Chapter Ten
The next day Lady De Bourgh arrived at the Bennets at noon. Much to Elizabeth’s surprise, no sooner had the lady set foot in the house than she demanded that she be granted an audience alone with Elizabeth.
“Now be respectful,” her mother hissed. “She may be inclined to advance your prospects, so none of your usual disdain for such matters.”
Elizabeth turned away from her mother, even more resolved that “such matters” were entirely her own concern and no business of anyone else.
“Now, my dear,” said Lady De Bourgh when Elizabeth entered the room, “I must speak to you on a matter of importance. You have the acquaintance, I believe, of my nephew Mr Darcy.”
“Yes, madam,” said Elizabeth coolly. She had taken an instant dislike to Lady De Bourgh’s condescension when she had fir
