Chapter 316: Chapter 316

"Therefore cousin, please do not give me any evasive answers - what is your relationship with that Mr. Holmes from earlier?"

At the end of June, the first month after London's social season concluded, Anne and Lady Catherine accepted Countess Ross's invitation to Grosvenor to attend a local art exhibition.

Knowing her daughter's interests, Lady Catherine naturally wouldn't refuse, though she was well aware that Lady Ross's primary motive was to promote her younger son, Colonel Ross.

However, in Lady Catherine's view, this wasn't particularly important. Before any marriage arrangements were finalized, a lady had every right to enjoy gentlemen's attentions.

Moreover, given Countess Ross's standing in London's social circles, rashly rejecting such goodwill wouldn't be a wise move at all.

Of course, they inevitably encountered some unexpected acquaintances during their visit.

Noticing the somewhat peculiar atmosphere between the two individuals,

During the afternoon tea interlude, Darcy - serving as both cousin and protector - couldn't resist asking the question.

Finally, he somewhat reservedly expressed his own perspective.

"But Anne..." Darcy spoke with unusual gravity, his gaze fixed intently on his cousin before him:

"You must understand, Mr. Holmes has only been in politics for a few years yet has already achieved his current position. Rumor has it he's highly favored by Minister Marshall..."

Indeed, his future prospects were visibly bright, which was precisely why Lady Catherine hadn't voiced any objections earlier.

Recalling their limited interactions, even Darcy had to acknowledge that this gentleman was indeed worth cultivating as an acquaintance, or rather, as a certain kind of collaborative partner.

Provided it remained solely as a collaborative relationship.

At least in Darcy's view, these very qualities would make him an excellent politician, a true master of power struggles, but not particularly suitable as a good husband - especially not for his cousin who had been frail since childhood and somewhat isolated.

In his estimation, this Mr. Holmes was simply too clever. Even with excellent disguise, Darcy's keen intuition could vaguely detect the detachment beneath his gentle demeanor and his casual indifference toward many external matters...

This point... wait a moment...

His gaze fell upon his cousin across from him, who was amusing herself by playing with a teaspoon. As a breeze brushed past the window, the words Darcy was about to speak suddenly caught in his throat.

Oh, heavens, he finally understood where that strange yet familiar feeling came from when he first encountered Mr. Holmes earlier.

Remembering the remarkably synchronized and harmonious scene between the two at the gallery earlier.

Could this be why these two could so quickly develop mutual affection after just a few brief meetings?

"Cousin, you're mistaken. In reality, that gentleman and I are far from reaching the stage of mutual affection confession."

Gently stirring her black tea, An Ning cheerfully corrected her cousin's misunderstanding. Her tone was as casual as if discussing what she ate for breakfast or commenting on the day's weather.

In short, it completely lacked the demeanor of a proper young lady discussing her lifelong commitment!

Oh, how utterly casual and nonchalant.

It was only then that Darcy suddenly realized he had unconsciously voiced some of his thoughts aloud.

He had said it out loud!

Conscious that he had violated the virtue of discretion expected of a proper gentleman, Mr. Darcy first earnestly and solemnly reflected upon his earlier rashness before turning his attention back to his cousin, who sat elegantly sipping tea across from him.

Beneath Grosvenor's dazzling summer sunlight, his cousin's already radiant golden hair seemed coated with a soft glow, her sapphire-blue eyes resembling the most brilliant gems from the ocean's depths...

Simply sitting there, she possessed an indescribable beauty, far more elegant and lovely than any oil painting he had seen earlier...

But unfortunately, this Mr. Darcy wouldn't forget that these very clear, bright eyes had just deliberately or inadvertently extracted all his thoughts.

And these seemingly delicate hands before him had been the source of his "insecurity" for quite some time previously.

If he hadn't soon after met the kind and amiable Mr. Bingley, the poor young Darcy might have continued believing he suffered from some significant intellectual deficiency.

Oh, heavens, Darcy suddenly realized.

To some extent, who truly held the disadvantaged position between his cousin and Mr. Holmes remained uncertain.

Nevertheless, even now, Darcy didn't consider his earlier concerns entirely unnecessary or a waste of time.

After all, while Anne was undoubtedly intelligent, neither existing laws nor social institutions were particularly favorable toward his cousin, who possessed substantial wealth yet remained physically delicate.

Truly the epitome of an upright gentleman, the male protagonist of this world indeed!

Instantly discerning her cousin's thoughts, and seemingly recalling something, An Ning leisurely savored her pastry while secretly winking in playful teasing:

"Cousin always shows such concern for Georgiana and me, but dear Mr. Darcy, have you perhaps forgotten something?"

"Such as?" Darcy raised an eyebrow involuntarily.

"Such as your age, and that lovely Miss Bennet!" She deliberately emphasized the "your" slightly.

As expected, the gentleman across from her stiffened momentarily, his complexion even taking on a slightly greenish pallor.

Oh, it seemed her cousin's pursuit wasn't going very smoothly - no, exceptionally unsmooth indeed.

Having not enjoyed fresh gossip for some time, An Ning found herself unusually interested:

"Speaking of which, dear cousin, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, allow your dear cousin to speculate: Earlier, when you expressed your feelings to that lady you admire, did you perhaps say something that made her particularly angry, even making her feel deeply slighted?"

"For instance, using somewhat disrespectful language regarding certain members of her family or relatives!"

Sure enough, Mr. Darcy's expression grew even more rigid. Oh, so he had indeed!

An Ning stirred her floral tea with mild exasperation:

"Cousin, please trust your adorable little cousin - any young lady with self-respect would absolutely refuse to tolerate condescending evaluations from others, especially indirect disparagement of her loved ones, particularly during a confession of affection!"

"Perhaps those relatives you consider vulgar and ill-mannered are precisely the family members Miss Bennet needs to protect and cherish!"

Silently taking a small sip of floral tea, Darcy's eyes showed hints of regret, yet he still stubbornly insisted:

"I admit my phrasing might have been inappropriate, but undeniable facts remain facts!"

Mrs. Bennet and several of her younger daughters were indeed somewhat improper, even rather unbearable at times. Even now, Darcy didn't believe his words were incorrect.

At most, they were somewhat overly direct.

"If we were to formally enter marriage someday, family considerations would inevitably factor in. Essentially, I merely stated objective conditions that day, didn't I?"

Oh, stating them - during a confession, as the suitor, openly expressing disdain for the lady's family right before her. Never mind the intensely proud female protagonist - anyone with an ounce of self-respect would find it unbearable.

Watching her cousin's expression that suggested he hadn't done anything wrong, merely been somewhat improper, An Ning couldn't help but feel momentarily speechless.

Oh, toying with her teacup, An Ning idly reflected. It seemed there truly were no perfect male gods in this world!

Pride and Prejudice - the book title certainly wasn't misnamed.

From the current situation, it appeared this cousin's path to winning his beloved wouldn't be easy at all!