARY
It behoves us all to take very careful thought before pronouncing an adverse judgement on any of our fellow men.

[Page] 3/20

LYDIA, one of her puffing sighs:

LYDIA
Oh, Lord.

MRS.BENNET
Well, I feel very sorry for poor Mr. Wickham. And so becoming in his regimentals ... I remember the time when I liked a red coat myself well enough - and I do still in my heart!

ELIZABETH smiles.

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
And there's no need to smile like that, Miss Lizzy, and though Mr. Wickham has taken a fancy to you, I am sure you have done nothing to deserve it, after your dealings with Mr. Collins! Well, it is all in vain, it will all come to nothing! Oh, the poor young man, if only he had five or six thousand a year, I would be happy to see him married to any of the girls! But, nothing turns out the way it should ... and now Mr. Bingley, of whom we all had such expectations, is gone off for ever!

ELIZABETH
What?

JANE
I have heard again from Caroline Bingley. It is now quite definite that they will stay in town for the whole winter.

ELIZABETH
I cannot believe it.

JANE
It is true.

[Page] 3/21

BENNET
Come now, Jane, take comfort. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love now and then. When is your turn to come, Lizzy? You can hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane, when here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a pleasant fellow, he would jilt you creditably.

ELIZABETH
Thank you Sir, but a less agreeable man would satisfy me. We must not all expect Jane's good fortune.

JANE gets up and goes out quietly.

ELIZABETH feels awful. Responding to her father's wit, she's been insensitive to Jane. Meanwhile her FATHER is saying:

BENNET
True, but it is a comfort to think that whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate Mother who will always make the most of it.

ELIZABETH gets up and follows Jane: We stay with the rest of the FAMILY.

MRS.BENNET
I don't know what will become of us all, indeed I do not.

She frets for a bit, then bursts out again:

MRS. BENNET [cont.]
And I cannot bear to think of Charlotte Lucas being mistress of this house! That I should be forced to make way for her, and live to see her take my place in it!

[Page] 3/22

Mr. Bennet's had enough. Time for the library. He has a good exit line.

BENNET
My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I might outlive you.

MRS. BENNET wails.

It's getting towards dusk.

HILL and a male servant go round lighting the candles.

[Page] 3/23

3/14. INT. LONGBOURN. JANE'S BEDROOM. NOVEMBER. DAY 20. [16.33] DUSK.

One of JANE and ELIZABETH' s quiet intimate little scenes. ELIZABETH is very anxious for her sister, tender and solicitous.

JANE
You must not be anxious for me, Lizzy. [pause] He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before.

JANE leaves the washstand and goes to sit on the bed.

JANE [cont.]
But, I may remember him as ... the most amiable man of my acquaintance, but that is all. I have nothing either to hope or fear ...

She is not far from tears.

JANE [cont.]
... and nothing to reproach him with ... at least I have not had that pain.

ELIZABETH sits next to her on the bed.

ELIZABETH
My dear Jane. You are too good. Your sweetness and disinterestedness are truly angelic.

JANE [smiling]
Don't tease me, Lizzy.

[Page] 3/24

ELIZABETH
Indeed I do not tease you.

This next bit perhaps more to herself than JANE: quite a serious bit of self-examination:

ELIZABETH [cont.]
There are few people whom I really love, and even fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it.

Pause. Then she gets an idea.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Jane, what if you were to go to town? I am sure Aunt and Uncle Gardiner would be very happy to take you back to Gracechurch Street with them after Christmas.

JANE
And why would you have me go to London, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH
No reason ... a change of scene and society?

Music-3M5

Dur: 01'0l"

[Page] 3/25

Music-3M5

3/15. EXT. LONGBOURN. DECEMBER. DAY 21 [15.25]

The Gardiner's carriage arriving. The BENNETS come out to greet them. MR GARDINER looks like what he is: a solid, sensible, intelligent businessman. He is two or three years older than his sister, MRS. BENNET, and must have inherited all the good sense in that family. MRS. GARDINER is ten or so years younger, which puts her halfway between Elizabeth and her mother. Amiable, elegant, intelligent, very fond of her nieces. General greetings and embraces, MRS. BENNET making most of the noise, a lot of this overlapping:

MRS.BENNET
Why are you so late? I am sure I feared your coach had overset itself, or you had been attacked by robbers!

GARDINER
Nonsense, we have made very good time, and how do you do, Fanny?

MRS. BENNET
Oh, very ill, Edward, very ill, no one knows what I suffer with my nerves, but then I never complain ...

MR. GARDINER, who's been hearing this all his life.

GARDINER
Aye, well, that's the best way to go about it, Fanny, you're very good, very good.

[Page] 3/26

Music-3M5

LYDIA
What have you got there? Have you brought us some presents?

JANE
Lydia!

MRS GARDINER
I see you have not changed, Lydia.

LYDIA, with a slight sense of sticking her chest out:

LYDIA
Why, have I not grown?

BENNET
Aye, in everything but good sense.

She giggles.

MRS. GARDINER [greeting them]
Jane. Lizzy.

MRS.BENNET
Well get yourselves in, get yourselves in, for you have barely time for a change of clothes, we are bidden to the Philips' this evening. Lord knows I have no desire to be always going here and there at night, I should much rather sit at home and rest my poor nerves.

[Page] 3/27

3/16. INT. MRS. PHILIPS' DRAWING ROOM. DECEMBER [CHRISTMAS WEEK] NIGHT 21. [19.47].

Music-3M6

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Dur: 00'57"

A Christmas party. A similar gathering to the one in Episode Two. But also including SIR WILLIAM and LADY LUCAS, CHARLOTTE, MARIA, her younger sister, all the BENNETS, the GARDINERS, a COUPLE OF OFFICERS - DENNY and SANDERSON, and a young woman named MARY KING.

MARY at the piano. MARIA, sitting next to her, is singing a Christmas carol. JANE is in conversation with CHARLOTTE. A jolly card game already in progress, players include LYDIA, who is of course laughing and shouting a lot.

MRS. BENNET is talking to MRS. PHILIPS. MRS. GARDINER is with them, bored stiff, looking across at JANE, who is composed and pleasant, but as CHARLOTTE develops a theme, JANE starts thinking about BINGLEY and looks awfully sad.

MRS.BENNET
Aye, poor Jane! I would not have you think I blame poor Jane at all!

MRS PHILIPS
Who could blame poor Jane for the matter? She is the dearest girl in the world!

MRS. BENNET
And as I was telling our dear sister, Mrs Gardiner, she did her best!

[Page] 3/28

Music-3M6

MRS PHILIPS
She would have got Bingley if she could!

MRS BENNET
She would! She did her best, and no one could do any more than that! But, oh, sister, when I think about Lizzy!

MRS PHILIPS
It must be very hard, sister!

MRS BENNET
It is very hard! To think she could have been Mr Collins's wife by now!

MRS PHILIPS
That would have given you such comfort!

MRS BENNET
Oh, those Lucases are such artful people indeed - they are all for what they can get!

Turning to MRS GARDINER:

Music-3M7

"Pastoral Symphony"

Dur: 01'04"

MRS BENNET [cont.]
However, your coming just at this time is the greatest of comforts, and we are very pleased to hear what you tell us about the latest fashions for long sleeves.

ELIZABETH, who has been chatting to WICKHAM, leads him over, smiling. We stay with MRS GARDINER and WICKHAM as MRS BENNET and MRS PHILIPS move off.

ELIZABETH
May I present Mr. Wickham to you, Aunt?

[Page] 3/29

Music-3M7

WICKHAM bows, smiling. MRS. GARDINER likes the look of him, as everyone does.

MRS. GARDINER
I understand you come from Derbyshire, Mr. Wickham.

WICKHAM
Indeed I do, Ma'am. Do you know the country?

MRS. GARDINER
Very well - I spent some of the happiest years of my life at Lambton ...

WICKHAM
But, that is not five miles from where I grew up, at Pemberley.

MRS. GARDINER
Pemberley! Surely Pemberley is the most handsome house in Derbyshire ... [smiling] ... and consequently in the whole world.

WICKHAM [[smiling]]
I see you take my view of things, Ma'am. And - er - are you acquainted with the family?

This last a little diffidently - it is, perhaps a moment that ELIZABETH will remember much later, seeing WICKHAM as shifty rather than diffident.

MRS. GARDINER
No, not at all.

[Page] 3/30

Music-3M7

WICKHAM
I had the good fortune to be the protégé of old Mr. Darcy. He was the very best of men, Mrs. Gardiner ... I wish you could have known him ...

And now we're over at the card table.

LYDIA
And a four on yours, and I'm out! Lord! I've won again! [laughs] Oh, let's have some dancing now, I long for a dance!

LYDIA leaves the card table to go to the piano.

LYDIA [cont.]
Mary!

MARY, who's been doggedly plonking away on the piano, stops playing as LYDIA and KITTY go charging over.

LYDIA [cont.]
Mary, play Grimstock.

The OFFICERS and other YOUNG MEN move towards the far end to dance. WICKHAM, smiling, comes across to ELIZABETH to lead her into the dance, and very happy to be led she is.

MARIA, smiling, places a different sheet of music in front of MARY who, with a long suffering sigh, begins to play.

Music-3M8

"Grimstock"

Dur 00'55"

SIR WILLIAM who stands with MR. AND MRS. BENNET, MR. GARDINER and MRS. PHILIPS:

[Page] 3/31

Music-3M8

SIR WILLIAM
Capital, capital! Fine girls, are they not, Mr. Gardiner?

GARDINER
Indeed they are, Sir William. The two eldest in particular perhaps?

SIR WILLIAM
Indeed, indeed, I think they would grace the Court of St. James itself! But let us not forget the younger Miss Bennets!

BENNET
Aye, aye, they have arms and legs enough between them, and are three of the silliest girls in England.

LYDIA and KITTY dancing with TWO OFFICERS.

ELIZABETH and WICKHAM dancing.

MRS. GARDINER watching ELIZABETH and WICKHAM. And then JANE who is alone at the moment, and looks rather sad. Sad but brave.

MIX:

X-FADE:

[Page] 3/32

Music-3M8

MIX:

X-FADE:

3/17. INT. MRS. PHILIPS' DRAWING ROOM. DECEMBER. NIGHT 21. [20.27] [LATER]

Music-3M9

"The Corporation"

Dur: 01'44"

Different dance tune. We see, amongst other DANCERS, WICKHAM dancing with MISS KING, who is very flattered by his attentions. ELIZABETH is talking with CHARLOTTE LUCAS.

ELIZABETH
And when do you go into Kent?

CHARLOTTE
We shall spend the wedding night at Lucas Lodge, and then travel to Hunsford on Friday.

It suddenly strikes CHARLOTTE, as it must have done once or twice lately, that very soon she'll be far away from her friends and stuck with a man she doesn't love. So that there's quite a lot of feeling in:

CHARLOTTE [cont.]
You will write to me, Lizzy? I believe I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. I shall depend on hearing from you very often.

ELIZABETH [[warmly]]
That you certainly shall.

CHARLOTTE
My father and Maria are to come to me in March. Lizzy, will you promise to be one of the party? Indeed, you will be as welcome to me as either of them.

[Page] 3/33

Music-3M9

ELIZABETH doesn't want to go at all, but this is a cry from the heart.

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
Then how could I refuse? But I'll only come if you guarantee me a glimpse of the famous chimneypiece at Rosings Park.

CHARLOTTE [[smiling]]
That, I think, you could scarcely avoid, even if you wished to.

MARIA LUCAS comes up eagerly with MRS. GARDINER.

MARIA
Charlotte! Have you asked her, Charlotte? Is she to come to Hunsford with us?

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
Yes.

MARIA
Good! Oh, I shan't be half so frightened of Lady Catherine if you are with us, Lizzy! Who is that girl, dancing with Mr. Wickham?

ELIZABETH
Her name is Mary King. She's come to stay with her uncle in Meryton.

MARIA
Oh. She's not very pretty is she?

CHARLOTTE [[to MARIA]]
Beauty is not the only virtue, Maria.
[[then to MRS. GARDINER]]
She has just inherited a fortune of ten thousand pounds, I understand.

[Page] 3/34

Music-3M9

MRS GARDINER
Now that is a definite virtue!

They laugh.

MIX:

X-FADE:

[Page] 3/35

Music-3M9

MIX:

X-FADE:

3/19. EXT. LONGBOURN. JANUARY. DAY 23. [14.52]

Music-3M10

Dur: 02'45"

And now we're in the depths of winter.

A long shot of the house and garden, covered with snow.

MIX:

Through the study window, encased with snow, we can see MR. BENNET doing his accounts again. We hear:

MRS. BENNET [[o.o.v.]]
No, it is very hard, very hard, and I feel sorry for Lizzy, though she has done little to deserve it!

LYDIA [[o.o.v.]]
For Wickham to pursue Miss King all the way to Barnet, just for her ten thousand pounds!

We MOVE across to the drawing room windows, also snow encased, where we can see MRS. BENNET, LYDIA, MARY and KITTY.

KITTY
I wish someone would die and leave me ten thousand pounds. Then all the officers would be violently in love with me!

MRS. BENNET
I'm sure they would, Kitty my dear, I'm sure they would be.

KITTY
Did you think her pretty, Mamma?

[Page] 3/36

Music-3M10

MRS.BENNET
No indeed, she has nothing to any of you.

LYDIA
A little short freckled thing! Poor Wickham! How he must be suffering!

And before we come to the end of that we MOVE UP· to a snowy first floor window, where ELIZABETH sits in a window seat, reading a letter from JANE. And hear, voice over:

JANE [v.o.] January the 12th. My dearest Lizzy, here we continue at Gracechurch Street to be quiet and comfortable, and my Aunt and Uncle could not be kinder or more ...

[Page] 3/37

Music-3M10

3/20. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. JANUARY. DAY 23. [14.56]

Now we are inside with ELIZABETH who is sitting on the window-seat, reading Jane's letter. She smiles.

JANE [[v.o.]]
... attentive. All I lack here, dear Lizzy, is you, to make me laugh at myself. You will remember that three weeks ...

MIX:

[Page] 3/38

Music-3M10

MIX:

3/21. EXT. GRAND LONDONHOUSE. GROSVENOR STREET. JANUARY. DAY 24. [11.35]

JANE walking along, going up the steps. The front door opens.

JANE [[v.o.]]
... ago, when our Aunt was going to that part of town, I took the opportunity of calling on Miss Bingley in Grosvenor Street. I was very eager to see Caroline again, and I thought that she was glad to see me ...

[Page] 3/39

Music-3M10

3/22. INT. GRAND LONDON HOUSE. DRAWING ROOM. JANUARY. DAY 24. [11.52]

In the drawing room, JANE, MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST. JANE her usual smiling, affectionate self. The TWO SISTERS are indicating a more formal kind of politeness by their body language.

JANE [[v.o.]]
... though a little out of spirits. She reproached me for giving her no notice of my coming to London; and I thought it very strange that both my letters should have gone astray.

MIX:

[Page] 3/40

Music-3M10

MIX:

3/23. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. JANUARY. DAY 23. [15.03]

ELIZABETH still curled up with Jane's letter. With contemptuous disbelief:

ELIZABETH
Very strange indeed.

MIX:

[Page] 3/41

Music -3Ml0

MIX:

3/24. INT. GRANDLONDONHOUSE. DRAWINGROOM. JANUARY. DAY 24. [12.05]

MISS BINGLEY, MRS. HURST and JANE rise to their feet.

JANE [[v.o.]]
My visit was not long, as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out ...

MRS HURST
Goodbye, Miss Bennet.

JANE [[v.o.]]
... but they gave me every promise of calling at Gracechurch Street in a day or two.

As JANE leaves, the TWO SISTERS exchange a significant look.

[Page] 3/42

Music-3M10

3/25. EXT. GARDINER HOUSE. GRACECHURCH STREET. LONDON. JANUARY. DAY 25. [11.38]

JANE sitting in the window looking out.

JANE [[v.o.]]
I waited at home every morning for three weeks, and at length, today, she came.

Miss Bingley's carriage draws up. We see her get out and looking about her, nose in the air - MISS BINGLEY goes slumming.

JANE [[v.o.]]
I know, my dear Lizzy, you will be incapable of triumphing at my expense when I confess I have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me.

[Page] 3/43

Music-3M10

3/26. INT. GARDINER HOUSE. DRAWING ROOM JANUARY. DAY 25. [11.13]

JANE smiles anxiously, MISS BINGLEY stares about her contemptuously, MRS. GARDINER looks at MISS BINGLEY with some dislike.

JANE [[v.o.]]
She made it very evident that she took no pleasure in seeing me. When I asked after her brother, she made it clear ...

[Page] 3/44

Music-3M10

3/27. EXT. GARDINER HOUSE. GRACECHURCH STREET. LONDON. JANUARY. DAY25. [12.20]

MISS BINGLEY getting back into the carriage, nose in air again, and the carriage moves away.

JANE's sad face at the window.

JANE [[v.o.]]
... that he knows of my being in town, but is much engaged at present with Mr. Darcy and his sister. I must conclude, then, that Mr. Bingley now no longer cares for me.

MIX:

[Page] 3/45

Music-3M10

MIX:

3/28. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. JANUARY. DAY 23. [16.12]

ELIZABETH sits in the window with the letter. She sighs.

MIX:

[Page] 3/46

MIX:

3/30B. EXT. COUNTRYSIDE NEAR LONGBOURN. MARCH. DAY 26. [11.27]

Music-3M11

Dur: 00'40"

The trees in leaf now. Sun shines, birdies tweeting, etc. ELIZABETH out for one of her energetic walks.

[Page] 3/47

Music-3M11

3/30C. EXT. LONGBOURN. MARCH. DAY 26. [11.37]

ELIZABETH striding down the drive towards the house. LYDIA comes out of the house.

LYDIA
Lizzy! Come quick! Denny and Carter are here, and guess who else? Wickham!

[Page] 3/48

Music-3M11

3/31. EXT. GARDEN. LONGBOURN. MARCH. DAY 26. [11.37]

WICKHAM and ELIZABETH walking.

WICKHAM
I heard that you were going into Kent, and I felt I could not let you go without calling to see you once.

ELIZABETH
I'm very glad you did. I have missed our conversations. I hear I am to congratulate you on your forthcoming betrothal to Miss King?

He's a bit anxious and uneasy at this meeting; she is determined to show him that they're still good friends.

WICKHAM
I think you must despise me.

ELIZABETH [[laughing]]
Indeed I do not, believe me. I understand as my younger sisters are not yet able to, that handsome young men must have something to live on, as well as the plain ones.

She's keeping it very light and cheeky; he could fancy something a bit more intense.

WICKHAM
Miss Bennet, I would wish you to believe me that ... had circumstances been different ...

[Page] 3/49

ELIZABETH
Had old Mr. Darcy never had a son. Oh, yes, but life is full of these trials, as my sister Mary reminds us daily.

WICKHAM smiles a more natural smile. He's a bit of a bad lad, and ELIZABETH knows that, and she still likes him, that sort of smile.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
I sincerely wish you every happiness in the world!

WICKHAM [[smiling]]
You are very forbearing.

ELIZABETH [[laughs]]
I flatter myself I am! I think Jane would be quite proud of me!

WICKHAM, turning on a bit of the deep gaze:

WICKHAM
I hope you and I, at least, will always be good friends.

ELIZABETH [[slightly mocking tone]]
I'm sure we shall, Mr. Wickham.

[Page] 3/50

3/32. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. MARCH. DAY 27. [09.47]

ELIZABETH all ready to go to Hunsford. Servants carry trunks past in the hall. Her FATHER looks up at her over his spectacles.

BENNET
Well, Lizzy, on pleasure bent again, never a thought of what your poor parents will suffer in your absence?

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
It is a pleasure I could well forego, Father, as I think you know. But I shall be happy to see Charlotte again.

BENNET
And what of your cousin Mr. Collins? What of the famous Lady Catherine de Bourgh herself! As a connoisseur of human folly, I should have thought you impatient to be savouring these delights.

ELIZABETH
Of some delights, I believe, Sir, a little goes a long way.

BENNET
Yes, well, think of me, Lizzy. Until you or your sister Jane return, I shall not hear two words of sense spoken together. You will be very much missed, my dear. [cont ...]

[Page] 3/51

ELIZABETH goes over and kisses MR BENNET.

Music-3M12

Dur: 01'34"

BENNET [cont]
Very well, very well, go along then, get along with you.

[Page] 3/52

Music-3M12

3/33. EXT. COUNTRY ROAD. NEAR ROSINGS. MARCH. DAY 27. [15.20]

The Lucas carriage on a curving narrow road, with the Rosings Park fence marking the boundary on one side.

SIR WILLIAM [[o.o.v.]]
Aye, Maria.

[Page] 3/53

Music-3M12

3/34. INT. LUCAS CARRIAGE. COUNTRY ROAD. NEAR ROSINGS. MARCH. DAY 27. [15.21]

SIR WILLIAM LUCAS, in very good spirits, MARIA LUCAS, very ready to be impressed, and ELIZABETH.

SIR WILLIAM
All that land to the left of us belongs to Rosings Park!

MARIA
All of it? Oh, Lady Catherine must be very rich indeed.

SIR WILLIAM
I believe so, I believe so, and she has many favours in her gift. Your sister has made a fortunate alliance!

Catches Elizabeth's eye, and remembers that ELIZABETH turned down this fortunate alliance.

SIR WILLIAM [cont.]
Yes, well - er - I believe the next turn takes us on to Hunsford.

[Page] 3/54

Music-3M12

3/35. EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. MARCH. DAY 27. [15.30]

There are MR. and MRS. COLLINS. COLLINS beaming proprietorially, CHARLOTTE genuinely pleased to see her visitors, as they get out of the carriage and walk up the little gravel drive.

COLLINS
Sir William! Maria! Cousin Elizabeth! I am truly honoured to be able to welcome you to my humble abode!

He clearly thinks it anything but humble. God, thinks ELIZABETH, he's even worse than I remembered. She catches Charlotte's eye, a look of understanding between them. MARIA stares about her, ready to be impressed with everything she sees. COLLINS is doing the busy handshakes and welcoming with SIR WILLIAM.

COLLINS [cont.]
My dear Sir!

SIR WILLIAM
My dear Mr. Collins!

COLLINS
I am deeply honoured to be able to make a humble welcome to the Parsonage, which I would not be in a position to do were it not for ...

Over the end of the above, ELIZABETH goes to CHARLOTTE and they embrace.

[Page] 3/55

Music-3M12

CHARLOTTE
I am happy to see you, Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH
And I you.

[Page] 3/56

3/36. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. HALL/STAIRS/LANDING. MARCH. DAY 27. [15.42]

COLLINS leading the PARTY into the house. He leads them to the stairs.

COLLINS
The staircase, I flatter myself, is eminently suitable for a clergyman in my position, being neither too shallow nor too steep ...

SIR WILLIAM
As serviceable a staircase as I have ever seen, Sir; now at St. James's Court ...

COLLINS
Though it is nothing, of course, to the staircases you will see at Rosings. I say staircases, because there are several, and each in its way very fine.

They're on the landing now.

COLLINS [cont.]
And here, if you would pemrlt me, Cousin Elizabeth ...

The landing is rather narrow, and as COLLINS is rather fat, it's a bit of a squash for her to pass - but they manage it, he opens the door of her bedroom, and she goes in, followed by COLLINS and CHARLOTTE, leaving the OTHERS looking in from the landing.

[Page] 3/57

3/37. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. MARCH. DAY 27. [15.44]

ELIZABETH, CHARLOTTE and MR COLLINS survey the room. SIR WILLIAM and MARIA gaze in from the doorway. It is a pleasant room, looking out over the gardens at the rear of the house. Nothing remarkable about it though.

COLLINS
This will be your, hem, bed chamber, while you are with us, and I trust that you will find it comfortable and convenient.

ELIZABETH
Indeed it is a very pleasant room.

COLLINS
Observe that closet, Cousin Elizabeth. What do you say to that?

ELIZABETH
Well ...

She can't think of anything to say about this perfectly ordinary closet. Meets CHARLOTTE's eye, trying not to laugh.

COLLINS
Is it not the very essence of practicality and convenience? [cont ...]

He throws it open. It is empty, and has shelves.

[Page] 3/58

COLLINS [cont]
Lady Catherine de Bourgh herself was kind enough to suggest that these shelves be fitted exactly as you see them there!

ELIZABETH
Shelves in the closet; happy thought indeed.

COLLINS
She is kindness itself, nothing is too small to be beneath her notice, is it not, my dear?

CHARLOTTE
She is a very attentive neighbour.

COLLINS
We dine at Rosings Park twice every week! And are never allowed to walk home!

SIR WILLIAM [[from the doorway]]
Now, that is generosity itself: is it not, Maria!

COLLINS
Her Ladyship's carriage is regularly ordered for us. I should say, one of her Ladyship's carriages, for she has several! And now, Sir William, you were kind enough to express a wish to see my gardens!

[Page] 3/59

3/38. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. PARLOUR. [OVERLOOKING GARDEN] MARCH. DAY 27. [16.0S]

ELIZABETH and CHARLOTTE enter and go to look out of the window - COLLINS expiating with many gestures to SIR WILLIAM and MARIA.

CHARLOTTE
Mr. Collins tends the gardens himself, and spends a good part of every day in them.

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
The exercise must be beneficial.

CHARLOTTE
Oh, yes. I encourage him to be in his garden as much as possible. And then he has to walk to Rosings nearly every day.

ELIZABETH
So often? Is that necessary?

CHARLOTTE
Hmm, perhaps not, but I confess I encourage him in that as well.

ELIZABETH
Walking is very beneficial exercise.

CHARLOTTE
Oh, indeed it is. And when he is in the house, he is mostly in his book room, which affords a good view of the road, whenever Lady Catherine's carriage should drive by.

[Page] 3/60

ELIZABETH
And you prefer to sit in this parlour?

CHARLOTTE
Yes. So, it often happens that a whole day passes in which we have not spent more than a few minutes in each other's company.

ELIZABETH
I see.

CHARLOTTE
I find that I can bear the solitude very cheerfully. I find myself ... quite content with my situation, Lizzy.

They smile at each other. CHARLOTTE's got it sussed.

[Page] 3/61

3/39. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. MARCH. DAY 28. [12.18]

ELIZABETH is settling down with a book. Suddenly a door bangs downstairs and she hears:

COLLINS [[o.o.v.]]
Charlotte my dear! Come quickly!

CHARLOTTE [[o.o.v.]]
What is it, my dear?

COLLINS [[o.o.v.]]
To the gates. Make haste!

More banging of doors and running up and down stairs. What the hell's going on, thinks ELIZABETH.

MARIA [[over the above]]
Lizzy! Lizzy!

Running footsteps on the landing, knocking on her door. It's MARIA, breathless with agitation.

MARIA [cont.]
Come into the dining-room, for there is such a sight to be seen! Make haste!

She runs off.

[Page] 3/62

3/40. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. DINING ROOM. MARCH. DAY 28. [12.20]

The room affords a view of the road. MARIA already there looking through the window.

MARIA
Look Lizzy, look!

As ELIZABETH comes in, quite excited herself by now.

ELIZABETH
Is this all? I expected at least that the pigs had got into the garden! Here is nothing but Lady Catherine and her daughter!

The view from the window. MISS BOURGH's Phaeton with TWO LADIES in it stopped by the gate. CHARLOTTE and COLLINS standing at the gate talking to the LADIES. A blustery day.

MARIA
No, Lizzy, that's old Mrs. Jenkinson, not Lady Catherine - but with her is Miss Anne de Bourgh!

ELIZABETH
Well, she's abominably rude to keep Charlotte out of doors in all this wind.

MARIA
What a little creature she is!

We get a good look at MISS DE BOURGH.

[Page] 3/63

ELIZABETH
I like her appearance. She looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do very well, she will make him a proper wife!

MARIA
Who, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH smiles.

[Page] 3/64

3/41. EXT. ROSINGS PARK. MARCH. DAY 29. [15.38]

Music-3M13

Dur: 01'17"

The HUNSFORD PARTY approaching the great house, which is a modern [e.g. circa 1800] building more splendid than Netherfield, less splendid than Pemberley. Their footsteps crunch on the gravel.

COLLINS
... are tended by no fewer than thirty two gardeners and under-gardeners. Mark the windows. There are sixty four in all, sixty four! And I have it on good authority that the glazing alone originally cost in excess of six hundred pounds!

ELIZABETH trying not to laugh.

ELIZABETH
It is a very handsome building, and prettily situated, Sir. And by no means lacking in windows.

MARIA is goggling open-mouthed. ELIZABETH adjusts her bonnet.

COLLINS
Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel. Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us, which becomes herself and her daughter. She will not think the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the distinction of rank preserved.

[Page] 3/65

Music-3M13

ELIZABETH
Thank you, Mr Collins, that is a great comfort.

LADY CATHERINE [[o.o.v.]]
An apothecary will serve ...

[Page] 3/66

Music-3M13

3/42. INT. ROSINGS. DRAWING ROOM. MARCH. DAY 29. [16.05]

LADY CATHERINE's chair is bigger and higher than the rest, because she conducts herself like a despotic monarch. Everybody there. MISS DE BOURGH near the fire, MRS. JENKINSON next to her. SIR WILLIAM sitting bolt upright and speechless with awe. MARIA wide open eyes and sometimes mouth, CHARLOTTE composed as ever, COLLINS nodding beaming, greasing. ELIZABETH not daunted at all, taking it all in with her bright eyes.

