The ballroom at Netherfield. The Bennet sisters are all present, with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy standing at a distance from the others.)
Elizabeth: (smiling) It is a lovely evening, is it not?
Mr. Darcy: (coolly) Yes, the weather is quite agreeable.
Elizabeth: (noticing Mr. Darcy's reserved manner) Mr. Darcy, you seem very quiet tonight. Is everything all right?
Mr. Darcy: (pausing) Yes, Miss Elizabeth. I am simply not much of a talker.
Elizabeth: (smiling wryly) Indeed? I find that hard to believe.
Mr. Darcy: (raising an eyebrow) Oh?
Elizabeth: (looking at Mr. Darcy directly) Yes. You strike me as a man with many thoughts and opinions, but who is perhaps reluctant to share them with others.
Mr. Darcy: (studying Elizabeth) You are perceptive, Miss Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: (smiling) Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I take that as a compliment.
Mr. Darcy: (nodding) As well you should. Your wit and intelligence are quite remarkable.
Elizabeth: (blushing) You flatter me, Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy: (smiling slightly) I speak only the truth, Miss Elizabeth.
(They are interrupted by Mr. Bingley and Jane, who have just finished their dance.)
Mr. Bingley: (beaming) Miss Bennet, that was simply delightful.
Jane: (smiling) Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I enjoyed it very much.
Mr. Darcy: (nodding) Indeed, you were both quite graceful.
Elizabeth: (smiling) Yes, Jane is an excellent dancer.
Mr. Bingley: (looking at Jane fondly) And a lovely partner as well.
(Lydia and Kitty come over to join them.)
Lydia: (excitedly) Oh, that was such fun! I could dance all night.
Kitty: (nodding) Yes, it is wonderful to be among so many handsome gentlemen.
Elizabeth: (smiling wryly) I am sure it is.
Mr. Darcy: (studying Elizabeth) Miss Elizabeth, would you care to dance with me?
Elizabeth: (surprised) I beg your pardon?
Mr. Darcy: (steadfast) I said, would you care to dance with me?
Elizabeth: (smiling) I would be delighted, Mr. Darcy.
(They move onto the dance floor as the other couples make way for them.)
