Georgiana and Anne both gave small, startled reactions.
Lady Catherine struck the floor sharply with her cane. “The insolence…”
Elizabeth turned slightly toward her. “If I am mistaken, I beg your pardon.”
Lady Matlock regarded Elizabeth for a moment, then allowed herself a faint smile. “You are not entirely incorrect, Miss Bennet. I gather that you are not easily intimidated.”
Lady Catherine gave a reluctant nod. “I am forced to agree.”
Lady Matlock’s attention shifted briefly to Anne and Georgiana. “And you believed that bringing reinforcements might soften the experience?”
Elizabeth shook her head lightly. “Not at all. I thought they might wish to observe it for themselves.”
Lady Matlock studied her with renewed interest. “I begin to think I may have underestimated you.”
Elizabeth’s smile deepened, though her tone remained composed. “Many have done so.”
Lady Matlock gave a quiet breath of amusement. “I was reluctant to credit Darcy’s opinion when he spoke of you, but I begin to think he was not mistaken. If matters continue as I expect, I shall be very pleased to take an interest in your introduction to society.”
Lady Catherine struck her cane once more. “And what of Anne?”
Lady Matlock turned to her niece. “Miss de Bourgh shall, of course, have my support. She ought to have been brought out some years ago.”
Lady Catherine stared at her in dismay. “No, no.” She struck her cane again for emphasis. “Darcy must marry Anne.”
Anne laughed softly, her expression bright with a confidence she had not always possessed. “Indeed, Mama, we have both told you otherwise. You persist in not listening. It will never be.”
Lady Catherine sank back in her chair, her expression one of reluctant defeat.
At that moment, the butler appeared once more at the door. “Lady Denham and Lady Harcourt.”
Lady Matlock turned with easy composure. “Lady Denham, Lady Harcourt, how very good of you to call. Pray sit down.”
As the ladies entered, Lady Matlock cast a brief glance toward Elizabeth, her expression one of quiet satisfaction, as though her opinion had already been formed, and found satisfactory.
***
When Elizabeth returned to Darcy House, the butler approached and presented her with a letter.
“This arrived but a few minutes ago, Miss Bennet.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you.”
Taking a seat upon the sofa, she broke the seal and began to read.
Longbourn Estate
My dear Miss Bennet,
I hope this letter finds you well and that your time in London has been agreeable. I would not trouble you unnecessarily, yet I feel it my duty to inform you of a matter concerning the rebuilding works.
The builders have made progress upon the structure; however, I regret to report that certain elements are not being executed in strict accordance with the plans you approved. In particular, there have been alterations in the internal framing which, though represented to me as improvements, do not appear to align with your original design.
I have raised the matter with the foreman, who assures me that such deviations are customary and will not affect the final result. Nevertheless, I am not entirely satisfied that these changes are either necessary or desirable.
There is also some question as to the materials presently being used. While they are said to be suitable, I cannot say with confidence that they are of the same quality as those specified.
Under ordinary circumstances, I should insist more firmly upon adherence to the plans; yet, as the decisions in this case seem to extend beyond my usual authority, I hesitate to proceed without your direction.