LADY CATHERINE
... your needs quite adequately. And make sure it be no one but Nicholson, Mrs. Collins. I shall be extremely angry if I hear that you have gone elsewhere.

CHARLOTTE
I assure you I have no intention to, Lady Catherine.

COLLINS [[overlapping]]
No, indeed, no indeed, no intention at all.

LADY CATHERINE
Well. [cont ... ]

She gazes round the assembled COMPANY with her eagle eye, causing SIR WILLIAM to gulp - then stares long, hard and rudely at ELIZABETH. Then addresses CHARLOTTE again.

[Page] 3/67

LADY CATHERINE [cont.]
Your friend appears to be quite a genteel pretty sort of girl, Mrs. Collins.

Bloody hell thinks Elizabeth, I'm not the cat's mother.

LADY CATHERINE [cont.]
Her father's estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I understand.

COLLINS
Yes Ma'am, and I am, believe me ...

LADY CATHERINE [[right across him]]
Do you have brothers and sisters, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH
Yes, Ma'am, I am the second of five sisters.

LADY CATHERINE
Are any of your younger sisters out?

ELIZABETH
Yes, Ma'am, all of them.

LADY CATHERINE
All? What? All five out at once? The younger ones out before the older are married?

Has another good look at ELIZABETH.

LADY CATHERINE [cont.]
Your youngest sisters must be very young?

ELIZABETH
Yes, Ma'am, my youngest is not sixteen.

[Page] 3/68

LADY CATHERINE
Well!

ELIZABETH
She is full young to be out much in company. But really, Ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they not have their share of society and amusement, simply because their elder sisters have not the means or inclination to marry early.

ELIZABETH, without being rude, is trying to restructure the rules here, turning an interrogation into a general conversation.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Sir William, wouldn't you agree?

SIR WILLIAM is too tongue-tied to be able to respond.

SIR WILLIAM
Er ... Well ...

LADY CATHERINE is not at all used to being argued with. CHARLOTTE alone is enjoying this. COLLINS is dreadfully anxious.

LADY CATHERINE
Upon my word! You give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person! Pray, what is your age?

ELIZABETH
With three younger sisters grown up, your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.

COLLINS in deep shock, MARIA open-mouthed.

[Page] 3/69

LADY CATHERINE, misunderstanding:

LADY CATHERINE
Miss Bennet you cannot be more than twenty, I am sure! Therefore there is no need to conceal your age!

ELIZABETH [[calm]]
I am not one and twenty.

LADY CATHERINE
Hm.

She turns her head all the way round to CHARLOTTE again.

LADY CATHERINE [cont.]
Mrs. Collins, did I tell you of Lady Metcalf's calling on me yesterday to thank me for sending her Miss Pope? Lady Catherine, said she, you have given me a treasure. Yes.

And she turns round to glare at ELIZABETH again.

LADY CATHERINE [cont.]
Yes.

[Page] 3/70

3/43. EXT. ROSINGS PARK. EARLY APRIL. DAY 30. [10.50]

A pleasant walk. ELIZABETH, CHARLOTTE and MARIA, emerging from a little grove of trees, within view of the house. MARIA, stopping to pick primroses, has fallen a little behind.

ELIZABETH
It is beautiful. I think I could grow almost as fond of these woods and hills as you have, Charlotte.

MARIA trots to catch up.

MARIA
Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
Mm?

MARIA
We have been here three weeks, and already we have dined at Rosings Park six times! I would never have expected it to be so many!

ELIZABETH
No, nor I.

But here comes COLLINS puffing along the path from Rosings Park, full of exciting news.

[Page] 3/71

COLLINS
My dear! [Music-3M14] [Dur: 00'37"]
"Maria! Cousin Elizabeth! Mr. Darcy is arrived at Rosings! And with him his cousin! Colonel Fitzwilliam! The younger son of the Earl of Matlock! And the gentlemen have vouchsafed us the greatest honour! They are coming to call upon us at the Parsonage!

CHARLOTTE
When, my dear?

COLLINS
Even now, Mrs. Collins, even now! They are hard upon my heels! Make haste! Make haste! As they turn back towards the Parsonage.

CHARLOTTE [[to ELIZABETH]]
I think this must be due to you, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy would never have come so soon to wait upon me.

ELIZABETH
You're mistaken Charlotte - for I know he dislikes me as much as I do him.

COLLINS panting on ahead.

COLLINS
Make haste! Make haste!

MARIA scuttles after him.

[Page] 3/72

Music-3M14

3/45. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. REAR PARLOUR. EARLY APRIL. DAY 30. [11.23]

We are at one end of the room, where COLONEL FITZWILLIAM has engaged ELIZABETH in a friendly conversation - they both like each other immediately. We can see the group at the other end of the room, DARCY looking dead handsome and arrogant, not bothering to say a word in response to CHARLOTTE and COLLINS. MARIA staring at him like a rabbit at a snake. DARCY looks around the room, and often at ELIZABETH.

FITZWILLIAM in CLOSE UP. Thirtyish, not obviously handsome, but instantly likeable and reliable-looking, is greeting ELIZABETH with obvious pleasure and appreciation.

FITZWILLIAM
I am delighted to make your acquaintance at last, Miss Bennet!

ELIZABETH
At last, Sir?

FITZWILLIAM
Well, I have heard much of you, and none of the praise bas been exaggerated, I assure you.

His tone is warm and friendly rather than flirty.

ELIZABETH
I can well believe that. Mr. Darcy is my severest critic.

[Page] 3/73

FITZWILLIAM
I hope we shall see you frequently at Rosings while we are there. I am fond of lively conversation.

ELIZABETH
And this you do not find at Rosings Park?

FITZWILLIAM [[smiling]]
My aunt does talk a great deal, but seldom requires a response. My friend there speaks hardly a word, when he comes into Kent, though he is lively enough in other places.

ELIZABETH raises an eyebrow. DARCY lively? A likely tale.

FITZWILLIAM [cont.]
Nobody plays, nobody sings ... I believe you play and sing, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH
A little, and very ill ... I wouldn't wish to excite your anticipation.

FITZWILLIAM
I am sure you are too modest - but any relief would be profoundly welcome, I assure you.

They are both smiling.

ELIZABETH
Can you tell me why Mr. Darcy keeps staring at me? What do you think offends him?

COLLINS [[in background]]
The realm over which she so benevolently presides ...

[Page] 3/74

And just as FITZWILLIAM turns to look, DARCY gets up, ignoring COLLINS who is in mid-sentence, and comes over to stand over ELIZABETH. He looks down at her. She looks up at him.

DARCY
I hope that your family is in good health.

ELIZABETH
I thank you, yes.

Little pause while DARCY inclines his head. Then, a bit challengingly:

ELIZABETH [cont.]
My sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her?

DARCY
No ... no. I have not had that pleasure.

He didn't like that. His face clouds. After a moment he walks over to the window and stares out of it. FITZWILLIAM is rather intrigued by that exchange.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy and I, you see, are not the best of friends.

FITZWILLIAM
I am very surprised to hear that.

ELIZABETH
Why should you be? I always believe in first impressions, and his good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.

[Page] 3/75

DARCY overhears this, and turns to look at her. She doesn't care.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
So you see, it is a hopeless case, is it not, Colonel Fitzwilliam?

[Page] 3/76

3/46. EXT. ROSINGS PARK. WOODS. EARLY APRIL. DAY 31. [14.35]

Music-3M15

Dur: 00'58"

ELIZABETH is out taking one of her solitary walks, enjoying herself, out of the stifling Parsonage, long swinging steps, humming as she goes.

About fifty yards ahead of her, DARCY rides into a clearing from a cross path. He sees her, and reins his horse in.

Her view of him. His view of her.

CLOSE UP of him. He doesn't know whether to ride up to her or not. He wheels his horse and rides away.

CLOSE UP of her. What an odd man he is, she thinks, and walks on.

SEGUE:

Music-3Ml6

Mozart-K.331

Dur: 00'28"

[Page] 3/77

Music-3Ml6

3/47. INT. ROSINGS. DRAWING ROOM. EARLY APRIL. NIGHT 31. [20.47]

ELIZABETH is playing the piano to the great pleasure of FITZWILLIAM. They are at a little distance from the rest of the party, where LADY CATHERINE is holding forth to COLLINS, CHARLOTTE, MISS DE BOURGH, MARIA and DARCY.

LADY CATHERINE
You will never play really well Miss Bennet, unless you practise more - you may come to Rosings as often as you like, and play on the piano forte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. [to DARCY] She would be in nobody's way in that part of the house.

ELIZABETH
Thank you, Ma'am.

ELIZABETH will have to get a bit of amusement into this, even if Darcy's expression indicates that he's embarrassed at his Aunt's ill-breeding. He gets up and heads towards ELIZABETH.

LADY CATHERINE
There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment in music than myself, or a better taste. And if I had ever learnt, I should be a true proficient. And so would Anne ...

Music-3Ml7

Dur: 00'41"

And now we are with ELIZABETH and DARCY.

[Page] 3/78

Music -3M17

ELIZABETH
Do you mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hear me? But I won't be alarmed. My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.

FITZWILLIAM grins. He likes to see DARCY teased. DARCY smiles.

DARCY
I know you find great enjoyment in professing opinions which are not your own.

ELIZABETH
Your cousin would teach you not to believe a word I say, Colonel Fitzwilliam. That is ungenerous of him, is it not?

FITZWILLIAM
It is indeed, Darcy.

ELIZABETH
Impolitic too, for it provokes me to retaliate and say somewhat of his behaviour in Hertfordshire which may shock his relations.

DARCY
I am not afraid of you.

FITZWILLIAM
What have you to accuse him of? I should dearly like to know how he behaves among strangers!

ELIZABETH
The first time I ever saw Mr. Darcy was at a ball, where he danced only four dances though gentlemen were scarce, and more than one lady was in want of a partner. I am sorry to pain you, but so it was.

[Page] 3/79

FITZWILLIAM [[laughing]]
I can well believe it.

DARCY
I fear I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers.

Music-3Ml8

Dur: 00'11"

ELIZABETH [[to FITZWILLIAM]]
Shall we ask him why? Why a man of sense and education, who has lived in the world, should be ill-qualified to recommend himself to strangers?

Fitzwilliam's straightforward affection for Darcy should be clear in this scene - good blokes think Darcy is a good bloke, even though he can be difficult at times. DARCY by now feels himself fair challenged, and is concerned to be honest with ELIZABETH rather than seeking to win points.

DARCY
I ... I have not that talent which some possess, of conversing easily with strangers.

ELIZABETH
I do not play this instrument so well as I should wish to, but I have always supposed that to be my own fault, because I would not take the trouble of practising!

DARCY concedes her the argument, because he loves her. And now he tells her he loves her, if only she had the wit to hear it.

DARCY
You are perfectly right. You have employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege of hearing you could think anything wanting. [cont ...]

[Page] 3/80

And then, an extraordinarily intimate thing to say, which effectively makes FITZWJLLIAM a stranger for the moment.

DARCY [cont.]
We neither of us perform to strangers.

This does set ELIZABETH back a bit, and re-establishes him as a formidable figure. But for her, still, their intimacy is the intimacy of enemies who respect each other's strength. She could, after all, have read his compliment on her playing as sarcastic. It is, to put it mildly, a charged moment. FITZWILLIAM, who she sees as a much nicer man, might be a million miles away

LADY CATHERINE
What are you talking of! What are you telling Miss Bennet? I must have my share in the conversation!

[Page] 3/81

3/48. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. REAR PARLOUR. APRIL. DAY 32. [11.20]

ELIZABETH is writing a letter to Jane. We hear a bit of it voice over:

ELIZABETH [[v.o.]]
As for the daughter, she is a pale sickly creature with little conversation and no talent - I am sorry to be hard on any of our sex, but there it is. Mr. Darcy shows no inclination for her, and treats her with the same contemptuous indifference that he shows to everyone, but Lady Catherine is clearly determined to have him for a son-in-law, and she is not a woman to be gainsaid.

The front doorbell rings, greatly to her surprise. She puts the letter away. The MAID admits DARCY.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy.

He bows.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Mrs. Collins and Maria are just now gone into Hunsford village with my cousin, you find me all alone this morning, Mr. Darcy.

DARCY
I beg your pardon - I would not wish to intrude upon your privacy.

ELIZABETH sits down.

[Page] 3/82

ELIZABETH
I was just writing a letter to my sister Jane in London, that is all.

DARCY
Ah.

Another awkward pause. DARCY sits down, very stiff on a straightbacked chair.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Bingley and his sisters were well, I hope, when you left London?

DARCY
Perfectly so, I thank you.

He looks away, then back at her, then down. He finds himself in great danger of blurting out how crazy he is about her. She's baffled. If he hasn't come to talk, what has he come for?

ELIZABETH
I understand Mr. Bingley has not much idea for ever returning to Netherfield?

DARCY
It is probable that he may spend very little time there in the future.

ELIZABETH
If he means to be there but little, it would be better for the neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely.

DARCY
I should not be surprised if he were to give it up, as soon as any eligible purchase offers. [cont ...]

[Page] 3/83

And no doubt you've been pressing him to do it, ELIZABETH thinks. She looks away. Let him find the next topic, she thinks.

DARCY [cont.]
This seems a very comfortable house. Lady Catherine, I believe, did a great deal to it when Mr. Collins first came to Hunsford?

ELIZABETH
I believe she did, and I am sure she could not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful recipient!

She says that smiling, and maybe DARCY allows himself a little smile, because he knows they share a common estimation of Mr. Collins.

DARCY
Mr. Collins appears extremely fortunate in his choice of wife.

ELIZABETH
Yes, indeed, he is ... though seen in a prudential light, it is a good match for her as well.

DARCY
It must be very agreeable to her to be settled within so easy a distance of her family.

ELIZABETH
An easy distance, do you call it? It is nearly fifty miles!

DARCY
And what is fifty miles of good road? Yes, I call it a very easy distance!

[Page] 3/84

ELIZABETH
Near and far are relative terms. It is possible for a woman to be settled too near her family.

DARCY
Yes, exactly. You would not wish to be always near Longbourn, I think.

She looks at him, surprised. She doesn't understand that he's talking about proposing, about taking her to Derbyshire. He stands up.

DARCY [cont.]
I shall trespass on your time no longer. Please convey my regards to Mrs. Collins and her sister.

As ELIZABETH gets up to see him off:

DARCY [cont.]
No - no ... please don't trouble yourself.

And he walks out. We hear the front door open and close. ELIZABETH's face - what on earth was all that about?

[Page] 3/85

3/49. EXT. ROSINGS PARK. APRIL. DAY 33. [ll.50]

Music-3M20

Dur: 00'31"

Anywhere pretty, with a distant prospect of the big house. ELIZABETH walking, still trying to puzzle things out. And here comes COLONEL FITZWILLIAM, with obvious pleasure:

FITZWILLIAM
Miss Bennet!

ELIZABETH
Colonel Fitzwilliam!

FITZWILLIAM
I have been making the tour of the Park, as I do every year ... shall we take this way together?

ELIZABETH
With pleasure.

As they walk together:

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Do you know Mr Bingley and his sisters?

FITZWILLIAM
I know them a little. Bingley is a pleasant, gentleman-like man - he is a great friend of Darcy's.

[Page] 3/86

ELIZABETH
Oh, yes. Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him!

FITZWILLIAM, a bit surprised at her tone.

FITZWILLIAM
Why, yes, I believe Darcy does take care of him. I, ah ... I understand that he congratulates himself on having lately saved Mr. Bingley the inconvenience of a most imprudent marriage.

ELIZABETH
Did Mr. Darcy give his reasons for this interference?

FITZWILLIAM
I understand there were some very strong objections to the lady.

Strong objections to JANE? ELIZABETH is furious, but tries not to show it.

ELIZABETH
And why was he to be the judge?

FITZWILLIAM
You're disposed to think his interference officious?

ELIZABETH [[hotly]]
I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to determine and direct in what manner his friend was to be happy! [cont ...]

[Page] 3/87

The force of this surprises and rather intrigues FITZWILLIAM. ELIZABETH makes an effort to calm down.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
But as you say, we know none of the particulars. Perhaps there was not much affection in the case.

FITZWILLIAM
Perhaps not. But if that were the case, it would lessen the honour of my cousin's triumph very sadly, don't you think?

Tears come to Elizabeth's eyes as she thinks of Jane and the rotten way she's been treated by these callous men.

FITZWILLIAM [cont.]
But Miss Bennet ... are you unwell?

ELIZABETH
A sudden headache ...

She manages a sort of smile.

ELIZABETH. [cont.]
Perhaps I have walked too far today.

FITZWILLIAM
Let us take the shorter way back.

He offers her his arm, she takes it, and they walk away from us.

Music-3M21

Dur: 01'16"

[Page] 3/88

Music-3M21

3/50. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. REAR PARLOUR. APRIL. DAY 33. [16.42]

CHARLOTTE, COLLINS and MARIA all dressed to go out. CHARLOTTE comes over to ELIZABETH who is sitting on the sofa, not looking too great.

CHARLOTTE
You are sure, Lizzy? Because I would willingly stay at home with you, and brave all Lady Catherine's displeasure!

COLLINS [[in some apprehension]]
My dear Charlotte, I beg you to consider ...

ELIZABETH
I shall be quite all right - it is only a headache, it will pass, and I am sure more speedily in quiet and solitude.

COLLINS
And I am quite sure, when all the circumstances are fully explained to Lady Catherine, she will not be angry ... for she has indeed such Christian generosity of spirit -

CHARLOTTE
My dear, the time!

COLLINS
My dear! Why did you not say before! [cont ...]

And they're going away down the hall.

[Page] 3/89

Music-3M21

COLLINS [cont.]
I cannot begin to count the occasions on which her Ladyship has impressed upon me the sovereign importance of punctuality in a clergyman in my position ...

The front door slams. ELIZABETH sighs with relief, and closes her eyes.

[Page] 3/90

Music-3M21

3/50A. EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. APRIL. DAY 33. [18.35]

The house, with shadows lengthening.

[Page] 3/91

Music-3M21

3/51. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. PARLOUR. APRIL. DAY 33. [18.15] DUSK.

ELIZABETH on the sofa, re-reading and pondering letters from Jane. The doorbell rings. Who could that be? She bundles up the letters.

She stands in the middle of the room and waits. The MAID shows in - DARCY! He looks in the grip of strong emotion, and he is. As soon as the door closes:

DARCY
Forgive me. I hope you are feeling better?

ELIZABETH
I am, thank you. Will you not sit down?

ELIZABETH sits, and waits for him to speak. He walks to a chair. Walks back. His fists are clenched, his mouth works, he cannot hold back any longer. Finally, he sits down. Then stands up again.

DARCY
In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

She is absolutely dumbfounded. She can't think of anything to say. DARCY sees this as sufficient encouragement to continue.

DARCY [cont.]
In declaring myself thus I am fully aware that I will be going expressly against the wishes of my family, my friends, and, I hardly need add, my own better judgement. [cont ... ]

[Page] 3/92

DARCY [cont.]
The relative situation of our families is such that any alliance between us must be regarded as a highly reprehensible connection. Indeed as a rational man I cannot but regard it as such myself. But it cannot be helped. Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance, I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard, which despite all my struggles, has overcome every rational objection. I beg you, most fervently, to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife.

ELIZABETH, who has had time enough to recover both her resentment of Darcy and her articulacy:

ELIZABETH
In such cases as these, I believe the established mode is to express a sense of obligation. But I cannot. I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to cause pain to anyone, but it was most unconsciously done, and I hope will be of short duration.

A long pause while DARCY struggles with his incredulity and anger:

DARCY
And this is all the reply I am to expect? I might wonder why with so little effort at civility I am rejected.

ELIZABETH
And I might wonder why, with so evident a desire to offend and insult me, you chose to tell me that you like me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character! Was this not some excuse for incivility if I was uncivil? I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. Do you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining the happiness of a most beloved sister? [cont ...]

[Page] 3/93

He stares at her arrogantly, feeling no shame, it seems.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
Can you deny that you have done it?

DARCY
I have no wish to deny it. I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister and I rejoice in my success. Towards him I have been kinder than towards myself.

ELIZABETH
But it is not merely that on which my dislike of you is founded. Long before it had taken place, my dislike of you was decided when I heard Mr. Wickham's story of your dealings with him. How can you defend yourself on that subject?

DARCY, clearly disturbed and angry:

DARCY
You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns.

ELIZABETH
Who that knows what his misfortunes have been, can help feeling an interest in him?

DARCY
His misfortunes! Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed!

ELIZABETH
And of your infliction! You have reduced him to his present state of poverty - and yet you can treat his misfortunes with contempt and ridicule!

DARCY
And this is your opinion of me? My faults by this calculation are heavy indeed! [cont ...]

[Page] 3/94

He is hurt now, and he wants to hurt her.

DARCY [cont.] [[rather a sneer]]
But perhaps these offences might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt by the honest confession of the scruples which had long prevented my forming any serious design on you. Had I concealed my struggles and flattered you ... but disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. Nor am I ashamed of the feelings I related. They were natural and just. Did you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? To congratulate myself on the hope of relations whose condition in life is so decidedly below my own?

But ELIZABETH can hurt DARCY much more:

ELIZABETH
You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy. The mode of your declaration merely spared me any concern I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner.

That really gets to him, and she goes after him:

ELIZABETH [cont.]
You could not have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it.

He looks at her, with mingled incredulity and mortification.

ELIZABETH [cont.]
From the very beginning, your manners impressed me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others. I had not known you a month before I felt you were the last man in the world whom I could ever marry.

[Page] 3/95

DARCY, through clenched teeth, as it were:

DARCY
You have said quite enough, Madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and now have only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Please forgive me for having taken up your time, and ...

This costs him something.

DARCY [cont.]
... accept my best wishes for your health and happiness.

He looks at her for, as he thinks, the last time, then turns on his heel and strides out of the room.

Music-3M22

Dur: 00'12"

A few moments later ELIZABETH hears the front door open and slam shut.

She stands still, adrenalin pumping through her body, shocked.

X-FADE:

FREEZE FRAME:

MS ELIZABETH

Music:-

Closing titles

Dur: 00'50"

S/I CLOSING CAPTIONS:

Roller:

In Order of Appearance

LYDIA BENNET--JULIA SAWALHA

KITTY BENNET--POLLY MABERLY

ELIZABETH BENNET--JENNIFER EHLE

JANE BENNET--SUSANNAH HARKER

MR. COLLINS--DAVID BAMBER

SIR WILLIAM LUCAS--CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN

CHARLOTTE LUCAS--LUCY SCOTT

[Page] 3/96

CAPTIONS -Cont.:

Closing Music

CAPTIONS-Cont.:

Closing Music

HILL, the housekeeper--MARLENE SIDAWAY

MISS BINGLEY--ANNA CHANCELLOR

MR BINGLEY--CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

MR DARCY--COLIN FIRTH

MRS HURST--LUCY ROBINSON

GEORGIANA DARCY--EMILIA FOX

Lt. DENNY--DAVID BARK-JONES

Capt. CARTER--ROGER BARCLAY

Lt. WICKHAM--ADRIAN LUKIS

MRS BENNET--ALISON STEADMAN

MR BENNET--BENJAMIN WHITROW

MARY BENNET--LUCY BRIERS

MR GARDINER--TIM WYLTON

MRS GARDINER--JOANNA DAVID

MARIA LUCAS--LUCY DAVIS

MRS PHILIPS--LYNN FARLEIGH

LADY LUCAS--NORMA STREADER

Lt. SANDERSON--CHRISTOPHER STAINES

MARY KING--ALEXANDRA HOWERD

HODGE, the gardener--ROY HOLDER

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH--BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

MISS ANNE DE BOURGH--NADIA CHAMBERS

MRS JENKINSON--HARRIET EASTCOTT

Col. FITZWILLIAM--ANTHONY CALF

Fortepiano played by--MELVYN TAN

FADE FREEZE FRAME

Developed for television in association with--CHESTERMEAD Ltd.

Casting--FOTHERGILL and LUNN

Choreography--JANE GIBSON

First Assistant Directors--PIP SHORT

--AMANDA NEAL

Production Manager--PAUL BRODRICK

Location Manager--SAM BRECKMAN

Continuity--SUE CLEGG

Production Co-Ordinator--JANET RADENKOVIC

Second Assistant Director--MELANIE PANARIO

Third Assistant Directors--SARAH WHITE

--ANNE-MARIE CRAWFORD

Art Directors--MARK KEBBY

--JOHN COLLINS

Properties--SARA RICHARDSON

Lighting Gaffer--LIAM McGILL

Sound Recordist--BRIAN MARSHALL

[Page] 3/97

CAPTIONS-Cont.:

Closing Music

Camera Operator--ROGER PEARCE

Dubbing Editors--MIKE FEINBERG

--JOHN DOWNER

Dubbing Mixer--RUPERT SCRIVENER

Hair & Make-Up Designer--CAROLINE NOBLE

Costume Designer--DINAH COLLIN

Associate Producer--JULIE SCOTT

(Post Production)--FIONA McTAVISH

Script Editor--SUSIE CONKLIN

Film Editor--PETER COULSON

Production Designer--GERRY SCOTT

Photography--JOHN KENWAY

Executive Producer--MICHAEL WEARING

End of roller

MIX TO MOVING B/G:

PAN OVER EMBROIDERED MATERIAL

1. Produced by

SUE BIRTWISTLE

2. A BBC/ A & E NETWORK Co-production

©BBC mcmxcv

BBC LOGO

FADE

50/LDL S064

TRANSMISSION SCRIPT

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE FOUR

DURATION: 51'56" (ENTERPRISES)

54'06" (UK VERSION WITH RECAPS)

PRODUCER: Sue Birtwistle, Rm DG03, Centre House, Ext. 61080

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE FOUR

RECAP OF EPISODE 3:

Music

Dur: 02'10"

The BENNET girls meet GEORGE WICKHAM in Meryton High Street.

WICKHAM
I hear your cousin, Mr Collins, is engaged to be married.

ELIZABETH
Yes, to my good friend, Charlotte Lucas.

Back at Longbourn MRS BENNET is holding forth to her family, again.

MRS BENNET
And now Mr Bingley, of whom we all had such expectations, is gone off for ever!

Music

ELIZABETH
What?

JANE
I have heard again from Caroline Bingley. It is now quite definite that they will stay in town for the whole winter.

At MRS PHILIPS' Christmas party, GEORGE WICKHAM is dancing with MARY KING. CHARLOTTE is talking to ELIZABETH.

CHARLOTTE
My father and Maria are to come to me in March. Lizzy, will you promise to be one of the party?

In the spring, CHARLOTTE and COILINS, now married, greet her FATHER, SISTER and ELIZABETH, who have come to visit them.

COLLINS
Sir William! Maria! Cousin Elizabeth! I am truly honoured to be able to welcome you to my humble abode!

It is not long before they are invited to visit LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH, COLLINS' patroness and also DARCY'S aunt. She is quite taken aback by ELIZABETH.

LADY CATHERINE
Upon my word! You give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?

ELIZABETH
With three younger sisters grown up, your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.

Music

While ELIZABETH is staying at the vicarage, DARCY comes to visit his AUNT. COLLINS brings the news to CHARLOTTE, MARIA and ELIZABETH while they are out walking.

COLLINS
Mr Darcy is arrived at Rosings. And with him, his cousin.

DARCY and his cousin, COLONEL FITZWILLIAM have come to call on the vicarage.

ELIZABETH
My sister has been in town these three months. Have you never happened to see her?

DARCY
No, no, I have not had that pleasure.

ELIZABETH [[to FITZWILLIAM]]
Mr Darcy and I, you see, are not the best of friends.

ELIZABETH happens to meet FITZWILLIAM out walking in the grounds of Rosings Park and they start discussing DARCY.

FITZWILLIAM
I understand that he congratulates himself on having lately saved Mr Bingley the inconvenience of a most imprudent marriage.

DARCY calls on ELIZABETH when she is alone at the vicarage.

Music

DARCY
Almost from the earliest moments of our acquaintance, I have come to feel for you a passionate admiration and regard which, despite all my struggles, has overcome every rational objection. I beg you, most fervently, to relieve my suffering and consent to be my wife.

ELIZABETH
I have never desired your good opinion and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly.

DARCY
Did you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? To congratulate myself on the hope of relations whose condition in life is so decidedly below my own?

ELIZABETH
You are mistaken, Mr Darcy. The mode of your declaration merely spared me any concern I might have felt in refusing you had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner. I had not known you a month before I felt you were the last man in the world whom I could ever marry.

FADE TO BLACK

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE FOUR

FADE UP

MUSIC-1M1

Opening titles

Dur: 00:45"

OPENING TITLES

S/I CAPTIONS:

1. COLIN FIRTH JENNIFER EHLE

2. DAVID BAMBER

CRISPIN BONHAM CARTER

ANNA CHANCELLOR

SUSANNAH HARKER

BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

3. ADRIAN LUKIS

JULIA SAWALHA

ALISON STEADMAN

BENJAMIN WHITROW

CAPTIONS - cont.

