Page 51 of Undone

"A wife brings stability to a great house. An heir secures its future. You have delayed long enough. Had you fulfilled your obligations years ago, many of your present difficulties might well have been avoided."

"I fail to see the connection," Darcy replied through gritted teeth.

"You fail because you refuse to see it," Lady Catherine replied, drawing herself to her full height. "The remedy remains precisely what it has always been. Marry Anne. The union of Rosings and Pemberley would silence every idle whisper presently circulating about your family."

For a long moment, Darcy simply stared at her.

Was this truly her object? Had every misfortune that had befallen him been intended to bring him to precisely this moment?

He shook his head slowly.

"I have already informed your ladyship," he said, his voice growing firmer with every word, "that such a marriage will never take place."

Lady Catherine's expression hardened. "Anne deserves better than endless delay."

"Anne deserves a husband who loves her."

"Love?" Lady Catherine repeated with open disdain. "You speak as though affection alone sustains a marriage. Duty has ever been of greater consequence than sentiment."

"My feelings on the matter have not altered," Darcy replied. "Nor will they. Anne is, and always shall remain, as a sister to me. But I shall never ask her to become my wife."

A flush rose in Lady Catherine's cheeks.

"Then you shall continue precisely as you are," she replied coldly. "You may wallow in these unfortunate circumstances of your own making. It is Georgiana for whom I feel the greatest concern. Your present reputation cannot fail to affect the poor girl."

A wave of heat surged through Darcy. He tried to still his hand, which had begun tapping restlessly against his breeches, but the composure he had maintained throughout the conversation finally gave way.

"Do not bring my sister into this."

The fierceness in his voice carried further than he intended. Nearby conversations faltered, and more than one head turned toward them before politeness recalled itself.

"Georgiana has nothing whatever to do with my decision whether or not to marry Anne," he continued, his voice carrying farther than he intended.

"My dear sir... my lady."

A calm voice cut cleanly through the tension.

Darcy turned to find a lady of perhaps five and forty approaching them. Elegantly dressed and possessed of a composed countenance, she carried herself with quiet confidence.

"I trust there is no difficulty?"

"There is none," Lady Catherine answered before Darcy could speak.

The newcomer regarded them both for a moment, as though unconvinced.

Lady Catherine adjusted the folds of her gown. "If you will excuse me." Without another word, she swept away.

The lady remained where she was. After watching Lady Catherine disappear amongst the guests, she stepped a little nearer.

"I hope all is well, sir."

Darcy released a slow breath, though the anger within him had scarcely begun to subside.

"It is merely a family disagreement, madam. My aunt has a remarkable talent for trying my patience."

A faint smile touched her lips.

"I had gathered as much. Though I confess, it appeared rather spirited."