A/N: I changed it so Colonel Fitzwilliam is not there on Easter since I couldn't think of anything he would say in mixed company and, unlike Darcy, he wouldn't be silent.
After the meal, the ladies and gentlemen separated. It seemed that Lady Catherine had determined to evaluate Jane at this time while Mr. Collins, with his often-repeated opinions, was in the other room. This had the added benefit of being able to interview the daughters away from their father's presumed protection. Her plan must have been formulated based on her general understanding of paternal responsibility rather than Mr. Bennet himself as it was less certain, even to Elizabeth, whether he would be an encumbrance in such a way.
The interaction was discomfiting and, when viewed in a certain light, inspiring, Elizabeth had to work several times to curtail her instincts to defend or explain themselves, as she watched her sister questioned, worthiness decided by a woman who had heretofore unrelated to herself and her family. Jane answered each of Lady Catherine's questions honestly and with poise and Elizabeth could see at each of these responses the conversation became less and less one of estimating whether or not Jane was fit to be Mr. Collins bride, but rather in what ways Lady Catherine should anticipate benefiting her education and household management once the union was inevitably finalized.
"You do not play the pianoforte, but your voice is sweet enough to be it's own instrument. Take care that you begin learning how to read music" Jane attempted to reply that she did already have that skill, but Lady Catherine continued heedlessly, "and practice as much as you can. Perhaps, before the wedding, you shall have time to practice with one of your sisters to make a duet." The lady did not have any insight into the particulars of the art but considered none to be needed to give her advice. "Indeed, as one of your sisters is here you can begin at once. I enjoy music and small gatherings, so we shall make an evening of it." Here Lady Catherine turned to Elizabeth to inquire if she played and sang, which she affirmed in such a way as to not excite anticipation of anything beyond her decidedly mediocre skill.
While communicating that Jane had met with her approval as an exemplary young lady of her station, Lady Catherine was verbose in detailing her own familial connections both by birth and marriage confident this highlighted her own generosity. Elizabeth had considered Mr. Darcy to be the proudest person she would ever meet, yet she was proved wrong as this made his pride seem altogether reasonable and just, and his interest for his friends Christian charity as opposed to what his aunt displayed which was blatant meddling.
This manner continued as Lady Catherine listed every piece of wisdom regarding managing a household she considered herself to possess, whether or not such topics would be imminently useful. "This nonsense about having no governess! When you have children, you must hire one and set aside dowries for any daughters. Your parents were shortsighted indeed not to have done so! But I shall find a suitable woman for such a position whether you are still residing at Hunsford or in Hertfordshire, I have many such connections not limited to Kent." Jane nor Elizabeth found a response to this. Again, the lady seemed to be content to carry on the semblance of conversation without their aid.
Mr Collins was overflowing with gratitude towards his Patroness when the men rejoined them as she told him Jane had met with her approval. Mr Darcy seemed almost embarrassed by the scene as much as Mr Bennet was openly enjoying the display. Jane did not allow this to disturb her, as she had always been able to take everything and attribute it to the good of others whereas Elizabeth was unable to do so. Their party were not allowed to walk home and that fact was oft repeated.