Elizabeth rushed forward to take the child from his arms. “My Goodness, what a miracle,” she said as she loosely wrapped the baby in a large cloth. “Come, Little One, and meet your parents.”
Behind her, Mr. Joseph rearranged his wife in his arms to better support her. “Our son, Mary,” he whispered hoarsely. “We have a son.”
When Elizabeth turned, she was startled to witness the pure love between a man and a woman, and for a moment, she wondered if her love for Darcy was as evident. Mr. Joseph caressed Mary’s cheek and stroked the damp hair from her face. His gentleness spoke volumes, and even though she knew Darcy loved her equally as well, Elizabeth drew the painful conclusion that without a child, something would always be missing. Swallowing back the loneliness, she hurried to deposit the child in Mrs. Joseph’s outstretched arms. “Master Joseph,” she said softly and kissed the screeching child’s forehead.
His mother’s finger stroking the boy’s cheek brought him the protection he had expected, and immediately, the child silenced. “He’s beautiful, Matthew,” she cooed.
Mr. Joseph reached around her and gently touched the baby’s tiny fingers. “The most beautiful child God ever created,” he rasped.
As Elizabeth looked on, the child’s fingers wrapped around Mr. Joseph’s pinky. Despite her happiness, she swayed in place, emotions overwhelming her. Immediately, Darcy was behind her. His comforting embrace encircled her, and Elizabeth allowed her husband to gently pull her against him. Darcy kissed the side of her neck. “If I’ve not told you recently,” he whispered close to her ear, “let me say how utterly amazing I find you.”
Elizabeth turned in his arms and collapsed against him, the adrenaline draining from her composure. Darcy held her tightly. “I’m frightened,” she murmured into his shoulder.
Darcy chuckled. “At least, you overcame the fear until the Josephs had their son.”
Elizabeth raised her chin to stare into his countenance. It was the face that she most trusted — the face of one who would never judge her — of one who accepted her foibles. “I did it,” she said in a gush of air. “Can you believe it, Fitzwilliam?”
“I always believed it,” he whispered. Darcy caressed her chin. “If anyone could save Mrs. Joseph’s life, it would be you.” Her husband glanced over her shoulder at where the Josephs still cuddled their child. “Let us step away and give Mr. and Mrs. Joseph a moment alone with their son.”
Elizabeth’s first instinct was to return to the woman, but seeing the Madonna-like look upon Mary’s face stilled her. She nodded and permitted Darcy to lead her to the other side of the room. They sequestered themselves behind the screen, and Darcy brought his wife into his arms. For Elizabeth, the exquisite feel of his strength bolstered her own. Instinctively, she raised her chin and accepted Darcy’s kiss. Gentle and loving, her husband’s embrace spoke of his devotion. “I love you,” she said as he released her mouth.
“And I you,” he said softly.They continued to speak in whispers. He cupped her chin in his palm and slid his hand down her slender neck. “How did you know I waited outside the door?” He smiled lovingly at her.
Elizabeth shrugged nonchalantly. “You’re not the type to spend your time drinking away the hours. Nor are you of the nature to desert a person for whom you care,” she declared. Elizabeth traced his mouth with her fingertips. “And I’m vain enough to believe I claim your affections.”
“Not vanity, my love.” Darcy kissed her fingertips.
Elizabeth smiled easily. “I knew you’d be near if I needed you.” She went on her tiptoes to brush his lips with hers. “How did you know what to do to start the baby’s breathing? When I attended Jane, the midwife rubbed the twins’ backs.”
“Do you not recall that Georgiana came early?”
“Now, I do, but I don’t understand the significance. Surely, no one permitted you access to the birthing room.”
“Although I wasn’t there, my parents often reminisced over Georgiana’s worldly entrance. Despite warnings from the previous Countess about his inappropriate actions, my father insisted on being with Mother. The midwife threatened to do away with him.” This story was a pleasant memory for her husband, and Elizabeth delighted in his relaxed countenance.
“With Georgiana’s early entrance, they were all caught unawares. My sister’s delivery was reputedly a speedy one. Small and lithe as she is, Georgiana’s only complication was her resistance to taking her first breath. The midwife pronounced her dead, but father would hear none of it. He willed Georgiana to life. He rubbed her chest and, literally, blew into her mouth and nose — saying later that her first breath smelled of the brandy he had downed to shore up his nerves.”
“Amazing,” Elizabeth said.
