Page 51 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)
Chapter Eighteen
Darcy was writing a letter to his steward at Pemberley when Harrison entered his study with the announcement of an unexpected caller.
The Marquess of Byerly, the butler informed him, had arrived without prior arrangement and was requesting an audience on a matter of some importance.
Though Darcy generally disapproved of unannounced visitations, particularly from gentlemen whose company he did not particularly enjoy, proper courtesy demanded that he receive the marquess.
With a slight frown, he set the letter aside and instructed Harrison to show the gentleman in, mentally preparing himself for what he suspected would be an uncomfortable conversation.
Byerly entered with his usual haughty manner, his immaculate appearance belying the financial difficulties Darcy knew he faced.
His greatcoat was of the finest cloth, though Darcy’s discerning eye noted the subtle signs of careful preservation and the style of three Seasons ago.
The marquess’s boots gleamed with a mirror polish that spoke of a valet’s devoted attention, while his cravat displayed the elaborate Waterfall style currently favoured among the more fashion-conscious gentlemen of the ton.
“Darcy,” Byerly greeted him with a bow that managed to be simultaneously correct and slightly condescending. “Most kind of you to receive me without prior notice. I trust I find you well?”
“Quite well, thank you,” Darcy replied with cool courtesy, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk. “Please, be seated. How may I be of service?”
Byerly settled himself with deliberate grace, arranging his coat-tails with the precision of a man accustomed to considering his appearance from every angle.
“I come on a matter of some delicacy,” he began, his tone shifting to one of careful formality.
“A matter concerning your cousin, Miss de Bourgh.”
Darcy maintained his neutral expression. “Indeed?”
“As you are undoubtedly aware,” Byerly continued, “I have had the pleasure of Miss de Bourgh’s acquaintance these past several weeks.
During this time, I have formed an attachment of the most profound nature.
” He paused, perhaps expecting some response, but Darcy merely inclined his head slightly, waiting.
“Miss de Bourgh possesses qualities I have long sought in a potential partner: gentility, proper breeding, and a serene disposition admirably suited to the responsibilities of a marchioness.”
Darcy thought, with some distaste, that not once had the man mentioned any personal attribute of Anne’s beyond those that might be found in any well-bred young lady.
Even Darcy himself, during his disastrous first proposal to Elizabeth, had done better, he thought.
At least he had focussed on Elizabeth’s excellent personal qualities, even though he had then ruined his chances by addressing all the disadvantages he had perceived, at the time, as being a barrier to the match.
“I have come today,” Byerly declared with the air of one delivering a great honour, “to formally request your permission, as Miss de Bourgh’s guardian during her stay in London, to pay my addresses to her.
I believe our union would be advantageous to both families, combining as it would the ancient lineage of my title with the considerable resources of Rosings Park. ”
There it was, Darcy thought, the true motivation laid bare despite the veneer of romantic sentiment. The mention of Rosings’ “considerable resources” revealed Byerly’s primary interest.
“Your interest in my cousin is... noteworthy,” Darcy replied carefully. “However, I must point out that while Miss de Bourgh is indeed under my protection during her London stay, she is of age and mistress of her own fortune.”
A flicker of annoyance crossed Byerly’s features before his mask of aristocratic composure returned.
“Naturally, I am aware of Miss de Bourgh’s legal status.
However, propriety dictates that I approach her nearest male relation before declaring myself.
I merely seek your blessing on what I believe would be a most felicitous connection. ”
Darcy studied the man before him, weighing his words carefully.
He had no desire to subject Anne to an unwelcome proposal, particularly when she had so recently begun to emerge from both grief and lifelong subservience to her mother’s wishes.
Yet outright refusal on her behalf might undermine the very independence she was beginning to claim.
“I appreciate your adherence to proper form,” Darcy said finally. “However, I believe in such matters, the lady’s inclinations must be considered paramount. Before I can offer any response to your request, I must consult with Miss de Bourgh herself.”
Byerly’s lips tightened fractionally. “Surely her sentiments are known to you? We have conversed most pleasantly on numerous occasions.”
“Nevertheless,” Darcy insisted, “I would speak with her directly. Perhaps you might wait here while I do so? Harrison will provide refreshment if you desire.”
