Page 71 of May I Have the Pleasure

---

ELIZABETH

One can dream.

CATHERINE

Interesting! I imagine both of these—I am not even certain at this point I wish to call them a lady and gentleman—I imagine they parted under, shall we say, somewhat rancorous terms.

(Elizabeth slightly grins at Catherine)

ELIZABETH

If you would define Noah’s predicament as ‘a spot of rain’, then yes, they parted under somewhat rancorous terms.

(Catherine chuckles)

CATHERINE

It sounds like this story has played out just about as it must. Is there more?

ELIZABETH

Yes, my lady. Two... no... three more items.

CATHERINE

Pray continue.

ELIZABETH

Well, one of the points the lady most strenuously objected to was something the gentleman had done by mistake—an error of judgement, not malice.

On the other matter, she was completely mistaken, and her mistakes caused her to unjustly accuse the gentleman, and her mistake could lead to... other difficulties.

(Catherine shows a puzzled brow)

CATHERINE

I see. And how did this lady come to this information? Did she know it when she flayed him alive?

(Elizabeth looks chagrined)

ELIZABETH

No madam. You see—

CATHERINE

Come, come, Miss Bennet. You have made it this far.

ELIZABETH

Well—he wrote her a letter, and she read it.

(Fitzwilliam looks alarmed)

FITZWILLIAM

A LETTER. Had the man no sense of self-preservation at all? Or at least a care for the lady’s reputation?

---