Pride and Prejudice

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Written by

Deborah Moggach

1 INT. NETHERFIELD - HERTFORDSHIRE - DAY. I

A vast mansion is coming to life. Maids pull dustsheets off furniture; servants open shutters. Sunshine spills into the great rooms of Netherfield. outside, a glimpse of rolling parkland.

TITLE: "It is a truth universally         acknowledged...

Its a whirlwind of activity. Servants bustle around, sweeping and polishing, readying the house for its new occupants. The shutters of a room are opened onto the imposing gardens. A coach pulls up and, through the window, we see a young man get out.

"that a single man in possession of a         good fortune, must be in want of a wife"

A white sheet is pulled from a spinet and obscures our vision.

CUT TO:

2 EXT. LONGBOURN HOUSE - DAY. 2

Elizabeth Bennet, 20, good humoured, attractive, clearly nobody's fool, walks through a field of tall meadow grass. She is reading a novel entitled 'First Impressions'. She approaches Longbourn, a fairly run down 17th Century house with a small moat around it. Elizabeth jumps up onto a wall and crosses the moat by walking a         wooden plank duck board, a reckless trick learnt in early childhood. She walks passed the back of the house where, through an open window to the library, we see her mother and father, Mr and Mrs Bennet.

MRS BENNET My dear Mr Bennet, have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last? We follow Elizabeth into the house, but still overhear her parents' conversation.

MRS BENNET (CONT'D)         Do you not want to know who has taken it?

MR BENNET As you wish to tell me, I doubt I have any choice in the matter...

2.

3 INT. LONGBOURN - CONTINUOUS.

As Elizabeth walks through the hallway, we hear the sound of piano scales plodding through the afternoon. She walks down the entrance hall past the room where Mary, 18, the bluestocking of the family, is practising, and finds Kitty, 16, the second youngest, and Lydia, 15, the precocious baby of the family, are listening at the door to the library.

LYDIA

(TO ELIZABETH) Have you heard? A Mr Bingley, a young man from the North of England, has come down on Monday in a chaise and four.

KITTY With five thousand a year! Jane, (the eldest, most beautiful and most charmingly         naive of the girls), joins them at the door.

JANE Goodness!

LYDIA - and he's single to be sure!

INT. LIBRARY - LONGBOURN - CONTINUOUS.

Mr Bennet is trying to ignore Mrs Bennet.

MRS BENNET What a fine thing for our girls!

MR BENNET Bow can it affect them?

MRS BENNET My dear Mr Bennet, how can you be so         tiresome! You know that he must marry one of them.

MR BENNET Oh, so that is his design in settling here? Mr Bennet takes a book from his table and walks out of         the library into the corridor where the girls are gathered, Mrs Bennet following.

4 INT. CORRIDOR - LONGBOURN - THE SAME.

Mr Bennet walks through the girls to the drawing room pursued by Mrs Bennet.

3.

MRS BENNET - So you must go and visit him at once.

5 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 5

Mr Bennet walks to the bookshelf to replace the book he         is carrying. Mary is there practising the piano. The girls come in to listen.

LYDIA Oh, yes, Papa.

KITTY Please, Papa!

MR BENNET There is no need, for I already have. The piano stops. A frozen silence. They all stare.

MRS BENNET You have?

JANE when?

MRS BENNET â€¢ How can you tease me, Mr Bennet. You have no compassion for my poor nerves?

MR BENNET You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for them; they are my constant companions these twenty years.

MRS BENNET Is he amiable?

KITTY Is he handsome?

LYDIA He's sure to be handsome.

ELIZABETH

(IRONICALLY) With five thousand a year, it would not matter if he had a big pink face.

MR BENNET I will give my hearty consent to his marrying whichever of the girls he         chooses.

LYDIA So will he come to the ball tomorrow?

4.

MR BENNET I believe so. Lydia and Kitty shriek with excitement.

KITTY

(TO JANE) I have to have your spotted muslin, please!

LYDIA I need it!

KITTY - if you do, I'll lend you my green slippers. Mr Bennet winks at Elizabeth and turns to Mary, a         serious, somewhat pedantic young woman.

MR BENNET And what do you say, Mary? Are you not excited by the prospect of a ball?

MARY Society has claims on us all, Papa. As         long as I have my mornings to myself, I          consider an interval of recreation and â€¢ amusement as quite desirable. Elizabeth laughs.

6 INT. ASSEMBLY ROOMS -- MERYTON VILLAGE - NIGHT.

The local subscription dance is in full swing. It's a         rough-and-ready, though enthusiastic affair...yeoman farmers, small-time squires with their ruddy-cheeked daughters. Lydia and Kitty, with their mother, are fussing over their clothes - straightening their dresses, tidying their hair and so on.

LYDIA (fussing over her dress) I literally can't breathe its so tight.

KITTY My toes hurt. Elizabeth and Jane are a little apart from their family. Jane looks breathtaking.

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5.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Well, if every man in this room does not end the evening completely in love with you then I am no judge of beauty.

JANE Or men.

ELIZABETH Oh, they are far too easy to judge.

JANE They are not all bad.

ELIZABETH Humourless poppycocks, in my limited experience.

JANE One of these days, Lizzie, someone will catch your eye and then you'll have to         watch your tongue.

ELIZABETH And eat my hat. She stops speaking. And stares. A dazzling group enters the room: George Bingley, 25, a good hearted soul but â€¢ prone to bumbling embarrassment when his enthusiasms get the better of him, his sister Caroline, 23, a victim of         every latest fashion, counting herself superior to most company she encounters, and finally, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, 27, dashing, brooding with an introversion which could be misconstrued as hauteur. They are dressed in the highest fashion. Darcy surveys the hall. He catches Elizabeth's eye. She stares, with a kind of surprised shock. Jane notices and looks at Darcy. He turns away.

JANE Luckily, you are not wearing a hat. A hush falls as the local people turn to stare. The newcomers - creatures from another world - make quite a         stir.

CUT TO: Caroline Bingley, standing next to Darcy, gazes at the somewhat provincial gathering with distaste.

CAROLINE BINGLEY We are a long way from Grosvenor Square, are we not, Mr Darcy? He does indeed look superior to the assembled company. On         the dance floor a young couple, staring at the newcomers, trip over each other, stumble and burst out laughing.

6.         Mr Bingley spots Jane Bennet. For a moment he forgets himself and openly looks at her.

MR BINGLEY I find it very charming.

CAROLINE BINGLEY

(TO DARCY) My brother is so easily pleased, is he         not? Darcy does not answer.

CUT TO: Elizabeth has found her great friend Charlotte Lucas - an         intelligent, sensible woman in her late twenties. They spy through the crowd.

ELIZABETH So which of the painted peacocks is our Mr Bingley?

CHARLOTTE He is on the right, and on the left is         his sister.

ELIZABETH And the person with the disagreeable expression?

CHARLOTTE That is his good friend, Mr Darcy.

ELIZABETH Poor soul.

CHARLOTTE On the contrary, he has ten thousand a         year and owns half of Derbyshire.

CUT TO: Sir William Lucas, 53 a hale but unsophisticated member of the self-made gentry, takes it upon himself to         introduce Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy to his daughter Charlotte and the Bennet family.

SIR WILLIAM (to Mr Bingley) My eldest daughter you know, Mrs Bennet ...miss Jane Bennet, Elizabeth and Miss Mary Bennet.

MRS BENNET It is a pleasure. I have two others but

40         they are already dancing.

7.

MR BINGLEY Delighted to make your acquaintance.

Â€¢

SIR WILLIAM And may I introduce Mr Darcy.

(SIGNIFICANT LOOK) -- of Pemberley, in Derbyshire! A stiff bow from Darcy, Elizabeth smiles, Darcy does not.

CUT TO: Moments later. Elizabeth is standing in a small group with Jane, Bingley, Miss Bingley and Darcy. Bingley can't         keep his eyes off Jane, but is frightfully at a loss in          disguising his instant ardour.

ELIZABETH How do you like it here in Hertfordshire, Mr Bingley?

MR BINGLEY (smiling at Jane shyly) Very much.

ELIZABETH The library at Netherfield, I've heard, is one of the finest in the country.

Â€¢

MR BINGLEY Yes, it fills me with guilt. He looks at Jane a little blush starts around his collar.

BINGLEY Not a good reader, you see. I like being out of doors. I mean, I can read, of

COURSE - His sister steps in. as the blush threatens to engulf his ears.

MISS BINGLEY

(TO DARCY) Your library at Pemberly, Mr Darcy, is         astonishingly good.

DARCY Thank you. It is the work of many generations.

MISS BINGLEY And then you have added so much to it         yourself.

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8.

JANE I wish I read more, but there always seems so many other things to do.

BINGLEY That's exactly what I meant. He beams at Jane.

CUT TO: Mr and Mrs Bennet stand a little apart from Elizabeth and the other young people. Lydia and Kitty bound up to them in a state of high excitement.

LYDIA Mama! The regiment is arriving next week!

KITTY And will be here for the whole winter! Mrs Forster told us!

LYDIA They're going to be stationed in the village!

CUT TO: Mr Bingley'turns to Jane.

MR BINGLEY May I have the honour? They leave, to dance.

ELIZABETH Do you dance Mr Darcy?

DARCY Not if I can help it. Elizabeth, Darcy and Miss Bingley stand in silence as         they over hear the following...

CUT TO:

LYDIA officers! Lots of officers!

KITTY How will we meet them?

LYDIA It's easy. You just walk up and down in         front of them and drop something. Lydia pantomimes the actions for Kitty.

9.

LYDIA â€¢ They pick it up. You say 'oh thank you sir' and blush prettily and then you're         introduced!

MR BENNET I have long suspected that we have two of         the silliest girls in the county.

MRS BENNET Oh Mr Bennet! I remember the time when I         liked a red coat myself, and if a smart young colonel with six thousand a year should want one of my girls I shall not say nay to him. Mr Darcy overhears this. Profoundly embarrassed, Lizzie moves away.

CUT TO: The dance floor. Mr Bingley is dancing with Jane. His ears blushing with thrilled embarrassment. Mrs Bennet, with a group of other mothers, watches the young couple with rather too obvious satisfaction.

MRS BENNET 7 That dress becomes her, does it not. 7         â€¢ Though of course my Jane needs little help from couturiers. Elizabeth wanders through the throng. She looks at         Bingley and Jane ending the dance - she is coy and demure, he clearly smitten -

CUT TO: Darcy is joined by Bingley exhilarated by the dance.

BINGLEY Come Darcy, I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing by yourself in this stupid manner.

MR DARCY (shakes his head) You know how I detest it.

MR BINGLEY Upon my word, I've never seen so many pretty girls in my life.

DARCY You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room.

Â€¢

10.

BINGLEY Oh, she is the most beautiful creature I         ever beheld, but her sister Elizabeth is          very agreeable. They have stopped at the edge of the dance floor and have not seen Elizabeth and charlotte who are standing close behind them. Elizabeth smirks as she overhears their conversation.

DARCY Perfectly tolerable, I dare say, but not handsome enough to tempt me. Elizabeth's smile drops.

DARCY (CONT'D)         You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me. Bingley goes off.

CUT TO: Elizabeth and Charlotte, who have overheard Darcy and Bingley's exchange.

CHARLOTTE Ignore him, Lizzie, he is such a         disagreeable man it would be a misfortune to be liked by him.

ELIZABETH Don't worry. I would not dance with him for half of Derbyshire.

CUT TO: Later. Bingley politely dancing with Charlotte. As he         does so, he catches sight of Jane dancing with somebody else. A look of pure longing, but he cannot dance every dance with her. Lizzie too is dancing and clocks this. Lydia and Kitty are exuberantly dancing too, laughing and chatting. Darcy stands watching, a look of infinitely superior boredom on his fine features.

CUT TO: Bingley is standing with Jane, Elizabeth, Mrs Bennet and Darcy.

BINGLEY

(TO LIZZIE) Your friend Miss Lucas is a most amusing young woman.

11.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Yes! I adore her.

MRS BENNET It is a pity she is not more handsome.

ELIZABETH Mama!

MRS BENNET But Lizzie will never admit she is plain.

(TO BINGLEY) Of course it's my Jane who's considered the beauty of the county.

JANE Oh, Mama, please!

MRS BENNET When she was only fifteen there was a         gentleman so much in love with her that I          was sure he would make her an offer. However, he did write her some very pretty verses.

ELIZABETH

(IMPATIENTLY) And so ended their affection. I wonder â€¢ who first discovered the power of poetry in driving away love?

DARCY I thought that poetry was the food of         love.

ELIZABETH Of a fine, stout love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if         it is only a thin, slight sort of          inclination, I'm convinced that one good sonnet will starve it away entirely. Darcy looks at Elizabeth with surprise. A glimmering of         interest.

DARCY So what do you recommend, to encourage affection?

ELIZABETH Oh dancing, of course. Even if ones partner is barely tolerable. She gives him a dazzling smile. Darcy looks startled. He         has no idea she heard him. He blushes.

Â€¢

CUT TO:

12.         Elizabeth is dancing happily in a round, Jane and Bingley â€¢ are also in the same dance. At the edge of the dance floor Darcy is watching.

7 INT. BEDROOM -- LONGBOURN - NIGHT. 7

Elizabeth and Jane are both tucked up in the same bed, but are too excited to sleep.

JANE Mr Bingley is just what a young man ought to be. Sensible, good humoured -

ELIZABETH (completing the list) Handsome, conveniently rich -

JANE You know perfectly well I do not believe marriage should be driven by thoughts of         money.

ELIZABETH I agree entirely, only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony, which is         why I will end up an old maid.

JANE Do you really believe he liked me, Lizzie?

ELIZABETH Jane, he danced with you most of the night.

JANE I was flattered, I must admit. I did not expect such a compliment.

ELIZABETH That is one great difference between us. Compliments always take you by surprise. Well, Mr Bingley is certainly very amiable, and I give you leave to like him. You've liked many a stupider person.

JANE Lizzie!

ELIZABETH You're a great deal too apt to like people in general, you know. All the world is good and agreeable in your eyes.

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13.

Â€¢ JANE Not his friend. I still cannot believe what he said about you.

ELIZABETH Mr Darcy? I could more easily forgive his vanity had he not wounded mine. But no matter. I doubt we shall ever speak again. She blows out the candle.

8 INT. BREAKFAST ROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY. 8

Mrs Bennet presides over breakfast with an endless description of the ball. Mary is doing some needle work, whilst Lydia, Kitty and Jane blearily eat.

MRS BENNET And then he danced the third with Miss Lucas. Poor thing, it is a shame she is         not more handsome. The fourth with a Miss King of little standing. And the fifth again with Jane.

MR BENNET â€¢ If he'd had any compassion for me he         would have sprained his ankle in the first dance.

MRS BENNET Oh, Mr Bennet! Anybody would think the girls looked forward to a grand inheritance. Elizabeth rolls her eyes at Mr Bennet, they've heard this speech many times before.

MR BENNET

(NOT LISTENING) Kitty, be so kind as to pass the butter.

MRS BENNET As you well know, Mr Bennet, when you die, which may in fact be very soon, our girls will be left without a roof over their head nor a penny to their name.

ELIZABETH Oh Mother, please! It's ten in the morning. Mrs Hill enters the room and interrupts Mrs Bennet's         â€¢ babbling.

14.

MRS HILL â€¢ A letter addressed to Miss Bennet, Ma'arn. From Netherfield Hall.

MRS BENNET Praise the Lord! We are saved. Mrs Hill gives the letter to Jane.

MRS BENNET (CONT'D)         Make haste, Jane, make haste. 0 happy day!

JANE It is from Miss Bingley. Mrs Bennet is stopped in her tracks.

JANE (CONT'D)         She has invited me to dine with her.

(PAUSE) Her brother will be dining out.

MRS BENNET This is most unfortunate.

LYDIA I didn't think he was so good looking anyway.

JANE Can I take the carriage?

MRS BENNET Certainly not my dear, you will go to         Netherfield on horse back.

JANE Horseback?! Mrs Bennet leaves with a secret smile on her lips.

9 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY. 9

Jane rides through the countryside, A distant rumble of         thunder. She looks up...

10 EXT. FIELD - DAY. 10

An open book. Plop plop! Raindrops fall on it. Drawing back, we see Lizzie walking through a field, reading. She looks up to the sky...

0

15.

0

11 EXT. LONGBOURN - DAY. 11

Mrs Bennet stands at the kitchen door. A boy is         delivering meat. It starts to rain. She puts out her hand, to check.

MRS BENNET (smiles, satisfied) Ah, good... The housekeeper, Mrs Hill, who is with her, looks bemused at her mistress's reaction.

12 EXT. GARDEN - DAY. 12

A louder rumble of thunder. A washerwoman hastily pulls clothes from a line...it's bucketing down heavily now...

13 EXT. MERYTON VILLAGE - DAY. 13

In the local.village people run for cover; shopkeepers cover up their wares...

â€¢ 14 EXT. LONGBOURN - DAY. 14

Mr and Mrs Bennet look out at the pouring rain.

MRS BENNET Excellent. Now she will have to stay the night. Exactly as I predicted.

MR BENNET Good grief, woman. Your skills in the art of match-making are without question.

ELIZABETH Though I don't think, mama, you can reasonably take credit for making it         rain. Let's hope she hasn't caught her death before she gets there.

15 INT. NETHERFIELD - DAY. 15

A footman opens the great doors to find Jane standing there soaked. she sneezes.

16 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY. 16

â€¢ Elizabeth reads a letter.

16.

ELIZABETH â€¢ "And my kind friends will not hear of me         returning home until I am better -- but do          not be alarmed excepting a sore throat, a.          fever, and a headache there is nothing          wrong with me." This is ridiculous.

MR BENNET Well, my dear, if your daughter does die it will be a comfort to know it was all in pursuit of Mr Bingley.

