In a hushed voice, Mrs. Worth said, “It is the cobwebs, sir.”
Before Mr. Darcy could respond, Mrs. Smith smiled and asked, “Will there be anything else, Mr. Darcy? Lady Anne has asked me to repair her cream silk before you are to depart for London tomorrow.”
Mr. Darcy sighed and shook his head. “No, Mrs. Smith. I thank you. That will be all. However, if you will show our guests down to the blue sitting room for refreshments?”
Hazel Smith eyes glazed over, looking straight ahead at nothing, and sat with a look of contentment on her face.
No one moved and Mrs. Worth said, “Mr. Darcy. Once again, I apologize.”
“No, I thank you, ma’am. I received the information I was seeking about my mother’s final days. I can be at peace, and I know the moments of your grandmother’s lucidity gave comfort to my sister as well.”
Georgiana nodded, once again wiping the tears away. “I feel as if my mother spoke to me from the beyond. I thank you.”
“Please join us downstairs for refreshment,” Mr. Darcy said. Mr. Worth gently guided his wife’s grandmother down the stairs behind them.
“We thank you but must decline,” Mrs. Worth said. “My grandmother should rest. With your permission, however, we will be in the village for a few days before we are on to visit relatives further north. Might we trespass upon your kindness once again and visit the servants then?”
“Of course. I will let Mrs. Reynolds know to expect you.”
“Thank you, sir, for your hospitality.”
“Thank you, ma’am. And if you can delay your departure for a few moments,” he said, “I will see to it that Cook prepares a basket with Mrs. Smith’s favorite strawberry tarts.”
“You are too kind, Mr. Darcy.”
“Think nothing of it.”
When the visitors were on their way back to Lambton, Mr. Darcy excused himself and locked himself in his study claiming “estate business” which he had neglected until that moment.
Lizzy sighed, remembering their conversation in the carriage and knowing exactly what he meant.
Chapter 19
The stillnessof the day spoke to Lizzy as she picked one of the final blooms of autumn and continued to walk through the worn path she had come to favor over her weeks in Derbyshire.This will probably be my last ramble as the weather is changing. I would not be surprised if we woke up on the morrow to find a heavy dusting of snow.
It had been a wonderful visit: sunny but brisk strolls by the lake, carriage rides into Lambton, devouring numerous books from Pemberley’s library.And in three days it will cease, and I will return to London, and then to Longbourn…and then finally to Ashby Park. There was no hint of anger or sadness, just resignation. She knew what her future held, and although it was not... No! Lizzy was not by nature melancholy and accepted that her life would be one of contentment with James.
I am to be mistress of Ashby Park, married to a man who I will learn to love as my husband. This—she looked back toward the great house—and all it entails is so far above me; I am ridiculous to even have dreamt it for a moment.The spires peaked above the tree tops and swirls of smoke from the chimneys floated to the clouds.Even had Mrs. Smith not visited and sparked hope in my heart… He is Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley—nephew to the Earl of Matlock, son of Lady Anne Darcy and George Darcy, one of the most illustrious families in all of England.“And I…I am Elizabeth Bennet,” she said aloud for the trees to hear. “Niece to a country attorney and a London tradesman. Daughter of an insignificant country gentleman and his silly but good-intentioned wife.” With a heavy sigh, Lizzy turned and continued in the opposite direction, deciding to follow the path to the end, uncertain where it would take her.
* * *
Kitty stood nervouslyat the window of the music room, watching the unexpected snowflakes fall. She was only partially listening as Georgiana played through another of Beethoven’s sonatas. “Does it usually snow so much at this time of year?” she asked, turning a worried gaze back at her friend.
“Pardon? I was not attending, Kitty.”
“I asked if it usually snows so much at the end of November.” She waved her hand at the window. “I was sure Derbyshire had snow in December but I believed we would miss it on this trip.”
Georgiana laughed and continued to play. “That is one thing my brother often says. ‘You cannot predict a Derbyshire winter.’ As you can see, he tells the truth.” After a moment, she finished her piece and rested her hands on her lap while her face became animated. “Oh, Kitty. We will have such a jolly time tomorrow making snowmen, having a snow ball fight, and doing all the thingsladiesmight find childish.” She waited for a response, but after receiving none, asked, “Why, Kitty. Whatever is the matter?”
Kitty turned away from the window. “I am only distressed about Lizzy.”
“Lizzy?”
“Yes, she has not returned since leaving for her walk this morning…”
“Elizabeth has not returned?” Georgiana asked with sudden alarm on her face. She stood instantly and walked out into the hall toward her brother’s study. “Oh!” She stopped abruptly and looked with wide eyes at her friend. “Wills is not here. He is at Lord Donnelly’s helping with some tenant dispute. Quickly, we must get Mrs. Reynolds.”
Kitty hurried after her friend, noting the snow beyond the long windows of the great hall falling at a tempest’s pace.
