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“Well, I must take my leave,” Lady Catherine announced abruptly, setting down her own, barely touched tea.

“You really will not stay the night, Aunt?” Darcy asked, though his tone suggested he anticipated the answer.

“Impossible,” Lady Catherine replied. “There are matters at Rosings requiring my attention.”

“At least allow us to offer you some refreshment for the journey,” Elizabeth suggested, wondering at the coldness of a woman who could so casually abandon her daughter.

“That will not be necessary,” Lady Catherine said, rising to her feet with regal dignity. “I have brought provisions, and we shall stop for a proper meal at Bromley.”

Elizabeth exchanged a quick glance with Darcy, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod.

They would not press the point. If Lady Catherine wished to depart immediately, perhaps it was for the best. Her absence might allow Anne to settle more comfortably into Darcy House without the constant weight of her mother’s scrutiny.

“Then we shall wish you a safe journey,” Darcy said, moving to pull the bell for Harrison. “Your carriage will be brought round immediately.”

“I trust you will write regularly with reports of Anne’s progress,” Lady Catherine instructed, addressing this command to Darcy rather than Elizabeth. “I wish to be informed of all significant developments, particularly any gentleman who shows serious interest.”

“Of course,” Darcy agreed. “Though I hope you will not be concerned if you do not hear from us daily. The Season can be quite demanding, and we shall naturally prioritise Anne’s comfort and opportunities over extensive correspondence.”

Lady Catherine’s lips pursed slightly at this diplomatic but firm boundary-setting, but she did not argue the point.

Instead, she turned to her daughter. “Anne, you will follow Mrs. Jenkinson’s guidance in all matters of health.

I expect you to comport yourself with the dignity befitting your station, and to remember that you are a de Bourgh of Rosings Park.

Do not allow yourself to be overshadowed by your cousin, or by.

..” her eyes flicked dismissively toward Elizabeth, “others who may not understand the proper order of precedence.”

“Yes, Mother,” Anne replied, her voice once again barely audible. “I shall remember.”

With a rustle of silk, Lady Catherine swept toward the door, pausing only to fix her nephew with a penetrating stare and deliver one final admonition.

“I shall hold you personally responsible for Anne’s wellbeing and success this Season, Darcy.

Do not disappoint me in this, as you have in other matters. ”

Without waiting for a response, she departed, the tapping of her cane against the marble floors of the entrance hall marking her progress toward the front door.

Elizabeth remained standing, her hands clasped tightly before her to prevent them from trembling with suppressed emotion.

Only when they heard the front door close firmly did she allow herself to release a long, carefully controlled breath.

For a long moment after Lady Catherine’s departure, silence reigned in the drawing room.

Elizabeth exchanged a brief look with her husband, reading in his eyes the same mixture of surprise and concern that she herself felt.

To have Anne and her companion so suddenly thrust upon them was unexpected enough; for Lady Catherine to depart with such abrupt finality was extraordinary.

“Well,” Elizabeth said finally, somehow regathering her composure and turning toward Anne with a smile that she hoped appeared more genuine than it felt, “welcome to Darcy House. I do hope you will feel at home here.”

“I must apologise for my mother,” Anne said suddenly, her voice so soft that Elizabeth had to lean forward slightly to catch the words. “This arrangement was not... I did not expect...” She trailed off, a flush of embarrassment briefly colouring her pale cheeks.

“There is no need for apologies, Cousin Anne,” Darcy assured her with gentle firmness. “You are family, and you are always welcome in our home.”

Elizabeth nodded her agreement, moving to sit beside Anne on the sofa, close enough to be companionable without intruding on her space.

“Indeed, we are delighted to have you with us for the Season. I only wish we had known of your arrival in advance, so we might have prepared more thoroughly for your comfort.”

Mrs. Jenkinson made a small noise that might have been disapproval. “Miss de Bourgh requires very particular accommodations. I have brought a list of her dietary requirements and restrictions, as well as instructions for the preparation of her tonics and medicines.”

“I am sure Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper, will be most attentive to Miss de Bourgh’s needs,” Elizabeth replied smoothly. “If you would be so good as to share your list with her, I have no doubt everything will be arranged to your satisfaction.”