MRS BENNET People do not die of colds.

ELIZABETH Though she might well perish with the shame of having such a mother. Mr Bennet laughs.

ELIZABETH I am going to Netherfield at once.

MRS BENNET Nonsense, the horse is with Jane. And the girls took the carriage to town.

ELIZABETH Then I will walk there. We should not leave Jane alone in her condition.

MRS BENNET Walk! You will not be fit to be seen by         the time you get there.

MR BENNET Why the devil not. We could have them all laid up at Netherfield Hall.

ELIZABETH I will be fit for Jane which is all I         care about.

17 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY. 17

Elizabeth strides across vast muddy fields, slipping as         she goes. Netherfield is in view on the horizon. She stops to take it in, then carries on down an even more muddy track.

18 INT. NETHERFIELD -- BREAKFAST ROOM - DAY.

Â€¢ In the large grand dining room Caroline Bingley and Darcy are eating breakfast.

17.         Its very formal, in fact frigid, compared to the volatile Bennet household. Darcy is reading the â€¢ newspaper; Caroline Bingley is reading a letter.

CAROLINE BINGLEY (puts down the letter) Apparently, Lady Bathurst is redecorating her ballroom in the French style. A         little unpatriotic, don't you think? Mr Darcy is about to answer when the door opens. A         footman appears, his face rigid with disapproval.

FOOTMAN Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzie comes in, her face flushed, her skirt covered in         mud. She looks ravishing. Darcy stares at her, then quickly rises to his feet. Caroline Bingley, astonished, looks her up and down.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Good Lord, Miss Bennet. Have you walked here?

ELIZABETH I'm so sorry. How is my sister?

DARCY

(MORE KINDLY) She's upstairs.

(TO FOOTMAN) Show Miss Bennet the way, Alfred. Lizzie leaves. A beat.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Goodness, did you see her petticoat? Six inches deep in mud! No response.

CAROLINE BINGLEY And her hair, so blowsy and untidy!

DARCY I think her concern for her sister does her credit. A little pause, Caroline recovers.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Oh yes, its shocking to have a bad cold. I dislike excessively being ill myself.

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18.

â€¢ 19 INT. NETHERFIELD LANDING - DAY. I

Elizabeth is taken upstairs. Bingley, looking tense, waits outside her sister's room. His face lights up when he sees her.

BINGLEY Miss Elizabeth! Oh I'm so glad to see you A doctor comes out of Jane's room.

ELIZABETH AND BINGLEY

(TOGETHER) How is she?

DOCTOR A violent cold, but we shall get the better of it.

20 INT. NETHERFIELD - JANE'S BEDROOM - DAY. 20

Elizabeth goes into the bedroom where Jane lies in bed, feverish and ill.

ELIZABETH Jane! Jane's face lights up. Elizabeth kisses her.

JANE Lizzie! Oh, your face is so cold. They're         being so kind to me, I feel such a          terrible imposition.

ELIZABETH Don't worry. I don't know who is more pleased at your being here, Mama or Mr         Bingley. Bingley comes in having attended to the doctor.

ELIZABETH (CONT'D)         Thank you for tending to my sister so          diligently, it seems she is in better comfort here than she would be at home.

BINGLEY It is a pleasure, I mean not to see her so sick, of course, that's terrible. I         will have a room made up for you. You must be our guest here until Jane recovers.

Â€¢

19.

Â€¢

21 INT. DRAWING ROOM - NETHERFIELD -- DAY. 21

Darcy is quietly reading as Bingley paces about anxiously. Caroline berates him from the sofa.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Stay!? She is a perfectly sweet girl but save being an excellent walker, there is         very little to recommend her.

BINGLEY I thought she showed remarkable spirit coming all this way.

CAROLINE BINGLEY The eldest Miss Bennet, as you know, I         hold in excessive regard and I wish her well settled. Though I do fear with her families low connections there is little chance of it. Their uncle is in trade, you know, in Cheapside.

BINGLEY If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside it would not make them one jot less agreeable.

22 EXT. GARDEN -- LONGBOURN - DAY. 22

Mr Bennet is overseeing the gardener who is pruning the hedge. Mrs Bennet bustles up. She looks very pleased with herself.

MRS BENNET Well, my dear, its all going according to plan. He's half in love with her already!

MR BENNET (a touch disingenuously) Who, my sweetest?

MRS BENNET Mr Bingley! And he doesn't mind that she hasn't a penny, for he has enough for the two of them. Suddenly a distant trumpet sounds, dogs bark. The militia are arriving. Lydia and Kitty rush past. They are dressed up to the nines to greet the officers. Mrs Bennet's face lights up.

â€¢ MRS BENNET Wait for me!

20.         And she's gone. Mr Bennet gazes at their departing â€¢ figures.

23 EXT. MERYTON VILLAGE - DAY. 23

Mrs Bennet and her two daughters rush down the street into the village. Dogs bark, children run alongside as a         regiment of soldiers march through the street. Geese scatter; shopkeepers stand in their doorways. The two Bennet girls simper at the handsome young soldiers. Mrs Bennet, flushed and excited, runs panting behind them. Lydia deliberately drops her hankerchief. One of the soldiers stands on it. She is appalled.

24 INT. DRAWING ROOM - NETHERFIELD - EVENING. 24

Elizabeth is reading a book. Darcy is writing a letter. Bingley is sat nervously. Caroline, obviously bored, wanders the room looking for distraction. She looks over Darcy's shoulder.

CAROLINE BINGLEY You write uncommonly fast, Mr Darcy.

MR DARCY (without looking up) â€¢ You are mistaken. I write rather slowly. Caroline Bingley lingers, annoyingly.

CAROLINE BINGLEY How many letters you must have occasion to write, Mr Darcy. Letters of business too. How odious I should think them!

DARCY It is fortunate, then, that they fall to         my lot instead of yours.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Please tell your sister that I long to         see her.

DARCY I have already told her once, by your desire. Lizzie looks across from her book.

CAROLINE BINGLEY I do dote on her, I was quite in raptures at her beautiful little design for a         table.

Â€¢

21.

DARCY

Â€¢ Perhaps you will give me leave to defer your raptures till I write again. At         present I have not enough room to do them justice. Mr Bingley now pacing anxiously around the room.

MR BINGLEY Its amazing, how young ladies have the patience to be so accomplished.

CAROLINE BINGLEY What do you mean, Charles?

MR BINGLEY They all paint tables, and embroider cushions and play the piano. I never heard of a young lady, but people say she is accomplished.

DARCY The word is indeed applied too liberally. I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen women, in all my acquaintance, that are truely accomplished.

â€¢ CAROLINE BINGLEY Nor I, to be sure!

ELIZABETH Goodness! You must comprehend a great deal in the idea.

DARCY I do.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Absolutely. She must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing and the modern languages, to         deserve the word. And something in her air and manner of walking.

DARCY And of course she must improve her mind by extensive reading. Elizabeth closes her book.

ELIZABETH i am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.

Â€¢

DARCY Are you so severe on your own sex?

22.

ELIZABETH â€¢ I never saw such a woman. She would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold. Pause. Darcy goes back to his letter. Caroline Bingley picks up a book. Pauses. Puts it down. she walks over to

LIZZIE_

CAROLINE BINGLEY Miss Bennet, let us take a turn about the room. Lizzie, surprised, gets up. Caroline Bingley links her arm and they start walking up and down.

CAROLINE BINGLEY (CONT'D)         It's refreshing, is it not, after sitting so long in one attitude?

ELIZABETH And it's a small kind of accomplishment, I suppose. Darcy meets Lizzie's eye, briefly. He goes back to his letter-writing. More walking up and down. Caroline Bingley turns to Darcy.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Mr Darcy, will you join us?

DARCY (shakes his head) You can only have two motives, Miss Bingley, and I would interfere with either.

CAROLINE BINGLEY (to Lizzie, archly) What can he mean?

ELIZABETH Our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it.

CAROLINE BINGLEY

(TO DARCY) Please tell us!

DARCY Either you are in each other's confidence and have secret affairs to discuss, or         you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage by         walking. If the first, I should get in         your way. If the second, I can admire you â€¢ much better from here.

23.

â€¢ CAROLINE BINGLEY Oh, shocking! How shall we punish him for such a speech?

ELIZABETH We could always tease him.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Oh no, Mr Darcy is not to be laughed at!

ELIZABETH Are you too proud, Mr Darcy? And would you consider that a fault?

DARCY That I couldn't say.

ELIZABETH For we're trying to find a fault in you.

DARCY Maybe it's that I find it hard to forgive the follies and vices of others, or their offences against myself. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Oh dear, I cannot tease you about that. What a shame, for I dearly love to laugh.

CAROLINE BINGLEY

(SMALL SMILE) A family trait I think. Elizabeth smiles, sweetly. Miss Bingley glances at Darcy.

25 TNT. BEDROOM -- NETHERFIELD - MORNING. 25         Elizabeth wakes up next to Jane.

26 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE -- DAY. 26

Darcy gallops through the countryside.

27 EXT. STABLE YARD - NETHERFIELD - DAY. 27

Darcy, exhausted, rides into the stable yard. In the corner is a trough and pump. He strides up to the pump, puts his head under it and douses himself with cold water.

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24.

â€¢ 28 INT/EXT. BEDROOM/STABLE YARD -- NETHERFIELD - THE SAME. 21

From a window Elizabeth looks out at Darcy. Darcy looks up and for a second catches Elizabeth looking down at him. She turns from the window. Jane is waking up.

ELIZABETH Jane, do you think you might feel well enough to leave today?

29 INT. DRAWING ROOM - NETHERFIELD - DAY. 29

The doors open. The Butler as before:

BUTLER A Mrs Bennet, a Miss Bennet, a Miss Bennet and a Miss Bennet, sir.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Are we to receive every Bennet in the country? Mrs Bennet, Lydia, Mary and Kitty are introduced to         Caroline, Bingley and Darcy. Elizabeth holds her breath as her mother launches into untold gaucheries.

MRS BENNET What an excellent room you have sir. Such expensive furnishings. I hope you intend to stay here, Mr Bingley.

BINGLEY Absolutely I find the country very diverting. Don't you agree, Darcy?

DARCY I find it perfectly adequate even if         society is a little less varied than in          town.

MRS BENNET But I assure you there is quite as much going on in the country as there is in         the town.

ELIZABETH Indeed Mania, I think Mr Darcy merely meant there were not such a variety of         people to be met in the country as there are in town, which you must acknowledge to be true.

Â€¢

25.

â€¢ MRS BENNET Nonsense, we dine with four and twenty families. Sir William Lucas for instance is a very agreeable man. So very genteel and easy. Elizabeth cringes.

LYDIA Mr Bingley, is it true that you have promised to hold a ball here at         Netherfield?

BINGLEY Well...

LYDIA It would be an excellent way to meet new friends. You could invite the militia.

KITTY Oh do hold a ball.

ELIZABETH (trying to stop Bingley being

BAMBOOZLED)         Kitty...

BINGLEY When your sister has recovered you shall name the day.

MARY I think a Ball is a perfectly irrational way to gain new acquaintance. It would be         better if conversation instead of dancing were the order of the day.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Indeed much more rational but rather less like a ball.

ELIZABETH Thank you, Mary.

BINGLEY (to Mrs Bennet) Please let me show you to Jane, you will find her quite recovered.

CUT TO:

0

26.

30 EXT. DRIVE -- NETHERFIELD - DAY.

The Bennet's carriage awaits. The Bingley's are gathered to see the Bennet's off. Jane is radiant - in the peak of         health.

JANE (to the Bingley's)         Really, I don't know how to thank you. Bingley beams bashfully. He can't take his eyes off her.

BINGLEY Really, you're welcome anytime you feel the least bit poorly.

ELIZABETH

(TO CAROLINE) Thank you for such stimulating company. It has been most instructive.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Not at all. The pleasure is all mine. Elizabeth looks at Darcy, who does not say anything. She gets in the carriage.

ELIZABETH Mr Darcy.

DARCY Miss Bennet. They share a look as Elizabeth joins the rest of the Bennets in the carriage. The driver takes off. Bingley waves enthusiastically to Jane.

BINGLEY Goodbye. Goodbye.

31 INT. CARRIAGE - LEAVING NETHERFIELD - THE SAME. 31

The family are all squeezed in rather too tightly.

MRS BENNET What a high and mighty man that Mr Darcy is, quite eaten up with pride.

32 EXT. MERYTON - DAY. 3

The Bennet's carriage is stopped in its tracks by the Militia who are marching en masse through town.

27.

â€¢ 33 INT. CARRIAGE - MERYTON - DAY. 33

Lydia cannot believe her eyes as row after row of         soldiers pass by the carriage with not a few of the men looking in at the Bennet girls with some interest.

LYDIA I can't believe it, there must be a         thousand of them. Leading the one troupe of Militia is Wickham a very handsome blonde officer, Lydia spots him and swoons.

ELIZABETH (to the coachman) Please, drive on.

34 INT. LONGBOURN - HERTFORDSHIRE - DAY. 34

As the Bennet girls come into the house, Lydia eulogizing the Militia, they meet Mr Bennet.

MR BENNET I hope, my dear, that you have ordered a         good dinner today, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family

Â€¢ party. Mr Bennet holds up the letter.

35 INT. CARRIAGE - COMING THROUGH MERYTON - DAY. 35

Collins, late twenties, an overweening sychophant, nervous and unctuous in equal measure. He sits in his black garb, hunched uncomfortably as he comes through town.

COLLINS (V.O.) "Dear sir, the disagreement subsisting         between yourself and my late father over          the entail to me of the Longbourn estate,          has long been a subject of much torment          which I have frequently wished to heal.          Having received ordination this Easter          and being so fortunately distinguished by          the patronage of the Right Honorable Lady          Catherine de Bourgh..." Collins' voice fades out as his carriage wipes through frame revealing Elizabeth and Charlotte on their way to         the butchers.

0

28.

LIZZIE â€¢ His name is Mr Collins. He's the dreaded cousin.

CHARLOTTE Who's to inherit?

LIZZIE Indeed. Everything, apparently. He may leave us our stays, but even my piano stool belongs to Mr Collins.

CHARLOTTE When?

LIZZIE He can turn us out of the house as soon as he pleases.

CHARLOTTE But why?

LIZZIE Because the estate is entailed to him and not to us poor females. A cart passes, crammed with sheep going to slaughter.

36 INT. HALLWAY - LONGBOURN -- DAY. 36

Mr Collins is ushered in by the manservant, Perkins. He         looks around his future home with interest. Mr and Mrs Bennet greet him.

MR COLLINS

(DEEP BOW ) Mr Collins, at your service.

(LOOKS AROUND) What a charming house! So convenient for the local village. (looks at the furniture) And some very fine pieces, if I'm not mistaken. A beat. This is hardly tactful.

MRS BENNET

(COLDLY) They are. Jane, Lizzie and Mary enter.

MR COLLINS Ah, these are your daughters, are they not?

29.

MR BENNET We have some more somewhere.

MR COLLINS I must congratulate you. I have heard much of their beauty, but in this instance fame has fallen short of the truth. A very low bow. The girls are somewhat taken aback.

37 INT. DINING ROOM -- NETHERFIELD - EVENING. 37

The Bennets and Collins are seated formally for supper. Mr Collins is served some food.

COLLINS What a superbly featured room and what excellent boiled potatoes. It is many years since I had such an exemplary vegetable. To which of my fair cousins should I compliment the excellence of the cooking?

MRS BENNET Mr Collins, we are perfectly able to keep a cook.

Â€¢

COLLINS Excellent. I am very pleased the estate affords such a living. I am honoured to         have, as my patroness, Lady Catherine de          Bourg, you have heard of her, I presume? Mrs Bennet shakes her head.

MR COLLINS My small rectory abuts her estate, Rosings Park, and she often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies. A pause. Lizzie catches her father's eye.

MRS BENNET Does she have any family?

MR COLLINS One daughter, the heiress of Rosings and very extensive property. I have often observed to Lady Catherine, that her daughter seemed born to be a duchess for she has all the superior graces of         â€¢ elevated rank.

(LITTLE COUGH)

(MORE)

30.         MR COLLINS (cont'd)          .These are the kind of little delicate compliments that are always acceptable to         1ï¿½1 ladies, and which I conceive myself particularly bound to pay.

MR BENNET

(GRAVELY) How happy for you, Mr Collins, to possess the talent for flattering with delicacy. Mr Collins nods with satisfaction.

ELIZABETH Do these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of the moment or are they the result of previous study? Jane kicks Elizabeth under the table. Elizabeth tries not to laugh at Mr Collins' answer.

MR COLLINS They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with arranging such little elegant compliments, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as possible.

ELIZABETH Believe me, no one would suspect your manners to be practised. The girls look at one another.

COLLINS After dinner I thought I might read to         you all an hour or two. I have with me         Fordyce's sermons which speak eloquently on this point.

(TO JANE) Do you know Fordyce's sermons Miss Bennet?

38 INT. CORRIDOR -- LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 38

Later; we can see the girls and Mr Bennet gathered by the fire through the doorway. Mr Collins leaves the room and takes Mrs Bennet aside to a very discrete conference, out of hearing of anyone else.

COLLINS Mrs Bennet. You do know I have been bestowed by the good grace of Lady Catherine de Bough a parsonage of no mean size.

â€¢ MRS BENNET I have become aware of the fact.

31.

COLLINS â€¢ Well, it.is my avowed hope that soon I         may find a mistress for it, and I have to          inform you that the eldest Miss Bennet has captured my special attention. Collins looks lasciviously into the room.

MRS BENNET Mr Collins, unfortunately it is incumbent on me to hint that the eldest Miss Bennet is - very soon to be engaged.

COLLINS Engaged!

