Page 41 of Look on the Heart (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #10)

“Darcy! Fitzwilliam! You were not meant to arrive for another three weeks. How very rude to surprise me in this fashion. You ought to feel fortunate that I had your rooms prepared last week; otherwise you would have nowhere to sleep.” Darcy stepped forward and kissed her cheek, murmuring a polite greeting.

Richard followed and did the same, though with a broader smile.

“I could hardly wait to see you, Aunt,” Richard said warmly.

“I had to persuade Darcy to come early. He was terribly busy with estate business, but ever the devoted cousin, he cleared his schedule to accommodate me. Now—where is Anne? I do not see her.” He looked about the room as though their cousin might appear from behind the settee.

“Anne is upstairs changing. When we heard you were here, she insisted on donning on a more becoming gown to welcome Darcy—and you, of course.” Lady Catherine turned to her other nephew. “I hope you intend to fulfill your duty, Darcy. She has waited long enough.”

“I do not understand your meaning.” Darcy kept his features impassive. “I am as eager to see my cousin as Richard.”

“Richard has no reason to be eager.” Lady Catherine frowned. “Must I remind you of your obligation? Anne is perfectly suited to you. You even share the same… traits . It is exactly what your mother wished. Uniting Pemberley and Rosings Park will make you one of the wealthiest men in all England.”

“If wealth were my primary concern, I would consider your suggestion, Aunt. Since it is not, there is nothing more to say on the matter.” He maintained his impassive demeanor, hoping she would let the subject drop.

“How can you say that?” she cried, raising her voice.

“Given your deformity, no one else will want you. Since Anne shares your unfortunate malady, she can have no cause to complain. Darcy—do you think handsome ladies will accept you? My dear sister filled your head with fairytales and foolish dreams of love. You are a grown man. See the world as it is and do as I say.”

“That will be the end of it, Aunt, or I shall take a room at the Rose and Crown in the village.” Darcy bowed.

“I believe I shall go refresh myself.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned and left the room, his thoughts already meditating on a pair of fine eyes and the one woman who had —he hoped— begun to care for him despite his failings.

He did not see Anne until supper. Lady Catherine presided at the head of the table, appearing as forbidding as ever as she surveyed those seated around her.

Anne sat beside Richard, her gaze fixed on her plate, whispering responses to his quiet questions.

Anne’s companion, Mrs. Jenkinson, was placed next to Lady Catherine, with Darcy seated on the companion’s other side.

The seating arrangement did not go unnoticed.

His aunt had placed him lower in a petty attempt to chastise him.

More the fool she, for I prefer this seat to one by her side.

“My parson has guests,” Lady Catherine began. Darcy knew this and feigned indifference. “He has lately married. His wife’s sister and her particular friend are to stay for six weeks. Mrs. Collins’s father will return to Hertfordshire in a few days.”

“Darcy, did you not meet Mr. Collins in Hertfordshire?” Richard’s eyes were filled with mischief. “Ought we not call and wish him joy?” Darcy silently thanked him for the strategic diversion.

Richard turned to Anne. “What think you of the guests?” he asked, drawing attention away from their cousin. “I assume our aunt has had them to dine.”

“Yes,” whispered Anne. “I like Mrs. Collins. Her sister, Miss Lucas, is quiet, but seems like a demure young lady. I did not have the opportunity to speak with Miss Elizabeth. But Mama spoke with Sir William at length. He is a gregarious, friendly man.”

“Your observations are insipid, child.” Lady Catherine’s imperious voice interrupted her daughter.

“Miss Elizabeth is intelligent, but I sense impertinence in her manner. Sir William, knighted though he may be, reveals his roots in trade through unceasing conversation. His daughter is a timid little mouse and no great beauty. Still, their company is diverting enough and brings some variety to our otherwise confined and unvarying society.”

Darcy bit his tongue. He liked Sir William—loquacious, yes, but entirely genuine. His imperious aunt’s sharp criticisms were well known, and her tendency to belittle her guests no longer shocked him.

“I cannot wait to meet them.” Richard’s cheerful reply made Darcy grin, though he smothered it before he could be observed.

“Anne,” Richard continued, “you ought to accompany us to the parsonage on the morrow. It would only be to pay a call. What say you?”

“Anne will remain here. It would not do for anyone to see that hideous mark.” Lady Catherine huffed as she accepted a serving of asparagus from the footman.

“Nonsense! Anne, tell me you will come. It would please us greatly. “He gave Darcy a significant look, who quickly lent his agreement. This seemed to pacify their aunt; no doubt she interpreted this as encouragement, and graciously granted her permission for her daughter to leave the house.

Tomorrow, Darcy thought. Tomorrow I shall see Elizabeth.