Pride and Prejudice (1995): Season 1, Episode 2 - Episode #1.2 - full transcript
The Bennets are expecting a visitor - Mr Bennet's clergyman cousin, who will inherit the estate in the absence of any direct male heirs. Mr Collins is coming to Longbourn with the intention of healing the rift between his branch of the family and the Bennets. Though Mrs Bennet cannot help thinking he has come to check over the place, he arrives with the best of intentions.
(FATHER): I hope, my dear,
you have ordered a good dinner today,
because I have reason to expect
an addition to our family party.
Mr Bingley!
Why, Jane, you sly thing,
you never dropped a word!
(MOTHER): And no fish to be got!
Lydia, my love, ring the bell.
I must speak to Hill!
It is not Mr Bingley.
It is a person I never saw
in the whole course of my life.
- Colonel Forster!
- Captain Carter!
No, I know. Denny!
About a month ago
I received this letter.
About a fortnight ago, I answered it,
for it was a case of some delicacy,
requiring early attention.
It is from my cousin, Mr Collins,
who, when I am dead, may turn you all
out of this house as soon as he pleases.
Oh, my dear,
pray don't mention that odious man!
It is the hardest thing in the world,
that your estate should be
entailed away from your children.
Indeed, my dear,
nothing can clear Mr Collins
of the iniquitous crime
of inheriting Longbourn,
but if you'll listen to his letter,
you may be softened
by how he expresses himself.
"My dear sir,
"the disagreement subsisting between
yourself and my late honoured father"
"always gave me much uneasiness,
"and since I have had
the misfortune to lose him..."
(LYDIA SNORTS)
"..to lose him, I have frequently wished
to heal the breach."
There, Mrs Bennet. "My mind, however,
is now made up on the subject..."
(COLLINS): ..for,
having received my ordination at Easter,
I've been fortunate to be distinguished
by the patronage of the Right Honourable
Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
whose bounty and beneficence
has preferred me
to the valuable rectory at Hunsford,
where it's my endeavour to demean myself
with grateful respect
towards her Ladyship.
As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it
my duty to promote and establish
the blessing of peace in all families
within the reach of my influence,
and on these grounds I flatter myself
that my overtures of goodwill
are highly commendable,
and will not lead you to reject
the offered olive branch.
I am, sir, keenly conscious
of being the means
of injuring your amiable daughters,
and assure you of my readiness to
make them every possible amends.
I propose myself the satisfaction
of waiting on you and
your family on Monday the 18th...
Have care, Dawkins!
..and shall probably
trespass on your hospitality
till the Saturday sevenight following.
I shall travel as far as the turnpike
in my own modest equipage,
where I hope to catch the Bromley Post
at 35 minutes past ten,
and thence to Watford,
from whence I shall engage
a hired carriage to Longbourn.
Where, God willing, you may expect me
by four in the afternoon.
And here he comes.
He must be an oddity, don't you think?
If he's disposed
to make our girls any amends,
I shan't be the person
to discourage him.
- Can he be a sensible man, sir?
- I think not, my dear.
Indeed, I have great hopes
of finding him quite the reverse.
(FATHER): Mr Collins!
You are very welcome!
My dear Mr and Mrs Bennet!
(FATHER): You seem very...
..fortunate in your patroness, sir.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Indeed I am, sir.
I have been treated with
such affability, such condescension,
as I would never have dared to hope for.
I have been invited twice
to dine at Rosings Park.
That so? Amazing.
Does she live near you, sir?
The garden,
in which stands my humble abode,
is separated only by a lane
from Rosings Park.
Only a lane, eh? Fancy that, Lizzy.
I think you said she was a widow, sir?
Has she any family?
She has one daughter, ma'am.
The heiress of Rosings,
and of very extensive property.
And has she been presented at court?
She is unfortunately
of a sickly constitution
which unhappily
prevents her being in town.
And by that means,
as I told Lady Catherine myself one day,
she has deprived the British Court
of its brightest ornament.
You may imagine, sir, how happy I am
on every occasion to offer
those little delicate compliments,
which are always acceptable to ladies.
That is fortunate for you,
that you possess such an extraordinary
talent for flattering with delicacy.
May I ask
whether these pleasing attentions
proceed from the impulse of the moment,
or are they the result
of previous study?
They arise chiefly
from what is passing at the time, sir.
I do sometimes amuse myself
by writing down
and arranging such little compliments
as may be adapted to ordinary occasions.
But I try to give them
as unstudied an air as possible.
Excellent.
(FATHER): Excellent.
(COLLINS): I must confess myself
quite overwhelmed
with the charms of your daughters.
Oh, you're very kind, sir. They are
sweet girls, though I say it myself.
Perhaps especially the eldest
Miss Bennet?
Ah, yes, Jane is admired
wherever she goes.
But I think I should tell you,
I think it very likely
she will be very soon engaged.
- Ah.
- As for my younger daughters,
if any of them...
In their case
I know of no prior attachment at all.
Ah.
We're going to Meryton
to see if Denny is returned from town!
Perhaps you would care
for a little exercise, Mr Collins?
Indeed I would, Mrs Bennet.
Cousin Elizabeth!
Would you do me the great honour
of walking with me into town?
(COLLINS): You visit your Aunt Philips
in Meryton frequently, I understand?
(LIZZY): Yes, she is fond of company,
but you'll find her gatherings
poor affairs
after the splendours of Rosings Park.
No, I think not.
I believe I possess the happy knack,
much to be desired in a clergyman,
of adapting myself to every kind
of society, whether high or low.
That is fortunate indeed.
Yes, indeed,
and though it is a gift of nature,
constant study has enabled me,
I flatter myself,
to make a kind of art of it.
There! I'm sure that's new in
since Friday.
Isn't it nice?
Don't you think I'd look well in it?
- Not as well as me. Come on!
- No, I shan't.
Jane! Come here. Look at this!
Jane, I'm determined
to have this bonnet!
Look, there's Denny!
- Where?
- There. Look!
- (KITTY): Who's with him?
- (LYDIA): Don't know.
(KITTY): He's handsome!
(LYDIA): He might be
if he were in regimentals.
A man looks nothing without regimentals!
They're looking over.
Lizzy, isn't he mightily good-looking?
- Denny!
- Lydia!
We thought you were still in town!
There was nothing amusing enough
to hold us there.
May I introduce my friend
George Wickham?
Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet,
Miss Mary Bennet,
Miss Catherine Bennet
and Miss Lydia Bennet.
This is our cousin, Mr Collins.
Do you stay long in Meryton, Mr Wickham?
All winter, I'm happy to say.
I've taken a commission
in Colonel Forster's regiment.
There, Lydia!
He will be dressed in regimentals.
And lend them much distinction,
I dare say.
Outswagger us all, eh, Wickham?
You misrepresent me
to these young ladies.
Shall you come with us
to Aunt Philips tonight?
-(KITTY): Denny is coming!
(LYDIA): It's only supper and cards.
I haven't been invited
by Mr and Mrs Philips.
(LYDIA): No one cares
about that nowadays!