MRS BENNET But Miss Elizabeth next to her in both age and beauty would make anyone an         excellent partner. Do not you agree, Mr         Collins? Mr Collins looks through the doorway at Elizabeth

COLLINS Indeed. Indeed. A very agreeable alternative.

Â€¢

39 EXT. BACK MEADOW - LONGBOURN - DAY. 39

Elizabeth and Jane are walking towards the house when, across the moat, they see Mr Collins come out of the house and advance towards them.

ELIZABETH Oh no!         Mx Collins spots them and darts through a door in the garden wall and hurries towards the bridge to meet them.

ELIZABETH Quick! This way! She pulls Jane across the duck board spanning the moat, through the house and out the front. Mr Collins doubles back and follows them into the house. The girls are no-where to be seen. He looks around, puzzled.

40 EXT. MERYTON VILLAGE - DAY. 40

â€¢ Elizabeth and Jane arrive in the village. Jane, forever the dutiful daughter, looks uneasy- Elizabeth is flushed and reckless. She looks behind them-

32.

ELIZABETH

(LAUGHS)

Â€¢ We've lost him. They slow down to a walk. And then stop. outside the milliner's shop the incorrigible Lydia and Kitty are chatting to Wickham, the dashing young officer we spotted earlier. He is utterly gorgeous - slim, handsome, tousled hair. The perfect romantic hero.

ELIZABETH Kitty? Lydia! She and Jane join them.

LYDIA We just happened to be looking for some ribbon, didn't we, Kitty?

(KITTY NODS) And we met Mr Wickham.

KITTY He picked up Lydia's gloves!

LYDIA He's a lieutenant! Wickham bows.

WICKHAM I'm enchanted. Shall we all look at some ribbons together?

LYDIA Oh yes!

41 INT. MILLINER'S SHOP - DAY. 41

They come into the shop. The others go towards the counter. Wickham hangs back, and smiles a complicit, witty smile at Elizabeth. She colours.

WICKHAM Though I must warn you, I have very poor taste.

ELIZABETH

(SMILES) Only a man truly confident of himself would admit that.

WICKHAM No, it's true. My rooms in town, decorated, I thought, in the height of         â€¢ fashion, have reduced grown men to tears of mirth.

33.

ELIZABETH'

Â€¢ (LAUGHS) Then why don't you change them?

MR WICKHAM And deny people such pleasure?

ELIZABETH So you don't mind being laughed at?

MR WICKHAM Not particularly.

ELIZABETH It is a somewhat sterile quality, is it         not, to be aware of ones importance in          the world.

WICKHAM Especially if, like me, one has none. Elizabeth looks at him with interest. A beat. The moment is broken by Lydia coming up.

LYDIA Lizzie, please lend me some money!

ELIZABETH

Â€¢ You already owe me a considerable sum, Liddy.

MR WICKHAM Allow me to oblige.

ELIZABETH No! Please - Mr Wickham! -         Wickham gives Elizabeth a smile and moves away to the counter.

42 EXT. MILLINER'S SHOP - DAY. 42

The girls emerge from the shop with Wickham.

ELIZABETH You're too generous.

WICKHAM I know. Fivepence halfpenny!

ELIZABETH It all adds up.

Â€¢ LYDIA I'll pay him back.

34.

WICKHAM Oh yes. I'll make sure of that.

Â€¢ They laugh. Elizabeth is really rather taken with him. They walk down the street.

ELIZABETH Will you be stationed here all winter, Mr         Wickham?

WICKHAM That depends on what the French have in         mind. Of course I look forward to         action... (smiles at her) But on the other hand

JANE Lizzie - look! They stop. Jane's face lights up.

JANE Mr Bingley ! It is indeed Bingley, riding towards them. He is         accompanied by Darcy. â€¢ Bingley jumps off his horse and hurries over to Jane. His open, friendly face is filled with delight.

BINGLEY I was on my way to your house.

LYDIA - Please Mr Bingley, when are you going to         give a ball?

JANE Lydia!

BINGLEY I was just waiting until your sister was quite well.-

LYDIA She is! Elizabeth pays no attention to the following conversation, instead she is looking at Darcy who, in         turn, is staring at Wickham. They both obviously recognize each other and look very uncomfortable.

KITTY - when, then?

35.

MR BINGLEY

Â€¢ As soon as they have made the white soup.

LYDIA Be sure to invite Mr Wickham. Darcy turns and rides off without a word.

JANE Lydia, you can't just say that -

MR BINGLEY Will you excuse me ladies? Mr Wickham. Enjoy the day. Elizabeth looks at Wickham, puzzled.

43 INT. DRAWING ROOM - THE LUCAS' HOUSE - DAY. 43

A small cards party is underway. Three tables have been set up. Elizabeth, Wickham, Jane, Lydia, Kitty, Charlotte and Sir William and Lady Lucas are present. A small number of officers and other ladies are also present. We         move around the tables. Kitty is sat with Sir William and Charlotte and Mary. Jane sits at a table with Mr Collins and Lady Lucas. Lizzie sits with Lydia and two other officers. Lydia flirts outrageously.

Â€¢

LYDIA. We have asked mama if we might have new dresses for the Netherfield ball.

KITTY Yes, white, they must be white.

LYDIA White is the only colour to be worn this season.

SIR WILLIAM So I believe. Mr Collins is at a table with Lady Lucas, he glances over at Elizabeth, as he talks.

COLLINS - of course, when you understand that Lady Catherine de Bourgh is its proprietor you will realise what an         immense compliment that is. Lady Catherine spent eight hundred pounds on a         chimney-piece alone. â€¢ Wickham who has been talking to some of the other officers comes and sits beside Elizabeth, passing by Mr         collins on the way.

36.

WICKHAM (aside to Elizabeth) Your cousin is blessed with an uncommon capacity for charm. Elizabeth laughs and plays a hand.

LYDIA Will you be attending the Netherfield ball, Mr Wickham?

WICKHAM I hope to.

(TO ELIZABETH) How long has Mr Darcy been a guest a         Netherfield? Elizabeth pounces on this reference to Mr Darcy and takes her chance.

ELIZABETH About a month. Are you acquainted with, Mr Darcy?

WICKHAM Indeed, my fate has been very intimate with that gentleman. I have been connected with his family since infancy. Elizabeth is genuinely surprised, there is a pause while she is forced to play her hand.

WICKHAM (CONT'D)         You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, especially given the cold manner of our intimacy this afternoon. Are you well acquainted with that gentleman?

ELIZABETH As much as I could ever wish to be. I         have spent four days in the same house as          him, and I think him very disagreeable.

WICKHAM I cannot pretend to be sorry. Elizabeth blushes.

WICKHAM But really I speak out of turn. Collins voice breaks the moment.

COLLINS Miss Elizabeth, I was just saying to Sir William what appalling weather we've been having.

37.         Elizabeth cannot believe her misfortune in Mr Collins, â€¢ but she smiles politely.

ELIZABETH I think I shall take a little air. She rises and walks through the room towards a balcony. As she passes the other tables we follow and witness snippets of their conversations.

CHARLOTTE

(TO MARY) It seems Mr Wickham has met with universal approval. Though Lizzie looks singularly pleased with him.

MARY At the moment she has more suitors than sense. Charlotte looks over at Mr Collins. Elizabeth passes Sir William's side of the table.

SIR WILLIAM Now any one for a round of bridge? Elizabeth?

ELIZABETH

Â€¢ Really I need to take some air. Mr Collins makes his way to join Elizabeth.

SIR WILLIAM Mr Collins?

COLLINS Oh, I am not so familiar with the game, Sir William.

SIR WILLIAM Absolute nonsense. I insist that you join us.

CHARLOTTE Please, Mr Collins, I'd be happy if you'd

PARTNER ME_ Collins resigns himself to his fate. Elizabeth smiles and slips out into the night air.

44 EXT. BALCONY - THE LUCASES HOUSE - MERYTON - NIGHT. 44

Elizabeth breathes in the cold night air. She senses someone join her. She looks round to see Wickham has followed her as she had hoped.

38.

ELIZABETH â€¢ I hope your plans in favor of Meryton will not be affected by your difficult relations with the gentleman we were just speaking of.

WICKHAM Oh no - it is not for me to be driven away. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he         must go not I.          Pause.

ELIZABETH I must ask you Mr Wickham, what is the manner of your disapproval of Mr Darcy?

WICKHAM Do you really want to hear? Lizzie nods.

WICKHAM He ruined me. She stares at him.

ELIZABETH How so?

WICKHAM My father managed his estate. We grew up         together, Darcy and I. His father treated me like a second son. Oh he was the kindest of men and bequeathed me the best living in his gift, for I had my heart set on joining the church. But when he         died Darcy ignored his wishes and gave the living to another man.

LIZZIE Why did he do that?

WICKHAM Out of jealousy, for his father loved me         more than he loved him.

LIZZIE How cruel! Are you sure?

WICKHAM

(NODS) And out of pride, for he considered me         too lowly to be worth his consideration.

Â€¢ Pause. Lizzie gazes at him with horror and sympathy.

39.

â€¢ 45 INT. BEDROOMS - LONGBOURNE - THE SAME. 45

We pan through the bedrooms as the Bennet girls prepare for the Netherfield ball. Kitty is helping Lydia into her dress, they are both wearing white.

LYDIA Aggghh!

KITTY Breathe in! We move to the quieter preparations of Jane and Elizabeth. This conversation has been going on for some time.

JANE

(HORRIFIED) - I still think there must have been a         misunderstanding.

LIZZIE

(EXASPERATED LAUGH) Oh Jane, do you never think ill of         anybody?

JANE 0 How could Mr Darcy do such a thing? I         will discover the truth from Mr Bingley at the ball this evening.

ELIZABETH If it is not true let Mr Darcy contradict it himself. But until he does, I hope never to encounter him.

JANE Poor, unfortunate Mr Wickham.

ELIZABETH On the contrary, he is twice the man Darcy is.

JANE And lets hope for you a rather more willing dancer. Jane leaves Elizabeth, at the mirror, taking very particular care of her makeup. she smil6s to herself.

46 INT. NETHERFIELD - HERTFORDSHIRE - NIGHT. 46

â€¢ The great doors of Netherfield open to reveal the ball in         full swing. Compared to the somewhat clod-hopping Assembly, its a dazzling affair.

40.         There are hundreds of guests. All the women, roughly two hundred, are dressed in white. The men are either in red â€¢ officer uniform or dressed in black and white. There are a number of rooms each occupied by a different activity, cards, buffet, women's closet. The final and grandest room is the ball room, a swirl of elegant dance. The Bennet's enter the first reception room, the girls, including Mrs Bennet, are all dressed in white. Mr         Collins is slightly detained as people pass. Mr Bingley bounds up to Jane.

BINGLEY You're here! I'm so pleased.

JANE And so am I.

BINGLEY How are you, Miss Elizabeth? Elizabeth is not paying attention, instead she is         searching over Mr Bingleys' shoulder for a sight of          Wickham.

BINGLEY Are you, looking for someone?

ELIZABETH â€¢ No, no not at all. Admiring the splendor of the ball.

JANE It is lovely, Mr Bingley. Bingley and Jane move off leaving Elizabeth with Mrs Bennet and others. While Mrs Bennet talks we focus on         Elizabeth searching the sea of red coats.

MRS BENNET (refering to Jane and

BINGLEY)         I dare say I have never met a more          pleasant gentleman in all my years. Look          how he dotes on her! Still Jane has          always done what is best for her family.          Elizabeth takes this opportunity to slip away into the          next room. Elizabeth looks around but cannot see Mr          Wickham. Suddenly she thinks she sees him, so starts to           a r, move over. The man turns round, it is not Wickham but           someone else.           Elizabeth walks nonchanantly into the next room, again           looking for Mr Wickham. She cranes around trying to see          â€¢ him then she is suddenly surprised by Charlotte Lucas.

41.

ELIZABETH

Â€¢ Have you seen Mr Wickham. She shakes her head.

CHARLOTTE Perhaps he is in the ballroom. They both walk into the ball room. We pull back to reveal a sea of dancers. Wickham is nowhere to be seen. Jane appears and catches Elizabeths arm.

JANE He's not here. Apparently otherwise detained. The disappointment is palpable on Elizabeth's face.

ELIZABETH Detained? Mr Collins arrives, breathless. He smiles eagerly at         Elizabeth.

COLLINS There you are.

Â€¢ ELIZABETH Mr Collins. What a pleasant surprise.

MR COLLINS Perhaps you will do me the honour, Miss Elizabeth?

ELIZABETH Oh. I didn't think you danced, Mr         Collins.

MR COLLINS I do not consider it incompatible with the office of a clergyman to indulge in         such an innocent diversion. Elizabeth tries to smile, politely.

MR COLLINS (CONT'D)          In fact several people, her ladyship included, have complimented me on my          lightness of foot. Elizabeth's face is a matey rictus.

CUT TO: â€¢ They dance, the style of which is not unlike English Country dancing.

42.

COLLINS â€¢ To be sure, dancing is of little consequence to me, but it does afford the opportunity to lavish'ones partner with delicate attentions which is my primary object of the evening. Elizabeth turns as part of the dance and for a moment she dances beside Jane.

JANE Apparently Your Mr Wickham has been called on some business to town, though my informer told me he would have been less inclined to be engaged had it not been for the presence at Netherfield of a         certain gentleman. Jane indicates towards where Darcy stands watching them.

ELIZABETH That gentleman barely warrants the name. The dance leads Elizabeth back to Mr Collins.

COLLINS (CONT`D) It is my intention, if I may be so bold to remain close to you throughout the evening.

CUT TO: Couples are preparing for the next dance. Elizabeth and Charlotte are standing to one side when Mr Darcy approaches.

DARCY May I have the next dance, Miss Elizabeth. Elizabeth is stunned.

ELIZABETH You may. Darcy walks away.

ELIZABETH What was I thinking? Have I no presence of mind?l

CHARLOTTE I dare say you will find him very agreeable, Lizzie.

0

43.

Â€¢ ELIZABETH Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all - to find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate!

CUT TO: Elizabeth dances face to face with Darcy. Neither can speak. They dance for a moment in silence.

ELIZABETH I do love a Sarabande.

DARCY Indeed. Most invigorating. They continue, for a moment, in silence.

ELIZABETH It is your turn to say something, Mr         Darcy - I talked about the dance, now you ought to remark on the size of the room or the number of couples.

DARCY I am perfectly happy to oblige, please advise me of what you would like most to         â€¢ hear.

ELIZABETH That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and bye I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. But for now we may be         silent.

DARCY Do you talk as a rule while dancing?

ELIZABETH We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will - amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a         proverb. So a little lubrication to avoid embarrassment might be advantageous.

DARCY I see no striking resemblance of your own character in this, how near it is to mine I cannot say. (beat) Tell me do you and your sisters very often walk to Meryton?

Â€¢ They are suddenly parted by the choreography of the dance.

44.         We stay with Elizabeth who is whisked round the floor by          an elderly man who smiles at her toothlessly, Elizabeth â€¢ looks back at Darcy who is dancing with Lydia. He stare at Elizabeth as he dances. Elizabeth smiles at her current partner in embarrassment.

ELIZABETH Very mild weather we've been having.

DANCING PARTNER (deaf as a post) Sorry. The dance spins again and she is back with Darcy.

ELIZABETH Yes, we often walk to Meryton - it is a         great opportunity to meet new people. In         fact when you met us we had just had the pleasure of forming a new acquaintance.

DARCY I will admit your Mr Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends - whether he is capable of         retaining them is less certain.

ELIZABETH He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship. I remember hearing you once say that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I         suppose, as to its being created?

DARCY I am. May I ask to what these questions tend.

ELIZABETH To make out your character, Mr Darcy.

DARCY And what have you discovered?

ELIZABETH very little. The dancefinishes.

ELIZABETH (CONT'D)         I hear such different accounts of you as          puzzle me exceedingly.

DARCY I hope to afford you more clarity in the â€¢ future.

45.         â€¢ They bow to each other and Elizabeth moves quickly away from Darcy.

CUT TO: Elizabeth is at the buffet watching Kitty quaff a huge glass of wine and having the glass immediately refilled. She is joined by Caroline Bingley who also looks at Kitty disapprovingly.

CAROLINE BINGLEY Miss Elizabeth. Let me recommend you as a         friend not to give too much confidence to          all of the assertions your friend Mr          Wickham might make. He is indeed a         charming man, but one should never forget from where he is descended.

ELIZABETH His lack of trustworthiness and descent appear by your account to be the same thing,

CAROLINE BINGLEY Please excuse my interterence, it was kindly meant. â€¢ A breathless Mr Collins appears.

COLLINS Is that Mr Darcy, of Pemberley in         Derbyshire?

ELIZABETH I believe so.

COLLINS But I must make myself known to him immediately!

ELIZABETH But sir -

COLLINS He is the nephew of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine.

ELIZABETH

(SURPRISED) He is? Mr Collins starts making his way determinedly towards Darcy.

Â€¢ ELIZABETH Please, Mr Collins! He'll consider it an

IMPERTINENCE --

46.         Elizabeth watches from a distance, with acute embarrassment, as Collins interrupts Darcy. Darcy does not notice him so Collins raises his voice.

COLLINS (CONT'D)         Mr Darcy! The room around him stops. Darcy is surprised and turns round. In dumbshow we see Darcy is horrified by Collins' obsequiousness, during the conversation Collins points Elizabeth out to Darcy.

CAROLINE BINGLEY What interesting relatives you have, Miss Bennet. Elizabeth walks away into another room.

CUT TO: The other room, where Mary is singing badly at the piano. Elizabeth is horrified. She turns to leave only to see Mr         Bennet looking on. He winces as Mary misses a high note. Mary finishes the song with an off key flourish. Polite applause. Mary smiles and prepares for another song.

ELIZABETH Aren't you going to do something?

Â€¢ Mr Bennet walks over to the piano.