“Anyway, I’ve heard the tale over and over. Georgiana loved to hear Father tell it, and he embellished the fact to his daughter’s delight; but, when I took Joseph’s child in my hands, I did what my father had done. It seemed the most prudent action.”
“God works in the oddest ways,” Elizabeth declared. “If not for my ready acquaintance with Mrs. Joseph, she’d have been on her knees giving birth in a stable. If not for your family history, the Josephs’ son might have followed the way of so many children born too early.”
Darcy caught her hand and brought it to rest over his heart. “I cannot conceive of another angel as beautiful as you, my love.”
“Would you see to the boy while I help Mrs. Joseph? She has yet to pass the birth.” It was not a conversation women normally had with men, but somehow for Elizabeth, it seemed right. When she delivered their child, Darcy would be by her side. As his father had attended Lady Anne, Darcy would attend her. She had no doubt of that fact. Unlike other men who waited downstairs, smoking cigars and drinking toasts, Darcy would be her partner, and if their child suffered, it was his able hands she wanted caressing the baby.
“As you wish. I’ll wait here.” Elizabeth nodded and started away, but Darcy caught her arm. “What of the cord?” he whispered.
Elizabeth patted his hand. It was reassuring to know that even her confident husband held the occasional doubt. “The blood has likely drained from the opening. Cut it again to three to four inches in length. Leave the tie in place. It will dry up and fall away in a few days. This is normal.”
“And the part attached to the mother?” he asked with curious embarrassment.
“Mrs. Joseph’s body shall expel what remains of the child’s sack within the next hour, and then she can begin to heal.”
Elizabeth watched as he puzzled over what she had said. “Really? I never knew. This is not part of a university education,” he mused.
“Neither is it conversation unmarried women share.” Her eyes danced in amusement. “I’m sure none would consider marriage such a delightful solution if she possessed knowledge of childbirth’s physical pain.”
Darcy’s eyebrow rose in question. “I imagine it might make it more difficult to convince some women,” he taunted. “Luckily, you’re not of the nature to refuse a man’s suit nor to shrug away a challenge.”
“Of course, not, Mr. Darcy.” She offered a soft smirk. “I’m of the most amiable nature.”
“And I’m blessed for it. Blessed indeed.”
Anne looked up as Southland entered the room. She had heard the rumors. The servants knew everything. Her companion and her cousin had each spoken to the lieutenant about their brief encounter yesterday. Anne didn’t know the content of those conversations, but she suspected that her loved ones had warned the lieutenant from her. Men of lesser connections had been sent packing, and she knew the procedure. Unfortunately, her few suitors had abandoned her early on. Now, at the age of seven and twenty, she was quite clearly on the shelf. But Anne had resolved that if Southland showed any interest, she would seize the opportunity.
“Lieutenant,” she smiled brightly. “It’s delightful to have your company. Come and join me for tea.”
The man bowed and came forward. “Thank you, Miss De Bourgh.” He glanced about the room. “Should I send for a maid or your companion?”
Anne narrowed her eyes. “That won’t be necessary, Lieutenant. I’d hate to worry Mrs. Jenkinson.The weather has taken her energy. Besides, the door remains open.”
“If you’re certain, Miss De Bourgh.” He seated himself across from her, but he remained uncomfortable.
Anne spoke with the barest bit of irony in her tone. “I’m far from being a green girl, Lieutenant. I may converse with a gentleman without causing a scandal.” She took a closer look at the man: Broad shoulders. Muscular chest. Several inches shorter than her cousin — an important fact for a woman of her height. Slim hips and firm thighs. Strong chin. Nose a bit too large. Dark lashes. Hairline high on his forehead. Dark hair with flecks of gold from sun exposure. Not handsome, but a most captivating countenance. An infectious, cheeky grin. Anne forced herself to smile as she handed him the teacup.
The lieutenant blinked quickly. “I never meant an offense, Miss De Bourgh. I recognize you’re a lady of quality. I’d want no mark on your reputation.”
“No offense taken, Lieutenant, but a reputation requires a certain amount of popular favor and influence.Admittedly, my family’s good name gives me an unearned distinction; yet, we both are aware of my insignificance. Please, Sir. I don’t wish to speak crudely, but I’d ask for honesty between us.” Anne felt her lower lip tremble and her eyes mist with tears, but she continued on. It had been more than five years since any man had sought her company and more than eight since a man had proclaimed his affection for her. If by any chance the lieutenant found her interesting, Anne wouldn’t shun his attentions, but she would instead embrace them on her terms. Her mother had sequestered her away, so the lieutenant was likely her last prospect. “I’d like to have your acquaintance, Sir. Is that what you wish also?” Having said the words she had practiced all morning, Anne immediately dropped her eyes. The effort to be bold had taken its toll on her. Her hands shook, and greyness crowded her vision. She fought for a calming breath.