(WICKHAM): If Mrs Philips
extended the invitation to include me,
I should be delighted.
(KITTY): Look, Jane. It's Mr Bingley!
How very fortunate! We were on our way
to Longbourn to ask after your health.
(JANE): You're very kind, sir.
I'm quite recovered, as you see.
(BINGLEY): Yes.
I'm very glad to know it.
- Look, there's Denny!
- And Chamberlayne.
(COLLINS): ..such a variety
of social intercourse.
What a charming apartment you have here,
Mrs Philips.
Upon my word, it reminds me greatly
of the small summer breakfast room
at Rosings!
Does it indeed, sir?
I'm much obliged to you, I'm sure.
I'm sure Mr Collins
wishes to pay a compliment, Aunt.
Does he? I see.
Rosings Park, we must understand,
is very grand indeed.
Indeed it is!
My dear Madam,
if you thought I intended any slight
on your excellent and very comfortable
arrangements, I am mortified!
Rosings Park is the residence
of my noble patroness,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Oh, now I understand.
(COLLINS): The chimney piece
in the second drawing room alone
cost 800 pounds!
(MRS PHILIPS): Now I see,
there's no offence at all.
Will you oblige me and sit down
to a game of whist?
I must confess
I know little of the game, madam,
but I shall be glad to improve myself.
If my fair cousin
will consent to release me?
With all my heart, sir.
Oh, Mr Collins!
- What were trumps again?
- Hearts, Mr Collins! Hearts.
I must confess I thought
I'd never escape your younger sisters.
They can be very determined.
Lydia especially.
But they're pleasant girls.
I find that society in Hertfordshire
quite exceeds my expectations.
I don't see Mr Bingley
and his friends here.
I think some of Mr Bingley's friends
would consider it beneath their dignity.
Really?
Have you known Mr Darcy long?
- About a month.
- I've known him all my life.
- We played together as children.
- But...
Yes, you're surprised.
Perhaps you noticed the cold manner
of our greeting?
I confess I did.
Do you...
Are you much acquainted with Mr Darcy?
As much as I ever wish to be.
I've spent three days
in the same house with him,
and I find him very disagreeable.
I fear there are few who would share
that opinion... except myself.
But he's not at all liked
in Hertfordshire.
Everybody is disgusted with his pride.
Do you know...
Does he intend to stay long
at Netherfield?
I do not know.
I hope his being in the neighbourhood
will not affect your plans to stay.
Thank you. But it is not for me
to be driven away by Mr Darcy.
If he wishes to avoid seeing me,
he must go.
We're not on friendly terms,
but I have no reason to avoid him
but one: he's done me great wrong.
His father, the late Mr Darcy,
was my Godfather,
and one of the best men
that ever breathed.
My father was his steward,
and when he died,
old Mr Darcy cared for me,
provided for me, loved me, I believe,
as though I were his own son.
He intended me for the church.
And it was my dearest wish
to enter into that profession.
But after he died, and the living
he'd promised me fell vacant,
the son refused point blank
to honour his father's promises.
And so, you see,
I have to make my own way in the world.
This is quite shocking!
I had not thought Mr Darcy
as bad as this.
To descend to such malicious revenge.
He deserves to be publicly disgraced!
Some day he will be, but not by me.
Till I can forget his father,
I can't defy or expose him.
(LYDIA LAUGHS)
(LIZZY): I wonder at the pride
of this man. How abominable!
You're more temperate
than I'd be in your situation.
Well, I have not the resentful temper
that some men have.
And my situation, you know,
is not so bad.
At present I have every cause for cheer!
I can't bear to be idle,
and my new profession
gives me active employment.
My fellow officers are excellent men.
And now I find myself in a society
as agreeable as any I've ever known.
I absolutely forbid you
to feel sorry for me!
Lizzy? Lizzy, why should you feel sorry
for Mr Wickham?
Why? Because...
Because I've not had a dance
these three months together!
Poor Mr Wickham!
Well, you shall have one now.
Mary, Mary! The Barley Mow!
(MRS PHILIPS): Oh, Mr Collins!
I cannot believe it!
Mr Darcy's respect
for his father's wishes
wouldn't allow him to behave
in such an unchristian way.
Lizzy, consider, how could his most
intimate friends be so deceived in him?
I could more easily imagine Mr Bingley
being imposed upon,
than to think that Mr Wickham
could invent such a history!
I believe you like Mr Wickham, Lizzy.
I confess I do like him.
I do not see how anyone
could not like him.
There's something very open
and artless in his manner.
He feels deeply, I believe,
and yet has a natural merriment
and energy, despite all this.
Yes, Jane,
I confess I like him very much.
But after so short an acquaintance,
do you think we should believe in him
so implicitly?
How could he be doubted?
He gave me all the circumstances, Jane.
Names, facts.
And everything without ceremony.
Let Mr Darcy contradict it!
Besides, there was truth
in all his looks.
It is difficult, indeed.
It is distressing.
One does not know what to think.
I beg your pardon,
one knows exactly what to think!
(MOTHER): Oh, girls! Girls, we have all
been invited to a ball at Netherfield!
- I love a ball!
- So do I!
This will be a compliment to you, Jane,
you know.
The invitation includes you, Mr Collins.
But shall you accept, sir?
Would it be entirely proper?
Would your bishop approve?
Your scruples do you credit,
my dear cousin.
I am of the opinion
that a ball of this kind,
given by a man of good character
to respectable people,
can have no evil tendency.
And I am so far
from objecting to dancing myself,
that I shall hope to be honoured
with the hands of all my fair cousins
during the evening!
And I take this opportunity
of soliciting yours...
..Miss Elizabeth,
for the first two dances!
(LYDIA AND KITTY GIGGLE)
(COLLINS HUMS A SONG)
I dare say you'll be able to imagine
the scope of the whole, Mr Wickham,
when I tell you that the chimney piece
alone, in the second drawing room,
cost all of 800 pounds!
800 pounds, sir! I hazard a guess
it must be a very large one?
It is very large, indeed, sir.
Her Ladyship is fond
of a good blaze, then?
Oh...
(JANE): Mr Collins!
How fortunate!
I must claim you for my sister Mary.
She's found a passage in Fordyce's
Sermons that she can't make out.
Well, I...
I believe it is of
great doctrinal import, sir.
- In that case...
- You're very kind, sir.
She's in the drawing room.
Mr Collins' conversation is very...
..wholesome.
And there is plenty to be had of it,
I assure you!
Have you made
Mr Bingley's acquaintance yet?
No.
But I'm disposed to approve of him.
He has issued a general invitation
to the officers for his ball,
which has caused great joy
in more than one quarter.
- He must be a very amiable gentleman.
- Oh, yes.
He is eager to approve
of everyone he meets,
but he's a sensible man,
with taste and judgement.
I wonder very much
how Mr Darcy could impose upon him.
He cannot know what Mr Darcy is.
Probably not.
Mr Darcy can please what he chooses,
if he thinks it worth his while.
Among his equals
in wealth and consequence,
he can be liberal-minded,
honourable, even agreeable.