MR BENNET Mary dear, you've delighted us long enough.

MARY But they asked for another song. Mr Bennet shuts the lid.

MR BENNET Let the other young ladies have a turn.

CUT TO: Later. Charlotte and Lizzie are sat together.

ELIZABETH Perhaps my family have made a competition to see who can expose themselves to the most ridicule.

CHARLOTTE Well, at least Bingley has not noticed.

Â€¢ They look over and see Jane and Bingley dancing. Bingley clearly besotted by Jane.

47.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Yes. I think he likes her very much.

CHARLOTTE But does she like him? There are few of         us who are secure enough to be really in          love without proper encouragement. Bingley likes her enormously but might not do more if she does not help him on.

ELIZABETH She is just shy and modest. If he does not perceive her regard he is a fool.

CHARLOTTE We are all fools in love. He does not know her character as we do. She should move fast. Snap him up. There is plenty of time for us to get to know them after we're married - Elizabeth looks over the dancefloor to see Lydia dancing with a soldier. she's a little drunk, and very flirtatious. He says something; she shrieks with laughter.

CUT TO;

47 MONTAGE OF THE BALL 47 Elizabeth sits at the side of the dance-floor. She looks at Mrs Bennet dancing in outrageous fashion. Cut to         later: Lydia is getting more and more leery with a group of soldiers, Elizabeth walks away in embarrasment only to         see Mr Collins smiling at her from across the room. Cut to: Elizabeth dancing joylessly with the excruciating Mr         Collins, as she turns in the dance she sees Darcy look on          with obvious disdain. Cut to: much later, the band are exhausted, guests are leaving. The staff are asleep on         their feet. Elizabeth almost alone watching her parents dancing almost the only people left on the dance floor, Kitty is asleep over Elizabeth's lap. This is a never- ending nightmare.

48 INT. ENTRANCE HALL-- NETHERFIELD - THE WEE HOURS 48

Day light creeps through the curtains. Mrs Bennet is         sprawled on a sofa. Lydia completely drunk. Kitty asleep. Jane sitting demurely. Collins looking longingly at         Elizabeth. Mrs Bennet is holding court, whilst the footmen behind are literally ready to drop. Bingley is         standing, the perfect host, but obviously willing the â€¢ Bennets to leave.

48.

MRS BENNET I have never had such a good time in my         life. Mr Bingley you must have such a         ball once a month at least. Caroline who is standing with her brother, yawns ostentatiously.

ELIZABETH Mother. I really think it is time to go.

MRS BENNET Don't be impertinent. our hosts are perfectly happy with our company, are you not, Mr Bingley? I hope I can entice you to Longbourn to sample our hospitality. We would make sure you had 3 or 4 courses at least. She holds out her glass for a top up and carries on.

MRS BENNET (CONT'D)         So tell me Mr Bingley. Whom did you like least of all your guests this evening?

ELIZABETH Really. This is enough. Darcy looking down at Elizabeth from a staircase. He         turns and walks away.

49 INT. CARRIAGE - HERTFORDSHIRE - MORNING. 49

The Bennet's are squeezed into their carriage. It is         light outside. Only Mrs Bennet is awake but the lack of         an audience does not stop her from talking.

MRS BENNET Allowing for new carriages, dresses etcetera, etcetera. We will be having a         wedding here at Netherfield in less than three months, if you ask me. Mr Bennet? Mr Bennet! 5o INT. BREAKFAST ROOM - LONGBOURNE - DAY. 50         The Bennets eat in silence. Jane.yawns. Mrs Bennet moans - she is hungover. Mr Collins comes in in a state of         agitation. They look at him. He sits, hesitates, then

ASKS:

0

49.         is MR COLLINS Mrs Bennet I was hoping, if it would not trouble you, that I might solicit a         private audience with Miss Elizabeth in          the course of the morning. Elizabeth is open mouthed.

MRS BENNET Oh! Yes. Certainly - Lizzy would be very happy indeed. Please -- go ahead. No time like the present. Everyone. Out. Mr         Collins would like a private audience with your sister. Everyone looks in amazement.

ELIZABETH Wait. I beg you. Mr Collins can have nothing to say to me.that anybody need not hear.

MRS BENNET No. Nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you-will stay where you are. Everyone else, to the drawing room. Mr Bennet.

â€¢ MR BENNET But...

MRS BENNET Now! Mrs Bennet makes sure everyone leaves, winks at Mr         Collins then shuts the door before Elizabeth has time to          do anything. Elizabeth looks at Mr Collins who looks at         her in earnest. There is a horrible pause of intense embarrassment.

MR COLLINS Dear Miss Elizabeth, you can hardly doubt the purpose of my discourse. My         attentions have been too marked to be          mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life. Elizabeth stares at him, astonished.

MR COLLINS But before I am run away with my feelings perhaps I may state my reasons for marrying. Firstly, that it is the duty of         a clergyman to set the example of          matrimony in his parish.

(MORE)

S0. MR COLLINS (cont'd)         Secondly, that I am convinced it will add greatly to my happiness, and, thirdly, â€¢ that it is at the urging of my esteemed patroness Lady Catherine that I select a         wife. We here a kick and Kitty screach from behind the door.

MRS BENNET (V.0.) sshhh.

MR COLLINS My object in coming to Longbourn was to         choose such a one from amongst Mr          Bennet's daughters, for as you know I am          next in the entail of the estate and such an alliance will surely make amends for this. (drops to his knee) And now nothing remains for me but to         assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affections.

ELIZABETH Mr Collins -

MR COLLINS And that no reproach on the subject of         fortune will cross my lips once we are â€¢ married.

ELIZABETH You are too hasty, sir! You forget that I         have made no answer.

MR COLLINS

(UNPERTURBED) I must add, that Lady Catherine will thoroughly approve, when I speak to her of your modesty, economy and other amiable qualities.

ELIZABETH Sir, I am honoured by your proposal, but regret I must decline it.

MR COLLINS (momentarily taken aback, but

RECOVERING)         I know ladies have their pretty little          ways, and don't seek to seem too eager -

ELIZABETH (in some desperation) Mr Collins, I am perfectly serious. You could not make me happy and I'm convinced I'm the last woman in the world who could make you happy.

51.

â€¢ MR COLLINS

(PAUSE) I 'flatter myself, cousin, that your refusal is merely a natural delicacy. Besides, you should take into account that despite your manifold attractions it         is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made to you -

ELIZABETH (rising, deeply affronted) Mr Collins -

MR COLLINS So I must conclude that you simply seek to increase my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of         elegant females.

ELIZABETH Sir! I am not the sort of female to         torment a respectable man. Please understand me - I cannot accept you! Elizabeth storms out of the room and out of the house. Mrs Bennet crashes in through another door, hot on the tail of Elizabeth.

Â€¢

MRS BENNET Declined indeed! The headstrong, foolish

CHILD-

COLLINS Thank you, but... Head strong?

MRS BENNET - we shall have this little hiccup dealt with immediately, Mr Collins. Mrs Bennet goes chases after Elizabeth. Mr Collins watches through a window as Elizabeth is chased by her mother.

51 INT. LIBRARY - LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 51

Mrs Bennet marches into the library. Mr Bennet looks up         in shock.

MRS BENNET Oh Mr Bennet. We are all in a uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr         Collins, for she vows she will not have him.

Â€¢ Mr Bennet starter at Mrs Bennet blankley.

52.

MRS BENNET Mr Collins, Mr Collins has proposed to         Lizzie. But Lizzy declares she will not have him, and now the danger is Mr         Collins may not have Lizzy.

MR BENNET And what am I to do? Mrs Bennet drags Mr Bennet to his feet.

MRS BENNET Speak to Lizzy. They march to find Elizabeth.

52 INT. HALLWAY - LONGBOURN -- THE SAME. 52

Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet confront Elizabeth, who has been waiting in the hallway. Perhaps the other girls form an         audience from the stairs, Mr Collins looks on sheepishly from the breakfast room.

MRS BENNET Tell her that you insist upon them marrying.

Â€¢ LIZZIE Papa, please - '.

MRS BENNET You will have this house!

LIZZIE I can't marry him!

MRS BENNET You'll save your sisters from destitution!

LIZZIE I can't! -

MRS BENNET Go back now and say you've changed your mind!

LIZZIE No!

0

MRS BENNET Think of your family!

LIZZIE You can't make me!

53.

MRS BENNET Mr Bennet, say something!

MR BENNET

(TO LIZZIE) So, your mother insists on you marrying Mr Collins.-

MRS BENNET Yes, or I shall never see her again?

MR BENNET Well, Lizzie. From this day on you must be a stranger to one of your parents -

MRS BENNET

(TO LIZZIE) - who will maintain you when your father is dead?

MR BENNET Your mother will never see you again if         you do not marry Mr Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.

MRS BENNET

MR BENNET'

ELIZABETH Thank you, papa. Elizabeth turns around and walks into the drawing room.

53 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - THE SAME 53

Elizabeth enters the drawing room. In the drawing room, Mary is trying to read, through the family din. Jane sits very still. Her face is white. There's a letter in her hand. Mrs Bennet charges in, Lydia and Kitty in tow, and speaks to anyone who will listen.

MRS BENNET Oh, ungrateful child! I shall never speak to her again! Not that I have much pleasure in talking to anybody. People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer...         She jabbers on but her voice fades. We're with Jane, re- reading the letter.

ELIZABETH What's wrong, Jane? Close on Jane's pale face. She's staring at the letter.

54.

MRS BENNET

(DISTANT) But it is always so. Those who complain are never pitied...

54 EXT. NETHERFIELD - DAY. 54

Bingley, Caroline and Darcy sit grimly in a carriage which drives off.

55 INT. CARRIAGE -- LEAVING NETHERFIELD - THE SAME. 55

Darcy looks severe and stern, Caroline can't help a         little smirk on her face. Bingley looks back longingly.

56 INT. BEDROOM -- LONGBOURNE - NIGHT. 56

Elizabeth and Jane in bed.

ELIZABETH I don't understand. What would take him from Netherfield? Why would he not know when he was to return?

JANE â€¢ I have no reserves from you. Jane passes Elizabeth the letter.

ELIZABETH "Mr Darcy is impatient to see his sister         and we are scarcely less eager to meet          her again. I really do not think Georgina          Darcy has her equal for beauty, elegance          and accomplishments, so much so I must          hope to hereafter call her my sister. It          is my duty to indulge you in no hope in          this respect for your own self."

JANE Is that not clear enough?

ELIZABETH Miss Bingley sees that her brother is in         love with you and is gone with him to          persuade him otherwise.

JANE But I know her to be incapable of         wilfully deceiving anyone.

ELIZABETH â€¢ He loves you, Jane. Do not give up. Go to         our aunt and uncle's in London.

(MORE)

55.

ELIZABETH (CONT'D)         Let it be known you are there and I am          sure he will come to you.

Â€¢

57 EXT. LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 57

Jane is in a carriage. Mrs Bennet kisses her goodbye through the window as all the Bennets look on.

MRS BENNET Give my love to my sister. And try not to         be so much of a burden, dear. Jane's carriage moves away and the family wave. Mr Bennet talks to Elizabeth.

MR BENNET Poor Jane. However, a girl likes to be         crossed in love now and then. It gives her something to think of, and a sort of         distinction among her companions.

ELIZABETH

(DRYLY) I'm sure that will cheer her up,Papa.

MR BENNET It's your turn now, Lizzie. Since you've         turned down Mr Collins you're free to go          off and be jilted yourself. What about Mr         Wickham? He is a pleasant fellow and would do the job credibly.

ELIZABETH Thank you, but a less agreeable man would satisfy me. We must not all expect Jane's         good fortune.

MR KENNET Still, it's a comfort to know that whatever might befall you, you have an         affectionate mother who will be sure to          make the most of it. A small smile from Elizabeth.

58 INT. BEDROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY 58

Elizabeth is making the bed and tidying Jane's         belongings. There is a knock at the door and Charlotte enters.

CHARLOTTE My dear Elizabeth, I've come here to tell you the news.

56.

ELIZABETH â€¢ What news?

CHARLOTTE

(DEFIANTLY) Mr Collins and I are engaged to be         married. A stunned pause.

ELIZABETH Engaged?

CHARLOTTE

(TIMIDLY) You don't mind, do you?

ELIZABETH No, no... (tries to recover) Of course not.

CHARLOTTE He asked for my hand this morning .and I accepted him. Elizabeth looks quite faint. Charlotte sits on the bed. Elizabeth, after a pause, sits down beside her.

CHARLOTTE I can see you're surprised - coming so         soon after his wishing to marry you...

ELIZABETH

(WEAKLY) No...

CHARLOTTE I'm not a romantic, you know. I ask only a comfortable home, and considering Mr         Collin's character, and situation in          life, I am convinced that my chance of          happiness with him is as fair as most people can hope for.

ELIZABETH And that's all you expect?

CHARLOTTE For women in our situation, what choice is there?

ELIZABETH

(PASSIONATELY) Don't speak like that, Charlotte!

57.

CHARLOTTE â€¢ - to become an old maid, at best tolerated, at worst a burden, dependent on the kindness of others? Or to seek the protection of marriage.

ELIZABETH And we only have two choices?

CHARLOTTE Yes. An appalled silence. Elizabeth gazes at her closest friend. Charlotte has recovered herself. she now looks cool and composed - unnervingly so.

ELIZABETH You can still change your mind, Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE (shakes her head) I'm twenty-seven years old. We hear the sound of the militia drums...

59 EXT. MERYTON - DAY. 59

0         The militia are leaving Meryton. Hundreds of soldiers and officers in the red coats marching out of the village to         the sound of pipes and drums. The villagers are out to         bid them farewell. Lydia and Kitty run through the crowds very distraught. They find Elizabeth coming in the other direction.

LYDIA It's too dreadful! They're leaving for Brighton.

ELIZABETH All of them?

KITTY They got the call this morning.

LYDIA Not a word of warning! Lydia wails. Elizabeth searches the red coats for Wickham. She spots him, he glances across at her, she gives a pathetic wave and he's gone. Lydia and Kitty chase the last of the officers, leaving Elizabeth alone. She walks into the post office.

Â€¢

58.

C 60 INT. VILLAGE POST OFFICE - THE SAME. 6

The Postmaster hands a letter to Elizabeth. Elizabeth opens it and reads it.

POSTMASTER Bad news, Miss?

ELIZABETH It could not be worse. I have been invited to possibly the very last place on earth I would like to go.

61 EXT. MERYTON - DAY. 61

Elizabeth comes out of the post office to reveal... Time has passed, the now deserted village is covered in a         thick blanket of snow. A lonely Elizabeth walks away totally despondent.

62 EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE - KENT - DAY. 6<

Charlotte's new home is a smallish but charming rectory in Kent. Charlotte greets Elizabeth, kissing her warmly. â€¢ Mr Collins bows as he ushers her in.

MR COLLINS Welcome to our humble abode...

63 EXT. HUNSFORD PARSONAGE- DAY. 63

There is a coop containing hens of various descriptions ...a.pig-stye...a vegetable patch...a rose bower. Charlotte and Mr Collins are showing Elizabeth round the place.

MR COLLINS

(POINTING) And from here we have a good view of         Rosings Park, where we are honoured to          dine at least twice a week. Her ladyship's carriage is regularly ordered for us. I should say, one of her ladyship's carriages, for she has several.

CHARLOTTE My dear, I think our guest is tired after her journey. Come on, Lizzie, let's get some tea.

T

59.

MR COLLINS â€¢ My wife encourages me to spend as much time in the garden as possible, for the sake of my health. A beat. Lizzie glances at Charlotte, who remains impassive.

MR COLLINS I plan many improvements, of course. (points to house) I intend. to throw out a bow there, and plant a lime walk. (sharp look at Lizzie) Oh yes, I flatter myself that any young lady would be happy to be the mistress of         such a house. A tiny nod from Elizabeth. She understands perfectly.

64 INT. CHARLOTTE'S PARLOUR - HUNSFORD - DAY. 64

Lizzie and Charlotte are at last alone. They sit down, with a certain relief, in a charming little parlour that faces the front of the house. Charlotte pours out tea.

CHARLOTTE â€¢ We shall not be disturbed here, for this parlour is for my own particular use.

(A BEAT) Oh Lizzie, it's such a pleasure, to run my own home! A flash of understanding between them.

MR COLLINS (OOV) Charlotte! Come here! Charlotte jumps up and rushes to the window.

ELIZABETH

(ALARMED) What's happened?

MR COLLINS (OOV) Charlotte!

ELIZABETH

(JUMPS UP) Has the pig escaped? Lizzie joins her at the window. outside in the lane, Mr         Collins stands, bowing, at a carriage.

Â€¢

CHARLOTTE Its all right. Its just Lady Catherine.

60.         They both burst out laughing. Just for a moment, the â€¢ atmosphere is eased.

CHARLOTTE (CONT'D)         Tell me, how are things concerning Mr          Wickham? Elizabeth's face changes.

ELIZABETH I have not heard from Mr Wickham since the regiment left for Brighton, but I am         informed by Lydia who keeps a breast of          all matters military that he does very well.

CHARLOTTE Oh Lizzie. we hear Mr Collins rushing back into the house, and running up the stairs.

COLLINS (O.S.) Great news! Great news! He comes into the room, breathlessly excited.

COLLINS (CONT'D)         â€¢ We have an invitation to visit Rosings this evening from Lady Catherine de         Bourgh. Elizabeth is not overcome with enthusiasm.

COLLINS (CONT'D)         Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel. Just put on         that which is best among your clothes and Lady Catherine will not think the worse of you.

65 EXT. GROUNDS OF ROSINGS - EVENING. 65

Elizabeth, Charlotte and Mr Collins walk hurriedly across the lawns towards the great house. Beyond the toparied hedges the grey building looms ominously above them. It         is grand without being elegant.

