Page 17 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)

Whatever the reason, the contrast between Anne’s polite tolerance of the marquess and her subtle but definite interest in Lord Joseph revealed dimensions to her character that Elizabeth had only begun to suspect.

Beneath the carefully cultivated invalid, there existed a young woman with preferences and curiosities of her own, glimpses of a personality that had been suppressed but apparently not entirely extinguished by years of maternal domination.

As the morning call continued, with Mrs. Jenkinson growing increasingly transparent in her efforts to promote the marquess while dismissing Lord Joseph, Elizabeth resolved to create more opportunities for Anne to explore these newfound interests, however unconventional they might appear to others.

After all, was not the purpose of this Season to help Anne discover herself, beyond the narrow confines of the future Lady Catherine had prescribed for her?

Elizabeth sat at her dressing table, watching through the mirror as Sarah, her lady’s maid, carefully removed the pins from her hair.

The long day of receiving callers had left her with a slight headache, though whether from the constant conversation or from restraining her amusement at the more absurd moments, she could not quite determine.

Darcy stood by the fireplace, his tall figure silhouetted against the dancing flames, waiting with characteristic patience for the maid to complete her task before they could speak privately about the day’s events.

“Will there be anything else, ma’am?” Sarah asked, brushing out Elizabeth’s dark curls one final time.

“No, thank you, Sarah. That will be all for tonight.”

As the door closed softly behind the maid, Elizabeth rose and moved to join her husband near the fire. Darcy immediately took her hand, pressing it to his lips with a warmth that still sent a flutter through her heart after months of marriage.

“You appear fatigued,” he observed, leading her to the small sofa where they often sat together in the evening. “Was the parade of admirers particularly taxing?”

Elizabeth laughed softly. “Not taxing so much as illuminating. I believe we have learned a great deal about our young ladies’ characters today, as well as those of their suitors.”

“Indeed?” Darcy raised an eyebrow, his expression suggesting he had formed his own opinions on the matter. “And what conclusions have you drawn from this illumination?”

“That Kitty possesses far more social adroitness than we have given her credit for,” Elizabeth replied, settling herself more comfortably against the cushions.

“She rescued Georgiana most skilfully when Mr. Townend became overly critical of her playing. And she managed to keep Viscount Shandly thoroughly entertained without encouraging improper attentions.”

“Hmm,” Darcy’s noncommittal response told Elizabeth he was not entirely convinced. “And what of Shandly’s supposed artistic talents? Those sketches he brought were purchased, I believe. I recognised the style from similar works sold to tourists when I visited Italy a few years ago.”

“Oh, undoubtedly,” Elizabeth agreed with a smile. “Though I found it rather endearing that he went to such lengths to impress Kitty specifically. He carefully chose something that aligned with her expressed interest in art and Italy.”

“A calculated gesture,” Darcy countered, his natural suspicion of fortune hunters clearly extending to the viscount.

“Shandly’s reputation in London is that of a dilettante who adopts whatever passion is currently fashionable.

His interest in your sister is likely as superficial as his artistic pretensions. ”

Elizabeth considered this assessment, acknowledging its probable accuracy while still not entirely dismissing the viscount’s more amiable qualities.

“You may be right,” she conceded. “Though there is a genuine enthusiasm in his manner that suggests he at least enjoys Kitty’s company, which is more than can be said for the Marquess of Byerly and his painfully transparent interest in Anne’s fortune. ”

Darcy’s expression darkened at the mention of the marquess, and blackened further when Elizabeth shared more details of the conversation.

“His behaviour was unconscionable,” he stated flatly.

“To interrogate Anne about Rosings’ income and agriculture without the slightest pretence of interest in her as a person.

.. I should have refused him admittance had I been at home. ”

“He was remarkably unsubtle,” Elizabeth agreed. “Every question so clearly designed to assess the value of the estate rather than Anne’s character or preferences. Even Mrs. Jenkinson, for all her determination to secure a titled match, seemed somewhat taken aback by his mercenary approach.”

“Not sufficiently to discourage his attentions?” Darcy suggested dryly.

“True, she repeatedly steered the conversation back to his ancestral lands whenever Anne showed signs of disinterest,” Elizabeth acknowledged.

