Page 24 of He Insulted My Entire Family Before Proposing

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet, do you know who I am?"

"Perfectly. That is why I am disappointed. A woman of your consequence might have found a more original argument."

"You insolent, headstrong girl."

"Yes, that one is popular."

The shrubbery path curved near the house. Elizabeth became aware, with a flicker of amusement, that the breakfast room window stood partly open. Shadows moved behind the curtain. Her family, it appeared, had discovered that moral support could be conducted by eavesdropping.

Lady Catherine followed her glance. "Are we observed?"

"Almost certainly."

"This is intolerable."

"Longbourn often is before breakfast."

"You will answer me. Are you engaged to my nephew?"

"No."

Lady Catherine exhaled sharply. "And will you promise never to be?"

"No."

"Then you expect him to propose?"

"I expect gentlemen to manage their own proposals and ladies their own answers."

"You would accept him?"

Elizabeth paused.

There had been a time when the question would have been absurd. There had been a time, more recent and more troubling, when the question would have been dangerous. Now, standing before a woman who believed Elizabeth's future could be ordered like a carriage, she felt the answer form from pride, justice, and something warmer she refused to inspect in daylight.

"I would consider any proposal made with respect," she said.

Lady Catherine went pale with fury. "Then you are determined to have him."

"No, ma'am. I am determined that you shall not decide the matter for either of us."

The curtain in the breakfast room twitched violently. Lydia, Elizabeth guessed.

Lady Catherine took one step closer. "You will ruin him."

"If Mr. Darcy can be ruined by marrying a woman with an embarrassing mother and an uncle in trade, then Pemberley is built on sand."

"You are nobody."

Elizabeth smiled. "Then it is curious how much trouble I am causing."

For a moment, Lady Catherine seemed beyond speech. It was a considerable achievement, and Elizabeth allowed herself to enjoy it.

At last the great lady turned toward the carriage. "I shall know how to act."

"I never doubted it."

"I take no leave of you."