Lady Catherine swept into the sitting room, like a ship in full sail.
"Well," she said, clapping her hands together, "I see, Darcy, that you have finally come to the point. I am, of course, delighted for you both. Two splendid fortunes, one illustrious bloodline, joined together. What happier conclusion can there be?"
Darcy and Anne exchanged frustrated glances.
"Now, Nephew, I believe Anne would approve of the emerald ring that graced the hand of my dear sister. Nothing would be more appropriate! You shall write to the Earl at once and I will prepare the notice for the Times."
Finally, drawing breath, she sat herself in front of them both, beaming.
"Mother...," Anne sputtered.
"Lady Catherine," Darcy began, only to be interrupted by Lady Catherine's continuing effusions.
His mouth drawn into a thin line, Darcy stood and drew himself up to this full height.
"Lady Catherine, you are mistaken! I would beg you to listen!"
"Mistaken? How am I mistaken, Nephew? You both asked for an audience with me. What else am I to understand of such a request?"
Darcy held up one hand, silently importuning the great lady for a moment of silence.
"Anne and I wish to speak to you, to beg you to cease your matchmaking. Anne and I do not wish to marry. We will not suit. Something we have both been aware of for some time. Many years, in fact," he said glancing down at Anne, who nodded her head decisively in agreement.
"Indeed," said Anne, "we both wish this subject to be ended forever and thought it best to speak to you together. The marriage you aspire to, and I say, you, Mother, because we have never aspired to it, will never occur."
Anne paused, looking Lady Catherine in the eye.
"We wish, most fervently, to convince you of this so that both of us may be at peace and continue our individual futures as we see fit."
"What is this foolishness? How can you both be so blind? This is the best future for both of you. What has come over you, Darcy, that you do not see what would be best for you and Anne and the family?"
"Lady Catherine, we will not be moved. I would suggest that you accept this."
"Accept this, how can I accept such foolishness and disrespect for your mother's wishes? You were betrothed in your cradles…"
Darcy, already tired of this subject, interrupted her.
"My mother never mentioned such an idea to me, Lady Catherine, nor my father. If such a betrothal were intended, would not my dear parents have mentioned this to me? Yet, neither ever did. There is no agreement, Madam, no contract, nothing but an aunt's fond wish. A wish, we assure you," he said, glancing at Anne, "will never be granted."
"Indeed, Mother, I have no intention of marrying at all."
"Not marry? Not marry? Anne, it is every woman's wish to marry. It is her role in life, her destiny! As it is your destiny to be Mistress of Pemberley, to follow in my own dear sister's footsteps! What foolishness is this? What can you be thinking?"
"I am thinking that I am not well and I do not aspire to the married state. Fortunately, for me, I do not have to, as you well know," Anne replied, with some asperity.
"My father has provided for me. I have no need to marry and I do not desire to do so. Particularly to my cousin. We are not well matched."
"Young people do not know what they need. That is why they must follow the dictates of your elders and betters!" Lady Catherine was nearly shouting now.
Darcy was as close to livid as he had ever been in his aunt's presence.
"Lady Catherine! We have made our decision. I repeat, our decision, as it does not concern you. This conversation was meant as a courtesy to you and a fervent request for you to cease referring to our future plans without our permission."
Darcy moved to his cousin's side and held out his hand.
"Come, cousin, your mother clearly needs time alone to digest this news. Let us depart now and I will summon Mrs. Jenkins to attend you."
Anne took Darcy's offered hand and both prepared to quit the room.
"I am not finished with you, Darcy!" Lady Catherine called after them.
The cousins ignored her and continued out of the room, Darcy opening the door and allowing his cousin to exit before him.