“Ah, Patches,” he chuckled. “Now our old Patches was probably one of the best mousers we ever had. Do you see that lazy fat cat sunning herself near my window?”
“Yes, Grandpapa, she is very pretty and she looks like the picture Aunt Kitty drew in my story book. Is she Patches?”
Just then the cat stretched and let out a meow, causing Anna to giggle.
“Patches was her mother. We call this cat Lady because she has a mind of her own and acts as though she were a queen. Let us see if Her Highness will condescend to join us.”
“Come, Lady,” Anna said, holding out her little hand. “Grandpapa and I would like to pet you.”
After another lazy ‘meow,’ Lady slid from the window seat and sauntered to the chair where she nuzzled Bennet’s leg before effortlessly jumping up into Anna’s lap. As Anna began to stroke her back and Mr. Bennet rubbed her behind the ears, the cat began to purr and quickly fell asleep.
“She is so soft,” Anna whispered. “My Papa said I could have a kitty when we go home to Pemberley.” Anna was entranced by the sleeping feline and began to hum one of the folk songs Elizabeth had taught her. Looking up at Bennet, she smiled sweetly saying, “Lady likes my song. Would you like me to sing to you, Grandpapa?” Her face was endearing. “When I am feeling poorly, Mama and Papa always sing to me.”
“Yes, Anna, I should like that very much.”
With one hand resting on Lady and the other holding her grandfather’s hand, Anna leaned back into Bennet and began her little song. The song was not long, but before she reached the end, both Anna and Bennet had joined Lady in slumber.
A half an hour later, Elizabeth entered the parlour where the three men were conversing. “I am sorry to disturb all of you. My sisters have gone for a turn in the garden, and when I went to check on Anna, she was not in the nursery. I sent her in to take a nap, and to my surprise found only Mrs. Potter asleep in the chair. William, it seems to me our daughter has gone exploring.”
“Gentlemen, please excuse me while I help Elizabeth look for Anna.”
“Certainly,” Bingley answered. “You go ahead. I believe I should like to join the ladies in the garden. Come along, Mr. Wallace. Darcy, if we see your daughter, I shall let you know.”
”Thank you, Bingley.” Leaving the room, William said, “Elizabeth is it possible she may have gone to your father’s room? Never having known a grandfather, she may have decided to seek him out.”
“Yes, you could be right. Let us take a look.”
When Elizabeth and William reached Bennet’s room, there was no sound. Quietly opening the door a crack so as not to wake the man if he slept, they were greeted by an endearing sight. There in Bennet’s chair sat Elizabeth’s father holding Anna and Lady, all three asleep.
Quietly closing the door, Elizabeth took William’s hand and led him down the hall, saying, “I used to do the same thing when I was her age. I cannot tell you how many times I snuck out of the nursery and into his study so he could read to me. How I love that little girl.” She looked up and kissed him on the cheek.
“She is precious, to be sure,” he said, kissing her back. “Will he be alright? Anna is small, but I would not want her weight to put a strain on your father’s heart.”
“I think we need not worry. Come, let us join the others in the garden for a bit, and I shall go back and wake her in another half an hour.”
“As you wish.”
Moments later Elizabeth stayed her walk and looked up at William with tears misting in her eyes. “What is it, my love,” he said with concern.
“It is Papa. Since we do not know how long my father has, I am glad that he will have this time with Anna.”
“Elizabeth,” William said, tenderly pulling her into his embrace. “I am so sorry that your father is not doing as well as we might hope for. Still, I suspect our sweet child will be good for him and in the end she is a far better remedy than any doctor could ever provide.”
“I know. Anna is a special child and very perceptive, like her Papa.” She lovingly touched his face. “Do not mind me, I will be fine, I promise.”
“We shall do our best Elizabeth, and although we only have ten days now, we will be back at the end of September for Mary’s wedding. The time will pass quickly, and if I thought he could make the trip, I would gladly have him come with us to Pemberley so that you need not be parted.
“That would be my wish if it were feasible.”
Wiping the tears from her cheeks, he continued, “As it is, I believe I shall have to send your father many books from our collection to enjoy in our absence.”
“Papa will appreciate your generosity. As you know, he lives for knowledge.”
“I do, and that is one of the things I enjoy most when we converse.” He smiled reassuringly. “That and his wry wit.” They both chuckled. “Elizabeth, I was thinking, if needs be we can extend our stay when we come in September. Once the cropshave been harvested at Pemberley, there is no reason we cannot reside here throughout the winter, if that would please you. ”
“We can?”
“Yes, of course we can. He is my father, too, now, and I will do whatever it takes to make this easier for both of you.”