“Miss De Bourgh?” The lieutenant’s voice expressed his concern. When she did not look at him, the man was on his knees before her. Gently, he took the cup and saucer from her grasp. “Let me assist you,” he said softly. “Please, Miss De Bourgh.” Urgency laced his words as he caught her hand in his. “If my presence upsets you, I’ll make my departure, but I’d see you well first.”
Anne gulped for air. “I… I don’t want you to depart.”
His large hands held hers tightly. The gentleman leaned in and whispered in her ear. “I would remain if that’s your wish.”
Slowly, she made herself look at him. His closeness warmed her in ways she’d never experienced. “Then I wasn’t mistaken.You wish my acquaintance?”
Southland’s lips twitched. “I suspect either the colonel or your companion has spoken of their objections.”
“Neither,” she said quickly.
Disbelief shaped his lips. “I’d have difficulty believing that no one has warned you from me. I’ve no title, and I’m likely never to earn one.”
“No, truly,” she protested. “I overheard the servants speak of your heated discussion with my cousin.” Their faces were but inches apart, and Anne’s breath caught in her throat. The fact that his also hitched gave her encouragement.
Southland chuckled. “I’d forgotten the efficiency of the English serving class. It seems my approaching you yesterday has brought some notice.”
“May I ask a question, Lieutenant?” she asked impulsively.
“Certainly, Miss De Bourgh.”
“Why have you sought me out? Why me? Why now?” Anne took calming breaths to steady her nerves.
Southland released her hand and returned to his chair. “It’s a complicated issue, and I’m not certain I can explain it. I’ve always desired the connection to your family — but not for the renown or the wealth. My cousin repeatedly extolled Sir Lewis’s merits, and I’ve found the same excellence in the colonel’s side of the family.”
Anne frowned. “Would you expect excellence on my part?” The thought of her obvious deficiencies frightened her.
“Again, that’s not exactly what I meant, Miss De Bourgh. My words may make you believe that I’m a bounder who seeks the connection, but it’s much deeper than that.” He paused. “As strange as it sounds,” he said with a deep sigh, “it’s been my belief since my childhood that I’d some day call Rosings Park home.”
Anne counted to ten in her head and reversed the numbers before she answered. “Many might think yours a case for Bedlam, Lieutenant.”
He smiled easily. “I suppose they would.” Again, he paused briefly. “My only concern is whether you find my words crazy.”
Her eyebrow rose in curiosity. “I’ll have to consider the rationality of such a remark. Or the lack thereof.” But Anne actually smiled at him. “When I asked for honesty…”
“You didn’t expect what I offered,” he finished her thought. Taking a deep breath of resignation, the lieutenant stood to make his departure. “Thank you, Miss De Bourgh, for sharing your tea and your caution. I’ll take my leave.” He bowed stiffly.
“Lieutenant.” Ann made her decision without considering the consequences. “I’d thought to explore Mr. Darcy’s library. I wonder if you might also be in need of a book?” She stood and straightened her dress’s seams. “If so, we might discuss our favorites.” Her heart pounded like that of a racehorse.
Southland let out relief ’s sigh. “Or the weather.”
Anne glanced toward the lace-draped windows. “Oh, the weather is abominable. Could we not seek another more pleasant subject?”
“Absolutely, Miss De Bourgh. I’m your captive audience.” Southland extended his arm, and Anne slid her hand into his elbow’s crook. His muscles flexed, and she felt the anticipation of a new adventure.
Roman couldn’t believe his luck: Anne De Bourgh had accepted his arm. They would spend additional time together. One wouldn’t call the woman beautiful, he thought, but she was quite handsome in a fragile, delicate way. She was very pale — something a brisk walk in the country on a summer day would easily solve.
But, on closer inspection, Roman realized that her paleness meant china-white skin — creamy, actually; soft and inviting to a man’s touch. She had a pert little upturned nose, wide, doe-like eyes with elegantly long lashes, and her full lips, set too often in a firm line, were inviting when she smiled. Her long, slender neck led to soft shoulders and the delicious swell of her dress above her neckline. She was taller than he had expected, but still the lady’s head only came to his shoulder.
