First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice (Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice) (19 page)

“
Lady Catherine is coming here?” Elizabeth reiterated, as if to confirm the truth of her fiancé’s words. She had grown a bit pale but held her chin determinedly high. The news chagrined her. She could not feel appreciative of such an obvious intrusion into her affairs by a stranger but, simultaneously, in spite of her pride, she desperately desired this particular lady’s approval. Perceiving her discomfiture, Darcy sat down in the chair beside her, taking her hand comfortingly.

“
She wants to meet you and, I am afraid that judging by the tone of her letter, she may be seeking to criticize. But I assure you she shall find nothing to complain of. How could she?”

Elizabeth looked up at Darcy gratefully. Gazing into her eyes, she felt no doubt as to the truth of his words.

“
Excuse me,” Mary said from the doorway, “but has something occurred regarding Lady Catherine de Bourgh? I just heard my mother cry her name in a quite disturbing fashion.”

Darcy reluctantly released Elizabeth’s hand, rose, and walked towards Mary. “You heard correctly, Miss Mary, though let me assure you that nothing untoward has happened. My aunt intends to visit Netherfield for a few days this week and wishes to be introduced at Longbourn.”

To his surprise, Darcy observed Mary’s chin tilt upwards in an identical manner to Elizabeth’s and it occurred to him, in a sudden bout of sympathy, just how much heavier such news would fall on her than on his betrothed. Mary would not be meeting a new relation but her new benefactress, a woman’s whose goodwill was essential to her future. Elizabeth would surely benefit from Lady Catherine’s approval but it was not vital to her happiness; no one would now dissuade Darcy from his chosen course. He was impressed by his future sister’s fortitude. Mary simply asked when the honor was to be expected. Mr. Darcy repeated what details he had but was unable to confirm when a visit to Longbourn would take place, though he imagined it would be on the morrow.

“
Oh Mr. Darcy!” Kitty suddenly exclaimed. “Whatever shall Lady Catherine think of us? Never have I met anyone so grand. Need we wear full dress?”

“
Don’t be absurd Kitty,” Elizabeth responded on his behalf, distracted by her own concerns. “Lady Catherine would surely not appreciate it should we put on a display for her sake. Certainly, with Mr. Collins as a rector, she knows something of our circumstances. Typical morning dress will be perfectly sufficient.”

Mr. Darcy noticed Kitty’s face fall and felt moved to reassure her. “I believe, Miss Kitty, that you have a blue muslin that is quite becoming on you. Something of that sort would be most appropriate.”

Kitty blushed joyfully at such a demonstration of attention from Mr. Darcy. “Oh thank you sir!” she exclaimed. “If you will excuse me, I shall go right away and make sure it is presentable.”

Lydia rolled her eyes but followed her sister out of the room. Darcy, Elizabeth, and even Mary shared an amused glance before bursting into laughter. “You have certainly made quite an impression on my sister, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth teased, her good humor, as usual, overriding her anxiety. “Need I be jealous?”

“
Certainly not,” Mr. Darcy replied, straightening into his most distinguished posture.

“
But I hear so much of your admiration for Kitty. My father said you ardently declared so much in his library.” Darcy was speechless.

“
If you will both excuse me,” Mary said stiffly, experiencing the awkwardness of an intruder. “I shall return to my music.”

The couple watched her depart, her back rigidly straight. They stood in thoughtful silence for a moment before Darcy regained Elizabeth’s hand. “I was only avenging myself on your father,” he explained almost sheepishly.

“
And he thoroughly enjoyed the joke, I assure you.”

“
My aunt will like Miss Mary.”

“
And you take it for granted that your aunt will approve of me?” Elizabeth asked with quiet, assumed bravado.

Darcy, always astounded when this confident woman betrayed any timidity, smiled at her warmly. “She would certainly be a fool not to,” he reassured her.

“
And what of Mama? Can we expect Lady Catherine to find her barely restrained tongue charming as opposed to shockingly vulgar?”

“
You are harsh on your mother.”

She stared at him skeptically.

“
She may, at times,” he cleared his throat, ”betray a bit of over enthusiasm, especially where her daughters are concerned, but her heart is almost always in the right place. It is only natural that she should rejoice in her family’s good fortune.”

“
And you believe your aunt will view her so charitably?”

“
I believe we have more to fear from my aunt’s manners than your mother’s. Mrs. Bennet will likely be a bit awed by Lady Catherine while Lady Catherine, quite secure in her position, can be depended upon to be overly condescending, as demonstrated in the ease with which she has invited herself to Netherfield.” He frowned, “I do hope she will be gracious.”

“
You think she is inclined to make things difficult for us?” Elizabeth asked, the concern returned to her voice.

“
I shall be with you. If she insults you or your family, she insults me as well. I will not stand for it.”

She tucked her arm into his and smiled up at him with the familiar twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “What a formidable man you are, Mr. Darcy. You have weathered my interrogation admirably. I can only pity the person who attempts to thwart you.”

“
Save your pity for me, my dear Miss Elizabeth. I assure you I shall require it far more than my aunt before this week has passed.”

Chapter 21

As Elizabeth dressed for dinner a knock on the door announced Mary, come to assist in her preparations. This surprised Elizabeth, such an offer having rarely been extended from her younger sister before, but she happily accepted. After helping her to don her gown and fix her hair, Mary complimented the effect. Now Elizabeth was certain her sister was perturbed, Mary not being one to promote vanity. As was her custom, she dove right into the heart of the matter, “Mary, are you nervous about Lady Catherine’s visit?”

“
No. Not precisely nervous,” was the reply. “I am well aware that Lady Catherine is not venturing here to meet her rector’s intended. It is you she comes to see.”

“
But surely she will be interested in you as well.”

