One morning,about a week after Bingley's engagement with Jane had been formed,as he and the females of the family were sitting together in the dining-room,their attention was suddenly drawn to the window,by the sound of a carriage;and they perceived a chaise and four driving up the lawn.It was too early in the morning for visitors,and besides,the equipage did not answer to that of any of their neighbours.The horses were post;and neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded it,were familiar to them. As it was certain,however,that somebody was coming,Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss Bennet to avoid the confinement of such an intrusion,and walk away with him into the shrubbery.They both set off,and the conjectures of the remaining three continued, though with little satisfaction,till the door was thrown open and their visitor entered.It was Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
“How could I ever think her like her nephew?”said she,as she looked in her face.
“Miss Bennet,”replied her ladyship, in an angry tone,“you ought to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in a cause of such moment as this,I shall certainly not depart from it.A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago.I was told that not only your sister was on the point of being most advantageously married,but that you,that Miss Elizabeth Bennet,would,in all likelihood,be soon afterwards united to my nephew,my own nephew,Mr.Darcy.Though I know it must be a scandalous falsehood,though I would not injure him so much as to suppose the truth of it possible,I instantly resolved on setting off for this place,that I might make my sentiments known to you.”