It was with a great deal of pride that he escorted Miss De Bourgh through Pemberley’s hall. It felt right — as if she belonged by his side. It was an unreasonable conclusion. In reality, they held less than a four and twenty hours’ acquaintance, but that didn’t matter. For the first time in his life — since the time he first had heard his cousin speak of life at Hunsford Cottage — Roman breathed freely: This was where God had always wanted him to be.
“A small gift from Nan,” Elizabeth said as she handed the hastily made child’s dressing gown to Mary. The woman had dutifully completed the delivery, and with Mrs. Washington’s assistance, Elizabeth had helped to freshen Mary’s clothing. Now, the new mother rested once again in the bed. She held the sleeping child in the bend of her arm.
“I’ll thank the girl properly,” Mrs. Joseph mumbled.
Elizabeth patted the lady’s hand. “Why do you not rest?”
“You need rest also,” Mrs. Joseph sleepily protested.
“First, I believe I’ll go downstairs and have a proper supper with Mr. Darcy. I need time to rest my back.” She stretched out her arms. “I’ll send Mr. Joseph to sit with you.”
“Let Matthew be. No one needs to watch me sleep.” Mary’s eyelids closed slowly, but then sprung open again. “That’s unless you require private time with Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth smiled easily. “I never tire of the man’s company. Even after two years.”
“Then by all means send Mr. Joseph up. A woman of your infinite powers should have her every wish.” She caught Elizabeth’s hand in a tight grip.
Elizabeth’s finger gently touched the sleeping child’s hair. “My wish is to have what you have, Mary,” she whispered.
“You will, Elizabeth.” Mrs. Joseph assured. “You’ll have your own happiness… you and Mr. Darcy.” She paused and took a deep breath. “My child’s birth… I was never afraid, because God placed the incomparable Elizabeth Darcy in my life. My prayers… those I recited before Matthew and I left Stoke-on-Trent — they were for God to send an angel to protect my child, and on the third day of travel, I walked into this out-of-the-way inn; and there you were. My own angel.”
Elizabeth snorted. “I’ve been called many things, but ‘angel’ has rarely been one of them.”
“That’s where the world’s in error, Elizabeth. They see those defenses you show to anyone who barely knows you. They don’t see your magnificent heart — your indomitable spirit — the purity of your soul.”
Elizabeth laughed self-consciously. “Do not bestow upon me too many exemplary qualities. If so, I’ll have to find something good to say of Miss Bingley.”
Mary’s eyebrow rose in curiosity. “Miss Bingley?”
Elizabeth chuckled lightly. “The younger sister of my sister Jane’s husband. She did poor Jane a disservice, and Miss Bingley also had once set her sights on Mr. Darcy.”
“Angels can feel jealousy, Elizabeth.” Mary squeezed Elizabeth’s hand.
“So, there are shades of angelic behavior?” Elizabeth’s voice rose in amusement.
Mary laughed also. “Absolutely. God’s love is the purest, but mankind can possess levels of the benevolent spirit.”
“Then, in your opinion, I have God’s attention.” Elizabeth puzzled over that concept.
“We all have God’s attention, but I believe that He’s chosen you among His favorites.”
Before she could stifle her words, Elizabeth defensively asked, “Then how could God allow my children to die before I knew them? Before I could tell them of my love?” Tears trickled from her eyes.
Mrs. Joseph swallowed hard. “That’s the question which most frightens you, is it not, Elizabeth? You wonder how, if you serve God, He could not honor you with a child of your own. How the rest of the world can know such happiness? How no one, except Mr. Darcy, understands the depth of your fear?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth murmured.
“I’ve no answer that would satisfy your heart: God gives us what we need when we need it. Matthew holds different ideas on such matters, but I believe that when the Bible says that God created man in His own image, that means God has His own foibles. He’s a bit selfish. God wished to surround Himself with the laughter of children — the most magical sound in the world. Therefore, sometimes He does the selfish thing and calls the child home early. It’s the only explanation that makes any sense.”
Elizabeth brushed away her tears. “I’ll endeavor to accept your explanation, Mary. It serves as well as any other.”
“You cannot argue with a woman named Mary so close to the celebration of our Lord’s birth,” Mrs. Joseph teasingly reasoned.
Elizabeth smiled easily. “No, I suppose, I cannot.”
“Mr. Manneville. There you are, Sir.” Mrs. Bennet had carefully watched for Caroline Bingley to return to her room to freshen her clothes for supper. Then she approached the American. From her observations, Mrs. Bennet had determined that within the household only Miss Bingley stood a better chance of attracting Mr. Manneville than did Kitty. She planned to emphasize Kitty’s assets.
