Page 28 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrived at Longbourn on a Tuesday afternoon and managed, within thirty seconds, to offend the maid, frighten Kitty, insult the gravel, and demand the Earl of Matlock’s presence as though she had summoned a footman.

Mrs. Bennet met her in the hall. “Lady Catherine, I presume?”

“I am.” Lady Catherine looked Mrs. Bennet from cap to slippers. Mrs. Bennet returned the examination with interest.

“You are Mrs. Bennet.”

“I am.”

“I require my brother.”

Mrs. Bennet blinked. “His lordship is upstairs with Mr. Darcy.”

“Then send for him.”

Mrs. Bennet drew herself up. It was a curious thing: she might flutter before a countess who smiled at her, but imperiousness awakened all the stubborn pride of a woman who had managed a household for more than twenty years. “My maid will inform him you have arrived.”

Lady Catherine’s nostrils flared.

Elizabeth entered just in time to see the collision. “Ah, this must be Lady Catherine.”

The older woman turned. “And you must be Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Elizabeth curtsied. “I am.”

“This is no occasion for levity. I have heard an impossible report.”

“Only one? Hertfordshire has been industrious lately.”

“Lizzy,” Mrs. Bennet whispered, though her eyes gleamed.

Lady Catherine ignored her. “You are said to be engaged to my nephew.”

“I am.”

“You cannot be.”

Elizabeth folded her hands. “And yet the difficulty persists.”

Lady Catherine’s face reddened.

The Earl of Matlock appeared at the foot of the stairs. “Catherine.”

She whirled. “Brother, I demand to know what you have done.”

The Earl descended slowly. “Had a luncheon tray sent to Darcy. Read the newspaper. Lost five guineas to Richard at piquet. Which offence concerns you?”

“This engagement.”

“Not mine.”

“Do not be absurd.”

“Then do not ask absurd questions.”

Lady Catherine pointed at Elizabeth. “That girl cannot marry Darcy.”

Mrs. Bennet gasped. “That girl is my daughter.”