But in the next moment, the tension in my cousin’s deportment relented. “I thank you, Elizabeth. You may call me Anne.”
A rush of air passed from my lips.
Elizabeth sent me a brief, gleeful look. “Anne, Graham, Mrs. Jenkinson, we are all leaving on a picnic in two hours. I hope you will join us.”
Graham pressed his palms together. “That sounds delightful, Elizabeth. I should be pleased to attend.” He turned to Anne. “I hope you will be among the party.”
“That is not possible.” Lady Catherine, who had been observing us in a mute state, came to stand beside Anne. “I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Graham, but my daughter is much too delicate to ramble out of doors. She will remain at the house and rest after her long journey.”
“On the contrary”—with a determined set to her chin, Anne glanced at her mother—“a picnic sounds like a grand plan, and I should be happy to take part.”
My aunt’s lower lip quivered, and her face turned as dark as a beetroot.
A maid appeared and flashed a smile at Graham before departing with Anne and Mrs. Jenkinson to show them their rooms. A grumbling Lady Catherine followed in their wake.
When they had left, Graham approached my wife and took her hand to bestow a kiss. “I wish you a very happy birthday, Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Graham.”
My teeth closed on my tongue lest I rail at the rogue. Why did the deuced man persist in being so familiar with her?
He shifted towards me, displaying a simper. “So now I have met the lady your aunt intended for you to marry.” He glanced back at Elizabeth. “You definitely made the right choice.” With a wink, he brushed past me and continued through the hall.
The presumptuous rascal!For Elizabeth’s sake, I attempted to regulate my temper.
As the angel walked away, she stepped in the spot he had vacated. She inched backwards for a glimpse of the nearest footman, Sam, who paid us no mind, then rose upon her toes and gave me an unhurried, sensuous kiss. With her soft form melded against mine, all thoughts and cares flew from me. Nothing existed in that moment except Elizabeth and the exquisite thrill she created within my person. When she pulled back, my entire being protested, the absence of her touch wrenching me back to reality.
“What did I do to deserve that?” My voice had a guttural sound.
Her fine, lustrous eyes held me captive as she rested her hands on my chest. “That was a small token of my gratitude for the wonderful surprise you planned for me today. My most cherished relations are here for my birthday. Thank you.”
I placed a kiss upon her forehead. “I did not do so very much. But if you are happy, I am well pleased.”
She leaned next to my ear, and her warm breath tantalised my skin. “I shall express my appreciation tonight in our room with a greater heed to detail.”
I held still, my stomach fluttering. The minx—she licked the inside of my ear. In the next moment, she spun round and hastened back through the hall. She glanced back to flash a pert smile at me. I proceeded in her footsteps, humming a merry tune.
Chapter 9: An Enlightening Picnic
Lady Catherine
Adiscomforting twinge radiated through my chest as I followed Anne into her guest chamber. Of all times for her to travel here without warning!
Of course, my daughter looked amazingly well; she had gained weight, her skin had taken on a healthy glow, and she no longer appeared hollow-eyed or frail. Had Dr. Finch’s recommendations brought about this improvement, or had he prescribed a new remedy? In any event, Anne could not remain here. With a glare and a wave of my hand, I drove Mrs. Jenkinson out so Anne and I could speak in private.
My daughter walked by me towards the mirror. “The change in Darcy is remarkable. He has never been so personable before.And despite the awkwardness of our reunion, he seemed more at ease than ever.”
What was this nonsense? “Anne, I am gratified to see you looking so well, but you must spend the rest of the day relaxing in your room so you do not suffer a relapse. I shall inform the Darcys of your change in plans. Tomorrow morning, you must return to Rosings.”
She stood before the looking glass, dipped a cloth in the bowl of warm water, and washed the road dust from her cheek. “I have just arrived, Mother. Why on earth should I leave so soon?”
How should I convince my daughter to leave? I never meant for her to learn the sordid details of my plan to exact revenge against Elizabeth. Upon my return home, I should have given Anne the satisfaction of hearing that the Darcys had an unhappy, troubled marriage. “You ought to have heeded me and stayed home. I have too much on my mind at present to look after you.”
“You need not be concerned for me. What occupies you here?”
Perhaps I ought to disclose my plan—she might be cheered at the prospect of revenge. I recounted everything to her, including the scheme Lady Rebecca would put in action. “So you see, the house is bound to be in turmoil after tonight. You had better depart at first light.”
She whirled towards me, her mouth agape. “But why are you doing this? Why would you go to such lengths to hurt Darcy and his wife?”
