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

Chapter Two

For a long moment after Lady Catherine’s departure, silence reigned in the drawing room.

Elizabeth exchanged a brief look with her husband, reading in his eyes the same mixture of surprise and concern that she herself felt.

To have Anne and her companion so suddenly thrust upon them was unexpected enough; for Lady Catherine to depart with such abrupt finality was extraordinary.

“Well,” Elizabeth said finally, somehow regathering her composure and turning toward Anne with a smile that she hoped appeared warm, “welcome to Darcy House. I do hope you will feel at home here.”

“I must apologise for my mother,” Anne said suddenly, her voice so soft that Elizabeth had to lean forward slightly to catch the words. “This arrangement was not... I did not expect...” She trailed off, a flush of embarrassment briefly colouring her pale cheeks.

“There is no need for apologies, Cousin Anne,” Darcy assured her immediately. “You are family, and you are always welcome in our home.”

Elizabeth nodded her agreement, moving to sit beside Anne on the sofa, close enough to be companionable without intruding on her space.

“We are delighted to have you with us for the Season. I only wish we had known of your arrival in advance, so we might have prepared more thoroughly for your comfort.”

Mrs. Jenkinson made a small noise that might have been disapproval. “Miss de Bourgh requires very particular accommodations. I have brought a list of her dietary requirements and restrictions, as well as instructions for the preparation of her tonics and medicines.”

“I am sure Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper, will be most attentive to Miss de Bourgh’s needs,” Elizabeth replied smoothly, already beginning to feel irritated by the companion’s officious manner.

“If you would be so good as to share your list with her, I have no doubt everything will be arranged to your satisfaction.”

“Miss de Bourgh has always been in my care,” Mrs. Jenkinson stated, drawing herself up with evident pride in her position. “I understand her constitution better than anyone. Lady Catherine has entrusted me with the management of all matters pertaining to her health and comfort.”

“And we shall certainly value your expertise,” Elizabeth assured her. “However, as Miss de Bourgh will be participating in the Season, there will naturally be occasions and activities where compromises must be made.”

Anne’s head lifted slightly at this, her gaze meeting Elizabeth’s with a flash of something that might have been hope. “I should like to participate as fully as possible,” she said, her voice gaining a touch of strength. “If my health permits.”

“Your health must be our primary consideration,” Mrs. Jenkinson interjected swiftly. “Lady Catherine was most explicit about that. You are not to overtax yourself with excessive socialising or late hours.”

Elizabeth noticed the slight slump of Anne’s shoulders at these words, and felt sympathy for the young woman. How difficult it must be to live constantly under such restrictive care, to have one’s every movement and desire subject to another’s approval.

“Perhaps,” Elizabeth suggested gently, “we might find a balance that allows Miss de Bourgh to enjoy the Season without compromising her health. After all, many events begin early in the evening, and not every social engagement requires strenuous activity.”

Darcy, who had been observing this exchange with close attention, nodded his agreement. “London offers many diversions beyond balls and assemblies. Concerts, the theatre, exhibitions... many of these could be enjoyed without taxing even the most delicate constitution.”

A flash of animation crossed Anne’s features. “I should like that very much,” she admitted, before glancing quickly at Mrs. Jenkinson, as if frightened about speaking so openly of her desires.

“Well, that is settled then,” Elizabeth declared with a warm smile.

“We shall ensure you have every opportunity to enjoy London, within the bounds of what is comfortable for you. Now, you must be fatigued after your journey. Would you care to see your rooms? I believe a rest before dinner might be welcome.”

“That would be most sensible,” Mrs. Jenkinson agreed, already moving to assist Anne to her feet, though the younger woman showed no sign of requiring such help. “Miss de Bourgh always rests before dinner, particularly after travelling.”

Elizabeth rose gracefully, gesturing toward the door. “If you will follow me, I shall show you to your chambers myself. Mr. Darcy, perhaps you would inform Georgiana and Kitty of our new guests? I believe they are still in the music room.”

“Of course,” Darcy agreed, his expression conveying silent support as Elizabeth prepared to shepherd their unexpected guests upstairs.

As they ascended the grand staircase, Elizabeth maintained a gentle flow of conversation, pointing out features of interest in the house and sharing a few amusing anecdotes about their journey to London.

