Page 13 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)
Chapter Six
As the company returned to the ballroom for the evening’s final dances, Darcy observed with growing irritation the determined manoeuvres of Mrs. Jenkinson.
Like a naval tactician positioning ships for battle, the companion was systematically steering Anne toward the Marquess of Byerly, her thin face alight with purpose.
The precision of her movements would have been almost admirable had they not been so transparently calculating, each subtle pressure on Anne’s elbow and murmured suggestion designed to place her charge directly in the path of a man whose interest was clearly financial rather than personal.
“Mrs. Jenkinson appears to have decided upon the marquess as a suitable prospect for Anne,” Lord Matlock observed quietly, having rejoined Darcy at his position near one of the ornate columns that bordered the dance floor.
“A decision I suspect is based primarily upon his title rather than any consideration of compatibility or character.”
“She is merely executing Lady Catherine’s wishes,” Darcy replied, unable to keep the disapproval from his voice.
Lord Matlock’s mouth tightened minutely. “Catherine always did place excessive value on rank, even within a family as well-connected as ours. It is a pity she cannot see that Anne might be better served by a husband whose primary attraction is not her fortune.”
Across the room, Mrs. Jenkinson had succeeded in positioning Anne directly in the marquess’s line of sight, and the man was not about to pass up the opportunity offered up so easily to approach the heiress. His expression suggested that he was conferring a great honour by his attention.
“Miss de Bourgh,” the marquess began, “I trust you have enjoyed the evening’s entertainment? Though I imagine such exertions must be taxing for a lady of your delicate constitution.”
Anne’s chin lifted slightly, a gesture reminiscent of her mother yet somehow less imperious. “I am quite well, thank you, my lord. The evening has been most illuminating.”
Something in her tone suggested this illumination might not be entirely flattering to her present companion, but the marquess appeared either oblivious or determinedly impervious to such subtleties.
“Indeed? I am pleased to hear it. I understand from your companion that you rarely venture into society. Rosings Park must provide sufficient diversion to make London’s frivolities seem unnecessary. ”
“Rosings has many charms,” Anne replied with careful neutrality. “Though I find that broadening one’s experiences can be most instructive.”
The marquess seized upon this opening with the enthusiasm of a man who believes he is making significant progress.
“I could not agree more, Miss de Bourgh. A gentlewoman of your discernment naturally appreciates the value of diverse perspectives. I myself have travelled extensively, both on the Continent before the recent unpleasantness and throughout our own fair isle. The ancestral seat of the Byerly family in Northamptonshire commands some of the finest views in England, bordered as it is by ancient woodlands that have belonged to my family since the time of the Plantagenets.”
Darcy suppressed a grimace at this blatant attempt to impress Anne with the antiquity of the Byerly lineage, a transparent counterbalance to the man’s widely known financial difficulties.
The marquess continued in this vein for some minutes, extolling the virtues and historical significance of his estates while carefully avoiding any mention of their current condition or yield.
Anne listened with outward politeness, though Darcy noted that her gaze occasionally drifted toward where Kitty and Georgiana stood conversing with Mr. Townend and a young militia officer.
The marquess, following Anne’s glance, appeared to notice Georgiana properly for the first time since supper.
His assessment became more openly calculating as he observed her animated conversation, his gaze lingering on her elegant figure and expressive features in a way that made Darcy’s protective instincts flare dangerously.
“Your cousin Miss Darcy appears to be enjoying her first Season,” the marquess remarked to Anne, his tone suggesting casual interest though his eyes remained fixed on Georgiana.
“Such a charming young lady, and so clearly the product of excellent breeding. The Darcy lineage has always been distinguished.”
“Georgiana is not only well-bred but also exceedingly accomplished,” Anne replied, a hint of genuine warmth entering her voice. “Her musical talents are quite remarkable, and her disposition is everything that is kind and gentle.”
The marquess nodded, his interest visibly increasing at this positive assessment of Georgiana’s character and, Darcy suspected, the implicit confirmation of her desirability as a potential bride.
“And the other young lady?” he asked, his gaze dismissively skimming over Kitty before returning to Georgiana.
