Page 45

“You must know why I am here, Miss Bennet,” Lady Catherine said as soon as they took a few steps from the door.

“No, ma’am, perhaps to see Mr Collins.”

“Do not play coy with me, young lady. I am in no mood, nor has it ever been my inclination.”

“Then perhaps you should tell me why you are here.”

“I have received the most alarming news about my nephew and yourself.”

“For you to have heard anything in Kent, its source could only be one person.”

“Miss Bennet, I came here to see if there was any truth to this scandalous rumor.”

“Your arrival here will only fuel them.”

“Are they true?” she demanded.

“Like any rumor, there is some truth to them, but…”

“Do you think this is a game?”

“I do not. My life is affected just as much as Mr Darcy.”

Lady Catherine scoffed at the notion. “He is the one that would disadvantaged by a marriage to you, and I refuse to let that happen. I shall let you know he is to marry my daughter, an arrangement that has existed since their birth. To throw that away for you is out of the question. What have you to say to that?”

“Then why has he not already done so? It would have saved me a lot of trouble.”

“Are you always so flippant? This is a most serious state of affairs.”

“Then why are you not having this discussion with your nephew? If he has an obligation to marry your daughter, why are you here to convince me of it?”

“Now that he is elevated to a position held by my family these four generations, he must marry my daughter.”

“I am still at a loss as to why you are discussing this with me.”

“Because he will not listen to reason. You as a woman may see the sense in what I have to say.”

“Besides my father, Mr Darcy is the most sensible man I have ever met.”

“Men are easily distracted by a pretty face. I will admit that their engagement has been somewhat unusual. Marrying my daughter and adding Rosings to his holdings will make our family one of the greatest landholders.”

“Is this about land or family?”

“They are one and the same. What is a family without land?”

“When my father dies, we will lose our land. An estate that has been in Bennet hands far longer than your family has held title. Yet we will still retain our family ties.”

“You impertinent trollop!”

“Madame, this conversation is at an end. Georgiana said you were blunt, but she never said anything about being rude. Good day.”

Lady Catherine grabbed her arm before she could take a second step.

“What is this about Georgiana? When did you talk with her? Where is she?”

“Let go of me,” Elizabeth said, trying to free her arm. “I insist,” she said, glaring at her. Lady Catherine scowled back, trying to assert her will. “If I give a whistle, in a matter of moments, two large dogs will come to investigate. They would not appreciate the nuance of the situation seeing me handled so.” She said through gritted teeth.

“Miss Bennet, I…” Lady Catherine began to say. Elizabeth put her fingers to her mouth, surprising her Ladyship.

“Do not be so uncouth,” she said, releasing her. “There is no intention of harm. It is just that I stopped to visit Georgiana and Anne in town and was told they were in the country but would not tell me where. I would have liked to console them on Colonel Fitzwilliam’s death. Where are they?”

Elizabeth was unsure what to say. If she had already talked with her nephew and he had not informed her of their whereabouts, did he want her to know? She decided to play it safe.

“I don’t believe that it is my place to say.”

“I am their aunt. I have a right to know.”

“Then you should ask Mr Darcy.”

“You insolent girl,” Lady Catherine barked. “How dare you keep them from me. It is my right to know.”

“With all due respect, I must decline. Ask your nephew.”

“You will address him as Earl Fitzwilliam,” she snapped angrily.

“He told me not to!” She glared up at the officious woman.

Lady Catherine glared back at her momentarily before starting across the lawn, calling for her rector at the top of her lungs.

Mr Collins watched the exchange from the window, wringing his hands the entire time. He should be out there to temper his cousin’s contrarian nature. He tried to shut out the incessant chatter of his two young cousins and their mother’s speculation on why Lady Catherine had come for the visit. She had the mistaken impression that it was to be met with the soon-to-be countess.

When Lady Catherine turned back to the house. He leapt from his spot and disappeared from the room to the astonishment of the others.

As Collins rounded the corner of the house, he almost ran straight into his patroness.

“Watch where you are going, Mr Collins.”

“My apologies, your Ladyship. I heard you call for me and came as quick as I could.”

“Take me to where Georgiana Darcy is staying.”

He glared at Elizabeth as she walked by.

“I umm, ah I…”

“Do not stand there jabbering like a dolt,” she fumed.

“No, of course not,” he said, clearing his throat as he collected his thoughts. “I know it is at a nearby estate, but I do not know where... exactly.”

“Find out immediately. I must see my nieces.”

“Yes, of course. Cousin Bennet will know.” He turned and scuttled back the way he had come as Lady Catherine followed at a sedate pace.

Elizabeth burst into her father’s library without her usual knock. She closed the door and leaned back against it.

“Papa, you need to stall them.”

“Stall who?”

“Mr Collins and Lady Catherine.”

“I thought she might be our visitor. Interesting.”

“Will you?” She said as Collins went past the window.

“Why am I stalling them?”

“I need time to get to Netherfield and warn Georgiana.”

“Why would she need a warning about her aunt?”

“Mr Darcy did not tell her where they were staying for a reason. I’m sure of it. At least, I think so.”

“Maybe she never asked. You are jumping to conclusions. Why does it matter so much to you? This is a family affair,” he said, eyeing her carefully trying not to grin.

Elizabeth felt the knock on the door. She mouthed the word please to her father and pleaded with her eyes as the knock sounded again. This time, it was a little more forceful, followed by Collins calling out for his cousin to answer.

“Very well, go about as you see fit,” he said, waving her away. “I will see what I can do.”

She opened the door far enough to slip out, finding her cousin blocking her path.

“Excuse me,” she said, “let me by.” When he stepped back, she pulled the door closed. “Father said he needs to finish tallying up the figures before he forgets to carry one of them and messes up the books and misplaces part of your inheritance,” she lied unashamedly. “He will be with you in a minute.” She walked past him to see Lady Catherine. “My mother has tea for you while my cousin gets the directions. I’m sure you can remember the way.” She hurried past without waiting for an acknowledgement. Going to the kitchen, she went out the side door.

“Mr Collins, what are you waiting for?” Lady Catherine asked as he stood looking at the door.

“She said hr father needed a minute or so to finish the books,” he replied sheepishly.

“Must I do everything?” Lady Catherine scolded and went to make her own inquiry from Mrs Bennet. Mr Collins started to follow, stopped, and returned to the door. He pulled out his watch. He was sure a minute had passed but gave it another before knocking again.