"Anne," Edward said with feeling, taking both her hands in his so she was fully facing him. "I would never ask such a thing from you. I would never ask you to forgo what is rightfully yours, what is your due. Nor would I ask you to quit your family, you do know this." He looked coldly at her mother who stood expressionless as she observed the pair. "I give you my heart and all I have as your own. Your fortune means nothing to me. It is your happiness I desire, and although I may think very little of certain members of your family." Here he cast Lady Catherine a disparaging look. "I would not force you to quit them."

"Edward, without you I should never be happy, never be content. Too much have you already given me. You are my choice."

"You would still have her as your wife, even without family and fortune?" Lady Catherine spoke coolly as she observed their exchange seemingly unmoved.

He looked at the austere woman so opposite from the kind hearted daughter he knew so well. How could such a goodness be born from one so bitter? How could a girl have grown into such a woman when raised by someone so cold and unfeeling? He could not help but feel pain at the realisation of just how difficult Anne's early years truly must have been.

"I love your daughter, Lady Catherine. I love her for her goodness, her mind and all her other abundant sensibilities. If you are too blind to see these virtues then I pity you."

"Then it would appear I have very little to say on the matter," Lady Catherine replied, moving to take a seat. She tapped her cane against the floor as she eyed the pair of them.

"I am shocked by your behaviour Anne. Appalled. That you would even consider giving up the situation that has been bestowed upon you; I find to be inexcusable dramatics. You are the rightful mistress of Rosings Park and all she entails. Do not disappointment me in thinking you can so easily cast off your responsibilities." Anne stared at her mother quite dumbfounded.

"Tell me," Lady Catherine continued, looking down her long nose at Edward. "What is your situation?"

"You do not have to answer that," Anne spoke, feeling her temper rising. "Do not give her the satisfaction of allowing her to examine your worth. He has nothing to prove to you mother."

"It is my right to know that my daughter will be well taken care of in marriage. You may bring a title but what of your income?"

Anne flinched under her mother's callousness. It felt so vulgar. Anne had never asked such a question, would never ask such a question. In truth she had never wished to know it. She knew Edward had a large estate in Northern Scotland and several other property. She herself was rich, in a position greater than many men, yet he had never asked her the value. She knew her wealth was not the draw for him. It pained her that this was her mothers prime concern for her daughter's future happiness.

"My ancestral home is a seventy five acre estate in Aberdeenshire which has been in my possession for several years. I have properties here in London, Edinburgh, an estate in Devon and several business holdings. My income is around eighteen thousand a year, though I made a considerable profit last year in the West Indies." He rolled his shoulders back, puffing his chest at the old battle-axe. He was well aware no one could find fault with his credentials. "And to all this I add the title of Viscount."

Anne felt eyes grow wide. Eighteen thousand a year? Heavens she had never imagined such a sum!

"It is tolerable I suppose," Lady Catherine replied, eyeing the gentleman with a new found appreciation. "As you know my daughter is the sole heiress of the de Bourgh fortune. I myself was not blessed with a son. I could not have parted with her for less."

"Does this mean we have your blessing?" Edward asked.

"Do you need my blessing?"

"No," replied Edward. "But that does not mean I would not wish for it all the same."

"Then I wish you both every happiness. I must say Anne never did I believe you would bring home such a prize, a son in law I can indeed be proud of. I underestimated you."

Anne felt Edward tense next to her. She placed her hand gently on his forearm. To rise to the bait was not worth the effort. She had what she wanted, her mother had given them her blessing. To hope her mother could simply be satisfied at seeing her daughter happy had been too whimsical an ideal.

Her mother actually smiled. "A Viscountess, how well that sounds. He is handsome too, though a little older than I would have imagined. Though on reflection you are no longer in the first flush of youth yourself my dear. And to think I was worried you would throw your life away to be the mere wife of a soldier."

Anne flinched at the words, not only because she now knew Richards true character, but for them being spoken in front of Edward so carelessly. If he understood their full meaning he gave no appearance of being in anyway affected by them.

"Mother we were just leaving on your arrival for dinner at Darcy House. I am afraid we are now rather late. I will need to send word of our excuses. I shall speak with Mrs Marks to arrange a late supper. I am sure you would like to rest after..."

"Darcy House! Nonsense girl. Have your staff bring my luggage. I assume by your appearance you keep a ladies maid? I left Mary waiting in the carriage. Between them I can be ready to take my leave shortly. Have word sent to Darcy, we shall be with them directly. I am sure he will be most pleased to see his favourite aunt."

"Edward would you mind sending word to Darcy while I arrange mother's things and call for Hennie?"

"Not at all." He left the room in search of Mrs Marks casting Anne an anxious glance.

"Now mother, I must insist we make haste. We are not the only guests in attendance. I shall have your things sent to one of the guest rooms."