Manneville rose to acknowledge the lady’s entrance. “Forgive me, Mrs. Bennet. I was unaware of your seeking me. How may I serve you, Ma’am?”
Mrs. Bennet breezed past him and seated herself on the same settee Manneville occupied. “I’ve no great need of you, Sir, other than to satisfy my curiosity about your home. You’ve piqued my interest, Mr. Manneville. I might even implore Mr. Bennet to take the family on an extended holiday once this crazy war ends.”
Manneville shrugged uncomfortably, but he politely said, “America’s not for the faint of heart. Luxuries are not spread consistently among our citizens. You may find the conditions quite rustic, Ma’am.”
“Naturally, you’d assume with my having two daughters so highly placed, that we Bennets are used to only the best, but I assure you, Mr. Manneville, my girls and I can do with much less. My youngest, Lydia, has but a let place, as Mr. Wickham is a lieutenant, very much like Mr. Southland, and, of course, you met my Mary’s betrothed. It’ll be several years of service before Mr. Grange knows a settled income.”
“I see,” Mr. Manneville said softly.
But Mrs. Bennet barely allowed the man time for those two simple words. “We’re far from poor, Mr. Manneville. I wouldn’t wish to leave you with that impression. Mr. Bennet has a fine property in Hertfordshire. What I mean to convey is that some women can adjust quite easily to less than pristine conditions, while others cannot. I brought my girls up with a sense of responsibility. Miss Darcy, for example, is a prime example. A girl raised under these auspicious conditions would never adjust to anything less. Neither could Miss De Bourgh. She is frail. Can one imagine her sailing across the ocean? The woman would never survive. Plus, she is seven and twenty. Quite on the shelf.”
“What of…” he began, but again the lady snatched his words away.
“What of Miss Bingley? I suppose that’s what you ask, is it not, Mr. Manneville? A man should inspect all the choices. Lord knows, that’s the way of the world. It’s quite smart of you to have sought my opinion on this matter.With five daughters, I’m quite fluent on a young lady’s ability to make a good wife, and you must believe me, Sir, that Miss Bingley isn’t the type to please any man. The lady is self-consumed. She caused my dear Jane much grief. A man like you needs a loving wife — an intelligent, unambitious girl, who could give you strong sons and daughters. Miss Bingley is four and twenty, nearly of the same age as Miss De Bourgh.You need someone younger.”
“Such as Miss Catherine,” Manneville said dryly.
“Kitty!” Mrs. Bennet gasped as if surprised. “I’d never thought of Kitty as a possible mate for a man such as you. I mean — obviously, Kitty has youth to her advantage, and she’s by far one of the most sensible girls a man might find. Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley have introduced Kitty to the best that life has to offer. She could manage any house. In fact, she and Miss Darcy are sharing duties until my Elizabeth returns.”
Manneville stood. “You’ve given me much upon which to think, Mrs. Bennet.” He bowed over her extended hand. “I thank you for your concern for my future marital happiness, Ma’am. Now, if you’ll excuse me?”
Mrs. Bennet preened under his attentions. She had accomplished what she’d planned. She’d planted the idea’s seed. Now, she’d place Kitty in the man’s way, starting at supper. While the others dressed for the evening meal, she would change the name cards so Kitty would have the opportunity to converse with Mr. Manneville this evening.
To Kitty’s horror, for the evening meal, she found herself between Mr. Manneville and Mr. Collins. The look of surprise on Georgiana’s face and the one of triumph on her mother’s told Kitty exactly what had happened.
“Miss Catherine,” Manneville acknowledged her as he took his place.
“Mr. Manneville,” she murmured. She shot a glance about the table. Her mother had certainly scrambled the seating arrangement. Poor Mr. Winkler was at the table’s other end between Miss Bingley and Mary. Mr. Grange was seated beside Miss De Bourgh. At her end of the table, she and Georgiana held court: the colonel, her father, Lieutenant Southland, Mr. Manneville, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Bingley made up their supper partners.
“It appears an imbalance in the seating has occurred,” Manneville said sardonically.
Kitty smiled purposely. “I’d not noticed, Mr. Manneville.”
“Had you not, Miss Catherine?” Irony played through his words.
Kitty didn’t appreciate the man’s attitude. She hissed, “If you find the situation disagreeable, Sir, I’m certain that Miss Darcy shall gladly permit you to change with any of her other guests. You’ll find either of my sisters or Mrs. Collins most cooperative.”
