Page 61 of May I Have the Pleasure

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(Catherine tut-tuts in Fitzwilliam’s direction)

CATHERINE

Nephew, you are too much of a hothead. Strong words—most definitely! Fisticuffs, not yet anyway. Darcy, do you have any sensible suggestions? Or more sensible than your lunkheaded cousin? Well, apparently not, but at least close your mouth. You look like a beached fish. Very well, Miss Bennet, let us get some clarifying details. What are the relative stations of the two involved?

(Elizabeth takes a deep breath, walks one step closer)

ELIZABETH

He is a gentleman; she is a gentleman’s daughter.

CATHERINE

Well then, they would be equal. Was the slight heard by anyone other than the lady?

ELIZABETH

No, madam.

CATHERINE

Well, this case is not so complicated. That so-called-gentleman owes her an apology and reparations. A slight like this can hurt her reputation and call his into serious doubt. Her father or brother should have strongwords with this so-called-gentleman and a strong apology is due. There can be no two opinions on the subject.

(Darcy stares at the floor)

(Fitzwilliam stands up straighter)

FITZWILLIAM

Yes, Aunt I agree. What say you, Darcy? Darcy?

(Darcy looks up from the floor and stares at Elizabeth)

DARCY

I agree. An apology might do the trick if it involved sufficient grovelling, but it would be a near thing, and the grovelling would need to be extensive. It was quite an abominable offence! The rogue deserves what he gets, and the lady should not have any concern she might have felt, had he behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.

(Fitzwilliam grins at his cousin)

FITZWILLIAM

About time you weighed in, cousin.

(Elizabeth stares at Darcy for a moment, nods, and then turns her attention to Catherine)

ELIZABETH

Thank you, gentlemen, Lady Catherine. I am afraid that is not the end of the story though.

(Catherine looks alarmed and slaps the arm of her chair)

CATHERINE

It gets worse? Pray continue, MissBennet.

(Elizabeth sighs and takes one more step closer, stopping about four paces from the remaining occupants)

ELIZABETH

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