Thomas shook his head. “No, I want to go.”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth. “We might take them to the park.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I should like that. Aunt, may we take them?”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “If you believe you can keep up with them.”
Once they were ready and set out, Elizabeth reached for Emily’s hand, only to find her already holding Lady Catherine’s. She inclined her head and instead took Isabella’s hand as they walked on.
At the park, Lady Catherine seated herself upon a bench, observing the children as they ran about. Darcy showed Edward how to fashion a small boat from twigs, while Georgiana and Mary watched nearby.
Anne stood beside Elizabeth, observing quietly. “I do not recall ever seeing my mother like this.”
“Nor do I,” Elizabeth replied.
Thomas stood near Darcy, frowning.
Darcy bent slightly. “Would you like to build a boat as well?”
Thomas shook his head. “Are you going to take away our Lizzy?”
Darcy crouched beside him. “Why do you ask that?”
“I heard my parents say if you married her, you would take her to some Pember-place."
Darcy’s expression softened. “You are concerned you would not see her?”
Thomas nodded.
Darcy straightened. “Perhaps you might come to visit us at Pemberley. Would you like that?”
Thomas brightened. “Yes, I would.”
When the nanny suggested they return, the children agreed at once to the promise of a snack.
As they walked back, Thomas held Darcy’s hand.
Elizabeth watched him, her expression softening.
***
Lady Catherine had just seated herself in the drawing room when the butler appeared.
“Miss Bingley.”
Lady Catherine straightened slightly, her expression settling into composed authority.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bingley.”
Miss Bingley’s smile held as she entered the room, though it faltered when she perceived that Lady Catherine was the only occupant.
Lady Catherine’s hand tightened upon the head of her cane.
Miss Bingley inclined her head, recovering herself with practiced ease.
“I had thought to see dear Georgiana as well.”
Her gaze moved about the room, as though Georgiana might yet appear.