Music-1M1

4. in

Jane Austen's

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

5. Screenplay by

ANDREW DAVIES

6. Music by

CARL DAVIS

7. Directed by

SIMON LANGTON

FADE TO BLACK

X-FADE

[Page] 4/1

Music-4M2

1'02"

4/1. EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. ROSINGS ESTATE. APRIL. DAY 33. [19.50] DUSK.

DARCY striding rapidly away from the Collins Parsonage, his face like thunder. He is terribly angry and upset.

[Page] 4/2

Music-4M2

4/2. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. REAR PARLOUR. APRIL. DAY 33. [19.55] DUSK.

ELIZABETH paces up and down. She is as angry and upset as he is, and she is remembering things that make her head jerk round, and her fists clench.

[Page] 4/3

Music-4M2

4/3. EXT. ROSINGS ESTATE. APRIL. DAY 33. [19.58] DUSK.

DARCY marches towards Rosings.

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
You are the last man in the world whom I could every marry. Do you think that consideration would tempt me ... your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others!

[Page] 4/4

Music-4M2

4/4. EXT. ROSINGS. APRIL. DAY 33. [20.10] DUSK.

DARCY strides up to the house, still in a ferment, still hearing Elizabeth's remorseless condemnation in his ears.

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
My opinion of you was decided when I heard Mr. Wickham's story of your dealings with him.

DARCY furious, aloud to himself between his teeth:

DARCY
Well in that at least I may defend myself ...

[Page] 4/5

Music-4M2

4/5. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. REAR PARLOUR. APRIL. DAY 33. [20.05] DUSK.

ELIZABETH still angry, upset, smarting, similarly being revisited by the more painful bits for her:

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections? To congratulate myself on the hope of relations whose condition in life is so decidedly below my own?

[Page] 4/6

Music-4M2

4/6. INT. ROSINGS. ENTRANCE HALL. APRIL. DAY 33. [20.14] DUSK.

DARCY, walking in, is brought to a halt by the most painful thing she said to him.

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy. The mode of your declaration merely spared me the concern I might have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner.

And this goes right to his heart as well as his pride. This he can't deal with. He stands still as if shot. Off to his right, the brightly lit drawing room, the door open.

LADY CATHERINE [[booming off]]
Who's there Fitzwilliam?

FITZWILLIAM sees DARCY, and comes towards him.

FITZWILLIAM
Darcy! We had quite despaired of you!

LADY CATHERINE [[booming off]]
Is that my nephew? Where have you been? Let him come in and explain himself!

DARCY to FITZWILLIAM, distractedly.

DARCY
No. You will forgive me. You will forgive me.

DARCY makes for the stairs.

[Page] 4/7

DARCY is so immersed in his tumult of thoughts and emotions he can't attend to anything else.

FITZWILLIAM
Darcy, you are unwell?

DARCY
I am very well, thank you - but I have a pressing matter of business - you will forgive me. Make my apologies, to Lady Catherine Fitzwilliam.

He reaches the first floor. Strides out of sight. We hear a door slam. FITZWILLIAM staring after him.

[Page] 4/8

4/7. INT. ROSINGS. DARCY'S BEDCHAMBER. APRIL. DAY 33. [20.40] DUSK.

DARCY still too agitated to settle. He strides this way and that. Then he goes quickly to the table, snatches up a pen, and writes:

DARCY [[V.O.]]
To Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

And then stops. How to begin? He writes again.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Be not alarmed, Madam, on receiving this letter, that it contain any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were this evening so disgusting to you.

He is still angry, and it shows in his face and his tone, but it's now a controlled anger. He looks up from the letter now - and we go in on his thoughts:

DARCY [[V.O.]]
But I must be allowed to defend myself against the charges laid at my door: in particular those relating to Mr. Wickham, which if true would indeed be grievous, but are wholly without foundation, and which I can only refute by laying before you his connection with my family.

Music-4M3

4'25"

DARCY rises, and goes to the window, and we CUT TO:

[Page] 4/9

Music-4M3

4/8. EXT. ROSINGS. APRIL. DAY 33. [20.55] DUSK

DARCY standing at the window, as he continues over.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Mr. Wickham is the son of a very respectable man who had the management of our family estates, and my own father was fond of him and held him in high esteem.

MIX

[Page] 4/10

Music-4M3

4/9. EXT. PEMBERLEY. LAKE. SUMMER. DAY 34. [14.30]

The TWO BOYS running down a slope towards the lake - they are maybe ten years old - MR. DARCY SENIOR looking down benignly at them from higher up.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
We played together as boys ...

The TWO BOYS tickling trout by the lake.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
After his father's early death my father supported him at Cambridge ...

[Page] 4/11

Music-4M3

4/10. EXT. CAMBRIDGE QUAD. OCTOBER. DAY 35. [15.48]

DARCY [adult DARCY] crosses the quad and goes up the staircase.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
... and hoped he would make the church his profession - but by then George Wickham's habits were as dissolute as his manners were engaging.

[Page] 4/12

Music-4M3

4/11. INT. CAMBRIDGE ROOMS. OCTOBER. DAY 35. [15.48]

DARCY opens the door to WICKHAM's rooms. He finds WICKHAM with a girl on his knee, who rushes off on seeing DARCY.

WICKHAM makes a slight mocking bow.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
My own excellent father died five years ago.

[Page] 4/13

Music-4M3

4/12. INT. DARCY LONDON HOME. ANTEROOM. MARCH. DAY 36. [11.20]

WICKHAM waiting about in the hall, looking at the pictures. A FOOTMAN comes and escorts him to the study.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
And his attachment to Mr. Wickham was to the last so steady, that he desired that a valuable family living might be his as soon as it was vacant. Mr. Wickham declined any interest in the church as a career, but requested, and was granted, the sum of three thousand pounds, instead of the living.

[Page] 4/14

Music-4M3

4/13. INT. PEMBERLEY. LIBRARY. MARCH. DAY 36. [11.33]

By now we are in Darcy's library. DARCY, in mourning, signing a banker's draft. DARCY very severe, WICKHAM smiling brazenly.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
He expressed an intention of studying the law. I wished, rather than believed him to be a sincere.

WICKHAM - a rather mocking smile:

WICKHAM
Thank you. I'm most exceedingly obliged.

DARCY nods. WICKHAM goes out, and we go with him.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
All connection between us seemed now dissolved.

[Page] 4/15

Music-4M3

4/14. INT. PEMBERLEY. HALL. MARCH. DAY 36. [11.38]

WICKHAM, on his way out of the library, sees GEORGIANA, Darcy's shy pretty young sister. He smiles at her with his easy warmth. She blushes.

WICKHAM
Georgiana.

WICKHAM takes Georgiana's hand, and kisses it.

WICKHAM walks away, conscious of having disturbed Georgiana's vulnerable young heart, and she stares after him.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Being now free from all restraint ...

MIX

[Page] 4/16

Music-4M3

4/15. INT. ROSINGS. DARCY'S BEDCHAMBER. APRIL. NIGHT 33/34. [12.38]

DARCY continues his letter writing. Sheets of paper have already been covered. Now he has come to a pause, and one which gives him some pain.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
... his life was one of idleness and dissipation.
How he lived, I know not. But ... last summer, our paths crossed again ... under the most painful circumstances, which I myself would wish to forget.

Shot tightens. He has difficulty in speaking or even thinking about this awful secret. It all comes over him, and he has to reassert his iron self control.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
My sister, Georgiana who is more than ten years my junior, was left to the guardianship of Colonel Fitzwilliam and myself. About a year ago, she was taken from school to Ramsgate, and placed in the care of a Mrs. Younge, in whose character we were most unhappily deceived.

MIX

[Page] 4/17

Music-4M3

4/16. EXT. SEAFRONT. BAMSGATE. DAY 37. [12.15]

A promenade or jetty. Start on GEORGIANA, looking out to sea, all innocent and eager. The sea very loud, crashing and grinding on the pebbles, the light bright and dazzling.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
And thither also went Mr. Wickham, undoubtedly by design.

We see WICKHAM, a little way behind in cahoots with MRS. YOUNGE, who smiles a complicit smile as he leaves her to catch up GEORGIANA, who turns and looks at him. They start to stroll together.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
She was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent to an elopement - she was then but fifteen years old.

DARCY approaches in a carriage.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
A day or two before the intended elopement I joined them unexpectedly.

DARCY gets out of the carriage.
GEORGIANA sees him, runs to him and embraces him. MRS. YOUNGE and WICKHAM look rather uneasy.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Unable to support the idea of grieving a brother whom she looked up to almost as a father, she acknowledged the whole plan to me at once.

[Page] 4/18

Music-4M3

4/17. INT. RAMSGATE HOUSE. HALL. DAY 38. [15.08] LATER.

GEORGIANA, very upset, looking scared. She is looking at a closed door. From behind it we hear.

DARCY [[O.O.V.]]
You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Mr. Wickham left the place immediately.
The door opens abruptly, and WICKHAM comes out fast carrying his bag, pale and shaken, barely looks at GEORGIANA, goes past her and out through the front door. Now Georgiana looks fearfully back at the room. She can see DARCY through the half open door. She's scared. But he holds out a hand to her, tender and affectionate.

DARCY
Come.

And she does, timidly but gladly.

DARCY embraces her.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Mr. Wickham relinquished his object, which was of course my sister's fortune of thirty thousand pounds ...

MIX

[Page] 4/19

Music-4M3

4/18. INT. ROSINGS. DARCY'S BEDCHAMBER. APRIL. NIGHT 33/34. [01.20]

DARCY continues his letter to Elizabeth.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
A secondary motive must have been to revenge himself on me. Had he succeeded, his revenge would have been complete indeed.

This, Madam, is a faithful narrative of all my dealings with Mr. Wickham.

DARCY writing, fast, bold, purposeful. Finishes the paragraph. Puts a full stop. Lays the pen down. Lets go a great sigh. He thinks he's done the right thing all the time, but it hasn't brought him happiness. He hasn't begun to question his own conduct yet. He's baffled, frustrated, still angry, and he's lost Elizabeth, it appears, for ever. Picks up his pen again.

DARCY starts writing furiously again. In the background we hear a fox barking.

[Page] 4/20

Music-4M3

4/19. EXT. ROSINGS. APRIL. EARLY MORNING. DAY 39. [05.50]

Morning mist. A cock crowing. Birds singing.

[Page] 4/21

Music-4M3

4/20. INT. ROSINGS. DARCY'S BEDCHAMBER. APRIL. EARLY MORNING. DAY 39. [05.52]

DARCY has been up all night. He splashes water over himself from the ewer. Sees the candle still burning. Leans over and snuffs it out. On the table, his bulky letter addressed to "Miss Elizabeth Bennet".

[Page] 4/22

Music-4M3

4/21. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. BREAKFAST ROOM. DAY 39. [10.10]

COLLINS and CHARLOTTE at the breakfast table. COLLINS tucking into some grilled bones and chops and things.

ELIZABETH comes in but doesn't sit down.

CHARLOTTE
You do look pale, Lizzy. Why don't you have some breakfast. I am sure it will do you good.

ELIZABETH
No, no, I am well, Charlotte, I think I have stayed indoors too long. Fresh air and exercise is all I need. The woods around Rosings are so beautiful at this time of year.

COLLINS would like to make a speech in response to this compliment to Rosings, but his mouth is too full - he has to content himself with beaming and nodding.

ELIZABETH flees the room and goes outside.

[Page] 4/23

4/22. EXT. ROSINGS. GROUNDS. APRIL. DAY 39. [10.15]

ELIZABETH walking, really determinedly striding out, bonnet and gloves in hand, she's not going anywhere, she looks round to make sure no-one's watching her, and breaks into a quick sprint. She stops. Now she feels more like herself, bright-eyed with exercise.

[Page] 4/24

4/23. EXT. ROSINGS. GROUNDS. APRIL. DAY 39. [10.25]

ELIZABETH, walking, comes to a point where two paths diverge. She hesitates, then chooses one that winds through a grove.

We see her going round a bend in a path that opens into a clearing. At the other end of the clearing DARCY stands, with his back to her. Shocked, she stops, and turns to go back the way she came. But he turns and sees her as she starts to hurry away.

DARCY
Miss Bennet!

She turns.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy.

He's the last person she wanted to see and it's a most uncomfortable meeting. He comes up to her, fast, unsmiling, abrupt.

DARCY

I have been walking the grove some time in the hope of meeting you. Will you do me the honour of reading this letter?

He holds it out to her, she takes it instinctively, looks at him, but all she gets is a slight bow, he turns on his heels and strides off.

Music-4M4

3'30"

[Page] 4/25

Music-4M4

4/24. EXT. LEAFY GLADE. NEAR ROSINGS. APRIL. DAY 39. [10.45]

ELIZABETH sits on a tree stump, feverishly reading the letter. Its content shocks and amazes her.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
This, madam, is a faithful narrative of all my dealings with Mr. Wickham, and for its truth I can appeal to the testimony of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who knows every particular of these transactions. I know not under what form of falsehood Mr. Wickham imposed himself on you, but I hope you will acquit me of cruelty towards him.

MIX

[Page] 4/26

Music-4M4

4/25. FLASHBACK TO SCENE 3/11. [LONGBOURN]

ELIZABETH walking and talking with WICKHAM.

WICKHAM
I found that, as the time drew near, that I had better not meet Mr. Darcy. Scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself.

MIX

Back to ELIZABETH reading the letter.

[Page] 4/27

Music-4M4

4/26. EXT. LEAFY GLADE. NEAR ROSINGS. APRIL. DAY 39. [10.48]

ELIZABETH continues to read the letter.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
The other charge levelled at me is that regardless of the sentiments of either party, I detached Mr. Bingley from your sister. I have no wish to deny this, nor can I blame myself for any of my actions in this matter.

ELIZABETH
Oh!

Her indignation is enough to bring her to her feet - and she marches off.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
I had not long been in Hertfordshire before I saw that Bingley admired your sister - but it was not until the dance at Netherfield that I suspected a serious attachment.

MIX

Before the end of that sentence, FLASHBACK TO:

[Page] 4/28

Music-4M4

4/27. FLASHBACK TO SCENE 2/26. [NETHERFIELD BALL].

Music

"The Shresbury Lasses"

00'10"

Music, lights, dancing COUPLES, JANE and BINGLEY dancing together, DARCY looking on, frowning thoughtfully.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
His partiality was clear - but though she received his attentions with pleasure, I did not detect any symptoms of peculiar regard.

Now they're sitting together and while BINGLEY is ardent and expressive, JANE is quietly happily receptive - no.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
The serenity of her countenance convinced me that her heart was not likely to be easily touched.

MIX

[Page] 4/29

Music-4M4

4/28. EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. APRIL. DAY 39. [10.53]

ELIZABETH, marching back to the Collins house, outraged.

ELIZABETH
Insufferable presumption!

Darcy's maddeningly assured tones continue to ring in her ears.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
I did not believe her to be indifferent because I wished it. I believed it on impartial conviction.

ELIZABETH
Oh, very impartial!

As she reaches the parsonage, MARIA comes to meet her.

MARIA
You have missed the two gentlemen, they came to take their leave!

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy came here?

MARIA
Yes, but he went away again directly. But the Colonel waited for you over half an hour! [cont ...]

[Page] 4/30

Music-4M4

MARIA clearly thinks it's a big deal, that about the Colonel. ELIZABETH is going in the house.

MARIA [cont]
And now they are both gone out of the country!

ELIZABETH
I dare say we shall be able to bear the deprivation.

MARIA
Oh|!

[Page] 4/31

Music-4M4

4/29. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. LANDING/ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. APRIL. DAY 39. [10.58]

ELIZABETH marches through the landing and into her bedroom, hearing DARCY in her ears.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
As to my objections to the marriage - the situation of your family, though objectionable, was nothing in comparison with the total want of propriety so frequently betrayed by your mother, your youngest sisters, and even occasionally your father.

This does strike home. By now she is sitting down, in her room, with the letter still in her hand, and she remembers quick flashes of:

MIX

Music

"My Mother Bids Me Bind My Hair"

00'06"

[Page] 4/32

Music-4M4

Music

"My Mother Bids Me Bind My Hair"

4/30. FLASHBACK TO SCENE 2/31. [NETHERFIELD BALL.]

MARY is playing the piano and singing. ELIZABETH is looking embarrassed. MARY coming to the end of her song. DARCY looks on in contempt. MR. BENNET approaches MARY.

BENNET
That will do extremely well child. You have delighted us long enough.

CUT TO MRS. BENNET in big close-up and full swing, getting louder and louder, all wet lips and shiny face and pop eyes.

INTERCUT with LYDIA leaping around with DENNY.

MRS. BENNET
Now there will be a great marriage! And you know that will throw the girls into the paths of other rich men.

MIX

ELIZABETH closes her eyes.

[Page] 4/33

Music-4M4

4/31. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. APRIL. DAY 39. [11.05]

ELIZABETH opens her eyes, sitting by the window in her room, Darcy's letter still in her hands.

She turns to the letter again.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
My friend left Netherfield for London on the following day.

MIX

[Page] 4/34

Music-4M4

4/32. INT. GRAND LONDON HOUSE. DRAWING ROOM. GROSVENOR STREET. LONDON. DECEMBER. DAY 40. [11.50]

This is Elizabeth's imagination of the scene.

Poor BINGLEY sits on a chair in the middle of the room, like a suspect for interrogation, looking very apprehensive and woebegone.

MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST with their beady stares focussed on him. And DARCY, fierce and terrible, looming over him, laying down the law.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
There I engaged in the office of pointing out to him the certain evils of his choice of your sister as a prospective bride.

[Page] 4/35

Music-4M4

4/33. INT. GRAND LONDON HOUSE. DRAWING ROOM. GROSVENOR STREET. LONDON. DECEMBER. DAY 40. [12.05]

Again, Elizabeth's imagination.

BINGLEY's P.O.V. DARCY, MISS BINGLEY and MRS. HURST.

DARCY
It was not difficult to convince him of your sister's indifference to him. I cannot blame myself for having done thus much.

MIX

[Page] 4/36

Music-4M4

4/34. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. APRIL. DAY 39. [11.10]

ELIZABETH [[aloud]]
Destroying all her hope of happiness! Yes, I am sure you do not blame yourself! - hateful man!

DARCY [[V.O.]]
There is but one part of my conduct in the affair on which I do not reflect with satisfaction.

ELIZABETH [[aloud]]
Oh, really! Astonish me!

DARCY
That is, that I concealed from him your sister's being in town.

MIX

[Page] 4/37

Music-4M4

4/35. FLASHBACK TO SCENE 3/21. [JANE'S VISIT TO GROSVENOR STREET HOUSE].

JANE leaving the house in Grosvenor Street looking rather downcast. DARCY looking down from a first floor balcony.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
Perhaps this concealment was beneath me.

[Page] 4/38

Music-4M4

4/36. FLASHBACK TO 3/25. [JANE AT GARDINER HOUSE]

DARCY watches JANE depart.

DARCY [[V.O.]]
It is done, however, and it was done for the best. On this subject, I have nothing more to say, and no other apology to offer.

MIX

[Page] 4/39

Music-4M4

4/37. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. APRIL. DAY 39. [11.20]

ELIZABETH
Insufferable!

CHARLOTTE calls, off.
Lizzy!

CHARLOTTE [[O.O.V.]]
Lizzy!

COLLINS
Charlotte my dear, we will be late.

CHARLOTTE
Lizzy!

[Page] 4/40

4/38. EXT. ROSINGS DRIVE. DAY 41. [16.50]

ELIZABETH, CHARLOTTE, MARIA and COLLINS walking to Rosings. ELIZABETH very much preoccupied.

COLLINS
I have been endeavouring to reckon up the number of times Lady Catherine de Bourgh has invited us since your arrival here: I believe it may be as many as ten invitations!

MARIA
Eleven, counting this one!

COLLINS
Eleven! There! You have indeed been favoured with peculiar condescension - do you not agree, Miss Elizabeth?

ELIZABETH [[distracted]]
Oh ... yes.

COLLINS
Indeed! How could anybody think otherwise? And this is to be your last invitation - on this visit, at least.

ELIZABETH [[waking up]]
Yes it is truly a very cruel deprivation. Indeed I hardly know how I shall bear the loss of Lady Catherine's company!

COLLINS
You feel it keenly; yes, of course you do, my poor young cousin.

[Page] 4/41

WS exterior Rosings. COLLINS and the ladies enters Rosings.

4/41

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH [[V.O.]]
They were such fine young men! And so particularly attached to me! ...

[Page] 4/42

4/39. INT. ROSINGS. DRAWING-ROOM. MAY. DAY 41. [19.25] EVENING.

LADY CATHERINE in full swing. COLLINS nodding and grinning in a horribly obsequious way - CHARLOTTE smiling her bland neutral smile - MARIA trying to get a bit of romantic excitement out of the references to the Colonel, shooting glances at ELIZABETH, who doesn't respond to the mention of Fitzwilliam, and feels sharply uneasy at the mention of Darcy. MISS DE BOURGH sickly, as usual.

LADY CATHERINE
... They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are. The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably - but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely.

ELIZABETH's reaction.

LADY CATHERINE
His attachment to Rosings certainly increases! You are very dull this evening Miss Elizabeth Bennet, you have scarce spoke two words together, are you so out of spirits?

ELIZABETH
No indeed, madam -

LADY CATHERINE
But of course you are, to be going away yourself!

COLLINS
Who indeed would not be sad to be deprived of Rosings, and indeed of the gracious condescension ...

[Page] 4/43

LADY CATHERINE, across this; she likes to be toadied to, but COLLINS gets on even her nerves after a while:

LADY CATHERINE
You will write to your mother and tell her you wish to stay a little longer. She could certainly spare you for another fortnight.

ELIZABETH
But my father cannot - he wrote last week to hurry my return - your ladyship is very kind, but I believe we must - leave as planned on Friday.

LADY CATHERINE
Oh, your father may spare you if your mother can. Daughters are never of much consequence to a father - and if you will stay another month complete it will be in my power to take you as far as London myself, in the Barouche Box! For I cannot bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves, it is highly improper! I am excessively attentive to all those things!

ELIZABETH speaks quietly but very sharp on cue so that she almost interrupts LADY CATHERINE.

ELIZABETH
My uncle is to send a servant for us when we change to the Post.

LADY CATHERINE
Oh! Your uncle! He keeps a manservant, does he? I am very glad you have somebody who thinks of these things. Where will you change horses?

ELIZABETH
At Brom -

[Page] 4/44

LADY CATHERINE [[going straight on]]
Oh, Bromley of course! Mention my name at the Bell and they will attend you.

ELIZABETH
Your ladyship is very kind.

COLLINS feeling this is hardly enough:

COLLINS
Indeed, we are all infinitely indebted to your ladyship's kindly bestowed solicitude.

LADY CATHERINE
Yes, yes. But this is all extremely vexing. I am quite put out.

[Page] 4/45

4/40. INT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. HALL. MAY. DAY 42. [10.35]

ELIZABETH comes along the hall, dressed for travel, and finds MARIA engrossed in repacking her trunk - clothes all over the place.

ELIZABETH
Why, Maria, whatever are you doing? I thought the trunks went outside before breakfast.

MARIA
But Lady Catherine was so severe last evening, about the only right way to place gowns, I couldn't sleep and I am determined to start afresh.

ELIZABETH
Maria. This is your trunk. These are your gowns. You may arrange them in any way you wish. Lady Catherine will never know!

[Page] 4/46

4/41. EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE. MAY. DAY 2. [10.50]

CHARLOTTE supervising the loading of the trunks, onto the carriage. MARIA, COLLINS and ELIZABETH look on.

[BACKGROUND DIALOGUE]

COLLINS
Well my dear sister you will have much to tell your father and mother on your return.

CHARLOTTE
Bring that one round here.

MARIA
Yes, indeed. For scarcely a day has past without some new kindness.

CHARLOTTE
Do make they're secure though.

COLLINS
From Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Indeed.

[FOREGROUND DIALOGUE]

COLLINS
Well, cousin: you have seen for yourself now the happiness of our situation. Our intimacy at Rosings is a blessing of which few could boast.

ELIZABETH
Indeed they could not.

[Page] 4/47

COLLINS
Indeed - and now you have witnessed our felicity, perhaps you may think that your friend has made a very fortunate alliance - perhaps more so than - but on this point it will be as well to be silent.

ELIZABETH
You are very good.

COLLINS
Only let me assure you that I can, from my heart, most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage.

COLLINS is looking towards CHARLOTTE who is goodhumouredly dealing with the SERVANT and COACHMAN.

COLLINS
My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. We seem to have been designed for each other.

Music-4M5

01'10"

CHARLOTTE turns round at this point, and COLLINS gives her a little wave. CHARLOTTE's face, looking back, says a lot.

ELIZABETH'S face. She feels wonder, almost a kind of awe, that he is capable of such self-deception.

[Page] 4/48

MUSIC-4M5

4/42. EXT. POST-CHAISE. COUNTRY ROAD. MAY. DAY 42. [11.30]

The post-chaise making a good pace across a broad sweep of English landscape.

[Page] 4/49

Music-4M5

4/43. INT. POST-CHAISE. COUNTRY ROAD. MAY. DAY 42. [11.32]

MARIA, bubbly. ELIZABETH, preoccupied, looking out of the window.

MARIA
Oh, Lizzy! It seems but a day or two since we first came! And yet how many things have happened!

ELIZABETH
A great many, indeed.

MARIA
We have dined nine times at Rosings. Oh, how much I shall have to tell!

ELIZABETH smiles at her enthusiasm, then looks away again, out of the window. ELIZABETH, more to herself, wry humour.

ELIZABETH
How much I shall have to conceal.

ELIZABETH gazing out through the window. The MIX pounding hooves. The rattle of the coach. The woods and hills and trees streaking past. She 'sees' Darcy's tormented features.

MIX

S/I

DARCY
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

MIX

ELIZABETH doesn't want to think about this, or Darcy. She hates him, he disturbs her. She moves her head sharply.

[Page] 4/50

Music-4M5

4/44. EXT. POST-CHAISE. COUNTRY ROAD. MAY. DAY 42. [11.35]

A SHOT of the hooves of the horses, coming right at us. Running us over. Trample these disturbing thoughts, trample them under the hooves of the horses. The coach, back view, thundering away from us.

[Page] 4/51

MUSIC-4M5

4/45. EXT. COACHING INN. MAY. DAY 42. [15.20]

The post-chaise approaches an inn.

[Page] 4/52

4/46. EXT. COACHING INN. MAY. DAY 42. [15.23]

LYDIA opens an upstairs window, calls out and waves.

LYDIA
Lizzy! Lizzy!

ELIZABETH and MARIA get out of the post-chaise. ELIZABETH waves to LYDIA and KITTY who is now also at the window.

O/S LYDIA as she shuts the window. ELIZABETH and MARIA enter the Inn.

[Page] 4/53

4/47. INT. INN. PRIVATE DINING ROOM. MAY. DAY 42. [15.28]

LYDIA leading them into the very pleasant little private dining room.

LYDIA
Lord, to see your faces when you looked up at the window, I'll wager you didn't expect we'd come to meet you, did you?

ELIZABETH
No, we did not.

LYDIA
There! Is not this nice! Cold ham, and pork, and salads, and every good thing. And we mean to treat you all! Oh but you must lend us the money, we spent all ours. Look!
A bonnet. Rather a hideous one.

LYDIA
I don't think it's very pretty, but I thought I might as well buy it as not.

KITTY
It's vile, isn't it, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH
Very ugly - what possessed you to buy it, Lydia?

[Page] 4/54

LYDIA
Oh, there were two or three much uglier in the shop! I shall pull it to pieces as soon as we get home, and see if I can make it up any better.

She tosses it aside, where it lands on something, and falls off behind it, to be forgotten forever.

LYDIA
Well, it doesn't signify what anyone wears, for the Regiment will leave Meryton - and will be at Brighton for the whole summer! Our hearts are broken!

The girls take their seats at the table, watched by a waiter.

KITTY
We want papa to take us all to Brighton for the summer but he says that he will not.

ELIZABETH
I'm glad to hear it.

MARIA
Oh, but shouldn't you like to go to Brighton, Lizzy?

LYDIA
Oh, she would, she would love it above all things, when she hears the news about a certain person we all know! Shall we tell her, Kitty?

KITTY
Yes, and watch to see if she blushes!

ELIZABETH [[to the WAITER]]
You may go now, we'll call if you're needed again.

[Page] 4/55

WAITER [grinning]
Very good, miss.

THE WAITER exits.

LYDIA
Wickham is not to marry Mary King after all! She's been taken away by her uncle to Liverpool, and Wickham is safe!

ELIZABETH
Perhaps we should say Mary King is safe.

MARIA
But was there a very strong attraction between them, do you think?

LYDIA
Not on his side, I'm sure! I shouldn't think he cared three straws about her! Who could about such a nasty freckled little thing? Don't look at me like that, Lizzy, I know you think as ill of her as I do! Pass the celery, Kitty! Aren't you glad we came to meet you? We shall be such a merry party on the journey home!

