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“Unquestionably,” Darcy agreed, leaning back in his chair and stretching out his long legs towards the fire, in a comfortable, informal pose that made Elizabeth smile softly to herself. Nobody ever saw this side of her husband but herself, and it made her love him all the more.

Elizabeth sipped her tea, enjoying the warm comfort of it and the quiet peace of her husband’s company.

“Perhaps we may hope for a period of tranquillity now,” she suggested after a few minutes of pleasant relaxation.

“Jane is happily settled with your cousin, Lydia is secure with Major Wallace, and even Kitty seems to be flourishing under proper guidance. After all the upheavals of the past year, a little peace would be most welcome.”

“Peace?” Darcy repeated, his expression suddenly dubious. “With two young ladies of seventeen in our care, about to embark on their first Season in London?”

Elizabeth laughed at his mock-morose tone. “Are you anticipating difficulties, Mr. Darcy? Surely Georgiana is too well-behaved to cause any great concern.”

“Individually, perhaps. But I have observed that even the most reserved young lady may be drawn into mischief when joined by a more spirited companion. And while your sister has improved remarkably, she does retain a certain... vivacity.”

“You fear they will lead each other astray?” Elizabeth teased. “Georgiana encouraging Kitty to practice scales instead of attending balls, while Kitty persuades Georgiana to flirt with gentlemen?”

“You laugh, but I recall vividly my own first Season in London,” Darcy replied, though his eyes held amusement rather than genuine concern. “Richard and I found ourselves in a number of situations that would have given our fathers apoplexy had they known.”

“Then it is fortunate that you have experience in navigating such waters,” Elizabeth pointed out, setting down her empty cup. “And I shall be vigilant in my role as chaperone. Between us, I am confident we can ensure the girls enjoy their Season without any significant impropriety.”

“Your confidence is most reassuring, Mrs. Darcy,” Darcy said. “Though I suspect we may both find ourselves tested before May arrives.”

“I shall consider it excellent practice for when we have daughters of our own,” Elizabeth replied.

The casual reference to their future children brought a softness to Darcy’s expression that Elizabeth treasured.

Though they had been married less than a year, the prospect of expanding their family was a frequent topic of private conversation between them.

“You would rise to the challenge admirably,” he assured her, taking her hand. “As you have with every responsibility you have assumed since becoming mistress of Pemberley.”

Elizabeth felt a rush of gratitude for this man who had such faith in her capabilities, who had never once questioned her ability to manage his households or represent his family, despite her relatively humble origins.

Darcy had married her for her mind and her character as much as for the affection between them, and his confidence in her had never wavered.

“We make a fine team, I believe,” she said simply. “In all matters, whether managing estates or guiding young ladies through their first Season.”

Darcy raised her hand to his lips, the gesture both courtly and intimate. “Indeed we do. And I look forward to facing whatever challenges arise, secure in the knowledge that we face them together.”

The quiet moment was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door. Before either could respond, Harrison entered, his usual impassive expression betraying a hint of discomfort.

“Forgive the interruption, sir, madam,” he said with a bow. “A visitor has just arrived.”

Elizabeth exchanged a puzzled glance with her husband. “A visitor? But we have only just arrived in London. No one should be aware of our presence yet.”

“The caller was most insistent,” Harrison explained, a flicker of what might have been apprehension crossing his features. “I explained that you were not receiving, but...”

“Who is it, Harrison?” Darcy asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

The butler straightened his already impeccable posture. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh, sir. She... she stated that she would not be denied, and has taken a seat in the drawing room. I thought it best to inform you immediately.”

Elizabeth felt a chill that had nothing to do with the January weather.

Lady Catherine? Here in London, at their home, when they had not even announced their arrival?

It could only mean that something significant had occurred, something that had prompted Darcy’s formidable aunt to seek them out despite her previous vow to avoid all contact.

“Thank you, Harrison,” Darcy said after a moment’s hesitation. “Please inform Lady Catherine that we shall join her shortly.”

As the butler withdrew, Elizabeth smoothed her skirts nervously. “What do you suppose has brought her here? And how did she even know we had arrived?”

“I cannot imagine,” Darcy replied, his expression serious. “But it must be a matter of some importance to overcome her determination to avoid acknowledging our marriage.”

Elizabeth nodded, taking a deep breath to compose herself. “Well, we shall soon discover what has prompted this unexpected visit.”

Together they descended to the drawing room, Elizabeth drawing on every ounce of composure she had developed as mistress of Pemberley. Whatever Lady Catherine’s purpose, she would meet it with dignity and calm, secure in her position as Mrs. Darcy.

The drawing room doors stood open, revealing the grand space beyond.

And there, standing with her back to the fire as though she owned the house, was Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

Her imposing figure was clothed in sombre dark purple, her turban adorned with feathers that added further to her height, and her expression, as she looked up at their entrance, was one of such grim determination that Elizabeth felt her heart begin to race with apprehension.

THE END

… of book 2 in the Crime and Consequences trilogy.

What mischief will Georgiana and Kitty get up to in fashionable London? Can Lydia’s secret be kept forever? And WHAT does Lady Catherine want?

Read on for a sample chapter of Intrigue and Inheritance , the stunning conclusion to the trilogy!