BINGLEY
Darcy! Good to have you back finally. How was your journey?
DARCY
Fine.
BINGLEY
How is Derbyshire?
DARCY
Fine.
BINGLEY
How is Pemberley?
DARCY
Fine.
BINGLEY
How is Georgiana?
DARCY
Fine.
BINGLEY
You missed a lot of excitement while you were gone.
DARCY
You're not married yet, I hope.
BINGLEY
No, no. But Darcy, I've been doing a lot of thinking.
DARCY
Thinking?
BINGLEY
Yes. I was thinking about the grouchy mood you've been in since the
summer. I was trying to think of ways to cheer you up.
DARCY
Well, yes. I know I haven't been myself since the summer. I guess I
should apologize.
BINGLEY
I wangled an invitation to dine with Colonel Forster and his
staff in a few days time. A night of fine food, brandy, cigars.
No women to distract us.
DARCY
Yes, I could use such an evening, I must say.
BINGLEY
We won't even think about ladies all evening long.
DARCY
Masculine pursuits only.
BINGLEY
No mention of Jane or Elizabeth.
DARCY
No, no. Don't even say their names out loud.
BINGLEY
After all, we are men, Darcy. We have important matters to
discuss. Problems of the world to be solved. Feminine
concerns just get in the way of our manly endeavours.
DARCY
Indeed.
BINGLEY
Billiards, cards. Maybe he has a dartboard.
DARCY
I hear the Colonel has a fine collection of German wine.
BINGLEY
We'll come back completely refreshed.