At the conclusion, William clapped and stretched out his arms to his daughter, saying, “That is one of the loveliest songs I have ever heard. You and Mama sang it beautifully, and I could not ask for a finer gift.”
“Thank you, Papa. Mama and I sang it every night when the bad man took us.” Anna’s little face became serious and she tried not to cry with the remembrance. “Mama said the angels would watch over us until you could come, and you did.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” He held her close, wishing he could take away the horror of those few days. Continuing to hold her he tenderly added, “You are safe now, my sweet child, and the bad man will never bother you again, I promise.”
“I am glad, Papa. I just want to be here with you and Mama and with Aunt Georgie when she comes home.”
“I know, and tomorrow all of us shall be together again. Do not forget, Mama is planning another celebration.”
“I remember, Papa and I am going to help her.”
“Ah, yes, so the two of you said. Nevertheless, before today’s celebration is over, Mama would like to give you a gift.”
“For me?” Her eyes brightened.
“It is here on the table,” Elizabeth said, taking a seat next to Anna and reaching for the box. Opening it, she continued, “This garnet cross was given to me by Grandmamma Elizabeth. Shegave it to me when I was only one or two years older than you, and now I would like for you to have it.”
“Mama, it is very pretty.” She smiled up at both her parents while Elizabeth opened the clasp to the necklace and William pushed Anna’s long hair to the side, removing Elizabeth’s emerald cross from her neck.
“Grandmamma Elizabeth told me many years ago that she had the necklace made especially for me, and one day when I had a daughter I should give it to her.” Securing the necklace around Anna’s, neck she adoringly said, “I love you, my sweet child, and one day when you are much older, you may give this necklace to your daughter, just as I have given it to you.”
“Thank you, Mama,” Anna said, placing her little arms around Elizabeth’s neck and hugging her as tightly as she could. “I love the necklace and shall wear it every day and take very good care of it, I promise.”
“I know you will, sweetheart.”
When Elizabeth extended her hand to William, he leaned in and momentarily held the two of them in his embrace. After releasing them he looked to his daughter saying, “Anna, I thought it would be nice if Mama had a present, too. What do you think?”
“Yes, Papa!” she said enthusiastically.
“I gave her the emerald cross on the day we were married and now one week later, I would like to give her something else. Elizabeth, this is for you, my love.”
“William.” She took the box, tears misting in her eyes as she opened it and saw the exquisite emerald necklace. “Oh, my.” Gingerly picking up the necklace and holding it in her hand, she looked at William, saying, “Your gift is beyond words. I have never seen anything more beautiful. Thank you. Will you help me to put it on?”
“With pleasure.” Moving a few of her long curls to the side, William carefully placed the necklace about her neck and fastened the clasp. Although he wanted to kiss her lovely flesh, he did no more than tenderly stroke the back of her neck with his fingers. “There now, let me see.”
“Mama!” Anna exclaimed. “You look like a princess!”
“I agree, Anna. She is Princess Elizabeth, my lovely wife.”
Elizabeth reached for their hands. “William and dearest Anna, you are spoiling me with your compliments.”
“I think not, my love. Like the emerald cross, these stones match the brilliance of your eyes, and I could not resist buying it. I thought you might like to wear this necklace for my aunt’s ball.”
“Yes, I should like to wear it then, and when I join Lady Eleanor and Aunt Gardiner at the dressmaker, I shall be sure to choose a gown that complements your gift.”
“While I am not particularly fond of dancing in a crowded ballroom, I shall be proud to be your escort, though my only regret is that we cannot dance every dance together.”
“A scandalous thought,” she chuckled, “but one which I share.”
“Mama, do you think I can go to the ball, too? I should like to dance with Papa.”
“Ah, sweet one, I regret the ball is only for adults. But if you like, I shall play something nice on the pianoforte and you and Papa may dance together now. Would that please you, my sweet child?”
“Yes, Mama, it would.”
“William?”
“Of course.” Then rising, he turned to Anna, bowed and said, “Miss Anna Elizabeth Darcy, I would be honoured if you would stand up with me for the next dance.”
