Page 128 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

The request cost her effort, yet she did not withdraw it. Darcy understood that refusing would leave Georgiana at Netherfield under Caroline’s curiosity, while agreeing meant taking her into Lady Catherine’s confrontation at Longbourn. Neither choice pleased him.

“If we go,” he said, “we go as guests. No one will question Miss Elizabeth about matters that do not concern them.”

Lady Catherine gave him a look of disbelief. “You presume to set terms for my conduct?”

“In this matter, yes.”

Bingley moved toward the bell. “I shall order the carriage. I mean to accompany you.”

Caroline rose. “Charles, Lady Catherine cannot wish to descend upon Longbourn with half the household.”

“I am not half the household.”

“You are the master of Netherfield, which makes your presence conspicuous.”

“Then it will spare our neighbors the fear of offending me.”

Louisa covered a smile with her cup. Lady Catherine appeared ready to object, but Bingley had already crossed to the bell, and Darcy suspected she preferred his presence to any delay.

The party reached Longbourn in the early afternoon. Lady Catherine had insisted upon leaving Netherfield before luncheon, declaring that country families kept irregular hours and might receive callers at any time. Mrs. Bennet proved the wisdom of the claim by welcoming them with equal measures of astonishment and delight, though the delight belonged more to the carriage, servants, and title than to Lady Catherine.

“My lady, this is an honor beyond anything we could have expected. Had we known, Hill would have prepared the drawing room, though she keeps it in excellent order, and I would have sent for my daughters. Jane and Lizzy have only returned from Netherfield, and Mary is with her music, while Kitty and Lydia are upstairs, which may be just as well because Lydia speaks before she considers who might hear her.”

Lady Catherine looked around the room. “I see.”

Bennet entered from the library and bowed. “Lady Catherine. Longbourn has survived many surprises, but few arrive with four horses.”

“I wished to speak with your family.”

“That explains the horses less than you might suppose.”

Mrs. Bennet shot him a warning glance and called for Jane and Elizabeth. Darcy took a place near Georgiana, conscious that his presence had drawn Elizabeth’s attention when she entered. Jane greeted Bingley with warmth and welcomed Georgiana and Anne as though Lady Catherine had not come to examine them.

Elizabeth curtsied to Lady Catherine. “Your ladyship.”

“We have met.”

“At Netherfield, yes.”

Lady Catherine appeared displeased that Elizabeth required no reminder. “Your cousin serves as rector of Hunsford.”

“He does.”

“Mr. Collins speaks with gratitude of my guidance.”

“He speaks of little else,” Bennet said, and Darcy caught the beginning of a smile before he turned away.

Lady Catherine did not. “Gratitude is a virtue too seldom found among young people.”

“Mr. Collins has preserved enough for several families.”

Mrs. Bennet began to tell Lady Catherine how fortunate Charlotte Lucas had been to secure a husband with a living, a patroness, and future prospects at Longbourn. Bennet allowed the account to continue until Lady Catherine’s questions turned toward the estate, the entail, and the management of five daughters with no male heir.

Elizabeth saw Georgiana’s discomfort before Mrs. Bennet could ask whether she played, sang, drew, or expected to marry. She moved nearer and addressed her in a lower voice.

“I hope the journey did not tire you.”

“No. We left early.”