Lizzy felt her cheeks warm at the praise, then averted her eyes so he might not notice how much his compliment affected her.
“William,” Georgiana interrupted. “Can you believe Kitty has never had a croissant? I believe Cook must make some along with her delicious scones while my friend is visiting.”
“I agree, Georgie. Cook’s delicacies are not to be missed.”
The two girls fell back into conversation as Mr. Darcy leaned to Lizzy and whispered, “I am grateful that Georgie seems to have gotten over her most trying moments. Again, I am forever grateful to you. And Miss Katherine.”
“Mr. Darcy, as your friend, it was nothing. I am certain you would have done the same had the situation been reversed.”
“Undoubtedly.”
“You have already proven yourself useful. Rescuing damsels in strange estates with only a hair pin. I am positive you would do so much more.”
“I would do anything for a friend.” He looked directly into her eyes, making her heart skip a beat, and she wondered what he meant by it.
The heat running up her neck caused her to look away but she was cooled in an instant as she noticed Mr. Darcy’s thumb distractedly caress his watch.
Chapter 11
During previous generations, Cheapside might not have been the most fashionable of addresses. Over time, with the nouveau riche making names for themselves in trade and other business ventures, the neighborhood began a resurgence of prosperity. Elizabeth briskly walked toward her aunt and uncle’s home after having spent a pleasant hour rambling through the park adjacent. Lizzy held the hand of her youngest cousin, Michael, and her maid followed.
“Come along, little one. I am supposed to be home shortly to accompany your mother on a visit to an old friend.”
He looked up at her perplexed. “But, Lizzy, you are not very old. Why would you go visit old people?”
“No, silly.” She laughed at his little face upturned in a question. “She is not old but has known your mother for a very long time. They grew up together at Lambton. We will, however, be visiting with her grandmother, as well.” She squeezed his little hand and pulled him toward the house.Aunt says Mrs. Worth’s grandmother worked at Pemberley. It would be lovely to hear stories to tell Georgiana.“Come Michael, we must hurry.”
“But I’m tired from running after the ducks.” His hand tugged her back and she modified her pace.
“And what purpose would there be in our dallying? Are you to finish your sums with the governess when we arrive home?”
His look belied her assumption and she laughed aloud. “Oh, Michael. I believe you and I are kindred spirits. Speak to me of history or literature and I will listen for hours. Recite sums or equations, and I will fall asleep,” she whispered, wrinkling her nose.
“Yes, Lizzy. Please don’t make me go back. Can’t we go to the shop and buy some sweets? I will share.” She looked at his entreating face and leaned down to tussle his hair.
“Unfortunately, Master Michael, we both have to play the part of a grown-up.”
“But I don’t want to be growed-up. I’m only five!”
Bending down to her young cousin as they reached the edge of the path, she said, “If you promise to not complain while doing your sums, I will ensure you have one of Cook’s lemon cookies waiting for you.”
“You will, Lizzy?”
“Yes, of course. Now,” she said, picking up their pace, “let us return to your mother’s home.”For I am anticipating an interesting day with Mrs. Worth’s grandmother.
* * *
Colonel Fitzwilliam lookedaround the sitting room and breathed a sigh of relief that his aunt Catherine was meeting with her solicitor. His cousin Anne was pouring his tea and he could not catch her eye. “My dear Anne. We have spoken of your time in London, your visit to the theater, and all that has occurred since I was last here two weeks ago.”
She smiled. “We have yet to speak on the lovely London weather. Do you believe the smoke and fog will hinder our entire stay in town?”
He chuckled. “If we are lucky, we may yet see more dark clouds on the horizon.”
She let out a most unladylike snort and covered her mouth. “No, my mother is not expected back until after luncheon.”
Richard let out a whoop and slapped his knee. “You arefilledwith impertinence. I forgot you had it in you, my Annie.”
Her eyes locked onto his at the familiar name before she lowered her lashes. “You have not called me that since we were children.”