[Page] 4/56

Music-4M6

00'11"

4/48. EXT. BENNET CARRIAGE. COUNTRY ROAD. APRIL DAY 42. [16.05]

See the Bennet carriage in LONG SHOT and start hearing Lydia over.

LYDIA [O.O.V] [[O.O.V]]
Kitty, you're squashing my bandbox.

KITTY [[O.O.V]]
I can't help it, you should have put it on the roof, there isn't room for it.

LYDIA [[O.O.V]]
It's the way you sit - if you didn't lollop about there'd be room for us all and the bandbox!

KITTY [[O.O.V]]
I do not lollop, you do! Ow!

The carriage trundles away from us.

[Page] 4/57

4/49. INT. LONGBOURN. JANE BEDROOM. MAY. NIGHT 42. [22.10]

ELIZABETH is seated on the bed. JANE gets into bed.

JANE
Mr. Darcy! Proposed! I can scarce believe it! Not that anyone's admiring you should be astonishing.

ELIZABETH smiles.

JANE
But he always seemed so severe, so cold apparently - and yet he was in love with you all the time. Poor Mr. Darcy.

ELIZABETH
I confess I cannot feel quite so much compassion for him. He has other feelings which will soon drive away any regard he felt for me.

Dark thoughts, these, and she must keep them to herself. Darcy's contempt for her family might lead her into the Bingley story. Then she suddenly thinks, maybe Jane thought I should have accepted him.

ELIZABETH
You do not blame me for refusing him?

JANE
Blame you? Oh, no.

ELIZABETH
But you do blame me for speaking so warmly of Wickham?

[Page] 4/58

They embrace.

JANE
No - how could you have known about his vicious character? - if indeed he was so very bad! But I cannot believe Mr. Darcy would fabricate such a dreadful slander - involving his own sister too. No, it must be true. Perhaps there has been some terrible mistake.

ELIZABETH
No, Jane, that won't do. You'll never be able to make them both good. There is just enough merit between them to make one good sort of man - And for my part, I'm inclined to believe it's all Mr. Darcy's.

JANE
Poor Mr. Darcy! Poor Mr. Wickham! - there is such an expression of goodness in his countenance!

ELIZABETH
Yes I'm afraid one has all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it!

JANE
But Lizzy, I am sure when you first read that letter you could not have made so light of it as you do now.

ELIZABETH
Indeed I could not. I was very uncomfortable. 'Till that moment I never knew myself. And I had no Jane to comfort me. Oh, how I wanted you!

They embrace

ELIZABETH
There is one point on which I want your advice. Should our general acquaintance be informed of Wickham's true character?

[Page] 4/59

JANE [hesitates then]
Surely there can be no occasion to expose him so cruelly. What is your own opinion?

ELIZABETH
That it ought not to be attempted. Mr. Darcy has not authorised me to make it public - especially as regards his sister. And for the rest - who would believe it? The general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent. And Wickham will soon be gone. I believe we should say nothing about it at present.

JANE
Yes, I agree - perhaps he is sorry now for what he has done, and is anxious to re-establish his character in the world. We must not make him desperate.

ELIZABETH
Oh, Jane. I wish I could think so well of people as you do.

[Page] 4/60

4/50. INT. LONGBOURN. DINING ROOM. MAY. DAY 42. [18.05] EARLY EVENING.

The whole BENNET FAMILY at table.

LYDIA
Won't you speak to Papa, Lizzy, about our going to Brighton - you know he listens to your advice.

ELIZABETH [[smiling]]
You flatter me Lydia - but in any case, I shouldn't attempt to persuade him. I think it a very good thing that the Regiment should be removed from Meryton and that we should be removed from the regiment.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lizzy, how can you say such a thing?

ELIZABETH
Very easily, ma'am. If one poor company of militia can cause such havoc in our family, what would a whole campful of soldiers do?

LYDIA [[in an awed whisper]]
A whole campful of soldiers!

She can see the serried rows of tents: paradise!

MRS. BENNET
I remember when I was a girl, I cried for two days together when Colonel Miller's regiment went away. I thought I should have broke my heart!

[Page] 4/61

LYDIA
Well I'm sure I shall break mine!

KITTY
And I!

MRS, BENNET
There, there, my dears. But your father is determined to be cruel.

BENNET
I confess I am. I am sorry to be breaking so many hearts, but I have not the smallest intention of yielding.

MARY
I shall not break my heart, Papa. The pleasures of Brighton would have no charms for me. I should infinitely prefer a book.

LYDIA puffs out an exasperated breath.

KITTY
Mrs. Forster says she plans to go seabathing!

LYDIA
I am sure I should love to go sea-bathing!

MRS. BENNET
A little sea-bathing would set me up for ever!

BENNET
And yet, I am unmoved. [cont ...]

He rises. He's had enough of this.

[Page] 4/62

BENNET [cont]
Well, well.

He casts an affectionate eye on his two eldest daughters.

BENNET
I am glad you are come back, Lizzy. I am glad you are come back, Jane.

And he goes off to his library!

LYDIA
Aaaaaowwwwww! I want to go to Brighton!

[Page] 4/63

Music-4M7

01'18"

4.51. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. MAY. DAY 43. [13.20]

ELIZABETH approaches JANE who is picking daisies.

ELIZABETH
You are not happy, Jane. It pains me to see it.

JANE
Truly, Lizzy, I promise. I shall be well. I shall be myself again. I shall be perfectly content.

JANE takes the basket of daisies and heads towards the house as MRS. BENNET comes out also to pick daisies.

MRS. BENNET
Well, Lizzy, what do you think now about this sad business of Jane's? I cannot find out that she saw anything of Bingley in London! Well, he is a very undeserving young man! [cont ...]

[Page] 4/64

MRS. BENNET practically murdering the poor flowers, a particularly violent movement on "undeserving young man" as if she were giving Bingley a good hiding.

MRS. BENNET [cont]
- and I don't suppose there's the least chance of her getting him now. If he should come back to Netherfield, though ...

ELIZABETH
I think there's little chance of that Mamma.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, well. Just as he chooses. No-one wants him to come. Though I shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill!

And if I was her, I would not have up with it. Well, my comfort is, she will dies of a broken heart, and then he'll be sorry for what he's done!

MRS. BENNET snorts a bit, and having got herself in a bad mood, continues:

MRS, BENNET
So the Collinses ... live quite comfortable, do they? Well, I only hope it will last! And I suppose they talk about having this house too when your father is dead? They look on it quite as their own, I dare say?

ELIZABETH
They could hardly discuss such a subject in front of me, Mamma.

MRS, BENNET
Well I make no doubt they talk about it constantly when they're alone! Well if they can be easy with an estate that is not lawfully their own, so much the better! I should be ashamed of having one that was only entailed upon me!

[Page] 4/65

And now LYDIA comes rushing up, with KITTY trailing dolefully behind.

LYDIA
Mamma! Mamma! Lizzy! Guess what! You never will, so I'll tell you! Mrs. Forster has invited me, as her Particular Friend, to go with her to Brighton - Colonel Forster is to take a house for us!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lydia! I'm so happy! Oh what an honour; to be so singled out!

KITTY
Is it not unfair, Lizzy? Mrs. Forster should have asked me as well as Lydia, I may not be her Particular Friend, but I've just as much right to be asked as she has!

LYDIA
Ha, ha, ha, ha!

KITTY
And more, too, for I am two years older!

KITTY stomps off into the house, in a rage.

LYDIA
Well I shall but her a present I dare say, there's no call for her to be in a miff because Mrs. Forster likes me above any one!

ELIZABETH
Lydia before you crow too loud over your sister remember Papa has not given you permission to go, and nor is he like to.

[Page] 4/66

LYDIA
Oh, Papa won't stop me going, not when I've been specially invited by the Colonel of the regiment to be his wife's particular companion! Ooh, Mamma, I shall have to be bought new clothes, for I've nothing fit to wear, there will be balls and parties every night!

MRS, BENNET
Of course you shall have new things, we wouldn't see you disgraced in front of all the officers!

LYDIA
Oo! "All the officers!" Oooo!

[Page] 4/67

4/52. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. MAY. DAY 43. [14.48]

MR. BENNET in at his desk.

ELIZABETH paces to and fro.

BENNET
Look I understand your concern, my dear, but consider - Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some public place - and here is an opportunity for her to do so with very little expense or inconvenience to her family!

ELIZABETH, very forcefully and emphatically:

ELIZABETH
If you were aware, Father, of the very great disadvantage to us all which must arise from Lydia's unguarded and imprudent manner - which has already arisen from it - I am sure you would judge differently!

BENNET
Already arisen? What, has she frighten away some of your lovers? Oh now don't be cast down Lizzy. Such squeamish youths are not worth you regret. Oh come, Lizzy.

She is angry that he takes it all so lightly:

ELIZABETH
Indeed you are mistaken. I have no injuries to resent. I speak of general not particular evils - our position as a family, our very respectability is called into question by Lydia's wild behaviour. Excuse me - I must speak plainly. [cont ...]

[Page] 4/68

ELIZABETH [cont]
If you won't take the trouble to check her, she will soon be beyond the reach of amendment - her character will be fixed as - the most determined flirt that ever made herself and her family ridiculous! You know that Kitty follows wherever Lydia leads! Don't you see that they will be - censured and despised? Wherever they are known? And that they will involve their sisters in their own disgrace?

She has really worked herself into a moral passion. MR. BENNET is affected, but not convinced. He gets up from his desk.

BENNET
Lizzy, Lizzy. Come here.

She does. He takes her hand.

BENNET
Don't make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are known, you must be respected and valued - and you will not appear to any less advantage for having a couple - or I may say, three very silly sisters. We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does not go to Brighton. Colonel Forster is a sensible man - and luckily she's too poor to be an object of prey to a fortune hunter.

ELIZABETH feels she should try again, but:

BENNET
Now leave it now, Lizzy. I believe it will turn out well.

[Page] 4/69

4/53. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. MAY. NIGHT 44. [20.18]

COLONEL FORSTER and MRS. FORSTER, WICKHAM, DENNY and CARTER, and the BENNET FAMILY. A tea party in progress.

MRS. BENNET
We are so desolated, Colonel, that the regiment is to leave Meryton - but words cannot express what we feel about your kindness to our dear Lydia.

COLONEL FORSTER
Well, Ma'am, it appears that Mrs. Forster cannot do without her - look at the pair of 'em - thick as thieves -

LYDIA and MRS. FORSTER are indeed whispering head to head together and burst out in giggles now.

COLONEL FORSTER
Lord knows what they find to talk about but anything to keep the ladies happy, what do you say, Wickham?

WICKHAM
I say amen to that, Sir ...

And WICKHAM makes his way over to ELIZABETH.

WICKHAM
There is one lady I shall be very loath to part from.

[Page] 4/70

ELIZABETH
Well we must bear it as best we can. You are for Brighton, I shall be touring the Lakes with my aunt and uncle. I dare say we shall find ample sources of consolation and delight - in our different ways.

WICKHAM
Perhaps. How did you find Rosings?

ELIZABETH
Very interesting. Colonel Fitzwilliam was there with Mr. Darcy - are you at all acquainted with the Colonel?

WICKHAM
I - to some respects, yes, in former years - a very gentlemanly man - how did you like him?

ELIZABETH
I liked him very much indeed.

WICKHAM, is uneasy, but doing his best:

WICKHAM
His manners are very different from his cousin's!

ELIZABETH
Yes: but I think Mr. Darcy improves on closer acquaintance.

WICKHAM
Indeed! In what respect? Has he acquired a touch of civility in his address? For I dare not hope he is improved in essentials.

ELIZABETH
No - in essentials, I believe he is very much as he ever was.

[Page] 4/71

WICKHAM
Ah.

He doesn't really know what to make of this.

ELIZABETH
I don't mean to imply that either his mind of his manners are changed for the better - rather: my knowing him better improved my opinion of him.

WICKHAM
I see.

MRS. FORSTER
Wickham, Wickham, come here!

WICKHAM
At your service, Madam!

ELIZABETH smiles.

ELIZABETH [[to herself]]
Yes, go, go. I would not wish you back again.

[Page] 4/72

Music-4M9

00'49"

4/54. EXT. LONGBOURN. JUNE. DAY 45. [10.35]

The BENNET FAMILY at the front door to see LYDIA go off.

LYDIA
Goodbye, Papa, goodbye, Mamma!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lydia my dear, we shall miss you most cruelly!

LYDIA
Well I shall write every day of what I am doing and make you wild with envy!

KITTY
Owwwww!

LYDIA
Well, I can't help it!

MARY
I shall not envy her a jot.

LYDIA
Well I must go, goodbye Jane, goodbye, Lizzy! If I see any eligible beaux for you I'll send you word express!

She's running to the Bennet carriage now and clambering up in her abandoned way nearly falls.

LYDIA
Oh Lord, what a laugh if I should fall and break my head.

[Page] 4/73

MUSIC-4M9

KITTY [[darkly]]
I wish you would.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, my dear girl, take every opportunity of enjoying yourself.

LYDIA
Goodbye, goodbye.

Off she goes, and KITTY starts to cry.

BENNET
Well, never mind, Kitty, I dare say in a year or two you'll have got over it tolerably well.

KITTY increases the volume of her sobs.

BENNET
If anyone should ask for me, I shall be in my library, and not to be disturbed.

[Page] 4/74

Music-4M10

02'06"

4/55. EXT. LONGBOURN. EARLY JULY. DAY 46. [16.40]

The GARDINER carriage approaches LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH and JANE come out of the house to greet the GARDINER FAMILY. TWO GIRLS, ten and eight, TWO BOYS, seven and five.

JANE
Hello, I can see, I can see Alicia. Look how she's grown.

And they run towards them - JANE being the favourite.

JANE
You must be so tired. I think you have grown since we last said goodbye!

The CHILDREN clamour round all talking at once. One of the boys gives JANE a drawing.

JANE
And very pretty too. Now come in the house then.

All that as she is going into the house with CHILDREN clinging to her, and talking all at once.

MRS. GARDINER [[to her husband]]
Such a sweet steady girl.

MRS. GARDINER kisses ELIZABETH.

MRS. GARDINER
Well, Lizzy. We bear you bad tidings - not too grievous though I hope.

[Page] 4/75

Music-4M10

GARDINER
The guilt is mine - my business won't allow me time away to visit all the Lake country - we shall have to content ourselves with Derbyshire.

ELIZABETH [[momentarily dashed]]
Oh.
[[rallying]]
But Derbyshire has many beauties, has it not?

MRS. GARDINER
Indeed, to me Derbyshire is the best of all counties: you will judge for yourself whether Chatsworth is not the equal of Blenheim - and surely the southern counties have nothing to compare to the \..........

[Page] 4/76

Music-4M10

4/56. EXT. GARDINER CARRIAGE ON COUNTRY ROAD. DERBYSHIRE. EARLY JUNE. DAY 47. [12.50]

LONG SHOT of the Gardiner carriage on a country road with splendid scenery in the background.

MRS. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
... wild and untamed beauty of the Peaks.

GARDINER [[V.O.]]
Nature and culture in harmony, you see, Lizzy, wildness and artifice - and all in the one perfect county!

MRS. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
Well, I was born and grew up here so I should never disagree with that!

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
Where, exactly?

MRS. GARDINER
At Lambton - a little town, of no consequence to anyone except those fortunate enough to have lived in it. I think it the dearest place ...

[Page] 4/77

Music-4M10

4/57. INT. GARDINER CARRIAGE. COUNTRY ROAD. DERBYSHIRE. DAY 47. [12.52]

Now we're inside with the GARDINERS and ELIZABETH

MRS. GARDINER (cont.)
... in the world.

ELIZABETH
Then I shall not be happy till I've seen it.

MRS. GARDINER
It has one further claim on your interest: it is but five miles from Pemberley, and owes much of its prosperity to that great estate.

ELIZABETH
So near?

MRS. GARDINER
Not that I or anyone of my acquaintance enjoyed the privilege of intimacy with that family - we moved in very different circles.

[Page] 4/78

Music-4M10

4/58. INT. GENTLEMEN'S CLUB. LONDON. JULY. DAY 47. [10.55]

A large room with pictures and weaponry decorating the walls. Several FENCERS watching.

DARCY with a professional FENCING MASTER. As DARCY pauses, breathing very hard, dripping with sweat.

FENCING MASTER
A hit! Acknowledged! Very good sir! Enough sir?

DARCY
Enough. Thank you, Baines.

FENCING MASTER
Will you come again tomorrow, Sir, at ten?

DARCY
Not tomorrow. I have business in the North. I'll come back tomorrow week.

FENCING MASTER
Very good Sir. Bid you good day Sir.

DARCY
Thank you Baines, Good day.

FENCING MASTER goes. DARCY still breathing hard, through his nose.

DARCY [[to himself]]
I shall conquer this. I shall.

Music-4M11

00'30"

He isn't talking about the art of fencing.

[Page] 4/79

Music-4M11

4/59. EXT. DERBYSHIRE PEAKS. JULY. DAY 48. [14.45]

ELIZABETH is making her way to the summit of a hill.

GARDINERS a little way below, with a sturdy guide.

MRS. GARDINER
Elizabeth, be careful! How could I face your father if you took a fall?

The view.

ELIZABETH
Beautiful.

[Page] 4/80

4/60. INT. LAMBTON INN. PRIVATE PARLOUR. JULY. DAY 48. [17.15]

ELIZABETH eating with the GARDINERS. HANNAH, a serving girl, clears away the meal.

GARDINER
Oh thank you, Hannah.

HANNAH
You're welcome, sir.

ELIZABETH
I think I should be quite happy to stay my whole life in Derbyshire.

MRS. GARDINER
I'm happy to hear it. Now, what do you say to visiting Pemberley tomorrow? It is not directly in our way - but not more than a mile or two out of it.

ELIZABETH
Do you especially wish to see it, Aunt.

MRS. GARDINER
I should have thought you would, having heard so much about it. And the associations are not all unpleasant. Wickham passed all his youth there, you know.

ELIZABETH
We have no business there - I should feel awkward to visit the place without a proper invitation.

MRS, GARDINER
No more than Blenheim, or Chatsworth. There was no awkwardness there.

[Page] 4/81

MRS. GARDINER
I shouldn't care for it myself, Lizzy, if it were merely a fine house richly furnished, but the grounds are delightful - they have some of the finest woods in the country -

HANNAH is back with a steaming bowl of food.

GARDINER
How far are we from Pemberley, my dear?

HANNAH
Not more than five miles, sir.

MRS. GARDINER
The grounds are very fine, are they not?

HANNAH
As fine as you'll see anywhere, Ma'am, my oldest brother is an under-gardener there.

ELIZABETH
Is the family here for the summer?

HANNAH
No, Ma'am.

She goes.

MRS. GARDINER
Well?

ELIZABETH
Perhaps we might visit Pemberley after all.

Music-4M12

02'09"

[Page] 4/82

Music-4M12

4/61. EXT. PEMBERLEY. INT. HIRED OPEN CARRIAGE. JULY. DAY 49. [11.03]

ELIZABETH, MR and MRS. GARDINER drive to Pemberley in an open carriage, admiring the view.

[Page] 4/83

Music-4M12

4/62. EXT. PEMBERLEY. INT. HIRED OPEN CARRIAGE. JULY. DAY 49. [11.15]

ELIZABETH, MR and MRS. GARDINER drive towards the house which is out of view.

GARDINER
I think we've seen woods and groves enough to satisfy even your enthusiasm for them Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
I confess I had no idea Pemberley was such a great estate ... shall we reach the house itself before dark, do you think?

MRS, GARDINER
Be patient - wait ... there.

And they round a bend and ELIZABETH gets her first view of the great house. It rather takes her breath away.

GARDINER
Stop the coach.

ELIZABETH
Oh ...

MRS. GARDINER
I think one would be willing to put up with a good deal to be mistress of Pemberley.

GARDINER
The mistress of Pemberley will have to put up with a good deal, from what I hear.

[Page] 4/84

Music-4M12

MRS. GARDINER
She's not likely to be anyone we know. How do you like the house, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH
Very well. I don't think I've ever seen a place so happily situated. I like it very well indeed.

ELIZABETH is transported by the beauty of the place.

GARDINER
Drive on.

COACHMAN
Walk on.

GARDINER
A pity then its owner should be such a proud and disagreeable man.

ELIZABETH
Yes: a great pity.

MRS, GARDINER
Perhaps the beauty of the house renders its owner a little less repulsive, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH
Yes, perhaps. Perhaps a very little ...

As the carriage goes away from us, down towards the house:

GARDINER
Well, shall we apply to the housekeeper to see inside the place?

[Page] 4/85

Music-4M12

4/63. INT. PEMBERLEY. HALL/MUSIC ROOM. JULY. DAY 49. [11.40]

The housekeeper, MRS. REYNOLDS, is showing them along the corridor leading to the music room. They walk past the library and a small drawing room.

MRS. REYNOLDS
That's where Mrs. Darcy used to write her letters every morning. It was her favourite room.

They come into the music room.

MRS. REYNOLDS
This is the music room ...

ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS can't help but be impressed by its grandeur.

MRS. GARDINER
Charming.

GARDINER
What a lovely room this is.

MRS. REYNOLDS
... and there's a fine prospect from that window down towards the lake ...

ELIZABETH moves to the window and looks out.

MRS. GARDINER
Look at this my dear.

[Page] 4/86

GARDINER
It's quite magnificent.

ELIZABETH [[softly, to herself]]
Of all this I might have been mistress.

MRS. REYNOLDS [[indicating a piano]]
This piano has just come down. It's a present from my master for Miss Georgina.

GARDINER
Your master is from home, we understand.

MRS. REYNOLDS
Yes, but we expect him here tomorrow, Sir.

Elizabeth's heart goes thump.

MRS. REYNOLDS
He is coming with a large party of friends and Miss Georgina.

MRS. GARDINER passes into the hall.

MRS. REYNOLDS leads the others to a portrait of Georgina on the wall.

MRS. REYNOLDS
This portrait was painted earlier this year - for her sixteenth birthday.

GARDINER
She is a very handsome young lady.

MRS. REYNOLDS
Oh yes - the handsomest young lady that ever was seen. And so accomplished - she plays and sings all day long.

[Page] 4/87

MRS. GARDINER [[from the hall]]
Lizzy! Look at this picture! It reminds me very much of someone we know!

ELIZABETH, MR. GARDINER and MRS. REYNOLDS come into the hall and join MRS. GARDINER, who is examining a group of miniatures in a display case.

MRS. REYNOLDS
This one, Ma'am? That young gentleman was the son of the late Mr. Darcy's steward, Mr. Wickham. He is gone into the army now - but he has turned out very wild. Very wild indeed, I'm afraid.

MRS. GARDINER [who hasn't heard the truth about Wickham] smiles at ELIZABETH, who can't find it in herself to smile back.

MRS. REYNOLDS with obvious affection:

MRS. REYNOLDS
And that's my master, and very like him too.

MRS. GARDINER
It's a handsome face - but I have never seen the original. Is it like him, Lizzy?

MRS. REYNOLDS
Oh, does this young lady know the master?

ELIZABETH
Yes. A little.

MRS. REYNOLDS
And he is a handsome gentleman, is he not, Ma'am?

ELIZABETH
Yes, very handsome.

[Page] 4/88

MRS. REYNOLDS
I'm sure I know none so handsome. Or so kind.

GARDINER
Indeed.

MRS. REYNOLDS
Aye, Sir, I've never had a cross word from him in my life, and I've known him since he was four years old - but then I've always observed that they that are good-natured when they are children, are good-natured when the grow up.

MRS. GARDINER
His father was an excellent man.

MRS. REYNOLDS
He was, Ma'am, and his son will be just like him - the best landlord, and the best master - ask any of his tenants or his servants. Some people call him proud, but I fancy that's only because he don't rattle away like other young men do. Now if you'll follow me, there's a finer, larger portrait of him in the gallery upstairs ...

MRS. REYNOLDS leads them up the staircase.

MRS. REYNOLDS
This way, Sir, if you please.

MR. GARDINER follows MRS. REYNOLDS up, leaving MRS. GARDINER a moment to speak quietly to ELIZABETH.

MRS. GARDINER
This fine account of Darcy is not quite consistent with his behaviour to poor Wickham.

[Page] 4/89

ELIZABETH
Perhaps we might have been deceived there.

MRS. GARDINER
That's not likely, is it?

Music-4M14

03'05"

They follow the others up the stairs.

[Page] 4/90

Music-4M14

4/64. EXT. GROUNDS OF PEMBERLEY. JULY. DAY 49. [12.05]

DARCY rides towards Pemberley. He sees the house.

[Page] 4/91

Music-4M14

4/65. EXT. PEMBERLEY. LAKE. JULY. DAY 49. [12.23]

DARCY slows up, and rides his horse down to the lake. He dismounts.

[Page] 4/92

Music-4M14

4/66. INT. PEMBERLEY. GALLERY. JULY. DAY 49. [11.58]

MRS. REYNOLDS leads the GARDINER PARTY into the gallery. And there is the picture. And he has a slight smile on his face. He looks like the sweet-natured man Mrs. Reynolds described. And ELIZABETH looks at it.

GARDINER
Ah. Magnificent!

MRS. REYNOLDS
There!

[Page] 4/93

Music-4M14

4/7. EXT. PEMBERLEY. LAKE. JULY. DAY 49. [12.28]

DARCY arrives by the lakeside. He takes his jacket off, sits down and removes his cravat and waistcoat

CUT TO:

INT. PEMBERLEY. GALLERY. ELIZABETH still gazing at the portrait.

[Page] 4/94

Music-4M14

4/68. EXT. PEMBERLEY. LAKE. JULY. DAY 49. [12.28]

DARCY stands, then he dives into the lake. He swims underwater.

[Page] 4/95

Music-4M14

4/69. EXT. PEMBERLEY. GARDENS. JULY. DAY 49. [12.42]

ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS walking in the gardens.

[Page] 4/96

Music-4M14

4/70. EXT. PEMBERLEY. LAKE. JULY. DAY 49. [12.47]

LONG SHOT of DARCY starting to walk to the house.

GROOM
Would you not like to ride him sir?

DARCY
No ... No ... No ... Take him back to the stables.

The GROOM leads the horse away - DARCY continues to stride towards the house.

[Page] 4/97

Music-4M14

4/71. EXT. PEMBERLEY. GARDENS. JULY. DAY 49. [12.50]

ELIZABETH walking. She has got ahead of the GARDINERS.

[Page] 4/98

Music-4M14

4/72. EXT. PEMBERLEY. GARDENS. JULY. DAY 49. [12.53]

DARCY, hair dripping wet, wearing shirt, trousers and

boots, but carrying his jacket, hat and tie, takes a short cut

to the house.

[Page] 4/99

Music-4M14

4/73. EXT. PEMBERLEY. GARDENS. JULY. DAY 49. [12.55]

ELIZABETH comes round a corner and comes face to face with DARCY.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy.

DARCY
Miss Bennet.

They stare at each other in total bewilderment and panic.

[Page] 4/100

4/74. EXT. PEMBERLEY. GARDENS. JULY. DAY 49. [12.58]

ELIZABETH and DARCY stand about five yards away from each other staring in dismay and bewilderment. DARCY, with dripping wet hair, holding his jacket and hat.

DARCY
I ...

ELIZABETH
I did not expect to see you sir. We understood that all the family were from home, or we should never have presumed ...

DARCY
I returned a day early ... Excuse me ... your parents are in good health?

His manner is very abrupt and distracted.

ELIZABETH
Yes, they are very well, I thank you, sir.

DARCY
- I am glad to hear it ... How long have you been in this part of the country?

ELIZABETH
But two days, sir.

DARCY
And where are you staying?

[Page] 4/101

ELIZABETH
At the inn at Lambton.

DARCY
Yes. Of course. I'm just arrived myself. And your parents are in good health? And all your sisters?

ELIZABETH [smiling]
Yes, they are all in excellent health, Sir.

DARCY
Excuse me.

In grave confusion, he hurries off. The GARDINERS now approach - they have kept a discreet distance.

GARDINER
The man himself, I presume!

MRS. GARDINER
And just as handsome as in his portrait - though perhaps a little less formally attired.

ELIZABETH
We must leave here at once.

MRS. GARDINER
Why, of course, if you wish.

ELIZABETH is already on her way.

ELIZABETH
Oh, how I wish we had never come! What must he think of me?

MRS. GARDINER
Was he displeased? What did he say?

[Page] 4/102

ELIZABETH striding out, they are hurrying in her wake.

ELIZABETH
Oh - nothing of consequence. He enquired after my parents and ...

[Page] 4/103

4/75. EXT. PEMBERLEY. ITALIAN COURTYARD. JULY. DAY 49. [13.06]

DARCY comes out of the house and runs through the courtyard, pulling on a coat.

[Page] 4/104

4/76. EXT. PEMBERLEY. JULY. DAY 49. [13. 15]

As ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS near the front of the house, close to the carriage, DARCY steps out of the front arch looking his usual elegant self.

ELIZABETH is well ahead of the GARDINERS, who stop at a little distance.

DARCY
Miss Bennet. Please allow me to apologise for not receiving you properly just now. You were not leaving?

ELIZABETH
We were, Sir - I think we must.

DARCY
I hope you are not displeased with Pemberley?

