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"It will be over in a few hours, Fitzwilliam."
"That is a few hours too many."
"I assure you I feel the same way, love. But look at it this way; every moment at the table is an opportunity to verbally fence with Lady Catherine. Whenever she pauses to draw breath, I mean."
"I... confess I do enjoy watching you two fence."
"And I shall see Charlotte. I miss her. And you shall be bowed to every time you open your mouth."
"Elizabeth, were we not dwelling on the positives?"
"Tsk, Mr. Darcy, not letting your wife have her fun. But think also of the potatoes."
"The potatoes?"
"Yes, I have it on good authority that the boiling of Her Ladyship's potatoes is excellent. And Georgiana will sit beside one of us and try not to giggle at the ludicrous conversation I shall do my best to generate in Mr. Collins and his esteemed patron."
"Well, Mrs. Darcy, I believe you have convinced me. This evening shall not be as uncomfortable a farce as I'd previously imagined. Shall we?"
"After you, Mr. Darcy."