“
Yes. I imagine so,” she paused. “From what I have gathered from Mr. Collins’ discourse on his patroness, Lady Catherine takes great interest in even the most minute details of people’s lives. I believe she will ask many forward questions.”

“
That certainly concurs with Mr. Darcy’s description of his aunt. It seems she is very enthusiastic in the management of affairs, be they hers or not.”

“
All I need do is respond properly.”

“
Yes, I imagine you will handle examination much more patiently than I.” Mary looked down. “What is the matter Mary? Surely there is something more on your mind?”

Mary took a deep breath, “You will attempt not to antagonize her, will you Lizzy?”

“
Antagonize her! Why would I wish to do such a thing?”

“
Not purposefully, of course. But you know as well as I that your pride sometimes could be interpreted as impertinence. Surely not all great people can be believed to find it as charming as Mr. Darcy. It is unbecoming for a young lady to speak too freely with their elders.”

“
Odd how you do not follow your own dictum,” Elizabeth chided. Mary blushed and stared down at clutched hands, causing her sister to repent her harsh tongue. “You fear Mr. Collins will suffer should Lady Catherine find me unacceptable.” Mary didn’t respond but the firm, remotely pained look in her eyes told Elizabeth all she needed to know.

She sighed and arranged the finishing touches to her dress. “I shall be on my best behavior, I promise. I do not desire to incur the lady’s wrath anymore than you. In fact, I am most anxious to gain her approval, as you should certainly realize.”

“
Thank you Lizzy,” was Mary’s quiet reply before quickly exiting the room. Elizabeth was left to contemplate whether her sister would ever be able to perceive her own faults as well as she detected those of others.

Elizabeth managed to relay the content of this conversation to Mr. Darcy through the course of the evening, though frequently interrupted by Mrs. Bennet’s chatter and Miss Bingley’s cold civilities. Mary’s concerns, though annoying, had renewed her own. Darcy did everything he could to reassure her while Miss Bingley, from across the room, watched the couple’s tender exchanges. Mrs. Hurst could detect a gleam of menace in her sister’s eyes.

--

Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrived just after noon the following day. Never one to proceed in a manner less than what was do to her grandeur, her ladyship’s coach and four bore a retinue of servants for Miss Bingley to assiduously attend to, happy to be housing such fine equipage. She personally escorted Lady Catherine to the best guest quarters and oversaw the staff as they attended to every one of her many needs. Caroline took pride in the perfect grace which her expensive education had supplied her, glorying in her assurance that such a demonstration of her accomplishments could only enhance the disparity Lady Catherine would observe, when at Longbourn, between town refinement and country manners.

How sad that such effort was wasted! Lady Catherine had never heard of Miss Caroline Bingley (Darcy never having mentioned the existence of such a person, as he surely would were she worth notice) so assumed her an inferior specimen of womanhood immediately upon introduction. Still the great lady was pleased by her reception, Darcy having expressed what she considered a most appropriate degree of delight at seeing her, his apparent ease relieving some of her concern over his intended match. Had he seemed nervous and concerned for her disapproval, she would have been immediately convinced that matters were not well. Instead, as he happily spoke to her of the Bennet family, displaying not a hint of the anxiety he felt, Lady Catherine found herself eagerly anticipating honoring the quaint estate her nephew described with a visit. She was not fatigued after her journey: would not hear of resting. She intended to meet the Bennets at once. Thus, as predicted, mere hours after her arrival Lady Catherine, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Bingley were comfortably ensconced in the Netherfield carriage and on the road to Longbourn.

--

Kitty and Lydia, having been employed as lookouts, resoundingly sounded the alarm at first sight of the carriage. The family assembled in the sitting room, perfectly primped and equipped with the items they had predetermined to pursue. Mr. Bennet had gone so far as to choose several books to move from his library to the parlor, where he never read, so he could be seen to be doing so amongst his family. He smiled at the ladies as they diligently pursued their work. If they were always so intently distracted as they now appeared, perhaps the room would be a pleasant place to indulge his favorite hobby. Mrs. Hill, wearing her best apron, announced Lady Catherine de Bourgh with as much flourish as she could muster, fully relishing the honor of such a fine guest. Lady Catherine, as always, approved of such deference to her consequence and entered the room with a mind to be pleased.

Mr. Darcy began the introductions. Mrs. Bennet, even more flattered than Hill to be receiving a guest of such high importance, was perfect in her politeness. Lady Catherine, in turn, perceived the sardonic twinkle in Mr. Bennet’s eye and instantly deemed him the model country squire, in the happy state of needing improvement and able to greatly benefit from her advice. A beaming Mr. Bingley proudly presented Jane, whose serene beauty and calm manner always pleased everyone.

“
And this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Aunt.” Darcy continued, “Miss Elizabeth, it is my pleasure to present my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”

“
Welcome to Longbourn, your Ladyship. It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”

Lady Catherine surveyed the young woman in front of her, head held high, eyes bright and sparkling (much like her father’s), and found herself intrigued by the odd little woman. Pretty, in a way, but certainly not a remarkable beauty, nothing compared to her sister. “Miss Elizabeth, I have been most interested in meeting you. My nephew informs me that congratulations are in order.”

“
Yes indeed, ma’am. Please allow me to assure you that I never dreamed to be so fortunate as to gain the affections of such an honorable man as Mr. Darcy.”

She watched as Elizabeth’s eyes met Darcy’s and was astonished at the sight of her severe nephew’s grin. “He is entranced,” she thought, continuing to observe the couple, “but this Miss Elizabeth is no coquette. Very well, let it be a love match. He could certainly have done worse. By the looks of that Miss Bingley, she would have liked to have gotten her claws into him. Imagine, a creature like that! Oh no. Miss Elizabeth Bennet so be it.”