Christmas at Pemberley (17 page)

“Of course, Mrs. Darcy.We'll speak later.”The two men bowed out.

Elizabeth supported Mrs. Joseph to her feet. “Is something amiss?”

The woman frowned. “I suddenly feel very light-headed. Probably nothing—especially for a woman eight months with child. Other women would be considering their confinements.”

“I suspect that you didn't sleep well last evening,” Elizabeth added as they slowly climbed the stairs.

“Better than I would've in the stable,” Mary said ironically. “When one is as large with child as I, sleep doesn't come easily.”

“Then you'll take the bed and find some required rest.You were very brave to attempt this journey under the circumstances,” Elizabeth assured as she held the room's door for her new friend.

However, a second grimace twisted Mary's countenance, and the woman caught the door frame with white knuckles. “I suspect I shouldn't have had so much ham. It is so salty, and it makes my stomach cramp if I don't drink enough water with it.”

“Then let's get you to bed and order some fresh drinking water.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. You're proving to be an excellent friend.”

Elizabeth insisted that Mary stretch out across the bed. Once she had the lady settled, Elizabeth draped a blanket over her. “I expect you to nap for at least an hour. I shall tolerate nothing less,” she politely ordered.

“And what shall you do while I sleep, Mrs. Darcy?” the woman asked with half-closed eyes.

Elizabeth smiled contentedly.“I have some letters to entertain me.”

EDWARD SAT ALONE IN THE LIBRARY. He would need to join his young cousin in Georgiana's efforts to entertain a diverse household. “Who would've thought Georgiana capable of handling any of this?” he asked aloud. “Not I. I saw only a child, but Georgiana is no little girl—not even a silly, giggling teen.” The realization brought a smile. He had always considered his cousin ethereally beautiful—her golden blonde, nearly white hair framed a heart-shaped face. She fought to keep the curls in place, but Edward had always preferred it when the wisps broke free and draped over his cousin's forehead and cheeks. Gone were the bows and ribbons of a young girl. In their place, Georgiana sported the sleek fashion of a well-dressed lady. With the smile remaining, Edward expelled a deep sigh. “No time to ruminate over more pleasurable ideas. Her Ladyship awaits.” He shoved to his feet. “To everything there is a season.”

“Miss Catherine,” Mr. Winkler bowed as he entered the morning room. “May I join you?”

Kitty had purposely waited at the breakfast table in hopes of speaking to the man. “Of course, Mr. Winkler. I pray you slept well, Sir.”

“An excellent bed,” he said good-naturedly. “I sorely hated to leave it.” He filled his plate and then took the empty place beside her.

“Then you should have remained, Mr. Winkler. We have so few hidden pleasures in which to indulge ourselves.” Kitty adjusted her seat, shortening the distance between them.

The clergyman chuckled lightly. “What sort of man lies about all day?”

“Perhaps a man who works hard to see to his parishioners' needs,” she countered.

He smiled kindly. “Perhaps a man who takes his duties seriously and who appreciates the living bestowed upon him by Mr. Darcy.”

“You believe this your true calling, Mr.Winkler?” Kitty asked as she poured tea for him.

“It's been my life's dream.” Winkler's voice grew more passionate as he spoke of his desire to serve. He spoke of when he first knew that he would serve the Lord and how he had discovered pure pleasure in earning Mr. Darcy's approval. “I have such great plans, Miss Catherine. I'd like to see a village school and some sort of organization to meet to the needs of the elderly, especially those with no family to oversee their care.”

Kitty sat entranced. She couldn't remember exactly when she'd become physically aware of this man. She suspected it was at Lambton's May Day celebration. As she had watched, Mr. Winkler had joined several other local musicians at an improvisational concert. He'd lent his talent and his beautiful voice to the entertainment, and she couldn't help but see how the music had overtaken his soul. It was what she thought Heaven must resemble. At that moment, she wanted to know him better.

“It sounds as if you've ordered your life, Mr. Winkler.”

The man leaned closer. “Everything except my personal needs, Miss Catherine.” His voice took on a husky rasp.

Kitty glanced up to find Mr.Winkler's eyes gleaming with emotion. “What else could a man desire?”

“A woman who shares my passion for my work and my life,” he said hoarsely.

Kitty swallowed hard. “You mean to take a wife, Mr. Winkler?”

“If the right woman would agree,” he said with another smile.

Yet, before Kitty could respond, the Bingleys and Caroline entered the room. Groaning silently in frustration, Kitty returned to her meal, while Mr. Winkler scrambled to his feet.

“Good morning, Mr.Winkler,” Jane said as she curtsied. “I hope you slept well. Kitty, how was our mother?” she added quickly.

Thinking of her mother's marriage manipulations, Kitty said, “Planning for a productive day. She's the consummate mother.” Kitty shifted away from him as Winkler resumed his seat.

Bingley motioned to a footman. “Would you ask Mrs. Oliver if Mrs. Bingley might have coddled eggs for breakfast?”

