Page 53 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)

“As was I,” Darcy admitted. “She has changed considerably since her arrival in London. I scarcely recognise the quiet, compliant young woman who first joined our household in this new Anne.”

Elizabeth smiled, reaching out to take his hand. “And what of our other charges? Kitty seems to grow more sensible by the day, and Shandly’s attentions appear increasingly genuine.”

“Indeed,” Darcy agreed, thinking of the young viscount’s recent visits. “His initial theatrics have given way to something more substantial. I believe he truly values Kitty’s freshness of perspective and natural vivacity.”

“And unlike the marquess, he has not once calculated Kitty’s worth in terms of dowry or connections,” Elizabeth pointed out. “In fact, he seems perfectly aware that she brings little to the match beyond herself, and is entirely content with that circumstance.”

Darcy nodded thoughtfully. “His grandfather may have other expectations, but the viscount himself appears genuinely attached.” He paused, then added, “And Georgiana and Mr. Townend grow closer through their shared passion for music. Their performances together are quite remarkable. He brings out a confidence in her that I had not thought to see so soon, if ever.”

“All three young ladies are showing excellent judgment,” Elizabeth observed, a hint of mischief entering her expression. “Perhaps even better judgment than their guardians initially credited them with?”

Darcy acknowledged the gentle teasing with a rueful smile. “I confess I underestimated them. When we first planned this Season, I anticipated far more guidance and intervention would be required. Instead, they have each navigated complex social waters with surprising maturity.”

“Even in matters of the heart,” Elizabeth added softly. “Kitty has shown discernment in seeing beyond Shandly's theatrical surface, Georgiana has formed a connection based on genuine mutual understanding, and Anne has refused an advantageous match that offered rank without true regard.”

“You were right,” Darcy admitted, drawing her hand to his lips. “They needed opportunity and support more than protection. I feared exposing them to society’s hazards, but perhaps the greater risk would have been in sheltering them too completely.”

Elizabeth’s eyes were soft with affection. “Your protective instincts do you credit, my love. But these young women have minds and hearts of their own. Our task was never to make their choices for them, but to help them develop the wisdom to choose well for themselves.”

Darcy reflected on this insight, recognising its truth.

He had approached the London Season with trepidation, anticipating potential disasters requiring his intervention.

Instead, he had witnessed three young women growing into themselves, discovering their own strengths and preferences.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was increasingly confident in their ability to meet them with clarity and courage.

“Besides,” Elizabeth added with a teasing smile, “had you succeeded in sheltering them completely from potential suitors, we might have been stuck with all three as permanent residents at Pemberley. Imagine the pianoforte constantly occupied, horses overrunning the stables, and Kitty’s endless supply of bonnets requiring their own dedicated room. ”

This absurd image drew a genuine laugh from Darcy, the warm sound filling their bedchamber. “A fate worse than Lady Catherine’s disapproval, to be sure!”

Darcy looked up from his book as Harrison announced Mr. Timothy Hislop, who had called specifically to see Miss de Bourgh.

The young gentleman entered the drawing room with a directness that Darcy found refreshing after the marquess’s affected aristocratic languor earlier that week.

Mr. Hislop’s riding boots bore traces of recent use, and his healthy complexion spoke of a man who spent more time outdoors than in gaming hells or fashionable drawing rooms. He bowed with proper respect to all present, though his gaze lingered with particular warmth on Anne, whose countenance brightened visibly at his arrival.

“Miss de Bourgh, Mrs. Darcy, Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet,” Mr. Hislop greeted the ladies properly before turning to Darcy with a straightforward nod. “Mr. Darcy, I hope I find you well. I apologise if my visit disrupts your afternoon.”

“Not at all,” Elizabeth replied warmly before Darcy could respond. “We are always pleased to receive friends during calling hours.”

Darcy observed Mr. Hislop carefully as the young man took a seat near Anne.

Unlike many gentlemen of his age and background, he displayed none of the affected boredom or studied nonchalance that characterised fashionable society.

Instead, he sat with the natural straight posture of one accustomed to the saddle, his attention focused completely on the conversation at hand rather than on creating a particular impression.

When he spoke of the weather, his observations pertained to its effect on ground conditions for riding rather than the usual empty pleasantries.

“I have come with news that may interest Miss de Bourgh particularly,” Mr. Hislop said after the initial exchanges had been completed.

“Tattersall’s is hosting a special sale of Spanish and Portuguese breeding stock next week.

