Posted on Tuesday, 1 October 2002

Ramsgate

"George, look! There is my brother."

"So it is. Shall we tell him our news?"

"Of course we shall. After all, the sooner we tell him of our engagement, the sooner we can be married."

"Georgiana, are you for certain that he will give us his blessing?"

"I do not see why he should not. Fitzwilliam!"

"Georgiana. Mrs. Young, I trust that you have both had an excellent summer so far."

"Yes Sir, it has been quite pleasant, thank you."

"Fitzwilliam, do you remember Mr. Wickham?"

"Why yes of course. Wickham, how are you?"

"Very well, Darcy. I cannot wish to be in better health then I already am."

"How are your studies in the law?"

"I have decided to give up the law and join the militia. In fact, I am to be placed in a regiment outside of town."

"Indeed! It sounds as if things are going quite well for you."

"Yes, quite well. I hope that once I become part of the regulars, I will have a small enough fortune to support me a wife."

"Really! Are there any prospects?"

"Actually, there is one person in particular who has stolen my heart."

"Oh, then you must come and dine with us, and over a glass of brandy you must tell me about her."

"I shall."

"You want my what?"

"I want your blessing, Darcy, for Georgiana and my engagement."

"How much?"

"Pardon?"

"How many pounds do you want me to give you for you to put an end to this nonsense?"

"Darcy, I am not after Georgiana's inheritance, if that is what you are thinking."

"Oh? What other reason can there be?"

"Love!"

"Love. Ha! Why would a man that is ten years her senior have an interest in her other than her inheritance?"

"You do not believe me do you?"

"Wickham, you do not have any money or connections. Why should I believe you? Now, if you will tell me how much you want, I will tell my solicitor to give you exact amount."

"I am telling you that I want nothing!"

"Of course you do, Wickham. Every man has his price."

"You insult me by insinuating that I would be so low as to toy with Georgiana's heart just to receive money from you!"

"She is Miss Darcy to you, and I am becoming impatient with your games."

"There are no games, Darcy. If you will not give us your blessing, then we shall be off to Gretna Green."

"You will do no such thing. You are to leave this house at once and never speak to Georgiana again. Do I make myself clear?"

"You cannot stop us."

"Perhaps, but I can see to it that you never find work for any day of life ever again."

"You would not do it. You cannot be so low as to seal your sister's fate to poverty!"

"Oh, would I not? I will do everything in my power to see to it that she fulfills her destiny."

"And that would be?"

"That she secures a great marriage for herself within the upper class circles only."

"Then, you are resigned to see her as miserable as you are."

"If you define miserable as having everything that you want at your fingertips, then yes, I am."

*sigh* "You win, Darcy."

"I always do. Now how much do you want?"

"I do not desire any of your filthy money."

"So be it, Wickham."

"What will you tell Miss Darcy?"

"That you were only after her fortune, and you did not really care anything about her."

"You will break her heart!"

"It will be all the easier for her to forget you."

"You are a wicked man, Darcy. One day somebody is not going to bow down to you, then you will pay the price for your deeds."

"I always get what I want, Wickham, everything. If you ever mention this to anyone, I will see to it that your reputation becomes tarnished. I will tell people that you attempted to elope with Georgiana to get her fortune."

"Believe me, Darcy; I would never want to associate with anyone that you do."