I wonder you can speak of him
so tolerantly.
He is not wholly bad.
Tell me,
what sort of girl is Miss Darcy?
I wish I could call her amiable.
As a child, she was affectionate
and pleasing, and fond of me.
I've devoted hours to her amusement,
but she is grown too much
like her brother. Very... proud.
I never see her now. Since her father's
death, her home has been in London.
She is but 1 6 years old.
Your sister Lydia's age.
Lydia is 1 5.
I was amused by your cousin's reference
to Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
She's Mr Darcy's aunt, and her daughter
Anne, who will inherit a large fortune,
is destined to be Mr Darcy's bride.
Really?!
Poor Miss Bingley.
Ah, you look very well, Lizzy!
You'll never be as pretty
as your sister Jane,
but I will say
you look very well indeed!
Thank you, mamma.
I hope you will pay Mr Collins
every courtesy tonight,
because he's been very attentive to you!
(KITTY): Your gown
is very unbecoming, too!
- Then I shall ask Lizzy!
- Lydia, what are you doing?
Go back in your room and dress yourself!
I have to ask Lizzy something!
Lizzy, look. What do you think?
Kitty says not,
but I think it becomes me very well.
- I wonder that you ask me.
- You look very nice.
Thank you.
Don't keep Wickham to yourself.
Kitty and I want to
dance with him as well.
I promise I shall not.
Even if I wished to, I could not.
I have to dance the first two
with Mr Collins.
Lord, yes.
He's threatened to dance with us all!
(LYDIA GIGGLES)
(LAUGHS HEARD FROM LYDIA AND KITTY)
My dear Jane, how delightful to see you,
and so well recovered!
Louisa and I have been quite desolate
without you, haven't we?
- Mr Hurst?
- What?
- Oh, Mrs Bennet!
- Delighted.
Mr Bennet.
Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet! Quite delighted.
- And all your daughters.
- There's Denny!
- And Chamberlayne!
- And my cousin Mr Collins.
(COLLINS): May I congratulate you on
your very elegant arrangements, ma'am?
(COLLINS): It puts me to mind
greatly of...
Perhaps you may have
visited Rosings Park?
Miss Bennet.
Miss Bennet. You look quite
remarkably well this evening.
Thank you.
I'm instructed to convey
my friend Wickham's regrets
that he cannot attend the ball.
He's gone to town
on a matter of urgent business,
which probably became urgent as
he wished to avoid a certain gentleman.
Denny! I hope you're prepared
to dance with us tonight!
Forgive the intrusion.
I would dance with both of your sisters
at once if I could, but...
Never mind that. Come on, Denny!
Charlotte!
I have so much to acquaint you with!
Charlotte, may I present our cousin,
Mr Collins? My friend, Miss Lucas.
- How do you do, sir?
- Miss Lucas.
I'm indeed honoured
to meet any friend of my fair cousins.
So many agreeable young ladies!
I'm quite enraptured!
- Other way, Mr Collins!
- Madam, a thousand apologies...
My dear cousin, I apologize.
(THE MUSIC DROWNS MOTHER'S VOICE)
It's extraordinary!
Are you sure it's true?
Charlotte, how could it be otherwise?
Every circumstance confirms it.
And Mr Darcy has boasted to me
himself of his resentful....
- Lizzy!
- What?
If you're not otherwise engaged,
would you do me the honour
of dancing the next with me?
Why I... had not...
I thank you. Yes.
Why couldn't I think of an excuse?
Hateful man!
I promised myself
I'd never dance with him.
He pays you a great compliment
in singling you out, Lizzy.
Think what you are doing.
You'd be a simpleton
if you let your fancy for Wickham
lead you to slight a man
of ten times his consequence.
I believe we must have
some conversation, Mr Darcy.
A very little will suffice.
You should say
something about the dance, perhaps.
I might remark on the number of couples.
Do you talk by rule when you're dancing?
Sometimes it's best.
Then we may enjoy the advantage
of saying as little as possible.
Do you consult your own feelings
in this case, or seek to gratify mine?
Both, I imagine.
We are both unwilling to speak
unless we expect to say something
that will amaze the whole room.
This is no striking resemblance of
your own character, I'm sure.
- Do you often walk into Meryton?
- Yes, quite often.
When you met us, we had
just been forming a new acquaintance.
Mr Wickham's happy manners
enable him to make friends.
Whether he is equally capable
of keeping them, is less certain.
He has been unlucky
to lose your friendship
in a way he'll suffer from all his life.
Allow me to congratulate you, sir!
Such superior dancing
is rarely to be seen.
I'm sure your fair partner
is well worthy of you.
I hope this pleasure is repeated often.
Especially when a certain
desirable event takes place.
Eh, Miss Lizzy?
What congratulations will then flow in!
Sir, I...
I understand! I'll not detain you longer
from your bewitching partner!
A great pleasure, sir. Capital! Capital!
I remember hearing you once say
that you hardly ever forgave.
That your resentment once created
was implacable.
You're careful, aren't you,
in allowing resentment to be created?
I am.
And never allow yourself to be blinded
by prejudice?
I hope not.
May I ask to what these questions tend?
Merely to the illustration of your
character. I'm trying to make it out.
- What is your success?
- I don't get on at all.
I hear such different accounts of you
as to puzzle me exceedingly.
I wish that you wouldn't attempt
to sketch my character
at the present moment.
The performance should reflect no credit
on either of us.
If I don't take your likeness now,
I may never have another opportunity!
I would by no means suspend any pleasure
of yours.
(VOICES DROWNED IN PARTY SOUNDS)
Miss Eliza, I hear you're quite
delighted with George Wickham.
No doubt he forgot to tell you,
among his other communications,
that he was merely
the son of old Wickham,
the late Mr Darcy's steward!
But, Eliza, as a friend,
let me recommend you not to give credit
to all his assertions.
Wickham treated Darcy
in an infamous manner.
Has he? How?
I don't remember the particulars,
but I do know that Mr Darcy
was not in the least to blame.
I pity you, Eliza, for the discovery
of your favourite's guilt,
but really, considering his descent,
one could not expect much better.
His guilt and his descent
appear by your account to be the same.
You accuse him only of being
the son of Mr Darcy's steward,
which he informed me of himself.
I beg your pardon.
Excuse my interference.
It was kindly meant.
- Insolent girl!
- Lizzy!
I see nothing in her paltry attack
but her own ignorance
and the malice of Mr Darcy!
Yes, but Lizzy...
Mr Bingley said, that though
he doesn't know the whole history,
he fears that Mr Wickham
is by no means a respectable young man.
- Does he know Mr Wickham?
- No.
Well, then he just had his account
from Mr Darcy.
I don't doubt Mr Bingley's sincerity.
Of course he would believe his friend.
As to the other two gentlemen,
I shall venture to think of them both
as I did before.
Shall we not have some music?
I have a great desire for a song!
Caroline, can we persuade you?
Miss Mary Bennet.
You've anticipated me.