“Though her most strenuous efforts were reserved for dismissing poor Lord Joseph and his dreadful poetry.” She could not help but smile at the memory.

“You should have seen him, Fitzwilliam. Standing in the middle of the drawing room, declaiming verses about Anne being a ‘pale lily of the shadowed grove’ with such passion one might have thought he was performing at Drury Lane.”

The corner of Darcy’s mouth twitched slightly.

“I can well imagine it. Lord Joseph’s poetic ambitions are widely known and universally dreaded in certain circles.

I once had the misfortune of sitting beside him at a dinner at Cambridge where he recited an ode to his soup that lasted longer than the course itself. ”

Elizabeth laughed outright at this image. “I believe I would have paid handsomely to witness that performance. But do you know what was most interesting? Anne appeared genuinely engaged by his attention, limited though its literary merit might be.”

“Anne?” Darcy’s expression shifted from amusement to surprise. “Surely not. His poetry is objectively terrible, and his manner absurdly theatrical. Anne has always been the most reserved of creatures.”

“Nevertheless,” Elizabeth insisted, “there was a definite spark of interest when he addressed his verses to her specifically. Not romantic interest, perhaps, but genuine curiosity and something like pleasure at being singled out for attention that had nothing whatsoever to do with Rosings Park or her position as Lady Catherine’s daughter. ”

Darcy considered this observation thoughtfully.

“I suppose it would be a novel experience for her,” he admitted.

“Anne has spent her entire life being valued primarily as my aunt’s daughter and the heiress to Rosings.

Even the most ridiculous poetry, if sincerely offered, might seem refreshing in comparison. ”

“Precisely,” Elizabeth nodded. “And there is something almost admirable in Lord Joseph’s complete indifference to how others perceive his artistic efforts. He lacks talent but not conviction, which makes him somewhat endearing despite his absurdity.”

“You cannot seriously be considering him as a potential match for Anne,” Darcy said, looking mildly alarmed at the possibility.

“Not necessarily,” Elizabeth replied with a smile. “Though I would not dismiss him entirely. At the very least, his attentions seem to bring Anne some pleasure, which is more than can be said for Byerly with all his consequence and pedigree.”

Darcy shook his head, though his expression had softened. “You have a remarkable capacity to find redeeming qualities even in the most unlikely individuals.”

“I prefer to think of it as discernment rather than excessive charity,” Elizabeth countered lightly.

“And what of Mr. Townend?” Darcy questioned. “Your assessment of him?”

“Intelligent, well-connected, financially secure,” Elizabeth enumerated.

“His passion for music might complement Georgiana’s talents, though his manner of expression lacks refinement.

His criticism of her playing was tactless, but appeared to stem from genuine musical knowledge rather than a desire to assert superiority, and he seemed genuinely mortified when he realised he had embarrassed her.

There is an honesty to his enthusiasm that I find rather appealing, even if his social graces require some polishing. ”

“Perhaps,” Darcy conceded, though his expression remained guarded. “Still, it is early days. A gentleman’s true character is not always immediately apparent, as we both know all too well.”

Elizabeth acknowledged this with a slight inclination of her head, recognising the oblique reference to their own complicated history. “Indeed. Which is why we shall continue to observe carefully, offer guidance when appropriate, but allow the girls to form their own impressions.”

“A prudent approach,” Darcy agreed. “Though I confess I find myself increasingly grateful that my own courtship is safely concluded. These young men make me appreciate anew how fortunate I am to have secured the affections of the most discerning woman of my acquaintance.”

“Most discerning?” Elizabeth repeated with a teasing smile. “I seem to recall you once had quite a different opinion of my judgment.”

“An error for which I have been thoroughly and delightfully corrected,” Darcy replied, drawing her closer.

“Now, shall we put aside the subject of suitors for the evening? I find I would much prefer to concentrate on the considerable merits of matrimony rather than the uncertain prospects of courtship.”

Elizabeth laughed softly, leaning into his embrace. “A most sensible suggestion, Mr. Darcy. Though I warn you, I may require additional evidence to support your conclusions.”

“I shall be happy to provide it,” he murmured, and for some time thereafter, the subject of suitors was indeed thoroughly forgotten.