Page 51 of The Heir and Spare
“And perhaps you should write her parents?”
“Oh, yes. You’ve met them. What am I to think?”
Fitz hesitated but a moment and then smiled. “You will love them.”
Chapter 26
Elizabeth
Aweek in bed and she was more restless than she had ever been. A maid helped dress her for her first outing, and it was going to be a good long one. She swished her skirts. “This is a lovely color, don’t you think?”
“It matches your eyes. Miss Georgiana’s too, when she wears it.”
“I think it would make her look more beautiful than ever.”
“And it does the same for you, miss.” The maid who had been helping her was becoming a trusted advisor in everything that had to do with the Darcy household. And she appreciated every word.
“Now, you know I’m not supposed to be saying anything. Mr. Darcy has strict rules about keeping everyone’s privacy…” She looked around dramatically as if someone in the room might be hearing her. “But he did ask me to treat you extra special, like you were already a Darcy.”
Lizzie grinned. “I’m absolutely certain you were not supposed to tell me that.”
“Oh, they know I can’t keep secrets.” She winked. “Which means, you were supposed to hear it!”
“Wait. Are you telling everyone my secrets?”
“Not at all, miss. I was told really and truly to keep yours. He was kind of forceful about it. I was quite surprised.”
“Who?”
“Mr. Darcy, the heir, miss. He reminded me my place and told me your privacy was private or I wouldn’t be the one hired to help you.” She curtseyed. “If you approve, of course.” She colored. “And you agree to marry him.” She placed a hand on her lips. “We all love you, miss. We hope you say yes. We’re just so sad to see Mr. Darcy go. But I hear his estate is just lovely. And it will be all your own.”
Lizzie couldn’t believe the audacity of this maid. She surely could not keep a secret. “Thank you. I love you all dearly. And the tenants. I think we all have become close living here together like this.”
“And the Darcys are the best people that ever were, miss. All of us feel blessed to be here.” She finished the last of Lizzie’s hair, curled around her face and piled on her head.
Lizzie turned this way and that, admiring. “You work wonders, my dear. Thank you.”
She stood, not feeling a bit of the dizziness that had plagued her whenever she stood all week. “I think I’m getting much better.”
“Your color has certainly returned. You’re the most beautiful I’ve ever seen you.” She smiled with such warmth, Lizzie had to love her, loose tongue and all.
“Could you let them all know I’m ready?”
“I expect he shall meet you at the front door?”
Lizzie shook her head. “Just let them know, please.” She was inordinately pleased to know something her maid did not know. With a huge grin, she slipped out the door and down the hall.
The barn was close. As soon as she stepped in the door, Mangy jumped up on her, licking her furiously.
His owner, the lad from the pit, Heath, called to her. “Oh, stop that. She’s got a pretty dress on today, you mutt, can’t you see?”
“He’s just fine. We love this mangy mutt, don’t we?”
“Yeah, he’s alright.” Heath stood in front of Lizzie. “Are you going out in the carriage, then?”
“We are. For a picnic and a journey to see the other house. I’m quite excited to see it.”
“It fits you.”
