Page 50 of Undone

"I can already see the evening promises to be an agreeable one."

"I certainly hope so." His attention was called by another servant announcing fresh arrivals. "If you will excuse me, Mr. Darcy, my duties as host are never quite finished."

"Of course."

"Pray make yourself comfortable."

Darcy had scarcely taken more than a few steps into the room when the measured click of shoes upon the polished marble floor new him drew his attention.

"Darcy."

The authoritative voice admitted of no mistake.

He turned, a distinct jolt of surprise passing through him.

Lady Catherine de Bourgh advanced towards him with her customary air of superiority. Dressed elegantly in blue muslin, she carried herself with all the confidence of one who expected every eye to acknowledge her presence.

"Your ladyship." Darcy bowed, though his astonishment had not entirely subsided. "I confess, I did not think I would find you here so far from Rosings. I had not thought to see you within three hours of my own door."

"And why should that surprise you?" Lady Catherine's chin lifted. "The Kingsleys and I have been friends these thirty years and more. I visited Ashcombe regularly whilst your mother yet lived, and I do not intend to forfeit so old a friendship merely because you have made yourself so difficult to visit."

Darcy inclined his head.

Of the three occasions he had attended entertainments at Ashcombe Hall, Lady Catherine had been present only once, and that had been whilst she herself was visiting Pemberley. He had never doubted that the Kingsleys were amongst her extensive acquaintance, for his mother had once mentioned their connexion. Yet the timing of her presence here, so near Pemberley and at an estate from which he had not received an invitation for several years, quietly unsettled him.

Another coincidence? Darcy did not think so.

"You were lately in Hertfordshire, I understand," Lady Catherine observed. "When did you come back to Derbyshire?"

Darcy regarded her steadily.

"I was not aware my movements were of such interest."

Lady Catherine gave a dismissive scoff.

"Interest?" she repeated. "Do not flatter yourself. My new rector was recently in Meryton. He wrote to me that he had heard you were in the neighbourhood."

"I have not had the pleasure of meeting your rector, madam," Darcy replied evenly, though he knew perfectly well who Mr. Collins was, and saw in the moment only an opportunity to probe further. "I wonder from whom he had his information of me."

"Darcy," she said impatiently, "you behave as though you do not know people have been talking."

Her eyes travelled slowly over him before she continued.

"I had wondered whether the reports were true."

"What reports?" Darcy asked, his tone giving nothing away.

"The unpleasant rumours surrounding your affairs." She regarded him with undisguised scrutiny. "One hears that the Darcy estates have suffered considerable reverses. It would appear, nephew, that matters have not been managed as successfully as your father once managed them."

Darcy met her gaze without replying.

"It is unfortunate," she continued, "though perhaps not altogether surprising. A gentleman cannot devote himself endlessly to business, travel where he pleases, and neglect the first duty of his station."

"And what duty is that?" Darcy asked, though he already suspected the answer.

"Matrimony."

The word was spoken with complete certainty.