Darcy wheeled his stallion and began to canter back towards Netherfield Park.
Elizabeth sat for some time watching him go before she snapped herself out of her stupor. Her hand was still burning where he kissed it, even though she was wearing her gloves.
‘Oh my,’ she thought. ‘Come now Lizzy,you are no schoolgirl! Pull yourself together.’
As she rode back towards the stables she had a feeling there may develop something special between her and the handsome man from Derbyshire.
Chapter 28
While Elizabeth related all from the assembly and her surprise company for her morning ride, Anne’s smile grew wider and wider.
Anne knew her end in the mortal world was fast approaching. One of her biggest worries was how would Lizzy carry on. She had a feeling once her best friend was through her mourning, she would have matters of the heart to deal with. If only she could have lived to see Lizzy wed, but she knew that was an impossible dream. Lizzy and William had only just met and Anne was certain nothing would change in the next few days. Although she understood why Mary and Richard had deferred their wedding for now, she would not have minded seeing them marry.
She was aware the rest of the family, including little Tommy, would arrive on Tuesday. It was only another three days so her fervent prayer was God would allow her to say goodbye to them before she was called home.
There was another thing Anne was almost certain about. Papa would not remain in the mortal world for many days after she departed it. Papa was not well, even though he refused to speak of it to her. His lack of healthy colour in his face, it was in fact pallid, was almost as bad as hers. Additionally, his breathing was also rather laboured. It was obvious to Anne that Papa was fighting to remain alive as long as she was, but as soon as she passed away, he would cease battling.
“I assume you are happy your cousin, William Darcy, and I seem to get along well?” Elizabeth asked snapping Anneout of her reverie.
Anne nodded and wrote something. She turned the paper and showed Elizabeth:
I had a feeling you two would enjoy each other’s company. He is one of the few men who can challenge you intellectually.
“Richard has said something similar,” Elizabeth noted. “According to what Richard related, until Aunt Elaine arrives they have no hostess at Netherfield Park,” Elizabeth reported. She related what Richard had told of Miss Caroline Bingley’s behaviour. Anne was as scandalised as everyone at Longbourn had been. “I am so pleased we will see Janey, Andrew, and especially Tommy on Tuesday. I will enjoy seeing my nephew each day I am at Longbourn thanks to his parents staying with us.”
When Anne turned her page towards Elizabeth the latter read:
I am sure Aunt Elaine and Uncle Reggie will be there daily to spend time with Tommy as well.
“You have the right of it,” Elizabeth agreed. “In her last letter, Jane said Tommy loves to run everywhere he goes, and greatly enjoys making everyone chase him.” Elizabeth saw Anne’s raised eyebrows and understood exactly what she meant. “Yes, Annie my dear friend, you have heard Mama and Papa tell you of my similar exploits when I was Tommy’s age.”
Anne nodded with a smile before she began a coughing fit.
“Miss Anne needs to rest Miss Lizzy,” Mrs. Jenkinson told her charge’s best friend.
“Be well, Annie, I will return on Tuesday when the arriving family members come to see you.” Fighting to control the tears that threatened to fall, Elizabeth left Anne’s bedchamber.
She stopped in the hallway outside of the chamber andallowed her tears to fall freely as she cried silently. Elizabeth had no doubt it was not many days before Anne would be called home to heaven.
Mrs. Jenkinson who had seen Miss Lizzy’s distress, exited the bedchamber and enfolded the younger lady in a warm hug. “You can see it is near the end, can you not Miss Lizzy?” Mrs. Jenkinson verified. Elizabeth gave a watery nod. “Never forget you have made her life, which could have been lonely and sad, one full of sisterhood and laughter. Thanks to you, Miss Anne has lived a fulfilled life. Never forget that.”
Anne’s companion said nothing more, she just allowed Miss Lizzy to quietly cry until it had passed. Elizabeth dried her eyes and straightened up when she was ready. “Thank you, Jenki. It is time for me to return to Longbourn. Before I depart, where is Uncle Lewis?”
“In the study, I believe,” Mrs. Jenkinson averred.
Elizabeth made her way to the study and knocked on the door. She opened the door on hearing a weak “enter.”
When she pushed the door open, a wave of heat hit Elizabeth from the roaring fire in the grate. Uncle Lewis was seated in a wingback chair before the fire, his legs covered with a thick blanket.
After her last call at Oak Hollow, she had asked Papa why Uncle Lewis always needed to be close to heat lately. He had explained that according to Mr. Jones, with certain ailments of the heart, the body was not able to keep as warm as it should. Armed with this knowledge, Elizabeth understood why her uncle’s study was as hot as it was.
“Are you returning to Longbourn?” Sir Lewis queried.
“Yes, the carriage is being brought around as we speak,” Elizabeth responded.
After the strenuous ride and race earlier that morning, Elizabeth had travelled to Oak Hollow in the old Bennet carriage. She had been escorted by Mrs. Annesley and twofootmen.
“You are too intelligent not to know neither Anne nor I will remain in the mortal world too much longer.” There was no missing the distressed look on Lizzy’s face. “I mention this to prepare you. When the will is read…” Sir Lewis stopped as Elizabeth vehemently shook her head.
