(Pemberly, the grounds of the estate. The scene has flower beds, trees or shrubs. The Gardeners and Elizabeth follow the caretaker onto the stage. From Right. They stand at stage right.)

Caretaker: And this is the path to the orchard, mum. Sir, if you like to fish or hunt, it will be of interest to know this is the finest anywhere in England. Help yourself to some flowers, Miss. The master will not mind. He’s of a generous nature though you wouldn’t know it from his picture. I’ll leave you now and go about me work. (exits R.)

Mr. Gardener: Thank you, my good man.

Elizabeth: Well, let’s go, now. We’ve seen everything.

Mrs. Gardener: You have to admit it is the loveliest place you’ve ever seen. Just look over there.

Mr. Gardener: Aren’t you glad you changed your mind, Lizzie, and came along with us to see it?

Mrs. Gardener: When I was a child I used to always dream of living here at Pemberly.

Mr. Gardener: The housekeeper certainly did go on about her Mr. Darcy. To hear her talk he must be nearly perfect, never cross, never scolding.

Mrs. Gardener: Well, his portrait certainly looked stern. He looked too serious to be very nice. But, I must say, he is very handsome. Do you know him very well, Lizzie?

Elizabeth: Hardly at all, it seems. What I heard about him today puts him in quite a different light. But, let us be going. I’m sure it’s getting late. Oh! (she turns and sees Darcy coming up the path toward them. He enters from the other side of the stage. L. He sees her too and stops short. They look at each other for a moment. Then he comes up to the others)

Darcy: Miss Bennett.

Elizabeth: (she holds out her hand and he takes it) Oh, Mr. Darcy!

Darcy: When did you leave your cousin?

Elizabeth: Why last week. I’m traveling with my Aunt and Uncle. My Aunt is from Lampton, near by.

Darcy: Yes, I know the place. Are you staying there?

Elizabeth: Why yes.

Darcy: Well, when did you leave the Collins’?

Elizabeth: Oh…a week ago.

Darcy: Oh yes, of course. Pardon me. (He leaves) (left)

Mrs. Gardener: You must know Mr. Darcy better than you admit.

Elizabeth: We’d better go at once. I can’t imagine what he must think.

Mr. Gardener: I thought he looked very pleased to see you here.

Elizabeth: No, please, let’s go. (Darcy enters here again) (Left)

Darcy: Will you do me the honor of introducing me to your friends, Miss Bennett?

Elizabeth: May I present my Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Gardener, Mr. Darcy.

Darcy: How pleased I am to have you here. I hope you have enjoyed your visit.

Mrs. Gardener: Yes, we have. I’ve long loved Pemberly, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Gardener is always excited about fishing.

Darcy: Then he must come and go fishing. There is plenty of tackle. (to him) Come tomorrow and I will see that you find a good place.

Mr. Gardener: This is most kind of you. (They begin to walk. The Gardeners in front, Darcy and Elizabeth in the back)

Elizabeth: I would like you to know, Mr. Darcy, that I was assured that you were in London before I agreed to come here. Your housekeeper also assured us you were gone.

Mr. Darcy: I’ve come up very unexpectedly. Tomorrow some friends will join me, among them Mr. Bingley and his sister.

Elizabeth: (nods) I see.

Mr. Darcy: My sister will also be here…and she particularly would like to meet you. May I bring her to see you while you are here?

Elizabeth: Yes. Of course. (she is surprised) We are at the inn in Lampton.

Darcy: Tomorrow afternoon then.

(The caretaker enters with a letter)(right)

Caretaker: Pardon, Sir, but if there is a Miss Bennett in the party, a letter has just been brought for her from Lampton.

Elizabeth: (taking the letter) Thank you. Why, it’s from my father. He never writes letters. Pardon me if I open it. (she reads it quickly) Oh, I beg your pardon, but I must go at once. I’m afraid, Mr. Darcy, that I must go home without delay.

Mrs. Gardener: What is it?

Elizabeth: It’s terrible news. You might as well hear it from me, Mr. Darcy, for I’m sure you will hear it from someone. My youngest sister Lydia, has eloped, with Mr. Wickham. She’s just a foolish child with no money or friends…and I could have prevented it.

Mrs. Gardener: What do you mean?

Elizabeth: I’ve known for a week what he was like. I should have written to Lydia at once. But, I must go home at once. My father has gone to London to find them and my Uncle’s help is needed.

Darcy: May I help you?

Elizabeth: Thank you, but what can be done? I’m afraid Lydia is lost in every way. Please give my regards to your sister. I’m so very sorry, Mr. Darcy. (she holds out her hand and he takes it)

(Elizabeth and the Gardeners exit) (left)

Darcy: (calling off stage) Bentley! (the caretaker enters) R.

Caretaker: Yes sir?

Darcy: Bring around my horse, at once. I’m going to London. (he follows the caretaker off stage) R.

CURTAIN