At this, Lady Catherine's head shot up as though for the first time realising Grosvenor Square was no longer her own. So vexed she had been on her arrival and determined to see her daughter she had barely taken notice of all the redecoration and remodelling her daughter had undertaken. The room they now sat within was large and airy. Gone were the dark wood panelling, deep burgundy drapes and out dated furniture which had been the houses previous aesthetic. Everything was bright and delicate, a decided woman's touch. There was no hint of the previous hand of Sir Lewis de Bourgh to be found. This had been his home, his sanctuary. All through their marriage this house had always been his, it had been her one compromise. Suddenly she felt a surge of panic, a feeling which must have shown itself with force upon her face for Anne suddenly remarked;

"Do not worry. Your chambers I left untouched. Though I think you will agree with me they are not suitable for habitation. Everything is as it was when I took ownership." She thought of the portrait which now hung upon the wall in her own chambers, well almost everything. Seeing her mother's face instantly calm, she continued bravely; "but I do wish to discuss what was found within. Not now, but I do hope one day you will confide in me."

Her mother merely nodded, deep in thought and in no way willing to discuss the subject. Anne took a seat opposite. She waited, hoping her mother might say more, though no such insight came. Momentarily Mrs Marks and Hennie entered the room.

Anne instructed them both as to what was required. Her mother's things were retrieved and arrangements made for Mary, her personal maid.

Eventually Lady Catherine roused herself to follow Hennie to her chambers. Just as she was about to exit the parlour she turned to her daughter;"

"Poor Darcy. How heartbroken he shall be. My nephew is so terribly fond of me. To know he will never call me motherwill be a great disappointment to him. But alas it was not to be. Still I have gained myself a Viscount to which I am sure in time, dear Darcy, will endeavour to understand."

Her mother left the room in a sweep of emerald and black fabric. Anne stared after the departing figure full of disbelief at her total delusion of the situation. She was more than certain Darcy had got off exceedingly lightly.

She slumped back in the chair and let out a long sigh of relief. It was over. Poor Edward, there was no escaping her mother now. Slowly she smiled as she realised what she must do next.

A gentle knock at the door announced Edwards return.

"Is it safe to enter? He smiled upon seeing she was alone.

"All is well, but I cannot guarantee you will not regret asking me to be your wife when you realise the true extent of my mother's lunacy."

"She is no different to any of the other society chits mother I assure you."

"Oh so I am no more than some society chit?" Anne teased. She reached out her hand to which Edward instantly came forward to take within his own. "I have decided that we shall announce our engagement to everyone present this evening. But I warn you, as with all things where my mother is concerned, this evening shall be a rather bumpy ride."


Caroline had been right in hindsight to think the worst of her cousin, for he was indeed a blaggard of the worst sort. He looked at her in such a way as to make her skin crawl. Although nothing he said upon arrival at Darcy House could be deemed to be insulting; there was an underlying meaning behind each turn of phrase which Caroline could not help but be aware of.

The entire day had been an absolute shambles; from her unexpected meeting with Lady Julianna, to her cousins most unwelcome arrival. How could she have expected the evening to end any better?

She had avoided seeing cousin Alfred again until the moment could not be delayed any longer; remaining in her chambers until the carriage was ready to depart.

The conversation was awkward, her wishing to speak very little while her brother rambled on needlessly. It pained her each time their cousin raised his eyebrow in mocking censure at her brother's blatant nervous disposition. Caroline hated Charles for being so obvious in his weakness.

During their short journey to Grosvenor Street her cousin had taken the liberty to place himself rather too close to her person. She had then endured the introductions and polite conversation that followed once settled in the Darcy drawing room. Darcy was even more contemplative and uncommunicative than usual. Cousin Alfred was quite skilled at bringing all natural conversation to a sudden end by a single remark. She knew the effect well, for it was a skill she herself possessed and often relished in. However, seeing it in action by another and the look upon the faces of those of her acquaintance at being snubbed by him was not a pleasant experience. Alfred Bingley's overly attentive attitude towards her person had also not gone unnoticed by certain members of the group.

To Caroline's horror they were to remain in the parlour longer than expected due to precious little cousin Anne being unfortunately detained. Why must everyone wait for her to arrive? She never brought much conversation anyway she had thought most ungraciously.

However, this evening little Anne had indeed brought much in way of conversation. Or perhaps what would have been more accurate, her mother did. Lady Catherine's arrival had surprised all present apart from Darcy. Clearly he had been forewarned of his aunt's presence but had not seen the need nor want to share such news with his guests. Caroline both admired and feared Lady Catherine. Not present enough in society to be of any use to her personally, yet she was not a woman you wished to displease. At least with such a force present no one would be expected to converse openly, which in itself was a blessing.

