Chapter 13

The dinner at Netherfield arrived with much anticipation on the part of the ladies of Longbourn, despite the moderate snow drifts. On their reception into the saloon before the dinner, they discovered that Mr. Darcy had returned that morning, and though before she had entered the room Lizzy had not decided whether more to fear or desire his company, she was pleased by his presence and offered him a warm smile in greeting.

It was fortunate that the table in the main dining room of Netherfield Park was capable of accommodating such a large party, for as well as the current residents and guests of the park, there was in attendance Sir William and Lady Lucas, as well as their daughter Maria, the gentlemen from Purvis Lodge, all of the Bennets, the Gouldings, the Robinsons and Mrs. Long as well as one of her nieces. Despite the number, Mr. Bingley did say repeatedly how he had hoped many more would have come, but that they were likely hindered by the weather. The meal which Miss Bingley had planned for the evening was excessively generous, and in spite of her ambitions for a certain son of an Earl, she hoped to impress the guests who she considered to be the most distinguished. As her attentions to Mr. Darcy were not yet set aside, she invited him to be seated nearest her at the head of the table, so that she might take pleasure in any commendation he did make about the dishes served. Lizzy, seated the length of the table from them, was momentarily perplexed by this but as she near enough to the bottom of the table to observe Mr. Bingley and his obvious admiration for Jane, who was seated next to him, her spirits were lifted.

It was once the meal was finally ended, and the ladies had been in the drawing room for a time when an unexpected addition to the party was observed. As they sat quietly conversing, a carriage was first heard on the drive. With the cloak of darkness, they were unable to determine the equipage or livery of the servants as it neared the house, though Kitty did claim it was a town coach which was pulled by four horses. Miss Bingley was not likely impressed with the manner in which both Mrs. Bennet and Kitty responded to the approaching vehicle, as they had forced the drapes aside to peer out the front-facing windows, however this was soon forgot by her when Mrs. Nicholls appeared and alerted her quietly to the identity of the arrival.

The housekeeper was swiftly followed by the traveler herself. The door was thrown open and the appearance of Lady Catherine was met with a stunned silence in the drawing room, as she was unknown except by reputation to most of the inhabitants, with the exception of quiet gasps from Miss Darcy and Maria Lucas.

As she entered, her eyes critically surveyed the room. She paused momentarily at the sight her niece, before the imposing woman's gaze fell upon Lizzy. In this time Miss Bingley had greeted her, to which she only responded to with a slight nod, and invited her to take tea with them. Lady Catherine declined such, she seemed to consider addressing Miss Darcy for a moment but spoke instead to Miss Bingley, her tone commanding and clearly expecting no refusal, "I should be glad for an audience with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, in privacy if you would kindly accommodate it."

"Of course," Miss Bingley was torn between pleasing such a dignified guest and begrudging Lizzy for her acquaintance with the aunt of Mr. Darcy. She suggested that they use her brother's study, for it would be unoccupied while the gentlemen remained at the dining table, and she knew it to be only a short distance away from the drawing room itself, giving her an opportunity to linger and possibly learn the subject of their conversation.

Lizzy, who had been seated with Jane and Miss Darcy, felt all eyes in the room turn to her with curiosity at this. She was seized with surprise as the two other ladies exited the room, and it was only her mother's bidding which prompted her to act. As she stood, she noticed Miss Darcy's look of terror, and offered the younger lady a smile of assurance. Had she been a stranger to either of their characters she might have wondered at the relationship between aunt and niece.

Upon entering the study, Lady Catherine scrutinised the room and pronounced it adequate despite the outdated furnishings. She walked towards the centre, where a cluster of seats were arranged near the fire place, and waited until Miss Bingley had left the room, though the door was left slightly ajar, before she turned to speak to Lizzy.

"It has not been my custom of late, Miss Bennet, to travel so far from my home, nor to pay attentions to persons so little known to me."

She paused and Lizzy supposed that the she was expecting some words of gratitude for her call. When none were spoken, she continued. "An account has reached my attentions from not one, but two origins, and given it's grievous nature, I was resolved to immediately set out and discover the truth of the matter. To have my feelings on the business known to those involved."

Lizzy spoke of her astonishment at such an inspirational report, and inquired whether it was of concern to her.

