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“My daughter, Anne, would have been most accomplished indeed had her health been more robust.” Lady Catherine’s hawk-like visage bobbed in the direction of her daughter, who sucked her lips uncomfortable with the attention but attempting to smile. “I made sure that she had every advantage which was in her power to pursue.”
“Anne is England’s jewel—” Mr. Collins began, but was again stopped by Lady Catherine’s imperious hand.
“I find her gratitude towards me sufficient reward. Of course, I ask for nothing from her by way of thanks.”
“Good luck with getting thanks from daughters,” said Mrs. Bennet gesturing at her own with her cake fork. “Only husbands are worse for being thankless. Why, I’ve only one daughter who’s had the decency to find a husband—only one, mind, out of five—and she’s my youngest.”
“Yes,” said Lady Catherine. “I understand she was out before her older sisters were married . . .”
They were then treated to Lady Catherine’s theories concerning the matter of introducing daughters to society, and how best to accomplish favorable matches.
Elizabeth barely listened, her attention focused on a creamily delicious blancmange, grateful that Lady Catherine had not yet directed any questions to her.
She was looking forward to after dinner when she could get Charlotte alone and spend some time with her dear friend, when she was roused from her reverie by an elbow digging into her ribs. The elbow belonged to Kitty, and when Elizabeth turned to her, she was directed by Kitty’s gaze to Lady Catherine at the table’s head.
“I was saying, Elizabeth,” Lady Catherine was looking at her with an expression that was a strange admixture of beneficence and coldness, “that I would like to have a private word with you after dinner concerning certain news I have just received.”
Elizabeth waited expectantly, but Lady Catherine said no more, instead turning to a footman to whom she gave some direction.
Apparently, Elizabeth would have to wait until they met privately to learn the news to which Lady Catherine referred. Then she was seized by an idea which filled her with panic.
Could Lady Catherine’s news have anything to do with Mr. Darcy?
Chapter 6, An Accusation
December 19, 1812
“I do not know, Miss Bennet, how you contrived to lure my nephew to Christmas here at Rosings Park, but rest assured that it will do you no good. Whatever subterfuge or artifice you worked upon him will do you no good at all. I shall see to that!”
They were in the same room that Lady Catherine had received Elizabeth the previous summer, only now they were completely alone. Lady Catherine had even dismissed the footman.
Elizabeth was caught off guard, for Lady Catherine has shown no sign of displeasure during their meal. She had been hiding her feelings, Elizabeth realized, for now, there was no mistaking the great lady’s wrath.
“I’m sure I do not know of what you are speaking,” Elizabeth said struggling to maintain her composure. “Indeed, had I known Mr. Darcy was to attend here for Christmas, I should have done everything in my power to remain at Longbourn.”
According to Lady Catherine, she had received by messenger that very day a missive from her nephew with the news that he was finished with his business in London, and would be attending for Christmas at Rosings Park after all. It was apparent that Lady Catherine was convinced that Elizabeth had designs upon Mr. Darcy, of all people!
Lady Catherine glared at her, drumming her fan against the palm of her hand. “Do you think me so simple? Do you think I cannot read you as easily as I might read a book?
“I am not to be trifled with, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You think that through your art and cunning you will ensnare my nephew—and you would do this under my own roof!
“Mr. Darcy is, as you must know, engaged to my daughter Anne. This is a match made between his mother and me and it is not for you to sunder.”
Elizabeth was at a loss for what to say. If her denials did not placate Lady Catherine, what more could she do? And yet, Lady Catherine seemed to be waiting for her to respond.
“Well?” Lady Catherine said, her sharp eyes directed raptor-like at Elizabeth. “What have you to say for yourself?”
Elizabeth said nothing, merely met Lady Catherine’s gaze. She wondered where Lady Catherine could have gotten such a fabulous idea—that Elizabeth had some influence over Mr. Darcy and moreover that she would use this influence to secure his attendance at Rosings.
“Nothing. That is your answer. I ought to have known,” Lady Catherine spread her fan and began to fan herself with short brisk strokes. “Your mother put you up to it, I have little doubt. She’s the one behind your scheme; though the apple never falls far from the tree. I’m sure the adventure is well within the scope of your initiative.”
At the mention of her mother, Elizabeth bridled. It was one thing for Lady Catherine, whom she did know after all however slightly, to accuse her of misbehavior, but it was quite another thing to accuse her family.
“You have insulted me, and you have insulted my mother, for reasons which I cannot begin to fathom,” Elizabeth said stiffly. “I would demand an apology but for the fact that I do not believe your hospitality extends to common courtesy.”
“Apologize? Me?” Lady Catherine rose in her seat. “I have done nothing but see to the interest of my nephew, and preserve him from falling into ruin by connection to a family such as yours. Do you deny that you are interested in my nephew?”
Elizabeth was angered by the reference to her family, but her anger was tempered by her astonishment at Lady Catherine’s assertion that she was interested in Mr. Darcy. “I deny it completely. My interest in that gentleman, I can assure you, extends only to staying as far away from him as possible. I have had no communication with him since summer last.”
