Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman by Maria Hamilton Page B

untitled—families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their respective houses, and what is to divide them? The upstart pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. Tell me once and for all, is your daughter engaged to him?”
    As her mother paused to think how she could respond without losing ground, Elizabeth saw her chance to introduce a semblance of reason into this otherwise fantastic exchange. “No, Lady Catherine, my sister is not engaged to your nephew. I know that for a fact.”
    Lady Catherine seemed pleased but immediately asked, “And will she promise me never to enter into such an engagement?”
    Her mother spoke before she could, stating in a defiant tone, “She will make no promise of the kind.”
    â€œBut, Mama,” Elizabeth pleaded, “should we not consult Jane? I think she would set the matter straight. I think she would unequivocally state…”
    Ignoring Elizabeth, Lady Catherine continued to address her mother. “Does she have no regard for the wishes of his friends? Is your daughter lost to every feeling of propriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say that from his earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?”
    With a calmness and reserve that Elizabeth was shocked to discover her mother possessed, she responded, “Yes, Lady Catherine, I think we all heard you.”
    â€œYour daughter should heed my words. She should know that if she willfully acts against the inclinations of all, she will not be noticed by his family or friends. Your daughter will be censured, slighted, and despised, by everyone connected with him. Her alliance will be a disgrace; her name will never even be mentioned by any of us.”
    â€œRest assured that I will convey your sentiments to Jane,” replied Mrs. Bennet. “But I would also assume that, as the wife of Mr. Darcy, she will have other sources of happiness to make the deprivation more than bearable.”
    â€œVery well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Mrs. Bennet, that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you and your daughter. I hoped to find you reasonable, but depend upon it, I will carry my point.”
    Lady Catherine rose to leave as Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth followed her. Mrs. Bennet looked in the carriage at the young woman seated under a blanket and asked, “Lady Catherine, is this your daughter?”
    Seething with anger, Lady Catherine simply replied, “Yes, it is.”
    â€œOh,” replied Mrs. Bennet with disdain, adding, “Does she need anything before your journey? She does not seem well.”
    â€œNo, thank you! I take no leave of you, Mrs. Bennet. I send no compliments to your daughter. She deserves no such attention. I am most seriously displeased.”
    Mrs. Bennet simply curtseyed, saying loudly enough for the inhabitants of the carriage to hear, “Elizabeth dear, come in the house immediately. I do not want you to catch a draft; the effect on a woman’s complexion can be so unappealing.” In shock, Elizabeth followed her mother into the house.
    ***
    Darcy was sitting at his desk when he heard a visitor being escorted into the library. He was relieved to see it was Bingley, who immediately began to explain his delay. “Darcy, I got your note. I am sorry if I kept you waiting. I had intended to leave two days ago, but when I arrived at my sister’s home, I found that she had invited some guests there without my knowledge. I did not want to stay, but my family apparently promised that I would make the particular acquaintance of one of the guests. As such, I could not avoid it, but I left as soon as I could.”
    Nodding his understanding, Darcy indicated that he should sit. “Charles, it must have been a long journey. May I get you anything?”
    Bingley