P&P The Untold Stories: Lady Catherine Sends Regrets

Lady Catherine has “no words” — or does she?

November 9, 1812

My Very Own Nephew… what have you done?

I have no words.

The shades of Pemberley are darkening as I write this, and my speechlessness at your pointed betrayal of our family is equaled only by my shock. And after our recent conversation, too! We discussed this in London, Darcy!! You were standing but two feet in front of me. I know you heard my well-informed opinion of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and my report of her alarming behavior in Hertfordshire. I relayed it to you at length! You were neither asleep nor in some lamentable comatose state, which might have at least justified slightly your having not comprehended the full meaning of our discourse. But there is no excuse. You heard every sentence.

So, what could possibly have induced you to make an offer of marriage to that woman?!! I cannot account for such a frightening lapse in judgment.

I can only conclude that you must have been drugged at the time, perhaps by one of her many relatives. She seems to have an unlimited supply of sisters. Or you were otherwise induced by bribery or by the dark arts. Were some gypsies casting spells while you were dallying about in the wilderness? I am quite certain I saw a clan of them skittering along the side of the road when I visited that little place where she lives. Long…something. Out in the middle of nowhere fashionable. Not a high-class lady or gentleman to be found. Oh, Nephew, I am most seriously displeased.

Such stupidity in a marital choice might not be nearly as damaging to your young friend Bingley, as I have heard reports of his family’s origins and, well, his reputation and place in society are not the equal of yours. But your foolishness in this matter is not to be borne!

Even if I were to overlook the grave insult in your having chosen a wife from amongst the ranks of virtual commoners, how could I possibly look the other way at your insensitive disregard for the dearest wishes of your mother, your cousin Anne and myself? My poor daughter is inconsolable. I know not how to express to you the pain you have willingly caused your nearest relations in the world. And for whom? For an upstart young woman of inferior birth, paltry connections and questionable taste?

It is unfathomable, Darcy.

I dare say, neither Anne nor I will attend such an event as your impending nuptials. I only pray you will have the good sense to call off such a scandalous engagement before it is too late.

Your Aunt,
Lady Catherine de Bourgh

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