Page 104 of The Crown’s Gift

The following evening, Sir Thomas and Lady Bennet hosted the Earl and Countess of Matlock at Netherfield because Lady Bennet refused to let the Darcy relations inspect her family only on church pews.

"They shall dine at our table, eat our cook's food, and see that Lydia knows which fork to use," she said.

Lydia looked offended. "I know all the forks. I only disagree with the order."

The earl arrived with Lady Matlock, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Anne de Bourgh. Mr and Mrs Collins had come from Hunsford earlier that day and were staying at Lucas Lodge until the wedding. Lady Catherine was not expected.

Anne was thin, pale, and far more observant than her mother's descriptions suggested. She embraced Darcy, greeted Elizabeth without condescension, and asked to meet Mary.

"I have your music," she said. "It is the first piece I have practiced from choice in years."

Mary's shyness eased. Within minutes they discussed tempo.

Lady Matlock admired Kitty's portrait. The earl spoke with Sir Thomas about the King's letter and later with Mr Gardiner about trade. Colonel Fitzwilliam allowed Lydia to question him about the army until she asked whether colonels selected uniforms according to complexion.

"At last," he said, "a matter of national security."

The two families did not blend without edges. Lady Matlock looked startled when Lady Bennet described Darcy's income at dinner. Lydia interrupted the earl. Mr Collins, included as family, praised Rosings until Anne requested he discuss Hunsford instead.

But no one was humiliated. Correction arrived without contempt. The evening became livelier than a Matlock dinner and more formal than a Bennet one, a compromise perhaps suited to the marriage ahead.

Halfway through dessert, wheels sounded outside.

Anne's face changed. "My mother."

Lady Catherine entered without apology.

Lady Bennet stood. "Again? At least this time the eggs are safe."

Darcy concealed a smile. Elizabeth rose beside him.

Lady Catherine looked around the table: her brother, sister-in-law, daughter, nephews, Georgiana, the Gardiners, the Bennets, and Mr Collins halfway out of his chair.

"Sit down, Mr Collins."

He did.

The earl regarded his sister. "Have you come to dine or declare war?"

"I have dined."

"Then the second remains possible."

Anne stood. "Mama, I wrote that I would attend the wedding."

"You wrote many things in a most ungrateful letter."

"They were true. I do not wish to marry Darcy."

Lady Catherine flinched more at her daughter's public voice than its content.

Anne continued, pale but steady. "Miss Elizabeth did not steal my future. She prevented you from continuing to imagine one I never wanted."

Silence held.

Elizabeth saw Darcy prepare to intervene, then settle back in his chair.

Lady Catherine looked at her daughter for a long time. "You should have told me."