“Hmm . . . I think we had all better sit down. Will that be fine with you, Mrs. Camden?”
“Of course, that is a very good idea,” Mrs. Camden replied, taking a seat.
Miss Elizabeth took a seat as well, and Margaret climbed into her lap.
“Margaret, I would like you to meet Mr. Darcy.”
“I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Margaret,” Darcy said.
Margaret looked at him for a moment, then said, “Thank you.”
Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Camden both giggled silently.
Darcy valiantly hid his mirth in the face of such seriousness from this little girl.
“Now, Margaret, what has happened?” Miss Elizabeth asked.
“I have a new kitten named Jack, and he is missing.” Margaret replied.
“Well, when did you last see him?”
“Before the storm came. I was outside playing with Jack. The wind was blowing so hard, Papa told me to go inside. I tried to grab Jack, but he ran away, and he has not come back.”
“Miss Margaret, where were you when Jack ran away?” Darcy asked.
“We were near the stables.”
“In what direction did Jack run?” Darcy asked.
“He ran into the woods. You do not think he drowned in the creek or the river, do you?” Margaret asked with a worried expression.
“No, I do not think so. Cats are extremely intelligent. Jack is probably somewhere high and dry, just biding his time,” Darcy assured her.
“I wish I could go out and look for him.”
“She twisted her ankle yesterday trying to chase after Jack. I told her she must rest in the house for the next couple of days so we can keep an eye on her ankle,” Mrs. Camden said.
“It has been my experience that Mamas usually know the best thing to do in these situations,” Darcy told Margaret.
Margaret thought about his words and said, “Yes, Mama knows quite a bit.”
Darcy nodded solemnly and could see Miss Elizabeth was barely able to keep her laughter inside.
“I cut my arm on a sharp rock when I fell yesterday, too,” Margaret added, rubbing her arm.
“I am sorry to hear that. You had a difficult time yesterday,” Miss Elizabeth said. “I think I know what can help. Something sweet and tasty.”
“Like what?” Margaret asked.
“I am not exactly sure, but I will find something and bring it back to you this evening.”
Margaret reached her arms around Miss Elizabeth’s neck and hugged her. Miss Elizabeth hugged her back and said, “You just keep being a good girl and listen to your mama.”
Margaret nodded.
“Do you have a tincture and a salve for her arm?” Miss Elizabeth asked Mrs. Camden.
“No, I have not had any here for some time,” Mrs. Camden replied.