# Slumber,
# dear maid
# Green bows will cover thee
# Cometh breathe over thee
# Where thou art laid
# Slumber, dear maid...
Lizzy! Look.
But they haven't been introduced!
- Can we not prevent him?
- Too late.
Mr Darcy. I have made a remarkable...
I must say, an amazing discovery!
I understand that you are the nephew
of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
of Rosings Park!
Mr Darcy, I am happy
to be able to inform you
that her Ladyship
was in the best of health...
..eight days ago.
I'm glad to hear it.
- And what is your name, sir?
- My name is William Collins, Mr Darcy.
And I have a very great honour to...
Well. Well.
# Green bows will cover thee
# Cometh breathe over thee
(THE DOG JOINS IN THE SINGING)
Rowley!
# Where thou art laid
# My Mother bids me bind my hair
# With bands of rosy hue
That'll do extremely well, child.
You've delighted us long enough.
Let the other young ladies
have time to exhibit.
If I were so fortunate
as to be able to sing,
I should have great pleasure
in obliging the company with an air.
Indeed I should, for I consider music
as a very innocent diversion,
and perfectly compatible
with the profession of a clergyman!
Mr Collins is such a sensible,
respectable young man.
He's taken quite a fancy to Lizzy,
and I don't think
he could find a better wife.
He favoured Jane at first,
but Bingley was there before him.
Now there will be a great marriage!
And, of course, that will throw the
girls into the path of other rich men!
(DENNY): Lydia!
Lydia!
Lord! Denny, fetch me a glass of wine.
I can scarce draw breath, I'm so fagged!
(KITTY): ...and Chamberlayne
and Denny again!
Lydia only danced with him twice!
- I thought Mary sang very ill.
- Oh, yes. Poor Mary.
- But she is determined to do it.
- More fool her, I say.
Mr Collins trod on my frock and tore it.
(MOTHER): Lizzy!
Mr Collins, I'm sure
there can be no objection!
Kitty, don't leave me.
- Lizzy, dear!
- (KITTY): Why? It's only Mr Collins.
Come, Kitty. I want you upstairs.
Mr Collins has something
to say to Lizzy!
Dear Mamma, don't go.
Mr Collins can have nothing to say
that anyone could not hear.
Lizzy. I insist that you stay
where you are and hear Mr Collins!
Come, Kitty! Come along.
Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth,
that your modesty adds
to your other perfections.
But you can hardly doubt the object
of my discourse,
however your feminine delicacy
may lead you to dissemble.
For, as almost as soon
as I entered the house,
I singled you out as the companion
of my future life!
But before I am run away by my feelings
on this subject,
perhaps it would be advisable for me
to state my reasons for marrying.
Mr Collins...
My reasons for marrying are:
First, I think it a right thing
for every clergyman
to set the example of matrimony
in his parish.
Secondly, that I am convinced it will
add very greatly to my happiness.
And thirdly, which perhaps I should have
mentioned first,
that it is the particular recommendation
of my noble patroness
Lady Catherine de Bourgh!
"Mr Collins," she said,
"you must marry."
"Choose properly," she said.
"Choose a gentlewoman for my sake,"
"and for your own, let her be an active,
useful sort of person,
"not brought up too high."
"Find such a woman as soon as you can,
"bring her to Hunsford,
and I will visit her!"
And your wit and vivacity,
I think, must be acceptable to her,
when tempered
with the silence and respect
which her rank will inevitably excite.
Yes.
So much for my general intention
in favour of matrimony.
Now, as to my particular choice:
My dear cousin,
being, as I am, to inherit all this
estate after the death of your father,
I could not satisfy myself
without resolving to choose a wife
from among his daughters.
And now nothing remains,
but to assure you,
in the most animated language,
of the violence of my affections!
- Mr Collins, please...
- To fortune I am perfectly indifferent.
I'm well aware that 1 ,000 pounds
in the four per cents
is all that you may be entitled to,
but rest assured, I shall never reproach
on that score when we are married!
You are too hasty, sir!
You forget that I've made no answer.
Let me do so now.
I thank you for your compliments.
I am very sensible of the honour
of your proposals, but...
..it is impossible for me
to accept them.
I am by no means discouraged.
Indeed not.
I understand that young ladies
often reject the addresses of the man
they mean to accept,
when he first applies for their favour,
and therefore I shall hope,
my dear cousin,
to lead you to the altar before long.
Upon my word,
your hope is an extraordinary one
in view of my declaration.
I was perfectly serious in my refusal.
You could not make me happy, and I am
the last woman who could make you so.
My dear Miss Elizabeth,
my situation in life, my connection
with the noble family of de Bourgh,
are circumstances highly in my favour.
Consider that it is by no means certain
that another offer of marriage
may be made to you.
You cannot be serious in your rejection.
I must attribute it to your wish
of increasing my love by suspense,
in the usual manner of elegant females.
I assure you, sir,
that I have no pretensions
to the kind of elegance
which consists in
tormenting a respectable man.
I thank you
for the honour of your proposals,
but to accept them
is absolutely impossible.
My feelings forbid it in every respect.
- Can I speak plainer?
- You are uniformly charming!
And I am persuaded that when sanctioned
by your excellent parents...
..my proposals will not fail
of being acceptable.
Oh, Mr Bennet!
You are wanted immediately.
We are all in uproar!
You must come and make Lizzy marry
Mr Collins. She vows she won't have him,
and if you don't make haste, Mr Collins
will change his mind and won't have her!
I have not the pleasure of understanding
you. Of what are you talking?
Of Mr Collins and Lizzy!
Lizzy declares
she will not have Mr Collins,
and Mr Collins begins to say
he will not have Lizzy!
What am I to do on the occasion?
It seems a hopeless business.
Speak to Lizzy about it yourself!
Tell her you insist
upon her marrying him!
Let her come in.
Lizzy! Lizzy!
Your father wishes to speak to you.
Come here, my child.
I...
I understand Mr Collins has made you
an offer of marriage.
- Is this true?
- Yes, sir.
Very well. And this offer of marriage
you have refused?
- I have.
- (FATHER): I see.
Right, we now come to the point.
Your mother insists
on your accepting it.
- Is it not so, Mrs Bennet?
- Yes, or I will never see her again!
An unhappy alternative
is before you, Elizabeth.
From this day you must be a stranger
to one of your parents.
Your mother will never see you again
if you do not marry Mr Collins.
And...
..I will never see you again if you do.
Oh, Mr Bennet!
(MOTHER): Sit down, Miss Lizzy!
I insist upon you marrying Mr Collins!
- Why, Charlotte, what do you do here?
- I am come to see Elizabeth.
Mr Collins has made Lizzy an offer, and
what do you think? She won't have him!
Then I am very sorry for him,
though I couldn't say I'm surprised.
(MOTHER): If you don't,
I will never speak to you again!
- I won't discuss the matter any longer.
- Mr Collins!
Mamma's beside herself.
He says he won't stay another night.
I wonder, should I invite him
to dine with us?
Aye, do! Do! Take him away and feed him.
For he's been in high dudgeon
all morning!
- Oh, Mr Collins!
- I am resigned.
