"But why must he bring her," she wailed childishly, throwing herself in a disgruntled heap upon the settee. "I mean what do we know of her really? Apart from her being some relation of his. I for one have never, not even once, heard a favourable word mentioned of her. Why must he pay her so much singular attention now? To be his most particular guest for the rest of the season," she continued, the distaste in her voice most apparent; "it is most displeasing! Why the evening's table arrangements alone; which brother I attend to personally with the utmost of care, are entirely ruined. The evening was always planned for twelve guests to dine before the theatre, never thirteen!"
"Caroline that is quite enough," interjected Charles Bingley from behind his morning paper. He was growing increasing weary of his sisters' sulky tone in her discussions regarding Darcy's cousin Anne and her recent arrival in London.
"The poor girl has never done you any harm, Caro. I dare day Darcy is simply being a kindly relation in his introducing her about Town. You know, the poor girl never even had a season! Can you imagine. Ill health or some such reason. From what I gather;" Charles continued lowering his voice even though it was only he and his sister present, "she is likely nearing the age of thirty or there about. Can you believe it! To be such an age and never know London!"
"I hear, though I am not one for gossip as you know brother; it is she who owns the family residence on Grosvenor Square. As the only heir apparent can you believe it brother. For Sir Lewis de Bourgh to leave his London residency to such a non-descript female as his daughter, it seems entirely impossible."
"Well if that be so," Charles spoke with feeling, "It is indeed all the better that Darcy has taken her under his wing. If only to shelter her from the dandies and the fortune hunters. Poor sheltered girl by all accounts. You would of thought Lady Catherine would have prepared her only daughter for such a feat. I wonder that she is not already married."
"Louisa says she and Mr Hurst just so happened to be in that part of Town but not two days ago. They witnessed many a tradesman coming and going from the de Bourgh residence. Apparently, she is having all the rooms refreshed and redoing all the hangings. What brother do you make of that? Caroline asked wide eyed. "I disapprove of such extravagance and show enormously." Anne's family name allowed her the freedom and independence to do as she pleased, a luxury Caroline longed to achieve which would likely only happen through an advantageous marriage. This freedom and Anne's closeness to Darcy were what truly irked Caroline.
"Yes, I believe she is having much of the house remodelled," Charles agreed unfolding his paper once more, a signal that his part in the conversation was soon to be over. "I recommend several men to Darcy following the improvements we had undertaken on the ballroom and upper floors last summer. Miss de Bourgh will reside with Darcy acting as Georgiana's chaperone until the house is ready."
"How wonderful for her to have such a generous benefactor as Darcy," Caroline remarked scathingly.
"On the contrary Caro," replied Charles oblivious to the jealousy behind Caroline's words. "I do believe Miss de Bourghs might be just as affluent if not even more so than Darcy. Apparently, the girl took not only possession of the residence in Grosvenor Square upon her coming of age; but she also inherited various other property and the ancestral home of Rosings Park. Sir Lewis signed all assets to his daughter upon his death. It really is a mystery, that such a desirable catch be still unmarried and not known amongst the acquaintance of the ton." Charles put down his paper again and reached across the table for another buttered muffin. "I have not seen Miss de Bourgh in several years, do you recall we were all at Pemberley for that summer party. If she has aged anything as fierce as her mother, whom I have only ever had the pleasure of meeting once thankfully" Charles laughed heartedly, "that could explain a great deal!"
"One can but hope," Caroline replied dryly.
"Darcy you must not feel obliged to include me in every one of your social engagements," Anne said with a smile. She was in the middle of helping Georgiana sew some pretty silk primroses to the sash of her new bonnet. "I am more than happy to be left to my own company of an evening. London society is so exhausting."
"But Anne," said Georgiana with some alarm, placing her hand over Anne's. "My bother would not allow me to attend half so many engagements without your presence."
Anne chuckled at Georgiana's concern for her own entertainment. "I would never deny you any such thing my sweet girl," assured Anne patting Georgiana's hand affectionately. Oh, to be sixteen and so in awe of all life has yet to offer, thought Anne.