She was gratified to see Anne’s posture gradually relaxing, though Mrs. Jenkinson maintained her vigilant hovering, occasionally supporting Anne’s elbow on the stairs despite no apparent need for such assistance.

“Here we are,” Elizabeth announced as they reached the second floor and proceeded down a wide corridor. “The blue suite. I believe you will find it comfortable. The sitting room catches the morning light beautifully, and the bedchambers are spacious and well-appointed.”

She opened the door to reveal an elegant sitting room decorated in shades of pale blue and cream, with comfortable furniture arranged to take advantage of both the fireplace and the large windows overlooking the square.

Two doors on opposite walls led to the adjoining bedchambers, each with its own dressing room, and a healthy fire crackled welcomingly in the grate.

“This is lovely,” Anne said, her voice carrying a hint of pleasure as she moved into the room.

Mrs. Jenkinson’s lips tightened slightly. “Miss de Bourgh often finds bright colours overstimulating,” she informed Elizabeth. “Her room at Rosings is furnished in more subdued tones.”

“Perhaps a change might be refreshing,” Elizabeth suggested mildly. “But if you find anything not to your liking, Miss de Bourgh, you need only say the word, and adjustments can be made.”

Anne turned from her inspection of the mantelpiece, a look of mild surprise on her face. “Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. That is most considerate. But I find the room perfectly pleasant as it is.”

“Excellent,” Elizabeth smiled. “Now, I shall leave you to rest and refresh yourselves. A maid will be assigned to assist you, and Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper, will call in shortly to ensure everything is to your satisfaction. We dine at seven while in Town, but if you prefer to have a tray sent up this evening, that can certainly be arranged.”

“Miss de Bourgh always dines early,” Mrs. Jenkinson began, but Anne surprised both women by interrupting her.

“I should like to join the family for dinner, if that would not be an imposition,” she said, quietly but firmly. “I am not particularly fatigued, and I would enjoy becoming better acquainted with Georgiana again, as I have not seen her in some years, and to meet your sister, Mrs. Darcy.”

Mrs. Jenkinson’s expression suggested this was a most unusual departure from routine, but Elizabeth was quick to respond before the companion could object. “We should be delighted to have you join us.”

With a final assurance that they need only ring the bell if they required anything, Elizabeth took her leave, closing the door softly behind her. She stood for a moment in the corridor, processing the events of the afternoon, before making her way to the master suite to await her husband.

Darcy joined her within a quarter hour, his expression amused as he closed the door behind him.

“Well,” he said, coming to sit beside her on the small sofa near the fireplace, “that was certainly unexpected.”

Elizabeth could not help but laugh, though the sound held more bewilderment than humour. “Your aunt has a remarkable talent for creating chaos.”

“A talent she has refined over many years,” Darcy agreed with a wry smile. “How is Anne settling in?”

“As well as can be expected, I suppose,” Elizabeth replied thoughtfully.

“She seems terribly constrained by Mrs. Jenkinson’s constant vigilance, though there were moments when I glimpsed what might be her true personality beneath all that carefully cultivated neutrality.

She has requested to join us for dinner, which Mrs. Jenkinson clearly considered a shocking departure from routine. ”

“That is surprising,” Darcy admitted. “Anne rarely asserts herself in such matters. Perhaps being away from Rosings, and from my aunt’s immediate influence, has emboldened her.”

“I hope so. She seems desperately in need of some freedom to discover who she truly is, beneath all the restrictions placed upon her.”

“We shall do our best for all three girls,” Elizabeth continued. “Georgiana, Kitty, and Anne each deserve the chance to find their own path to happiness.”

“What of Georgiana and Kitty?” she asked. “How did they receive the news of our additional guest?”

Darcy’s expression softened with fondness. “Georgiana was her usual gracious self. She expressed immediate concern for Anne’s comfort and offered to play something soothing this evening if Anne would enjoy music. Kitty was more openly curious, but equally welcoming.”

“Three debutantes,” Elizabeth mused, shaking her head slightly.

“I confess, I am somewhat overwhelmed at the prospect. Managing Georgiana and Kitty’s introduction to Society seemed challenge enough, given my own limited experience in London.

Now we have Anne to consider as well, with all her supposed health concerns. ”