ELIZABETH
No, not at all.

DARCY
Then you approve of it?

ELIZABETH
Very much; but I think there are few who would not approve.

DARCY
But your good opinion is rarely bestowed, and therefore more worth the earning.

[Page] 4/105

ELIZABETH looks at DARCY to see if he's being sarcastic, but his expression is earnest, and she feels a bit confused.

ELIZABETH
Thank you.

DARCY
Would you do me the honour of introducing me to your friends?

ELIZABETH [taken aback]
Certainly. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Gardiner is my aunt. Mr. Darcy; my sister Jane stayed at their house in Cheapside when she was lately in London.

DARCY
I'm delighted to make your acquaintance, Madam. Delighted, Sir. You are staying at Lambton, I hear?

MRS. GARDINER
Yes, Sir; I grew up there as a girl.

DARCY
A delightful village. I remember running from Pemberley to Lambton as a boy almost every day in the horse-chestnut season - there was one very fine tree there, I remember ...

MRS. GARDINER
On the green, by the smithy!

DARCY
The very one!

DARCY
Mr. Gardiner ... do you care for fishing?

[Page] 4/106

GARDINER
Indeed I do, Sir, when I get the chance of it.

DARCY
Then if you have the time, Sir, you must come and fish my trout stream - or there are carp, tench and pike in the lake here if your bent runs to coarse fishing - I shall be happy to provide you with rods and tackle, show you the best spots. Let us walk down now -

DARCY [to the COACHMAN]
Follow us to the lake - my man will show you.

DARCY [to MR. GARDINER]
-there's a place down there where we used to tickle them out from under the bank ...

DARCY and GARDINER exit.

GARDINER [[O.O.V.]]
Ah, that was one trick I never got the hang of, Sir ...

MRS. GARDINER [to ELIZABETH]
Is this the proud Darcy you told us of? He is all ease and friendliness - no false dignity at all.

ELIZABETH
I'm as astonished as you are. I can't imagine what has effected this transformation.

MRS. GARDINER
Can you not?

[Page] 4/107

Music-4M15

02'10"

MRS. GARDINER and ELIZABETH follow in the wake of DARCY and MR. GARDINER.

MRS. GARDINER joins MR. GARDINER. DARCY turns and joins ELIZABETH.

DARCY
Miss Bennet?

They walk on for a few steps. Then start to speak simultaneously.

DARCY
Er, do you ...

ELIZABETH
I ...

DARCY
Pray continue.

ELIZABETH
I was going to say again, Sir, how very unexpected your arrival was - if we had known you were to be here we should not have dreamt of invading your privacy - the housekeeper assured us that you would not be here until tomorrow.

DARCY
I beg you, do not make yourself uneasy. I had planned it so myself - but I found I had business with my steward - and so rode on ahead of the rest of the party, without informing anyone. They will join me tomorrow - and among them are those who claim my acquaintance with you - Mr. Bingley and his sisters.

[Page] 4/108

ELIZABETH
Oh?

DARCY
Music-4M15
- And there is the other person in the party who more particularly wishes to know you. Will you allow me - do I ask too much - to introduce my sister to you, during your stay at Lambton?

ELIZABETH
I should be very happy to make her acquaintance.

DARCY
Thank you.

LONG SHOT of them walking, ahead of MR. and MRS. GARDINER.

[NO PAGE 109]

[Page] 4/110

Music 4M15

4/77. EXT. PEMBERLEY GROUNDS. JULY. DAY 49. [13.40]

In the grounds. MR. and MRS. GARDINER already in the hired open carriage, as DARCY hands ELIZABETH in.

ELIZABETH
Thank you.

DARCY
I hope we shall all meet again very soon. Good day, Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Gardiner. Good day, Miss Bennet.

The carriage draws away.

ELIZABETH turns back once, briefly. He is still looking right at her.

FREEZE FRAME

X-FADE

Closing Titles

MUSIC

Dur: 00'56"

X-FADE

S/I CLOSING CAPTIONS

Roller

[Page] 4/111

In Order of Appearance

MR. DARCY--COLIN FIRTH

ELIZABETH BENNET--JENNIFER EHLE

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH--BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

COLONEL FITZWILLIAM--ANTHONY CALF

WICKHAM--ADRIAN LUCAS

GEORGIANA DARCY--EMILIA FOX

CHARLOTTE LUCAS--LUCY SCOTT

MR. COLLINS--DAVID BAMBER

MISS ANNE DE BOURGH--NADIA CHAMBERS

MR. BINGLEY--CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

JANE BENNET--SUSANNAH HARKER

MARIA LUCAS--LUCY DAVIS

MARY BENNET--LUCY BRIERS

MR. BENNET--BENJAMIN WHITROW

MRS. BENNET--ALISON STEADMAN

LYDIA BENNET--JULIA SAWALHA

LT. DENNY--DAVID BARK-JONES

MISS BINGLEY--ANNA CHANCELLOR

MRS. HURST--LUCY ROBINSON

KITTY BENNET--POLLY MABERLY

WAITER--LEE WALTERS

COL. FORSTER--PAUL MORIARTY

MRS. FORSTER--VICTORIA HAMILTON

MRS. GARDINER--JOANNA DAVID

MR. GARDINER--TIM WYLTON

GARDINER CHILDREN:--NATASHA ISAACS

--MARIE-LOUISE FLAMANK

--JULIAN ERLEIGH

--JACOB CASSELDEN

FENCING MASTER--PETER NEEDHAM

HANNAH--SARAH LEGG

MRS. REYONLDS--BRIDGET TURNER

Fortepiano played by MELVYN TAN

FADE FREEZE FRAME

Developed for Television in Association with--CHESTERMEAD LTD.

Casting--FOTHERGILL and LUNN

Fencing Arranger--JOHN WALLER

First Assistant Directors--PIP SHORT

--AMANDA NEAL

[Page] 4/112

CAPTIONS [cont]

CLOSING MUSIC

Production Manager--PAUL BRODRICK

Location Manager--SAM BRECKMAN

Continuity--SUE CLEGG

Production Co-ordinator--JANET RADENKOVIC

Second Assistant Director--MELANIE PANARIO

Third Assistant Directors--SARAH WHITE

--ANNE MARIE CRAWFORD

Art Directors--MARK KEBBY

--JOHN COLLINS

Properties--SARA RICHARDSON

Lighting Gaffer--LIAM McGILL

Sound Recordist--BRIAN MARSHALL

Camera Operator--ROGER PEARCE

Dubbing Editors--MIKE FEINBERG

--JOHN DOWNER

Dubbing Mixer--RUPERT SCRIVENER

Make-Up & Hair Designer--CAROLINE NOBLE

Costume Designer--DINAH COLLIN

Associate Producer--JULIE SCOTT

[Post Production]--FIONA McTAVISH

Script Editor--SUSIE CONKLIN

Film Editor--PETER COULSON

Production Designer--GERRY SCOTT

Photography--JOHN KENWAY

Executive Producer--MICHAEL WEARING

End of Roller

1. Produced by

SUE BIRTWISTLE

2. A BBC/A & E NETWORK Co-Production

c.BBC mcmxcv

FADE

50/LDL S065S

TRANSMISSION SCRIPT

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE FIVE

DURATION: 48'42" (ENTERPRISES)

50'50" (UK VERSION WITH RECAPS)

PRODUCER: Sue Birtwistle. Rm DG03. Centre House. Ext. 61080

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE FIVE

RECAP OF EPISODE 4:

Music

Dur: 02'08"

DARCY exits from Rosings.

ELIZABETH paces up and down, remembering Darcy's words on her return from Rosings.

DARCY [(face superimposed on carriage window)]
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

ELIZABETH in carriage travelling back to Longbourn.

MUSIC

ELIZABETH and JANE in Jane's bedroom.

JANE:
Mr. Darcy! I can scarce believe it. Not that anyone's admiring you should be astonishing. But he always seemed so severe. So cold apparently, and yet he was in love with you all the time.

Exterior Longbourn. LYDIA and KITTY rush from the house.

LYDIA:
Mama, Lizzie! Guess what! You never will, so I'll tell you. Mrs. Forster has invited me as her particular friend to go with her to Brighton!

The GARDINER carriage arrives. JANE and ELIZABETH greet them.

MRS. GARDINER [(to Elizabeth)]
We bear you bad tidings - not too grievous though I hope.

WS GARDINER carriage travelling through Peak District.

MR. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
My business won't allow me time away to visit all the Lake Country. We shall have to content ourselves with Derbyshire.

Music

Interior Inn at Lambton. ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS.

ELIZABETH
I think I shall be quite happy to stay my whole life in Derbyshire.

MRS. GARDINER
I'm happy to hear it. Now what do you say to visiting Pemberley tomorrow?

Very WS the GARDINER carriage travels towards Pemberley.

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
Shall we reach the house itself before dark do you think?

MRS. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
Be patient. Wait.

Exterior Pemberley.

MRS. GARDINER (cont.)
How do you like the house Lizzie?

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
Very well.

Music

After his swim in the lake DARCY marches towards the house.

ELIZABETH] [[V.O.]]
I don't think I've ever see a place so happily situated.

ELIZABETH walking through the grounds at Pemberley.

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
I like it very well indeed.

She suddenly sees DARCY.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy!

MR.DARCY
Miss Bennet.

ELIZABETH and MRS. GARDINER walk together.

MRS. GARDINER
Is this the proud Darcy you told us of? He's all ease and friendliness, no false dignity at all.

ELIZABETH
I'm as astonished as you are, I can't imagine what has affected this transformation.

MRS. GARDINER
Can you not?

MUSIC

ELIZABETH and DARCY walk together in the grounds of Pemberley, followed by the GARDINERS.

DARCY
Would you allow me to ..... Do I ask too much to introduce my sister to you during your stay at Lambton?

ELIZABETH
I should be very happy to make her acquaintance.

DARCY
Thank you.

FADE TO BLACK

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE FIVE

FADE UP

Music-1M1

Opening titles

Dur: 00'45"

OPENING TITLES

S/I CAPTIONS:

1. COLIN FIRTH JENNIFER EHLE

2. DAVID BAMBER

CRISPIN BONHAM CARTER

ANNA CHANCELLOR

SUSANNAH HARKER

BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

3. ADRIAN LUKIS

JULIA SAWALHA

ALISON STEADMAN

BENJAMIN WHITROW

CAPTIONS - cont.

Music-1M1

4. in

Jane Austen's

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

5. Screenplay by

ANDREW DAVIES

6. Music by

CARL DAVIS

7. Directed by

SIMON LANGTON

FADE TO BLACK

X-FADE

Music-5M2

00'24"

5/1. EXT. DERBYSHIRE PEAKS.

WIDE SHOT rocky formation, where ELIZABETH had previously climbed.

MIX WIDE SHOT countryside and rolling hills.

[Page] 5/2

Music-5M2

5/2. EXT. LAMBTON IN. DAY 50. [14.20].

ELIZABETH returning from shopping in the village. HANNAH leans out of one of the windows in quite a little tizz.

HANNAH
If you please ma'am, there's two gentlemen and a lady waiting upon you in Parlour - one of the gentlemen is Mr. Darcy!

ELIZABETH is taken aback. She didn't expect he would call so soon.

ELIZABETH
Thank you - tell them I shall come directly.

ELIZABETH enters the Inn.

[Page] 5/3

5/3. INT. LAMBTON INN. PRIVATE PARLOUR. JULY. DAY 50. [14.23].

DARCY rises to his feet as ELIZABETH comes in, and we get her blurred impression of GEORGIANA in the background.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy. I hope that you have not been waiting long.

DARCY
Not at all. May I introduce my sister Georgiana? Georgiana - this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

GEORGIANA is very shy and seems rather dazzled.

GEORGIANA
How do you do?

ELIZABETH
I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Darcy - I have heard so much about you.

GEORGIANA
And I about you.

That seems all she can manage at the moment.

DARCY
Mr. Bingley is here with us, and very desirous to see you as well - he insisted on accompanying us - may I summon him?

[Page] 5/4

ELIZABETH
Of course. I should like to see him very much.

DARCY goes.

ELIZABETH
I understand that you are found of music and play very well.

GEORGIANA Oh no - not play very well, I mean, but I am very fond of music. I should dearly love to hear you play and sing - my brother has told me he has rarely heard anything that gave him more pleasure.

ELIZABETH
Well, you shall - but I warn you, your brother has grossly exaggerated my talents, no doubt for some mischievous reason of his own.

GEORGIANA seems quite shocked by this.

GEORGIANA
Oh no! That could not be so. My brother never exaggerates - he always tells the absolute truth ... except that sometimes I think he is a little too kind to me.

ELIZABETH
An ideal elder brother, then.

She speaks with a touch of scepticism - she knows Darcy to be a bit of an intolerant perfectionist. But GEORGIANA takes it straight.

GEORGIANA
Oh, yes! I could not imagine a better or a kinder one!

[Page] 5/5

ELIZABETH
You make me feel quite envious. I have no brothers at all - only four sisters.

GEORGIANA
I should have liked to have a sister.

One a bit like Elizabeth, perhaps. They are getting on frightfully well. DARCY and BINGLEY come back. BINGLEY comes forward eagerly, very much his old self.

BINGLEY
Miss Bennet! I can't tell you how delighted I was when Darcy told me you were not five miles from Pemberley! How do you do? But I can see that you are well!

ELIZABETH
Very well indeed, thank you.

BINGLEY
Good, good, excellent! And your family?

ELIZABETH
Very well, sir.

BINGLEY
Yes?

It's something about that steady glance of hers - anyway he slows down a bit now.

BINGLEY
Pray tell me - are all your sisters still at Longbourn?

ELIZABETH
All except one. My youngest sister is at Brighton.

[Page] 5/6

BINGLEY
Ah.

GEORGIANA moves across to talk to DARCY.

BINGLEY
It seems too long - it's too long, since I had the pleasure of speaking to you.

ELIZABETH
It must be several months.

BINGLEY
It is above eight months at least. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were dancing together at Netherfield.

ELIZABETH
I think you must be right.

BINGLEY
Do you know, I don't think I can remember a happier time than those short months I spent in Hertfordshire.

DARCY
Miss Bennet, my sister has a request to make of you.

GEORGIANA
Miss Bennet, my brother and I would be honoured if you and your aunt and uncle would be our guests at Pemberley for dinner - would tomorrow evening be convenient?

ELIZABETH
Thank you, we shall be delighted - I can answer for Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner - we have no fixed engagements.

[Page] 5/7

GEORGIANA
And shall we hear you play?

ELIZABETH
If you insist upon it - yes, you shall.

[Page] 5/8

Music

"Voi, Che Sapete from The Marriage of Figaro"

00'40"

5/4. INT. PEMBERLEY. MUSIC ROOM. DAY 51. JULY. [19.50]. EVENING.

ELIZABETH is singing and playing the new piano with GEORGIANA turning the pages. There is enough time as she is singing for us to take in the room: DARCY at some distance with MR. GARDINER and HURST, who is supping the stuff at a brisk rate of knots. BINGLEY nearer the piano, being attentive to MRS. GARDINER. MRS. HURST looking snooty, and MISS BINGLEY looking daggers. She comes to the end of the piece, and there is applause - BINGLEY's most effusive, DARCY's most meaning - you may imagine the degrees of enthusiasm of the rest. ELIZABETH gets up.

BINGLEY [background]
Absolutely marvellous.

GEORGIANA
Will you not play again? You played that song so beautifully.

ELIZABETH
Not very beautifully, and not faithfully at all - you must have seen how I fudged and slurred my way through the difficult passages - it is a beautiful instrument, though.

GEORGIANA My brother gave it to me this week - he is so good - I don't deserve it.

ELIZABETH
I am sure you do. Your brother thinks you do, and as you know, he is never wrong.

[Page] 5/9

DARCY looks across the room to ELIZABETH and GEORGIANA, smiling together, about him, at him.

BINGLEY [[background]]
... indeed I can't say, but all the same I'm sure.

ELIZABETH
Now it is your turn. No, I absolutely insist.

GEORGIANA
In front of all these people? I will play, but please don't make me sing.

ELIZABETH
If you like.

Andante Favore - Beethoven

00'30"

And GEORGIANA starts to play. ELIZABETH moves away, within conversation reach of the waspish MISS BINGLEY.

MISS BINGLEY
Pray, Miss Eliza, are the Militia still quartered at Meryton?

ELIZABETH
No, they are encamped at Brighton for the summer.

MISS BINGLEY
That must be a great loss for your family.

ELIZABETH
We are enduring it as best we can, Miss Bingley.

[Page] 5/10

MISS BINGLEY
I should have thought one gentleman's absence might have caused particular pangs.

ELIZABETH
I can't imagine who you mean.

MISS BINGLEY
I understood that certain ladies found the society of Mr. Wickham curiously agreeable.

GEORGIANA plays a wrong note. MISS BINGLEY has been trying to needle ELIZABETH.

DARCY's face, furious, concerned for GEORGIANA.

ELIZABETH [[going to GEORGIANA]]
I'm so sorry, I'm neglecting you - how can you play with no one to turn the pages. There, allow me ...

Music

Andante Favore - Beethoven

00'28"

DARCY's grateful look. GEORGIANA plays on.

Music-5M8

00'40"

DARCY and ELIZABETH's eyes meet across the room.

[Page] 5/11

Music-5M8

5/5. EXT. PEMBERLEY. JULY. DAY 51. [20.20]. DUSK.

Light pouring out from the front entrance, as the GARDINER's carriage sets off, with ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS in it. DARCY and GEORGIANA arm in arm on the steps. BINGLEY there too. No one else has come out to see them off. General goodbyes ...

The carriage rattles off.

BINGLEY and GEORGIANA turn and re-enter the house. DARCY watches the carriage disappear.

[Page] 5/12

Music-5M8

5/6. INT. PEMBERLEY. MUSIC ROOM. NIGHT 51. [22.18].

MISS BINGLEY, MRS. HURST, HURST [sleeping on the sofa].

DARCY and BINGLEY re-enter the music room.

MISS BINGLEY
How very ill Eliza Bennet looked this evening! I've never in my life seen anyone so much altered as she is since the winter!

MRS.HURST
Quite so my dear.

MISS BINGLEY
She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and I were agreeing that we should hardly know her! What do you say, Mr. Darcy!

DARCY pours himself a drink.

DARCY
I noticed no great difference - she is I suppose a little tanned. Hardly surprising when one travels in the summer.

MISS BINGLEY
For my part, I must confess that I never saw any beauty in her face. Her features are not at all handsome. Her complexion has no brilliancy. Oh her teeth are tolerable, I suppose ... but nothing out of the common way ... and as for her eyes, which I have sometimes heard called fine, I could never perceive anything extraordinary in them. [cont ...]

[Page] 5/13

MISS BINGLEY [cont]
And in her air altogether there is a self-sufficiency without fashion, which I find intolerable.

MISS BINGLEY is getting no response with any of this, except that it is making her brother uneasy. DARCY appears totally uninterested in her opinions. Poor MISS BINGLEY can't help herself.

BINGLEY tries to change the subject.

BINGLEY
I think ... um ... um ...
But it's no good.

MISS BINGLEY
I remember when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed we all were to find her a reputed beauty, I particularly recall you, Mr. Darcy, one night after they had been dining at Netherfield, saying: "She a beauty! I should as soon call her mother a wit!"

MISS BINGLEY essays a tinkling laugh, and continues to try to maintain an amused tone with:

MISS BINGLEY
But afterwards she seemed to improve on you - I even believe you thought her rather pretty at one time!

DARCY gives her his full attention at last.

DARCY
Yes, I did; but that was only when I first knew her, for it has been many months now since I have considered her one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.

[Page] 5/14

DARCY says that with some force, rather surprising himself.

MISS BINGLEY is stunned into silence.

[Page] 5/15

Music-5M5

01'26"

5/7. INT. PEMBERLEY. GALLERY. JULY. NIGHT 51. [22.53].

DARCY striding through his great house again.

[Page] 5/16

Music-5M5

5/8. INT. PEMBERLEY. MUSIC ROOM. JULY. NIGHT 51. [22.58].

The room dark now.

DARCY looks at the piano and "sees", ELIZABETH bending to turn a page for GEORGIANA.

He is lost in thought.

[Page] 5/17

Music-5M5

5/9. EXT. PEMBERLEY. JULY. DAY 52. [10.20].

The great house shining in the morning sunshine.

[Page] 5/18

Music-5M5

5/10. INT. PEMBERLEY. DARCY'S DRESSING ROOM. JULY. DAY 52. [10.23].

DARCY standing before a full length cheval-glass, adjusting his stock, while his valet waits with a selection of three coats, offering a blue one.

DARCY
No, no, no, the green one. Yes. That will do. Good. No, never mind that.

[Page] 5/19

Music-5M5

5/11. EXT. PEMBERLEY. JULY. DAY 52. [10.45].

DARCY rides out, on his magnificent gleaming spick-and-span horse, a man on a mission.

[Page] 5/20

5/12. INT. LAMBTON INN. PRIVATE PARLOUR. DAY 52. [10.48]

ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS are just preparing to go out as the maid knocks and enters.

HANNAH
If you please ma'am, the post's just come.

ELIZABETH
Thank you, Hannah.

She smiles at HANNAH who bobs a curtsey and runs out.

As ELIZABETH is looking at her letters:

GARDINER
A good girl, that - very obliging.

ELIZABETH
Two letters from Jane! At last! I had been wondering why we hadn't - oh, this one was misdirected at first - no wonder, for she wrote the direction very ill indeed! ... would you be very angry if I begged you to postpone our outing?

MRS. GARDINER
Not at all - of course you want to read your letters. Your uncle and I will walk to the church and call back for you in an hour.

ELIZABETH
Thank you - you are very kind!

The GARDINERS leave the parlour.

[Page] 5/21

ELIZABETH sits down by a table and opens the first of the letters, smiling already in anticipation.

JANE [[V.O.]]
My dearest Lizzy, I hope your journey has been as delightful as you anticipated - we all miss you, our father most of all I believe - I confess I have hardly had time to write - my little nephews and neices have commandeered almost every moment - but they are such dear children! Our mother ... Indeed finds their exuberance a a little trying for her nerves.

ELIZABETH
Oh ... Mamma.

JANE [[V.O.]]
... She spends much of the day above stairs in her room, or with Mrs. Phillips.

ELIZABETH, turns another page - and suddenly is plunged into disaster.

Music-5M6

02'53"

JANE [[V.O. - different tone]]
Oh, dearest Lizzy, since writing the above something has occurred of a most un expected and serious nature - but I am afraid of alarming you - be assured we are all well. What I have to say relates to poor Lydia.

ELIZABETH
Lydia!

MIX

[Page] 5/22

Music-5M6

5/13. EXT. LONGBOURN. JULY. NIGHT 52/53. [00.03]

The house is dark. A man, holding his horse, hammering on the door.

JANE [[V.O.]]
An express came at twelve last night, just as we were all gone to bed.

[Page] 5/23

Music 5M6

5/14. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. JULY. NIGHT 52/53. [00.06]

The lights go on in the house.

MRS. BENNET [[O.O.V.]]
Oh, Mr. Bennet, what is it? Are we to be murdered in our beds?

The door opens, and the man hands a letter to MR. BENNET.

JANE [[V.O.]]
The letter was from Colonel Forster -

Whole family are now assembled in their night attire ... MR. BENNET has the letter in his trembling hands.

JANE [[V.O.]]
-to inform us that Lydia was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers - to own the truth, with Wickham!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Oh, Lydia! Oh, Mr. Bennet, we are all ruined!

She collapses in sobs and JANE and MARY attend her.

JANE [[V.O.]]
You will imagine our surprise and shock - to Kitty, however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected.

KITTY does indeed look rather shifty.

[Page] 5/24

KITTY's father looks at her over the letter. MRS. BENNET continues to sob.

MIX

[Page] 5/25

Music-5M6

5/15. INT. LAMBTON INN. PRIVATE PARLOUR. JULY. DAY 52. [11 .05]

ELIZABETH reading the letter.

JANE [[V.O.]]
I am very, very sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides! But I am willing to hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood.

ELIZABETH
I wish I could believe it.

JANE [[V.O.]]
His choice is disinterested at least - he must know that our father can give him nothing.

ELIZABETH
Yes, that is true. But how could he do this? She is silly enough for anything. But - Wickham love Lydia? Marry Lydia?

MIX

Flashback to WICKHAM's smiling face again, at Longbourn.

WICKHAM
There is one lady I shall be very loath to part from.

WICKHAM turns, as does LYDIA. LYDIA looks at him.

MIX

ELIZABETH turns to the letter again.

[Page] 5/26

Music-5M6

JANE [[V.O.]]
We expect them soon, returned from Gretna, man and wife - but I must conclude, I cannot be away from our poor mother long - I shall write again as soon as I have news-

But ELIZABETH is already feverishly tearing open the second letter.

JANE [[V.O.]]
My dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what to write but I have bad news - imprudent as a marriage would be, we now fear worse - that it has not taken place, that Wickham never intended to marry Lydia at all!

ELIZABETH [[on an intake]]
Great God! I knew it!

As JANE's voice over goes on, ELIZABETH starts to cry - trying not to, not utterly giving way to sobs, but unable to suppress them.

JANE [[V.O.]]
I cannot think so ill of him.

ELIZABETH
I can - poor Lydia, poor stupid girl -

JANE [[V.O.]]
Colonel Forster said he feared that Wickham was not a man to be trusted -

Hear DARCY's voice over interrupt JANE's:

DARCY [[V.O.]]
She was then but fifteen years old.

[Page] 5/27

Music-5M6

JANE [[V.O.]]
They were traced as far as Clapham, and to London our father has gone with Colonel Forster to try to discover them - dearest Lizzy I cannot help but beg you all to come here as soon as possible!

ELIZABETH
Oh yes, where is my uncle?

She jumps up and goes to the door, but just as she reaches it, it is opened by HANNAH:

HANNAH
If you please ma'am.

And here is DARCY.

DARCY
Miss Bennet - I hope this ...

ELIZABETH [[very agitated]]
I beg your pardon - I must find Mr. Gardiner this moment - on business that cannot be delayed - I have not an instant to lose!

DARCY
Good God! What is the matter?

She starts to cry again.

DARCY
Of course I will not detain you for a moment, but let me go, or let the servant go and fetch Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. You are not well - you cannot go yourself.

ELIZABETH
No, I must...

[Page] 5/28

DARCY
Come. I insist. This will be for the best. Hello there!

HANNAH comes back.

DARCY
Would you have Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner fetched here at once? They are walked in the direction of ...

ELIZABETH
The church.

DARCY
... the church.

HANNAH
Yes, sir, at once.

DARCY
You are not well. May I not call a doctor?

ELIZABETH
No, I am well, I am well.

DARCY
Is there nothing you can take, for your present relief? A glass of wine? Can I get you one? Truly, you look very ill.

ELIZABETH
No, I thank you ... there is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn. [cont ...]

ELIZABETH is sobbing before she can get to the end of the sentence. It pains DARCY to see her in distress.

[Page] 5/29

ELIZABETH regaining a measure of control.

ELIZABETH [cont]
I am sorry. Forgive me.

DARCY
No, no.

ELIZABETH
I have just received a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be concealed from anyone. My youngest sister has left all her friends - has eloped has thrown herself into the power of - Mr. Wickham.
They have run away together from Brighton. You know him too well to doubt the rest. She has no money, no connections - nothing that can tempt him. When I think that I might have prevented it! I, who knew what he was! Had his character been known, this could not have happened. But it is all too late now!

DARCY
I am grieved, indeed - grieved, shocked. But is it certain? Absolutely certain.

ELIZABETH
Oh yes! They left Brighton together on Sunday night. They were traced as far as London, but not beyond - they are certainly not gone to Scotland.

DARCY
And what has been done - what has been attempted to recover her?

ELIZABETH
My father has gone to London, and Jane writes to beg my Uncle's immediate assistance. [cont ...]

[Page] 5/30

ELIZABETH [cont]
I hope that we shall leave within half an hour - but what can be done - I know very well that nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. She is lost for ever - and our whole family must partake of her ruin and disgrace.

DARCY has gone rather into himself, following his own thoughts. He is not really listening to her. He is blaming himself, though she doesn't know that; he is furious with himself, and his mind is furiously racing, trying to think of what practical steps he can take to sort the situation out. She is sure she has lost him for ever.

Music-5M7

01'04"

DARCY
I am afraid you have long been desiring my absence. [[hesitates]]
This unfortunate affair will I fear prevent my sister's having the pleasure of seeing you at Pemberley today.

The social ostracism has started already, thinks ELIZABETH. But she manages to reply:

ELIZABETH
Oh, yes. Be so kind as to apologise for us to Miss Darcy. Say that urgent business calls us home immediately. And if you would be so kind as to conceal the unhappy truth as long as possible. I know that it cannot be long.

DARCY
You may be assured of my secrecy. But I have stayed too long. I shall leave you now.

[Page] 5/31

Music-5M7

ELIZABETH
Yes. Thank you. Goodbye.

DARCY gives her one serious parting look, before he goes away.

ELIZABETH
I shall never see him again.

[Page] 5/32

Music-5M7

5/16. EXT. LAMBTON COACHING YARD. JULY. DAY 52. [12.35]

ELIZABETH and the GARDINERS. Grim faces.