COLLINS One of the most extraordinary sights in         all Europe, is it not. The glazing alone cost upwards of twenty thousand pounds.

0

61.

Â€¢

66 INT. STAIRWAY -- ROSINGS - THE SAME. 66

Mr Collins, Charlotte and Elizabeth are led up a vast stairway which is painted with visions of hell. Elizabeth stops in front of a painting of a devil. She stares at         it, It seem to speak, but she realizes the voice is          Collins chiding her.

COLLINS (as the devil) This way!

67 TNT. SALON - ROSINGS - DUSK. 67         The salon at Rosings is spectacularly grand; hideously so. Heavy furniture, rows of servants. The three guests are shown in by the footman. Again Mr Collins scrapes the floor with his bow.

MR COLLINS Your Ladyship. (to the daughter) Miss de Bourg. Lady Catherine is a haughty, bossy woman. Pretty â€¢ unspeakable, really. Her daughter is a sickly, irritable- looking creature.

LADY CATHERINE So you are Elizabeth Bennet.

ELIZABETH I am, your ladyship.

LADY CATHERINE (looking her up and down) Hmm. (indicates her daughter) This is my daughter.

CHARLOTTE

(EAGERLY) It's very kind of you to ask us to dine, Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine ignores her.

MR COLLINS (whispers to Lizzie) The chimneypiece alone cost Â£400. But Lizzie doesn't hear. Darcy walks into the room. Lizzie freezes. When he sees Lizzie he, too, falters, and recovers himself. Another man (Fitzwilliam) is with him.

62.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Mr Darcy! What are you doing here?

MR COLLINS Mr Darcy! (another deep bow) I had no idea we would have the honour... A stiff bow from Darcy, who looks at Mr Collins as if         he's something brought in by the dog. He turns to Lizzie, trying to collect himself.

DARCY

(BOWS) Miss Bennet...I'm staying here.

LADY CATHERINE

(SURPRISED) You know my nephew?

ELIZABETH Yes, madam, I had the pleasure of meeting him in Hertfordshire. Darcy's friend Fitzwilliam, a much more easy-going chap, introduces himself.

FITZWILLIAM â€¢ Colonel Fitzwilliam. How do you do? He bows. Lizzie returns his smile gratefully. They move towards the dining room. Mr Collins leans towards Lizzie.

MR COLLINS

(WHISPERING) You know Mr Darcy is as good as engaged to Miss de Bourg?

ELIZABETH Really? Miss Bingley will be disappointed to hear that. (looks at the girl, and         whispers to charlotte) What a sickly, cross little thing! Oh         yes, they should suit each other very well. Charlotte smiles back, a little fearfully. She's more intimidated by Rosings than Elizabeth is, and indeed has more at stake. 68 INT. DINING ROOM - ROSINGS - NIGHT. f         9 The dining room is laid for a very grand dinner -- footmen waiting, thousands of candles.

63.         Lady Catherine seats herself at the head of the table. The guests wait for their orders.

Â€¢

LADY CATHERINE You sit there and you sit there. Mr         Collins! You can't sit next to your wife! After some awkward shuffling around they all sit down. Lizzie, much to her discomfort, finds herself sitting next to Darcy. There is a pause.

MR DARCY I trust your family is in good health, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH They are, thank you.

(PAUSE) My eldest sister is currently in London, perhaps you happened to see her there?

MR DARCY

(AWKWARD PAUSE) I haven't been fortunate enough, no. Lizzie looks at him. He colours slightly. Lady Catherine addresses Lizzie in a loud voice, from the head of the table.

Â€¢

LADY CATHERINE Do you play the pianoforte, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH A little, ma'am, and very poorly.

LADY CATHERINE Oh. Do you draw?

ELIZABETH No, not at all.

LADY CATHERINE Your sisters, do they draw?

ELIZABETH Not one.

LADY CATHERINE That is very strange. But I suppose you had no opportunity. Your mother should have taken you to town every spring for the benefit of the masters.

ELIZABETH My mother would have no objection but my         father hates London.

64.

LADY CATHERINE â€¢ Has your governess left you?

ELIZABETH We never had a governess. Mr Collins squirms in embarrassment. Darcy watches Elizabeth, keenly.

LADY CATHERINE No governess? Five daughters brought up         at home without a governess, I never heard such a thing! Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education.

ELIZABETH (can't help smiling at this) Not at all, Lady Catherine.

LADY CATHERINE Mmmm. Are any of your younger sisters out?

ELIZABETH Yes, ma'am. All.

LADY CATHERINE All! What, five out at once? Very odd! â€¢ And you only the second - the younger ones out before the elders are married! Your youngest sisters must be very young.

ELIZABETH Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. But I         think it would be very hard on younger sisters, not to have their share of         amusement because the elder is still unmarried. And to be kept back on such a         motive! It would hardly encourage sisterly affection.

LADY CATHERINE Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?

ELIZABETH

(SMILES) With three younger sisters grown up, your Ladyship can hardly expect me to own to

P C         it. Lady Catherine looks astonished. Mr Collins shifts in         his seat. Mr Darcy glances sharply - in fact, admiringly - at Lizzie. She's enjoying herself.

65.

69 INT. DRAWING ROOM - ROSINGS -- NIGHT. 69

Dinner is over and they are drinking coffee. Darcy moves towards Elizabeth but Lady Catherine interrupts, by         shouting from her seat.

LADY CATHERINE Come, Miss Bennet, and play for us!

ELIZABETH No, I beg you -

LADY CATHERINE For music is my delight. In fact there are few people in England who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or         better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient.

(INDICATES DAUGHTER) So would Anne, if her health would have allowed her.

ELIZABETH Please, I told you I play poorly -

â€¢ MR COLLINS

(HISSES) Come come, Elizabeth, her ladyship demands it! Lizzie reluctantly sits down at the piano and starts to         play. Lady Catherine takes no notice and talks loudly over the music.

LADY CATHERINE How does Georgina get along, Darcy?

DARCY She plays very well.

LADY CATHERINE I hope she practises. No excellence can be acquired without constant practice. I         have told Mrs Collins this. (turns to Charlotte) Though you have no instrument of your own you are very welcome to come to Rosings and play on the piano in the housekeeper's room.

CHARLOTTE Thank you, your ladyship.

66.

LADY CATHERINE â€¢ You would be in nobody's way", you know,         in that part of the house.          Darcy flinches at her bad manners. He moves away to the          piano where Lizzie is playing - not that terribly well,          it must be said. A moment passes.

ELIZABETH You mean to frighten me, Mr Darcy, by         coming in all your state to hear me, but I won't be alarmed even though your sister does play so well.

DARCY I am well enough acquainted with you, Miss Bennet, to know I cannot alarm you even should I wish it. A beat. They eye each other warily. Colonel Fitzwilliam joins them.

FITZWILLIAM

(INDICATING DARCY) What was my friend like, in         Hertfordshire?

ELIZABETH â€¢ You really care to know? The colonel nods.

ELIZABETH Prepare yourself for something very dreadful.

(STOPS PLAYING) The first time I saw him, at the Assembly, he danced with nobody at all - even though gentlemen were scarce and there was more than one young lady who was sitting down without a partner.

DARCY

(COLOURING ) I knew nobody beyond my own party.

ELIZABETH

(SMILES SWEETLY) True, and nobody can be introduced in a         ballroom.

LADY CATHERINE Fitzwilliam! Come here and talk to us! 0 Fitzwilliam moves away. Darcy and Elizabeth are alone.

67.

DARCY I do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before.

ELIZABETH Maybe you should take your aunt's advice and practice. Ouch! Darcy flinches. Lizzie turns away from him and carries on playing. Darcy gazes at the curve of her neck. She plays a false note, stumbles, and grimly carries on.

70 INT. DRAWING ROOM - HUNSFORD - DAY. 70

Elizabeth is writing a letter in the drawing room. She starts "Dear Jane..:" The doorbell rings in the background, she thinks nothing of it and continues. The maid opens the door to the drawing room and Mr Darcy enters.

ELIZABETH

(ASTONISHED) Mr Darcy! An awkward pause.

ELIZABETH Please, do be seated.

(PAUSE) I'm afraid Mr and Mrs Collins are gone on         business to the village. A pause. What on earth does Mr Darcy want? He paces up         and down.

DARCY This is a charming house. I believe my         aunt did a great deal to it when Mr          Collins first arrived.

ELIZABETH I believe so -- and she could not have bestowed her kindness on a more grateful

SUBJECT- Another pause.

DARCY Mr Collins seems very fortunate in his choice of wife.

Â€¢

68.

ELIZABETH He is indeed lucky to have found one of         the few sensible women who would have accepted him. Darcy sits down.

ELIZABETH Shall I call for some tea?

DARCY No. Thankyou. The sound of the front door, and voices. Darcy jumps up.

DARCY Good day, Miss Bennet. It's been a         pleasure. He bows to her and leaves. Elizabeth sits there, bemused and intrigued.

CUT TO: Charlotte, in the hallway, taking off her bonnet. Darcy hurries past her, with a swift bow, and leaves abruptly. Charlotte gazes after him in surprise. â€¢ Charlotte heads to the drawing room where she finds Elizabeth sitting, bemused.

CHARLOTTE What on earth have you done to poor Mr         Darcy?

ELIZABETH. I have no idea. 73 She truly doesn't. Charlotte gives Elizabeth a look 73

71 EXT. HUNSFORD CHURCH - DAY. 71

Sunday service is over and worshippers are leaving the "         church. Mr Collins, in his vestments, obeises himself to          Lady Catherine, who is sweeping out with her miserable-          looking daughter and downtrodden governess. Elizabeth          joins Colonel Fitzwilliam. They walk down the path          together.

ELIZABETH How long do you plan to stay in Kent, Colonel?

FITZWILLIAM As long as Darcy chooses. I am at his disposal.

69.

ELIZABETH I do imagine your cousin brought you down with him chiefly to have someone to order around. I wonder he does not marry and secure a lasting convenience of that kind.

FITZWILLIAM She would be a lucky woman.

ELIZABETH Really?

FITZWILLIAM Darcy is a most loyal companion. From what I heard, on our journey here, he         recently came to the rescue of one of his friends just in time. Darcy, waylaid by various people, comes out of the church. His eyes search for Elizabeth. He sees her with Fitzwilliam and hesitates. Too late! Mr Collins steps up         to him and engages him in conversation. Elizabeth stops, at the churchyard gate.

ELIZABETH What happened?

Â€¢

FITZWILLIAM He saved the man from an imprudent marriage.

ELIZABETH

(FALTERING SLIGHTLY) Who was the man?

FITZWILLIAM His closest friend. Mr Bingley. A silence.

ELIZABETH Did Mr Darcy give you his reasons for this interference?

FITZWILLIAM There were apparently strong objections to the lady.

ELIZABETH What kind of objections? Her lack of         fortune?

FITZWILLIAM I think it was her family that was considered unsuitable.

70.

ELIZABETH So he separated them?

FITZWILLIAM I believe so. I know nothing else. Elizabeth grows pale. She turns to look at Darcy who is         joined by his aunt.

ELIZABETH I wish Mr Darcy and all his friends well in finding partners suitable to their very high standards. Good morning, Col. Fitzwilliam. 76 Elizabeth see that Collinses are still busy with their 76 parishioners and slips away. Darcy sees her from a         distance.

72 EXT. ROSINGS PARK - DAY. 72

Lizzie walks across the park - anywhere, she hardly cares. She is in a turmoil of misery and fury. How could Darcy do such a terrible thing! It starts to rain.

CUT TO: â€¢ A Grecian summer house by the lake. The rain is now bucketing down. Lizzie hurries into the summer house and sits down, heavily, on a bench. Her poor sister; Lizzie gazes in despair at the rain- lashed landscape. A man approaches, across the park. He draws nearer. It's Darcy. Elizabeth stiffens. He's hurrying towards her. Sodden, breathless, he comes into the. summer house. He is in a state of agitation - far too agitated to         notice her upset face.

DARCY Miss Bennet, I have struggled in vain but I can bear it no longer ... . The past months have been a torment...         He pauses, unable to speak. Elizabeth stares at him in         astonishment. He struggles on.

DARCY I came to Rosings with the single object of seeing you...I had to see you...

ELIZABETH â€¢ Me?

71.

DARCY â€¢ I've fought against my better judgement, my family's expectation...

(PAUSE) The inferiority of your birth.. .my rank and circumstance...

(STUMBLINGLY) all those things.. .but I'm willing to put them aside... and ask you to end my         agony...

ELIZABETH I don't understand...

DARCY

(WITH PASSION) I love you. Most ardently. Elizabeth stares at him.

DARCY Please do me the honour of accepting my         hand. A silence. Elizabeth struggles with the most painful confusion of feeling. Finally she recovers.

ELIZABETH

(VOICE SHAKING) Sir, I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. Believe me, it was unconsciously done. A silence. Gathering her shawl, she gets to her feet.

DARCY

(STARES) Is this your reply?

ELIZABETH Yes, sir.

DARCY Are you laughing at me?

ELIZABETH No?

DARCY Are you rejecting me?

ELIZABETH

(PAUSE) I'm sure that the feelings which, as         you've told me, have hindered your regard, will help you in overcoming it.

72.         A terrible silence, as this sinks in. Neither of them can â€¢ move. At last, Darcy speaks. He is very pale.

DARCY Might I ask why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus repulsed?

ELIZABETH (trembling with emotion) I might as well enquire why, with so. evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me         against your better judgement. If I was uncivil, that was some excuse -

DARCY Believe me, I didn't mean -

ELIZABETH But I have other reasons, you know I         have!

DARCY What reasons?

ELIZABETH Do you think that anything might tempt me         to accept the man who has ruined, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most beloved sister? Silence. Darcy looks as if he's been struck across the face.

ELIZABETH Do you deny it, Mr Darcy? That you separated a young couple who loved each other, exposing your friend to the censure of the world for caprice, and my         sister to its derision for disappointed hopes, and involving them both in misery of the acutest kind?

DARCY I do not deny it.

ELIZABETH

(BLURTS OUT) How could you do it?

DARCY Because I believed your sister indifferent to him.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Indifferent?

73.

DARCY â€¢ I watched them most carefully, and realized his attachment was much deeper than hers.

ELIZABETH That's because she's shy!

DARCY Bingley too is modest, and was persuaded that she didn't feel strongly for him.

ELIZABETH Because you suggested it!

DARCY I did it for his own good.

ELIZABETH My sister hardly shows her true feelings to me! (pause, takes a breath) I suppose you suspect that his fortune had some bearing on the matter?

DARCY

(SHARPLY) No! I wouldn't do your sister the

Â€¢ dishonour. Though it was suggested -

(STOPS)

ELIZABETH What was?

DARCY It was made perfectly clear that-an advantageous marriage...

(STOPS)

ELIZABETH Did my sister give that impression?

DARCY - No! An awkward pause.

DARCY There was, however, I have to admit... the matter of your family -

ELIZABETH Our want of connection? Mr Bingley didn't         vex himself about that!

Â€¢

DARCY No, it was more than that.

74.

ELIZABETH How, sir?

DARCY (pause, very uncomfortable) It pains me to say this, but it was the lack of propriety shown by your mother, your three younger sisters - even, on         occasion, your father. Forgive me. Lizzie blushes. He has hit home. Darcy paces up and down.

DARCY You and your sister -- I must exclude from this...         Darcy stops and gazes at her. He is in turmoil. Elizabeth glares at him, in a blaze of fury and misery.

ELIZABETH And what about Mr Wickham?

DARCY Mr Wickham?

ELIZABETH What excuse can you give for your behavior to him?

Â€¢

DARCY You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns!

ELIZABETH He told me of his misfortunes.

DARCY Oh yes, his misfortunes have been very great indeed!

ELIZABETH You have ruined his chances, and yet treat him with sarcasm?

DARCY So this is your opinion of me! Thank you for explaining so fully. Perhaps these offences might have been overlooked, if         your pride had not been hurt -

ELIZABETH My pride?

DARCY - by my honesty in admitting scruples about our relationship.

(MORE)

75.

DARCY (CONT'D)          Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your circumstances?

Â€¢

ELIZABETH And those are the words of a gentleman? From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish distain of the feelings of others, made me realize that you were the last man in         the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry. Darcy recoils, as if slapped. A terrible silence.

DARCY Forgive me, madam, for taking up so much of your time. He leaves, abruptly. Elizabeth watches him stride away, through the rain. What has she done? She bitterly bursts into tears.

73 INT. HUNSFORD - DAY. 73

Elizabeth comes in soaked to the skin. Charlotte runs to         her.

CHARLOTTE Elizabeth!

ELIZABETH I was caught somewhat off-guard.

74 INT. BEDROOM - HUNSFORD - THE SAME. 74

Charlotte attends to Elizabeth.who has changed and is         drying her hair, a shawl around her shoulders.

CHARLOTTE Shall I call the doctor?

ELIZABETH No! Charlotte, I shall be quite all right. Please, give Lady de Bourgh my         apologies. You must not keep her waiting. Mr Collins clatters up the stairs.

COLLINS (popping his head around the

DOOR)         Come on. We shall be late!

Â€¢

76.         Charlotte leaves, reluctantly, and goes downstairs.

CUT TO         Later; The sound of the front door closing. Elizabeth sits down, heavily, on the bed. She walks downstairs and enters the drawing room.

75 INT. DRAWING ROOM - HUNSFORD - DAY. 75

Elizabeth is in the drawing room, she looks at a book on         the table. It is Fordyce's Sermons. She puts it down and walks to the mirror and stares at herself. After a moment suddenly Darcy's face appears. She freezes. They stare at         each other without speaking. Finally...

DARCY I came to leave you this. He places a letter on the table behind her. Elizabeth does not turn but watches him through the mirror.

