2
A/N: The song Darcy sings is to the tune of "The Girl That I Marry" from "Annie Get Your Gun" which can be found on i-tunes if you want to hear it. youtube.com/watch?v=wdGK6cx099k
(Darcy sits in the Netherfield drawling room reading a book. Miss Bingley comes in and sits next to him.)
Caroline: That was an interesting conversation we had earlier about accomplished women Mr. Darcy.
Darcy: (nods without looking up)
Caroline: Mr. Darcy, all joking aside, I'm sure you would wish to marry an accomplished woman.
Darcy: (Turns a page rather dramatically but makes no other response.)
Caroline: I hope you'll pardon my raising so delicate a topic; I only do so out of concern for you, as a friend.
A man of your breading and prosperity must always be on his guard. I would hate to see you make
a choice you would later regret based on a passing infatuation or an admiration for a pair of fine eyes.
Darcy: (Sighs heavily and closes his book.) Miss Bingley, do you really want to know what I wish for in a wife?
Caroline: (leans forward nodding eagerly) YES!
Darcy: Very well you will hear my opinion on the matter. (He stands, strikes a dramatic pose, and sings):
The girl that I marry will have to be
Of good connections and family
The kind of girl I need
will not pester and tease me when I try to read.
She'll be accomplished and quite refined
and extensively read to improve her mind.
'stead of sulkin', I'll be talkin'
and confer much with her while we're walkin'
Most extraordinary,
the girl that I marry must be.
(As Darcy sings Caroline's expression changes, back and forth, between a smug smile and a worried frown. For the last four lines she simply looks thoughtful.)
Darcy: Good night Miss Bingley. (He bows to her and walks out of the room.)
Caroline: (Wanders into the Library and walks along looking at the shelves as she sings quietly to herself.):
She'll be accomplished and quite refined
and extensively read to improve her mind.
'stead of sulkin', he'll be talkin'
and confer much with her while they're walkin'
Most extraordinary,
the girl he will marry…
(She reaches up to one of the shelves and takes down a book. It is Volume 2 of the book Darcy was reading earlier.)