Page 44

Mr. Darcy had risen early to complete his remaining obligations at Rosings.

He had already met with the steward to discuss necessary summer repairs and the timetable for planting and harvest. Only two letters remained: one to Lady Catherine's solicitor, the other to the town magistrate—both requiring detailed accounts of tenant disputes and proposed solutions.

He was wholly immersed in this final task when an unwelcome interruption arrived.

"Anne?" he asked, startled and visibly irritated as she entered the study unannounced.

"What are you doing here?" "I do not understand why you ask.

You know very well why I am here," Anne replied, entering the room with a small embroidery in her hands.

"My mother is in one of her tempers over your imminent departure.

She insists I must make the most of every moment while you are still here.

But you need not worry—I asked Mrs. Jenkinson to wait outside the study in case my mother tries to create one of her scenes.

" She took a seat gracefully in the corner, positioning herself near a window, and resumed stitching a handkerchief.

"You may continue your work," she said lightly.

"I shall remain silent." Mr. Darcy narrowed his eyes at her but said nothing.

He did not appreciate her presumptuousness, yet he pitied her all the same.

Lady Catherine's constant pressure must weigh heavily on her, and he had no wish to argue.

He turned back to his writing and tried to forget she was there.

For several quiet minutes, the only sound in the room was the scratching of his pen and the occasional tap of Anne's needle.

She watched him carefully, calculating when and how to begin.

She knew this had to appear casual—her cousin must not suspect she had come with any intention but conversation.

"I imagine Georgiana will miss Miss Bennet very much," Anne said suddenly, as if speaking more to herself than to him.

"She will not be easily replaced, you know.

So few young women possess her grace and determination.

I must admit, I admire how she remains unbothered by my mother's rudeness.

" Mr. Darcy did not look up. "I beg your pardon?

" "I am sorry—I did not mean to disturb you," Anne replied sweetly.

"Forget I spoke." "No. I would prefer you explain yourself.

" "I really should not—" "Anne," he said with a touch of impatience, "you have already interrupted me.

Speak plainly." "Well, I assumed you already knew," she said with a shrug, her tone carefully light.

"I overheard Miss Bennet telling Mrs. Collins that she plans to live with her sister.

" "I have heard similar rumours," Mr. Darcy replied stiffly.

"Apparently, she has told everyone—everyone but me.

" "But it is only natural," Anne continued.

"Miss Bennet's sister is married now and wishes for her dear sister to live nearby.

I believe it is Miss Jane Bennet who has secured a home.

" Mr. Darcy turned to her, frowning. "Is Miss Jane Bennet married?

" "Yes," Anne said, lowering her eyes to hide her satisfaction.

"And from what I gather, she is very keen for her sister to marry as well.

Her new husband has many wealthy and important acquaintances.

I imagine Elizabeth will have no difficulty attracting suitors.

After all, how often does one encounter such beauty and spirit in one person?

" Darcy stood abruptly and crossed the room to pour himself a glass of water.

He did not reply at once but remained at the window, staring out at the garden as he tried to absorb what he had just learned.

Anne glanced at him with quiet amusement.

'Perfect!'she thought. "I assume Jane Bennet's husband is a wealthy tradesman," Mr. Darcy said finally, more to himself than to his cousin.

"Perhaps someone connected to her uncle in Cheapside.

Or that wealthy widow she once worked for.

" "Quite likely. And I am sure her brother-in-law will take it upon himself to introduce Elizabeth to his circle.

My mother always says successful merchants often seek wives from respectable families—they believe it will elevate their standing.

" Mr. Darcy's expression darkened as her words sank in.

"I do hope it all works out for her," Anne continued, feigning sympathy.

"After all, once her father passed, she left everything.

If she marries well—at least financially—she might secure a safe and comfortable life.

That fool Collins is, unfortunately, her family's heir.

" "If she marries a tradesman, she will not regain her status," Mr. Darcy said quietly, still facing the window.

"Perhaps not her status as a gentleman's daughter, but comfort and stability may matter more to her now.

I like her very much, and I would like to stay in touch with her.

I want to know everything about her life once she is settled.

I would so enjoy hearing about the balls she attends, the admirers she collects…

Mrs. Jenkinson tells me that some merchants are wealthier than many gentlemen.

And her sister will no doubt buy her lovely gowns—imagine her walking through London in silks and lace…

" She prattled on with calculated cheer as Mr. Darcy remained silent.

He had stopped listening. Her words rang in his ears, each one inflaming his already roiling mind.

'She would leave without a word. She would be admired, courted—married…

and not by me.' Anne, still smiling, resumed her embroidery.

She had said exactly what she needed to say and planned to remain quiet, giving her cousin time to consider his next move.

Suddenly, Mr. Darcy caught sight of Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth walking together in the garden.

His sister appeared quite animated, speaking with evident enthusiasm, while Elizabeth listened attentively.

Yet, despite her attentiveness, Mr. Darcy discerned a certain melancholy in her countenance, a shadow in her eyes that suggested she had not slept well—that something weighed heavily on her mind.

He had studied her expressions so intently and for so long that he believed himself capable of reading every nuance upon her lovely face.

'Could it be your future that troubles you, my dear Elizabeth?

'he wondered silently.'I must do something—anything—to ensure that you are never again separated from us.

' Meanwhile, Anne observed the scene with quiet satisfaction.

Her plan was progressing precisely as she had hoped, and if fortune continued to favour her, she would soon secure her long-desired freedom.

She had noticed that Elizabeth seemed far from fond of her cousin.

Still, Anne felt confident that a woman in such uncertain circumstances would hardly dare to reject a gentleman of Mr. Darcy's consequence.

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Louisa and Caroline were already waiting at the foot of the stairs when Mr. Bingley appeared, impeccably dressed and wearing a serene smile neither of his sisters had seen in days.

Caroline raised an eyebrow, surprised by the change in her brother's demeanour.

"You look well, Charles," she said, linking her arm with his as they walked to the carriage.

"Thank you, Caroline. I must confess that I am in very good spirits today," he replied, unable to hide the excitement in his voice.

"Any particular reason?" Louisa asked, exchanging a glance with her sister.

"Nothing definite yet," Charles answered with a soft laugh, "but I believe the future holds something promising—and I plan to do everything in my power to ensure it does.

" Caroline gave her brother a suspicious look but decided not to press further.

She was far more interested in the evening ahead and the influential guests she hoped to charm.

Once inside the carriage, she resumed talking about the guest list and the importance of making a favourable impression on the Countess and the Baroness.

Mr. Bingley, meanwhile, looked out the window, half-listening to his sister's chatter, while his thoughts drifted far from the Browns' gathering—to a modest house, perhaps in Cheapside, where he hoped to find the woman who had captured his heart.

'Tomorrow,' he thought, gripping his gloves a little tighter,'tomorrow I will begin again.

And this time, I shall not let fear—or anyone else's opinion—stand in my way. '

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