Hi all. Thank you for reading my story. I can sense the end coming and I have mixed feelings about it.
Special thanks to these reviewers:
midnitewanderer, Gaielge, Shelby66, Levenez, Mystylight, RHALiz, Dorothy from KS, pemsnowy, liysyl, Eleoopy, JohnnyFlynnFan, ChrisM0519, LC-elsie, Jansfamily4, Maria Teresa C, Colleen S, Lisa, Alli'sAlcove, Deanna27, PDS1, Tree Top Lady, Guest
Eleoopy: I love PnP the best. Persuasion is perhaps second, depending on my mood. I guess you can find story summaries on the internet and see if the book might interest you. Unless you do not like spoilers.
Alli'sAlcove: Thank you very much for your offer of help. I might need it one day. Sorry I am really busy at the moment so editing is not my top priority. Maybe after I finish this story. I really appreciate your kindness.
Tree Top Lady: Thank you for your time and comment. I hope you find other stories that suit your tastes. Sorry that you "absolutely hate" this.
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After the Netherfield party stepped out, both Mr Darcy and Elizabeth felt a tinge of sadness at their separation but looked forward to the promise of their meeting the following day. As Elizabeth peered out of the window, the gentleman turned his head and gave her a longing gaze before following his waiting relations. Once he was no longer in sight, she attempted to occupy herself with a book but she found herself getting distracted by every noise coming from outside, hoping that it was Mr Darcy returning to speak to her.
Finally deciding that her time would be better utilised by joining her sisters who were upstairs choosing their apparel for Mary's wedding, she started to rise from her seat. However, her attention was again drawn to the window upon hearing the sound of a carriage. Her mother, curious as to who could be arriving, suddenly appeared beside her.
"Who could it be, Lizzy?" Mrs Bennet asked.
"I have no idea, mamma," Elizabeth honestly replied.
"Such magnificent equipage! Oh! A lady is being handed down," her mother said while admiring the chaise and four. "She looks stately. Her clothes are so fine. They must cost a fortune! She is sure to be a noblewoman. Perhaps she is related to the countess," she speculated. They hastily positioned themselves in the parlour, trying to act natural, then the door burst open.
"Lady Catherine de Bourgh," the guest was announced. Despite knowing what the visitor looked like, their mouths fell open in amazement when they heard the illustrious name.
The lady entered the room with her head held high, scanning the area with a critical eye. Elizabeth and her mother offered a deep curtsey and politely greeted their visitor who still did not acknowledge their presence.
"I came here to speak to Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Lady Catherine eventually stated.
"My lady, this is Elizabeth, my second eldest daughter," Mrs Bennet answered.
The fine lady turned to face Elizabeth and studied her appearance with a frown.
"And where are your other daughters?" the lady asked without looking at Mrs Bennet.
"Oh, they are all upstairs, selecting clothes for the wedding. You see, my third eldest daughter Mary--" Mrs Bennet started to say, proud to announce that she had one daughter already engaged.
"I think they might need your assistance, Mrs Bennet. A mother's advice would always be useful in such affairs. Why do you not help them while I have a conversation with Miss Elizabeth?" the lady strongly suggested. Mrs Bennet quickly abided, assuming that the lady was here to become acquainted with the woman who would soon be attached to her nephew, Mr Darcy.
"I have heard about you, Miss Elizabeth," the lady said.
"Mr Collins must have spoken to you about our family. Our cousin is to marry my sister Mary," Elizabeth replied.
"Yes, he has given me a thorough account of your family members. More than I would care to know," here she paused before continuing, "I received a report that you and my own nephew, Mr Darcy, are soon to be united in matrimony. Is there any truth to this news, Miss Elizabeth?"
"I… I cannot say, my lady," Elizabeth was unsure how to answer the question.
"It is simple question that can be answered by either a yes or a no," the lady insisted.
"Mr Darcy and I are… friends. But… I cannot foretell what could happen in the future," Elizabeth tried to choose her words carefully.
"Friends, you say? Tell me, has he asked to court you?" the lady pressed.
"No, my lady," Elizabeth admitted.
"Good. That is just what I expected to hear. You shall remain friends, and only friends. Can you promise me that?"
"I am afraid I cannot, my lady."
"Do you aspire to become more than his friend then? His betrothed? His wife? That cannot be! It is impossible! Mr Darcy has long been promised to my daughter Anne," the lady asserted.
"My lady, with all due respect, your nephew has declared that he is not engaged to anyone," Elizabeth said.
"Their engagement is of a peculiar kind. His late mother and I have planned this match since their infancy. Mr Darcy dearly loves his mother and would not want to disappoint her. You shall not be the one to break this promise," the lady firmly stated.
"My lady, I think that, ultimately, it is Mr Darcy's choice. I trust that your nephew will be able to form his own decisions on what would constitute his happiness," Elizabeth replied.
"And do you consider yourself to have a significant part in his future felicity?
"As I said, I cannot say. For now, we are friends," Elizabeth repeated.
"You are such an obstinate, headstrong girl! Why do you not answer my questions directly? Listen to me -- you have to cease any desire to further your relationship with my nephew! You are entirely the wrong woman for him!" the lady raised her voice and her cane towards Elizabeth. Fortunately, Elizabeth was alert and agile, and was able to wrestle the cane out of the irate woman's hold without much difficulty.
