Jane and Lizzie were sitting over their embroidery in the sitting room after breakfast when Kitty ran in.
"You would not believe, there is such a carriage that just drew up. It must be someone terribly important."
Elizabeth raced to the window. She recognized the carriage, and the lady descending from it. Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Clad in black. She dropped her embroidery on the table and grasped Jane's hand.
"It is Lady de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy's aunt," she said. "She can be here for no good reason. Please stay with me, for I do not think that I can face her alone."
"Of course, Lizzie," Jane just had time to say, before the lady was announced.
Lady de Bourgh swept into the room, eyeing the sisters disdainfully. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet," she said, "I believe you know why I am here."
Elizabeth drew breath and straightened.
"Yes, I thank you. It is no small distance for a condolence call, but for relations such as we, what is 50 miles of good road?"
Lady de Bourgh started to answer, stopped and drew herself up haughtily.
"A condolence call? To you? What right have you to be in mourning for my nephew's death?"
"Were you not informed? I believe that the Times published an announcement just this morning."
"There are all manner of rumors about, but I believe you have no such claim to the name of Darcy, foolish girl. I have called upon you to order you to stop your pretensions to his name. You can be sure that his death will be investigated to the fullest, and I would advise you, for the sake of your family, to cease any practices that might lead to the necessity for unpleasant action against you."
"Lady de Bourgh, I can show you the marriage license and certificate issued by the vicar of the parish of St. Peter Port. And I can call upon the testimony of Captain Newbury, who was witness to our marriage, and who was present at Mr. Darcy's death. I believe his ship, the Spaniel, is based in Portsmouth."
"Obstinate girl! Have sense, what claim can you have to a name so ancient in history and honor? With some far-off ceremony and a sailor's say-so? Unbelievable gall!"
Elizabeth's eye wandered toward the door, where James was attempting to draw her attention.
"Mr. Darcy, ma'am," he announced.
"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth cried.
"Mrs. Darcy," he greeted her.
Lady Catherine stared, pale and incredulous as her nephew strode over to his wife and took her hands. He looked deep into her eyes.
"My deepest apologies for alarming you, Mrs. Darcy. I hope that my delay was not too inconvenient for you."
Elizabeth knew not what to say, and Darcy turned to Jane, who was close by her sister's side.
"Miss Bennet, might I have the pleasure of greeting you as a brother?"
Jane gave her his hand and murmured her greetings. Darcy then turned to his aunt.
"Lady Catherine, I thank you for coming to call on my bride, even, as you see, it will happily be a call of congratulations rather than condolence."
For once, Lady Catherine was at a loss for words. Darcy turned back to his wife.
"Mrs. Darcy, might I have the honor of being presented to your mother and father? I feel it is long overdue that I do them a son's respect."
Elizabeth blinked hard, decided firmly not to faint and took his proffered arm. "Of course, Mr. Darcy. Lady Catherine, you will excuse us." The newlyweds quit the room, followed by Jane.
Lady Catherine sat abruptly, her world spinning about her.
The news of Lady Catherine and Darcy's arrival had drawn the family from their morning's pursuits, and they stood together in the entry way, silently watching the Darcys approach.
"Mama, Papa, my husband, Mr. Darcy."
Bows and curtsies were exchanged and Mrs. Bennet spoke.
"Mr. Darcy, it is so good to see you alive and well. I am so glad Lizzie was mistaken, you have no idea of the grief we all felt at the news of your death. And I am so glad you have married our Lizzie. I am sure you will make her the happiest woman ever."
Darcy gravely thanked her, then turned to Mr. Bennet.
"Mr. Bennet, I believe that we should speak privily." Mr. Bennet concurred and the two retired to his study. Darcy pressed Elizabeth's hand as he left, and she felt a great stirring within her. The ladies and Mr. Gardiner retired to the sitting room, where they watched Lady Catherine quit the house and return to her carriage without a word to the family.
"I daresay she is a fine looking woman," Mrs. Bennet ventured. "It was so good of her to make such a drive for a condolence call. And for her to have the happy news that Mr. Darcy is alive, fortune indeed smiled on her."
Elizabeth repressed a grim smile, looking at Jane.
Mrs. Bennet chattered happily about the new Mrs. Darcy's prospects and the joy and wealth it would bring to their family, unfettered now by early widowhood. Elizabeth sought to occupy herself once again with her embroidery, but could not keep her mind from what must be transacting in her father's study.