“Only promise not to say a word, Cassie, until it is known to the public.”
“Of course. As you recall, of the two of us, I am able to keep a secret.”
Her friend smiled at the gentle barb as Lizzy continued. “Mr. Darcy is to be married to his cousin.”
“His cousin? I was unaware Lord Matlock had a daughter. I believed there were only two sons: the Viscount and a son who had a commission in the army.”
“No, not those cousins,” Madeline Gardiner said. “What was the young lady’s name, Lizzy?”
“She is Miss Anne de Bourgh, the daughter of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, his mother’s sister. It had been the wish of both their mothers...”
The women recoiled at the cry from behind them. Turning, they saw Mrs. Smith standing in front of her chair, her eyes boring through her granddaughter’s. “No, Cassie, no! Run to Pemberley at once and get Mrs. Darcy. Tell her he did not listen. We need to get the letter. I left it on the desk by the quill. Hurry, you must hurry. Get the letter.”
Mrs. Worth spoke in a soothing voice and gently reached for the older woman. “Grandmother, what letter?”
The fragile woman collapsed back into her chair, put her face in her hands, and began to rock, sobbing like a child. “She said no. She said no, Cassie. I wrote it. I wrote it. Where did it go? She loved him and she told him no.”
“Who, Grandmother? Who? You must calm yourself. Who?”
“Wills. She said, ‘No.’ He was her joy!” Tears poured from the aged woman’s eyes and her sobs were uncontrollable. “It is on her desk. I put it on her desk. It is my fault. Get Mrs. Darcy, quickly. Or the master. Get Master Darcy at once. He will know what to do! And don’t wake the baby!”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Madeline Gardiner stood. “Cassandra, I think we will take our leave.”
“Wait, Madeline. I will get the maid.” At that moment, a young woman came rushing in. “Please take Grandmother to her room, and I will be up shortly to help give her medicine.”
“Aye, ma’am.”
Turning to her guests, Mrs. Worth said, “Madeline, Miss Bennet, I apologize. This has only happened once before, and that was in regards to a memory about my grandfather. I cannot understand how talk of the Darcys would cause such an outpouring of emotion.”
“Nor could I,” Madeline agreed. “Who is Wills?”
“I believe that is the name Mrs. Darcy called the young master before her death. But what letter can she be referring to?”
“Whatever it was meant very much to your grandmother. You know how some in their later life blend the past with the present or even confuse events.” Madeline placed a comforting hand on her friend’s arm. “Cassie, let us know if there is anything we can do.”
“Promise you will come and visit again.”
“Of course,” both ladies said together.
“And Miss Bennet. I look forward to reading the society pages in two days’ time of a certain Mr. D from the North and a lovely Miss fresh from Hertfordshire.”
Lizzy smiled at her jest. “If we are, it will merely be to identify the paupers a benevolent Mr. D has taken to the theatre.”
“Lizzy!” Mrs. Gardiner tutted at her niece. “Thank you again,” she said as they made their way to the door. “We wish you a good day and your grandmother a restful night.”
“Oh, thank you, Madeline. And I wish you, Miss Bennet,” she said with a grin, “a lovely evening at the theater and the distinction of being identified with the most eligible bachelor in all of England.”
* * *
Anne de Bourghknew she was not a beautiful woman. Since the time she was in leading strings, she could only remember her mother, father, and even Nanny Flora remark how very plain she was. She looked down at herself as the carriage passed fashionable young ladies walking toward Hyde Park and grimaced.
Lady Catherine had returned to Rosings only that morning in response to an express from her gamekeeper. Soon after, Anne told the butler she was to meet Colonel Fitzwilliam at the new exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts and then dine with him before returning home. Despite the uncertainty in his eyes, he remained silent.I sympathize for the poachers but hope their trial is of some duration.
She leaned back in the carriage and glanced again at the women walking together, chattering away. How she wished she too had a confidant. Though she might confide in Georgiana, her cousin was much younger.I am sure we would have nothing in common. She is so youthful and vibrant.
Anne shook her head and whispered, “I have never felt young in my whole life.” She looked across to Mrs. Jenkinson, her companion, who was already drifting off to sleep on this short carriage ride.And how am I to feel young?She smoothed her hands over her skirt.I have the finest clothes, but they are for a woman more than twice my age. A London dowager would not be happy in these fine frocks. And my hair—she reached up to touch the severe style her lady’s maid had arranged that morning—I might as well be wearing a widow’s cap. How could I imagine that Richard would ever notice me?“Enough!” she declared, startling Mrs. Jenkinson from her slumber. She grabbed the cane her mother kept in the coach and banged on the roof for the driver to stop.
When the footman alighted from the coach and opened the door, Anne ordered with all the authority as her mother’s daughter, “To Madame Claudette’s.”
