Lady Catherine pressed on. “I confess myself curious. One hears so many accounts—most imprecise—of young ladies’ prospects in Town. Connections are made. Expectations formed. Responsibilities incurred.”
Elizabeth lifted her teacup and took a measured sip before replying. “I have found it best not to give undue weight to rumors.”
“Indeed,” Lady Catherine said sharply. “But surely you have plans.”
Elizabeth set down her cup. “I endeavor to conduct myself with propriety and discretion.”
Lady Catherine’s fingers tightened on her saucer. “Such caution is admirable, though one wonders whether it is sufficient. A young woman must think not only of herself, but of her family.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I am mindful of that.”
Lady Hertford chose that moment to interject, her tone light but her words exact.
“I must confess,” she said thoughtfully, “I was surprised when I learned of the…renewed interest your ladyship has taken in Miss de Bourgh.”
Lady Catherine’s gaze snapped toward her.
“Surprised?” Lady Catherine repeated.
“Yes.” Lady Hertford sipped her tea. “My understanding had long been that the family connection was—how shall I put it—regrettably neglected.”
The silence that followed was exquisite. Elizabeth felt it like a held breath.
Lady Catherine straightened, color rising beneath the powder on her cheeks. “Circumstances change.”
“Do they?” Lady Hertford asked mildly. “I had understood the circumstances in question to be quite longstanding.”
Elizabeth kept her eyes lowered, though every sense was alert.
Lady Catherine recovered herself with visible effort. “It would be improper,” she said stiffly, “to continue ignoring one’s duty when reminded of it.”
“Reminded,” Lady Hertford echoed softly.
Lady Catherine’s lips thinned. “Certain…observations were made.”
Elizabeth knew then that the call was not borne from affection or remorse. It was pressure. That was not at all surprising.
“And from whom,” Lady Hertford inquired with courteous interest, “might these observations have come?”
Lady Catherine hesitated only a fraction too long. “Family,” she said curtly.
Lady Hertford smiled. “Of course. Family has a way of clarifying matters.” She paused. “As does influence.”
Elizabeth felt a quiet satisfaction she did not allow herself to display.
Lady Catherine, seeking to reclaim ground, turned abruptly. “Anne has drawn interest,” she announced proudly. “A most respectable interest. A gentleman of consequence.”
Elizabeth turned to her cousin and offered a polite smile. “I am pleased to hear it.” She felt gratified when her cousin returned it tentatively.
“A match is expected,” Lady Catherine added pointedly.
“I hope,” Elizabeth said evenly, “that Anne’s happiness will be considered alongside advantage.”
Anne flushed.
Lady Catherine bristled. “Naturally.”
Lady Hertford intervened with effortless timing. “Miss de Bourgh has always struck me as particularly judicious. One cannot rush such matters.”