“Not your mother, Miss Catherine? Is she not cooperative also?” he insinuated.
Kitty kept her tone light so others wouldn’t see her anger, but her words spoke her true feelings. “I don’t know why, Sir, you believe yourself such a desirable supper partner that you’d imply some manipulation on my part to make your further acquaintance, but you are sadly mistaken. I’d happily relinquish my seat to another. Choose your partner, Mr. Manneville, and I’ll execute the exchange.” She felt a flush of color flood her face.
Manneville leaned closer. “I’m pleased that you possess a backbone, Miss Catherine. I feared a girl of tender years mightn’t express her mind. Tell Mrs. Bennet that I’ll keep you in mind when I make my decision for a wife.”
“You should shorten your list, Mr. Manneville. I assure you that I have no desire to see America.” Kitty turned her head to smile at Mr. Bingley, who sat across from her. Out of the corner of her mouth she murmured, “I hope that makes my position clear.”
“And if I made you an offer? You would turn it down,” he taunted.
Kitty leaned closer to whisper. “We Bennet sisters don’t jump at the first offer. Although my cousin will inherit our family home upon my father’s passing, my sister Elizabeth turned down Mr. Collins. And believe it or not, my father supported Lizzy’s decision. We accept only those offers which most please us.”
“Obviously, your older sister chose the superior offer.” Manneville nodded to the elaborate surroundings.
“Elizabeth did choose the superior man. Yet, her decision had nothing to do with Mr. Darcy’s consequence.” She noted the man’s disbelief. “In fact, despite the possibility of my mother and sisters losing Longbourn, Lizzy refused Mr. Darcy’s first proposal. Only when the man pleased her did Elizabeth change her mind. I have three married sisters, Mr. Manneville, and each has chosen the man she loves.” Kitty immediately thought of poor Lydia, who loved a man who didn’t return Lydia’s devotion, but Kitty hadn’t lied to the American.
Manneville frowned. “We’ll see if you’re a lady who speaks the truth, Miss Catherine.” When the man smiled at her, Kitty experienced a flash of dread shooting up her spine.
“Pardon, Miss Darcy,” Mr. Nathan stepped closer to whisper in Georgiana’s ear. “There’s one of the tenants at the kitchen door. He heard that Mr. Winkler dined with us this evening.”
“Is there a problem?” Edward asked softly.
Mr. Nathan turned his back to the other guests. “Old Mrs. Foxmour, Colonel. The lady is reportedly in a bad way. The doctor gave her but a few days nearly a week ago. The woman has requested to speak to a clergyman, and her son, Artie, asks that Mr. Winkler come and see to his mother’s spiritual needs.”
“How can we get Winkler to the Foxmour cottage safely?” Georgiana asked.
Mr. Nathan gave the girl a look of approval. “I was thinking of one of the sleighs, Miss Darcy.”
“Send Jarvis with Mr. Winkler to help with the horses, and add a basket of staples for the family,” Georgiana instructed. “Tell Mr. Arden to have a groom harness the sleigh.”
“I will see to it, Miss Darcy.” Mr. Nathan bowed out.
Edward briefly squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “I’ll speak privately to Winkler.”
“Thank you, Edward.”
The colonel nodded and crossed the room to where Winkler spoke to Kitty, Mary, and Mr. Bennet. “Excuse me, Winkler.” He asked privately, “Can I have a moment?” With confidence, the colonel stepped away from the others.
Kitty watched with concern as Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke personally to Mr. Winkler. She noted the empathy cross Mr. Winkler’s face. “Something is wrong,” she said to herself.
Georgiana, on the room’s other side, cleared her voice. “I hope you’ll join me and the colonel in some of our favorite parlor games. We thought we might begin with charades, but with a twist.You’ll need a partner for this version of the game.”
Everyone began to pair up, but Kitty’s eyes remained on Winkler and the colonel. When the clergyman hurried toward the drawing room door, she moved also, trailing the man; but before she reached the door, Mr. Manneville blocked her way. “Miss Catherine.” He bowed to her. “Would you do me the honor of partnering me in the game?”
Trying to see past him to where Winkler had gone, Kitty mumbled, “I think not, Sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” She started around the man only to be confronted by her mother.
“Of course, Kitty shall partner you, Sir. It’s most gracious of you to ask.” Mrs. Bennet turned Kitty’s shoulders to face the man. “Give Mr. Manneville your assent, Kitty,” her mother insisted.
Kitty let out exasperation’s sigh. “Mr. Manneville has my answer, Mama.”