Elizabeth
Despite the best efforts of Uncle Barton and Noah to cajole Cassie out of her resentment towards me, I endured two full days of avoidance and thinly veiled enmity from her. This morning, though, I entered the breakfast-parlour to find her seated at the table alone, and she did not flee when I settled in the chair next to her.
“Good morning, Cassie.”
“Good morning.” She used a dull monotone, staring into her partially eaten soft-boiled egg.
“You cannot remain incensed with me forever.” I moved the toast rack closer, selected a slice, and added it to my plate.
“Can I not?” With a heavy exhalation, she pushed the egg away from her. “You must be very pleased with yourself. Despite your lack of fortune, you have managed to attract the richest gentleman in the area. That is quite a feat.”
“No one is more surprised at that than I. But I do not care whether or not Mr. Darcy is rich. I admire him for the strength of his character.”
She shifted to face me. “Papa told me that you refused his proposal. How could you be so foolish? He has a respected name, a grand estate, and an earl for an uncle! If you have any sense, you will secure him as soon as may be!”
A twinge vexed me from deep inside my chest. Maybe Ihadacted as a simpleton. By now, I had eliminated all but the tiniest shred of doubt that I loved Mr. Darcy. I treasured every moment spent with him, and the thought of being separated from him filled me with dread. “Suppose I did become Mrs. Darcy. Would you be happy for me?”
Her features constricted, her lip protruding in a pout. “Oh, good gracious! Of course I should be happy for you. But you must give me leave to be disappointed. You know that I wanted to be mistress of Mr. Darcy’s estate.”
“Yes, but you never loved him.”
“You do not know that.” Cassie’s fingers drummed upon the table. By and by, she groaned. “Oh, very well. In truth, Mr. Darcy is not the person who has been on my mind of late.” Her chin lowered. “I think you can guess to whom I refer.”
Thank goodness. “Mr. Stephen Ware.”
She bobbed her head in assent. “For weeks I have refused to admit even to myself how much I miss him. Now I am filled with regret, yet there is nothing to be done. Michaelmas Term has already begun, and he will not return home until December. By then, he may already be engaged to someone else. I have ruined my life!”
I took her hand. “I am certain all will be well. He loves you.”
Cassie sniffed and raised her handkerchief to her nose. “I have been…um…composing a letter to him. But I do not know whether I dare to send it. Do you think I ought to write to him?”
“Well, it is not strictly proper. Yet in light of your former understanding, I think the infraction is lessened. Rather than use the post, it would be more discreet to employ Bill or another trusted groom to act as messenger.”
A familiar sparkle lit her eyes. “Yes, that is what I shall do. Thank you.” She leaned closer and embraced me. “Pray forgive me for the wretched accusations I made on Sunday.”
“You are forgiven.” I patted her back before releasing her. “Shall we call upon a couple of our tenants today?”
“Yes, I should be pleased to go.” She reached for her plate and tucked into her egg with gusto.
Saturday, 19 October
Knight's Manor
Elizabeth
“Lizzy!” Cassie knocked once and burst into my chamber before I could utter a response. She ran to me waving a piece of paper. “I can scarcely believe this!”
“My goodness!” I stood from my chair, dropped my book upon the table, and went to her. “What has happened?”
“Stephen still loves me! He received my express and wrote me a beautiful letter.” She pressed the missive against her bosom. “He has forgiven me for the unreasonable demands I made and for refusing to see him. He has apologised as well.”
“I am very happy for you, Cassie.” With a forward step, I took her in my arms. After a few moments, I drew back to view her, arching an eyebrow. “To my knowledge, Mr. Ware’s conduct has been faultless, so I am curious to know why he felt the need to apologise.”
“Well, he stands by his decision, yet he regrets that he did not explain his reasons in a more sympathetic manner.”
“I see.”
She paused for a deep inhalation. “And he will travel home on Monday for a short stay. He is coming to seeme!”
