Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed. “You have a very high opinion of your own importance.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. "No. Only a clear understanding of what is mine to decide.”
A brief silence followed.
Then Lady Catherine shifted her ground. “I understand your family intends to remove to London.”
Elizabeth’s brows lifted slightly. “That decision was made only recently. Your information is remarkably current.”
Lady Catherine gave a dismissive wave. “I do not lack for sources. I am further informed that you are to reside in my nephew’s house.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Mr. Darcy has very kindly extended the invitation.”
Lady Catherine’s gaze sharpened. “Such an arrangement may be considered… questionable.”
Elizabeth’s expression did not change. “Are you suggesting that your nephew would act in a manner inconsistent with propriety?”
“No, certainly not.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Elizabeth replied. “As I have every reason to believe him to be a gentleman of the highest character.”
Lady Catherine studied her closely, as though weighing something not yet decided.
Elizabeth rose. “I am pleased we have been able to clarify matters. I have other business to attend to this morning. I wish you a very good day.”
She inclined her head and returned her attention to the papers upon the desk, effectively dismissing the conversation.
Lady Catherine regarded her closely, as though revising an earlier conclusion. After a moment, she turned and left the room.
***
Elizabeth found Anne in the drawing room.
Anne rose immediately upon seeing her, her expression bright with anticipation. “I am so eager. I cannot wait to see my other dresses.”
Elizabeth smiled. “In that case, we must not keep them waiting.”
They made their way toward the door, where the butler assisted them with their coats and hats. Within minutes, they were seated in Elizabeth’s carriage and on their way to Meryton.
For a time, Anne watched the passing countryside in silence. Then she turned back to Elizabeth. “I wonder, if I may ask, how you came to manage Longbourn.”
Elizabeth’s smile softened. “You may certainly ask. Until recently, it was not something widely spoken of, but circumstances have altered that.”
Anne leaned forward slightly. “I should like to hear it very much.”
Elizabeth considered for a moment before beginning. “When I was quite young, it seemed I heard of the entail at every turn. It was spoken of frequently, and seldom with composure. My mother was much distressed by it, as you might imagine.”
Anne nodded. “Yes.”
“She had five daughters and no son,” Elizabeth continued. “Her conclusion was that we must all be married as quickly as possible. I recall one afternoon in particular. Jane was perhaps twelve, and I was nine. We were all together in the sitting room. I made some remark that I did not wish to marry, and that I believed Jane did not wish it either.”
Anne’s eyes widened slightly. “That must not have been well received.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “It was not. My mother was quite displeased, and I fled the room.”
Elizabeth paused, then continued. “I remember thinking, as I ran, that it was very unjust. If we had a brother, he would be taught to manage Longbourn. Yet because we were daughters, no such expectation existed.”
Anne studied her. “And then?”
