Page 64 of Mr. Darcy's Complex Courtship

“Will you remain long enough to assist me with the arrangements and attend the funeral?”

“Yes, by all means. Shall I call for the doctor and Mr. Collins?”

“No, thank you. The doctor is alreadyen route, and I shall summon Mr. Collins later.” She fussed with the bedclothes covering Anne, eliminating the few wrinkles in the fabric. “I have long believed, Darcy, that my sister’s best qualities live on in you.”

A stirring of moisture in my eyes impelled me to blink. “That is kind of you to say.”

“I am never kind—well, almost never.” Lady Catherine’s fingers fluttered towards me. “Go on downstairs and notify the others. I should like a few minutes alone with Anne.”

“Yes, of course.” I found Lady Matlock, Mrs. Finch, and Miss Finch in the drawing-room and related the sad news. I left them with the intent to get changed, but a commotion in the entryway drew my notice.

Berkeley strode towards me. “Good day, Darcy.”

“Welcome, Berkeley. I need a moment of your time.” I pointed to the billiards room. “Let us go in here.”

“As you wish.” He followed me in, shutting the door behind him. Wrinkles spread from his eyes. “You look weary and even more dour than usual, Cousin.”

“Anne took her last breath not half an hour ago.”

“Oh no!” He pressed his fist to his mouth. “I ought to have come sooner. It is a damned shame. Anne should have had another thirty years at least. It does not seem fair.”

“No, it does not.” I patted Berkeley’s upper arm. “Well, I need to change, so I shall—”

“Wait, please.” Berkeley ambled towards a pair of chairs near the mantel and sat in one. “I have another matter to discuss.”

“Very well.” I took the other chair.

Berkeley stretched out his legs. “Have you heard from Miles of late?”

“I received a letter from him on Tuesday.”

“And did he disclose anything notable or unusual?” Berkeley leaned upon one elbow.

“No. What did you expect me to say?”

“Humour me, please. What do you recall from his last letter?”

“Miles has been busy with several new clients who have commissioned paintings. He took Miss Bennet to Hyde Park, and they encountered Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Miles blames Miss Bingley for the preposterous blather in the rags.” I gave him an intent look. “Maybe you are unaware of Lady Matlock’s instruction to Miles and Miss Bennet.”

“Actually, Mother and I discussed her plan, and I agreed with her reasoning.”

I shook my head. “Well, I am not pleased with the scheme. According to Miles, several people suspected a romantic connexion between Miss Bennet and him even before the fabrication appeared in the papers—they have denied it, yet the gossip persists.”

“Indeed, it does. There is a bet at White’s that they will be wed before the end of the autumn.”

My teeth gritted together, producing a mild ache. “The truth will come out soon enough.”

“Yes, that is true.” Berkeley cleared his throat. “Darcy, I hope you will forgive me for what I am about to say, but my mother’s machinations may have wrought an unexpected consequence.”

“What do you mean?”

“I suspect Miss Bennet and Miles may have moved beyond friendship.”

My every muscle stilled.No, he is wrong—or he is lying with the hope of separating me from Elizabeth!I glowered at him. “How dare you malign Miss Bennet’s character? What is the basis for this accusation—innuendo from one of your crude friends?”

“No, nothing of the sort.” He raised his palm. “And do not mistake me—I mean no disrespect to Miss Bennet or to Miles for that matter. They followed my mother’s advice, after all, and none of us can control whom we love. It could be said the forced proximity is to blame.”

I kneaded the back of my neck. No doubt Berkeleywantedto believe this twaddle and had convinced himself of its verity. “What is the basis for your suspicion?”

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