DARCY (CONT'D)         I'm not going to renew the sentiments which were so disgusting to you, but to         address the two offenses you have laid against me. I had not long been in         Hertfordshire before I saw that Bingley

Â€¢ preferred your eldest sister. I observed my friend's behaviour attentively and I         could perceive that his partiality for Miss Bennet was beyond what I have ever witnessed in him. Elizabeth cannot bring herself to look at Darcy. She stares at her own reflection as he speaks.

DARCY (CONT'D)         Yet when I observed your sister .1 detected no symptom of peculiar regard, and witnessed only the families coarse appetite for having their daughters married favorably. And so in London, perhaps erroneously, I persuaded him of         the unfitness of the match citing your sisters coolness towards him. We zoom in on Elizabeth's reflection.

DARCY (CONT'D)         It was unknowingly done and though the motives which governed me may to you appear naturally insufficient, they were done to protect a friend. As to the other â€¢ more serious matter..

77.         As Elizabeth turns she realises Darcy has gone. Darcy's         voice carries.

DARCY (V.0.) (CONT'D)         "My father provided for Mr Wickham a          valuable living.          Elizabeth tears open the envelope, her hands shaking, and          reads the letter, as Darcy's voice carries on.

DARCY (V.0.) (CONT'D)         "But upon his death, however, Mr Wickham          told me that he had no intention of          taking orders and would I recompense him          to the tune of Â£3000 so he could go to          town and study the law.          We circle Elizabeth as she reads.

DARCY (CONT'D) (V.0.)

(CONT'D)         This I did, though by now I had some doubts about his character. These were confirmed by reports that he had sunk into a life of idleness, gambling and dissipation. The money was soon used up, whereupon he wrote demanding more money which I refused, whereupon he severed all

Â€¢ ACQUAINTANCE"         Holding the letter she looks out of the window to see          Darcy riding away.

DARCY (CONT'D)         "But last summer he was unwillingly          obtruded on my notice when he connived a          relationship with my sister whom he          persuaded to be in love with him and made          her consent to an elopement. She was but          fifteen.

76 EXT. HUNSFORD - DAY. 76

Darcy rides off.

DARCY (V.0.) Mr Wickham's prime objective was her inheritance of thirty thousand pounds but hope of revenging me was a strong inducement. I was lucky enough to         persuade my sister of her folly. I hope this goes someway to mitigating my         behaviour in your eyes. If you doubt my         word please have it confirmed by my

Â€¢ cousin Fitzwilliam.

78.

â€¢ 77 INT. DRAWING ROOM -- HUNSFORD - LATER - DAY 7

Elizabeth with the letter. Charlotte walks in. Elizabeth is shaking.

CHARLOTTE Lizzy: Are you alright?

ELIZABETH I do not know. I hardly know myself. Elizabeth looks at Charlotte utterly shaken.

78 TNT/EXT. CARRIAGE/CHEAPSIDE - DAY. 78

Elizabeth riding in a carriage through Cheapside, reading the letter.

DARCY (V.0.) P.S. As we shall never meet again, I wish you all happiness in the future. Elizabeth looks out at the high warehouse building and the bustle of trade. There is no horizon. is 79 INT. GARDINERS HOUSE - CHEAPSIDE - DAY. 7         Mrs Gardiner, the girls' kindly aunt, is taking Elizabeth's coat from her.

MRS GARDINER How fortunate, you are here just in time to catch everybody coming through from Longbourn.

ELIZABETH How is Jane? Mrs Gardiner smiles sadly.

MRS GARDINER She is outside. Through a window Elizabeth sees Jane sitting quietly alone at her needle work.

CUT TO:

80 EXT. SMALL BACK GARDEN OF THE GARDINERS' HOUSE - E

CHEAPSIDE - THE SAME. Elizabeth and Jane sit together in the small walled garden.

79.         Jane is all smiles, but behind her eyes is a sadness unseen before. Elizabeth is desperate to unburden herself â€¢ but feels unable.

JANE I am quite over him, Lizzie. If he passed in the street I would hardly notice. London is so diverting...

ELIZABETH oh Jane...

JANE Its true! What with the theatre and...         But tell me, what news from Kent?

ELIZABETH Nothing. Everything as you might imagine. Elizabeth tries to smile. There is a crash as all the Bennet's arrive at the house. Kitty rushes into the garden crying her eyes out, she is followed by Lydia and Mrs Bennet.

KITTY Lizzie, tell mama, tell her!

LYDIA

(SMUGLY)

Â€¢ Mrs Forster has invited me.

KITTY

(WAILS) Why didn't she ask me as well?

ELIZABETH Kitty, what's happened?

LYDIA - because she likes me better.

KITTY I've just as much right as Lydia -

MRS BENNET Oh, if I could but go to Brighton -

KITTY - and more so, because I'm two years older! Elizabeth looks to Jane.

JANE Lydia has been invited to Brighton with the Foresters.

80.

MRS BENNET â€¢ A little sea-bathing would set me up very

NICELY-

LYDIA I shall dine with the officers every night! An anguished wail from Kitty.

MRS BENNET I'm sure I cried for two days when Colonel Millar's regiment went away. thought I should have broke my heart.

LIZZIE Mother! Are you all mad? She glares at them, deeply upset -- by them, by         everything.

81 INT. THE GARDINERS' HOUSE - DAY. 81

Elizabeth has found a quiet corner with her father.

ELIZABETH Please Papa, don't let her go!

MR BENNET Lydia will never be easy till she has exposed herself in some public place or         other, and we can never expect her to do          it with so little inconvenience as under the present circumstances.

ELIZABETH (with great emotion) If you, dear father, will not take the trouble to check her, she will be fixed forever as the silliest and most determined flirt who ever made her family ridiculous. And Kitty will follow, as she always does.

MR KENNET We shall have no peace until she goes.

ELIZABETH (really angry now) Peace! Is that all you care about?

MR BENNET Colonel Forster is a sensible man and will keep her out of any real mischief, and she is far too poor to be an object of prey to anyone.

81.

ELIZABETH Father, its dangerous! -

MR BENNET I'm sure the officers will find women better worth their while. Let us hope, in         fact, that her stay in Brighton will teach her her own insignificance. At any rate she can hardly grow any worse, without authorizing us to lock her up for the rest of her life. Elizabeth gazes at her father - will nothing touch him? He gave up on his daughter long ago. For this, just now, she hates him.

ELIZABETH No wonder our family is treated with contempt. She leaves, tears stinging her eyes. Her father looks puzzled at her outburst.

82 INT. DRAWING ROOM - CHEAPSIDE - THE SAME. 82

Mr Bennet follows Elizabeth in.

MR BENNET Well, at least the house will be quieter.

ELIZABETH I don't wish to be stuck with such a         foolish family any longer, with your constant talk of men and marriages. Surely there is more to life.

MRS GARDINER Lizzie dear, you would be very welcome to         accompany us?

MR GARDINER Oh yes. We plan to journey through the Peak District. You'd be most welcome.

MARY Oh, the glories of nature! What are men, compared to rocks and mountains?

ELIZABETH Believe me, men are either eaten up with arrogance or stupidity. And if they're         amiable they're so easily led that they have no minds of their own whatsoever.

82.

MRS GARDINER Take care, my love, that savours strongly of bitterness.

ELIZABETH No, they bring nothing but heartache.

83 INT. BEDROOM - CHEAPSIDE - NIGHT. 83

As usual Elizabeth and Jane share a bed. They lie next to         each other in the darkness

ELIZABETH I saw Mr Darcy when I was in Rosings.

JANE Why did you not tell me. Did he mention Mr Bingley. Pause.

ELIZABETH No. He did not. Elizabeth has never felt more alone in the company of her sister.

Â€¢

84 EXT. DERBYSHIRE - DAY. 84

A ravishing landscape of savage and romantic beauty - scudding clouds, mountains, wild rocky outcrops. Elizabeth is walking freely, the wind in her hair. As she nears the peak of a promontory, Mr and Mrs Gardiner are below making their way towards her. They smile at her. She strides off determined to reach the very top. When she gets there she stands with her arms outstretched, her head back laughing into the wind. The view is         magnificent. She breathes deeply.

85 EXT. LAMBTON - DUSK. 85

An establishing shot of Lambton, a charming market town. Through the window of an inn we see Elizabeth and Mr and Mrs Gardiner at a table.

86 INT. INN - LAMBTON - NIGHT. 86

O         In the inn, the Gardiner's and Elizabeth are eating supper. An air of high spirits. At the next table, another amiable tourist couple are also tucking into their food.

Â€¢

83.

WOMAN â€¢ (indicating her husband) He's been taking the waters at Buxton.

(LAUGHS) Hasn't done him a jot of good.

HER HUSBAND But we've had a fine time, haven't we         dear?

WOMAN We've visited Chatsworth, Dovedale,

PEMBERLEY -

MRS GARDINER Pemberley?

WOMAN Just two miles from here. close, very close, on Lizzie's face.

HER HUSBAND One of the best houses in the country.

MR GARDINER

(TO ELIZABETH) Aren't you acquainted with the owner, Mr         â€¢ Darcy?

MRS GARDINER Well, we shall go there tomorrow, Lizzie.

ELIZABETH I would rather stay here.

MRS GARDINER Stay here?

ELIZABETH

(VERY UNCOMFORTABLE) I must own that I'm tired of great houses. All those carpets and curtains.

MRS GARDINER But you liked Chatsworth.

ELIZABETH If it is anything like Mr Darcy, I am         sure I will not be able to bear it.

MRS GARDINER Come, come, Lizzie.

WOMAN

Â€¢ The grounds alone are worth a visit.

84.

MR GARDINER Let us not make a fuss. If the girl does not want to go there is little point in         persuading her.

87 INT. BEDROOM -- INN - NIGHT. 87

Elizabeth is preparing for bed. The chambermaid fills her washbowl and starts to leave.

ELIZABETH I hear that Pemberley is not far from here.

MAID Yes, madam.

ELIZABETH You see something of the owner, do you, in town?

MAID Not for some months, madam, for he's         still in London, I believe. A pause. Close on Elizabeth's face.

Â€¢ 88 EXT. PEMBERLEY - DAY. 8n The carriage enters the gates of Pemberley.

MRS GARDINER I'm so glad you changed your mind. Elizabeth is alert, her eyes bright with curiosity. The parkland is wild and rocky. Deer graze; rooks wheel in         the sky. A sense of freedom and liberation. As the carriage drives over the top of a hill, close on         Elizabeth's face. She gasps. The Gardiners gasp. A huge, wide shot of Pemberley House. It's vast, breathtakingly beautiful, set in great boulder-strewn park lands. A mansion built of golden stone, glowing in         the sunlight.

89 EXT. PARK - PEMBERLY - THE SAME. 89

Elizabeth walks through the magnificent grounds.

MRS GARDINER Imagine being mistress of all this. It is         as big as all Cheapside. Elizabeth is lost in admiration.

85.

90 INT. PEMBERLY - DAY. 90

Elizabeth and the Gardiners are being taken on the tour by the housekeeper, Mrs Reynolds, who witters on in the background with descriptions of each room. Elizabeth is         apart and we witness the exquisite house from her point of view. A book lies open, on a reading desk, Elizabeth turns it over to read the title.

MRS GARDINER

(TO ELIZABETH) Keep up. They walk through room after amazing room: a breath- taking library, an unbelievable staircase.

91 INT. PICTURE GALLERY - PEMBERLY -- DAY. 91

The huge picture gallery. Elizabeth is apart from the rest looking at the pictures she stops by a painting of         Darcy. She looks at it thoughtfully but is interrupted by         Mrs Reynolds and the Gardiners who are following her.

MRS REYNOLDS This is my master - Mr Darcy.

MRS GARDINER A handsome face. Lizzie, is it a true likeness of him?

MRS REYNOLDS Does this young lady know Mr Darcy?

ELIZABETH Only a little.

MRS REYNOLDS And do you not think him a handsome man, Miss?

ELISABETH

(THOUGHTFULLY) Yes, yes I suppose he is. Mrs Reynolds moves the Gardiners on to another painting, but Elizabeth stays, staring at Darcy's image.

MRS REYNOLDS And this is his sister, Miss Georgians. She plays and sings all day long. We realize that in the distance we have heard music. Elizabeth is still gazing at the portrait of Darcy, then suddenly snaps out of her reverie, as she processes Mrs

REYNOLDS SPEECH:

86.

ELIZABETH â€¢ They are at home?!

MRS REYNOLDS Miss Darcy is always down for the summer. Mr Darcy is due here tomorrow.

MR GARDINER Is your master much at Pemberley?

MRS REYNOLDS Not as much as I would wish, sir, or he -- for he dearly loves it here. Relaxed again Elizabeth wanders off as the Gardiners talk to Mrs Reynolds.

MRS GARDINER If he should marry, you might see more of         him.

MRS REYNOLDS Yes madam, but I do not know when that will be. I do not know a lady who is good enough for him.

MRS GARDINER What do you mean?

Â€¢

MRS REYNOLDS I've known Mr Darcy since he was a boy. He was always a kind and generous person even then. Not everyone can see it, because he does not make a meal of it         like a lot of young men nowadays. But he         is the most sweet-tempered and kind- hearted man I have ever known.

CUT TO: As the Gardiners look at more paintings, Elizabeth drifts out through the open doors and onto a terrace. In the bright sunlight the view of the gardens and valley beyond is exquisite. Outside the music we heard before is         louder.

92 EXT. TERRACE - PEMBERLY - THE SAME. 92

Elizabeth wanders aimlessly across the terrace, being unconsciously drawn by the music. Suddenly Elizabeth recognizes the tune (perhaps it is one she has played         earlier - but this time it is played exquisitely). She follows the music round a corner, intrigued as she gets â€¢ closer and closer to its source. She finally realizes she is outside the room where the music is being played.

87.         She steals herself a moment, but her curiosity gets the better of her and she discretely peeps in.

Â€¢ Through the window she sees Georgina Darcy, a beautiful fifteen year old playing the piano with great passion and fluency. She is moved by the music and listens. After sometime, then someone steps into her view but is mostly hidden by shadows in the room. He is directly behind Georgina and gently puts his hands over her eyes. Georgina stops playing and laughs uproariougly. She stands and kisses the figure, the sunlight hits his face. It is Darcy. Georgina and Darcy kiss. Elizabeth is stunned to see him there. Darcy glances up and sees Elizabeth watching him. For a moment they both stare at each other frozen with surprise. Georgina starts in fright at the figure, Elizabeth turns and runs. Darcy comes out after her.

DARCY Miss Bennet! Elizabeth stops, appallingly embarrassed. Darcy catches up with her. They both blush, deeply.

ELIZABETH I thought you were in London.

DARCY

(STUPIDLY) No... I'm not.

ELIZABETH No. Another ghastly silence. Then they both speak at once.

DARCY ELIZABETH I came here a day early - We wouldn't have come -

DARCY ELIZABETH -- some business with my I'm so terribly sorry -

STEWARD - They stop. He gazes at her with great emotion.

ELIZABETH I'm visiting Derbyshire with my uncle and aunt.

DARCY (trying to recover) And are you having a pleasant trip?

ELIZABETH Very pleasant. Tomorrow we go to Matlock.

88.

DARCY â€¢ Tomorrow?

(DISAPPOINTED) Are you staying at Larnbton?

ELIZABETH Yes. At the Rose and Crown. Another pause. She extends her hand.

ELIZABETH I'm so sorry to intrude. They said the house was open for visitors. I had no         idea...          She shakes his hand and starts to walk away.

DARCY May I see you to the village?

ELIZABETH Oh no! I'm very fond of walking.

DARCY Yes.

ELIZABETH Goodbye, Mr Darcy.

Â€¢ She hurries away. He gazes after her.

CUT TO: A wood. Now she is out of sight Lizzie collapses on a         log. She is utterly undone. Around her, the birds sing.

93 INT. INN -- NIGHT. 93

It's that night. Lizzie comes downstairs, for supper. And stops. Through a gap in the door to the restaurant she sees Mr Darcy talking to her aunt and uncle.

DARCY - I shall send my carriage at noon After a moment Darcy leaves and Elizabeth approaches the table.

0 MRS GARDINER Lizzie, I've just met Mr Darcy! Why didn't you tell us you had seen him? He's         asked us to dine with him tomorrow - He          was very civil, was he not?

Â€¢

MR GARDINER Very civil.

89.

MRS GARDINER â€¢ Not at all like you painted him.

ELIZABETH

(STARES) To dine with him?

MRS GARDINER - there is something pleasing about his mouth, when he speaks.

MR GARDINER You don't mind delaying our journey for another day? Elizabeth shakes her head, dumbly.

MRS GARDINER He particularly wishes you to meet his sister.

ELIZABETH His sister?

94 INT. LIBRARY AND DRAWING ROOM -- PEMBERLEY - DAY. 94

A footman escorts Elizabeth and the Gardiner's through the stupendous library. From the drawing room, the sound of a piano playing.. It's the same music Elizabeth played at Rosings, but this time played very beautifully. Elizabeth is filled with trepidation; we can almost feel her heart racing. The footman opens the double doors to reveal the magnificent drawing room. Darcy is there. So is the dreaded Miss Bingley. Seeing her, Elizabeth's polite smile falters. Darcy's sister Georgiana plays the piano. She jumps up and hurries over.

DARCY My sister, Miss Darcy...         They smile and bob. Georgiana is a friendly, sweet girl.

GEORGIANA Miss Elizabeth, my brother has told me so         much about you. I feel as if we are friends already.

ELIZABETH What a beautiful instrument.

GEORGIANA My brother gave it to me. (smiles at him) He shouldn't have.

90.

DARCY â€¢ Yes I should.

GEORGIANA Oh very well then.

DARCY She's easily persuaded, is she not? They gaze at each other with affection. Miss Bingley approaches.

MISS BINGLEY

(SMALL SMILE) What a surprise, Miss Bennet, to see you in Derbyshire.

