Page 34 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)
Chapter Thirteen
The Countess of Bellingham’s annual spring ball represented a highlight of the London Season.
From his position near one of the ornate marble columns, Darcy observed the glittering assemblage with the measured assessment of a man who had attended far too many such gatherings to be impressed by mere ostentation.
The chandeliers cast their golden light over jewels and silks, illuminating faces both familiar and newly introduced, while the orchestra performed a complex country dance that had drawn most of the younger guests onto the floor.
His attention settled on Kitty, who stood out among the dancers not through any particular extravagance of dress – her gown, while becoming, was notably simpler than those of the heiresses surrounding her – but through the genuine animation of her countenance.
She moved through the figures of the dance with natural grace, her head tilted attentively toward Viscount Shandly, whose dramatic gestures suggested he was recounting yet another of his improbable adventures.
“Your sister-in-law appears to be enjoying herself,” commented Lord Matlock, who had approached without Darcy noticing, a glass of champagne in his hand. “Shandly seems quite devoted to her company. He has not danced with anyone else this evening.”
“Indeed,” Darcy agreed, noting that the viscount’s exclusive attention had not gone unremarked by others in the ballroom. Several matrons had gathered near the refreshment table, their expressions ranging from speculative to disapproving as they observed the pair.
“In my day, that would have constituted a declaration of serious intent,” Lord Matlock observed.
Darcy inclined his head slightly. “I believe similar conventions still apply, though perhaps with less rigidity than in previous decades.”
Lord Matlock took a measured sip of his champagne.
“Shandly’s father will not be pleased. The Earl has been hoping to secure an advantageous match for his heir.
There was talk of the Duke of Hartington’s youngest daughter; twenty thousand pounds and connections to three of the oldest families in England. ”
“Miss Catherine brings other qualities to recommend her,” Darcy replied, feeling a surprising protectiveness toward Elizabeth’s sister.
“Undoubtedly,” Lord Matlock agreed with diplomatic quickness. “A charming young lady. But you know how these matters are viewed. The Earl will expect an heiress, or at the very least, a significant dowry.”
As if to illustrate his point, the sound of whispered conversation drifted from a nearby group of elegantly dressed matrons.
“A penniless country girl,” one woman murmured, her bejewelled tiara catching the light as she inclined her head toward her companion. “Certainly pretty enough, but without a farthing to recommend her. The Earl will never permit it.”
“And such connections,” another added with barely concealed disdain. “An uncle in trade , I heard!”
“The viscount has always been excessively romantic,” contributed a third, her voice carrying the weight of superior wisdom. “But even he must recognise the practical necessities of his position. Sentiment is all very well in novels, but an earl’s heir must consider the future of his lineage.”
Darcy’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, though his expression remained composed.
Such conversations were the expected currency of London ballrooms, yet he found himself increasingly intolerant of their casual cruelty.
The women likely had no notion that their words might reach the ears of someone connected to their subject; they simply indulged in the ordinary social pastime of dissecting others’ affairs with the comfortable certainty of their own superior position.
Their assessment, while unkind, was not entirely without foundation.
Kitty had no dowry to speak of, a fact that would indeed present an obstacle to marriage with someone of Viscount Shandly’s rank and expectations.
The practical considerations of such a match could not be entirely dismissed, regardless of whatever genuine attachment might exist between them.
Darcy found himself calculating figures almost unconsciously.
Four thousand pounds had been settled on Lydia when she married Wallace, two thousand paid to Wallace as a dowry and two thousand invested to provide Lydia and her children with an income.
It would not be unreasonable to offer Kitty a similar sum, particularly if it facilitated a marriage that appeared to bring her genuine happiness.
The amount would not deplete his own considerable resources, yet it would be sufficient to silence the most critical voices in society.
“You seem preoccupied,” Elizabeth observed, appearing at his side. “Are you counting the minutes until we may respectably depart?”
