“That dear boy. What a precious child he is. ‘He is my joy,’ Lady Anne always says, and she is right. He is a treasure.”
Darcy fought to control his emotion while listening to the ramblings of his mother’s maid. “And how was Lady Anne when last you saw her?”
“Glowing, sir. She cannot wait for the babe to be born. I know that she hopes to give you another son, but…” Mrs. Smith leaned in and whispered loudly to him, “I know in her heart she’d love a daughter as she states the young master is practically perfect. My lady says she can’t expect to have two perfect sons.”
Darcy had no idea how to continue. The memories of his mother were so tangible he could feel them swirling around him. But, he pressed on. “Mrs. Worth, has your mistress asked you to post any letters recently?”
“Only one, sir.”
“Only one? Do you remember to whom?”
“Why, yes, sir. To her sister, Lady Catherine.”
“To Lady Catherine? Might I ask if you remember the contents of the letter?”
“Of course, sir. Lady Anne requested Lady Catherine visit after the babe is born—not before—she wants time with you and the young master.”
“When was this letter posted?”
“Just yesterday, sir. With the babe set to arrive by the end of the month, she wanted to make sure the letter could get to Rosings without ruining Her Ladyship’s travel plans.”
“And there was nothing in this letter about Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh’s betrothal?”
“Oh, sir. Now I’m certain you’re funning me.” Mrs. Smith laughed uproariously and grabbed her sides. “Mrs. Darcy has no desire for that ‘great event’ to occur. She wants the young master to choose his own bride.” She leaned in and whispered, “I believe that is one of the reasons she does not want her sister to come. She worries she cannot protect the young master during her confinement.” She sat straight up and nodded at him as if making a silent pronouncement. The old woman reached over and took a drink of water from the glass sitting on the table next to her. She stared out the window and began to hum.
Darcy was shocked at the old woman’s declaration and after collecting his thoughts, he began to probe more. “Mrs. Smith, were there no other letters my moth…my wife had you post?” He waited for a response. “Mrs. Smith?”
“Yes?” at the old lady turned back to him. “Who might you be?” She glanced from Miss Elizabeth to Darcy as her eyes glossed over.
“Mrs. Smith? Mrs. Smith?” Her face was impassive and her soft humming filled the room.
“I am sorry, Mr. Darcy. You see how it is,” Mrs. Worth said, standing. “I must get her upstairs before she begins to become agitated. I hope you feel your trip was not in vain?”
“No, of course not. The connection to my parents was a blessing.”
“If I might say so, you do greatly resemble your father—not only in appearance, but also in essentials.”
He bowed his head to her. “I thank you, Mrs. Worth. My father was the most excellent of men, and I can only hope to emulate his character.”
“And sir, if you would like to visit again and speak with my grandmother, you are welcome anytime. I will inform the servants that even if we are unavailable, you will have admittance.”
“I thank you, madam. Good day.” He bowed and took Miss Elizabeth’s arm as they met the Gardiner’s young maid at the carriage.
“I am sorry you did not receive the news you wished. But maybe, if you keep looking it will be discovered.”
“Yes. It is true that I did not come away with what I hoped” —he lowered his voice and leaned across to Miss Elizabeth— “but today I received a message from the grave.”
* * *
“What doyou mean we need to postpone the ball? It is tomorrow night. My mother is not going to like that.” Richard stirred his coffee as Darcy paced his study. “Lady Catherine will never allow it. Are you not ready to have a mistress of Pemberley? One as lovely and charming as our dear cousin?”
“There is something I might have discovered. I need to see that letter from my mother. There is something niggling at me that I cannot quite grasp.”
“And what is the significance of thisniggling?” Richard asked. “Are you saying you are hoping to release Anne from your engagement?”
“Richard…”
“What isnigglingat you?”
