Page 67 of May I Have the Pleasure
Carry on. What happened next?
ELIZABETH
It turns out that the lady came to learn of the first gentleman’s actions in separating the second gentleman from her sister, which greatly angered her. She became vexed enough to cause her to develop a headache and fail to attend an invitation.
CATHERINE
This sounds serious. What, pray, were the relative stations of the lady and the invitation she disdained, with what seems a relatively weak excuse.
ELIZABETH
The invitation was from a titled lady whilst the young lady, as I previously mentioned, was just the daughter of an insignificant country squire.
CATHERINE
The lady should have kept her appointment. It was her duty, and since her headache seems self-induced to me, I would say she was being impolite.
(Both gentlemen turn towards Catherine)
FITZWILLIAM
That sounds overly harsh. Nobody should attend company if they are feeling poorly.
CATHERINE
For a titled lady, she should make the effort. What say you, Darcy.
(Darcy faces Catherine)
DARCY
I cannot judge. I do not like to attend social functions myself if I am feeling poorly.
FITZWILLIAM
According to that standard, you must feel poorly most of the time.
DARCY
Perhaps. I can assure you that there are certain functions where I have been tempted to break my own arm to evade, so I can hardly criticise the lady.
CATHERINE
Shall we beat this point to death or get on with the story? This is not about you, Darcy! Is there more, Miss Bennet?
(Elizabeth sighs)
ELIZABETH
Oh yes. You see, the gentleman had two more actions that must be weighed in the balance.
CATHERINE
Pray continue.
(Elizabeth looks at the ground before continuing)
ELIZABETH