Her perceptiveness drew a small smile from him. “Not quite, though I confess large gatherings remain somewhat taxing. I was actually considering a matter of some delicacy regarding your sister.”
Elizabeth followed his gaze to where Kitty and the viscount now promenaded between dances, their heads inclined toward each other in animated conversation.
“Ah. I see they continue to enjoy each other’s company.
Lady Bellingham mentioned to me that this constitutes their fourth dance set spent together this evening, though they have respected the actual custom of dancing together no more than twice, they are certainly not upholding its spirit. ”
“Indeed. And it has not escaped notice,” Darcy replied, nodding slightly toward the group of gossiping matrons.
“Little escapes notice in a London ballroom,” Elizabeth said with the hint of irony he had come to cherish in her observations of society. “I assume they find the match unsuitable?”
“Insufficiently advantageous for the viscount, primarily,” Darcy clarified. “Your sister’s personal merits are not so much in question, merely her... financial circumstances.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Ah. The eternal consideration.”
Darcy hesitated, then continued in a lower voice. “I have been considering whether we might offer Kitty a dowry, similar to the arrangement made for Lydia. Four thousand pounds would not represent any hardship to us, yet it might smooth the path considerably.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened, touched by his continued generosity toward her family. “That is exceedingly kind, my love. But perhaps we should wait to see if such intervention becomes necessary.”
“You believe Shandly's interest sincere enough to overcome financial considerations?” Darcy asked, genuinely curious about her assessment.
“I believe,” Elizabeth replied thoughtfully, “that a man who truly values Kitty for herself will find a way to overcome such obstacles. His grandfather’s expectations notwithstanding, Lord Shandly is a grown man capable of making his own choices.”
She smiled, a hint of mischief entering her expression.
“Besides, I rather think a husband who loves Kitty enough to take her without a dowry would be preferable to one whose affections might be influenced by financial considerations. After all, you took me without one, and I dare say we’ve managed tolerably well. ”
Darcy felt his expression warm at the reminder. “A fair point, indeed. Though I should note that in your case, no dowry in England would have been sufficient inducement had I not already lost my heart completely.”
“And would you not wish the same certainty for Kitty?” Elizabeth pressed gently. “To know beyond doubt that she is valued for herself alone?”
Watching the viscount’s expression as he gazed down at Kitty, his usual theatrical flourishes momentarily subdued into something that appeared genuinely tender, Darcy found himself reconsidering his earlier calculations.
“You are right, as usual,” he conceded. “Though should it become necessary to overcome specific objections, the offer remains available.”
“Your generosity does you credit,” Elizabeth said, placing her hand on his arm and squeezing gently, her expression loving as she met his eyes.
“For now, let us observe and allow matters to develop naturally. Kitty has shown unexpected wisdom these past months. I believe we may trust her judgment more than I once would have thought possible.”
Darcy covered her hand with his own, a subtle gesture of affection appropriate for their public setting.
“Another testament to your influence, I suspect. Your sisters have benefited tremendously from your guidance.” And as always, Elizabeth was correct in her assessment: true value in life resided in connections far more meaningful than those calculated in pounds and pedigrees by the gossips of London society.
Whatever path Kitty and the viscount might ultimately choose, he would support Elizabeth’s wisdom in allowing them to discover their own way forward, guided by genuine feeling rather than financial calculation.
As the orchestra struck up the opening notes of a waltz, Darcy turned to Elizabeth with a slight bow. “Might I have the honour, Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth’s smile held all the warmth and intelligence that had first captured his heart amid circumstances far less grand than their current surroundings. “I thought you would never ask, sir.”
Lady Bellingham had arranged for select musical performances to entertain her guests while they partook of the elaborate refreshments provided at the supper interval.
The announcement that Miss Darcy and Mr. Townend would perform a duet as the pièce de resistance created a small stir of anticipation among the genuine music lovers present, word of their accomplished performances having spread far and wide.