“We are all well, thank you.” Miss Elizabeth looked at Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, this is Mr. Camden. Mr. Camden, Mr. Darcy and his sister are staying with us at Longbourn.”
“Mr. Camden,” Darcy gave a brief nod.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“Did you suffer damage to the roof from the storm?” Darcy inquired.
“Yes, a bit. Could have been worse, though, as bad as that storm was.”
“Indeed,” Darcy said.
“May I say a brief word to Mrs. Camden and Margaret?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
“Of course! They are inside the house,” Mr. Camden said.
“Thank you!” Miss Elizabeth flashed a smile and waved.
She moved to the door and knocked. Darcy followed her while Matthew walked down the hill to, apparently, take a closer look at the flooding.
A woman opened the door and greeted them with a warm smile. She had red, curly hair and hazel eyes. She was also with child.
“Miss Elizabeth! How do you do? Please come in.” She stood aside to let them pass, then closed the door.
Miss Elizabeth made the introductions.
"How is your family?" Mrs. Camden asked. "That storm was terrible."
"Oh, it was! I shall be glad to never see another one like it," Miss Elizabeth said. "But to answer your question, everyone is fine at Longbourn. Your husband mentioned the wind damage to the roof, and I saw the flooding at the bottom of the hill.”
“Yes, he does not think it will take very many days for the water to recede as long as it does not rain for a while,” Mrs. Camden said.
“Are you feeling well? I hope the events of last night did not distress you,” Miss Elizabeth said with a look of concern.
“Yes, I am well.” Mrs. Camden replied.
“Is there anything we can do?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
“Well, Margaret is feeling sad today. I know seeing you will cheer her up.”
“Why is Margaret sad?”
“I shall let her tell you,” Mrs. Camden gave her a meaningful look.
Miss Elizabeth stood there with a bemused expression while Mrs. Camden went to fetch Margaret.
She returned to the room with a miniature version of herself. Her daughter had the same curly red hair and hazel eyes. The little girl could not be more than four or five years of age.
When she saw Miss Elizabeth, she ran to her and hugged her.
“Miss Elizabeth!” Margaret squealed.
“Margaret! I am so happy to see you!” Elizabeth smiled at her.
“You will not be happy when I tell you what has happened.”
“Will I not?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
Margaret shook her head. “No, you will not.”
