He attaches so much importance to Bennet's
opinion.
FANNY. Um. I'm glad I appear to be giving satisfaction. [She has
returned to her seat at the table.] I suppose when you go to town,
you take the Bennets with you?
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL [surprised at the question]. Of course,
dear.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Vernon didn't wish to go this year. He
thought you would prefer -
FANNY. I was merely thinking of when he did. Do you ever go abroad
for the winter? So many people do, nowadays.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. We tried it once. But there was nothing
for dear Vernon to do. You see, he's so fond of hunting.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL [to her sister]. And then there will be
his Parliamentary duties that he will have to take up now.
Fanny rises, abruptly.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. You're not ill, dear?
FANNY. No. Merely felt I wanted some air. You don't mind, do you?
[She flings a casement open.]
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. Not at all, dear. [To her sister] It
IS a bit close.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. One could really do without fires.
THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. If it wasn't for the evenings.
THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. And then, of course, the cold weather
might come again. One can never feel safe until -
The door opens. Dr. Freemantle enters, announced by Bennet. The old
ladies go to rise. He stops them.
DR. FREEMANTLE. Don't get up. [He shakes hands with them.] How are
we this afternoon? [He shakes his head and clicks his tongue.
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