Page 20 of Elizabeth Bennet Says Yes to Mr. Darcy

Lady Catherine learned of our engagement two days before my departure from Hunsford.

I never knew whether Mr. Collins had overheard a confidence, whether Colonel Fitzwilliam had been careless, or whether Lady Catherine simply possessed that gift common to those who watch everyone—the ability to discover what others try to hide from them. She had her carriage stop before the parsonage at nine in the morning and entered without waiting to be announced.

Charlotte and I were having tea. Mr. Collins rose so quickly that he overturned his cup.

“Your Ladyship! What an unexpected honor…”

“Leave us, Mr. Collins.”

He appeared delighted to obey such a personal command. Charlotte wished to remain, but Lady Catherine fixed her with a look that would have discouraged a regiment.

“I wish to speak with Miss Bennet alone.”

“This house is mine,” Charlotte replied calmly. “I shall remain if my friend desires it.”

I gave her a grateful smile.

“Thank you, Charlotte, but I believe I can hear what Lady Catherine has come to tell me on my own.”

When the door closed, Lady Catherine turned to me.

“Is it true that my nephew has asked you to marry him?”

I saw no advantage in lying.

“Yes.”

“And you have accepted?”

“I accepted his proposal. We are now considering the terms of our engagement.”

This nuance seemed to irritate her more than the answer itself.

“No condition exists that could render such a union suitable. My nephew has been destined since childhood for my daughter. Their estates, their families, their wishes have always been united.”

“I did not know that wishes could be united before being expressed.”

“Do not play with words. You have used your stay in my neighborhood to attract the attention of a man far above you.”

“I fear your nephew is too proud of his own discernment to appreciate that description.”

“Then you refuse him?”

The question caught me off guard.

“I did not say that.”

“Then you confirm that you will marry him.”

I felt my anger rise at the way she was trying to steer me toward an answer. Yet I had none to give.

“My decision will be made neither to obey you nor to spite you.”

Lady Catherine approached.

“Do you even know what would await you at Pemberley? The looks from his family, the judgment of his acquaintances, the responsibilities of a mistress of the house—responsibilities no one has prepared you to assume? You will be compared to his mother. Every fault of your sisters will be repeated in drawing rooms. Every vulgarity of Mrs. Bennet will fall upon him. You will make him ridiculous.”

Her words struck where my own fears had already taken root.