Resignation is never so perfect,
as when the blessing denied
begins to lose somewhat of its value
in our estimation.
Until tomorrow then, madam.
I take my leave.
Oh, Mr Collins!
you have ordered a good dinner today,
because I have reason to expect
an addition to our family party.
Mr Bingley!
Why, Jane, you sly thing,
you never dropped a word!
(MOTHER): And no fish to be got!
Lydia, my love, ring the bell.
I must speak to Hill!
It is not Mr Bingley.
It is a person I never saw
in the whole course of my life.
- Colonel Forster!
- Captain Carter!
No, I know. Denny!
About a month ago
I received this letter.
About a fortnight ago, I answered it,
for it was a case of some delicacy,
requiring early attention.
It is from my cousin, Mr Collins,
who, when I am dead, may turn you all
out of this house as soon as he pleases.
Oh, my dear,
pray don't mention that odious man!
It is the hardest thing in the world,
that your estate should be
entailed away from your children.
Indeed, my dear,
nothing can clear Mr Collins
of the iniquitous crime
of inheriting Longbourn,
but if you'll listen to his letter,
you may be softened
by how he expresses himself.
"My dear sir,
"the disagreement subsisting between
yourself and my late honoured father"
"always gave me much uneasiness,
"and since I have had
the misfortune to lose him..."
(LYDIA SNORTS)
"..to lose him, I have frequently wished
to heal the breach."
There, Mrs Bennet. "My mind, however,
is now made up on the subject..."
(COLLINS): ..for,
having received my ordination at Easter,
I've been fortunate to be distinguished
by the patronage of the Right Honourable
Lady Catherine de Bourgh,
whose bounty and beneficence
has preferred me
to the valuable rectory at Hunsford,
where it's my endeavour to demean myself
with grateful respect
towards her Ladyship.
As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it
my duty to promote and establish
the blessing of peace in all families
within the reach of my influence,
and on these grounds I flatter myself
that my overtures of goodwill
are highly commendable,
and will not lead you to reject
the offered olive branch.
I am, sir, keenly conscious
of being the means
of injuring your amiable daughters,
and assure you of my readiness to
make them every possible amends.
I propose myself the satisfaction
of waiting on you and
your family on Monday the 18th...
Have care, Dawkins!
..and shall probably
trespass on your hospitality
till the Saturday sevenight following.
I shall travel as far as the turnpike
in my own modest equipage,
where I hope to catch the Bromley Post
at 35 minutes past ten,
and thence to Watford,
from whence I shall engage
a hired carriage to Longbourn.
Where, God willing, you may expect me
by four in the afternoon.
And here he comes.
He must be an oddity, don't you think?
If he's disposed
to make our girls any amends,
I shan't be the person
to discourage him.
- Can he be a sensible man, sir?
- I think not, my dear.
Indeed, I have great hopes
of finding him quite the reverse.
(FATHER): Mr Collins!
You are very welcome!
My dear Mr and Mrs Bennet!
(FATHER): You seem very...
..fortunate in your patroness, sir.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Indeed I am, sir.
I have been treated with
such affability, such condescension,
as I would never have dared to hope for.
I have been invited twice
to dine at Rosings Park.
That so? Amazing.
Does she live near you, sir?
The garden,
in which stands my humble abode,
is separated only by a lane
from Rosings Park.
Only a lane, eh? Fancy that, Lizzy.
I think you said she was a widow, sir?
Has she any family?
She has one daughter, ma'am.
The heiress of Rosings,
and of very extensive property.
And has she been presented at court?
She is unfortunately
of a sickly constitution
which unhappily
prevents her being in town.
And by that means,
as I told Lady Catherine myself one day,
she has deprived the British Court
of its brightest ornament.
You may imagine, sir, how happy I am
on every occasion to offer
those little delicate compliments,
which are always acceptable to ladies.
That is fortunate for you,
that you possess such an extraordinary
talent for flattering with delicacy.
May I ask
whether these pleasing attentions
proceed from the impulse of the moment,
or are they the result
of previous study?
They arise chiefly
from what is passing at the time, sir.
I do sometimes amuse myself
by writing down
and arranging such little compliments
as may be adapted to ordinary occasions.
But I try to give them
as unstudied an air as possible.
Excellent.
(FATHER): Excellent.
(COLLINS): I must confess myself
quite overwhelmed
with the charms of your daughters.
Oh, you're very kind, sir. They are
sweet girls, though I say it myself.
Perhaps especially the eldest
Miss Bennet?
Ah, yes, Jane is admired
wherever she goes.
But I think I should tell you,
I think it very likely
she will be very soon engaged.
- Ah.
- As for my younger daughters,
if any of them...
In their case
I know of no prior attachment at all.
Ah.
We're going to Meryton
to see if Denny is returned from town!
Perhaps you would care
for a little exercise, Mr Collins?
Indeed I would, Mrs Bennet.
Cousin Elizabeth!
Would you do me the great honour
of walking with me into town?
(COLLINS): You visit your Aunt Philips
in Meryton frequently, I understand?
(LIZZY): Yes, she is fond of company,
but you'll find her gatherings
poor affairs
after the splendours of Rosings Park.
No, I think not.
I believe I possess the happy knack,
much to be desired in a clergyman,
of adapting myself to every kind
of society, whether high or low.
That is fortunate indeed.
Yes, indeed,
and though it is a gift of nature,
constant study has enabled me,
I flatter myself,
to make a kind of art of it.
There! I'm sure that's new in
since Friday.
Isn't it nice?
Don't you think I'd look well in it?
- Not as well as me. Come on!
- No, I shan't.
Jane! Come here. Look at this!
Jane, I'm determined
to have this bonnet!
Look, there's Denny!
- Where?
- There. Look!
- (KITTY): Who's with him?
- (LYDIA): Don't know.
(KITTY): He's handsome!
(LYDIA): He might be
if he were in regimentals.
A man looks nothing without regimentals!
They're looking over.
Lizzy, isn't he mightily good-looking?
- Denny!
- Lydia!
We thought you were still in town!
There was nothing amusing enough
to hold us there.
May I introduce my friend
George Wickham?
Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet,
Miss Mary Bennet,
Miss Catherine Bennet
and Miss Lydia Bennet.
This is our cousin, Mr Collins.
Do you stay long in Meryton, Mr Wickham?
All winter, I'm happy to say.
I've taken a commission
in Colonel Forster's regiment.
There, Lydia!
He will be dressed in regimentals.
And lend them much distinction,
I dare say.
Outswagger us all, eh, Wickham?
You misrepresent me
to these young ladies.
Shall you come with us
to Aunt Philips tonight?
-(KITTY): Denny is coming!
(LYDIA): It's only supper and cards.
I haven't been invited
by Mr and Mrs Philips.
(LYDIA): No one cares
about that nowadays!
(WICKHAM): If Mrs Philips
extended the invitation to include me,
I should be delighted.
(KITTY): Look, Jane. It's Mr Bingley!
How very fortunate! We were on our way
to Longbourn to ask after your health.
(JANE): You're very kind, sir.
