Chapter 3: An important lady.
One day when Mary was reading in her room upstairs, she heard the wheels of a carriage. She glanced at it when it stopped in front of the house. Obviously it belongs to someone who was very rich and took care to show it very obviously. Before even knowing him or her, Mary was wary of this stranger. She detested ostentatious display. Then a lady exited the carriage and entered the house. A few minutes she was back followed by Elizabeth and disappeared in the copse at the end of the house. A few minutes later she was back trailing behind Elizabeth. Mary could see by her quick step that Elizabeth was angry. She opened the window to hear what was said. She knew it was most rude to intrude into a private conversation but she wanted what this lady could say to upset her sister so. She caught these words:
``You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?''
"Lady Catherine, I have nothing farther to say. You know my sentiments.''
Mary was stunned. So this was Lady Catherine de Bourgh, my Cousin Collins' patroness and Mr. Darcy's aunt!
The exchange continued for a few moments with Lady Catherine yelling insults about their family and social position. What can she mean to shout like this? Everyone could hear her. What right does she have to insult my sister? Mary thought angrily. But Elizabeth remained cool and polite and never lowered herself to insult Lady Catherine back.
Finally the great lady took her leave saying she would do anything to regulate Elizabeth's "ambition". Her sister watched the carriage go away, then went into the house. After this, Mary went downstairs. Lizzy was watching outside the window apparently in deep thought. No doubt wondering what Mr. Darcy's reaction would be.