DARCY
Snelgrove, why have you begun packing? We're not expected at Rosings
until late next week.
SNELGROVE
Sir, I thought that there might have been a change in plans.
DARCY
What? No, there's no change.
SNELGROVE
Pardon my presumption, sir, but I thought that perhaps one of your
acquaintances might have made you aware of your aunt's current
visitor.
DARCY
No. Why would I care about her visitors? It's hard enough just
putting up with my aunt for a month. You of all people
know how grumpy I get on these trips to Kent.
SNELGROVE
I'm sorry, sir. I thought that this visitor might be different.
DARCY
You did? Well then who is it? I hope it's not that Lady Melbridge from
last year. My god, if she's there again I'm going to have to
shoot myself in the leg. My cousin will have to go alone.
SNELGROVE
No sir, not Lady Melbridge.
DARCY
Who then? And why do you seem to know everything that goes on in my
life better than I do?
SNELGROVE
The visitor is a recent acquaintance of yours from Hertfordshire. One
of the Bennet daughters.
DARCY
What's that you
say? Which one?
SNELGROVE
Well, I'm not quite sure, sir.
DARCY
Why would one of the Bennets be visiting my aunt?
SNELGROVE
I believe she is a good friend of Mrs. Collins.
DARCY
Mrs. Collins? Why would she... Oh, that Mrs. Collins. Yes.
...Oh, my god.
SNELGROVE
Sir?
DARCY
Snelgrove, stop your incessant jabber and finish your packing! We're
leaving tomorrow.