Page 74 of Intrigue and Inheritance (Crime and Consequences #3)

Darcy leaned back slightly in his chair, considering the young man before him.

“Mr. Townend, while I appreciate your evident admiration for my sister’s musical talents, I must consider practical matters.

Your passion for music is well known, but how do you propose to balance artistic pursuits with the responsibilities of estate management?

I understand you inherited money from your grandfather, but lack property of your own. ”

Here Townend’s expression became more animated, his hands sketching shapes in the air as he outlined his vision.

“I have fifty thousand pounds, sir. Sufficient to purchase and maintain an establishment wherever Miss Darcy might wish to reside.” His voice warmed with genuine enthusiasm.

“I envision our home becoming a centre for musical innovation and performance, with Georgiana’s talents given the recognition they deserve. ”

“You speak as though my sister’s musical abilities are to be publicly displayed,” Darcy observed with a slight frown.

“Only as she wishes,” Townend clarified quickly.

“I would never pressure Miss Darcy beyond her comfort. But in private performances for appreciative friends, or perhaps through published compositions under her name or a pseudonym if she prefers... there are many ways her gift might be shared without subjecting her to uncomfortable scrutiny. Even taking on a particularly gifted student, on occasion, if she thinks she might enjoy teaching. And I will ensure that we always have sufficient competent household staff that she need not concern herself overmuch with housekeeping matters, if she does not wish it…”

The conversation continued for nearly an hour, Darcy questioning Townend rigorously about his finances, his expectations for married life, his understanding of Georgiana’s reserved nature, and his plans for their future together.

Throughout, Townend answered with a thoughtful pragmatism that belied his reputation for artistic temperament, demonstrating a clear-eyed understanding of both practical necessities and Georgiana’s particular needs.

“My primary concern is Georgiana’s happiness,” Darcy said finally. “She is not merely my sister but my ward, and her wellbeing has been my responsibility since our father’s death.”

“A responsibility you have fulfilled admirably, if I may be so bold as to say,” Townend replied with evident sincerity. “Miss Darcy speaks of you with such affection and respect. I would never wish to diminish that bond, only to add my own devotion to the care she already receives.”

This sentiment, expressed without artifice or calculation, settled something in Darcy’s mind.

“Very well, Mr. Townend. You have my permission to address your suit to Georgiana, with the understanding that should she accept, your engagement would be of suitable length to allow her to fully consider her decision, and for me to see that you have taken steps to provide sufficiently for her future comfort.”

Relief transformed Townend’s features, his formal restraint giving way to genuine joy. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I shall endeavour to prove worthy of both your trust and Miss Darcy’s regard.”

Later that afternoon, Darcy found himself once again in the role of discreet observer, having stationed himself in the small anteroom adjacent to the music room where Townend had requested a private audience with Georgiana.

The scene that unfolded contrasted sharply with Kitty’s theatrical proposal.

Where Shandly had arranged flowers and poetry, Townend had prepared music, a composition Darcy now realised had been created specifically for this moment.

As Georgiana seated herself expectantly at the pianoforte, Townend placed before her a sheet of music titled simply “For Georgiana.”

“I have something rather important to ask you,” Townend began, his voice soft but steady. “But first, would you play this for me? It expresses what I wish to say better than mere words.”

Georgiana studied the composition for a moment, her fingers hovering above the keys, then began to play.

The piece started gently, almost hesitantly, with a simple melody that gradually gained complexity and confidence, building to a passage of such emotional richness that Darcy, even with his limited musical knowledge, recognised it as a declaration of profound feeling.

When the final notes faded, Georgiana sat perfectly still, her hands resting on the keys, her face illuminated with an expression Darcy had never before witnessed: a combination of wonder, joy, and understanding that transcended ordinary happiness.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“It’s you,” Townend replied simply, moving to sit beside her on the bench. “What you have brought to my life, to my music... Georgiana, before we met, I composed from technical knowledge. Now I write from the heart, because you have shown me how.”

Taking her hands gently in his, he continued.

