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On the sound of a carriage, Lydia rushed to the window and let out a drawn-out sound of surprise.

“Zooks, mama. What a grand carriage,” Lydia cried in awe at the gilded contraption coming up the drive. “I’ve never seen the like in my entire life.”

Kitty rushed to the window to look.

“Well, whose is it?” Mrs Bennet asked excitedly. “Does it look like it might belong to an earl?” She gave Elizabeth a look that made her daughter roll her eyes.

“How should I know? It has two coachmen, two footmen on the back, and four riders following,” Lydia said as she counted with a pointed finger.

“It is the grandest carriage I have ever seen, all in a fine livery and wigs,” Kitty added.

“It must be him. Go upstairs and prepare yourself, Lizzy,” Mrs Bennet cried in a flutter. “Make haste, make haste,” she shrilled when Elizabeth did not budge.

She had not known the man long, but Elizabeth doubted Mr. Darcy would use the carriage her sisters described. His carriage, which she had ridden in, was lavish in comfort but stark and practical in appearance.

“If he cannot see me without pinched cheeks or my hair done up to perfection and not like what he sees, he does not deserve me.”

Mrs Bennet let out a wail. “Oh, Lizzy, why must you vex me so. You must always look pleasing to your man until you have said your vows.”

“I look no different now than any other time he has seen me.”

“Why must you be so obstinate? You are going to be the death of me. Why could you not have been born a boy, like I wanted? I’m sure you would not have been as stubborn if you had.”

“If I had been, this conversation would be moot. Which would suit me just fine.” She replied crossing her arms and not moving even as her mother kept insisting she prepare herself.

The sound of Mr Collins bolting down the steps soon carried to them. Reaching the bottom, he hurried for the door, trying to straighten out his jacket as he moved.

“I believe that explains to whom the carriage belongs,” Elizabeth said.

“What do you mean?” her mother asked, not having deduced her meaning.

“Lady Catherine de Bourgh must have decided to pay him a visit.”

“But I am not dressed right now to see her ladyship.”

“You do not have time to change, Mama,” Jane said, knowing her mother would take more time choosing a dress than putting it on. “For all we know, she is only stopping by to deliver a letter on her way to visit another. Netherfield, most likely.”

“No. The footman has opened the door and someone is getting out. My goodness, she is bigger than Mrs Goulding,” Kitty exclaimed.

Lydia elbowed her lightly because she wanted to tell them about the woman that emerged.

“Get away from the window before she sees you. Mary, go tell Mrs Hill we will require tea,” Mrs Bennet said as she primped her hair and cap in the mirror. Mary left, informing them she would not return after delivering the request.

“Do not start pounding away on that piano until our guest is gone. We do not want to hear it.” Mrs Bennet yelled after her.

It was not long before Mr Collins came to the room, looking like the cat that had gotten the cream as he escorted his patroness in. He looked about the room, ensuring he had everyone’s attention before introducing Lady Catherine de Bourgh, adding that she was the aunt of the new earl.

As he introduced Mrs Bennet and Jane, the lady gave them a sniff and a slight nod of acknowledgement. When he introduced Elizabeth, her demeanor changed. The large woman’s nostrils flared, and her eyes squinted.

“So this is the…” Lady Catherine refrained from saying what she wanted and decided to be diplomatic. “The woman in question.” The word woman was said with contempt. “I should like to have you take a walk with me.”

“Would you like tea beforehand?” Mrs Bennet said, anxious to please the great woman. “It should be here any moment.”

“I would not. Come, Miss Bennet.

“My elder sister Jane should be addressed as such.”

A look of panic and despair came over Mr Collins. “Cousin Elizabeth,” he cried in horror.

“But you know very well who I am addressing.”

Elizabeth looked her directly in the eyes to show she was not intimidated. “I shall go get my pelisse.” She left the room.

Lady Catherine looked towards the windows. “This must be a most inconvenient room in the summer with the windows facing west.”

“Only in the evening, which is why it is not used after dinner. We have other rooms best used for catching the light at times of day and seasons.”

Lady Catherine then observed Lydia and Kitty whispering and giggling.

“I believe you have five daughters.”

“Yes, those two are my youngest.”

“It was fortunate for Mr Collins that you did not have a son.”

Mrs Bennet did not know how to reply.

“How come these two,” Lady Catherine continued, waggling her finger at them, “are not in the schoolroom? Practicing manners would seem a good endeavor for them?”

“All my daughters are out, ma’am,” Mrs Bennet managed to say, unsure why the comment had been made.

“All five of them, with the eldest daughters not married yet?” She exclaimed in shock.

“Mr Bennet thought it a good idea to have them all out for the peace and quiet of the household, and I enjoy their company.”

“Extraordinary, but where is their governess?”

“They do not have one. Never did.”

“What? Not ever? This is most irregular. I am told the income for this estate is more than enough to hire one. They should have a governess.”

“Mr Bennet did not see the need,” Mrs Bennet explained.

“Mr Bennet was wrong. What would he know about raising young ladies? Their education must have been neglected.”

“Oh no. Mr Bennet taught them all the basics. They had tutors when needed. I would have helped, but my nerves have little patience for teaching.”

“If I had known you, I would have urged you to hire a governess and given you a recommendation.”

“That would have been very kind of you, but it would have taken some doing to convince Mr Bennet, I can tell you that.”

Lady Catherine muttered under her breath in annoyance at the weak woman. Elizabeth appeared and announced that she was ready. When Mr Collins fell into step behind Lady Catherine, she bid him to remain. With a befuddled look, he complied but was unsure what to do. Should he stay in the room where the occupants looked at him in amusement, or go to his room? He decided to remain as to be available when they returned. Straightening his coat, he went to an unoccupied chair by the windows to wait, ignoring the prattle from the women. Mary having seen their guest leave the house began practicing in case she was asked to play at the ball.