Elizabeth: Do you plan to go to the Netherfield ball then, Mr. Wickham?
Wickham: Perhaps. How long has Mr. Darcy been a guest there?
Elizabeth: About a month.
Wickham: Hm.
Elizabeth: Forgive me, but are you acquainted with him, with Mr. Darcy?
Wickham:Indeed, I've been connected with his family since infancy. You may well be surprised, Miss Elizabeth, especially given our cold greeting this afternoon.
Elizabeth: But I hope that your plans in favour of Meryton will not be affected by your relations with the gentleman.
Wickham: Oh, no, it's not for me to be driven away. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. Not I.
Elizabeth: I must ask, Mr. Wickham. What is the manner of your disapproval of Mr. Darcy?
Wickham: My father managed his estate, we grew up together, Darcy and I. His father treated me like his second son, loved me like a son, we were both with him the day he died. With his last breath, his father bequeathed me the rectory in his estate, he knew I had my heart set on joining the Church. But Darcy ignored his wishes and gave the living to another man.
Elizabeth: But why?
Wickham: Jealousy. His father...well, he loved me better and Darcy couldn't stand it.
Elizabeth: How cruel!
Wickham: So now I'm a poor foot soldier, too lonely even to be noticed.
