BINGLEY
Why, Miss Bennet. What a nice surprise. And Miss Elizabeth.
JANE
Oh, Mr. Bingley. Good day.
BINGLEY
Were you about to enter this shop? I have to tell you, Miss Bennet,
that I'm quite an expert on all things frippery.
JANE
Well, sir, my sister and I could certainly use someone with
your wide experience. Perhaps you and your friend could...
BINGLEY
Oh dear, you haven't been introduced. This is my very best friend
Mr. Fitz-- Oh, where has he gone?
(elsewhere)
DARCY
Miss Elizabeth, would you allow me to apologize for my behaviour just
now?
ELIZABETH
Oh no, sir. I shouldn't have taken offense at your remark in the
first place. Please forgive me.
DARCY
Oh, no. Not at all. My remark was completely uncalled for. I do
indeed think that you're a very... well, you're not at all a..., um...
ELIZABETH
Please, sir, let me stop you before you feel forced to pay me a
reckless compliment. I know that a man in your position must be
very careful in what he says to a young lady in my
position.
DARCY
Well, in any case it seems that you're not the sort to take a compliment
too seriously.
ELIZABETH
Well, I'm certainly not the sort who would expect a gentleman to
honour a hastily-made remark.
DARCY
But you took my insult last night quite seriously.
ELIZABETH
Oh, so it was an insult. I thought so.
DARCY
Well, not really.
I simply had to say something to Bingley.
It's hard to admit to a close friend that I find a young lady to be,
well, not unattractive, especially when I'm trying to prevent him
from making the same mistake. ...Oh, I mean, not mistake
exactly, but --
ELIZABETH
Oh dear. Good day.
DARCY
Oh, no, no. ...Good god.
DARCY
Bingley, let's get out of here fast.
BINGLEY
Yes, you're right. We'll have to change our clothes.
We're expected for tea at two o'clock at Longbourn.