When William and Elizabeth entered Anna’s room, Hannah was trying to calm the thrashing child, who was not fully awake. Quickly picking up Anna and holding her close, William said, “Sweetheart, open your eyes! Mama and I are here. You are not in the box. We are all here, sweet one, right here in your room.”
“Oh, Papa!” she cried, her eyes still closed while burying her face into his chest. “I am afraid.”
“Little one, you need not fear. You are safe now. Look at me, Anna.” He tipped up her chin. “Mama and I are here.”
Opening her tearful eyes, Anna looked back and forth between her father and mother and then stretched out her little arms, reaching for Elizabeth.
“My sweet child, it was just a bad dream. We are home now with Papa, and later this morning we shall have a tea party in the music room with Dolly and Janie while we wait for him to finish his work.”
“That is right, Anna, and when I am free, I shall send for the carriage and take you and Mama for a long ride in the park. Would you like that?”
“Yes, Papa, I would,” she happily said as William stepped closer, kissing her forehead and encircling both her and Elizabeth in his embrace.
“Anna, you and Mama and your Aunt Georgie are my special girls, and I love all three of you very much.”
“We love you, too, Papa.”
Letting go, he noticed Elizabeth’s necklace about his daughter’s neck. Touching the emerald cross with his finger, he said, “Very pretty.”
Anna smiled at her mother then back again at William. “Mama let me wear her special necklace and I helped her save it and her beautiful ring from the bad man.”
His look was puzzled. “You did?”
“Yes, Papa, I did,” she innocently said.
“I see.” William looked to Elizabeth for clarification.
“The evening of the fire, I allowed Anna to wear my necklace while I was brushing her hair. After the maids informed us of the burning barn, Anna and I went down the hall to have a look from the balcony. It was then Mr. Wickham came upon us. In the darkened hallway, he did not see my jewellery and I was able to slip the necklace beneath the neckline of Anna’s dress and hide my wedding ring along with my grandmother’s broach in her pocket. Anna said nothing when he demanded I give him my jewellery. We were the only ones who knew our daughter held these treasures for me.”
“Anna, you were a brave girl, and I am so very proud of you.” Again he kissed her on the forehead, causing her to beam.
“Papa, when Mama put the necklace on me, we said a prayer for you and Aunt Georgie and Cousin Richard.”
“I am glad of it, sweet one,” he said, trying not to be overcome with emotion. “I prayed for you, too.”
“Papa, should I give the necklace back to Mama now?”
“Elizabeth?”
“Not now, Anna.” She smiled. “I would like you to wear it today in celebration of our being home. You need not give it back to me until later, perhaps after dinner.”
William had mentioned that the garnet cross which was sent to the jewellers for repair had since been returned. Though Elizabeth had not seen it yet, her intention was to let her daughter wear the emerald cross until she gave her the gift.
Smiling broadly, her little fingers reverently touched the necklace. “Yes, Mama; I shall take very good care of it for you.”
“I know you will, sweetheart.”
“A celebration sounds like a lovely idea,” said William. “After we have our carriage ride, I should like to take the two of you to Gunter’s for ices and creams.”
“Mama!” Anna said with excitement. “My favourite cream is strawberry! Will you have strawberry with me?”
“Yes, I will. Strawberry is quite delicious.”
“Now, little one,” William interjected, “I would like you to let Miss Hannah help you dress and send for a tray. Mama and I have some letters to write this morning, and Mama wishes to meet our servants. As soon as she is able, Mama will come and get you for your tea party.”
“Yes, Papa.”
“Hannah,” Elizabeth added, “I would like Anna to wear something very pretty today. One of her pink dresses would be quite lovely, and perhaps she can choose some matching pink and green ribbons for her hair.”