The signs of a hasty departure much in evidence - servants scurry around loading the GARDINER luggage.

MRS. GARDINER
Even if what you say of Wickham is true, I still cannot believe this of Lydia.

ELIZABETH
Ever since the militia were quartered at Meryton, there's been nothing but love, flirtation and officers in her head.

MRS. GARDINER
We must not assume the worst - it may yet be that this is all a misunderstanding - or just a passing folly that her friends can hush up and will in time be quite forgotten.

ELIZABETH can't feel reassured by this.

MRS. GARDINER
It is possible, Lizzy.

GARDINER
Indeed it is. Why would any young man form a design against a girl who is by no means unprotected or friendless, and who was actually staying in the Colonel's family? Look at it in any way you like, the temptation is not worth the risk.

[Page] 5/33

By now, the COACHMAN has opened the Gardiner carriage door and MRS. GARDINER begins to get into the carriage.

ELIZABETH
Not perhaps of risking his own interest. But I do believe him capable of risking everything else!

[Page] 5/34

Music

Mozart

00'15"

5/17. INT. PEMBERLEY. MUSIC ROOM. JULY. NIGHT 52. [22.00]

The house party assembled. GEORGIANA playing. DARCY brooding. The piece comes to an end.

MISS BINGLEY
You are very quiet this evening, Mr. Darcy. I sincerely hope you are not pining for the loss of Miss Eliza Bennet!

He comes out of his brood rather fiercely.

DARCY
What?
[[pause]]
Excuse me.

And he goes out of the room. Everyone is a bit raised eyebrows at that, except HURST, who is asleep as usual.

[Page] 5/35

Music-5M9

00'32"

5/18. EXT. LONGBOURN. JULY. DAY 53. [12.40]

THE GARDINER CHILDREN play on the lawns as the Gardiner carriage, containing ELIZABETH and MR. and MRS. GARDINER approaches the house.

The GARDINER CHILDREN rush to meet the carriage.

GARDINER CHILDREN
There she is ... Mama ... Mama ... Did you bring us anything?

ELIZABETH gets out of the carriage, followed by MRS. GARDINER. ELIZABETH greets the children, then hurriedly enters the house.

MR. GARDINER brings up the rear. He calls.

GARDINER
Robert!

[Page] 5/36

Music-5M9

5/19. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. JULY. DAY 53. [12.44]

JANE meets ELIZABETH in the hall, and they embrace. The GARDINERS and CHILDREN are in the background outside.

JANE
Oh, Lizzy, I am so glad to see you.

ELIZABETH
Has anything been heard?

JANE
No, not yet, but now our uncle is come, I hope everything will be well - our father went to town on Tuesday and we've heard from him only once since then, to tell us he's arrived in safety - Mamma has been asking for you every five minutes since daybreak ...

ELIZABETH
And how is she?

JANE
She has not yet left her room.

ELIZABETH
And you look pale. Oh, Jane, how much you must have gone through!

JANE
I am so happy to see you, Lizzy. Come.

MR. GARDINER breaks away from the family group and comes inside.

[Page] 5/37

5/20. INT. LONGBOURN. MRS. BENNET'S ROOM. JULY. DAY 53. [12.47]

MRS. BENNET is seated in her chair. She is distraught. JANE and ELIZABETH enter, followed by MR. GARDINER.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lizzy, oh, brother, we are all ruined for ever! If only Mr. Bennet had taken us all to Brighton, none of this would have happened! I blame those Forsters - I am sure there was some great neglect on their part, for she is not the kind of girl to do that sort of thing, if she had been properly looked after!

ELIZABETH
Mamma.

MRS. BENNET
And now here's Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight Wickham, and then he will be killed, and then what is to become of us all? Those Collinses will turn us out before he is cold in his grave! - and if you are not kind to us, brother, I don't know what we shall do!

GARDINER
Sister, calm down. Nothing dreadful will I shall be in London tomorrow morning, and there we will consult as to what is best to be done.

MRS. BENNET
Yes, yes - that is it - you must find them out, and if they be not married, you must make them marry - but above all, keep Mr. Bennet from fighting.

[Page] 5/38

JANE
Mamma, I am sure he does not mean to fight.

MRS. BENNET
Oh yes, yes, he does, and Wickham will kill him for sure, unless you can prevent him, brother - you must tell him what a dreadful state I am in, how I have such tremblings, and flutterings all over me, such spasms in my side and pains in my head, and beatings at my heart, that I can get no rest either night or day!

GARDINER
Sister, calm yourself

MRS. BENNET
- And tell Lydia not to give any directions about wedding clothes till she seen me for she does not know which are the best warehouses!

She sinks back exhausted.

[Page] 5/39

Music-5M10

00'22"

5/21. INT. PEMBERLEY CARRIAGE. JULY. DAY 53. [14.22]

DARCY riding by himself in the carriage ...

DARCY - an avening angel.

[Page] 5/40

Music-5M10

5/22. EXT. PEMBERLEY CARRIAGE. JULY. DAY 53. [14.20]

The Pemberley carriage continues its journey.

[Page] 5/41

Music-5M10

5/23. INT. LONGBOURN. PINING ROOM. JULY. DAY 53. [17.43]

The GARDINERS, JANE, ELIZABETH, MARY, KITTY at the table. Everyone is a bit subdued except MARY.

MARY
This is the most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much talked of.

ELIZABETH
Yes, thank you Mary, I think we have all apprehended that much.

MARY
But we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into each other's wounded bosoms the balm of sisterly consolation.

JANE
Mary, pass the potatoes to your Aunt Gardiner.

MARY
I beg your pardon?

KITTY
Oh, never mind, I will.

And does.

MRS. GARDINER
Thank you Kitty.

[Page] 5/42

KITTY
And that's the first kind word I've had from anyone since Lydia went away - it is most unfair for it is not as if I have done anything naughty! - and I don't see that Lydia has done anything so very dreadful either!

JANE
Kitty, please.

MARY
Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we must draw from it this useful lesson; that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable.

MRS. GARDINER
My dear Mary this is hardly helpful -

MARY
- for a woman's reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful - and therefore we cannot be too guarded in our behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex.

ELIZABETH
Yes, thank you, Mary.

[Page] 5/43

5/24. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. JULY. DAY 54. [10.35]

JANE looks out of the window. ELIZABETH enters.

ELIZABETH
Now Jane, tell me everything about it that I have not already heard. What did Colonel Forster say? Had they had no apprehension about anything before the elopement took place?

JANE
Colonel Forster did own he suspected some partiality on Lydia's side - but nothing to give him any alarm. Lizzy, I feel I am to blame - for it was I who urged you not to make Wickham's bad conduct known - and now poor Lydia is suffering for it! No one else suspected him for a moment - I am, I am to blame!

ELIZABETH
You are not to blame. No more than I, or Mr. Darcy - or anyone else deceived by Wickham. You have nothing to blame yourself for - others are culpable, not you.

She wrote a note for Mrs. Forster before she went away.

JANE takes it from her pocket book, and hands it to ELIZABETH.

Music-5M11

00'35"

[Page] 5/44

ELIZABETH [[reading aloud]]
"My dear Harriet, you will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help laughing myself at your surprise tomorrow morning, as soon as I am missed ..."

MIX

[Page] 5/45

Music-5M11

5/25. EXT. HIRED CARRIAGE. REGENCY HOUSE. BRIGHTON. JULY. NIGHT 54. [23.50]

LYDIA'S voice takes over, and we get quick glimpses of a hired carriage at night, LYDIA and WICKHAM laughing as they scramble up into it, the carriage driving off from a Regency House.

We can see LYDIA hugging WICKHAM inside, both smiling. Then WICKHAM kisses LYDIA with serious intent.

LYDIA [[V.O.]]
... I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess with whom, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man in the world I love! Don't send them word at Longbourn of my going, it will make the surprise all the greater, when I write to them, and sign my name Lydia Wickham! What a good joke it will be. I can scarcely write for laughing!

The carriage races away up the dark narrow street ... and we go back to the drawing room.

MIX

[Page] 5/46

5/26. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. JULY. DAY 54. [10.43]

ELIZABETH with JANE.

ELIZABETH
Thoughtless, thoughtless, Lydia! What a letter, to have written at such a moment. But at least it shows that she believed Wickham's purpose was marriage. Whatever he might persuade her to afterwards. Our poor father! How he must have felt it!

JANE [[SUBDUED]]
I never saw anyone so shocked. He could not speak a word for fully ten minutes. Our mother was taken ill with the hysterics, and the whole house was in confusion! Lady Lucas has been very kind, offering her services.

ELIZABETH
She had better had stayed home. Assistance is impossible, and condolence insufferable. Let her triumph over us at a distance, and be satisfied.

JANE
Lizzy, that is unkind - I am sure she meant well.

ELIZABETH
Yes, perhaps she did - I am sorry - it's just that I can't help but be - Oh Jane, Jane, do you not see that more things have been ruined by this business than Lydia's reputation!

[Page] 5/47

Music-5M12

00'42"

JANE stares at ELIZABETH, and ELIZABETH, feeling too upset to go on, leaves the room.

[Page] 5/48

Music-5M12

5/27. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. JULY. NIGHT 54. [22.50]

ELIZABETH is getting ready for bed, with her usual briskness. She looks in the mirror and catches her own eye, and sits down. She goes into a brief memory of DARCY at Lambton.

DARCY [[appears reflected in mirror]]
I have stayed too long. I shall leave you now.

His serious parting look. C.U. ELIZABETH as she looks in the mirror. There is a soft knock on the door. She turns towards the door.

ELIZABETH
Come in.

JANE comes in, in her dressing-gown.

JANE
I thought you would not be in bed yet.

She comes close, and they touch.

JANE
I have been thinking about what you said this afternoon - that it is not only Lydia's reputation that has been ruined.

ELIZABETH
I was angry and upset - I should not have said it, it does no good to dwell on it.

[Page] 5/49

JANE
You meant I suppose that you and I, and Mary and Kitty, have been tainted by association - that our chances of making a good marriage have been materially damaged by Lydia's disgrace.

ELIZABETH doesn't want to dwell on it - so there's a pause in which she struggles, before finding that she has to say:

ELIZABETH
The chances of any of us making a good marriage were never very great, and now I should say they are non-existent. No one will solicit our society after this: Mr. Darcy made that very clear to me.

JANE
Mr. Darcy. Does he know our troubles?

ELIZABETH
He happened upon me a moment after I first read your letter. He was very kind, very gentleman-like - but he made it very clear he wanted nothing more than to be out of my sight. He will not be renewing his addresses to me, he will make very sure his friend does not renew his to you!

JANE
I never expected Mr. Bingley would renew his addresses, Lizzy. I am quite reconciled to that. Surely, you do not desire Mr. Darcy's attentions, do you?

ELIZABETH
No, no. I never sought them.

JANE
But you do think he was intending to renew them? You think he is still in love with you?

[Page] 5/50

ELIZABETH
I don't know. I don't know what he was two days ago - all I know is that now, he - or any other respectable man - will want nothing to do with any of us.

[Page] 5/51

Music-5M13

00'33"

5/28. EXT. COACHING INN. JULY. DAY 54. [19.40] EVENING.

DARCY arriving, GROOMS running out to take the great man's horse, and be of service. See DARCY asking questions of A GROOM, the GROOM calling out a POTBOY, the POTBOY brings some ale, which DARCY takes.

[Page] 5/52

Music-5M13

5/29. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARPEN AND PADDOCK. JULY. DAY 55. [11.05]

KITTY and MARY in the garden. KITTY is playing bilbocatch.

The Lucas' gig approaches from a distance. We can't see who it is yet.

MARY looks up from reading a book.

KITTY
Oh, Lord. Look who's coming.

MARY [[who is short-sighted]]
Who is it, Kitty!

KITTY
Mr. Collins, of course! Well, I'm not going to sit with him for anyone!

She runs off.

[Page] 5/53

Music-5M13

5/30. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING-ROOM. JULY. DAY 55. [11.25]

COLLINS, stands by the fireplace.

JANE, ELIZABETH and MARY enter.

COLLINS
I had hoped to condole with your poor father and your mother.

Jane
Our father is still in London, sir, and our mother is not yet well enough to leave her room.

COLLINS
Ah. Ah.

The girls sit down.

COLLINS
I feel myself called on not only by our relationship, but by my situation as a clergyman, to condole with you all on the grievous affliction you are now suffering under.

JANE
Thank you, sir.

MARY
It has often been said that a friend in need is a friend indeed, sir.

[Page] 5/54

COLLINS
Yes. Be assured, ladies, that Mrs. Collins and myself sincerely sympathise with you in your present distress, which must be of the bitterest kind, proceeding from a cause which no time can remove. The death of your sister would have been a blessing in comparison.

ELIZABETH and JANE react indignantly.

COLLINS
And it is more to be lamented, because there is reason to suppose, my dear Charlotte informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in your sister has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence, though I am inclinced to think that her disposition must be naturally bad now whosoever that may be, you are grievously to be pitied.

Pause. They think he's finished.

JANE
We are very grateful, sir - for your ...

ELIZABETH and JANE rise.

COLLINS continues, and they resignedly sit again.

COLLINS
-In which opinion I am joined by Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter, to whom I have related the affair in full. They agree with me in apprehending that this false step in one sister, must be injurious to the fortunes of all the others ... [cont ...]

MARY nodding sagely. We can see KITTY through the window, wandering about in the garden, peering in the window to see what's going on.

[Page] 5/55

COLLINS [cont]
For who - as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family?

ELIZABETH
Who indeed, sir.
[rising]
And now perhaps in view of that consideration you may feel that it would be unwise for you to stay any longer now ...

COLLINS
Well - well - perhaps you are right - yes, perhaps you are right, cousin Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH
I always feel that a clergyman cannot be too careful - especially one so fortunate as to enjoy the condescension and the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

COLLINS
Your thoughtfulness does you credit, cousin Elizabeth. I am very, very sorry for you all!

Music-5M14

01'08"

[Page] 5/56

Music-5M14

5/31. EXT. LONGBOURN. JULY. DAY 55. [11.45]

Watching COLLINS climb into the Lucas' gig.

ELIZABETH
Insufferable man!

Jane
I suppose he means well.

ELIZABETH
You suppose wrongly, Jane. His purpose in coming was to enjoy our misfortunes and congratulate himself on his own happy situation.

MARY
I think it very kind of him to visit and condole with us.

They turn and wave to COLLINS, who waves back in a dignified clergymanlike way. KITTY comes round the side of the house.

KITTY
Is he gone?

ELIZABETH
Yes.

KITTY
Good

ELIZABETH
And for ever, with any luck.

[Page] 5/57

Music-5M14

A rare moment of sisterly rapport with KITTY.

KITTY
Look here's Aunt Phillips! She can tell us all the news from Meryton.

ELIZABETH
I doubt there's much to tell we'd care to hear.

JANE
Our mother will be pleased to see her.

AUNT PHILLIPS bustles up.

MRS. PHILLIPS
Well, girls, here's a to-do. Does your mother still keep to her bed?

JANE
She is not in bed, but she keeps to her room.

MRS. PHILLIPS
Well, well, the less the servants hear the better, I dare say. Come, let me to her, Jane, though heaven knows I've no glad tidings for her.

[Page] 5/58

Music-5M14

5/32. INT. LONGBOURN. MRS. BENNET'S ROOM. JULY. DAY 55. [11.56]

MRS. BENNET still in her chair. MRS. PHILLIPS giving her the low down.

MRS. PHILLIPS
And not a day goes by but I hear some new bad tale of Mr. Wickham!

MRS. BENNET
Oh Mr. Wickham, that everybody praised to the skies. Mr. Wickham that half the town was mad in love with - all the time, a villain, a very demon from hell sent to ruin us.

MRS. PHILLIPS
I have heard he's run up debts with every reputable tradesman in the town.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, sister!

MRS. PHILLIPS
I have heard tales of gaming debts!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, sister!

MRS. PHILLIPS
Of drunken routs in which more things were broken beyond repair than heads and furniture, sister!

MRS. BENNET
Oh, sister, stop!

[Page] 5/59

MRS. PHILLIPS
Debauches. Intrigues. Seductions. They say there's hardly a tradesman in the town whose daughters were not meddled with.

MRS. BENNET
Oh and now he is meddling with our dearest girl! The foul fiend! Well, he shall be discovered and made to marry her!

MRS. PHILLIPS
I have to say, sister, that I always distrusted his appearance of goodness!

MRS. BENNET
Aye, sister, so did I! - and warned the girls!

MRS. PHILLIPS
Too smooth and plausible by half!

MRS. BENNET
But would anybody listen to me? And now we are all, all ruined! Oh, my poor girl, my poor poor Lydia!

[Page] 5/60

5/33. INT. A ROOM. LONDON. JULY. DAY 55. [12.05]

Music

"The Oak & The Ash"

00'08"

And here is. poor LYDIA, not looking miserable at all, but perhaps slightly bored, looking out of the window and humming to herself. WICKHAM, sitting at a table, very unbuttoned looking, with a bottle of wine and a glass, and a sheet of pounds, shillings and pence sums with a lot of crossing out. LYDIA comes to the end of her song.

LYDIA
When shall we travel into Hertfordshire, my love?

WICKHAM
Come away from the window, dear. When I have settled my business affairs. These things always take longer than one thinks they will. You're not unhappy, surely?

LYDIA
Lord, no! Just that I can't wait to see my mother's face! And my sisters! Kitty will be so envious! How I shall laugh! I hope we shall be married from Longbourn - then all my sisters will have to be my bridesmaids - Oh, I do wish we could go out into the town, and be seen at plays and assemblies ...

WICKHAM
All in good time - be patient, dear.

She stands behind him, playing with his hair.

[Page] 5/61

LYDIA
Lord, it makes me want to burst out laughing when I think that I have done what none of my sisters has, and I the youngest of them all!

WICKHAM smiles, rather weakly. These last few days have been quite a test of stamina.

[Page] 5/62

5/34. EXT. LONGBOURN. JULY. DAY 55. [13.35]

Start to hear JANE before we go inside.

JANE [[O.O.V.]]
Mother ...

[Page] 5/63

5/35. INT. LONGBOURN. LANPING/MRS. BENNET'S SITTING-ROOM. JULY. DAY 55. [13.35]

JANE runs up the stairs and goes into her Mother's room.

JANE
... here is a letter from my Uncle Gardiner! Father is coming home today!

MRS. BENNET
And does he bring Lydia?

Jane
No-

MRS. BENNET wails.

JANE
- He and my Uncle have not yet discovered where she is - my Uncle will continue his enquiries alone.

MRS. BENNET
What - coming home, and without poor Lydia? But who will fight Wickham, and make him marry her, if he comes away? Oh, Jane, Jane, what is to become of us? Oh, oh, fetch my smelling salts, I feel my faintness coming upon me again! Oh! Oh!

[Page] 5/64

5/36. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL.JULY. DAY 55. [14.52]

MR. BENNET, very grim, serious, almost a broken man, gets down from the Bennet carriage and walks into the house.

Music-5M15

01'10"

JANE and ELIZABETH wait to greet him.

BENNET touching them but not really able to look them in the eye:

BENNET
Not now, Jane. Not now, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH and JANE watch as he goes into his library and shuts the door.

[Page] 5/65

Music-5M15

5/37. EXT. NARROW MEWS STREET. LONDON. JULY. NIGHT 55. [20.20] [OLD SCENE 5/40B]

DARCY striding down a narrow mews street in a low-life area, brushing aside child beggars - he beckons an older girl, and asks for directions - she points the way for him.

[Page] 5/66

Music-5M15

5/38. EXT. NARROW MEWS STREET. LONDON. JULY. NIGHT 55. [20.37] [OLD SCENE 5/40C]

DARCY in another narrow street hammering on a door with his stick. A scared looking maid answers and he starts to walk in before she can close the door. Behind her we see a startled MRS. YOUNGE.

DARCY
Mrs. Younge!

[Page] 5/67

5/39. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. JULY. NIGHT 55. [20.38]. [OLD SCENE 5/44].

The GIRLS, sitting round rather anxious and disconsolate.

JANE
Should I go and get father? He has had nothing to eat since he came home ..

ELIZABETH
Let me. You take mother her tea -

They hear the library door open. MR. BENNET's steps across the hall floor, comes in, and takes a seat.

BENNET
Well, Jane. Elizabeth. Mary. Kitty.

ELIZABETH
You look so tired, father. It must have been a dreadful time for you.

BENNET
Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it.

JANE
Oh, Papa.

ELIZABETH
You must not be so severe upon yourself.

[Page] 5/68

BENNET
No Lizzy, let me, for once in my life, feel how much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered by the impression. It will pass away soon enough.

ELIZABETH
Do you still suppose them to be in London, Sir?

BENNET
Yes, where else can they be so well concealed?

KITTY
And Lydia always wanted to go to London.

BENNET
She is happy then - and her residence there will probably be of some duration.

He broods blackly for a moment, then stretches a hand to ELIZABETH.

BENNET
Lizzy, I bear you no ill-will for being justified in your advice to me in May ... which, considering the event, shows some greatness of mind, I think.

He's really bitter, ironic, quite self-lacerating.

JANE
I must take Mamma her tea.

BENNET
She still keeps her state above stairs, does she? Good - it lends such an elegance to our misfortune! [cont ...]

[Page] 5/69

BENNET [cont]
Another time I'll do the same - I'll sit in my iibrary in my nightcap and powdering gown, and I'll give as much trouble as I can - or perhaps I may defer it, till Kitty runs away.

KITTY
I am not going to run away, Papa. If I should go to Brighton, I would behave better than Lydia.

BENNET
You go to Brighton! - I wouldn't trust you as near it as Eastbourne, not for fifty pounds! No, Kitty, I have at last learnt to be cautious, and you will feel the effects of it. No officer is ever to enter my house again, or even to pass through the village. Balls will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters.

KITTY's lip beginning to tremble.

BENNET
And you are never to stir out of doors, until you can prove that you have spent ten minutes of every day in a rational manner!

KITTY starts to cry in earnest.

BENNET
Well, well, well, don't make yourself unhappy, my dear. If you're a good girl for the next ten years, I'll take you to a review at the end of them.

KITTY'S sobs redouble.

[Page] 5/70

Music-5M16

02'13"

5/40. EXT. NARROW MEWS STREET. LONDON. JULY. NIGHT 55. [21.15]. [NEW SCENE].

DARCY striding down another street. He clutches a piece of paper with an address on it. He spots the house he's looking for.

[Page] 5/71

Music-5M16

5/41. INT. A ROOM. LONDON. JULY. NIGHT 55. [21.17]. [OLD SCENE 5146].

LYDIA and WICKHAM. He is a bit morose, drinking wine and she's very restless. She goes to the window.

LYDIA
Oh, dearest, shall we not go out tonight? Can we not go to the theatre?

WICKHAM sighs in an exasperated way, and pours himself another glass.

LYDIA
Lord! What in the world is he doing here?

WICKHAM
What?

LYDIA
What a joke!

WICKHAM
Who? Who is it?

LYDIA
You will never guess!

WICKHAM
Who is it?

LYDIA
Mr. Darcy!

[Page] 5/72

Music-5M1

5/42. EXT. LONGBOURN. EARLY AUGUST. DAY 57. [14.20].

A RIDER approaches from a distance bringing an express letter for MR. BENNET.

See him banging on the door, handing over the letter to HILL, the housekeeper, getting paid and riding off.

[Page] 5/73

Music-5M16

5/43. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. EARLY AUGUST. DAY 57. [14.22].

FOLLOW HILL through the hall and down the passage to MR. BENNET's library where she knocks on the door.

BENNET
Come in.

She opens the door and we see MR. BENNET at his desk looking up and reaching out his hand for the letter.

BENNET
Thank you Hill.

The library door shuts.

[Page] 5/74

Music-5M16

5/44. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDENS. EARLY AUGUST. DAY 57. [14.53].

HILL comes out into the garden with a basket of clothes.

Seeing JANE and ELIZABETH in the distance, she puts down the basket, and goes towards them.

JANE
Yes, Hill, what is it, is Mrs. Bennet asking for one of us?

HILL
No, Ma'am, I beg your pardon - but did you know an express come for Master from Mr. Gardiner?

ELIZABETH
When did it come Hill?

HILL
Oh, it must be half an hour ago, ma'am.

JANE and ELIZABETH look at each other, and run towards the house.

[Page] 5/75

Music-5M16

5/45. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. EARLY AUGUST. DAY 57. [15.05].

ELIZABETH and JANE search for their father. They run towards the little copse - JANE tails behind.

And there is MR. BENNET, walking slowly, head down, hands behind his back.

BENNET [[turning]]
Well, Lizzy?

ELIZABETH [[she's panting]]
Oh, Papa, what news? What news? Have you heard from my Uncle?

JANE comes puffing up.

BENNET
Yes. Yes, I have had a letter from him.

ELIZABETH
What news does it bring, good or bad?

BENNET
What is there of good to be expected? Perhaps you would like to read it yourself.

He produces it, and ELIZABETH snatches it and hurries to a seat to read it avidly, JANE coming to sit by her. So.

BENNET
Read it aloud, Lizzy. I hardly know what to make of it myself.

[Page] 5/76

ELIZABETH
"My dear brother - at last I am able to send tidings of my niece and Mr. Wickham. I have seen them both ...

JANE [[happily]]
It's as I always hoped! They are married!

ELIZABETH
"They are not married, nor can I find there was any intention of being so ...

JANE very shocked.

ELIZABETH
" ... but if you are willing to perform the engagements, I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are". What "engagements"?

BENNET
Read on.

ELIZABETH
"All that is required of you is to assure to your daughter her equal share of the five thousand pounds she will inherit on your death, and also allow her, during your life, I one hundred pounds per annum".

She looks up at her father, wondering.

ELIZABETH
So little? What about Wickham's debts?

BENNET
Read on.

[Page] 5/77

ELIZABETH [[races through]]
"You will easily comprehend ... [[slowing up]]
... Mr. Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be!"

JANE
There!

Dear JANE, always ready to believe the best. ELIZABETH baffled. MR. BENNET, who thinks he knows the real truth, cynical.

BENNET
Read on, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH reads on in tones of wondering disbelief.

ELIZABETH
"I am happy to say there will be some little money, even when all his debts are discharged, to settle on my niece". I cannot believe it.

BENNET
Read on.

ELIZABETH
"We have judged it best that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hope you will approve.

JANE
Poor Kitty will be disappointed not to be a bridesmaid.

[Page] 5/78

ELIZABETH
"Send back your answer as soon as you can, and be sure to write explicitly as to the financial settlement. Yours etc ... " How can it be possible he will marry her for so little?

JANE
He must not be undeserving, as we thought. He must truly be in love with her, I think.

BENNET
You think that, Jane, if it gives you comfort.

ELIZABETH
Have you answered the letter?

BENNET
No, but I must; and soon.

ELIZABETH
And they must marry! - Yet he is such a man!

BENNET [[rather savagely]]
Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done. But there are two things I want very much to know: one is, how much money your Uncle laid down, to bring this about; and the other, how am I ever to repay him!

And he stalks off towards the house.

[Page] 5/79

5/46. INT. LONGBOURN. JANE'S BEDROOM. EARLY AUGUST. NIGHT 57. [21.20].

JANE has been washing her hair, and is drying it by the fire. ELIZABETH with her.

ELIZABETH
I wish I had never spoken a word of this whole affair to Mr. Darcy.

JANE
Dear Lizzy, please do not distress yourself. I am sure Mr. Darcy will respect your confidence.

ELIZABETH
I am sure he will. That is not what distresses me.

JANE
What then?

ELIZABETH
I don't know! How he must be congratulating himself on his escape! How he must despise me now!

JANE
But Lizzy, you never sought his love, nor welcomed it when he offered it. If he has withdrawn his high opinion of you now, why should you care?

ELIZABETH
I don't know! I can't explain it! I know I shall probably never see him again. I cannot bear to think that he is alive in the world and thinking ill of me!

[Page] 5/80

MIX

Music-5M17

00'15"

ELIZABETH still seated at the end of her bed. She glances right.

[Page] 5/81

Music-5M17

5/47. INT. CHURCH. LONDON. AUGUST. DAY 59. [11 .00].

DARCY's face, set very grim and stern. We don't know where he is, but he might indeed be thinking very ill of Elizabeth, or somebody.

