Page 22 of A Forced Marriage
Elizabeth sighed, taking back the letter and folding it carefully. “I am not certain what to think, Jane. He offers his apologies, and yet...”
“And yet?” Jane prompted gently.
“And yet, I cannot help but wonder if his regret is genuine or merely a matter of duty. He speaks of protecting my honour, of doing what is right, but what of his earlier insults? Can I trust that his remorse is as sincere as he claims?”
Jane placed a comforting hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Perhaps time will reveal his true character, Lizzy. But I believe he is trying to make amends. That must count for something.”
Elizabeth nodded, though her heart was not entirely convinced. She wished to confide in Jane about Mr. Wickham's tales of Mr. Darcy, but her father's words urging her to reconsider Mr. Wickham’s motives held her back. Instead, she said, “He mentions that Sir. William has written to the Archbishop for a special license. It seems the marriage is to happen soon.”
Jane’s eyes widened slightly. “So soon, Lizzy? But surely, you must have some reservations? Do you truly wishto proceed with this?” Though Jane's gentle voice carried the inquiry, her eyes betrayed her understanding that Elizabeth was bound by duty and had little choice in the matter.
“I must,” Elizabeth replied, her voice steady but tinged with resignation. “For the sake of our family, and to preserve what little honour remains to me. There is no other choice.”
While they spoke, a knock sounded at the door. Mrs. Bennet entered, her expression one of eager excitement.
“Lizzy, my dear, you have a visitor. Lady Catherine de Bourgh has come to call! She seems to have travelled all nights as she heard the news. No doubt, she is here to see the lady that has captured her nephew.”
Lady Catherine de Bourgh?Elizabeth's heart sank. She exchanged a troubled glance with Jane, neither of their expressions offering much reassurance. Elizabeth could only surmise what this visit might portend, and Mr. Collins' earlier descriptions of Lady Catherine did little to inspire confidence. How could she have learned of the arrangement so quickly? Surely, Mr. Darcy had not written to her. Elizabeth doubted it, for not once had he mentioned his aunt in all the times she had heard him speak, unlike Mr. Collins, who exalted her at every possible opportunity.
“Very well, Mama. I shall go down at once.”
As they descended the stairs, Elizabeth could not suppress the sense of foreboding that settled over her. Lady Catherine de Bourgh was waiting in the drawing room, her imposing figure draped in rich fabrics that confirmed her wealth and status. She wore an elaborate gown of deep burgundy silk, adorned with intricate embroidery and pearls. Her sharp eyes, framed by a face that bore the marks of both age and authority, surveyed the room with a haughty air.
Mr. Collins hovered nearby, practically bowing at every word that fell from Lady Catherine’s lips. When Elizabethentered, he immediately scurried forward, his voice a mixture of obsequiousness and self-importance.
“Ah, Cousin Elizabeth, Lady Catherine has most graciously come to offer her counsel. I had written to inform her of the situation and sent the letter by express four days ago, and she has taken it upon herself to address the matter with all due urgency.”
Lady Catherine's lips pursed in disapproval as she looked down at Elizabeth, her raised eyebrows and narrowed eyes revealing a blend of disdain and imperiousness. “So, you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I must say, I had expected someone of a more... refined appearance.”
Elizabeth, striving to maintain her composure, offered a respectful curtsy. “Lady Catherine, I am honoured by your visit.”
“Indeed,” Lady Catherine replied, her tone dripping with disdain. “I have come to speak with you about this... engagement to my nephew. I am told that you have somehow contrived to ensnare him into a marriage that is entirely unsuitable.”
Elizabeth felt her shoulders stiffen and her jaw tighten at the unjust accusation, but before she could muster a reply, Mrs. Bennet, who was lingering anxiously nearby, stepped forward with haste.
"Lady Catherine, I assure you, there has been no such contrivance. Mr. Darcy’s proposal was entirely his own decision, made out of a sense of honour when faced with the circumstances as they truly are."
Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at Mrs. Bennet. “Honor? Nonsense! My nephew has been betrothed to my daughter, Anne, since they were children. This marriage you seek to force upon him is a disgrace!”
Elizabeth’s temper flared at the insult, but she held her tongue, unwilling to further provoke the lady.
Lady Catherine continued, her voice sharp. “I am willing to offer you a substantial sum in compensation if you will release my nephew from this absurd engagement and leave him be. Consider it a fair exchange for your... inconvenience.”
Elizabeth met Lady Catherine’s gaze with steady resolve. “I must ask, Lady Catherine, does Mr. Darcy know of your visit?”
“He does not, but that is of no consequence. I am acting in his best interest, as I always have.”
Elizabeth’s eyes flashed with defiance. “It seems to me that pride is a common trait among your family, Lady Catherine. You accuse me of ensnaring Mr. Darcy, yet it is you who seek to control his every move.”
Lady Catherine’s expression darkened. “You are an impertinent young woman! How dare you speak to me in such a manner?”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Mr. Collins interjected with a horrified gasp, “Cousin Elizabeth! You must not address Lady Catherine with such disrespect. It is most unbecoming.”
“What kind of uncultured cousin do you have, Mr. Collins? I am highly disappointed in her breeding. Mrs. Bennet, it is clear you have not raised your daughter with the proper decorum befitting a young lady.” Lady Catherine said, turning her disapproving gaze upon Mr. Collins first, then Mrs. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet, flustered and wringing her hands, stammered, "I assure you, Lady Catherine, I have done my best. And while I acknowledge that Lizzy have always been a headstrong girl, you insult us with your words."
The argument ceased momentarily as the door opened, and Mr. Bennet entered, having just returned from his visit to Sir William. He surveyed the scene with a raised eyebrow.
