Page 68 of May I Have the Pleasure

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Well, first the gentleman visited the lady supposedly to check on her health.

(Catherine looks shocked)

CATHERINE

Without a chaperone?

ELIZABETH

Yes,my lady.

CATHERINE

I am liking this gentleman less and less. What did he do next?

(Elizabeth looks pained)

ELIZABETH

He spent a good part of the next five minutes disparaging the lady, her relatives, and her situation in life in some detail and some depth.

(Fitzwilliam stands up straighter and balls his fist with his eyebrows raised)

FITZWILLIAM

Let me get this straight. This man visited a lady, alone and unchaperoned, and then proceeded to insult her—AGAIN?

ELIZABETH

I am afraid so, colonel. At some length.

(Fitzwilliam pounds his fist on his chest)

FITZWILLIAM

I believe we are to the point where fisticuffs are required, do you finally agree, aunt.

CATHERINE

Perhaps, nephew, perhaps. If not quite there, it is very close.

(Darcy looks pained)

DARCY

I agree with Fitzwilliam. Definitely fisticuffs—at a minimum, but only if tar and feathers are unavailable.

(Elizabeth stares at Darcy in shock, eyes big as saucers, blinks rapidly a few times, then takes a deep breath)

ELIZABETH

That is not quite the end.

(Catherine looks alarmed)

CATHERINE

There is more!

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