Page 63 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“And you believe that will make a difference?”

“Yes, I am certain she will be more receptive the next time you talk to her.” My aunt tapped her lower lip. “I suggest you take care to moderate your voice when you address her—maintain an easy, calm tone. Engage her the way you would Georgiana or perhaps a young child.”

“Why is this necessary?”

“Lord Greymont has a deep baritone, and I should not want you to remind her of him.”

This endeavour grew more complicated by the moment. “Maybe I am not best suited for this task. It seems to me that Richard or Berkeley would be a better choice.”

“When they arrive, I intend to recruit their assistance as well, but I suspect a less loquacious gentleman such as you is ideal to be the first who approaches her.”

“I see.”

“Oh yes”—Lady Matlock beamed at me—“I have the ideal subject for you to broach with Miss Finch. I have discovered she is enamoured of botany and has extensive knowledge on the topic. She will chat with ease about the flora native to various locations around the world.”

“Very well, I shall do as you ask.”

She patted my hand. “Thank you, Darcy. This act of kindness from you will do wonders for Miss Finch’s self-confidence.”

“It is no trouble.” In truth, I could use the practice. And if my efforts proved to be successful, this accomplishment ought to earn Elizabeth’s approbation.

Saturday, 20 June

Darcy

I paused to moderate my cadence before reciting the final line ofWindsor-Forest, by Alexander Pope, a particular favourite ofAnne’s.“First in these fields I sung the sylvan strains.”I closed the small book and set the volume on the table.

Lady Catherine stirred, redirecting her sight from my cousin’s prone form to me. “Thank you, Darcy.”

“It was my pleasure.”

“Although we cannot be certain, I should like to think Anne heard you. The fingers on her right hand twitched soon after you began.”

“Yes, I noticed that as well.” I stood, stretching my leg muscles, which had grown inflexible from several hours of sitting. “I shall go downstairs, and you ought to accompany me. Mrs. Jenkinson can stay with Anne.”

She cocked her head. “Yes, I realise I have been neglecting my guests.”

“Do not give that a thought. Lady Matlock has presided over the meals, and no one expects you to see to their entertainment. My concern is for you—it would do you good to leave this room for a while.”

“When she awakens, I want to be here.”

“Mrs. Jenkinson will call for you the moment she does.”

She shifted back towards Anne. “No, you go on. Tell the others I shall be down…later.”

“Very well. I shall see you soon.” I went to the door.

“Darcy!”

My hand dropped from the latch, and I whirled round. “What is wrong?”

“She…she no longer breathes. I believe she is…gone.”

With a hard swallow, I went to Anne’s bedside. My cousin appeared much as she had before, her expression peaceful, but the faint rise and fall of her chest had ceased. I took her wrist and searched for a pulse to no avail. “I am so sorry, Lady Catherine. At least…um…her suffering has ended.”

My aunt nodded. “Anne stated several times she did not want to continue on in this way—if she had been given a choice, she would have left us sooner.” Her reddened eyes raised to me. “I am grateful you have stayed this long when you must have desired to be elsewhere.”

I almost uttered a protest but remained silent; it would be disingenuous to deny the truth of her statement. Instead, I rested a hand on her shoulder.

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