Lady Catherine nodded curtly. “I understand that you refused an offer of marriage from Mr. Collins.”
“I am not in the habit of discussing my personal affairs with strangers,” Elizabeth replied calmly.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth said. “I am quite clear on that point.”
“Such insolence I shall not tolerate!”
Elizabeth gave a small shrug. “That is unfortunate.”
She rose and turned to the other ladies.
“Thank you for coming today. We appreciate your kindness during this difficult time.” The visitors stood and quietly made their way from the room.
Elizabeth turned to Jane. “Perhaps it would be better if you took Mother upstairs.”
Jane nodded and gently guided Mrs. Bennet from the room.
Elizabeth sat again and turned to Anne. “Miss de Bourgh, my apologies. In the confusion, I neglected to ask if you would like some tea.”
Anne smiled faintly. “Tea would be lovely. Thank you.”
Lady Catherine struck her cane sharply upon the floor.
“She will not take tea with you.”
Elizabeth continued pouring as though nothing had been said. She handed the cup to Anne.
“Did you have a pleasant journey from Kent?”
Anne glanced at her mother, then back to Elizabeth. “It had its moments.”
Lady Catherine struck the floor again. “I will not be ignored!”
At that moment Darcy entered the room. His eyes went first to Elizabeth, who was calmly sipping her tea. “Miss Bennet mentioned you had visitors.”
He turned to Lady Catherine. “Aunt, I am surprised to see you here. What brings you to Netherfield?”
Lady Catherine lifted her cane and pointed it toward Elizabeth. “I received an alarming report that Miss Bennet has taken advantage of this calamity to secure my nephew’s constant attendance.”
Darcy’s expression hardened. “Aunt, you have been misinformed.”
Elizabeth set down her cup. “I regret that the report you received was so inaccurate.” Her eyes flicked briefly toward Mr. Collins.
At that moment Miss Bingley entered and curtseyed. “Welcome to Netherfield. I must apologize for not being present to greet you.”
***
Miss Bingley escorted Lady Catherine from the room.
Darcy took a seat across from Elizabeth and Anne. “Anne, are you quite well?”
“Darcy, I am quite well,” Anne replied. “I am stronger than I allow my mother to believe.”
She turned to Elizabeth. “I am very pleased to meet you. And I must apologize for my mother. There is simply no stopping her once she begins.”
Darcy frowned slightly. “I assume Mr. Collins wrote to your mother.”
