“Are you asking me to lie?”
“A gentlewoman understands the value of discretion.” Lady Catherine added another pound note to the pile. “A curate in my parish recently lost his wife. He has three small children in need of a mother’s care. I could speak to him on your behalf.”
The condescension in this offer—to recommend Elizabeth to a widowed curate as though conferring an extraordinary favor—was breathtaking in its audacity.
“How incredibly generous,” Elizabeth replied. “Though I fear I lack the temperament for such a position.”
“Perhaps something in trade, then,” Lady Catherine continued, as if discussing the placement of an unwanted servant. “My steward’s nephew has recently established himself as a draper in Bromley. A hardworking young man, I understand, though naturally lacking in refinement.”
“Your concern for my future is most touching, Lady Catherine, but I assure you it is unnecessary.”
“You may feel differently when this scandal has fully run its course,” Lady Catherine remarked icily. “The attention of gentlemen such as my nephew will fade, while the memory of impropriety lingers. I merely offer practical alternatives to unrealistic aspirations.”
“I am neither interested in your practical alternatives nor your attempt to buy my silence.” Elizabeth swept the pile of money off the bench, letting the wind blow the bills into the bushes.
“How noble.” Lady Catherine’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Yet I wonder if your sister shares this lofty disregard for practical matters.”
The sudden mention of Jane caught Elizabeth off guard. “What do you mean?”
“Miss Jane Bennet. Whose acquaintance with Mr. Bingley has been renewed during this unfortunate episode.” Lady Catherine’s smile was reptilian. “Their acceptance into proper society depends entirely on the connections they form. My influence in London society is considerable.”
“You would interfere in my sister’s happiness to secure your aims?”
“I would ensure that all parties understand where their true interests lie.” Lady Catherine added another pound note to the pile. “Their fortune may be substantial, but it was acquired in trade. Their acceptance into proper society depends entirely on the connections they form.”
“How remarkably convenient,” Elizabeth observed, her voice deceptively light. “To discover that my sister’s happiness rests entirely in your hands.”
“You would do well to take me seriously, Miss Bennet. My influence in London society is considerable.”
“As is your talent for manipulation, it seems.” Elizabeth turned her back and walked away without a curtsey.
“Impertinent girl!” Lady Catherine tottered after her, tapping her walking stick on the gravel path. “You have no regard for Darcy’s honor and his mother’s expectations.”
“On the contrary,” Elizabeth countered, “I have the highest regard for Mr. Darcy’s honor. Which is why I find it difficult to believe he would support your methods of persuasion.”
“Are you refusing to cooperate, Miss Bennet?”
“I am refusing to make promises based on threats,” Elizabeth replied steadily. “If Mr. Darcy wishes to marry his cousin, he will do so regardless of my actions. And if he does not, your interference will only confirm his wisdom in looking elsewhere.”
“This is your final answer?” Lady Catherine demanded. “You refuse to promise that you will not accept a proposal from my nephew?”
“I will make no promises that interfere with my right to act according to my judgment,” Elizabeth stated firmly. “And I suggest you extend the same courtesy to Mr. Darcy.”
Lady Catherine’s walking stick struck the ground, dislodging clods of dirt. “Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am shocked by your lack of gratitude for my condescension in visiting you. I came to offer you a chance to avoid humiliation, to spare your family further scandal, and to protect your sister’s prospects!”
“How extraordinarily generous,” Elizabeth replied. “To threaten my sister while insulting me. I shall treasure this example of aristocratic benevolence.”
Lady Catherine appeared nearly apoplectic, her hands tightening on her walking stick until the knuckles whitened. “You have no idea the consequences you invite with this obstinacy.”
“I believe that is my father approaching,” Elizabeth observed, nodding toward the house where Mr. Bennet had indeed emerged onto the garden path. “Shall we continue this edifying conversation in his presence?”
Lady Catherine’s lips thinned to a bloodless line. “That will not be necessary. I have learned all I needed to know about your character, Miss Bennet.”
“And I yours, Lady Catherine.”
Mr. Bennet reached them, curiosity evident in his shrewd eyes. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I presume? This is an unexpected honor for our humble garden.”
“Mr. Bennet.” Lady Catherine acknowledged him with the barest inclination of her head. “I was just concluding my business with your daughter.”