Lady Catherine, she realised had been attempting to be cordial, for she fumed now in response, "I will not accept such a show - you may think yourself clever Miss Bennet, but you ought to know better than to attempt such lies with me! Do not dare to deny that you have been the source of such scandelous fallacy- do you not have fanicful notions that my nephew Mr. Darcy has been present in this neighbourhood, with the intention of courting you. That an insignificant person such as yourself might hope to be soon joined to he, the Master of Pemberley!"

If Lizzy did feel from the strength of Lady Catherine's scorn or wonder at such gossip being spread, she did not indicate it. "Truly your ladyship, this is the first I have heard of such a suggestion. I will not deny that Mr. Darcy has been here or that he has been socialable in his behaviour, but I have not suggested to him, nor any other that I might have supposed his purpose of being here."

"You believe it possible though, as inconceivable as it should be, you think there is some truth to the report?"

"If I did, it would still not prove a basis for such news. I might suppose that you would better your strategy by addressing Mr. Darcy instead."

"I would not dare subject him to such debasing accounts when I could terminate them at the source."

"I can only disappoint you then Lady Catherine, for I neither initatied nor persisted the report."

"I demand to be answered in this then- has my nephew made you an offer of marriage?"

"If your ladyship has decided the reports to be false, I may choose not to contradict such resolve, though I would say that your coming here would suggest you believe otherwise."

"Foolish child, let me be clear, no match could take place between you and my nephew. It would never come to be while he is a gentleman of honour, decorum and duty." She now sat, before she continued, "Do not expect, Miss Bennet, that such a union could be acknowledged by his family or friends. Indeed it is the express wishes of his family for an engagement between my nephew and my daughter. Is a young woman of inferior birth to prevent a match of nobility and decency?"

"To be shunned by family and friends alike is lamentable indeed," Lizzy agreed then thoughtfully added, "But such burden would be trivial to the wife of Mr. Darcy."

"Your obstinance is unacceptable, I had thought to find you reasonable, but if you had any prudence, you would not wish to quit the society of your peers."

"I would not considering marrying your nephew to be such. He is a gentleman, as is my father."

"But who was your mother? What of her family and origins? I am not in the least ignorant of their condition." Lizzy coloured slightly as she recollected Mr. Darcy's initial thoughts on the subject, but she would not defer to this, given the manner Mr. Darcy had treated those relations in his own home.

"If Mr. Darcy does not oppose such connections, what can they be to you?"

"Tell me once for all, are you engaged to him?"

Though Lizzy did not wish to answer such a question, she was tiring of evasion, "I am not."

The relief Lady Catherine felt was evident, "Will you promise never to consent to any such union?"

"I will make no promise of the kind." Despite herself, Lizzy could not help replying with all the wishes she currently felt.

"Do not think Miss Bennet that I will be satisfied with this response, I will not withdraw until I have that guarantee."

"You are mistaken then if you believe I can be persuaded or intimidated. You have imposed yourself in my concerns enough while insulting me in every possible way, I must excuse myself to be badgered no more on the subject."

"I am by no means done," Lady Catherine cried, "I have yet another objection to add!"

Lizzy did not wish to hear any more insults and had thought to leave, but was stopped in place by a voice from the room's entrance. Lady Catherine too seemed surprised, and was silenced though she remained seated on the lounge.

"Good evening, Lady Catherine," he spoke with a casual, almost amused tone. "To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence here tonight?

Mr. Darcy stood just inside the room, his right hand still holding the door open, while Mr. Bingley hovered in the doorway itself. Lizzy had a barely a moment on seeing them to wonder how long they had stood there, how much they had heard and who else was in the corridor and had listened in as well.

"If I may, I might introduce to you, Charles Bingley," he gestured to his friend who seemed more discomposed than either of the ladies, "who is the current resident of this house, and host of the dinner you have intruded upon."

His aunt was recovered enough now to respond with greetings. "I suppose I owe you something of an apology sir," she said to Mr. Bingley, "for my imposition, but I am afraid my need to speak with Miss Bennet, in privacy, would not be delayed."

Mr. Bingley murmured his understanding of this, and left the room. Lady Catherine looked pointedly at her nephew, but he closed the door behind his friend and strode further into the room.

"Darcy," she directed as he made his way towards Mr. Bingley's decanters of liquor. "I would greatly appreciate it if you left Miss Bennet and I to our conference."

