“He is in the stables making some repairs,” she said.
Matthew looked at Miss Elizabeth. “I will go take a look and greet Tom if you have no objection, Miss Lizzy,” Matthew said.
“That will be fine,” Miss Elizabeth said with a smile.
Matthew walked in the direction of the stables as Darcy followed Miss Elizabeth and Trudy into the house.
“Mama! Miss Elizabeth is here.”
They turned a corner into the kitchen, where they found a woman kneading dough. She had the same brown eyes, but her honey-colored hair was streaked with gray.
“Miss Elizabeth! You should not be out after such a storm checking on us,” the woman said.
“Of course I should!” Miss Elizabeth grinned at the woman. “Please allow me to introduce my companion. Mr. Darcy, this is Mrs. Glendale and her daughter, Trudy. Ladies, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy bowed his head briefly. “How do you do?”
“Very well, thank you, sir,” Mrs. Glendale replied. “Please, will you both have a seat?”
"Forgive me, but we cannot stay. We are trying to get around to everyone, and I wanted to make sure that you all were well."
"Fortunately, we made out just fine."
“I am relieved to hear it. Did you sustain any damage to the house or the other buildings from the storm?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
“There were some boards that came loose in the stables, but Tom said it was minor. He figures he will have the repairs finished by the end of the day,” Mrs. Glendale said.
“That is good. Cook is going to make dinner for our tenants who were affected by the storm, and we will bring it to you this evening.”
“Oh no, Miss Elizabeth! Please, it is so kind of you, but it is not necessary.”
“We want to, though.”
“I know, but we have had no difficulty here at all since the storm. Truly!” Mrs. Glendale insisted. “But Mr. Quimby and his son have a more serious situation. A tree nearly fell on their house!”
“Goodness!”
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, and they are just two bachelors over there. Please give them our portion. That way, they will have enough for several meals. I am well and able to cook for us, and I have Trudy to help,” Mrs. Glendale said.
“Very well, I shall do as you say,” Miss Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Thank you so much for checking on us."
Miss Elizabeth touched Mrs. Glendale’s shoulder and squeezed it. “I am sorry I cannot stay longer, but I am so glad you all are well. Take care.”
Mrs. Glendale nodded to Miss Elizabeth.
Darcy smiled at the woman. “Goodbye, Mrs. Glendale.”
“Goodbye, Mr. Darcy. Trudy, see them out, please.”
“Yes, Mama.”
They followed Trudy outside. Miss Elizabeth touched her arm. “Goodbye, Trudy.”
“Goodbye, Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy nodded to the girl. “Miss Trudy.”
