“As I already told you,” replied Jane, “Colonel Fitzwilliam has not declared himself.”
“Yes, I heard you. The question is whether I can trust your assurances.”
“I have no reason to hide. If I were engaged to Colonel Fitzwilliam, I would inform you without disguise.”
Lady Catherine regarded her, and after several moments, she nodded. “Very well. You appear to be a sensible sort of woman. If you are, then you must understand that any alliance between my nephew and you is a most unequal match. Therefore, I shall give you this one chance to foreswear any intention of provoking him and promise that you will not accept a proposal if he loses control of his reason.”
As Elizabeth might have expected, Jane appeared almost apologetic. “I cannot comply, Lady Catherine. While I cannot say if he means to offer for me, I shall consult my own feelings about whether to accept him.”
The way Lady Catherine stared at Jane, shock hardening to rage, Elizabeth was certain no one had ever defied her. Knowing what her response must be, Elizabeth moved to stand next to her sister. Lady Catherine did not take kindly to her support.
“Who areyou, and what do you mean by challenging me?”
“I am Elizabeth, Jane’s sister. Jane will have my support.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” Her name on Lady Catherine’s tongue sounded like an epithet. “I should have known. The woman who rejected a most eligible offer of marriage now encourages her sister to flout my authority.”
“I shall not argue about my rejection of Mr. Collins,” replied Elizabeth. “It is none of your concern.”
“Of course, it is my concern,” barked the lady. “Mr. Collins ismyparson—his concerns are mine.”
“Then you must rejoice in my rejection,” replied Elizabeth. “You would not have appreciated me as Mr. Collins’s wife.”
The lady glared at her, then nodded. “Given your impertinent obstinacy, I cannot but suppose you are correct. Step aside, girl, for I have no interest in you.”
“The only one who will withdraw is you.”
Lady Catherine whirled to see Mr. Bennet standing in the door, appearing devoid of the amusement that usually adorned his features.
“And who are you?”
Proving he was not devoid of sardonic amusement at the scene, Mr. Bennet’s lip twisted. “Come now, Lady Catherine, you must know that I am the master of this house.”
“Perhaps you are, but you have not done your duty.”
“What duty is that?”
“Why, reining in your unrestrained daughters, of course. What sortof man allows his progeny to fling themselves at wealthy men?”
The exasperation on her father’s face was akin to what Elizabeth felt. She responded before he could.
“What nonsense!”
Lady Catherine’s angry gaze found her again, but Elizabeth was not cowed.
“Anyone who accuses Jane of such behavior does not know her. My sister is most proper—any suggestion to the contrary is absurd.”
“And yet, she is attempting to draw my nephew into her web.”
“I have drawn no one in,” replied Jane. “Colonel Fitzwilliam has made his preference for my company clear to all. If you wish to object to his behavior, then I suggest you take it up withhim.”
“I am taking it up withyou!”
“Not any longer,” said Mr. Bennet.
He stepped toward Lady Catherine and insinuated himself before her, motioning Jane and Elizabeth to retreat. Though still wary of the lady, Elizabeth stepped away, allowing her father to handle the situation.
“Lady Catherine, I require you to leave,” said Mr. Bennet. “It is pointless to approach a woman who can only receive a gentleman or not. Go to Netherfield Park and take your grievance up with your nephew, for we will not give you satisfaction.”
