Page 29 of The Engagement at Longbourn

Lady Catherine looked at her as if she had forgotten Mrs. Bennet existed.

“And you,” Mrs. Bennet continued, advancing half a step, “may be a lady, but you are in my house.” Elizabeth almost embraced her mother.

The Earl intervened before history could record the Battle of Longbourn Entrance Hall. “Catherine, come into the library.”

“I will speak here.”

“No, you will not.”

There was something in his tone that made even Lady Catherine stop. The library door closed behind them.

Mrs. Bennet immediately pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh! What a woman! I have never been so spoken to. Lizzy, how could Mr. Darcy have such an aunt? His mother must have been a saint.”

Elizabeth began to laugh.

Inside the library, Lady Catherine was not laughing. “Anne has been intended for Darcy since infancy.”

“No,” said the Earl.

“Our sister wished it.”

“Our sister hoped it. That is not a contract.”

“Anne’s future—”

“Anne’s future is precisely what I would advise you to consider.”

Lady Catherine went still.

The Earl leaned against Mr. Bennet’s desk. “Rosings is Anne’s inheritance through Sir Lewis. She reaches an age when she may reasonably ask how it has been managed on her behalf.”

Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed. “What are you implying?”

“I am implying nothing. I am saying directly that if you attempt to intimidate Darcy’s intended, I will request a complete audit of the Rosings accounts before Anne takes control.”

Colour drained from Lady Catherine’s face. “How dare you.”

“Easily.”

“You question my management?”

“I question everyone’s management when money belonging to a dependent relation is concerned. You have always told us Rosings requires constant attention. I am sure the records are immaculate.”

Lady Catherine stared at him.

The Earl smiled without warmth. “Are they not?”

For once, Lady Catherine had nothing to say. When she emerged ten minutes later, her departure was considerably quieter than her arrival. Elizabeth was in the drawing room with Lady Matlock, Jane, and Richard.

Lady Catherine stopped at the door. “Miss Bennet.”

Elizabeth rose.

Lady Catherine looked as though each word cost her a shilling. “My nephew is injured. I shall not disturb his recovery.”

“How considerate.”

Richard coughed into his fist.