Page 131 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

Elizabeth rested one hand upon Sarah’s neck. “You may speak here.”

“I have no intention of discussing a private matter before the entire household.”

“Then it cannot concern me.”

Darcy stepped forward. “Whatever you wish to say to her, you may say in my presence.”

Lady Catherine turned on him. “That is the difficulty.”

No one moved toward the house. Bingley remained beside Jane, Georgiana stood near Elizabeth, and Anne lingered by the gate, watching her mother with evident concern.

The visit had failed to produce the faults she sought, but it had not altered her purpose. Courtesy had reached its end.

Chapter 29

LADY CATHERINE WAITED until Mrs. Bennet returned to the house before turning upon Darcy. “You are going to remain?”

Bingley stood beside Jane, while Georgiana and Anne remained near the gate. Bennet had made no move to leave, and Elizabeth kept one hand on Sarah’s neck as the dog waited beside her.

Darcy did not look away. “I intend to.”

“Good. Then we may settle this matter before I return to Netherfield.”

Bennet smiled. “You have chosen an ambitious afternoon, Lady Catherine. Most families require several visits before they begin settling one another.”

Lady Catherine’s attention remained upon Darcy. “You have allowed your conduct to invite speculation. You have written of Miss Elizabeth to your sister, remained in Hertfordshire beyond the demands of friendship, and made yourself at home in a family whose circumstances should have warned you against every step.”

Elizabeth’s hand rested on Sarah’s head. The dog did not move, but Darcy saw the tension in her fingers.

“My conduct requires no defense before this company,” he said.

“It requires explanation to your family.”

“Georgiana has asked for none.”

Lady Catherine glanced toward her niece. “She is seventeen.”

“And old enough to know when someone uses her name without her consent.”

A flush rose in Georgiana’s face, though she did not look away. Lady Catherine dismissed the rebuke with a turn of her head.

“You mistake the point. I came because you would not act. Miss Elizabeth may possess spirit, and she may amuse you in a place where society offers little variety, but amusement is not suitability.”

Elizabeth spoke before Darcy could answer. “You have crossed half the county to tell me that I am unsuitable for a question no one has asked.”

Lady Catherine turned to her. “You know the question.”

“I know what you fear.”

“Do not play with words. You have encouraged my nephew.”

Darcy stepped forward. “No.”

The force of the word took her by surprise.

Lady Catherine stared at him. “No?”

“Miss Elizabeth has not encouraged me. Whatever attention I have given her began without invitation and continued despite every reason she had to think ill of me.”