Page 23 of He Insulted My Entire Family Before Proposing

Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed. "You may attend me in the shrubbery."

"Our shrubbery is honored by the promotion."

Mrs. Bennet looked between them, delighted and terrified. "Lizzy, mind your manners. Lady Catherine, may I offer tea?"

"No."

Mrs. Bennet absorbed this as if tea itself had been insulted.

Elizabeth followed Lady Catherine outside. The afternoon air was cool and bright, which seemed unfair; scenes of intimidation ought to occur in weather with better moral sense.

Lady Catherine did not sit. Sitting might have implied she was a guest.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet," she began, "you can be at no loss to understand the reason of my journey."

"I can, ma'am. I have been at a loss since you entered the hall."

"Obstinate girl. Mr. Collins has written to me of a most alarming report. You are to be united with my nephew."

"Am I? How efficient of reports. They have arranged more than he has."

"Do not trifle with me."

"I would not presume. You appear to have brought enough seriousness for both of us."

Lady Catherine drew herself up. "Mr. Darcy is engaged to my daughter."

"Is he?"

"In every expectation, understanding, and family intention."

"That sounds crowded. Was Mr. Darcy present?"

"His presence is not required for a connection so proper."

"How restful for him."

Lady Catherine's face hardened. "You are beneath him."

At least Lady Catherine did not decorate the insult. No family considerations. No prudence. Just the thing itself, dragged into the morning with its hair uncombed.

Elizabeth felt an odd calm settle over her. After Hunsford, after letters, after Caroline's polished venom, Lady Catherine's bluntness was almost a courtesy.

"You came a long way to say so," Elizabeth replied.

"I came to demand that you promise never to enter into such an engagement."

"And if I decline?"

"You will be censured, slighted, and despised by everyone connected with him."

"That is a formidable list, though I believe some have begun early."

"You admit your inferiority."

"I admit only that you are loud."

Lady Catherine stared as if volume had never before been criticized by its victim.