Page 73 of The Engagement at Longbourn

The engagement was announced properly the next morning. London, which had been treating the matter as settled for months, reacted as though fresh intelligence had arrived. Lady Matlock wrote a triumphant letter.

Georgiana cried. Richard demanded payment on several wagers Elizabeth had not known existed. And at Rosings Park, Lady Catherine received the news while Anne de Bourgh sat across from her at breakfast.

Lady Catherine read the letter, crushed it in one hand, and announced, “It is intolerable.”

Anne buttered her toast. “I think it sounds rather romantic.”

Lady Catherine stared at her.

Anne took a bite.

It was, she reflected, the most enjoyable breakfast she had experienced in years.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Anne De Bourgh Writes a Letter

Elizabeth did not expect a letter from Anne de Bourgh.

She had only heard of Anne de Bourgh from Darcy and his family. The letter arrived on thick cream paper with no elaborate flourish.

Dear Miss Bennet,

I hope you will forgive the liberty of my writing. My mother has spoken so often of your engagement that I feel I know far more about it than good manners should permit...

Elizabeth smiled.

Anne continued: I wish to assure you that I have never believed myself engaged to my cousin Darcy. My mother believed it with sufficient conviction for both of us. Darcy has always treated me with kindness, but we would make one another miserable before breakfast. I congratulate you sincerely, particularly because you seem capable of making him laugh, an accomplishment I have rarely observed outside Colonel Fitzwilliam’s presence.

There was more.

Anne thanked Elizabeth indirectly for whatever the Earl had said to Lady Catherine.

My uncle has requested that the Rosings accounts be reviewed before I assume greater responsibility for the estate. My mother is offended. I am relieved. I find relief and guilt can inhabit the same chair quite comfortably.

Elizabeth read that sentence twice.

Darcy found her in the breakfast parlour.

“Bad news?”

“No. Your cousin Anne has written.”

He stopped. “Anne?”

Elizabeth held out the letter after a moment. “She has written nothing I think she would object to your seeing.”

Darcy read it.

His expression softened. “I should have spoken to her sooner.”

“About your aunt’s plans?”

“Yes.”

“Would it have changed anything?”

“Perhaps not. But silence allowed Lady Catherine to speak as though Anne and I had agreed.”