Anne had now been in London for just short of a month and couldn't be more pleased with her decision to stay with her cousins while she renovated the town house to her own personal taste. Darcy had been wonderful in his assistance. He quickly appointed a new house keeper and additional staff alongside procuring tradesman to undertake the desired renovations. Anne had spent the last fortnight in deep discussions with a very talented architect who assured her the work could be completed within several short weeks. She had spoken to her man of business and had attended her first meeting with him and her banker. It was high time Anne used some of her large inheritance to do something just for her. The house in Grosvenor had been kept well, with two elderly dedicated members of staff looking after the house should Lady Catherine decide to reside. This however was something her mother was most disinclined to do. Anne was now quite determined to stay in London for the foreseeable future; putting some much-needed space between herself and her mother. The house in London was large and Anne believed she would be more than comfortable once the works were complete. She had no intention of altering her mother's bedchamber and sitting room, but every other room was open to a new lease of life. She desired the whole house to be made anew, banishing the dark heavy wood and oppressive dark walls. Her only direction to the architect, for he was the true expert, was that she wished the final appearance to be light and airy. A mix of soft pastels and white Italian marble. Several additional windows had been commissioned, reminiscent of those from her home at Rosings Park. She could afford it, so why not? Georgiana took great delight in helping Anne review fabric and colour samples. No sooner would the new selection be delivered than Georgianna would have them pulled apart and ready for inspection.
"You cannot evade my friends forever Anne," Darcy said looking towards both ladies as Georgiana held up more fabric flowers ready for Anne to pin. "Bingley and his sisters are especially keen to make your acquaintance. You declined their invitation last sennight, to do so again might be seen as vulgar."
"Do not tease me, Darcy" Anne replied. "You know full well last week I had a bad head and was in no fit state to be out in company. Of course, I shall attend the Bingley's dinner invitation this evening. How could I refuse such delights and the promise of the theatre? I must admit I am most curious to meet with Mr Bingley again; it has been years since we were first introduced; and his sisters too of course."
Georgiana made a small face which neither her brother nor cousin noticed. Dinner with Caroline Bingley was one social engagement Georgiana was only more than happy to be too young to attend.
Anne liked Charles Bingley immeasurably. It would be difficult not to like him, his manners were so pleasing and his warmth as a host so genuine. The same sadly could not be said for his sister. It appeared Caroline, the younger, unmarried of the sisters, acted as her brother's hostess. And my, what a hostess she was. Her superior, snide, affected manner would almost give cause for her mother, Lady Catherine to appear the most docile of hosts. Anne felt utterly out of her depth amongst the other dinner guests and prayed that the evening would end swiftly. At least once at the theatre she would no longer be expected to make small talk during the performance. Caroline's blatant dislike towards herself stung sorely. Perhaps these fashionable ladies of the ton simply found her lacking. It was hard not to come to this assumption; she was older, more sheltered, unknown amongst society. She had heard the gossip fluttering around her person, her situation. Each time she was out in company with Georgiana she felt as if she were on show, everyone seemed to have an opinion on the illusive Miss de Bourgh. Neither wonder her mother disliked London if this is how the so-called high society behaved. How could Darcy tolerate such people?
It was clear Caroline had no time for Anne, there was no warmth in her words. Whenever Charles or Darcy engaged Anne in conversation, the youngest sister would do all in her power to talk over Anne. When Anne attempted to compliment Caroline on her table or the genuinely beautiful mustard gold gown she wore, Caroline simply pretended not to hear her. The other sister, a Mrs Hurst, was little relief, although more pleasant in her attempt at including Anne in conversation. Louisa Hurst only seemed concerned in finding out about the extent of Anne's wealth; who were her connections and if she intended to attend St James, or Almacks. The whole ordeal was exceedingly uncomfortable for Anne. She tried to answer Louisa's questioning; however, she could not quite believe the ladies brashness in asking her such pertinent questions regarding her finances.
