Page 122 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Caroline paused. “Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet called.”

Lady Catherine looked past her toward the open drawing-room door. “We need not wait for an introduction.”

The words stripped Caroline’s relief of some part of its pleasure. She had expected Lady Catherine to correct the disorder, but she had not expected the correction to begin under her roof while Darcy was absent.

Louisa led the way into the drawing room.

Jane and Elizabeth had risen. Elizabeth knew Lady Catherine from description before Caroline spoke her name. Height, command, and offense stood together in a face that seemed formed for judgment. Beside her stood a young woman Elizabeth took for Miss Darcy, pale with embarrassment but determined to meet her eyes. Anne de Bourgh entered behind them with Mrs. Jenkinson at her shoulder.

At Caroline’s introductions, Lady Catherine acknowledged Jane before fixing her gaze upon Elizabeth.

“So you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“I am.”

“You appear at ease in this house.”

Elizabeth glanced at Caroline. “She invited me to sit down.”

Hurst made a sound behind his newspaper, which Louisa turned into a cough by asking whether Lady Catherine wished for tea.

“No. We stopped at an inn.”

Caroline moved to the chair nearest Lady Catherine. “Miss Eliza and her sister came to return our call. We see a great deal of the Bennet family in Hertfordshire.”

“I have heard as much,” Lady Catherine said.

Georgiana wished the carpet would open beneath her, yet curiosity held her attention on Elizabeth. Darcy had written of wit, spirit, loyalty, and a refusal to grant him the advantages he expected. The woman before her looked less formidable than the letters had suggested. Mud marked the edge of her gown and a loose curl had escaped near one temple. Her expression held no fear, though she must know Lady Catherine was not there to offer friendship.

Elizabeth turned to Georgiana. “I hope your journey was comfortable, Miss Darcy.”

“It was, thank you.”

“Your brother did not expect you.”

“No.” Georgiana met Lady Catherine’s gaze before returning to Elizabeth. “None of us sent word.”

Lady Catherine sat. “We wished to see matters as they stand.”

Jane looked from Lady Catherine to Caroline. “Is something wrong?”

“Wrong?” Caroline said. “No, dear Jane. Lady Catherine has a strong interest in her nephew’s welfare.”

“His welfare brought you from Kent?” Elizabeth asked.

Lady Catherine rested both hands upon the head of her cane. “Family duty does not observe distance.”

“Nor invitation, it seems,” Hurst said.

Louisa closed her eyes.

Lady Catherine turned toward him. “You are Mr. Hurst.”

“I have been all morning.”

Caroline’s face tightened. “Mr. Hurst has a taste for humor.”

“No,” Hurst said. “I have a taste for peace.”