Page 127 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“I wrote of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed at the missing apology. “You wrote of her with attention no sensible man would give to such a connection.”

“Then your quarrel is with my judgment, not hers.”

“Her conduct invited the judgment.”

“No.” The word carried through the room without force, and Caroline’s satisfaction faltered. “Miss Elizabeth has done nothing to deserve contempt from a woman she has never met.”

Lady Catherine turned toward Caroline. “Miss Bingley tells me the girl has made frequent use of this house.”

Caroline straightened. “Miss Eliza has called at Netherfield before, and she appears at ease here.”

“Because she is our guest,” Bingley said. “The Bennets have shown us every courtesy, and we have returned it.”

“Charles means that the neighborhood leaves little choice in such matters,” Caroline said.

“I mean nothing of the kind.”

Louisa set down her cup. “Miss Bennet and her sister called this morning to return our visit. There was nothing improper in it.”

Caroline looked at her sister. “I never said there was.”

“You implied it.”

Lady Catherine waved the difference aside. “Whether the girl forced an invitation or accepted one with too much readiness matters little. Darcy received her here.”

Hurst lowered the newspaper. “Receiving a caller has become grave business.”

“No one asked for your opinion,” Caroline said.

“As you said before.” He raised the paper again.

Darcy would have preferred Hurst’s silence, but the remark exposed the weakness beneath Lady Catherine’s certainty. She had travelled across two counties with no evidence beyond private praise, Collins’s vanity, and Caroline’s resentment.

Lady Catherine fixed Darcy with the look that had silenced tenants, clergymen, and half the families near Rosings. “I shall call at Longbourn.”

“No.”

The refusal startled Caroline more than Lady Catherine. Georgiana looked at her brother, then at their aunt.

“You forget yourself,” Lady Catherine said.

“I know what you intend. You will not enter Mr. Bennet’s house to insult his daughter.”

“I intend a civil visit.”

“You did not cross Hertfordshire to exchange pleasantries.”

Georgiana spoke before Lady Catherine could answer. “I would like to go.”

Darcy turned to her. “Georgiana.”

“I met Miss Elizabeth when we arrived, but we had no chance to speak. I would rather know her than hear more reports.”

Lady Catherine’s mouth tightened. “You know enough.”

“You and Mr. Collins have made your opinions clear. I want to form my own.”