"There is no need," he replied coolly, pouring himself a glass and replacing the stopper. "Miss Bennet and I have no unease between us, and you would not wish to keep secrets, would you aunt?"

He moved to where he was between then, took a sip and placed his glass on a small side table. Lady Catherine remained silent for a time, her shrewd gaze moving between him and Lizzy. Though he had yet to look at her, Lizzy found herself somewhat comforted by his presence, and though only moments before she had wished to leave, she now found the reserve to remain. She sat on the couch opposite Lady Catherine, and chose to also be silent.

Realizing that he would not be removed, Lady Catherine now focused her designs on her nephew. "Darcy, I must insist that you come away from this place, at once."

"I am not a child to be ordered about," he spoke quietly with the smallest hint of ire.

"I request it not only for your well-being, but that of Georgiana's." Her ladyship drew herself higher in her seat, before continuing to chide, "how could you think to expose her to such connections, and she has not yet been presented at court. What will be said of her if it became known she was keeping company in such places."

"I assure you, Madam," he replied, "that I act only to constitute my own and my sister's happiness. If I truly believed Georgiana to be at risk in coming here, you can have no doubt, I would not have brought her. We will remain here as long as we choose it, and as long as we are welcome."

Lady Catherine would not suffer such noncompliance easily, and assumed a new tactic, "And what of the wishes of your family? It was my brother who informed me, who warned me thus, and you should be grateful, Darcy, that it was I and not he who thought to come forth. To remind you of reason and obligation."

This seemed to engage Mr. Darcy's attention more, "of what precisely did my uncle write to you?" He glanced briefly at Lizzy, before continuing, "and how has what he warned you, in any regard to do with Miss Bennet?"

Lady Catherine glared at Lizzy, but she did answer, "There have been reports concerning Miss Bennet, and as I know her to be circulating them, I came to insist upon a retraction. "

He did not speak, but calmly took up his glass and drank some more. Given her earlier suggestion that Lady Catherine should speak to her nephew on this matter, Lizzy refrained from voicing any redress, if only to compel her ladyship to continue. When met by such silence she did, "I grew so concerned on your behalf, that I was resolved to know that no proposals had taken place, and none would ever be accepted." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "If such talk could be ended, you would be under no obligation to act, and would be free for an alliance with Anne."

Mr. Darcy grimaced as she mentioned proposals refused, Lizzy thought then that he was recollecting her rejection in Kent and felt disquiet at his aggravation, but then his expression cleared as she spoke more. Ignoring her mention of his cousin, he asked, "And from Miss Bennet have you received such a promise?"

"I have not!" Lady Catherine, convinced then of an ally, turned to Lizzy, her tone incensed, "She has been unreasonable with her ambitions and deceptions. She is determined to spoil your honor and position! She thinks her aspirations will be gratified by..."

"These are heavy accusations indeed, Madam." Her diatribe was interrupted by her nephew. Though Lizzy was now also about to reply, she was stopped by the look on Mr. Darcy's countenance. He had spoken to his aunt, but he looked at her with an intense scrutiny, she may have once thought to be criticism but now wondered if it were admiration. She was speechless from the weight of his gaze. "I am grieved to hear you conjecture such, for I know Miss Bennet to only ever act with honor and respect, I have the most serious of doubts that she would ever spread false reports or mean to injure myself."

"Is this your true opinion?" Lady Catherine stood now, perhaps in seeking the full notice of her nephew, but his eyes were only for Lizzy.

"It is."

"Perhaps you may re-consider when you hear of what I have learnt about her younger sister's elopment!" She paused, as though expecting an interested reaction from either of them, and when none was made, continued resentfully, "With such an infamous disgrace, would such connections be desirable? The Master of Pemberley and the former steward's son brothers by marriage? No indeed, you must come away at once!"

"Madam, you have bestowed your opinion in this matter and I thank you for it, but I cannot approve of further interference into my affairs. I must ask you to leave at once." Though his gaze remained steady on Lizzy, he indicated the door with one hand.

"You have been drawn in," she began to move towards him, but then seemed to think better, and moved away. "If this is your final resolve, I know how to act accordingly."

She was almost at the door, when she turned and muttered to Lizzy, " I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your family. You are undeserving of such attention," but then added to Mr. Darcy, "I am most seriously displeased."