“I am not a poet like Lord Shandly, nor do I possess his flair for dramatic gestures. But I offer you my heart, my music, and my solemn promise that should you become my wife, your gift will never be diminished or set aside. We shall create together, perform together, build a life where music is not merely an accomplishment but our shared passion.”

Georgiana’s eyes shone with unshed tears as she regarded him. “You would truly not mind a wife whose interests extend beyond traditional domestic concerns?”

“Mind?” Townend’s laugh was warm with genuine amusement. “Georgiana, I would celebrate it. Your musical understanding is part of what makes you so precious to me. I do not wish for a conventional wife, but for a true partner in both life and art.”

“Then yes,” Georgiana answered, her voice gaining strength and certainty. “Yes, Alexander, I will marry you.”

The joy that filled her countenance in that moment struck Darcy with the force of revelation.

His shy, reserved sister had found not merely a suitable match but a partnership that promised to nurture the very essence of her character.

As Townend lifted her hand to his lips with reverent tenderness, Darcy quietly withdrew, recognising that some moments were too sacred for even a brother’s protective observation.

Walking along the corridor toward his study, Darcy found himself unexpectedly emotional.

Georgiana, who had been his responsibility and his particular concern since their parents’ deaths, had grown into a young woman capable of making her own choices, of recognising a connection that promised genuine understanding rather than mere security.

The realisation brought both pride and a curious sense of loss, tempered by the knowledge that in Alexander Townend, she had found someone who truly valued her for precisely who she was.

He was glad nobody crossed his path, as he surreptitiously blotted a tear from his eye.

The drawing room at Darcy House had not seen such genuine conviviality in many months.

The evening after both engagements had been formally announced, the family gathered with a sense of celebratory intimacy, the usual formality of after-dinner conversation giving way to the more relaxed atmosphere that prevailed among those united by both blood and genuine affection.

Darcy observed the scene from his customary position standing near the fireplace, noting with quiet satisfaction how Georgiana and Kitty sat with their respective fiancés, their faces illuminated with happiness of different but equally authentic kinds.

Elizabeth and Jane conversed animatedly nearby, while Richard stood on the other side of the fireplace to Darcy, watching the scene with equal joy on his face.

“I believe this is the perfect moment to make our proposal,” Jane said, glancing at her husband with a gentle smile. Richard nodded, abandoning his post to stand beside her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder in a gesture of easy intimacy that spoke volumes about their marital harmony.

“Kitty, Georgiana,” Jane began, her serene countenance warmed by genuine affection, “Richard and I would like to invite you both to Netherfield for a summer house party, beginning in July. Your fiancés would be most welcome as well, of course.”

Kitty clapped her hands in delight, her natural exuberance impossible to contain. “Oh, Jane! That would be wonderful. Edmund has been longing to see Longbourn and meet Papa.”

Lord Shandly, seated beside Kitty on the small settee, nodded eagerly.

“Indeed, I have composed at least three speeches for the occasion of meeting Mr. Bennet, carefully calibrated to appeal to his particular sensibilities; Catherine has promised to hear me practice all of them and choose the best one.”

“You might wish to prepare a fourth,” Elizabeth suggested with an amused glance toward Darcy. “My father has a particular fondness for puncturing excessive solemnity.”

“I shall craft something appropriately sincere yet lightly self-deprecating,” Shandly declared, clearly relishing the challenge. “Perhaps with classical allusions, but nothing pedantic...”

“The house party would serve multiple purposes,” Richard continued, bringing the conversation back to practical matters.

“Lord Shandly could become acquainted with Kitty’s family and childhood home, while Miss Darcy and Mr. Townend might have leisure to discuss their future plans without the constant demands of London society.

” He smiled fondly at his cousin. “The pianoforte at Netherfield is an excellent one, and it is entirely at your disposal.”

Darcy watched Georgiana’s reaction closely, noting her quiet smile of approval. His sister had endured the congratulations and scrutiny that followed the announcement of her engagement with surprising composure, but he knew the constant social attention taxed her reserved nature.