Caroline listened unmoved to the news she knew would be forthcoming. The happy look upon Colville's face only caused her mild discomfort. No, she had never cared for him, only admired his standing and the doors to which aligning herself to such a man would certainly open. It had been but a game, she deserved to be noticed by such a man, had flattered herself thinking that he did. How he could care for someone so mousey as Anne de Bourgh she could not fathom, but the man was clearly besotted. What had shocked the entire party most of all was Lady Catherine's behaviour toward her future son-in-law.

The typically formidable lady had spent much of the evening oohing and awing over her soon to be son. His manners were deemed excellent; his features most handsome, his wealth undeniable and his title of Viscount most acceptable. Clearly this made both Colville and Anne rather uncomfortable. One could not miss the apologetic looks and smiles of encouragement the lady cast in her fiancé's direction. Colville had been placed further up the table, much to his chagrin, next to his soon to be mother with Darcy to her left. Darcy looked to be just as uncomfortable for his aunt did recount often and loudly of the disappointment her nephew must be experiencing at such news.

At least the show that took place between these four key players focused much of the scrutiny away from Caroline's family. Her sister was her usual ridiculous self, Mr Hurst devoid of all conversation and her brother too nice to know when Alfred was clearly insulting him. Her cousin was no fool, he had known immediately the stature and importance of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and had been nothing but civil to the point of charming when addressed by the woman. It seemed he had been right. There was indeed some areas of similarity between their characters.

Montague had barely spoken a word to Miss Bingley all night. He had of course made a point to acquaint himself with the cousin upon his arrival, but the commotion brought by Darcy's aunt and the news of his friends engagement had somewhat interrupted the conversation. Montague had watched the interaction between the Bingley party and unlike Charles had clearly understood each derogatory remark and cleverly worded jibe. He had been surprised by Caroline's lack of retaliation. Yes he had asked the girl to hold her tongue, but for her to appear so unlike herself he found most unpleasant.

Upon hearing yet another subtle remark directed at her brother, Caroline had to bite her cheek in order to control her temper. After their exchange in the parlour Caroline had no desire to test her cousin, not yet anyway. Too little did she know of his character, too little did she know of his temperament. She had tried her best to be polite when he addressed her, though it took all her concentration. Better she observe him and understand him more before she decided how best to one up him.

What Caroline detested the most was the little smiles and comments her cousin made to her person. His continued leering at her person. She would be sure to wear the ugliest dress she could find down to breakfast the morrow. It was these comments and leering looks which Montague paid particular attention.


Caroline placed her elbows on the cool rail, taking a deep breath and allowing her shoulders to finally relax. She leaned back, holding onto the metal rail in order to stretch her stiff back. Her stays were cutting into her side most uncomfortably, even more so than normal, which only added to her terrible mood. With the gentleman now retired to smoke and do whatever else men did in private; the ladies were left listening to Lady Catherine. She could not bare to listen any further on the importance of Italian lace over that of French and the shortfalls of so many young ladies. Caroline had taken her leave at first opportunity, slipping quietly out to the garden terrace for a moment of peace and tranquillity.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Came a voice from behind her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked not bothering to turn round. "Do you really think it wise to be creeping about in the dark?"

"I am hardly creeping about, as you so eloquently put it. I simply came outside for some air. I see I was not the only one." He paused, waiting for a clever reply which came not. "I am surprised to find you on your own. Do you think that wise?"

"You are not my keeper Mr Montague."

"No indeed I am not." They both fell silent.

After several minutes he finally spoke again; "I do not like nor trust your cousin."

"You and I both," she replied finally turning to face him. "What are we to do?"

He looked at her with surprise, seeing for the first time real unease across her handsome features.

"Do not worry, I have dealt with men like him. I shall look after your brother and his interests. We just need to observe the man and learn what information we can as to help our own endeavours."

She nodded at him by way of reply. Never had he seen Miss Bingley quite so reserved, so low in spirit.

"You are quiet," Montague remarked, watching her as she turned away from him once more.

"I would have thought that a blessing."

He swallowed hard, toying with the words he wished to say. "I saw the way in which he looked at you. I did not like it."

"Nor I. But I can handle myself have no fear. I shall not allow him to get the better of me. He is merely an opportunist. He simply wishes to unsettle me."

He sighed. "I am serious Caroline take care about him."

"Do your job Mr Montague, then none of us shall need to worry further about my cousin." She turned to head back through the doors towards the parlour.

"Will I be seeing you at the Masquerade?" he asked in an attempt to detain her longer.

"Of course," she replied pausing by the door. "I am having the final details added to my gown as we speak."

"I am afraid I have left that part a little late. I have an appointment with the tailor in the morning."

"Such a thing holds little importance to a man. What is a ball to a man? But for us ladies it is a vital show of power and status."

"Is that so," he smiled, seeing some of her spirit rise once more. "And here I was thinking the role of King Arthur would grant me the highest respect."

She rolled her eyes at his unoriginality. "You and all the other King Arthur's there present." She moved through the parlour door, leaving Montague alone on the terrace deep in thought.