Sep 23, 1811
Bingley has to twist Darcy's arm to get him to come to the assembly
DARCY
Bingley, I can't meet new people already. I haven't properly settled in yet.
BINGLEY
Darcy, if you don't come to this assembly ball tonight then I'll be a laughingstock. I already promised Sir William Lucas that I'd bring a number of gentlemen.
DARCY
Well, you've already bungled that one. Having me there won't make much difference.
BINGLEY
Blast you, Darcy!
DARCY
I'm in no mood to be introduced to a bunch of ugly farmgirls.
BINGLEY
These are the daughters of gentlemen, Darcy. Country folk, yes, but you yourself have a house out in the country.
DARCY
But I don't socialize in Derbyshire. I save myself for London, where it counts.
BINGLEY
Sir William tells me there are many beautiful young ladies in the Meryton area: the Kings, the Johnstons, the Bennets, the Smiths. And you saw those girls in that dress shop!
DARCY
The Bennets? Didn't you visit a Mr. Bennet the other day?
BINGLEY
Yes I did. He's got five daughters. ...Come to think of it, I wonder if those girls in the dress shop --
DARCY
But he wouldn't even introduce his daughters to you. They must be a dreadful sight.
BINGLEY
And Caroline needs you there as well. She dreads having to dance with a local farmhand.
DARCY
Oh, so she's allowed to avoid the farmhands but I have to put up with the local cowmaids? Get Hurst to dance with her.
BINGLEY
No, he'll probably be asleep in a corner somewhere.
DARCY
I only came into Hertfordshire in the first place to get a rest. I had quite the summer, you know.
BINGLEY
No I don't know. I hardly saw you at all last month. Where were you?
DARCY
Busy.
BINGLEY
Look, Darcy, if you stay here tonight then my liquor cabinet is off limits to you. I'll have Rutherford lock it up.
DARCY
I brought my own.
BINGLEY
Well, then maybe your horse will somehow get loose tomorrow! Just think of the many ways I can make your life miserable while you're here.
DARCY
Oh, Bingley, all right, all right. No need to make a fool of yourself. I'll come.
BINGLEY
Good.
DARCY
Just try not to introduce me to anyone.
The next dialogue: At the Meryton assembly
Please let Ed know your thoughts by sending him a little comment:
Comment:
(optional)Your name:
Return to the Darcy Dialogue list