ELIZABETH

(SMALL NOD) Your brother is well, I trust?

MISS BINGLEY Very well. He hopes to come here soon. (significant glance at

GEORGIANA)         Pemberley has a special attraction for          him.

Â€¢ ELIZABETH

(SWEETLY) Yes, the library is particularly splendid, is it not? A small silence. Darcy, uneasy at their conversation, approaches.

MISS BINGLEY And how is your family, Miss Bennet? Someone told me the militia are removed from Meryton.

(SIGNIFICANT SMILE) They must be a great loss for some of you Darcy comes to the rescue.

DARCY Your uncle is fond of fishing, I hear.

ELIZABETH Yes, very.

DARCY (drawing her away) Can you persuade him to borrow a rod this afternoon?

(MORE)

91.

DARCY (CONT'D)         For the lake here is very well stocked and its occupants left in peace for far â€¢ too long. Elizabeth smiles, surprised and delighted. And grateful to be rescued. What does Mr Darcy mean by this? She moves away, to speak to her uncle. Miss Bingley moves closer to Darcy.

MISS BINGLEY In six months I have never seen anyone so         altered. How brown and coarse she has become!

DARCY I perceive no alteration' except she is         rather tanned. Hardly a miraculous consequence of travelling in the summer.

MISS BINGLEY I remember, when we first knew her in         Hertfordshire, you said "she a beauty? I          would have as soon called her mother a          wit!"

DARCY You must have mis-heard, Caroline. Even had I thought it, I would have couched it

Â€¢ with a little more finesse. Elizabeth looks across at Darcy - they smile at each other.

95 EXT. DERBYSHIRE - DUSK 95

Darcy is driving Elizabeth and the Gardiner's back to         Lampton. The rugged landscape looks even more beautiful and dramatic in the dusk light. Elizabeth sits up with Darcy who holds the reins, while Mr and Mrs Gardiner sit comfortably in the carriage. Mr Gardiner smiles broadly at two large fish that lie beside him.

ELIZABETH It is so beautiful up here. I will be         sorry to leave. Darcy smiles at her.

ELIZABETH You have been a most gracious host. I'm         sure my aunt and uncle will talk of          nothing else for days.

Â€¢ DARCY I have recently thought a great deal about how I appear and act to others.

92.         She smiles softly at Darcy.

Â€¢

ELIZABETH It does you credit, sir.

96 INT. INN -- LAMBTON - NIGHT. 96

The party arrive back at the inn.

MR GARDINER (quietly to Elizabeth) What a capital fellow.

MRS GARDINER Thank you so much Mr Darcy. Darcy is about to take his leave when a servant brings Elizabeth a letter.

SERVANT

(TO LIZZIE) For you, madam.

ELIZABETH

(DELIGHTED) 107 Its from Jane. 10         â€¢ she rips open the letter.

97 INT. PARLOUR - INN - LAMBTON - THE SAME. 97

Elizabeth is crying with the open letter in her hand. Darcy and Mr and Mrs Gardiner stand dumb, not quite knowing what to do. Elizabeth tries to speak but bursts into tears again. She cries for a long time.

DARCY Miss Elizabeth. She cries on.

DARCY (CONT'D)         Miss Elizabeth. She eventually gathers herself.

ELIZABETH It is the most dreadful news. Lydia has run away - with Mr Wickham. They are gone together from Brighton to Lord knows where. She has no money, no connections, I fear she is lost forever.

0

93.

DARCY â€¢ (quietly to Elizabeth) This is my fault - if only I had exposed Wickham when I should.

ELIZABETH No, this is my fault. I might have prevented all of it by merely being open with my sisters rather than too proud with my knowledge. Mr and Mrs Gardiner look at each other perplexed.

MRS GARDINER Has anything been done to recover her?

ELIZABETH Father has gone to London. But I know very well that nothing can be done. We         have not the smallest hope.

DARCY Would to heaven that anything could be         said or done on my part that could offer consolation to such distress.

ELIZABETH Sir, it think it is too late.

Â€¢

MR GARDINER I am afraid we must go at once - I will join Mr Bennet and find Lydia before she ruins the family forever.

DARCY I am so very sorry. This is grave indeed. I will leave you. Goodbye. Darcy pauses at the door, looks back at Elizabeth and then is gone.

98 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT. 98

The Gardiner's carriage racing through the night.

99 INT. LONGBOURN - MRS BENNET'S BEDROOM - DAY. 99

Elizabeth, Jane, Mary and Kitty are gathered around Mrs Bennet who has taken to her bed.

MRS BENNET Why did the Foresters let her out of         their sight? I always said they were unfit to have charge of her.

94.

MARY

(SMUGLY) And now she is ruined.

MRS BENNET You are all ruined. Who will take you now with a fallen sister? Poor Mr Bennet will now have to fight the perfidious Wickham and then be killed...

ELIZABETH He hasn't found him yet, Mama.

MRS BENNET - and The Collins' will turn us out before he is cold in his grave -

JANE Do not be alarmed, mama. Our uncle is         helping in the search.

MRS BENNET Lydia must know what this will do to my         nerves, such flutterings and spasms all over me...

100 EXT. LONDON - DAY. 10

Â€¢ Were looking directly down onto a London street. Mr         Bennet stands still against the passing pedestrian traffic. He tries to address a passer by.

MR BENNET Excuse me. They ignore him. He tries again

MR BENNET (CONT'D)         Excuse me, I'm looking for...          Mr Bennet takes out a piece of paper.

101 INT. MESS HALL - BARRACKS - NIGHT. 101

Mr Bennet walks timidly into the mess hall. It is smoky, drunken, noisy, boisterous and extremely threatening. Mr         Bennet stops at the threshold, gulps, then the whole room turns round to look at him and a sudden silence descends. Mr Bennet is terrified.

MR BENNET I am...(his voice breaks up - he clears          his throat) I am looking for a Mr          â€¢ Wickham.

95.

Â€¢

102 INT. UPSTAIRS AT LONGBOURNE - DAY. 102

Elizabeth and Jane are outside Mrs Bennet's room. From inside we hear a moan.

MRS BENNET (OFF) We are ruined. Ruined.

ELIZABETH How long is this going to go on for?

JANE Don't be too harsh. This is hard for all of us. They walk downstairs.

103 INT. DOWNSTAIRS - LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 103

Elizabeth and Jane walk into the drawing room. Kitty and Mary are busying themselves.

ELIZABETH I can't bear not hearing anything.

Â€¢ KITTY Look. It's Papa!

104 INT. LIBRARY - LONGBOURN - DAY. CONTINUOUS. 104

The girls rush into the library. Mr Bennet slumps at his desk.

KITTY - who is to fight Wickham and make him marry Lydia, now you've come home?

MR BENNET For God's sake let me be!

(TO LIZZIE) Lizzie, help me with my boots. Elizabeth pulls off his boots for him.

JANE You suppose them to be still in London?

MR BENNET

(NODS) Where else could they be so well concealed?

Â€¢

ELIZABETH Oh father, I'm so sorry.

96.

MR BENNET â€¢ It's been my own doing.

ELIZABETH You mustn't be too severe on yourself.

MR BENNET No Lizzie. Let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame.

(WAN SMILE) I am not afraid of being overpowered by         the experience. It will pass away soon enough.

105 EXT/INT. BOARDING HOUSE - LONDON - DAY. 105

We're looking through a window to the stairwell of a         seedy looking boarding house. An anonymas pair of mens boots appear climbing up the stairs. We move across the exterior wall of the building to find an open window through which Lydia and Wickham can be seen. Lydia and Wickham sit, snuggled close beside the fire in         their room in a humble lodging house. They're eating a         meal with relish. Giggling, Lydia feeds him a mouthful. A knock at the door. They freeze, like naughty children.

Â€¢

106 EXT. GARDEN - LONGBOURN - DAY. 106

The girls have a letter. Kitty grabs it from Jane, Mary grabs it from Kitty, before she has a chance to open it         Jane grabs it from Mary.

JANE It's to Daddy. It's in uncle's writing. Mr Bennet snatches the letter.

MR BENNET As it is addressed to me... He tears it open and begins to read, squinting because he         has forgotten his glasses.

MR BENNET (CONT'D)         He's found them.

KITTY Are they married?

MR BENNET (squinting at the letter) Just wait. I can't make out his script.

97.         Elizabeth snatches it.

Â€¢

ELIZABETH Give it to me. (she reads)

KITTY Are they married?

ELIZABETH They will be, if father will settle a         hundred pounds a year on her. That is         Wickham's condition.

KITTY A hundred pounds!

ELIZABETH You will agree to this, father? The letter is passed around the other girls.

MR BENNET Of course I will agree. But how much your uncle has laid on this wretched man already is anybody's guess.

KITTY What do you mean, Father?

Â€¢

MR BENNET No man in his senses would marry Lydia on         so slight a temptation as a hundred a          year.

ELIZABETH Ah, I see.

JANE See what?

MR BENNET Your uncle is very generous.

ELIZABETH Do you think it a large sum?

MR BENNET Wickham's a fool if he takes her for less than ten thousand pounds. I should be         sorry to think so ill of him in the very - beginning of our relationship.

JANE Ten thousand! Heaven forbid!

98.         â€¢ 107 INT. MR & MRS BENNET'S BEDROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY. It         Close on Mrs Bennet's face as she springs out of bed. Pure triumphant joy.

MRS BENNET Lydia married! And at sixteen too! Ring the bell, Kitty! I must put on my things and tell Lady Lucas! Oh to see her face! And tell the servants they will have a         bowl of punch! The other Bennet's are assembled.

ELIZABETH We should thank our uncle, Mama.

MRS BENNET And so he should help! He's much richer than us, and he hasn't got any children.

ELIZABETH

(ANGRILY) How can you talk like that? Her mother gets to her feet.

Â€¢

MRS BENNET A daughter, married!

ELIZABETH Is that all you think about?

MRS BENNET "Mrs Wickham" - how well it sounds

ELIZABETH

(IN DESPERATION) You don't know what he's like

MRS BENNET Now where will they live? Purvis Lodge might do. Ashworth is vacant of course, but it's too far off, I couldn't bear to         have her ten miles from me -

MR BENNET Before you take any of these houses, Mrs Bennet, let us be clear. Into one house she will never be welcome. Mrs Bennet stares at him.

9

99.

â€¢ 108 INT. HALLWAY - LONGBOURN - DAY. 108

Lydia's triumphant face. The cat that's got the cream. She comes into the house with Wickham. Her mother kisses her, effusively. Mr Bennet coldly bows.

LYDIA - and then we passed Sarah Sims in her carriage so I took off my glove and let my hand just rest on the window frame, so         she might see the ring, and then 1 bowed and smiled like anything! Kitty shrieks with envy. Lizzie moves away; she cannot bear it. Wickham catches her eye, but she ignores him.

109 INT. DINING ROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY. 109

They are taking their seats for dinner. Lydia moves to         the head of the table.

LYDIA Jane, I take your place now, and you must go lower, for I am the married woman. She sits down and giggles at her sisters. The maid brings â€¢ in the food. Lydia holds up her hand, to display her ring to the maid.

LYDIA You must all go to Brighton, for that is         the place to get husbands! I hope you have half my good luck.

ELIZABETH

(FURIOUS) Lydia!

CUT TO: Wickham looking uncomfortable. He's talking to the stony- faced Mr Bennet.

WICKHAM I've been enlisted in a regiment in the north of England, sir.         l f G MR BENNET

(NODS COLDLY) I'm glad to hear of it.

WICKHAM Near Newcastle. We shall travel there next week.

100.

KITTY â€¢ Can I come and stay with you?

MR BENNET That is out. of the question.

CUT TO: Lydia, rattling on to Lizzie.

LYDIA Well, Monday morning came and I was in         such a fuss -

ELIZABETH I don't want to hear -

LYDIA - there was my aunt, preaching and talking away just as if she was reading a         sermon, she was horrid unpleasant -

ELIZABETH Can't you understand why?

LYDIA - but I didn't hear a word because I was thinking of my dear Wickham. I longed to         â€¢ know whether he would be married in his blue coat...

CUT TO: Mary turning to Wickham.

MARY The north of England, I believe, boasts some spectacular scenery...

CUT TO: Lydia burbling on, to a stony-faced Lizzie.

LYDIA - and then my uncle was called away from the church on business and I thought - who is to be our best man if he doesn't         come back? Lucky he did come back or I         would have had to ask Mr Darcy -

ELIZABETH

(STARES) Mr Darcy?

LYDIA (claps her hand to her mouth) I forgot! I shouldn't have said a word!

101.

Â€¢ ELIZABETH Mr Darcy was at your wedding?

LYDIA

(WHISPERS) He was the one that discovered us! He         knew where to find Wickham, you see.

(HISSES) But don't tell anyone! He told me not to         tell! Lizzie stares at her. Darcy at her wedding? Lydia turns away, to talk to the others.

110 EXT. GARDEN - LONGBOURN - DAY. 110

Lydia, croquet mallet in hand, drags her new husband across the lawn. Kitty follows.

LYDIA Come on, Wickham! You've got to play.

KITTY Yes, come on! Wickham looks slightly abashed - a trapped man. What has he let himself in for? Lizzie comes into the garden, looking for her younger sister. Wickham detaches himself and comes over to her. A         rueful smile.

WICKHAM I hope we can be even better friends, now we're brother and sister. An attempt at a twinkling smile, but Elizabeth is now immune to his charm. She nods, briefly.

WICKHAM I hear you visited Pemberley. My dear old home.

ELIZABETH

(NODS) I met Mr Darcy's sister.

WICKHAM

(A BEAT) Did you like her?

ELIZABETH Very much. (looks at him) We found a great deal to talk about.

102.         A beat. Wickham looks deeply uneasy. He bows and leaves. Lizzie watches him pick up a mallet and take his turn. She can't bear it; she hurries up to Lydia and draws her aside.

ELIZABETH

(LOW VOICE) Why was Mr Darcy there?

LYDIA I'm not supposed to tell. Lizzie abandons her pride. She takes Lydia's hand.

ELIZABETH Please, Lydia!

LYDIA Because he paid for it.

ELIZABETH

(STARES) For what?

LYDIA

(CARELESSLY) The wedding, Wickham's commission. Everything.

Â€¢

ELIZABETH Everything?

KITTY

(CALLS) Lydia! It's your turn! Lydia moves to go.

LYDIA People kept saying Wickham owed them money, it was so tedious. So Darcy settled his debts but I don't really like him, do you? Lizzie pulls her back.

ELIZABETH But why did he do it?

LYDIA

(SHRUGS) I don't know, do I? Anyway you're not to         tell because it's supposed to be our uncle who paid, and he wouldn't have â€¢ minded paying, either, because I'm his favorite.

103.         â€¢ She leaves. Giggles and shrieks from the croquet lawn. Elizabeth looks blank with shock.

111 EXT. BINGLEY'S HOUSE - MAYFAIR -- DAY. 111

Close on Darcy's grimly determined face. Drawing back, we         see that he is walking down a street in Mayfair. He         arrives at a house, pauses, and rings the bell. The door is opened.

BUTLER Mr Darcy.

DARCY I have some business with Mr Bingley. Darcy goes inside and the door shuts. The camera cranes slowly upstairs until we can see through the first floor window and into the drawing room. Mr Darcy enters and bows to Mr Bingley. He starts to talk in earnest. Bingley looks stunned by what Darcy is relaying to him. We         witness the dumbshow of Darcy confessing that he has wronged Jane Bennet.

112 EXT. LONGBOURN - DAY. 112

IS         Lydia and Wickham are leaving. Mr Bennet stands at a         distance. Mrs Bennet sobs as Lydia climbs onto the carriage.

MRS BENNET Write to me often, my dear'. Wickham takes his leave of Elizabeth.

WICKHAM Please relay my affections to the Darcy's         on your next acquaintance. I am sure he         will be pleased to hear things have worked out so well. He joins Lydia.

LYDIA (through the window) Married women never have much time for writing. My sisters may write to me! They'll have nothing else to do. The Mrs Bennet and the girls watch as the carriage drives away.

0

104.

MRS BENNET

Â€¢ Oh there is nothing so bad as parting with ones children! One seems so forlorn without them.

ELIZABETH That is the consequence of marrying a         daughter. It must make you better satisfied that your other four are single.

113 EXT. MERYTON VILLAGE - DAY. 113

Elizabeth and Jane are out shopping with their mother and sisters. Their housekeeper, Mrs Hill, comes out of the butchers shop.

MRS HILL Did you hear the news, madam? Mr Bingley is returning to Netherfield. A stunned silence. Lizzie glances at Jane. She blushes.

MRS BENNET Mr Bingley? Mrs Hill indicates a woman in the butcher's shop.

MRS HILL Mrs Nichols is ordering a haunch Of pork, for she expects him tomorrow.

MRS BENNET Tomorrow?

(RECOVERING) Not that I care about it. Mr Bingley is         nothing to us and I'm sure I never want to see him again.

(MOVES AWAY) No, we shall not mention a word about it. (comes back to Mrs Hill) Is it quite certain he is coming?

MRS HILL Yes, madam. I believe he is alone; his sister remains in town.

MRS BENNET Huh! Come along, girls. Their mother goes into the draper's shop. Jane pauses at         the threshold.

0

105.

JANE

Â€¢ It's all right, Lizzie. I'm just glad that he comes alone, because then we         shall see less of him.

(BLUSHING) Not that I'm afraid of myself, but I         dread other people's remarks. A brave smile. Lizzie, of course, is not convinced in the slightest. They go into the shop.

114 EXT. LONGBOURN -- DAY. 114

Mr Bingley rides towards Longbourn, a look of slight trepidation in his eyes. Darcy now comes into view riding along side him. They cross the moat bridge.

