Sep 23, 1811
Darcy is admonished by Bingley for his behaviour at the Meryton assembly
BINGLEY
Well thank you very much Darcy for almost ruining my introduction into Meryton society.
DARCY
Society? You call that a society?
BINGLEY
All you had to do was smile and be courteous and perhaps dance with one or two of the local ladies.
DARCY
The last time I danced with a new acquaintance, Bingley, she ended up chasing me across all of London and half of Derbyshire.
BINGLEY
Well, this Miss Elizabeth Bennet doesn't appear to be that sort, and quite frankly, if you had danced with her then it might have helped me out with her elder sister, about whom I hope to have some saucy dreams tonight. Surely Miss Elizabeth is as handsome as that silly Hawthorne girl with whom you danced twice in July at the Admiral's ball.
DARCY
But Miss Cynthia Hawthorne didn't have the mother that the Bennet girls are blessed with. Had I danced with Bennet Number Two, her mother might be the one chasing me across England. I'd get no peace at all while I'm trapped here.
BINGLEY
Trapped? Well thank you very much. ... Anyway, how did you enjoy that well-deserved snub from Miss Elizabeth? I dare say she heard that remark you made about her.
DARCY
What? What remark? What snub?
BINGLEY
Your remark about her being merely tolerable.
DARCY
I said no such thing.
BINGLEY
And when she remarked upon the angle of your nose, Miss Lucas almost choked on her punch.
DARCY
Well, it doesn't really matter to me. I don't expect to see much of the Bennet family in the future. ...You don't really think she heard that remark, do you?
BINGLEY
Well, I certainly hope to see more of the Bennet family. And I expect you to accompany me when I pay calls there, hunting trips, that sort of thing. And I was thinking of throwing a ball here at Netherfield. What do you think?
DARCY
A ball? Oh, I just remembered. I'm needed at Pemberley on that day.
BINGLEY
Oh no you don't, Darcy!
DARCY
No, she couldn't possibly have heard me.
With Louisa after the Meryton assembly
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