It took Louisa a mere quarter of an hour to realise what a useful opportunity having Anne de Bourgh as an intimate friend would be. Louisa was no fool; new money was tolerated but wealth and good breeding were respected by all. She decided then and there she would take it upon herself to take the timid Miss de Bourgh under her wing, before some other society ditty did it before her. She would need to have a quiet word with her sister, remind her of their situation and beg of her to take heed. Anne was much more useful to them as a friend than a rival.
"Anne my dear," Louisa cooed, giving her sister a sharp look to deter her from speaking further. "You really are such a sweet little thing. Darcy how is it you have kept such a pleasure to yourself for so long. Really my dear," Louisa said tucking Anne's hand into the crook of her arm in a gesture of affection. "I believe we shall be firm friends." Anne smiled weakly, although partly grateful to Louisa for this open display of affection, she still felt uneasy.
The rest of dinner passed in the most uneventful of ways. Louisa's curiosity for the time being seemed satisfied and in being so meant she became a more than tolerable dinner companion. Caroline was situated to the left of Darcy and paid very little attention to anyone else present.
To Anne's great delight no sooner had the meal ended than the butler announced the carriages were ready. All Anne had to do was get through the short carriage ride to the theatre. It was clear Louisa had no intention of being without Anne's company for a moment, meaning Anne had no choice but to join Mr and Mrs Hurst at the latter's insistence within their carriage. After several minutes of small talk the party arrived at the steps of the theatre. The line of coaches was so backed up there was only a short time before the performance was due to begin. This meant that on arrival Anne was whisked away by Darcy and Mr Bingley to be introduced to several acquaintances before being taken to the box where she would watch the performance in order to meet their host. Lady Beatrice was a pleasant faced woman of around fifty, with striking blue eyes and warm smile. After a few moments of polite conversation the bell sounded, accounting the beginning of the first act. Anne, seated next to Lady Beatrice, was exceedingly relieved for the diversion and sat back to enjoy the show.
"And tell me what do you think of London?" asked Lady Beatrice as she ushered Anne out to the hall during the interval. "It must be such a crush when compared to a life always lead at one's country estate. Though how fortunate you are that your lineage allows you such intimacy with the most favourable of circles. I am sure you excessively diverted." She smiled at Anne as she waved and nodded to others she knew all mingling in the hallways. Anne hesitated, trying hard to decide the best way to reply to the question without causing offense. She was saved the trouble as Lady Beatrice continued; "my you are quite a tiny little thing. How do you like the play child? I am sure with a lavish display such as this you are quite in raptures?"
"Oh, I like it very much," Anne enthused. I must thank you for allowing my cousin to include me as part of the party. I cannot thank you enough the view from the box is exceptional."
"The view at this very moment I am most confident could rival any such claim," came a low soft voice behind her.
Lady Beatrice's blue eyes lit up and a smile so wide with pleasure spread across her face causing her eyes to almost disappear. "Oh Lord Colville you are such a tease, such a charmer," she all but purred, reaching a hand forward past Anne to except that of the gentleman who bent swiftly to kiss the back of it.
"Lord Colville I must introduce you to a charming new acquaintance of mine. My dear," she began turning towards Anne, "may I introduce the hon. Viscount Colville of Arbuthnot. Lord Colville may I..."
"I am happy to say no introduction is needed Lady Bea," interrupted Lord Colville. "For we are already firm favourites." Lady Beatrice's eyes grew wide with astonishment as the tall gentleman stood back and looked down towards the petite Miss de Bourgh.
"Hello darling Anne," he said softly, oblivious to the shocked expressions of those around them and onlookers from his overly familiar use of Anne's Christian name. "I must say seeing you here tonight has suddenly made my stay in London a most promising delight."
Anne swallowed hard and looked up into the gentleman's dark brown eyes. She curtsied low, for she felt it the correct thing to do. By now all eyes were upon them, hands raised to mouths in an attempt at discretion; everyone asking the same question. Who was the lady who had bewitched such a man as the handsome Lord Colville?
"Edward," she spoke quietly, exceedingly surprised by his unexpected appearance.