"I beg your pardon. Mr Darcy is a gentleman, and I am a gentleman's daughter. In that respect, we are equal," Elizabeth said as calmly as she can.
"Give me my cane back, you insolent girl!"
"Lizzy, is something the matter here? I thought I heard someone shouting. Lady Catherine, I do apologise for being remiss in offering you some refreshments. Would you care for some tea and cakes?" Mrs Bennet re-entered the parlour to find out what the commotion was about.
"And here comes your mother! Whose family comes from trade! Your uncles! Do not think I do not know about their professions! Are you relying on employing your arts and allurements to capture a man you do not deserve?" Lady Catherine accused, her eyes flashing in anger.
"How dare you speak to my daughter like that! Lizzy has always acted in the most respectable manner. You may have objections about me and my brothers but leave Lizzy out of this. You have no right to insult her. She has no need to do anything to attract your nephew, for he himself has once declared his intention to offer for her, yet she stopped him from doing so," Mrs Bennet defended her daughter.
"Mamma, please! Say no more," Elizabeth pleaded, afraid her mother might make things worse.
"No, Lizzy! I will not allow anyone to disrespect any of my daughters," Mrs Bennet asserted.
"So you lied to me, Miss Elizabeth. You said my nephew has not asked to court you. Yet your mother said he wanted to make you an offer. But… at least you had the decency to realise you cannot have him and rejected his suit," the lady said.
"I have told you the truth, my lady. I have no wish to discuss this with you any longer. If you want to gain more clarity, I recommend that you speak to your nephew instead," Elizabeth replied, hoping that the unwelcome lady would leave their property soon.
"I agree. You should seek Mr Darcy for his thoughts on the matter. He might be able to enlighten you," Mrs Bennet added, starting to walk Lady Catherine out of the parlour.
"Not so hasty, madam. I am by no means done. I shall not leave until your daughter promises not to enter into any understanding with my nephew!" the lady demanded.
"I make no promise of the kind. You may think that you have the right to know about your nephew's concerns, but you are not entitled to know mine," Elizabeth answered with finality in her voice, continuing to move towards the door of the house.
"You heard Lizzy. Now you can be on your way. Have a good day, my lady," Mrs Bennet bid her farewell, and opened the door.
The incensed lady stepped out then turned back around almost immediately, as she wanted to have the last word. She was not about to let a couple of ill-bred lowly women from the country outwit her.
"I shall know how to act! I will speak to my nephew --"
"Of course, you will. Good day, my lady," said Elizabeth with a sweet smile. "Oh, and before I forget, here is your cane. I must say, it is quite sturdy."
"We thank you very much for the call. You have bestowed upon us such an incredible honour," added Mrs Bennet, before they swiftly shut the door together.
Mother and daughter looked at each other with wide eyes, astonished at what just happened. Just moments later, they were startled when they heard forceful knocks on the door, and they both hastily pushed their weight against it.
"Miss Elizabeth! Mrs Bennet! Open the door this instant!" cried the lady.
The pair nervously waited for the loud raps and calls to stop. They felt the door rattle a little and soon they heard the sound of something ripping. When at last they heard the lady's continued grumbles fading into the distance, followed by the sound of the carriage moving off, they released sighs of relief and held each other in a tight embrace.
"Are you well, Lizzy?" Mrs Bennet asked her daughter, gently stroking her back.
"Yes, mamma," Elizabeth whispered.
"Truly? Did she hurt you? Let me look at you," her mother said as they pulled apart.
"I am well, mamma. You can stop worrying now," Elizabeth reassured her.
"I am glad. Who knew Mr Darcy has relations who display such crass and undignified behaviour? And for a titled lady! She is nothing like the countess and Miss Darcy, to be sure!" Mrs Bennet declared.
"Do you think Mr Darcy would be angry at how we treated her aunt?" Elizabeth asked anxiously.
"Mr Darcy is a good man, Lizzy. I think he really loves you. Have faith in him. If anything, he should be angry with his aunt for the way she spoke to you," Mrs Bennet explained.
Elizabeth could only nod, unsure of what Mr Darcy would think of their unpleasant encounter with Lady Catherine. She imagined that his aunt would rant and rage about her being an insolent, obstinate, and headstrong girl who was unworthy of being the future Mrs Darcy.
Noticing something bright out of the corner of her eye, she turned to discover what it was. She went over to the door and proceeded to open it. A piece of cloth fell to the floor and she gasped when she recognised where it had come from.
"Mamma! I think Lady Catherine has more reason to be displeased with me," she said as she held up the torn fabric from the lady's expensive dress.
"Well, we can always offer to mend it for her at no cost. Perhaps Lydia's skills at sewing would prove to be adequate," Mrs Bennet replied with a smirk.
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Mystylight: Your guess was right! Well done! Lady Cat is here, but hopefully not for very long.
Sorry it is not a longer chapter. I have numerous scenarios in mind as to what could happen next and I cannot decide on which one to choose. Hopefully it will become clearer in the next few days. Guesses or suggestions are welcome (to confuse me more).
Thank you to the replies to my last question. I have only watched the 1995 and 2005 PnP adaptations and have to find time to watch others.
Next one:
What do you think Darcy and Lizzy will argue about first (or the most) after they become a couple? They are strong, passionate, opinionated people so they are bound to clash now and then.
Maybe Lizzy walking alone in Pemberley's grounds would irritate Darcy. I think he would be protective of her. Or maybe they have a jealous streak hidden somewhere. ;-)