She entered the library and sat at the writing desk. She was nearly finished with her first letter when the door opened abruptly.
She sighed softly. This would not be a welcome interruption.
Lady Catherine entered, her presence commanding immediate attention, and stood before Elizabeth, her expression severe.
Elizabeth looked up and rose from her chair. “Lady Catherine, good morning.”
“I wish to know what you have to say for yourself, young lady.” She struck her cane upon the floor for emphasis.
Elizabeth listened for a moment, then quietly resumed her seat.
“If you wish to speak with me, Lady Catherine, I am quite prepared to hear what you have to say.”
Lady Catherine’s face flushed, and she stood in silence for several moments.
At length, she studied Elizabeth, then took a seat nearby. “Well, you do not frighten easily. I will grant you that.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Yes. It is well that we understand that from the beginning. It will also save you a great deal of effort.”
Lady Catherine’s expression shifted for a moment, as though she might smile, but the look vanished almost at once. She leaned forward.
“I am concerned about the attention you are receiving from my nephew.”
Elizabeth nodded but did not speak.
“Well?” Lady Catherine demanded. “Have you nothing to say for yourself?”
“What is it you wish me to say?”
“I want you to stay away from my nephew.”
“Ah. I understand that is your wish. But it is of no concern to me. If your nephew chooses to spend time in my company, I see no reason to prevent him.”
Lady Catherine struck her cane again. “Because he is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say to that?”
Elizabeth shrugged lightly. “That is a curious assertion. I had a conversation yesterday with both your daughter and Mr. Darcy, and they assured me there was no such engagement.”
She paused. “You will understand, therefore, why your statement must be called into question.”
Lady Catherine raised her cane as though to strike the floor again, but Elizabeth lifted her hand slightly.
“I must ask you to cease striking the floor with your cane. It is very hard on the floor and does nothing to impress me. You would do better to reserve your energy.”
Lady Catherine regarded her for a long moment, then leaned back in her chair.
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “I gather the use of your cane in this manner is a favored tactic?”
Lady Catherine gave a slight shrug. “It has its uses.”
“We shall see whether your confidence serves you as well in the future, Miss Bennet.”
Lady Catherine rose and left the room without another word. Elizabeth looked at the door for a moment, then returned to her letters.
***
Mr. Bennet and Sir William Lucas arrived in the Bennet carriage before the house rented for Colonel Foster. Both men stepped down and went to the door.
They asked the officer on guard if they might speak with Colonel Foster. The officer requested that they wait while he determined whether the colonel was available. Soon afterward, they were escorted to his office.
