Page 25 of Charlotte's Story
“Yes, Mayor Pembroke typically requests that I light the tree given my standing as one of the oldest—and most distinguished—residents of this town. I can’t imagine what prompted the change this year, but I have no doubt she’ll come to regret it. One simply cannot replace a presence such as mine.”
Merrick set my food down in front of me, an impressive feat considering he was about as tall as the table. He stared at Lady Catherine as she spoke, nodding in agreement with her words.Apparently, Lady Catherine wasn’t the only one who believed her presence irreplaceable.
“Are you attending, Darcy?” she asked.
“I’m afraid not.” His gaze slid to Lizzy, then away again.
Lizzy glanced up from the honey-glazed ham and speared him with a stare the same way she speared the meat. “It’s a shame you’re going to miss it. I know how much you enjoy small-town festivals.”
Lizzy’s words held an edge, although I couldn’t quite understand where the barb was. Maybe it was some inside joke between the two of them. Not that Lizzy looked like she was joking.
“On the contrary, I find the activities themselves much less fascinating than the people.” Darcy’s green gaze met hers in challenge. In the background, the violinist started to playSilent Night, although “all is calm” was not how I’d describe the situation at the moment with the sparks flashing across the table.
I shook my head at the two of them. Lizzy might claim to like Wickham, but no pretending could hide her chemistry with Darcy. I didn’t know much about either man, but even I could tell which one was a better match for her. She needed someone to keep her on her toes.
I shifted my attention to William, who chewed a bite of dinner, oblivious to the rising tension.
William accepted a candied walnut from the small nutcracker marching from one end of the table to the other, then turned a bright smile onto Lady Catherine. “It’s such a privilege to join you for meals. I always look forward to the precision of your cook’s work.”
I took another bite, unable to stop thinking about how convenient it was that William had been on his way back from Rosings Park when he was attacked. Everyone else thought wewere leaving for our honeymoon that night—and we were, until Lady Catherine called and made him turn around.
Yes, she was definitely hiding something, and since William refused to suspect her, I’d have to be suspicious enough for the both of us. Plus, the fact that she insisted she was home alone the night of the murder meant that she had no alibi.
“Do you enjoy music, Elizabeth?” Lady Catherine asked as the brownies served dessert.
“I love it,” Lizzy said.
“And do you play?”
“Only a little,” she said. “My sisters and I all took piano lessons at one time or another, but I never stuck with it.”
Lady Catherine sighed. “It’s a shame that I didn’t study it more myself. If I ever had learned, I’m sure I would’ve been a prodigy, just like Anne. No excellence can be acquired without constant practice and diligence.”
Lizzy’s lips twitched, but she masked it with a polite smile.
“I know Firth doesn’t have an instrument at his house, so you’re welcome to use the third music room whenever you like, Charlotte.” Lady Catherine gave a refined tilt of her head. “No one really goes in there, so you won’t be in anyone’s way.”
“Thank you,” I managed before William interrupted with a, “Your kindness knows no limits.”
Merrick put my plate in front of me and I frowned down at the yule log. Even without taking a bite, I could smell the nutty, slightly sweet aroma of the hazelnut cream. I wasn’t allergic to it or anything, but as a child I’d thrown up after eating a dessert with hazelnuts and now I couldn’t stomach the smell. Thankfully, most ofOkaa-san’sdesserts leaned towardmatchaand red bean. A glance around showed that the desserts alternated between yule logs and fruitcakes.
William met my eye, and I shrugged and fiddled with the plate.
“Georgiana is quite accomplished at the piano.” Lady Catherine turned to Darcy. “How is she coming along these days?”
“Quite well, thank you,” he said.
“Would you like to play, Elizabeth?” Lady Catherine gestured toward an adjoining room where a baby grand piano sat beneath a large oil painting of Lady Catherine and her daughter.
“I don’t play in public if I can help it.”
“I insist.” Lady Catherine tilted her head toward the piano. “No dinner is complete without excellent piano music.”
“Then I’m afraid my contribution still wouldn’t qualify,” Lizzy said.
I muffled a laugh, but Lady Catherine raised an eyebrow.
Lizzy sighed, then forced a smile. “Actually, I know a Christmas carol or two.” As she turned around, she shot me a look that told me I better not waste this opportunity to talk to Lady Catherine.