I'm quite recovered, as you see.
(BINGLEY): Yes.
I'm very glad to know it.
- Look, there's Denny!
- And Chamberlayne.
(COLLINS): ..such a variety
of social intercourse.
What a charming apartment you have here,
Mrs Philips.
Upon my word, it reminds me greatly
of the small summer breakfast room
at Rosings!
Does it indeed, sir?
I'm much obliged to you, I'm sure.
I'm sure Mr Collins
wishes to pay a compliment, Aunt.
Does he? I see.
Rosings Park, we must understand,
is very grand indeed.
Indeed it is!
My dear Madam,
if you thought I intended any slight
on your excellent and very comfortable
arrangements, I am mortified!
Rosings Park is the residence
of my noble patroness,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Oh, now I understand.
(COLLINS): The chimney piece
in the second drawing room alone
cost 800 pounds!
(MRS PHILIPS): Now I see,
there's no offence at all.
Will you oblige me and sit down
to a game of whist?
I must confess
I know little of the game, madam,
but I shall be glad to improve myself.
If my fair cousin
will consent to release me?
With all my heart, sir.
Oh, Mr Collins!
- What were trumps again?
- Hearts, Mr Collins! Hearts.
I must confess I thought
I'd never escape your younger sisters.
They can be very determined.
Lydia especially.
But they're pleasant girls.
I find that society in Hertfordshire
quite exceeds my expectations.
I don't see Mr Bingley
and his friends here.
I think some of Mr Bingley's friends
would consider it beneath their dignity.
Really?
Have you known Mr Darcy long?
- About a month.
- I've known him all my life.
- We played together as children.
- But...
Yes, you're surprised.
Perhaps you noticed the cold manner
of our greeting?
I confess I did.
Do you...
Are you much acquainted with Mr Darcy?
As much as I ever wish to be.
I've spent three days
in the same house with him,
and I find him very disagreeable.
I fear there are few who would share
that opinion... except myself.
But he's not at all liked
in Hertfordshire.
Everybody is disgusted with his pride.
Do you know...
Does he intend to stay long
at Netherfield?
I do not know.
I hope his being in the neighbourhood
will not affect your plans to stay.
Thank you. But it is not for me
to be driven away by Mr Darcy.
If he wishes to avoid seeing me,
he must go.
We're not on friendly terms,
but I have no reason to avoid him
but one: he's done me great wrong.
His father, the late Mr Darcy,
was my Godfather,
and one of the best men
that ever breathed.
My father was his steward,
and when he died,
old Mr Darcy cared for me,
provided for me, loved me, I believe,
as though I were his own son.
He intended me for the church.
And it was my dearest wish
to enter into that profession.
But after he died, and the living
he'd promised me fell vacant,
the son refused point blank
to honour his father's promises.
And so, you see,
I have to make my own way in the world.
This is quite shocking!
I had not thought Mr Darcy
as bad as this.
To descend to such malicious revenge.
He deserves to be publicly disgraced!
Some day he will be, but not by me.
Till I can forget his father,
I can't defy or expose him.
(LYDIA LAUGHS)
(LIZZY): I wonder at the pride
of this man. How abominable!
You're more temperate
than I'd be in your situation.
Well, I have not the resentful temper
that some men have.
And my situation, you know,
is not so bad.
At present I have every cause for cheer!
I can't bear to be idle,
and my new profession
gives me active employment.
My fellow officers are excellent men.
And now I find myself in a society
as agreeable as any I've ever known.
I absolutely forbid you
to feel sorry for me!
Lizzy? Lizzy, why should you feel sorry
for Mr Wickham?
Why? Because...
Because I've not had a dance
these three months together!
Poor Mr Wickham!
Well, you shall have one now.
Mary, Mary! The Barley Mow!
(MRS PHILIPS): Oh, Mr Collins!
I cannot believe it!
Mr Darcy's respect
for his father's wishes
wouldn't allow him to behave
in such an unchristian way.
Lizzy, consider, how could his most
intimate friends be so deceived in him?
I could more easily imagine Mr Bingley
being imposed upon,
than to think that Mr Wickham
could invent such a history!
I believe you like Mr Wickham, Lizzy.
I confess I do like him.
I do not see how anyone
could not like him.
There's something very open
and artless in his manner.
He feels deeply, I believe,
and yet has a natural merriment
and energy, despite all this.
Yes, Jane,
I confess I like him very much.
But after so short an acquaintance,
do you think we should believe in him
so implicitly?
How could he be doubted?
He gave me all the circumstances, Jane.
Names, facts.
And everything without ceremony.
Let Mr Darcy contradict it!
Besides, there was truth
in all his looks.
It is difficult, indeed.
It is distressing.
One does not know what to think.
I beg your pardon,
one knows exactly what to think!
(MOTHER): Oh, girls! Girls, we have all
been invited to a ball at Netherfield!
- I love a ball!
- So do I!
This will be a compliment to you, Jane,
you know.
The invitation includes you, Mr Collins.
But shall you accept, sir?
Would it be entirely proper?
Would your bishop approve?
Your scruples do you credit,
my dear cousin.
I am of the opinion
that a ball of this kind,
given by a man of good character
to respectable people,
can have no evil tendency.
And I am so far
from objecting to dancing myself,
that I shall hope to be honoured
with the hands of all my fair cousins
during the evening!
And I take this opportunity
of soliciting yours...
..Miss Elizabeth,
for the first two dances!
(LYDIA AND KITTY GIGGLE)
(COLLINS HUMS A SONG)
I dare say you'll be able to imagine
the scope of the whole, Mr Wickham,
when I tell you that the chimney piece
alone, in the second drawing room,
cost all of 800 pounds!
800 pounds, sir! I hazard a guess
it must be a very large one?
It is very large, indeed, sir.
Her Ladyship is fond
of a good blaze, then?
Oh...
(JANE): Mr Collins!
How fortunate!
I must claim you for my sister Mary.
She's found a passage in Fordyce's
Sermons that she can't make out.
Well, I...
I believe it is of
great doctrinal import, sir.
- In that case...
- You're very kind, sir.
She's in the drawing room.
Mr Collins' conversation is very...
..wholesome.
And there is plenty to be had of it,
I assure you!
Have you made
Mr Bingley's acquaintance yet?
No.
But I'm disposed to approve of him.
He has issued a general invitation
to the officers for his ball,
which has caused great joy
in more than one quarter.
- He must be a very amiable gentleman.
- Oh, yes.
He is eager to approve
of everyone he meets,
but he's a sensible man,
with taste and judgement.
I wonder very much
how Mr Darcy could impose upon him.
He cannot know what Mr Darcy is.
Probably not.
Mr Darcy can please what he chooses,
if he thinks it worth his while.
Among his equals
in wealth and consequence,
he can be liberal-minded,
honourable, even agreeable.
I wonder you can speak of him
so tolerantly.
He is not wholly bad.
Tell me,
what sort of girl is Miss Darcy?
I wish I could call her amiable.
As a child, she was affectionate
and pleasing, and fond of me.