With that she left the room, the door striking it's frame in her wake but not fully closing. Mr. Darcy continued fixed upon Lizzy, and she in return. The heated climate of the room was suddenly shifted to a different kind of tension, though for a while neither spoke.

"Did you not..?" He finally spoke, his voiced filled with surprise and emotion.

"I assure you sir," she had to break the stare, to look away to find her voice. "this evening is the first I have heard of such talk. I am sorry for the grief it may have brought."

"No, I would never consider you capable of such." He sat in the place his aunt had abandoned, then stood again. She stood as well. "I meant, did you deny her ladyship such a promise?"

When Lizzy blushed and replied that she had not, he pressed, "But if you are so decidedly against me, against such a union, why would you not acknowledge it to my aunt?"

If she did hesitate in that moment, it was to gather courage. As they paused though, an urgent knock came on the door, and Mr. Bingley appeared, followed by Mrs. Russell, both seeming sorry to intrude but worried.

"Forgive me," Mr. Bingley pleaded, before looking to Lizzy, "I think you are greatly needed in the drawing room. Your sister has asked for you."

As she entered the room behind Mr. Bingley, Lizzy was meet with an unexpected uproar, for there was more noise and activity than she had left. After a moment though, she made sense of the commotion, most of the guests were now engaged in some sort of parlour game, with her mother and Mr. Woodworth currently the main persons involved, to the amusement of all others. Miss Bingley however stood to one side, distaste evident in her features as she observed their diversion.

This was in stark contrast to the smaller group, quietly clustered in one corner of the room, to which Mr. Bingley now headed. Jane, along with Miss Darcy and Mary sat solemnly, seeming unaware of the bustle and noise. Mr. Langley also stood near, though he moved away on Mr. Bingley's approach. Jane was pale and her figure drawn and tender. As Mr. Bingley sat next to her, and began to speak quietly to her, she neither leaned into him nor shied away. It was only the appearance of Lizzy that lit up her features.

Taking her sister's hands, and noting how they trembled, Lizzy was suddenly very worried. "Dearest, are you well?"

Her soft reply could barely be heard over the cheer and laughter, "Lizzy, take me home."

It took a some convincing on Lizzy's part, before either of her parents would consider leaving the gathering so suddenly. Mrs. Bennet, on noting Jane's affliction, hoped that she could be accommodated once more at Netherfield, which would allow her more time with Mr. Bingley. At both of his eldest daughters' distress on this though, Mr. Bennet was persuaded that it was time to call for the carriage, and so the Bennets departed. Mr. Darcy had only reappeared as they were being handed into the carrage, his chest heaving as though he had just been running. As they pulled away from the house, Jane would not look out and Lizzy could not look away.

Once they were home, and had heard the last of Mrs Bennet's laments over ending the night so early, Lizzy sought an account from Jane of what had troubled her so. Though she was somewhat recovered, with much fretful tears Jane asked for a night's delay of such a talk. And so Lizzy went to sleep, puzzling over her sister, wondering what Lady Catherine now intended to do, recollecting the look of intensity, with a glint of hope, from Mr. Darcy as he had watched them go.

Author's Note -

A few things I want to acknowledge (in case any one thinks to comment on them) -
1. Lady Catherine's arriving at the dinner, and intruding was probably unheard of in such a period, she (as far as we know/I've decided) doesn't know either Bingley or Caroline, and she isn't really introduced to either properly. But that was kind of the point - to me Lady C is a massive hypocrite. If any one was to turn up at Rosings, during her dinner and ask to speak to a guest - they probably wouldn't have been admitted, and she only really gets away with it because Caroline Bingley wouldn't want to be on her bad side, and Bingley himself probably would only want to avoid conflict. She's definitely the type to believe in 'do as I say, not as I do'

2. There was definintely some use of the original text - chapters 56 and 57 specifically. I did try to be as creative as I could - but there were some phrasing that was too inspired not to use/hint to. Hopefully though what I have included was done in a manner that provides a different meaning to the words.

Shout out to Lily Draco, EngLitLover, Sooty85 (I do apologise if you get any headaches from Mrs. Bennets presence but I know what you mean!), Evamommy and an annoymous guest for the reviews. I know those who want Darcy to get moving are likely a little frustrated that he didn't in this chapter - he had the moment right!? I would apologise - but that was kind of the point :) Thanks for reading! Feel free to vent that frustration in a review