Page 121 of Colour My World
Did he just click his heels?
Lady Catherine, her walking stick set before her like a sceptre, presided over the room from the centre chair. Lace cuffs covered her ringed fingers. Mr Collins stood stiff as a church pillar to her left; she had sat Anne to her right.
Darcy bowed—a measured, deliberate gesture. He would play her game. “You have done wonders with this room in short order, Your Ladyship.”
Mrs Jenkinson adjusted his cousin’s shawl. Anne undid her efforts with theatrical indifference. Mr Collins’s head bobbed left, then right.
Lady Catherine eyes narrowed. “I have made inquiries, Fitzwilliam.”
So, you claim.“Ma’am?”
“Oh, do not insult my intelligence! Your improper attentions towards that Bennet girl are no secret to me. I have gathered all that is necessary and can assure you, beyond question, that she is beneath your notice.”
Darcy tilted his head. “And how did you come to this certainty?”
“I have it on the very best authority—Mr Collins, for one.”
The entire room turned to him. He blanched. “Your Ladyship, I—that is to say—”
Lady Catherine waved a hand. “Furthermore, I have spoken with the milliner—”
“You conducted an inquisition upon a hatmaker?”
“She was most forthcoming.”
“A formidable judge of character, no doubt.”
“As well as the butler at Lucas Lodge and the apothecary, who swears your Miss Bennet sees visions—”
“Good heavens,” Darcy replied.
“Most damning of all, I have learned of your mortifying conduct at the Meryton Assembly.”
Darcy went still.
Her eyes gleamed. “You saw her, and you ran.”
Mr Collins let out a strangled gasp.
“The entire town speaks of it. They say you took one look at her unnatural eyes and fled like a man beset by devils.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened. “A miscalculation, madam. Would you have preferred I stood and gaped like a village dullard?”
Lady Catherine sat back, lips edged with satisfaction. “You have proven my point. Even you, the epitome of propriety, were repulsed. And now, you mean to tell me you find her suitable? Nephew, you must come to your senses.”
Darcy straightened. He looked down his nose at her. “I left because I was unprepared.”
Lady Catherine scoffed. “An excuse.”
“The truth.”
She lifted her chin. “And then there is the family. Chaotic, ill-mannered, entirely unregulated! No governess to be had. Five daughters out. The eldest yet unmarried. And your Miss Elizabeth—”
“Is none of the things you describe.”
Lady Catherine’s mouth thinned.
Anne sipped her tea loudly, intentionally.