“A connection of Mrs. Darcy’s, I understand? ”
“Miss Catherine Bennet is Mrs. Darcy’s sister,” Anne confirmed, and Darcy was surprised to note a slight stiffening in her posture. “She has been residing with us at Darcy House and has become a dear friend to both Georgiana and myself.”
Byerly made a noncommittal sound that managed to convey both acknowledgment and dismissal, clearly considering Kitty beneath his notice or interest. “How charitable of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy to introduce her to society. I suppose connections must be maintained, though it cannot be easy to establish a girl with such... limited prospects.”
Something in Anne’s expression shifted at this remark, a subtle hardening around her mouth that might have gone unnoticed by a less observant witness.
“Miss Bennet’s prospects are perhaps not as limited as you imagine, my lord.
She possesses natural vivacity and genuine warmth that many find most appealing.
Qualities that, in my observation, often prove more enduring sources of happiness than mere material considerations. ”
The marquess appeared momentarily taken aback by this unexpected defence, particularly coming from the usually reticent Anne. He recovered quickly, offering a smile that did not reach his eyes. “You have a generous heart, Miss de Bourgh. An admirable quality in a lady.”
“A generous heart, and, I hope, accurate judgement,” Anne replied with quiet firmness. “If you will excuse me, my lord, I believe my cousin is signalling for my attention.”
This was a polite fiction, as neither Darcy nor Elizabeth had made any such gesture, but it served its purpose in allowing Anne to withdraw with dignity from a conversation that had clearly become distasteful to her.
The marquess bowed with formal correctness, though his expression suggested he was recalculating his approach in light of Anne’s unexpected display of independence.
As Anne made her way toward them, Darcy noticed with grudging admiration that Mrs. Jenkinson had materialised once more, timing her return to coincide perfectly with the conclusion of the conversation.
The companion cast a questioning glance toward the retreating marquess, her expression betraying disappointment that the interaction had not proceeded more favourably.
“Anne,” Darcy greeted his cousin as she joined them. “You appeared to be having a most instructive conversation with Lord Byerly.”
“Indeed,” Anne replied, a hint of something like irony touching her voice. “Most instructive regarding the gentleman’s character and priorities, if not precisely in the manner he might have hoped.”
Darcy raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this unusually direct commentary from his typically circumspect cousin.
Anne’s gaze was directed across the room, where the marquess had wasted no time in approaching Georgiana directly, positioning himself so that he effectively excluded Mr. Townend from the conversation.
“He is now attempting to determine whether Georgiana’s fortune would be sufficient compensation for her less ancient lineage,” Anne observed with unexpected astuteness. “Having concluded that my health might prove too troublesome despite Rosings.”
“A remarkably perceptive assessment,” Lord Matlock commented, regarding Anne with newfound respect. “Though I suspect my nephew would have strong opinions on such a match regardless of the marquess’s calculations.”
“The strongest possible opinions,” Darcy confirmed grimly. He was prevented from elaborating by the approach of Viscount Shandly, who swept toward them with characteristically dramatic flair, pausing to bow with exaggerated courtesy before addressing them.
“Mr. Darcy, Lord Matlock, Miss de Bourgh,” he exclaimed, as though their encounter was the most delightful surprise imaginable rather than a deliberate manoeuvre in a relatively confined space.
“What a perfectly splendid evening, is it not? Lady Ashburton has outdone herself with the decorations, the music is tolerable if not inspired, and the company...” Here he paused, pressing a hand to his heart. “The company is beyond compare.”
Darcy acknowledged this effusion with a minimal nod, his natural reserve intensified by distaste for such theatrical displays. The viscount, undeterred by this cool reception, continued with undiminished enthusiasm.
“I have just had the pleasure of conversing with Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet,” he informed them, as though bestowing a great favour.
“Such charming young ladies! Miss Darcy’s natural elegance is positively Grecian in its classical perfection, while Miss Bennet possesses the vivacity of a Shakespearean heroine.
Beatrice herself could not be more spirited! ”
“You are very kind, my lord,” Anne responded when it became clear that neither Darcy nor Lord Matlock intended to encourage these florid comparisons. “My cousins are indeed everything that is admirable.”