FREEZE FRAME

X-FADE

Music

Closing Titles

Dur: 00'56"

S/I CLOSING CAPTIONS

Roller

In order of appearance

ELIZABETH BENNET--JENNIFER EHLE

MR. DARCY--COLIN FIRTH

HANNAH--SARAH LEGG

GEORGIANA DARCY--EMILIA FOX

MR. BINGLEY--CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

MISS BINGLEY--ANNA CHANCELLOR

MRS. HURST--LUCY ROBINSON

MR. GARDINER--TIM WYLTON

MR. HURST--RUPERT VANSITTART

MRS. GARDINER--JOANNA DAVID

JANE BENNET--SUSANNAH HARKER

MRS. BENNET--ALISON STEADMAN

MR. BENNET--BENJAMIN WHITROW

KITTY BENNET--POLLY MABERLY

MARY BENNET--LUCY BRIERS

WICKHAM--ADRIAN LUKIS

LYDIA BENNET--JULIA SAWALHA

GARDINER CHILDREN--NATASHA ISAACS

--MARIE-LOUISE FLAMANK

--JULIAN ERLEIGH

--JACOB CASSELDEN

CAPTIONS [cont]

Closing MUSIC

MR. COLLINS--DAVID BAMBER

MRS. PHILLIPS--LYNN FARLEIGH

HILL--MARLENE SIDAWAY

Fortepiano played by--MELVYN TAN

FADE FREEZE FRAME

Developed for television in association with--CHESTERMEAD LTD

Casting--FORTHERGILL and LUNN

First Assistant Directors--PIP SHORT

--AMANDA NEAL

Production Manager--PAUL BRODRICK

Location Manager--SAM BRECKMAN

Continuity--SUE CLEGG

Production Co-Ordinator--JANET RADENKOVIC

Second Assistant Director--MELANIE PANARIO

Third Assistant Directors--SARAH WHITE

--ANNE-MARIE CRAWFORD

Art Directors--MARK KEBBY

--JOHN COLLINS

Properties--SARAH RICHARDSON

Lighting Gaffer--LIAM McGILL

Sound Recording--BRIAN MARSHALL

Camera Operator--ROGER PEARCE

Dubbing Editors--MIKE FEINBERG

JOHN DOWNER

Dubbing Mixer--RUPERT SCRIVENER

Make-Up & Hair Designer--CAROLINE NOBLE

Costume Designer--DINAH COLLIN

Associate Producer--JULIE SCOTT

[Post Production]--FIONA McTAVISH

Script Editor--SUSIE CONKLIN

Film Editor--PETER COULSON

Production Designer--GERRY SCOTT

Photography--JOHN KENWAY

Executive Producer--MICHAEL WEARING

End of Roller

1. Produced by

SUE BIRTWISTLE

2. A BBC/A & E NETWORK Co-Production

c. BBC mcmxcv

FADE

50/LDL S066L TRANSMISSION SCRIPT

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE SIX

DURATION: 50'05" (ENTERPRISES)

52'42" (UK VERSION WITH RECAPS)

PRODUCER: Sue Birtwistle. Rm DG03. Centre House. Ext. 61080

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE SIX

RECAP OF EPISODE 5:

Music

Dur: 02'37"

The Inn at Lambton - Deep 2-S DARCY f/g, GEORGIANA b/g.

DARCY:
May I introduce my sister, Georgiana.

The Pemberley house party. MRS. HURST and MISS BINGLEY. GEORGIANA and ELIZABETH at the piano.

MISS BINGLEY:
I understood that certain ladies found the society of Mr. Wickham curiously agreeable.

Music

ELIZABETH crosses to GEORGIANA.

ELIZABETH:
I'm so sorry I'm neglecting you. How can you play with no-one to turn the pages?

WICKHAM and LYDIA rush to their carriage as they run away from Brighton.

LYDIA: [[V.O.]]
Don't send them word at Longbourn of my going, it will surprise them all the greater when I write to them and sign my name Lydia Wickham.

ELIZABETH and DARCY in the Inn at Lambton.

ELIZABETH:
I've just received a letter from Jane with such dreadful news. My youngest sister has thrown herself in the power of Mr. Wickham.

DARCY:
I'm afraid you have long been desiring my absence. I shall leave you now.

ELIZABETH:
Yes. Thank you. I shall never see him again.

Music

ELIZABETH has returned to Longbourn with the GARDINERS.

ELIZABETH:
Has anything been heard?

JANE:
No, not yet, but now our uncle is come I hope everything will be well.

MR. GARDINER arrives to see MRS. BENNET.

MRS. BENNET
Oh brother, we are all ruined for ever.

ELIZABETH and JANE in bedroom.

ELIZABETH:
The chances of any of us making a good marriage were never very great. No I should say they're non-existant.

MR. COLLINS addresses the girls.

MR. COLLINS:
This false step in one sister must be injurious to the fortunes of all the others. For who will connect themselves with such a family?

Music

LYDIA and WICKHAM in their room.

LYDIA: [[O.O.V]]
Lord, what In the world is he doing here?

WICKHAM:
What?

LYDIA:
What a joke!

WICKHAM:
Who? Who is it?

LYDIA:
You will never guess.

WICKHAM:
Who is it?

LYDIA:
Mr. Darcy!

At Longbourn JANE and ELIZABETH find MR. BENNET reading a letter.

ELIZABETH
What news? Have you heard from our uncle?

Music

MR. BENNET:
Yes, yes. I've had a letter from him.

ELIZABETH:
I have seen them both.

JANE:
It is as I've always hoped. They are married.

ELIZABETH:
They are not married. Nor can I find there was any intention of being so. But if you are willing to perform the engagements, I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are.

MR.BENNET:
But there are two things I want very much to know. One is how much money your uncle laid down to bring this about, and the other, how am I ever to repay him?

ELIZABETH in her bedroom.

ELIZABETH:
I wish I'd never spoken a word of this whole affair to Mr. Darcy. I know I shall probably never see him again. I cannot bear to think that he is alive in the world and thinking ill of me.

FADE TO BLACK

"PRIDE AND PREJUDICE"

Jane Austen

Screenplay in Six Episodes by Andrew Davies

EPISODE SIX

FADE UP

Music-1M1

Opening titles

Dur: 00'45"

OPENING TITLES

S/I CAPTIONS

1. COLIN FIRTH JENNIFER EHLE

2. DAVID BAMBER

CRISPIN BONHAM CARTER

ANNA CHANCELLOR

SUSANNAH HARKER

BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

3. ADRIAN LUKIS

JULIA SAWALHA

ALISON STEADMAN

BENJAMIN WHITROW

CAPTIONS -cont.

Music-1M1

4. in

Jane Austen's

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

5. Screenplay by

ANDREW DAVIES

6. Music by

CARL DAVIS

7. Directed by

SIMON LANGTON

FADE TO BLACK

X-FADE

[Page] 6/1

MIX

6/1. EXT. LONGBOURN. EARLY AUGUST. DAY 57. [15.40]

MRS. BENNET [[V.O.]]
Oh, I knew it would all come out right in the end!

CUT TO: MRS. BENNET in her sitting room.

MRS. BENNET
My dear, dear Lydia! She will be married. Oh, my good, kind brother! I knew how it would be - I knew he would manage everything! Oh, but the clothes, the clothes - and of course she must be married from Longbourn, this is all nonsense about her being married from Cheapside! She must be married in Longbourn church where all her friends can see her!

ELIZABETH
No, ma'am, that is not possible, you must see that.

MRS. BENNET
I do not see that! Why should I see that? Why should that be?

ELIZABETH
Because that she has been living with Mr. Wickham in London and if she were to arrive home unmarried still ...

MRS. BENNET
Oh well! I suppose it must be, if you put it like that. But it is all very vexing and your Uncle has been most highhanded! I don't see why he should take so much upon him!

[Page] 6/2

JANE
Mamma, we are greatly indebted to Mr. Gardiner.

ELIZABETH
He must have laid out a great deal of money to pay off Mr. Wickham's debts - more than we can ever repay.

MRS. BENNET
And why should he not? Who else should lay out money but her own Uncle?

ELIZABETH
Mother -
But it's no good trying to get her to see her obligations.

MRS. BENNET
Oh well! I am so happy! A daughter married! And only just sixteen! "Mrs. Wickham!" Oh! How well that sounds! Oh, but the wedding clothes! Lizzy, my dear, go down to your father, and ask how much he will give her.

JANE leaves the bedroom and starts going downstairs.

[Page] 6/3

INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. EARLY AUGUST. DAY 57. [15.48]

MR. BENNET sitting in his library with the door open, reading a book.

ELIZABETH comes down the stairs, hesitates, then goes quietly in.

MRS. BENNET [[O.O.V.]]
Oh Jane, as soon as I am dressed I shall go to Meryton and tell my sister Phillips. Ring the bell for Hill. An airing will do me a great deal of good I'm sure, and I shall call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Oh Jane! ...

Her father turns round and looks at her. He does not look happy.

ELIZABETH
Papa.

MRS. BENNET [[O.O.V. still in full flow]]
... Jane, it's such wonderful news!

She's just saying here I am. He holds out his hand to her and she comes and takes it.

MRS. BENNET [[O.O.V.]]
Oh where is Hill? Oh Hill have you heard the good news?

BENNET
Shut the door Lizzie.

[Page] 6/4

MRS. BENNET [[O.O.V.]]
Lydia is going to be married, and you shall have a bowl of punch to make merry at her wedding!

ELIZABETH smiles at her father.

But by this time, ELIZABETH has crossed the room and shut the door. The library seems very quiet now.

BENNET
Someone, at least, finds pleasure in these events.

ELIZABETH
But considering what we thought, only a few hours ago, it's not so bad, is it? [pause] Do you think my Uncle had to pay out a great deal of money?

BENNET
I do. Wickham's a fool, if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds.

ELIZABETH'S reaction.

ELIZABETH
Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid?

BENNET
I wish I had laid by an annual sum to bribe worthless young men to marry my daughters - but I have not, I confess. The reason was, of course, I intended to father a son. The son would inherit the estate, no part of which would be entailed away, so providing for my widow and any other children. By the time your mother and I had abandoned hope of producing an heir, it seemed a little late to begin saving!

[Page] 6/5

ELIZABETH
You could not have foreseen this, father.

BENNET
I should have taken better care of you all. The satisfaction of prevailing upon one of the most worthless young men in Britain might then have rested in its proper place. As it is, the thing is done with extraordinary little inconvenience to myself. When you take into account what I shall save on Lydia's board and pocket allowance, I am scarcely ten pounds a year worse off.

A pause. She loves him a lot, and loves his clever brain and his refusal to fool himself about anything, but his cynical indolence, and his despair, dismay her. She can't say or do anything to make things better.

BENNET
I am heartily ashamed of myself, Lizzy, but don't despair, it will pass, and no doubt more quickly than it should.

[Page] 6/6

Music 6M2 01'10"

6/3. EXT. CHURCH. LONDON. AUGUST. DAY 59. [11.05]

The Gardiner carriage draws up.

Mr. GARDINER gets out and holds out a hand to help down LYDIA.

MRS. GARDINER follows. The GARDINERS are in a sober mood, but nothing will suppress LYDIA, who looks as if she's at a party.

LYDIA
Where is everyone?

With an air of long-suffering, Mr. GARDINER offers his arm.

[Page] 6/7

6/4. INT. CHURCH. LONDON. AUGUST. DAY 59. [11.08]

We hear the door creak at the back, and WICKHAM and BEST MAN rise. Now we see that DARCY is best man.

LYDIA still beaming, comes up the aisle on MR. GARDINER's arm, and as she reaches WICKHAM, he turns to look at her. She thinks, not for the first time, "oo, isn't he lovely!"

PRIEST
Dearly beloved. We are gathered here in the sight of God.

MR. and MRS. GARDINER look on.

GARDINER [V.O.]
Mr. Wickham, is to resign from the Militia, and go into a Northern regiment, happily there are still some among his former friends who are willing to assist him in purchasing a commission.

DARCY looks grim - pan to WICKHAM and LYDIA.

GARDINER [V.O.]
I have written to Colonel Forster, to request that he will satisfy Mr. Wickham's creditors in Brighton, for which I have pledged myself.

[Page] 6/8

6/5. INT. LONGBOURN. DINING ROOM. AUGUST. DAY 59. [17.33] EARLY EVENING.

Family at table.

MR. BENNET reading Mr. Gardiner's letter aloud:

BENNET [[reading]]
"... Perhaps you will be so good as to do the same for his creditors in Meryton ... of whom I enclose a list according to his information".

MR. BENNET holds up the list. It is very long.

BENNET [[reading]]
"I hope at least he has not deceived us". Let us all hope so. "As soon as they are married they will journey directly to join his regiment in Newcastle - unless they are first invited to Longbourn!"

MRS. BENNET
Oh, yes, my dear Mr. Bennet, of course they must come here, I long to see my dear Lydia, and dear Wickham too, of course! But it is shocking that poor Lydia should have been sent away from Brighton - and such a favourite among all the officers! There were several of the young men there you know that she liked very much, and they will miss her as much as she will miss them! These Northern officers may not be quite so pleasant!

BENNET
My dear Mrs. Bennet, I am sure our youngest daughter will have no difficulty in finding friends as silly as she is in Newcastle - she has a talent for making a spectacle of herself wherever she goes.

[Page] 6/9

MAGGIE enters carrying a bowl of fruit.

MRS. BENNET
But if they are to leave Brighton, they should come to Hertfordshire and reside in the neighbourhood - Haye Park might do, if the Goldings would quit it - or the great house at Stoke, if the drawingrooms were larger ...

KITTY
Or Purvis Lodge.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, no dear, not Purvis Lodge -the attics there are dreadful!

MAGGIE leaves.

BENNET
Mrs. Bennet, before you take any, or all of these houses, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in the neighbourhood they shall never have admittance.

Music-6M3

01'27"

[Page] 6/10

Music-6M3

6/6. EXT. LONGBOURN. AUGUST. DAY 60. [16.35]

BENNET [[V.O.]]
Mr. and Mrs. Wickham will never be welcome to Longbourn.

The jingling of the harness of a smart little carriage and we see the cheerfully brazen WICKHAM and LYDIA all decked out in their best clothes rolling up to Longbourn.

[Page] 6/11

Music-6M3

6/7. EXT. FRONT OF LONGBOURN. AUGUST. DAY 60. [16.38]

A marked contrast between the stillness and uneasiness of Mr. BENNET, JANE, ELIZABETH, KITTY and MARY, and the noisy animation of LYDIA who is not in the least abashed, and WICKHAM'$ easy confidence, and MRS. BENNET's hysterical delight.

LYDIA
Lord! It seems an age since we were at Longbourn! And here you all are, just the same!

MRS. BENNET sort of rushes at her.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, my dear, dear Lydia, at last! Oh I do believe you've grown! Oh how we have missed you.

LYDIA
Oh, we've been far too merry to miss any of you! Well, here we are! Haven't I caught myself a handsome husband?

MRS. BENNET [[falling on WICKHAM]]
Indeed you have my love - you are very very welcome, sir!

WICKHAM
You are all goodness and kindness, ma'am, as always.

MRS. BENNET
Let me give you a kiss, then ...

[Page] 6/12

WICKHAM endures all this with great aplomb and self satisfaction, to the disgust of [especially] ELIZABETH and MR. BENNET.

BENNET
Well, shall we go in?

As they get organised, LYDIA lurches forward:

LYDIA
No, Jane! I take your place now! You must go lower, because I am a married woman! "Mrs. Wickham!" Lord! How droll that sounds.

JANE and ELIZABETH duly fall in behind LYDIA and WICKHAM, their faces say it all!

[Page] 6/13

6/8. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN/GROUNDS. AUGUST. DAY 61. [11.10]

WICKHAM is showing off his horse-riding ability, looking very dashing and handsome.

JANE, ELIZABETH, KITTY and LYDIA out walking.

LYDIA
How do you like my husband, Lizzy - I believe you envy me, for was he not a favourite of yours once?

ELIZABETH
Not at all, I assure you.

LYDIA
What a pity we didn't all go to Brighton - I could have got husbands for all my sisters!

ELIZABETH
Thank you for my share of the favour - but I don't particularly like your way of getting husbands.

WICKHAM gallops past.

LYDIA
Isn't my husband a fine horseman? Colonel Forster himself said he has as good a seat as any officer in the regiment. I wished he could wear his red coat at the wedding, and have a guard of honour, with their sabres drawn - but the officers could not be spared from their duties, and in the end there was no one there but my Aunt and Uncle and Mr. Darcy.

[Page] 6/14

LYDIA is talking more to KITTY - ELIZABETH and JANE are in another twosome, but ELIZABETH overhears.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy? Mr. Darcy was at your wedding?

LYDIA
Oh, yes! For someone had to come with Wickham and be groomsman - I had much rather it had been Denny or one of our other friends - oh Lord.

She puts her hand over her mouth.

LYDIA
Oh, Lord, I forgot - I wasn't to say a word, and I promised them so faithfully! Ooh, what'll Wickham say now? It was supposed to be a secret!

Music-6M4

01'32"

WICKHAM comes cantering past, bestowing his charming smile on the sisters.

ELIZABETH's face. She's amazed. Curious. Frustrated.

Music-6M4

ELIZABETH [[V.O.]]
My dear Aunt, pray write and let me understand how he of all people should have been there - unless you too are bound in the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary.

MIX

[Page] 6/15

Music-6M4

6/9. INT. GARDINER HOUSE. DRAWING ROOM. AUGUST. DAY 61. [11.15]

MRS. GARDINER writing her reply. A couple of the GARDINER CHILDREN play spillikins at the other end of the room.

MRS. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
My dear niece, I must confess myself surprised by your letter. If you are indeed in ignorance of the part that Mr. Darcy played in bringing about the marriage, let me enlighten you at once ... Mr. Darcy paid us an unexpected visit ...

[Page] 6/16

Music-6M4

6/10. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. AUGUST. DAY 62. [10.50].

ELIZABETH walks to a garden seat reading the letter.

MRS. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
And so, my dear Lizzy, Mr. Darcy would brook no opposition - he insisted on doing everything himself and bearing the entirety of the expense.

ELIZABETH gasps.

MRS. GARDINER [[V.O.]]
Nothing was to be done that he did not do himself - and your Uncle, instead of being allowed to be of use to his niece, was forced to put up with having the credit of it.

MIX

[Page] 6/17

Music-6M4

6/11. INT. GARDINER HOUSE. DRAWING ROOM. AUGUST. NIGHT 62. [20.35].

DARCY is speaking to MR. and MRS. GARDINER.

DARCY
I must be allowed to insist on this: the fault is mine, and so must the remedy be. It was through my mistaken pride, my reserve, that Mr. Wickham's character has not been made known to the world. Had I not thought it beneath me to lay my ... private actions open to the world, his character would have been exposed, and this elopement could never have taken place.

GARDINER
Mr. Darcy, I really believe you take too much upon yourself.

DARCY
I must insist on this, Sir. I assure you that in this matter, argument is fruitless. The responsibility is mine. I must have it, Sir. I shall not give way.

MR. GARDINER, after a pause, makes a physical gesture of yielding, and offers his hand.

DARCY takes it.

MIX

[Page] 6/18

6/12. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. AUGUST. DAY 62. [10.55]

LYDIA and KITTY in the background. ELIZABETH looks up from the letter and hears:

WICKHAM
My dear sister! I am afraid I'm interrupting your solitary reverie.

He has startled her - and she's not really pleased to see him, but determined to keep her cool and be pleasant and light.

ELIZABETH
You are, indeed - but it doesn't follow that the interruption must be unwelcome.

WICKHAM
I should be sorry if it were. You and I were always good friends.

ELIZABETH
True.

WICKHAM
Then shall we take a turn together, sister?

ELIZABETH joins him and they stroll together.

WICKHAM
xml:id="no-preamble"
I was surprised to see Darcy in town last month. We, ah - we passed each other several times. I wonder what he could be doing there.

[Page] 6/19

ELIZABETH
Perhaps preparing for the wedding ... [then after a pause] with Miss de Bourgh.

WICKHAM
Yes! Yes! Perhaps!

ELIZABETH
It must have been something particular, to take him there at this time of year.

WICKHAM
Undoubtedly. Did you see him while you were at Lambton? I thought I understood from the Gardiners that you had.

ELIZABETH
Yes: he introduced us to his sister.

WICKHAM
And did you like her?

ELIZABETH [[looking him in the eyes]]
Yes, I did like her, very much indeed.

WICKHAM
Well I have heard, indeed, that she is uncommonly improved within this last year or two. When I last saw her, she was not very promising. I am glad you liked her - I hope she will turn out well.

ELIZABETH
I dare say she will - she has got over the most trying age.

WICKHAM feels that she knows something about him and Georgiana. He rushes for safer ground.

[Page] 6/20

WICKHAM
Did you go by the village of Kympton?

ELIZABETH
I ... cannot recollect that we -

WICKHAM
I mention it because that was the living I should have had.

ELIZABETH [[with obvious irony now]]
And how should you have liked making sermons?

WICKHAM [[a bit on his high horse]]
Exceedingly well.

ELIZABETH [[pressing it home]]
I did hear that there was a time when sermon making was not so palatable to you as it seems to be at present - that you actually declared your resolution of never taking orders and were compensated accordingly!

WICKHAM
Well.

ELIZABETH
Oh come, Mr. Wickham, we are brother and sister, you know. Let us not quarrel about the past.

Music-6M5

00'33"

She holds out her hand, and he bows his head over it and kisses it. She is smiling at him, but he can't meet her eyes. They go in.

[Page] 6/21

Music-6M5

6/13. EXT. LONGBOURN. EARLY SEPTEMBER. DAY 63. [10.50]

The Bennet carriage drawn up. WICKHAM and LYDIA about to get in and go off - luggage piled high, etc. The FAMILY out there to see them off.

MRS. BENNET is upset, can hardly bear to let LYDIA go. WICKHAM smiling charmingly at everyone.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lydia, when shall we meet again?

LYDIA
Lord, I don't know. Not these two or three years perhaps.

She's quite happy about it, but MRS. BENNET lets out a great wail.

MRS. BENNET
Not these two or three years, Oh, what shall I do, and Mr. Bennet so cruel as to refuse to take us into the North Country!

MARY
I should refuse to go in any case.

MRS. BENNET
Oh hold your tongue girl, who asked you? Oh, Lydia! You will write to me often, won't you?

LYDIA
Well, I don't know - we married women don't have much time for writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have nothing better to do, as I shall!

[Page] 6/22

LYDIA clings to WICKHAM's arm.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, Lydia! Oh, Mr. Wickham, take care of my girl!

WICKHAM
I shall, Ma'am, to the very best of my ability - and thank you, Ma'am, and to you, Sir, for your continued kindness and hospitality and to you, my dear sisters in law, and now as dear to me as sisters ever could be - but the carriage awaits, duty and honour call me to the North - and so, come my dear

He hands her up gallantly.

WICKHAM
Let us say not farewell, but as the French have it - au revoir!

And with that, he's in too. MR. BENNET's expression of disgust. The carriage rattles away.

BENNET
He is as fine a fellow as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce such a son-in-law.

Music-6M6

01'00"

MIX

[Page] 6/23

Music-6M6

Six Variations on the Duet "Nel cor piu non mi sento" from "La Molinara" by Paisello. Beethoven

00'56"

6/13A EXT. LONGBOURN. EARLY SEPTEMBER. DAY 64. [16.09]

JANE and ELIZABETH walking through the grounds.

[Page] 6/24

Music 6M6

Beethoven Variations

6/14. INT. LONGBOURN DRAWING ROOM. EARLY SEPTEMBER. DAY 64. [17.23]

MARY plonking away at the piano.

[Page] 6/25

Music-6M6

Beethoven Variations

6/15. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. EARLY SEPTEMBER. DAY 64. [18.13]

KITTY dressing a bonnet and throwing it down in a temper.

[Page] 6/26

Music-6M6

Beethoven Variations

6/16. INT. LONGBOURN. MRS BENNET'S SITTING ROOM. EARLY SEPTEMBER. DAY 64. [18.32]

MRS. BENNET sighing in her bedchamber and tossing he head about fretfully, as servants scurry about getting her things.

[Page] 6/27

Music-6M6

Beethoven Variations

6/17. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. EARLY SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 64. [21.09]

MR. BENNET pouring himself a stiff drink and drinking it in solitude.

[Page] 6/28

Music-6M6

Beethoven Variations

6/18. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. EARLY SEPTEMBER. NIGHT 64. [22.51]

ELIZABETH looks in the mirror at bedtime. And blows the candle out.

[Page] 6/29

Music-6M7

00'37"

6/19. EXT. LONGBOURN. SEPTEMBER. DAY 65. [11.47]

MRS. PHILLIPS comes bustling down the road from Meryton, and goes in the house.

MRS. PHILLIPS [[V.O.]]
Sister! Sister! Have you heard the news? Mr. Bingley is coming back to Netherfield ...

[Page] 6/30

Music-6M7

6/20. EXT. NETHEREIELD. SEPTEMBER. DAY 65. [12.05]

MRS. PHILLIPS [[O.O.V]]
... and the whole town is talking about it.

SERVANTS are taking down shutters, and sweeping down steps, and bringing in provisions.

Pan up the chimney, the smoke coming out. The great house coming to life again.

[Page] 6/31

Music-6M7

6/21. EXT. COUNTRYSIDE. NETHERFIELD ESTATE. SEPTEMBER. DAY 66. [09.20]

BINGLEY and HURST, with DOGS, shooting birds.

[Page] 6/32

Music-6M7

6/22. INT. LONGBOURN. STILL ROOM. SEPTEMBER. DAY 65. [13.15]

JANE and ELIZABETH tying up bunches of flowers to dry.

JANE
No, I do assure you - this news does not affect me - truly, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH is looking at her steadily, with sympathy, and a touch of amusement - dear Jane is so transparent.

JANE
I am glad of one thing, that he doesn't bring ladies - if it is merely a shooting party, we shall not see him often. [pause] Not that I am afraid of myself - but I dread other people's remarks, Lizzy.

ELIZABETH
Then I shall venture none - however sorely I am tempted!

By this time the element of humour is out in the open: she is gently teasing JANE into seeing the funny side of things.

ELIZABETH
After all, it is hard, that the poor man can't come to a house he's legally rented, without raising all this speculation!

JANE
That is just what I think.

[Page] 6/33

ELIZABETH [[firmly]]
Then we shall leave him to himself.

JANE [[firmly]]
Yes.

JANE turns and looks at ELIZABETH, who is grinning at her.

JANE
Stop it, Lizzy.

[Page] 6/34

Music

Six variations on the Duet "Nel car piu non mi sento" from "La Molinara", by Paisello. Beethoven.

00'21"

6/23. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING-ROOM. SEPTEMBER. DAY 66. [11.45]

MRS. BENNET fretting. MARY playing the piano.

MRS. BENNET
Three days he has been in the neighbourhood, and still he shuns us! I say it is all your father's fault - he would not do his duty and call, and so you shall all die old maids, and we shall be turned out by the Collinses to starve in the hedgerows!

KITTY moves to the window.

BENNET
You promised me last year that if I went to see him he'd marry one of my daughters but it all came to nothing, and I won't be sent on a fool's errand again.

MR. BENNET goes off to the library.

KITTY
Mamma! Mamma! Look! I think he is coming!

Music-6M9

01'05"

MRS. BENNET gets up and rushes to the window.

View of BINGLEY and DARCY, riding at walking pace.

[Page] 6/35

Music-6M9

MRS. BENNET
It is really him? I believe it must be! He is come, Jane! He is come at last! Run and put on your blue gown! - No, no, stay where you are!

JANE is in a bit of state, ELIZABETH squeezes her hand.

KITTY
Who's that with him?

MRS. BENNET
Oh Lord, I don't know dear, some acquaintance I suppose.

KITTY
It looks like that man who used to be with him before. Mr. Oh what's his name. You know, that tall proud one.

ELIZABETH stiffens.

MRS. BENNET
Mr. Darcy! I believe it is! Well, any friend of Mr. Bingley's will always be welcome here to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the sight of him.

MRS. BENNET
But I am determined to be civil - if only because the man is a friend of Bingley's, but no more than civil - sit up straight Jane. Pull your shoulders back, a man could go a long way without seeing a figure like yours if you would only make the most of it ...

HILL
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy ma'am.

[Page] 6/36

Music-6M9

DARCY and BINGLEY enter and bow.

MRS. BENNET
Mr. Bingley, you are very, very welcome.

BINGLEY
How do you do, Mrs. Bennet. I ...

MRS. BENNET [[over-riding him]]
It is far too long since you were here, and very, very kind of you to call. Mr. Bennet of course would have paid his addresses before this were it not - well here you are! am delighted! And Mr. Darcy you are welcome too.

This last sentence of course is a markedly different tone, after which she ignores him.

ELIZABETH and DARCY exchange glances. BINGLEY takes a seat DARCY stands behind him.

MRS. BENNET
We began to be afraid you would never come back again - people did say, you meant to quit the place entirely by Michaelmas! - but I hope however that is not true - Ring the bell for tea, Kitty - a great many changes have taken place since you went away. Miss Lucas is married and settled. And one of my own daughters! I expect you have heard of it? Indeed, you must have read it in the papers!

BINGLEY
Yes, indeed, I ...

[Page] 6/37

MRS. BENNET
- though it was not put in properly, it only said: lately, George Wickham, Esquire, to Miss Lydia Bennet ...

Again ELIZABETH can't help a glance at DARCY, who is looking very grim, and then glances at her, and they both recoil again, and he goes off to stare out of the window.

MRS. BENNET
- without a syllable said about who her father was, or where she lived or anything! And now they are gone to Newcastle and there they are to stay, I don't know how long ... I expect you've heard he has gone into the regulars ... well thank Heaven he has some friends, though perhaps not as many as he deserves!

That said looking daggers at DARCY's back, which distresses ELIZABETH - who feels she must say something.

ELIZABETH [[to BINGLEY]]
Do you mean to stay long in the neighbourhood on this visit?

