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"Of course, she is still in mourning," Charlotte said quickly, "so she could not attend tonight, but we are very pleased to have her visiting us."

It was then that Darcy saw his chance.

Did he want to inflict his aunt upon Elizabeth? No, he did not. But he could not call upon her otherwise, and he had found, to his surprise, that he really rather wished to see her again.

"She cannot attend functions, of course," he said, "but you could call upon her, Aunt. Offer your condolences in person. Show your Christian charity once again."

All eyes turned towards him, and he caught the surprise on Colonel Fitzwilliam's face at the suggestion. But Lady Catherine merely nodded.

"I was about to suggest so myself, of course," she said. "Yes. The girl may have refused you foolishly, but we should be charitable. I shall visit for tea tomorrow, condole with her, and give her some advice for her future which she may find helpful."

If Elizabeth ever discovered that it had been Darcy's suggestion that Lady Catherine should visit, he rather thought she might never speak to him again.

But he would wait until tomorrow to announce that he would accompany his aunt, making it appear a spur-of-the-moment decision.

After all, he did not want anyone questioning his motivation.

He was not entirely sure he understood it himself.

Chapter Eleven

When the rest of the inhabitants of Hunsford Parsonage returned from Rosings, Elizabeth had already fallen asleep, so she did not learn of Lady Catherine's planned visit until the following morning over breakfast.

"Have you told her yet, Charlotte?" Maria asked breathlessly.

Elizabeth turned to her friend. "Told me what?"

"Lady Catherine wishes to meet you," Charlotte said. "She plans to call for tea today, here. I am sorry. I was not sure whether you wished to socialise outside the family, but..."

"My dear Charlotte, what is there to apologise for?" Mr Collins interrupted. "It is a great honour Lady Catherine conveys upon my dear cousin by coming here to see her, and I am sure it will do Elizabeth no end of good to hear her ladyship's words of wisdom."

Elizabeth nodded slowly, not quite trusting herself to speak. She was not sure what these words of wisdom might be, but she doubted she truly wished to hear them.

"I'm not sure it is appropriate while I am in mourning," she said, gesturing towards her black dress.

Mr Collins looked up from his porridge and shook his head.

"Not at all," he said once he had swallowed. "You could not, of course, attend a function at Rosings, but it is perfectly appropriate for Lady Catherine to call upon you here, and it is very kind of her to do so."

Seeing there was no way out of it, Elizabeth nodded. "Very kind indeed," she agreed, though privately she wished she could have been spared such kindness.

The servants were in a flurry – probably due to instructions from Mr Collins – to ensure the house was spotless for the visit.

Elizabeth herself was encouraged to change. "Simply wear the best gown you have brought. Do not concern yourself that it will not be equal to Lady Catherine's standards," he reassured her.

Then, a full forty-five minutes before the proper calling hour, they all sat in the parlour sewing and waiting for the inevitable.

When the bell finally rang, Elizabeth found herself unexpectedly nervous.

She smoothed the skirts of her best black dress and picked up her sewing, a rather clumsy cross-stitch of a rose – her father's favourite flower. She had brought it with her for comfort, but found herself overcome with emotion whenever she worked upon it, and so it was far from her best work.

Mr Collins hurried to receive Lady Catherine and returned moments later in her wake.

She entered the room tall and imposing, a hat adding still more height to her already commanding figure. Beside her walked a young woman in an elegant green day dress that only served to make her appear pale and delicate.

Elizabeth presumed this must be Miss de Bourgh. The ladies entered, and Elizabeth, Charlotte and Maria all rose and curtseyed.

Then Elizabeth looked up and realised that Lady Catherine was not alone.