He laughed at her exuberance and they walked on to the Gardiner’s front steps. “It has been my pleasure, Miss Bennet. Until next time.” He doffed his hat as she entered the house before he walked away, whistling.
Chapter 15
Darcy studiedMiss Elizabeth’s profile as her maid looked out the window of the coach. There was something very taking with the arch of her mouth and he wondered what it would feel like to run his finger along her cheek.
Miss Elizabeth turned her head and he felt himself blush being caught staring at her. Darcy cleared his throat while fidgeting with the edge of his hat. “I know, Mrs. Worth’s letter stated she doubts her grandmother would reveal anything today, Miss Bennet, but I must see what she might know about a letter from my mother. If another letter might have actually existed.”
“I do not want you to set your hopes too high, sir. I understand the cobwebs have not cleared her mind nor does the doctor expect better. It appears that her time is almost come.”
“And yet, I cannot comprehend the reason for such an outburst as you described. And I would not forego the chance to meet with one so dear to my mother.”
They continued on in silence as the carriage jostled over the cobblestone streets of London on the way to Mrs. Worth’s house. Upon arrival, Darcy handed Miss Bennet out and escorted her up to the front door. They were shown into the sitting room by a butler while her maid was offered refreshment in the kitchen. Mrs. Worth put her needlework away and stood to curtsey.
“Good morning. Welcome.”
“Thank you for having us, Mrs. Worth. Might I present Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?”
“How do you do, Mrs. Worth?”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance and be in your company again after so many years.”
“I thank you. I hope our visit is not too much trouble for you.”
“Not at all, sir. I am honored to have you here. Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve Pemberley, the harvest ball, and your dear mother’s kindness on more than one occasion.”
“Your words are very kind.”
Darcy sat on the sofa beside Miss Bennet across from Mrs. Worth and said, “Miss Bennet related the story of your pirate treasure in Pemberley’s woods.”
Mrs. Worth chuckled. “Yes, Mr. Darcy. Do you remember how your pony was requisitioned for Madeline and me to ride back to the great house?”
He shook his head. “I must confess, I do not. However, I do remember my father teasing about pirates getting lost in the woods and burying Edward Teach’s treasure.”
They both chuckled at the memory before Mrs. Worth continued. “I hope my grandmother can help you find what you seek today, sir.”
“I do not know that I seek anything, Mrs. Worth. Possibly just a connection to my departed parents.”
“Then, Mr. Darcy, if I may share a memory with you. Even if my grandmother is unable to replicate what she told Miss Bennet, in the very least you will be able to leave my home with a fond remembrance.”
“I thank you.”
Cassandra Worth grinned. “Your father was a wonderful man and your mother one of the most beautiful and compassionate women I have ever encountered in my life.”
“That she was,” he said softly.
“Her charity within the parish as well as your own tenants was well respected amongst the people of Lambton.”
Darcy only nodded as she continued. “There was one day when I was but six years of age, I walked to Pemberley to deliver something to grandmother. I went in through the kitchen and Cook told me to wait while a maid went up to find her.”
“Mrs. Baxter?”
“The very one! She made the most delicious candies and it was close to your father’s birthday, and your mother had ordered some as a surprise.”
“Yes, Father had quite a sweet tooth.”
“Mrs. Baxter gave me a few and told me to sit in the corner, then promptly went back to work. Like all young children, I was restless and wanted to explore the vast hallways and rooms of Pemberley. My grandmother spoke so much of the house that I must have felt as if I was intimately connected with all its occupants.
“Waiting until Mrs. Baxter moved to the pantry, I crept up the servant’s stairs and ended in the music room where your mother was playing the loveliest song, ‘The Rose of Tralee.’ I was mesmerized by her voice. I had never heard anything so beautiful in my young life. I sat down in the corner and listened to her play song after song and eventually fell asleep. Your dear mother found me. She spoke kindly while delivering me to my grandmother. I remember she smelled of lavender and roses.”