Several notable bloodlines will be represented, including direct descendants of the Royal Andalusian Stud. ”

The transformation in Anne’s expression was remarkable. Her usual composure gave way to genuine excitement, her eyes brightening with interest. “Indeed? I had not heard of this. Are the animals of exceptional quality?”

“The finest I have seen in England,” Mr. Hislop confirmed, his own enthusiasm matching hers.

“The selection includes three stallions trained in the classical tradition and several broodmares with impeccable lineage. One grey mare in particular shows remarkable conformation and movement, precisely the qualities we discussed as essential for a successful breeding program.”

Darcy noted the “we” with interest, recognising that the pair had clearly engaged in detailed discussions about equestrian matters during their previous encounters.

More striking still was Anne’s animated participation in the conversation, offering knowledgeable observations about bloodlines and training methods that Darcy had never suspected she possessed.

“I had hoped,” Mr. Hislop continued, turning slightly to include both Darcy and Elizabeth in his address, “that Miss de Bourgh might accompany me to view the horses before the public auction. My carriage would be at her disposal, and naturally, a proper chaperone could attend.” He glanced back at Anne, his expression warm but respectful.

“Your expertise would be invaluable in assessing the stock, especially the mares.”

Anne turned to Darcy, her eyes alight with barely suppressed eagerness. “Cousin, might I have your permission? I have not attended such a sale since my father took me as a child. It would be most educational.”

Darcy considered the request carefully. He had made discreet inquiries about Mr. Hislop after their first meeting in the park and had received consistently favourable reports.

The young man, while passionate about his horses to the point of occasional social awkwardness, was known for impeccable integrity in his business dealings and respectful behaviour toward ladies.

His family was established and respectable, if not titled, with sufficient means to support his equestrian interests without requiring a fortune through marriage.

Most compelling, however, was Anne’s evident pleasure in the proposed outing.

Since her refusal of the marquess, she had shown increasing confidence in expressing her own preferences rather than deferring to others’ expectations.

To deny her this opportunity would be to undermine that newfound independence.

“I can see no objection,” Darcy said finally, rewarded by the genuine smile that illuminated Anne’s features. “Provided Mrs. Jenkinson accompanies you as chaperone.”

“Of course,” Mr. Hislop agreed readily, though Darcy detected a flicker of resigned amusement in his expression at the mention of the companion. “I had anticipated as much. The horses will be available for viewing on Tuesday morning, if that suits Miss de Bourgh’s schedule.”

“Perfectly,” Anne replied with an enthusiasm Darcy had rarely witnessed in his usually reserved cousin. “I shall look forward to it immensely.”

The remainder of Mr. Hislop’s visit passed pleasantly, with conversation flowing naturally between equestrian matters, estate management, and other suitable topics.

Throughout, Darcy observed the young man’s attentiveness to Anne, noting how he included her in the discussion as an equal whose opinions were valued for their substance rather than merely acknowledged out of politeness.

When he departed, Mr. Hislop’s farewell to Anne contained a warmth that, while entirely proper, suggested genuine affection developing beneath the shared interest in horses.

“He is a most unusual young man,” Anne remarked after his departure, her expression thoughtful but pleased.

“So different from...” She trailed off, but Darcy knew she was thinking of the marquess, whose calculated pursuit had been motivated by Rosings rather than any real appreciation of Anne herself.

“He seems to value your knowledge and judgment,” Darcy observed carefully.

Anne nodded, her smile deepening slightly. “Yes. And that is... rather refreshing.” She moved to join Kitty and Georgiana, who were discussing plans for musical practice later that afternoon.

If nothing else, Darcy reflected, Mr. Hislop's attentions appeared to be helping Anne recover from her distress over Lord Joseph's death.

And, though he felt a certain guilt in admitting it even to himself, despite Lord Joseph's being from an older and better-connected family, Darcy did truly believe that Mr. Hislop was the better match for Anne.

Lord Joseph had helped Anne to see that she was worthy of being admired, but her shared interests with Mr. Hislop were by far the better foundation for a possible future life together.

Nevertheless, Darcy was resolved not to interfere.

He had sworn off interfering in the love lives of others after his disastrous efforts with Bingley; though that had all turned out for the best, it was more by luck than design.

Unless one of the young women in his charge appeared about to make a disastrous mistake, he was determined to limit himself to offering kindly and supportive advice.

Let no one say that Fitzwilliam Darcy did not know how to learn a lesson. Especially when it was delivered by his wife.