Page 23 of A Forced Marriage
“Lady Catherine de Bourgh,” Mr. Collins said with a nervous smile as Mr. Bennet looked from his face to the woman standing in their drawing room. “My cousin, Mr. Bennet,” he added, gesturing toward Mr. Bennet as if seeking to smooth over the tension.
Lady Catherine merely tipped her head slightly in acknowledgment.
“Lady Catherine, I see you have graced us with your presence. To what do we owe this honour?” Mr. Bennet inquired; his tone polite but edged with curiosity.
Lady Catherine turned to Mr. Bennet with an air of superiority. “Mr. Bennet, surely you are a reasonable man. I am prepared to offer your daughter a generous sum to end this engagement. It would be in the best interest of your family.”
Mr. Bennet, his tone polite but firm, replied, “Lady Catherine, while I appreciate your offer, I must decline. You see, my daughter’s honour is not something to be bartered for. Unless Mr. Darcy himself cancels the proposal, we have no further conversation to entertain.”
“You insult me, sir!” Lady Catherine saif, her eyes blazing with fury.
“Not at all, Lady Catherine,” Mr. Bennet said with a slight bow. “I simply respect my daughter’s right to make her own decisions and I would expect a woman of your standard to do same for your nephew.”
Lady Catherine turned on her heel, her voice sharp as she addressed Mr. Collins. “How could you have let this happen, Mr. Collins? I expected better judgment from you.”
Mr. Collins, now thoroughly abashed, stammered, “I—I did not foresee this outcome, Lady Catherine. I had hoped to propose to my cousin Elizabeth, but...”
Lady Catherine cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Enough! I shall take this matter up with my nephew. This is not over.”
With that, she turned on her heel, her skirts rustling as she walked away. As she reached the door, she cast a disdainful glance around the modest drawing room once more, her nose wrinkling as if she had caught a whiff of something unpleasant. “It is a wonder how anyone could live in such a condition and yet carry themselves with airs far above their station.”
Mr. Bennet, with a raised brow and a smile playing at the corners of his lips, couldn’t resist a final retort. “Indeed, Lady Catherine, it is equally astonishing how some people can be so grand and yet possess so little civility.”
Elizabeth bit her lip to stifle a smile, her eyes filled with gratitude as she looked at her father. On the other hand, Mr. Collins's countenance was a study in fear and dismay as he hastened to follow Lady Catherine, his steps unsteady on the polished floor. In his eagerness to appease her, he nearly lost his footing, all the while bowing with obsequious fervor and murmuring apologies, his voice quavering as he sought to reassure her of his continued and unshakeable devotion.
****
The sound of carriage wheels crunching over the gravel drive heralded the arrival of Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Netherfield. Alighting from her equipage with Mr. Collins, who cowered obediently at her side, she approached the grand entrance with an air of authority that seemed to chill the atmosphere. The occupants of the drawing room—Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, MissBingley, Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Hurst—rose as one, their surprises clearly written on their face
"Lady Catherine," Darcy began, his voice betraying a note of surprise, "to what do we owe the unexpected pleasure? You have arrived without sending word."
Darcy's eyes flicked to Mr. Collins, a knowing glance passing between them, for it was evident who had sent word to Lady Catherine. Lady Catherine, however, responded with a tone that brooked no argument. "I traveled with scarcely a pause over the past two days to reach Meryton this morning. There was no time to send word, as the matter demanded immediate attention." Her gaze fixed on Darcy with a piercing intensity. "I have come to inquire about the rumours I have heard, rumours that you intend to marry this... Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
Darcy’s expression tightened, though he maintained an outward calm. "I had hoped to handle this matter with discretion, Lady Catherine. However, since you are now aware, I can confirm that these are not mere rumours, but indeed my true intentions."
"Discretion?" Lady Catherine retorted, her voice sharp with disbelief. "I have already made my sentiments known to that lowly family. They are under the delusion that such a match could ever be possible. What damage have you wrought by indulging in this folly?"
“What have you done, Aunt?” Darcy quizzed, his eyes bewildered.
"A marriage forced merely for the sake of securing a comfortable situation—an opportunity that the little Miss Elizabeth may have orchestrated or, at the very least, seized upon to trap you. Surely you see the possibility of such from a lady of low connections and no sizable fortune.” Lady Catherine pressed.
Darcy's voice was firm as he replied, “I assure you, Miss Bennet did nothing of the sort. Fate had its plans, and it appears that my path and Elizabeth’s are destined to converge.”"
"I have tried to reason with Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine, but he refuses to see the folly in this. It is most unfortunate." Miss Bingley interjected before Darcy could respond, her voice dripping with false concern.
Lady Catherine turned her disapproving gaze to Bingley. "This is your doing, Mr. Bingley. If you had not dragged Darcy to this insignificant corner of the world, he would not be in this predicament."
"Enough, Lady Catherine," Darcy interjected, his voice firm as his patience waned. "I am entirely capable of making my own decisions and bearing the consequences that accompany them. If you cannot respect my intentions, then perhaps it is best that we do not continue this conversation."
Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed. "But you were promised to Anne. Your late mother and I agreed upon it. Do you forget your duty?"
Miss Bingley, though clearly discomfited by this revelation, maintained a carefully composed expression, her displeasure hidden beneath a veneer of restrain.
"I made no such promises, Lady Catherine. You have often spoken of this arrangement, but I do not recall my mother ever telling me of any such betrothal to Anne. Anne herself is content with our relationship as it is and at peace with us being brother and sister. I see no reason to force a connection that neither of us desires."
"But it is your duty! You must see reason, Darcy. Mr. Collins, surely you understand the wisdom of this." Lady Catherine said, her frustration growing palpable.
Mr. Collins nodded vigorously, "Indeed, Mr. Darcy, Lady Catherine speaks with the voice of experience and wisdom. It would be prudent to consider her counsel."
