“Do not neglect Anne,” the Earl reminded his wife. “It would be beneficial for the poor girl to get away from Rosings Park now and again. Oh, and might we not send a carriage forGeorgiana? It would do her good to get away from Pemberley, as well. We shall have something of a family reunion in the country.”
“Of course,” the Countess replied, already headed for her writing desk.
Chapter Seventy-Six
Lady Catherine positively quivered with irritation as she read Eleanor’s letter.
Dear Catherine,
The most wonderful news! Reggie is to marry, at last! He has actually fallen in love with a young lady he met in a small town called Meryton in the county of Hertfordshire. We have met the young lady, and are very pleased with the match.
The wedding will take place on the fourteenth of January in a small church in Meryton; you and Anne are, of course, invited.
Also, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who is staying with your rector, Mr. Collins, is to stand up with the bride; we would be indebted to you were you to bring Miss Bennet to the wedding.
If it is inconvenient for you to bring her, please let us know so that we may send a carriage for her instead.
Fondly,
Eleanor
***
“What could she possibly want?” Mary exclaimed.
“What is it?” Elizabeth asked, alarmed.
“Lady Catherine demands – yes, demands! – our presence at once.”
“Whose?”
“Yours and mine.”
The two sisters stared at one another. “I suppose we must go and find out,” Elizabeth said, rising from her seat. “I had best get changed.”
They made themselves presentable as quickly as possible and then walked across the great lawn.
The elderly butler did not greet them; he merely held the door open for them, and then preceded them into the drawing room. “Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet, my lady.”
Lady Catherine left them standing for a long minute, surveying them from top to bottom. Finally, with a deep sigh, she said, “You may sit.”
They did so, in silence. Elizabeth noticed Anne de Bourgh, sitting quietly in a small chair by the fire. She had not spoken.
Finally, Lady Catherine said, “I have received the most alarming piece of news.”
Mary and Elizabeth looked at one another, but could think of nothing to say.
“I am given to understand that a friend of yours is to marry my nephew, Reginald.”
At that, both Mary and Elizabeth broke into relieved smiles. So that was what all this was about?!
“I see you smile! Does it amuse you?” Lady Catherine almost hissed the words.
It was Elizabeth who replied. “It does not amuse me, Lady Catherine, as much as it simply pleases me. My dear friend, Charlotte Lucas, is a fine match for anyone, and I wish her nothing but the best.”
“And who is she, this country nobody??”
“She is the daughter of a knight, Lady Catherine.”