BINGLEY
Our plans are not yet firmly settled - but I hope - I hope we shall stay for some weeks.

JANE looks at him in a friendly way. He feels encouraged.

BINGLEY
I hope very much we shall stay a few weeks, at the very least.

[Page] 6/38

MRS. BENNET
Well, when you've killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley, I beg you would come here and shoot as many as you please on Mr. Bennet's manor! I'm sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you!

[[different tone]]

And I suppose you may bring your friends, if you will.

DARCY's unsmiling profile, still looking out of the window. Oh God, thinks ELIZABETH.

[Page] 6/39

6/24. EXT. LONGBOURN.

BINGLEY and DARCY ride away from Longbourne.

[Page] 6/40

6/25. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. SEPTEMBER. DAY 66. [13.50]

ELIZABETH and JANE walking.

JANE
Now that this first meeting is over, I feel at ease.

ELIZABETH [smiling]
Good.

JANE
No, I know my own strength - and I shall never again be embarrassed by his coming. We shall be able to meet now as ... as common and indifferent acquaintances.

ELIZABETH
Yes, very indifferent! Jane, take care!

JANE
Don't think me to be in any danger now, Lizzy!

ELIZABETH
I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever!

[Page] 6/41

6/26. EXT. NETHERFIELD. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. EARLY MORNING. [07.56]

Early morning sun on Netherfield house.

[Page] 6/42

6/27. EXT. NETHEREIELD. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. EARLY MORNING. [08.00]

BINGLEY and DARCY exit the house. DARCY dressed for travelling; the Netherfield carriage is waiting.

BINGLEY
You tell me now that she was in London all those months? And you concealed it from me?

BINGLEY is really angry with DARCY, and his anger continues as DARCY speaks.

DARCY
Yes. I can offer no justification: it was an arrogant presumption, based on a failure to recognise your true feelings and Miss Bennet's. I should never have interfered. It was very wrong of me, Bingley, and I apologise.

But by the end of DARCY's speech, incredulity and BINGLEY's own sweet nature overcome his anger.

BINGLEY
You admit that you were in the wrong?

DARCY
Utterly and completely.

BINGLEY
Then I have your blessing?

DARCY
Do you need my blessing?

[Page] 6/43

BINGLEY
No. But I should like to know I have it all the same.

DARCY
Then go to it.

DARCY gets into the carriage.

The carriage drives away from the house.

BINGLEY stands for a moment thinking, then calls to his GROOM.

BINGLEY
Bring me my horse at once! Quick, man!

Music-6M10

01'09"

[Page] 6/44

Music-6M10

6/28. EXT. ROAD FROM NETHERFIELD TO LONGBOURN. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [08.35]

BINGLEY on horseback approaching the house, still quite a way off.

MIX

Closer shot BINGLEY on horseback.

[Page] 6/45

6/29. INT. LONGBOURN. UPSTAIRS LANDING. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [08.35]

MRS. BENNET comes charging along the landing in her dressing gown.

MRS. BENNET
Jane! Jane! - Oh, my dear Jane!

As she reaches JANE's room JANE turns in alarm - she is up, but not dressed.

JANE
Mamma, what is the matter?

MRS. BENNET
He is come! He is come!

JANE
Who is come?

MRS. BENNET
Mr. Bingley of course! Make haste, make haste hurry down! Oh, gracious you are not half dressed! Hill! Hill! Oh where is Hill?

She zooms into ELIZABETH's room, where ELIZABETH is with SARAH, her maid.

MRS. BENNET
Oh never mind - Sarah! You must come to Miss Bennet this moment - come along girl and help her on with her gown. Never mind Miss Lizzy's hair! [cont ... ]

She drags SARAH out with her.

[Page] 6/46

Music-6M10

MRS. BENNET [cont]
Make haste! Make haste!

KITTY comes running down the corridor.

KITTY
Mamma! Mamma! Where is my new locket that Lydia brought me from London? Mary! Have you seen my new locket?

MARY [[plodding past]]
I shouldn't know it if I did see it. I care nothing for such baubles.

KITTY makes a face at her.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, never mind your locket girl. Jane, stir yourself, he is here, he is here!

JANE
Mamma, Lizzy and I will be down as soon as we can - let Kitty go down - she is forrader than any of us.

MRS. BENNET
Oh, hang Kitty! What has she to do with it?

KITTY stumps off in high dudgeon. But MRS. BENNET carries on.

MRS. BENNET
Jane, be quick. Oh where is your muslin dress dear? Oh Hill! Hill! Oh, where is Hill!

[Page] 6/47

6/30. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [09.12]

BINGLEY, JANE, ELIZABETH, KITTY, MARY, MRS. BENNET. All sitting, no one doing anything. The clock ticks. JANE is eyes down, ELIZABETH is looking around with bright intelligence. MRS. BENNET is fidgeting anxiously. KITTY is bored.

MRS. BENNET
So Mr. Darcy is gone to town.

BINGLEY
Yes, ma'am; he left quite early this morning.

He can't think of anything else to say. MRS. BENNET is looking at ELIZABETH and KITTY and winking at them to try to get them out of the room. ELIZABETH is avoiding her eye.

KITTY
What's the matter, Mamma? Why d'you keep winking at me? What am I to do?

JANE mortified, BINGLEY trying to be oblivious.

MRS. BENNET
Wink at you? Why should I wink at you, child? What a notion! Why would I be winking at my own daughter, pray? But now you ask, it puts me in mind, I do have something I would speak to you about come, come with me. And you, Mary. Come.

KITTY, MARY and MRS. BENNET leave the room. A few seconds more silence, then HILL comes in.

[Page] 6/48

HILL
Miss Elizabeth - you're needed upstairs.

ELIZABETH gets up and goes out.

BINGLEY watches ELIZABETH go, then turns nervously to JANE, she smiles demurely.

[Page] 6/49

6/31. INT. LONGBOURN. MRS. BENNET'S ROOM. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [09.25]

ELIZABETH fretting, KITTY grinning, MARY reading, MRS. BENNET very full of herself.

ELIZABETH
Mother, please let me go down to Jane. I promised I would stay with her.

MRS. BENNET
Stay where you are. Five more minutes will do the trick.

[Page] 6/50

6/32. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [09.30]

ELIZABETH moves downstairs - hesitates - goes into the drawing room.

[Page] 6/51

6/33. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [09.31]

JANE and BINGLEY move apart as she comes in. They look flushed and shy.

ELIZABETH
Oh I am so sorry -

But as she turns to go:

JANE
No, no - don't go, Lizzy!

BINGLEY draws her close and whispers a few words in her ear, as she nods, and then goes past ELIZABETH smiling, and leaves them together.

BINGLEY
I shall go and speak to your father.

ELIZABETH
Well?

JANE rushes at her and embraces her.

JANE
Oh, Lizzy, I'm so happy! It is too much! It is too much! Oh, why can't everyone be as happy as I am?

JANE
He loves me Lizzy! He loves me.

ELIZABETH
Of course he does.

[Page] 6/52

JANE
He told me he always loved me, all the time - he didn't believe ... I must go and tell Mamma. He is gone to Papa already! Oh, Lizzy, could you believe things would end in this happy way?

ELIZABETH
I could, and I do!

JANE
I must go to my mother. Oh, Lizzy, to know I shall be giving such pleasure to all my dear family! How shall I bear so much happiness?

She embraces ELIZABETH.

Music-6M11

00'11"

ELIZABETH contemplates her sister's happiness.

[Page] 6/53

6/34. EXT. LONGBOURN. SEPTEMBER. DAY 67. [13.45]

MR. BENNET and BINGLEY leave the house, followed by the ladies.

BENNET
Come back tomorrow, Sir, if you can bear to. Come and shoot with me, if you will - there are few men whose society I can tolerate with equanimity, and I believe you may turn out to be one of them.

BINGLEY
Thank you, Sir. I shall be very happy to.

BENNET
Very well, very well, get along with you.

BINGLEY mounts his horse.

BINGLEY
Till tomorrow then.

And off he goes. MR. BENNET turns to JANE.

BENNET
Jane, congratulations. You will be a very happy woman.

JANE
Thank you, Father - I believe I shall.

They embrace and link arms as they walk in.

[Page] 6/54

BENNET
Well, well, you're a good girl and I've no doubt you'll do very well together. You're each of you so complying that nothing will ever be resolved on ...

JANE
Papa ...

BENNET
... so easy, that every servant will cheat you.

JANE
No, indeed ...

She's laughing, too.

BENNET
... and so generous that you will always exceed your income!

MRS. BENNET
Exceed their income! What are you talking about? Don't you know he has Five Thousand a Year?! Oh, my dear, dear Jane! I am so happy! Oh I knew how it would be! I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing! He is the handsomest man that was ever seen!

JANE
Oh, Lizzy if only I could see you as happy! If there were only such another man for you!

ELIZABETH
If you were to give me forty such men, I could never be as happy as you. Till I have your goodness I can never have your happiness. [cont ...]

[Page] 6/55

ELIZABETH pauses.

ELIZABETH [cont]
But perhaps if I have very good luck I may in time meet with another Mr. Collins!

[Page] 6/56

Music-6M12

00'57"

6/35. EXT. LONGBOURN. OCTOBER. DAY 68. [10.10]

See Lady Catherine's big "chaise and four" rumbling towards Longbourn. And KITTY staring at it. She turns and runs towards the house.

LADY CATHERINE and MISS DE BOURGH look out from the carriage.

[Page] 6/57

Music-6M12

6/36. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 68. [10.12]

KITTY [O.O.V.]
Mamma! Lizzy! Come and look.

KITTY bursts into the room.

KITTY
The most enormous carriage has arrived.

ELIZABETH and MRS. BENNET get up to look out the window, and hear from the hall:

LADY CATHERINE [[O.O.V.]]
What an extremely small hall!

HILL [[O.O.V.]]
If you'll wait here your Ladyship, I'll tell my mistress you are here.

LADY CATHERINE [[O.O.V.]]
No, I will not wait. Where is she? Is this the drawing room?

HILL just manages to dash into the room ahead of LADY CATHERINE.

HILL
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

LADY CATHERINE marches in over Hill's announcement, strides right past MRS. BENNET, KITTY and ELIZABETH and sits down. MRS. BENNET looks terrified. KITTY is goggling.

A moment of terrifying silence.

[Page] 6/58

LADY CATHERINE [[looking at MRS. BENNET]]]
That lady I suppose is your mother.

ELIZABETH
Yes, she is. Mamma, this is Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

LADY CATHERINE
And that I suppose is one of your sisters.

Reactions from MRS. BENNET and KITTY.

MRS. BENNET
Yes, ma'am, she's my youngest girl but one - my youngest of all is lately married ...

LADY CATHERINE
You have a very small park here. And this must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening, in summer. Why, the windows are full west.

MRS. BENNET
Indeed they are, your ladyship - but we never sit in here after dinner - we have ...

LADY CATHERINE has risen.

LADY CATHERINE
Miss Bennet there seemed to be a prettyish kind of little wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a turn in it, if you would favour me with your company.

LADY CATHERINE exits followed by ELIZABETH.

[Page] 6/59

6/37. EXT. LONGBOURN. GARDEN. OCTOBER. DAY 68. [10.25]

LADY CATHERINE and ELIZABETH enter the walled garden area.

LADY CATHERINE
You can be at no loss to understand the reason for my journey, Miss Bennet.

ELIZABETH
Indeed you are mistaken, Madam. I'm quite unable to account for the honour of seeing you here.

LADY CATHERINE
Miss Bennet: you ought to know I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you choose to be, you shall not find me so. A report of an alarming nature reached me two days ago. I was told, not only that your sister was to be most advantageously married, but that you Miss Elizabeth Bennet would be soon afterwards united to my own nephew, Mr. Darcy!

ELIZABETH's face. This really is a shock that sets her mind racing.

LADY CATHERINE
Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved on setting off for this place, to make my sentiments known to you.

ELIZABETH
If you believed it to be impossible, I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What would your ladyship propose by it?

[Page] 6/60

ELIZABETH is managing to keep her cool - LADY CATHERINE's only tactic seems to be bullying and bluster

LADY CATHERINE
At once to insist upon having such a report universally contradicted!

ELIZABETH
Your coming to Longbourn to see me will be taken as a confirmation of it - if indeed such a report exists.

LADY CATHERINE
This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?

ELIZABETH
Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.

LADY CATHERINE
It ought to be so - but your arts and allurements may have made him forget what he owes to himself and all the family. You may have drawn him in.

ELIZABETH
If I had, I should be the last person to confess it.

LADY CATHERINE
Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to such language as this! I am almost the nearest relation he has, and I am entitled to know all his nearest concerns!

ELIZABETH
But you're not entitled to know mine - nor will such behaviour as this induce me to be explicit.

[Page] 6/61

LADY CATHERINE
Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the presumption to aspire, can never take place. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?

ELIZABETH
Only this: that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose he'll make an offer to me.

LADY CATHERINE hesitates for the first time.

LADY CATHERINE
The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the favourite wish of his mother as well as hers. While she was in her cradle, we planned the union ...

And now rage takes over again as she thinks of the enormity of Elizabeth's offence:

LADY CATHERINE
... and now, to be prevented by the upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune? Is this to be endured! It shall not be! Your alliance would be a disgrace; your name would never even be mentioned by any of us.

ELIZABETH
These would be heavy misfortunes indeed.

LADY CATHERINE
Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! I have not been in the habit of brooking disappointment.

[Page] 6/62

ELIZABETH
That will make your ladyship's situation at present more pitiable; but it will have no effect on me.

LADY CATHERINE
I will not be interrupted. If you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit the sphere in which you have been brought up!

ELIZABETH
Lady Catherine: in marrying your nephew I should not consider myself as quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman's daughter. So far we are equal.

LADY CATHERINE
But who was your mother? Who are your Uncles and Aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of their condition.

ELIZABETH
Whatever my connections may be, if your nephew does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.

LADY CATHERINE [thundering]
Tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?

A pause while ELIZABETH decides whether to answer the question.

ELIZABETH
I am not.

LADY CATHERINE
And will you promise me never to enter into such an engagement?

[Page] 6/63

ELIZABETH
I will make no promise of the kind. And I must beg you not to importune me any further on the subject.

ELIZABETH starts to walk away. LADY CATHERINE starts off after her.

LADY CATHERINE
Not so hasty, if you please. I have another objection - your youngest sister's infamous elopement. I know it all. Is such a girl to be my nephew's sister-in-law? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?

ELIZABETH
You can now have nothing further to say. You have insulted me by every possible method. I must beg to return to the house.

And she goes, leaving LADY CATHERINE to follow her and shout after her.

LADY CATHERINE
You, you have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! You refuse to oblige me? You refuse the claims of duty, honour ... gratitude? You are determined to ruin him, and make him the contempt of the world!

ELIZABETH turns. They are near the carriage now.

ELIZABETH
I am only resolved to act in a manner which will constitute my own happiness; without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.

LADY CATHERINE
And this is your final resolve! Very well! I shall now know how to act! [cont ...]

[Page] 6/64

Music-6M13

00'40"

LADY CATHERINE is now in the carriage, seated next to MISS DE BOURGH.

LADY CATHERINE [cont]
I take no leave of you Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.

LADY CATHERINE barks at the coachman.

LADY CATHERINE
Drive on!

ELIZABETH watches as the carriage drives away.

[Page] 6/65

Music-6M13

6/38. INT. LONGBOURN. HALL. OCTOBER. DAY 69. [11.25]

ELIZABETH coming downstairs as her father crosses the hall holding a letter.

BENNET
Lizzy, Lizzy, I was going to look for you; come into my room.

[Page] 6/66

6/39. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. OCTOBER. DAY 69. [11.27]

BENNET
I've received a letter this morning which has astonished me exceedingly.

ELIZABETH thinks 'Oh God, it's from Lady Catherine'.

BENNET
From Mr. Collins.

ELIZABETH
What can he have to say.

BENNET
He begins with congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest daughter - but I shan't sport with your intelligence reading his remarks on that topic.

He looks through the letter for the bit he wants.

BENNET
Ah. Yes. Here, here, here. "Your daughter Elizabeth it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her eldest sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in the land". [cont ... ]

BENNET
Can you guess who he means Lizzy? Now, now it comes out: "My motive for cautioning you is as follows: his Aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on the match with a friendly eye". Mr. Darcy you see, is the man! Mr. Darcy of

[Page] 6/67
all men - who never looks at a woman except to see a blemish - are you diverted?

ELIZABETH
Oh yes

BENNET
Mr. Darcy, who probably never looked at you in his life before! This is admirable! But Lizzy, you look as if you didn't enjoy it. You're not going to be Missish, and pretend to be affronted by an idle report?

ELIZABETH
Oh - no, no - I am excessively diverted. It's all so strange.

BENNET
And pray, what said Lady Catherine de Bourgh? I suppose she came to refuse her consent eh? Well, well, what do we live for, but to make sport for our neighbours and laugh at them in our turn?

ELIZABETH
True-true.

[Page] 6/68

6/40. INT. LONGBOURN. DRAWING-ROOM. OCTOBER. DAY 70. [11.35]

MRS. BENNET, JANE, ELIZABETH, MARY, KITTY in the morning room.

HILL shows in:

Hill
Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy, ma'am.

MRS. BENNET
Ah!

BINGLEY
Good day to you ma'am.

MRS. BENNET
Mr. Bingley.

ELIZABETH thrown into confusion on hearing Darcy's name - and here he is standing in the doorway, looking very grave. There is an awkward silence between them.

BINGLEY goes straight to JANE and kisses her hand.

BINGLEY
It is a fine day: should we perhaps all walk towards Meryton?

[Page] 6/69

6/41. EXT. MERYTON ROAD. OCTOBER. DAY 70. [12.08]

JANE and BINGLEY walking ahead, very wrapped up in each other. DARCY, ELIZABETH and KITTY making up a rather awkward silent group behind. After a bit of this:

KITTY
Lizzy, do you mind if I just run down the lane here to call on Maria Lucas?

ELIZABETH
No not at all.

KITTY grins awkwardly at DARCY, she's scared stiff of him - and runs off. After a few steps of very tense silence, ELIZABETH stops and turns to him.

ELIZABETH
Mr. Darcy, I can go no longer without thanking you for your kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known of it, I've been most anxious to tell you how grateful I am - for my family, and for myself.

He looks upset, so she rushes on.

ELIZABETH
You must not blame my Aunt for telling me - Lydia betrayed it first, and then I couldn't rest till I knew everything. I know what trouble and what mortification it must have cost you. Please let me say this - please allow me to thank you, on behalf of all my family, since they don't know to whom they are indebted.

[Page] 6/70

Elizabeth's opening her heart right up to Darcy. She is making it easy for him to say:

DARCY
If you will thank me - let it be for yourself alone. Your family owes me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.

ELIZABETH
Oh.

DARCY
You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.

ELIZABETH
Oh ... my feelings -my feelings are -I am ashamed to remember what I said then, oh, my feelings are so different - in fact they are quite the opposite.

Music-6M14

01'45"

DARCY looks relieved. ELIZABETH smiles. They walk on.

DARCY
Lady Catherine told me of her meeting with you. I may say that her disclosure had quite the opposite effect to the one she intended. It taught me to hope, that I had scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before. I knew that, had you absolutely decided against me, you would have acknowledged it openly.

[Page] 6/71

Music-6M14

ELIZABETH
Yes, you know enough of my frankness to believe me capable of that. After abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple in abusing you to all your relations.

DARCY
And what did you say of me, that I did not deserve? My behaviour to you at the time was unpardonable. I can hardly think of it without abhorrence. Your reproof, I shall never forget: "had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner". You know not how those words have tortured me.

ELIZABETH
I had not the smallest idea of their ever being taken in such a way.

DARCY
I can easily believe it. You thought me devoid of every proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your countenance I shall never forget, as you said that I could not have addressed you in any possible way that would induced you to accept me.

ELIZABETH [[embarrassed]]
Oh! Do not repeat what I said then!

DARCY
No. I have been a selfish being all my life. As a child I was given good principles, but was left to follow them in pride and conceit. And such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth!

MIX

[Page] 6/72

LONG SHOT, the two couples continue on their way to Meryton.

JANE [[O.O.V.]]
Engaged to Mr. Darcy!

[Page] 6/73

6/42. INT. LONGBOURN. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM. OCTOBER. NIGHT 70. [21.55]

ELIZABETH seated at the mirror, see JANE reflected in it.

JANE
No, you are joking, it is impossible.

ELIZABETH
Well this is a wretched beginning. If you don't believe me, I'm sure no-one else will. Indeed, I am in earnest. He still loves me, and we are engaged.

JANE
No, Lizzy. It can't be true. I know how much you dislike him!

ELIZABETH
No, that's all forgotten - perhaps I didn't always love him as well as I do now. But in such cases as these a good memory is unpardonable.

JANE
Dearest Lizzy; do be serious. How long have you loved him?

ELIZABETH
It's been coming on so gradually, I hardly know - but I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley!

JANE
Lizzy!

The TWO GIRLS giggle happily.

[Page] 6/74

6/43. INT. LONGBOURN. LIBRARY. OCTOBER. DAY 71. [10.55]

MR. BENNET fills the screen.

BENNET
Are you out of your senses to be accepting this man Lizzy? Have you not always hated him?

ELIZABETH
Papa -

BENNET
I have given him my consent. He's the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything. But let me advise you to think the better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. He is rich, to be sure. But will he make you happy?

ELIZABETH
Have you any objections apart from your belief in my indifference?

BENNET
None whatever. We all know him to be a proud unpleasant sort of man, but this would be nothing if you really liked him.

ELIZABETH
I do, I do like him. I love him. Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable. If you only knew his generous nature - I didn't always love him, but I love him now, so very dearly. He is truly the best man I have ever known.

[Page] 6/75

BENNET
Well, my dear if this be the case, he deserves you. I could not have parted with you to anyone less worthy, Lizzy.

Music-6M15

02'42"

MR. BENNET kisses ELIZABETH on the head.

PRIEST [[O.O.V.]]
Dearly beloved ...

MIX

[Page] 6/76

Music-6M15

6/44. INT. CHURCH. LONGBOURN. DECEMBER. DAY 72. [11.05]

A double wedding. ELIZABETH and DARCY, JANE and BINGLEY stand before the priest. All BENNETS except Lydia. All the LUCASES. The GARDINERS and their children. The COLLINSES. GEORGIANA DARCY, MISS BINGLEY looking cross, MR. and MRS. HURST.

PRIEST
... We are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation.

OVER SHOTS of the PRIEST and the whole CONGREGATION a serenely blissful JANE and BINGLEY, a sparkling ELIZABETH and a serious but happy DARCY.

PRIEST
... to join together this man and this woman, and this man, and this woman ... in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted by God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and his church ... and therefore is not by any to be enterprised lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy man's carnal lusts and appetites ...

PRIEST
... but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.

PRIEST
First, it was ordained for the procreation of children ...

[Page] 6/77

Music-6M15

6.45. INT. ROSINGS. DRAWING-ROOM. DECEMBER. DAY 72. [11.08]

Priest's voice fades out, as we go to Rosings, where LADY CATHERINE sits staring fiercely in her throne-like chair, with sickly MISS DE BOURGH IN SHOT behind her. Becalmed, abandoned, like a couple of limpets on a rock at low tide.

[Page] 6/78

Music-6M15

6/46. INT. WICKHAM BEDROOM. NEWCASTLE. DECEMBER. DAY 72. [11.10]

LYDIA lies cheerfully in bed - WICKHAM, in shirt and trousers, sits on the edge of the bed, facing away from her, thinking what a fine mess he's in.

PRIEST [V.O.]
Secondly as a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication.

[Page] 6/79

Music-6M15

6/47. INT. CHURCH. LONGBOURN. DECEMBER. DAY 72. [11.16]

Back in the church now.

PRIEST
Thirdly, for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these persons present come now to be joined.

BINGLEY and JANE. DARCY and ELIZABETH.

[Page] 6/80

Music-6M15

6/48. EXT. CHURCH. LONGBOURN. DECEMBER. DAY 72. [12.10]

The happy couple emerge. First JANE and BINGLEY, followed by ELIZABETH and DARCY, and make their way to their respective carriages. The FAMILY and GUESTS throng round them.

The carriages pull away.

MRS. BENNET
Three daughters married! Oh, Mr. Bennet, God has been very good to us!

BENNET
Yes, so it would seem.

ELIZABETH and DARCY kiss.

FREEZE FRAME

X FADE

Music

Closing Titles

Dur: 01'35"

S/1 CLOSING CAPTIONS

Roller

In order of Appearance

MRS. BENNET--ALISON STEADMAN

ELIZABETH BENNET--JENNIFER EHLE

JANE BENNET--SUSANNAH HARKER

MR. BENNET--BENJAMIN WHITROW

MR. GARDINER--TIM WYLTON

[Page] 6/81

CAPTIONS [cont]

Closing Music

LYDIA BENNET--JULIA SAWALHA

MRS. GARDINER--JOANNA DAVID

WICKHAM--ADRIAN LUKIS

MR. DARCY--COLIN FIRTH

KITTY BENNET--POLLY MABERLY

MARY BENNET--LUCY BRIERS

HILL--MARLENE SIDAWAY

MRS. PHILLIPS--LYNN FARLEIGH

MR. BINGLEY--CRISPIN BONHAM-CARTER

MR. HURST--RUPERT VANSITTART

SARAH--KATE O'MALLEY

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH--BARBARA LEIGH-HUNT

MISS ANNE DE BOURGH--NADIA CHAMBERS

VICAR--SAM BEAZLEY

GEORGIANA DARCY--EMILIA FOX

MISS BINGLEY--ANNA CHANCELLOR

MRS. HURST--LUCY ROBINSON

CHARLOTTE LUCAS--LUCY SCOTT

MR. COLLINS--DAVID BAMBER

Fortepiano played by--MELVYN TAN

FADE FREEZE FRAME

Developed for television in association with--CHESTERMEAD LTD

Casting--FOTHERGILL and LUNN

Choreography--JANE GIBSON

Assistant Choreographer--JACK MURPHY

First Assistant Directors--PIP SHORT

--AMANDA NEAL

Production Manager--PAUL BRODRICK

Location Managers--SAM BRECKMAN

--CLIVE ARNOLD

Continuity--SUE CLEGG

Production Co-Ordinator--JANET RADENKOVIC

Post Production P.A.--SUE CARD

Second Assistant Directors--MELANIE PANARIO

--SIMON BIRD

Third Assistant Directors--SARAH WHITE

--ANNE-MARIE CRAWFORD

Contracts Executive--MAGGIE ANSON

Assistant production Accountant--ELAINE DAWSON

Production Secretary--JULIA WESTON

Art Directors--MARK KEBBY

--JOHN COLLINS

Set Dresser--MARJORIE PRATT

Properties--SARA RICHARDSON

[Page] 6/82

CLOSING CAPTION [CONT]

Closing Music

Standby Props--RON SUTCLIFFE

--MIKE BOOYS

Period Chef--COLIN CAPON

Prop Master--BOB ELTON

Painters--PATRICK BLACK

--DENNIS RING

Standby Carpenter--JOE WILLMOTT

Standby Painter--DEREK HONEYBUN

Construction Manager--BARRY MOLL

Production Operatives Supervisor--VIC YOUNG

Visual Effects Designer--GRAHAM BROWN

Visual Effects Assistant--MARK HADDENHAM

Graphic Design--LIZ FRIEDMAN

--JOHN SALISBURY

Costume Design Assistants--KATE STEWART

--YVES BARRE

Wardrobe Master--MICHAEL PURCELL

Wardrobe Mistress--DONNA NICHOLLS

Make-Up Assistants--PHILIPPA HALL

--ASHLEY JOHNSON

--JENNY EADES

--DI WICKENS

Focus Puller--ROB SOUTHAM

Clapper/Loader--ADAM COLES

Grip--BRENDAN JUDGE

Lighting Gaffer--LIAM McGILL

Best Boy--PHIL BROOKES

Electricians--JIMMY BRADSHAW

--JOE JUDGE

Transport Captain--WAYNE THOMPSON

Sound Recordist--BRIAN MARSHALL

Boom Operator--KEITH PAMPLIN

1st Assistant Film Editor--JULIUS GLADWELL

2nd Assistant Film Editor--CLARE BROWN

Steadicam Operator--ALF TRAMONTIN

Music Dubbing Mixer--CHRIS DIBBLE

Dubbing Editors--MIKE FEINBERG

--JOHN DOWNER

Dubbing Mixer--RUPERT SCRIVENER

Camera Operator--ROGER PEARCE

Make-Up and Hair Designer--CAROLINE NOBLE

Costumer Designer--DINAH COLLIN

Associate Producer--JULIE SCOTT

[Post Production]--FIONA McTAVISH

[Page] 6/83

CLOSING CAPTION [cont]

CLOSING MUSIC

Script Editor--SUSIE CONKLIN

Film Editor--PETER COULSON

Production Designer--GERRY SCOTT

Photography--JOHN KENWAY

Executive Producer--MICHAEL WEARING

End of Roller

1. Produced by SUE BIRTWISTLE

2. A BBC/A & E NETWORK Co-Production

c. BBC mcmxcv

FADE TO BLACK