115 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN -- DAY. 115

Mary is practising her scales. Jane and Elizabeth are sitting at their work, with their mother. Kitty rushes in.

KITTY He is here! He is here, he's at the door!

Â€¢

MRS BENNET Oh my goodness! Everybody act naturally. Jane completely freezes. Everybody else goes into a         fluster.

MRS BENNET (CONT'D)         Whatever you do, do not appear overbearing. Kitty looks out through a window.

KITTY Look. There's someone with him. Mr whats his name. The pompous one from before. Elizabeth looks through the window at Darcy, her heart leaps to her mouth.

MRS BENNET Mr Darcy indeed! The very insolence of         0 0 it. What does he think of coming here? Elizabeth returns to her seat and sits down, heavily. Mrs Bennet hurries over to Jane and pinches her cheeks.

Â€¢ JANE Mama!

106.

MRS BENNET â€¢ (to Mary - who is still

PLAYING)         Stop that and sit down! Find yourself          some work! Oh Lord.          They sit there, frozen, pretending to sew. The drawing          room door opens and Mrs Hill shows in the two men. They          bow. Bingley smiles warmly at Jane, who blushes.          Elizabeth glances at Darcy. His face is strained. Mrs          Bennet is all smiles for Bingley. She ignores Darcy.

MRS BENNET (CONT'D)         How very glad we are to see you, Mr          Bingley! There are a great many changes since you went away. Miss Lucas is         married and settled. And one of my own daughters too, you will have seen it in         the papers though it was not put in as it          ought to have been. Very short, nothing about her family.

BINGLEY

(SMILES) I did hear of it, and offer my         congratulations.

MRS BENNET - but it's very hard to have my Lydia taken away from me. Mr Wickham has been transferred to Newcastle, where ever that is. Thank heaven he has some friends. Mrs Bennet shoots a frosty glance at Mr Darcy. This is         more than Elizabeth can bare.

ELIZABETH Do you hope to stay long in the country, Mr Bingley?

BINGLEY Just a few weeks. For the shooting.

MRS BENNET When you have killed all your own birds, Mr Bingley, I beg you will come here and shoot as many as you please.

MR BINGLEY Thank you -

MRS BENNET - Mr Bennet will be vastly happy to         oblige you, and will save all the best of          â€¢ the covies for you.

107,

MR BINGLEY

Â€¢ Excellent.

ELIZABETH Are you well, Mr Darcy?

DARCY Quite well, thank you.

ELIZABETH Well, I hope the weather stays fine, for your sport.

DARCY I return to town tomorrow.

ELIZABETH

(A PAUSE) So soon?

MRS BENNET My Jane looks well, does she not? Mr-Bingley stands up abruptly.

BINGLEY She does indeed. Well, I must be going, I         suppose. Darcy - Darcy cannot quite believe it. He gives Bingley a harsh stare, Bingley has not completed his task.

BINGLEY (CONT`D) It was very pleasant to see you all again. Elizabeth, Miss Jane.. Bingley can almost not bear to look Jane in the eye as he         acknowledges them all very briefly and bolts for the door. Mrs Bennet fusses around him.

MRS BENNET You must come again. For when you were in         town last winter you promised to take a          family dinner with us. I have not forgot you see. At least three courses. Bingley and Darcy take their leave, leaving the Bennets sitting in silence all looking at once another. Kitty is         fit to burst out laughing, Elizabeth and Jane horrified by the awkward visit.

116 EXT. THE LANE - NEAR LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 116

â€¢ Bingley is pacing backwards and forwards in despair muttering to himself. Darcy looks at him in extreme frustration.

108.

BINGLEY Oh damn, damn, buggery, damn.

DARCY What were you thinking of? It's as if Bingley has not heard. He keeps pacing up and down.

BINGLEY Damn and blast, oh buggery, damn.

117 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - DAY. 117

The girls are now spread around the room. Jane in. despair.

JANE Well, I'm glad that's over. We can now meet as indifferent acquaintances.

ELIZABETH

(LAUGHING) Oh yes? Jane, take care.

JANE You cannot think me so weak as to be in

Â€¢ danger now.

ELIZABETH I think you are in great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.

JANE I'm sorry, though, that he came with Mr         Darcy.

ELIZABETH

(BLURTS OUT) Oh Jane, I have acted so stupidly. Had I         been in love, I could not have been more blind!

JANE

(STARES) What do you mean? The door bell rings.

KITTY (at the window) It is him. He's back. He's come again. â€¢ A stunned reaction.

CUT TO:

109.         Everyone has regained their decorous positions. They hear

Â€¢ Bingley's voice at the door and he comes in very awkwardly. He smiles. His face is crimson with embarrassment.

BINGLEY I, erm, I know this is all very embarrassing, but I would like to request the privilege of speaking to Miss Jane - They all look at him.

BINGLEY (CONT'D)         - alone.

MRS BENNET Girls. Everybody to the kitchen. Immediately. Oh, Mr Bingley. It is so         good to see you again so soon. She ushers everyone out, not before squeezing Jane's         hand. Now Jane and Bingley are alone, facing each other with extreme embarrassment.

BINGLEY Miss Bennet, you have been the victim of         a huge misunderstanding. Suffice to say, I have been an unmitigated and comprehensive ass. And therefore, I would like to ask you -

CUT TO:

118 INT. HALLWAY - LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 118

Mrs Bennet, Kitty, Mary and Mr Bennet are all jostling for a position at the door in order to overhear events inside.

MARY Ssssshhh! Elizabeth is apart from her family. She cannot bear to be         there. She walks down the corridor and out of the house into the garden. Through a window she sees Bingley on one knee, her eyes fill with tears as she walks away from the house.

- CUT TO:

119 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 119

â€¢ Bingley looks at Jane, desperately worried. A pause.

JANE â€¢ Yes. A hundred times - yes. Mrs Bennet and the girls throw open the double doors to         the drawing room and come crashing in. Bingley and Jane beam at them.

MRS BENNET Thank the Lord for that. I thought it         would never happen.

120 EXT. GARDEN -- LONGBOURN -- THE SAME. 120

Elizabeth is sat under a tree crying.

121 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - OVER LOOKING LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 121

Darcy looks down at Longbourn.

122 INT. BEDROOM - LONGBOURN - NIGHT. 122

Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet are in bed.

MR BENNET I am sure they will do well together,

Â€¢ their tempers are much alike. They will be cheated assiduously by their servants, and be so generous with the rest, they will always exceed their income.

MRS BENNET Exceed their income? He has five thousand a year! I knew she could not be so         beautiful for nothing. The camera moves through to another bedroom - where Mary is reading a book out loud to Kitty - then to yet another

ROOM:

123 INT. ELIZABETH'S BEDROOM - NIGHT. 123

Jane and Elizabeth lie in bed.

JANE He has made me so happy. You know, he. was totally ignorant of my being in town last spring!

ELIZABETH How did he account for it?

Â€¢

JANE He thought me indifferent!

ELIZABETH Unfathomable.

JANE No doubt poisoned by his pernicious sister.

ELIZABETH Bravo! That is the most unforgiving speech you've ever made.

JANE Oh Lizzie, if I could but see you so         happy. If there were such another man for you! There is a noise outside.

ELIZABETH Perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr Collins in time. What is that? More noise, it sounds like a carriage, then a loud banging on the door downstairs. The girls look at each other.

124 INT. DOWNSTAIRS -- LONGBOURN - NIGHT. 12.4-

Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet and the girls lit by only candles have gathered. The door bangs again.

MARY Maybe he's changed his mind. Timidly, Mr Bennet opens the door revealing a wide-eyed Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Everyone gasps.

ELIZABETH Lady Catherine! Lady Catherine does not acknowledge her, but comes in         uninvited, inspecting the assembled company of aghast Bennets.

LADY CATHERINE (to Mrs Bennet) And these are your daughters, I suppose.

MRS BENNET All but one, the youngest has been lately married your ladyship. And my eldest was only proposed to yesterday afternoon.

Â€¢

LADY CATHERINE You have a very small garden, madam.

112.

MRS BENNET â€¢ I am sure it is nothing compared to         Rosings, but it is larger than Sir William Lucas's, I can assure you.

MR BENNET

(TENTATIVELY) Could I offer you a cup of tea, perhaps?

LADY CATHERINE Absolutely not! I must speak to Miss Elizabeth alone, as a matter of complete urgency. The Bennets all look at each other", bewildered by this         strange turn of events.

125 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - NIGHT. 125

Elizabeth leads the way into the drawing room - lights an         oil lamp. Lady Catherine walks in. The door closes behind them.

LADY CATHERINE You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to         understand why I am`here. â€¢ Lit only by the oil lamp Lady Catherine resembles a         flickering ghoul.

ELIZABETH Indeed you are mistaken. I can not account for this honour at all.

LADY CATHERINE Miss Bennet, I warn you, I am not to be         trifled with. A report of a most alarming nature has reached me that you intend to         be united with my nephew, Mr Darcy. Elizabeth stares at her, amazed.

LADY CATHERINE (CONT'D)         I know this to be a scandalous falsehood, though not wishing to injure him by         supposing it possible, I instantly set off to make my sentiments known.

ELIZABETH If you believed it impossible, I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far.

LADY CATHERINE To hear it contradicted, Miss Bennet.

113.

ELIZABETH

(COOLLY) Your coming here will be rather a         confirmation, surely, if indeed such a          report exists.

LADY CATHERINE If? Do you then pretend to be ignorant of         it? Has it not been industriously circulated by yourself?

ELIZABETH I have never heard of it.

LADY CATHERINE And can you declare there is no         foundation for it?

ELIZABETH I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask the questions, which I may not choose to         answer.

LADY CATHERINE This is not to be borne. Has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?

IS

ELIZABETH Your Ladyship declared it to be         impossible.

LADY CATHERINE Let me be understood. Mr Darcy is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?

ELIZABETH Only this - if that is the case you can have no reason to suppose he will make an         offer to me.

LADY CATHERINE Oh obstinate girl! This union has been planned since their infancy. Do you think it can be prevented by a young woman of         inferior birth, of no importance in the world and wholly unallied to his family? Whose own sister's elopement resulted in         the scandalously patched-up marriage, only achieved at the expense of your uncle? Heaven and earth, are the shades of Pemberly to be thus polluted? Now tell me once and for all, are you engaged to         him?

Â€¢

ELIZABETH I am not.

114.

LADY CATHERINE And will you promise never to enter into such an engagement?

ELIZABETH I will not. And I certainly never shall. Allow me to say, the arguments which you have supported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have, insulted me in every possible method and can now have nothing further to say. I         must ask you to leave immediately. Good night. Elizabeth throws open.the door, revealing the family outside.

LADY CATHERINE I have never been thus treated in my         entire life. Lady Catherine storms past the family and out into the night. Elizabeth is standing shaking with the excitement of having stood so firmly up for herself.

MR BENNET Lizzie, what on earth is going on?

Â€¢

ELIZABETH Just a small misunderstanding. She walks past them to bed.

MRS BENNET Lizzie!

ELIZABETH For once in your life. Just leave me         alone. Everyone looks aghast at Elizabeth's reaction.

126 INT. BEDROOM - LONGBOURN - NIGHT. 126

Jane is fast asleep. Elizabeth unable to sleep. She quietly climbs out of bed and creeps out of the room.

127 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN -- THE SAME. 127

Elizabeth sits alone downstairs, thinking. Outside we see dawn is breaking.

115.

Â€¢

128 EXT. LONGBOURN - DAWN. 128

Elizabeth creeps out into the garden and wanders around through the early morning mist, as the sun starts to         rise.

129 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE OVERLOOKING LONGBOURN - THE SAME. 129

Elizabeth walks out into the open countryside. The mists are starting to evaporate. From out of the mist in the distance a figure emerges. Her heart misses a beat. She is alone, vulnerable. Then she sees it is Darcy.

ELIZABETH Mr Darcy!

DARCY What are you doing out here so early?

ELIZABETH I could not sleep.

DARCY Me neither. I have been up.most of the night.

Â€¢ Elizabeth hardly knows how to react at this unexpected meeting. Rather politely she thanks Mr Darcy.

ELIZABETH Mr Darcy, I must thank you for your unexampled generosity to both my sisters. I know what kindnesses you have done for poor Lydia and suspect your hand in the happy resolution for Jane also.

DARCY I am alarmed that you know of what I have been so in earnest to keep silent. But you must know that your happiness was one of my prime inducements. Elizabeth looks at Darcy.

DARCY (CONT`D) I know you are too generous to trifle with me. I believe you spoke with my Aunt last night, and it has taught me to hope as I had scarcely allowed myself before. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My         affections and wishes are unchanged, but

Â€¢ one word from you will silence me         forever.

116.         Elizabeth is silent.

0

DARCY (CONT'D)         If, however, your feelings have changed...         Elizabeth gazes at him.

DARCY (CONT'D)         I would have to tell you, you have bewitched me body and soul and I love and love and love you. And never wish to be         parted from you from this day on. Elizabeth looks at him. She does not say a word. Darcy is         staring at her for a reply. A tear rolls down Elizabeth's         cheek.

ELIZABETH I am very happy to inform you that not only have my sentiments changed there are no other words which could give me         greater pleasure. Darcy stares at her. They both start to cry. Darcy very, very slowly and gently touches her face. She closes her eyes. They kiss. She touches his face with her hand, the kiss becomes passionate.

130 INT. DRAWING ROOM - LONGBOURN - DUSK. 130

The place is in an uproar. Bingley, Jane, Mary, Kitty, Mr         and Mrs Bennet are all gathered, fretting terribly about Elizabeth's whereabouts. Through a window we see Elizabeth lead Darcy along the duck board plank across the moat. Elizabeth enters the house, everybody starts.

MRS BENNET Lizzie, where have you been. We thought something had happened to you. Darcy follows Elizabeth in.

MRS BENNET (CONT'D)         Mr Darcy! What on earth are you doing here? Elizabeth takes Mr Darcy's hand.

ELIZABETH Mr Darcy has come to speak with Papa. Everyone is stunned.

0

CUT TO

117.

â€¢ 131 INT. HALLWAY/LIBRARY - LONGBOURN - DAY. 131

Elizabeth paces outside the door of the library, waiting. After a while Darcy emerges, he gives Elizabeth the briefest of smiles and leaves the door open. Elizabeth walks in. Her father is in a state of shock.

MR BENNET Lizzie, are you out of your senses? I         thought you hated the man.

ELIZABETH No, Papa.

MR BENNET He is rich, to be sure, and you will have more fine carriages than Jane. But will that make you happy?

ELIZABETH

(UNCOMFORTABLE) Have you no other objection than your belief in my indifference?

MR BENNET None at all. We all know him to be a         proud, unpleasant sort of fellow, but this would be nothing if you really liked him.

ELIZABETH (tears in her eyes) I do like him!

(WITH PASSION) I love him! He's not proud. It's I who's         been prejudiced, who didn't realize ... You don't know him, Papa...if I told you what he's really like. What he's done.

MR BENNET What has he done?

CUT TO:

132 EXT. GARDEN -- LONGBOURN - DAY. 132

Darcy, in an agony, paces up and down the lawn. He looks at the library window.

CUT BACK TO:

â€¢ 133 INT. LIBRARY - LONGBOURN - DAY. 133

Mr Bennet stares at his daughter.

118.

MR BENNET Good Lord. I must pay him back.

ELIZABETH (shakes her head) No, you mustn't tell anyone! He wouldn't         want it.

(PAUSE) We misjudged him, me more than anyone. In         every way,not just in this matter. I've         been so blind. He's been so blind! About Jane, about so many things. Then so have

I...

(BREATHLESS PAUSE) You see, he and I are so similiar...we're         both so stubborn...

(SHAKY LAUGH) Oh Papa...         Mr Bennet gazes at his daughter-. He still can't quite take it in.

MR BENNET You do love him, don't you? Elizabeth nods.

ELIZABETH â€¢ Very much. He looks at her earnestly, searching her face. He loves his daughter very deeply. What he sees leaves him in no         doubt.

MR BENNET I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you, but it seems I am over-ruled. So I         heartily give my consent. Elizabeth jumps up and puts her arms around him.

MR BENNET I could not have parted with you, my         Lizzie, to any one less worthy.

ELIZABETH Oh thank you! She starts to rush out.

MR BENNET (calls out after her) And if any young men come for Mary or         Kitty, send them in, for I am quite at          â€¢ leisure.

119.

â€¢ 134 EXT. PEMBERLY - NIGHT. 134

We move through a vast wedding party, following Elizabeth and Darcy. We meet all our characters. Lydia and Wickham are missing. Let everyone have an end. Darcy and Elizabeth kiss, then Darcy pulls Elizabeth off into the shadows. We see them disappear into the park. Coming close, we see them in the moonlight. It's Darcy and Elizabeth. Deer turn to gaze at them. The music fades as they walk further from the house, up the hill, past the outcrops of rocks. An owl hoots. Darcy turns to         Elizabeth and smiles.

DARCY Allow me, Mrs Darcy. He puts out his hand. She takes it. He helps her up the rocks. When they get to the top they sit there, side by         side, and gaze at the distant lights of Pemberley.

ELIZABETH How did it begin?

DARCY I cannot fix the hour, or the spot, or

Â€¢ the look. It was too long ago and I was in the middle before I knew it had begun.

ELIZABETH Now be sincere, did you admire me for my         impertinenc?

DARCY For the liveliness of your mind, I did.

ELIZABETH You may as well call it impertinence, though make a virtue of it by all means. My good qualities are under your protection, and you are to exaggerate - them as much as possible. And, in return, it belongs to me to find occasions for teasing and quarrelling with you as often as maybe... and I shall begin directly... We draw back-their figures diminish, smaller and smaller under the immense, star-spangled sky. . .Fainter and fainter, the sound of music and laughter...

135 FADE TO BLACK... 135

Â€¢

THE END.