“Miss de Bourgh has always been in my care,” Mrs. Jenkinson stated, drawing herself up with evident pride in her position. “I understand her constitution better than anyone. Lady Catherine has entrusted me with the management of all matters pertaining to her health and comfort.”

“And we shall certainly value your expertise,” Elizabeth assured her. “However, as Miss de Bourgh will be participating in the Season, there will naturally be occasions and activities where compromises must be made.”

Anne’s head lifted slightly at this, her gaze meeting Elizabeth’s with a flash of something that might have been hope. “I should like to participate as fully as possible,” she said, her voice gaining a touch of strength. “If my health permits, of course.”

“Your health must be our primary consideration,” Mrs. Jenkinson interjected swiftly. “Lady Catherine was most explicit about that. You are not to overtax yourself with excessive socialising or late hours.”

Elizabeth noticed the slight slump of Anne’s shoulders at these words, and felt a surge of sympathy for the young woman. How difficult it must be to live constantly under such restrictive care, to have one’s every movement and desire subject to another’s approval.

“Perhaps,” Elizabeth suggested gently, “we might find a balance that allows Miss de Bourgh to enjoy the Season without compromising her health. After all, many events begin quite early in the evening, and not every social engagement requires strenuous activity.”

Darcy, who had been observing this exchange with quiet attention, nodded his agreement. “Indeed. And London offers many diversions beyond balls and assemblies. Concerts, the theatre, exhibitions... many of these could be enjoyed without taxing even the most delicate constitution.”

A flash of genuine animation crossed Anne’s features. “I should like that very much,” she admitted, before glancing quickly at Mrs. Jenkinson, as if concerned about speaking so openly of her desires.

“Well, that is settled then,” Elizabeth declared with a warm smile.

“We shall ensure you have every opportunity to enjoy London, Miss de Bourgh, within the bounds of what is comfortable for you. Now, you must be fatigued after your journey. Would you care to see your rooms? I believe a rest before dinner might be welcome.”

“That would be most sensible,” Mrs. Jenkinson agreed, already moving to assist Anne to her feet, though the younger woman showed no sign of requiring such help. “Miss de Bourgh always rests before dinner, particularly after travelling.”

Elizabeth rose gracefully, gesturing toward the door. “If you will follow me, I shall show you to your chambers myself. Mr. Darcy, perhaps you would inform Georgiana and Kitty of our new guests? I believe they are still in the music room.”

“Of course,” Darcy agreed, his eyes conveying silent support as Elizabeth prepared to shepherd their unexpected guests upstairs.

As they ascended the grand staircase, Elizabeth maintained a gentle flow of conversation, pointing out features of interest in the house and sharing a few amusing anecdotes about their journey to London.

She was gratified to see Anne’s posture gradually relaxing, though Mrs. Jenkinson maintained her vigilant hovering, occasionally supporting Anne’s elbow on the stairs despite no apparent need for such assistance.

“Here we are,” Elizabeth announced as they reached the second floor and proceeded down a wide corridor. “The blue suite. I believe you will find it quite comfortable. The sitting room catches the morning light beautifully, and the bedchambers are spacious and well-appointed.”

She opened the door to reveal an elegant sitting room decorated in shades of pale blue and cream, with comfortable furniture arranged to take advantage of both the fireplace and the large windows overlooking the square.

Two doors on opposite walls led to the adjoining bedchambers, each with its own dressing room.

“This is lovely,” Anne said, her voice carrying a hint of genuine pleasure as she moved into the room.

Mrs. Jenkinson’s lips tightened slightly. “Miss de Bourgh often finds bright colours overstimulating,” she informed Elizabeth. “Her room at Rosings is furnished in more subdued tones.”

“Perhaps a change might be refreshing,” Elizabeth suggested mildly. “But if you find anything not to your liking, Miss de Bourgh, you need only say the word, and adjustments can be made.”

Anne turned from her inspection of a delicate porcelain figurine on the mantelpiece, a look of mild surprise on her face. “Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. That is most considerate. But I find the room perfectly pleasant as it is.”

“Excellent,” Elizabeth smiled. “Now, I shall leave you to rest and refresh yourselves. A maid will be assigned to assist you, and Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper, will call in shortly to ensure everything is to your satisfaction. We dine at seven while in Town, but if you prefer to have a tray sent up this evening, that can certainly be arranged.”