I've devoted hours to her amusement,
but she is grown too much
like her brother. Very... proud.
I never see her now. Since her father's
death, her home has been in London.
She is but 1 6 years old.
Your sister Lydia's age.
Lydia is 1 5.
I was amused by your cousin's reference
to Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
She's Mr Darcy's aunt, and her daughter
Anne, who will inherit a large fortune,
is destined to be Mr Darcy's bride.
Really?!
Poor Miss Bingley.
Ah, you look very well, Lizzy!
You'll never be as pretty
as your sister Jane,
but I will say
you look very well indeed!
Thank you, mamma.
I hope you will pay Mr Collins
every courtesy tonight,
because he's been very attentive to you!
(KITTY): Your gown
is very unbecoming, too!
- Then I shall ask Lizzy!
- Lydia, what are you doing?
Go back in your room and dress yourself!
I have to ask Lizzy something!
Lizzy, look. What do you think?
Kitty says not,
but I think it becomes me very well.
- I wonder that you ask me.
- You look very nice.
Thank you.
Don't keep Wickham to yourself.
Kitty and I want to
dance with him as well.
I promise I shall not.
Even if I wished to, I could not.
I have to dance the first two
with Mr Collins.
Lord, yes.
He's threatened to dance with us all!
(LYDIA GIGGLES)
(LAUGHS HEARD FROM LYDIA AND KITTY)
My dear Jane, how delightful to see you,
and so well recovered!
Louisa and I have been quite desolate
without you, haven't we?
- Mr Hurst?
- What?
- Oh, Mrs Bennet!
- Delighted.
Mr Bennet.
Mrs Bennet, Mr Bennet! Quite delighted.
- And all your daughters.
- There's Denny!
- And Chamberlayne!
- And my cousin Mr Collins.
(COLLINS): May I congratulate you on
your very elegant arrangements, ma'am?
(COLLINS): It puts me to mind
greatly of...
Perhaps you may have
visited Rosings Park?
Miss Bennet.
Miss Bennet. You look quite
remarkably well this evening.
Thank you.
I'm instructed to convey
my friend Wickham's regrets
that he cannot attend the ball.
He's gone to town
on a matter of urgent business,
which probably became urgent as
he wished to avoid a certain gentleman.
Denny! I hope you're prepared
to dance with us tonight!
Forgive the intrusion.
I would dance with both of your sisters
at once if I could, but...
Never mind that. Come on, Denny!
Charlotte!
I have so much to acquaint you with!
Charlotte, may I present our cousin,
Mr Collins? My friend, Miss Lucas.
- How do you do, sir?
- Miss Lucas.
I'm indeed honoured
to meet any friend of my fair cousins.
So many agreeable young ladies!
I'm quite enraptured!
- Other way, Mr Collins!
- Madam, a thousand apologies...
My dear cousin, I apologize.
(THE MUSIC DROWNS MOTHER'S VOICE)
It's extraordinary!
Are you sure it's true?
Charlotte, how could it be otherwise?
Every circumstance confirms it.
And Mr Darcy has boasted to me
himself of his resentful....
- Lizzy!
- What?
If you're not otherwise engaged,
would you do me the honour
of dancing the next with me?
Why I... had not...
I thank you. Yes.
Why couldn't I think of an excuse?
Hateful man!
I promised myself
I'd never dance with him.
He pays you a great compliment
in singling you out, Lizzy.
Think what you are doing.
You'd be a simpleton
if you let your fancy for Wickham
lead you to slight a man
of ten times his consequence.
I believe we must have
some conversation, Mr Darcy.
A very little will suffice.
You should say
something about the dance, perhaps.
I might remark on the number of couples.
Do you talk by rule when you're dancing?
Sometimes it's best.
Then we may enjoy the advantage
of saying as little as possible.
Do you consult your own feelings
in this case, or seek to gratify mine?
Both, I imagine.
We are both unwilling to speak
unless we expect to say something
that will amaze the whole room.
This is no striking resemblance of
your own character, I'm sure.
- Do you often walk into Meryton?
- Yes, quite often.
When you met us, we had
just been forming a new acquaintance.
Mr Wickham's happy manners
enable him to make friends.
Whether he is equally capable
of keeping them, is less certain.
He has been unlucky
to lose your friendship
in a way he'll suffer from all his life.
Allow me to congratulate you, sir!
Such superior dancing
is rarely to be seen.
I'm sure your fair partner
is well worthy of you.
I hope this pleasure is repeated often.
Especially when a certain
desirable event takes place.
Eh, Miss Lizzy?
What congratulations will then flow in!
Sir, I...
I understand! I'll not detain you longer
from your bewitching partner!
A great pleasure, sir. Capital! Capital!
I remember hearing you once say
that you hardly ever forgave.
That your resentment once created
was implacable.
You're careful, aren't you,
in allowing resentment to be created?
I am.
And never allow yourself to be blinded
by prejudice?
I hope not.
May I ask to what these questions tend?
Merely to the illustration of your
character. I'm trying to make it out.
- What is your success?
- I don't get on at all.
I hear such different accounts of you
as to puzzle me exceedingly.
I wish that you wouldn't attempt
to sketch my character
at the present moment.
The performance should reflect no credit
on either of us.
If I don't take your likeness now,
I may never have another opportunity!
I would by no means suspend any pleasure
of yours.
(VOICES DROWNED IN PARTY SOUNDS)
Miss Eliza, I hear you're quite
delighted with George Wickham.
No doubt he forgot to tell you,
among his other communications,
that he was merely
the son of old Wickham,
the late Mr Darcy's steward!
But, Eliza, as a friend,
let me recommend you not to give credit
to all his assertions.
Wickham treated Darcy
in an infamous manner.
Has he? How?
I don't remember the particulars,
but I do know that Mr Darcy
was not in the least to blame.
I pity you, Eliza, for the discovery
of your favourite's guilt,
but really, considering his descent,
one could not expect much better.
His guilt and his descent
appear by your account to be the same.
You accuse him only of being
the son of Mr Darcy's steward,
which he informed me of himself.
I beg your pardon.
Excuse my interference.
It was kindly meant.
- Insolent girl!
- Lizzy!
I see nothing in her paltry attack
but her own ignorance
and the malice of Mr Darcy!
Yes, but Lizzy...
Mr Bingley said, that though
he doesn't know the whole history,
he fears that Mr Wickham
is by no means a respectable young man.
- Does he know Mr Wickham?
- No.
Well, then he just had his account
from Mr Darcy.
I don't doubt Mr Bingley's sincerity.
Of course he would believe his friend.
As to the other two gentlemen,
I shall venture to think of them both
as I did before.
Shall we not have some music?
I have a great desire for a song!
Caroline, can we persuade you?
Miss Mary Bennet.
You've anticipated me.
# Slumber,
# dear maid
# Green bows will cover thee
# Cometh breathe over thee
# Where thou art laid
# Slumber, dear maid...
Lizzy! Look.
But they haven't been introduced!
- Can we not prevent him?
- Too late.
Mr Darcy. I have made a remarkable...
