Page 69 of May I Have the Pleasure

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(Elizabeth sports a sly expression)

ELIZABETH

Yes, my lady. After that, he claimed to admire and love her, and asked for her hand in marriage.

(Fitzwilliam had unfortunately just taken a drink of brandy, which he spits out and ends up coughing)

(Catherine looks shocked, leans forward in her chair and grips the armrests)

CATHERINE

Repeat that!

ELIZABETH

He asked for her hand in marriage.

(Catherine stands up, picks up a walking stick, and pounds it on the floor and shouts)

CATHERINE

He askedfor her hand?

(Elizabeth remains calm and apparently unperturbed)

(Darcy looks like he saw a ghost)

ELIZABETH

I am afraid he did.

CATHERINE

After insulting her?

ELIZABETH

Yes madam.

(Catherine looks shocked)

CATHERINE

Why would he do that?

DARCY

Perhaps the perceived insults were his awkward way of showing the strength of his affection and attachment.

FITZWILLIAM

Quite a lunkheaded way to go about it if you ask me.

(Catherine harrumphs)

CATHERINE

And how, pray tell, did she answer him?

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