“You were right,” he said to Elizabeth. “There is something between my cousin Richard and Anne.”
Elizabeth gave Darcy’s arm a light pinch. “I was right! I am very happy for Anne. So did the colonel admit it to you?”
“Not only did he admit it,” said Darcy, pleased for once to have a piece of juicy gossip to impart. “He showed me the special license he had procured to marry Anne secretly.”
“It seems there is much more to your cousin Anne than meets the eye,” said Elizabeth. “I hope she is able to defy Lady Catherine and marry your cousin Richard.”
“I do not see why not,” said Darcy.
Later, after Elizabeth had waited in vain for Riquer to connect through the mirror, she hurried to join the others in the living room. She paused at the threshold, taking in the scene. The mood was so different from two days ago. There was a sense of celebration in the air. Although Jane’s recovery was still incomplete, at least she was awake, and had a strong chance of getting better.
She walked in as her father appeared to be having a discussion with Lady Catherine.
"It is the lull before the storm. We must make the best of it," said Mr. Bennet. "If only there was a good library here. But alas, not all fine houses have libraries."
“May I remind you, Mr. Bennet, that thereisa library at Rosings,” she said, oblivious to the slight implied in the word good. “I will show you the way.” She gestured to the servants. “Bring the card tables to the library. Set up everything there.” She led the way, muttering under her breath. “No library, indeed!”
Mr. Bennet gave Elizabeth an amused look.
When she reached her intended destination, she flung open the door. Now Elizabeth understood the reason for Mr. Bennet’s amusement. There were no more than two dozen books on a shelf in the corner. The rest of the rows of shelves were covered with knick-knacks, China dishes lovingly displayed, and porcelain figurines.
“Not many books,” remarked Mr. Bennet, mildly.
“If you are interested inbooks,” said Lady Catherine, emphasizing the word as if he had asked for something exotic, “my late husband Sir Lewis used to possess quite a few. They were very dull, and have been consigned to the attic, but I can have them dusted and brought down if you prefer reading to a card game.”
“There is no need for that, Lady Catherine,” said Mr. Bennet. “I am sure I will findsomethingto amuse me.”
Lady Catherine set up two card tables and issued an invitation for a game of whist. It was not long before both tables were occupied.
Anne took a chair next to Elizabeth and watched.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam is a good card player,” she remarked. “I suppose he spends a lot of time playing in the barracks.”
“I’m afraid I don’t know. I generally see him at Founder’s Hall.”
After a few minutes, Anne suggested taking a walk around the library. “Would you like to join me? Mama says it is the best way for two young ladies to show off their elegant deportment.”
Elizabeth smothered a laugh at Anne’s tongue-in-cheek mention of Lady Catherine. She had a wicked sense of humor.
Unsurprisingly, as soon as they began to walk. Colonel Fitzwilliam looked up from his cards and followed Anne with his gaze.
“Fitzwilliam!” said Lady Catherine, severely, rapping his fingers with her fan. “You are not paying attention. It is your turn.”
The game ended very soon afterwards. Colonel Fitzwilliam threw down his cards and came over to where Elizabeth and Anne were sitting. He addressed Elizabeth, but Elizabeth could tell he was covertly looking at Anne.
“How is your sister recovering?”
“Very well indeed,” she replied, coming to her feet with a smile. “Miss de Bourgh can tell you all about it. If you will excuse me, I need to go and talk to my husband.”
Chapter 19
The celebratory mood lasted until a messenger arrived with news from Lord Grayson. As Matlock opened the letter and read it, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch him.
“Any news?” Darcy held his fingers crossed behind him. He was still holding some hope that it was all a false alarm.
However, one look at Lord Matlock's solemn face was enough to disperse that hope. He waited with bated breath for Matlock to pass on the information.
"Lord Grayson has been in contact with the signal stations on the coast. The enemy flotilla is growing. They are stockpiling and building new structures. It is nothing like it was before Trafalgar, but there are definite signs of increasing activity. Officers commanding signal stations on the coast have been requested to show extreme vigilance and to contact their local commanding officers immediately if any enemy ships are seen moving.”