I must say, an amazing discovery!
I understand that you are the nephew
of Lady Catherine de Bourgh
of Rosings Park!
Mr Darcy, I am happy
to be able to inform you
that her Ladyship
was in the best of health...
..eight days ago.
I'm glad to hear it.
- And what is your name, sir?
- My name is William Collins, Mr Darcy.
And I have a very great honour to...
Well. Well.
# Green bows will cover thee
# Cometh breathe over thee
(THE DOG JOINS IN THE SINGING)
Rowley!
# Where thou art laid
# My Mother bids me bind my hair
# With bands of rosy hue
That'll do extremely well, child.
You've delighted us long enough.
Let the other young ladies
have time to exhibit.
If I were so fortunate
as to be able to sing,
I should have great pleasure
in obliging the company with an air.
Indeed I should, for I consider music
as a very innocent diversion,
and perfectly compatible
with the profession of a clergyman!
Mr Collins is such a sensible,
respectable young man.
He's taken quite a fancy to Lizzy,
and I don't think
he could find a better wife.
He favoured Jane at first,
but Bingley was there before him.
Now there will be a great marriage!
And, of course, that will throw the
girls into the path of other rich men!
(DENNY): Lydia!
Lydia!
Lord! Denny, fetch me a glass of wine.
I can scarce draw breath, I'm so fagged!
(KITTY): ...and Chamberlayne
and Denny again!
Lydia only danced with him twice!
- I thought Mary sang very ill.
- Oh, yes. Poor Mary.
- But she is determined to do it.
- More fool her, I say.
Mr Collins trod on my frock and tore it.
(MOTHER): Lizzy!
Mr Collins, I'm sure
there can be no objection!
Kitty, don't leave me.
- Lizzy, dear!
- (KITTY): Why? It's only Mr Collins.
Come, Kitty. I want you upstairs.
Mr Collins has something
to say to Lizzy!
Dear Mamma, don't go.
Mr Collins can have nothing to say
that anyone could not hear.
Lizzy. I insist that you stay
where you are and hear Mr Collins!
Come, Kitty! Come along.
Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth,
that your modesty adds
to your other perfections.
But you can hardly doubt the object
of my discourse,
however your feminine delicacy
may lead you to dissemble.
For, as almost as soon
as I entered the house,
I singled you out as the companion
of my future life!
But before I am run away by my feelings
on this subject,
perhaps it would be advisable for me
to state my reasons for marrying.
Mr Collins...
My reasons for marrying are:
First, I think it a right thing
for every clergyman
to set the example of matrimony
in his parish.
Secondly, that I am convinced it will
add very greatly to my happiness.
And thirdly, which perhaps I should have
mentioned first,
that it is the particular recommendation
of my noble patroness
Lady Catherine de Bourgh!
"Mr Collins," she said,
"you must marry."
"Choose properly," she said.
"Choose a gentlewoman for my sake,"
"and for your own, let her be an active,
useful sort of person,
"not brought up too high."
"Find such a woman as soon as you can,
"bring her to Hunsford,
and I will visit her!"
And your wit and vivacity,
I think, must be acceptable to her,
when tempered
with the silence and respect
which her rank will inevitably excite.
Yes.
So much for my general intention
in favour of matrimony.
Now, as to my particular choice:
My dear cousin,
being, as I am, to inherit all this
estate after the death of your father,
I could not satisfy myself
without resolving to choose a wife
from among his daughters.
And now nothing remains,
but to assure you,
in the most animated language,
of the violence of my affections!
- Mr Collins, please...
- To fortune I am perfectly indifferent.
I'm well aware that 1 ,000 pounds
in the four per cents
is all that you may be entitled to,
but rest assured, I shall never reproach
on that score when we are married!
You are too hasty, sir!
You forget that I've made no answer.
Let me do so now.
I thank you for your compliments.
I am very sensible of the honour
of your proposals, but...
..it is impossible for me
to accept them.
I am by no means discouraged.
Indeed not.
I understand that young ladies
often reject the addresses of the man
they mean to accept,
when he first applies for their favour,
and therefore I shall hope,
my dear cousin,
to lead you to the altar before long.
Upon my word,
your hope is an extraordinary one
in view of my declaration.
I was perfectly serious in my refusal.
You could not make me happy, and I am
the last woman who could make you so.
My dear Miss Elizabeth,
my situation in life, my connection
with the noble family of de Bourgh,
are circumstances highly in my favour.
Consider that it is by no means certain
that another offer of marriage
may be made to you.
You cannot be serious in your rejection.
I must attribute it to your wish
of increasing my love by suspense,
in the usual manner of elegant females.
I assure you, sir,
that I have no pretensions
to the kind of elegance
which consists in
tormenting a respectable man.
I thank you
for the honour of your proposals,
but to accept them
is absolutely impossible.
My feelings forbid it in every respect.
- Can I speak plainer?
- You are uniformly charming!
And I am persuaded that when sanctioned
by your excellent parents...
..my proposals will not fail
of being acceptable.
Oh, Mr Bennet!
You are wanted immediately.
We are all in uproar!
You must come and make Lizzy marry
Mr Collins. She vows she won't have him,
and if you don't make haste, Mr Collins
will change his mind and won't have her!
I have not the pleasure of understanding
you. Of what are you talking?
Of Mr Collins and Lizzy!
Lizzy declares
she will not have Mr Collins,
and Mr Collins begins to say
he will not have Lizzy!
What am I to do on the occasion?
It seems a hopeless business.
Speak to Lizzy about it yourself!
Tell her you insist
upon her marrying him!
Let her come in.
Lizzy! Lizzy!
Your father wishes to speak to you.
Come here, my child.
I...
I understand Mr Collins has made you
an offer of marriage.
- Is this true?
- Yes, sir.
Very well. And this offer of marriage
you have refused?
- I have.
- (FATHER): I see.
Right, we now come to the point.
Your mother insists
on your accepting it.
- Is it not so, Mrs Bennet?
- Yes, or I will never see her again!
An unhappy alternative
is before you, Elizabeth.
From this day you must be a stranger
to one of your parents.
Your mother will never see you again
if you do not marry Mr Collins.
And...
..I will never see you again if you do.
Oh, Mr Bennet!
(MOTHER): Sit down, Miss Lizzy!
I insist upon you marrying Mr Collins!
- Why, Charlotte, what do you do here?
- I am come to see Elizabeth.
Mr Collins has made Lizzy an offer, and
what do you think? She won't have him!
Then I am very sorry for him,
though I couldn't say I'm surprised.
(MOTHER): If you don't,
I will never speak to you again!
- I won't discuss the matter any longer.
- Mr Collins!
Mamma's beside herself.
He says he won't stay another night.
I wonder, should I invite him
to dine with us?
Aye, do! Do! Take him away and feed him.
For he's been in high dudgeon
all morning!
- Oh, Mr Collins!
- I am resigned.
Resignation is never so perfect,
as when the blessing denied
begins to lose somewhat of its value
in our estimation.
Until tomorrow then, madam.
I take my leave.
Oh, Mr Collins!