When the visit concluded, James was satisfied. He handed the ladies into the carriage, then mounted his horse to escort them back to Pemberley.
As they arrived, Elizabeth said, “Do you ladies wish to go up to bathe and change your gowns before dinner?”
Both agreed, and the three women ascended the staircase together.
“Did you enjoy your visit, Mary?” Isabella asked.
“Yes,” Mary replied hesitantly, “but I am not certain your mother liked me.”
“Why do you think so?” Isabella asked. “Did she say anything unkind?”
“No, not at all,” Mary said quickly, “but she did not seem very pleased with the introduction or the ensuing conversation.”
Isabella paused thoughtfully on the landing. “I should have warned you, my mother broke her leg some years ago in a riding accident. It never healed well, and she suffers from constant arthritic pain. She will not take laudanum, so she bears it as best she can. If she appeared strained, it was on that account.”
Both sisters expressed their sympathy.
Isabella added kindly, “From what I heard of your conversation, she seemed pleased. If you accept my brother’s hand, she will be very happy indeed. She longs to see him settled and his nursery established. If he were to die unexpectedly, the estate would pass to a distant cousin who has never cared for our family.”
Mary looked troubled. “Why does he dislike you?”
“We have never met,” Isabella replied, “but perhaps he resents that my father and brother stood before him in the line of inheritance. His branch is a very distant one.”
They reached the upper landing, and Mary turned into her room. Isabella continued down the passage with Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth,” she said in a low voice, “do not fail us. You will stand as our witnesses even in the face of my brother’s anger?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied, “Fitzwilliam has said as much. Will the wedding be here, at the Lambton church?”
“Yes, under complete secrecy,” Isabella whispered. “Otherwise, my brother might create a disturbance or stop it altogether.”
“Do you know why he dislikes Richard so much?” Elizabeth asked.
“I have no idea. They were childhood friends, but a quarrel arose when they were at university, and since then, my brother has hated him.”
Elizabeth placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “Be assured, we will stand up with you at the church and again when the announcement is made. My only fear is that your brother will discover the plan before the seven days have elapsed.”
“If he does,” Isabella said gravely, “I am prepared to elope. I have waited for Richard since I was eighteen. I refuse to wait another year; I can scarcely wait these seven days.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “Then I shall keep my distance from your brother. My treacherous eyes will not betray us. But, Isabella, take care not to spend too much time with Richard. Your brother’s attentions are fixed upon my sister at present, but he may yet notice your absences, grow suspicious, and remove you from Pemberley altogether.”
“Yes, that is my fear as well,” Isabella sighed. “I shall spend my time with you and Mary this week to protect our secret.” She turned toward her chamber. “I will remain in my room for the next hour and will join you downstairs for dinner. I mean to bathe and rest a little.”
Elizabeth watched her go, a quiet fear stirring within her. What would the marriage between Richard and Isabella bring to them all, happiness in their union or turmoil born of Mr. Lewis’s wrath?
She entered her own bedchamber with relief and asked Ellis to prepare hot water for her bath. As the maid withdrew, there came a soft tap upon the door. Ellis opened it to reveal Mary, hesitantly standing on the threshold.
“Lizzy, have you a few minutes to speak with me?”
“Of course, my dear. Come in.” Elizabeth gestured toward the fire. “What is it?”
Mary’s expression was troubled. “Lizzy… what did you think of Heathwood Park?”
Elizabeth looked at her curiously. “It was very grand.”
Mary wrung her hands. “That is just it. I am not grand enough to be the mistress of such an estate.”
Elizabeth smiled and led her sister to the couch. “Come, tell me what you fear.”