After a moment’s hesitation that suggested suppressed frustration, Byerly nodded with exaggerated graciousness. “Of course. I shall await your return with anticipation.”
Darcy rose, relieved to escape the stifling presence of his unwelcome visitor.
He found Anne alone in the blue sitting room, fortunately alone, seated by the window with a book on equestrian training that he suspected had been recommended by Mr. Hislop.
She looked up at his entrance, her countenance more serene than he had seen it since before Lord Joseph’s tragic death.
“Cousin,” she greeted him with a genuine smile. “Is something amiss? You look rather stern.”
“Not amiss, precisely,” Darcy replied, taking a seat near her. “Though I come on a matter requiring your immediate attention. The Marquess of Byerly is here.”
Anne’s expression clouded slightly. “Oh? I was not aware we expected him today.”
“We did not. He has come specifically to request my permission to pay his addresses to you.” Darcy kept his tone neutral, watching her reaction carefully.
Anne closed her book and set it aside with deliberate movements, her fingers lingering on its cover as she composed her thoughts. When she looked up, there was a clarity and decision in her eyes that reminded Darcy powerfully of her late father.
“I hope you did not grant it,” she said quietly but with unmistakable firmness.
“I told him I must consult your wishes first,” Darcy assured her. “The decision is entirely yours, Anne.”
She nodded, a small sigh escaping her lips.
“Then my answer is no. I have no desire to receive Lord Byerly’s attentions in that manner, nor any wish to consider him as a potential husband.
” Her voice grew stronger as she continued.
“He speaks constantly of Rosings as though it were already his to manage. Never once has he asked what I might wish for my own home and lands.”
“I suspected as much,” Darcy admitted. “His request focused primarily on the advantages of combining his title with your... resources.”
A flash of anger briefly animated Anne’s features.
“Yes, my ‘resources.’ Not myself, never myself.” She looked directly at Darcy, her resolve evident in the firm set of her chin and her squared shoulders.
“I thank you for considering my wishes, Cousin. And my wish is that Lord Byerly not present his addresses to me. Now, or ever.”
Darcy felt a swell of pride at her clear-eyed assessment and direct response.
This was not the Anne who had first arrived in London, habitually deferring to others’ judgments and wishes.
“I shall convey your decision,” he promised.
“And I want you to know that I fully support it. In my opinion, you are making a most judicious choice.”
The tension in Anne’s posture eased visibly at his words. “You do not think me foolish to refuse such an advantageous match? Mother would certainly consider it the height of ingratitude.”
“Aunt Catherine’s views on advantageous matches have not always aligned with considerations of genuine compatibility or happiness,” Darcy pointed out gently.
“I am proud of you, Anne. You are thinking clearly and valuing yourself properly. The right match, when it comes, will be with someone who appreciates you for far more than your fortune or estate.”
The happiness that bloomed across Anne’s features was so genuine, so unguarded, that Darcy knew instantly he would willingly face Lady Catherine’s inevitable fury a hundred times over to preserve it.
She reached out impulsively and squeezed his hand, a gesture so unlike her usual reserve that it spoke volumes about her relief.
“Thank you,” she said simply.
As Darcy returned to his study to deliver the unwelcome news to the waiting marquess, he found himself reflecting on how remarkably Anne had grown during her stay in London.
From a shadowy, seemingly fragile creature dominated by her mother’s will, she had emerged as a woman capable of making her own decisions and standing firm in them.
Lady Catherine would undoubtedly be furious when she learned of Anne’s refusal of such a titled suitor, but Darcy was prepared to weather that storm.
The genuine light of self-determination in his cousin’s eyes was worth any amount of familial discord.
Darcy returned to his study at a measured pace, taking the brief journey to compose his thoughts and prepare for what would likely be an unpleasant exchange.
The marquess stood by the window, his posture rigidly correct, though the rapid tapping of his fingers against the sill betrayed his impatience.
At Darcy’s entrance, he turned with an expectant expression that contained more calculation than genuine sentiment, confirming once again Darcy’s assessment of the man’s true motivations regarding Anne.