“Right away, Sir.”

“Charles, that's not necessary,” Jane protested.

Bingley escorted his wife to a seat across from Kitty. “It is necessary, my dear. I'll call on the kitchen later to express my gratitude, but I'll cater to your preferences when possible.”

Caroline took the empty setting several seats away. Kitty interpreted it as a deliberate act of disapproval. In spite, Kitty said, “Perhaps Miss Bingley would prefer coddled eggs also, Mr. Bingley.”

A frown crushed Caroline's countenance. “Heaven forbid. Slimy, half-cooked egg whites.” She snarled in disgust.

Jane took a sisterly note of Kitty's remark before saying, “Have Mama and Papa had their breakfasts?”

“Papa was down very early. I'm sure he's holed up in Mr. Darcy's library. He spotted several titles by Sir Walter Scott he hadn't read. Mama was still in her chambers. She joined me to do some embroidery work on Papa's new waistcoat and then returned to her bed.” Kitty accepted the tea a footman poured for her. “Mr. Grange shall escort Mary down in a few minutes.”

“How long has Miss Bennet been engaged?” Mr.Winkler asked. “I don't recall your saying so, Miss Catherine, when you were at Pemberley during the summer.”

Kitty smiled. The man had recalled details of her life, and that pleased her. “Since the first of October. They prepare for a spring wedding.”

“Then the banns haven't been called?” Mr. Winkler sliced his ham.

Bingley finally seated himself beside his wife. “They've placed a notice in the paper, but the banns will wait until the first of February. Mr. Grange will assume additional duties in Mr. Philips's office in March. Philips is Mrs. Bennet's brother in marriage,” he explained.

Winkler shot a glance at Kitty, and she blushed. “Miss Catherine will be the last Bennet sister to marry,” the clergyman summarized.

Bingley laughed lightly. “My wife's mother will concentrate her energies on Kitty soon.” He winked at Kitty. “Of course, we assume Kitty hasn't decided on a proper husband previously. For all we know, she plans to marry immediately. It only takes fifteen days to have the banns called three times. Do you have someone in mind, Kitty? Will you beat Mary to the altar?”

Kitty choked on her tea, and Mr. Winkler gently rubbed her back to curtail her coughing. His kindness made her instantly aware of his touch. Between clearing her throat and taking several steadying breaths, Kitty struggled to recover.

“I apologize, Kitty,” Bingley said earnestly. “I shouldn't tease.”

She swallowed hard. Mr. Winkler's hand remained. Kitty could feel his warmth radiating through her chest and sinking into her lower abdomen. “I swallowed tea rather than taking a breath,” she rasped. Realizing his hand still rested on her back, Mr. Winkler jerked it away, and Kitty found herself bereft of his touch. “I've… I've no plans.” She stopped to clear her throat. “No plans for a marriage.”

“Are you open to new possibilities?” Mr. Bingley's teasing tone returned. “Do you seek a marriage, Sister Dear?”

“Charles! That's enough,” Jane reprimanded. “I suspect that as a child you were quite unrelenting with your taunts to Caroline and Louisa.”

Bingley casually chuckled. “With two sisters, I had no choice.”

Caroline joined the conversation from her self-imposed isolation. “Louisa and I have always had your best interests at heart, Charles.”

Kitty thought of the pain Miss Bingley had caused Jane and Mr. Bingley when the lady's manipulations had separated them—exposing Bingley to the censure of the world for caprice and instability and Jane to its derision for disappointed hopes, as well as involving them both in misery of the acutest kind.

Bingley kindly said, “You've devoted your time and your interest to my well-being, Caroline, and I'm forever in your debt; however, I'd cherish the opportunity to see you in your own home.You deserve the best, my dear.”

Edward tapped softly on Lady Catherine's door and a maid admitted him immediately. Her Ladyship lounged on a chaise. She held toast in one hand and a teacup in the other. He bowed and then motioned the maid's departure. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Your Ladyship.”

“Why would I not, Edward? You're a most beloved nephew. You've brought honor to the Fitzwilliam name.” She gestured him to a chair.

Edward took the seat, but he remained alert. Years of dealing with his aunt had taught him to never underestimate the woman. Dressed in a dark purple velvet gown, his aunt was a paragon of determination, and many shrank from her renowned inflexibility. She was dark of eye and hair, much darker than her brother, Edward's father, and the complete opposite of the fair-haired Lady Anne, Darcy's mother. She could convey her arrogance with a lift of her square chin or a glare along her straight, high-bridged nose. “My choice of military service came as the lesser of two evils, but I'm content with my time. I believe God has placed me in this role to save men from death's grip. I'm thankful for that position.”

“As you well should be.” Lady Catherine pushed her way to a seated position. “Of what did you wish to speak, Colonel?”

Edward frowned deeply. “I'd like to know your true reason for coming to Pemberley uninvited.”