Page 135 of A Most Unwelcome Acquaintance

For the first time since her arrival, Lady Catherine faced a refusal she could not dismiss as Elizabeth’s influence or Darcy’s pride. Her daughter, her niece, and her nephew had each denied her, while Bingley had placed his house beyond her command.

“You may all remain and congratulate yourselves,” she said. “I shall return to Rosings without help from those who have forgotten what they owe.”

Darcy stepped toward her. “You should not travel alone.”

“I have servants.”

“You have anger and tired horses.”

“I have endured worse burdens.” Her gaze passed to Bennet, who waited for her to speak. “I shall send for Anne tomorrow. Georgiana may remain until Darcy remembers his duty.”

“My duty is not obedience to you,” Darcy said.

The front door opened before Lady Catherine could answer. Mrs. Bennet appeared with Kitty, Lydia, and Mary behind her, while Hill followed with a tray of refreshments that no one had requested.

Lady Catherine moved toward the steps, forcing Hill to retreat so fast that one cup struck another.

Lydia whispered something to Kitty as they made way. Lady Catherine stopped.

“If you have a remark to make, young woman, you will speak it.”

Lydia’s courage deserted her, but Kitty answered with more spirit than sense. “She said your carriage must be grand to carry so much displeasure.”

Mrs. Bennet gasped, Mary closed her eyes, and Bennet regarded Kitty with interest.

Lady Catherine turned to Darcy. “This is the family you defend.”

Darcy saw Kitty’s face lose its color and remembered how Wickham had used her eagerness, how easy it had been for others to dismiss her as foolish without asking who profited from that foolishness.

“It is,” he said. “A family with faults spoken in public and virtues discovered by those who take the trouble.”

Kitty stared at him. Elizabeth did as well.

Lady Catherine’s mouth tightened. “You are sentimental.”

“No, I am less careless.”

Elizabeth’s gaze held his, and the yard seemed to narrow around the acknowledgment. Lady Catherine had named the Bennets as evidence against Elizabeth, but Darcy would not purchase peace by agreeing with contempt he once shared.

Mrs. Bennet found her voice. “Will your ladyship take tea before travelling?”

Every head turned toward her.

Lady Catherine looked at the rattling cups, the crowded doorway, Sarah beside Elizabeth, and Darcy standing near her. “No.”

She left Longbourn, with a footman sent ahead to bring the carriage from the drive. No one spoke until it passed from sight. Mrs. Bennet led the others inside, still protesting Lady Catherine’s manners, while Hill carried the tray back to the drawing room and Sarah followed Elizabeth to the hearth.

Bennet claimed his chair, picked up his book, and opened it. “An instructive visit.”

Mrs. Bennet rounded upon him. “Instructive? She insulted every one of us, threatened Lizzy, ordered Mr. Darcy about, and left without touching the seed cake.”

“The last offense may prove unforgivable.”

“Mr. Bennet.”

Bingley laughed before he could stop himself, and Jane turned away to hide her smile. The sound broke the strain enough for Kitty and Lydia to begin speaking at once, each with a different account of Lady Catherine’s worst remark.

Mary said, “Authority requires restraint.”