Sir William’s affirmations were that Lady Catherine had appeared entirely taken in by her imagination, and was most bitterly deceived. Anne’s thorough knowledge of the conceit of her mother yielded an idea: after a suitable delay of a few days, Sir William was to write to Lady Catherine, apologising unreservedly for the misunderstanding, and assuring her that his own lack of confidence had been at fault; he had not dreamt that Lady Catherine could entertain any idea of preferring himself. Sir William had accordingly settled upon her daughter as a way to connect himself with the family he so admired. Her revelation that she had viewed him in other than the inferior status of suitor to her daughter had been shocking in the extreme. He humbly apologised that his distress and embarrassment had rendered himself unable to respond as he ought. His confusion and her immediate request that he leave her had forced him to withdraw in a most disgraceful way, namely, by confirming at that moment, that Lady Catherine’s affections were not his object; his mind had since been a torment of regret and fear that he might lose any chance for the affections of the woman he esteemed and respected above all others. The blunder which had occasioned his foolish and clumsy behaviour was contemptible, and should, in any mortal heart, render him unfit as a friend. Yet he sought a release from his misery by begging her forgiveness, with the hope only that they might go on forever as they had prior to his inadvertent, wretched mistake.

Sir William listened to her scheme and readily acknowledged that her mother’s high opinion of herself would likely encourage her to accept such an explanation, but he could not agree its necessity, for the thought of indefinitely postponing his marriage to Miss de Bourgh was not conducive to his plans for her fortune.

“Anne, do you wish to punish both of us? What good can come of delay? Will denying our own happiness make Lady Catherine’s feelings more apt to diminish? We will be lost to one another entirely, as your mother will undoubtedly increase her efforts to secure your marriage elsewhere.”

“Sir William,” she smiled, “for now, you need only to renew your place in my mother’s affections, and divine a way to remain there. Is that in your power? Will you try—for my sake?” She took his hands and said, “At a propitious moment, we will secure her blessing.”

Sir William had no alternative but to assure Anne that he placed himself entirely in her capable hands, and home he went, under strict orders to remain within doors for several days so as to avoid any early meeting with Lady Catherine. That would give him sufficient time, Anne reminded him, to compose his letter.