Page 134 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

“Miss Darcy should stay at Netherfield.”

Lady Catherine turned upon him. “I beg your pardon?”

Bingley’s color rose, but he did not withdraw. “Netherfield has room, and my sisters would be glad of her company. It is not necessary for Miss Darcy to return to Rosings today, or until she wishes.”

Caroline was not present to dispute the promise, which Darcy suspected had helped Bingley make it.

Lady Catherine regarded him as though a chair had addressed her. “You presume beyond your position, Mr. Bingley.”

“It is my house.”

Hurst could not have made the point with less ceremony.

Bingley glanced at Darcy, giving permission without forcing him to request it. Darcy understood the kindness and the risk Bingley had taken before Jane’s family, Lady Catherine, and anyone who might carry the story through Meryton by supper.

He turned to Georgiana. “Would you like to stay at Netherfield?”

Lady Catherine answered for her. “She would not.”

Darcy kept his eyes on his sister. “Georgiana?”

Georgiana looked toward Lady Catherine, and Darcy saw the habit of obedience contend with the resolve that had brought her to Longbourn. She drew a breath. “Yes.”

Lady Catherine’s face lost all color before anger restored it. “I forbid it.”

Georgiana’s voice shook, but the words did not. “My brother asked what I wished.”

“And I have told you what is proper.”

“I wish to stay.”

Anne lowered her gaze to hide a smile. Bennet made no such effort.

Lady Catherine’s eyes moved to Elizabeth, as though every act of resistance had begun with her. “This is your influence.”

Elizabeth looked at Georgiana before answering. “Miss Darcy appears capable of knowing her own wishes.”

“She was not so bold before she met you.”

“Then perhaps you should ask why she required boldness in your company.”

Darcy expected another blow of the cane, but Lady Catherine had passed beyond gestures. Her anger was too large for display.

“You will regret this,” she told Georgiana.

“I may,” Georgiana said, “but I would regret leaving more.”

The answer held no triumph, and that absence gave it force.

Lady Catherine turned to Anne. “Come.”

Anne shook her head. “I would prefer to remain as well.”

Lady Catherine stared at her daughter.

“The journey has tired me,” Anne added. “Mrs. Jenkinson will agree.”

Mrs. Jenkinson, who had stood near the door throughout the confrontation, looked trapped between medical judgment and survival. “Another night would spare Miss de Bourgh some fatigue.”