Page 59 of Ashes and Understanding
Tomorrow, she resolved, she would speak to her father. He must see how precarious the situation had become…before something regrettable happened.
But not all of them behaved poorly, she thought. As they were leaving, Captain Carter stopped to bid farewell to the party. “I apologize for my fellow officers’ behavior tonight, Mrs. Philips,” he had said, his lips pressed together tightly. “I can assure you that those under my command will be feeling the consequences of their behavior during drills in the morning.”
Lieutenant Wickham had echoed his colleague’s words, gratifying Mrs. Philips. The party quickly returned to their various entertainments after the officers had left, and harmony was restored.
Elizabeth’s thoughts now wandered to the handsome officer and the story he had shared.What a coincidence for the two men to end up in the same small town at the same time!
She was glad for the opportunity to meet them both. Darcy intrigued her. Wickham charmed her. Both compelling in such different ways.
What a study in contrasts they were—one so guarded, so proud, yet capable of astonishing gentleness in moments of weakness; the other charming and open, almost too easy to talk to, yet carrying the weight of regret behind his easy smile.
Wickham was handsome and sociable, with little but his good looks and military commission to recommend him. Darcy, by contrast, had wealth, status—and walls so high it was a miracle she had glimpsed behind them at all.
She had learned far more about Darcy than she ever expected—his illness, his restraint, his startling flashes of dry humor.And those few rare smiles, how rare they are… and how hard-won.
And yet…
She shook her head, laughing softly at herself. Neither man had offered her anything beyond a few shared conversations.Here I am, spinning romantic nonsense in my own mind like Mama planning wedding breakfasts before the couple has even met twice.
She leaned forward and blew out the candle.
Time enough for dreams.
Chapter 14
Darcy sat alone in the study at Netherfield, the morning sunrise light filtering weakly through the tall windows. A small stack of letters rested on the desk before him, newly delivered and still bearing a fine coating of frost from their journey. He reached for the one addressed in Georgiana’s flowing, youthful hand and carefully broke the seal.
Dear Brother,
It is so dreadfully cold at Pemberley now. I told Mrs. Annesley this morning that I felt like one of those little frosted hedgerow birds, chirping despite the chill and quite determined to be brave. I wish I were still in town—well, not town exactly, for I know how dangerous it has become, but I do miss the bustle. Mostly, I miss Ramsgate. The air was so mild and salty, and I still dream of the sound of the waves. Do you remember how the wind tangled my hair every morning, and you pretendednot to mind when I borrowed your books and never returned them?"
He smiled at her cheerful tone. Their time in Ramsgate had brought them closer together, making their bond more one of siblings than caregiver and ward. His little sister was certainly growing into a charming, confident young woman, in spite of her childhood timidity.
Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Reynolds are determined that I shall learn every part of running an estate before I turn twenty. I do wish you had warned me how dull some of the accounting is, Fitz. But I feel quite useful—Mrs. Annesley even let me plan how we will distribute firewood this winter, and I toured the still room yesterday.
I like Mrs. Annesley much better than Mrs. Younge. It is just as well she fled during the fire, though I still cannot believe she left me like that. At the time, I thought we were going to die. Perhaps that’s what she thought, too. But I suppose that’s what fear does to people—it causes them to react and reveal their true natures. In hindsight, I am rather glad to be rid of her.
He read that line twice, frowning. Mrs. Younge had come highly recommended, but after she abandoned her charge when news of the fire came, he had investigated her further, discovering that her letters of recommendation were forgeries.I can only thank God that she had such a limited time to influence my sister.That was one of the few blessings that came from the fire. That, and seeing Elizabeth for the first time.
Elizabeth.
He leaned back and closed his eyes, picturing her fine eyes and light, pleasing figure. She was more than her appearance, however; with her razor wit, her quiet bravery, and hermaddening ability to take root in his mind and permeate his every thought.
He saw her still as she had looked that first day in Hyde Park, Hands on her hips, brow furrowed with concern. He had never seen someone so at ease amidst chaos.
She unsettled him. She made him want—things he had never allowed himself to want. Love. Companionship.
Enough!He shook his head. He had no business thinking of her as often as he did. He knew it. Her connections were modest at best, her family often appalling.
Forcing himself back to the present, he turned his focus back to finishing Georgiana’s letter.
Now, are you minding your health? I know you. You are probably doing far too much and ignoring your cough again. Just because you can breathe without wheezing, does not mean you are invincible. Please rest. And remember that it is nothing to be ashamed of if you have to cough in public. Honestly, you act like it is akin to fainting at Almack’s!
Write soon and tell me everything. And do not work too hard. And for heaven’s sake, try not to terrify the local populace with your silent glowers. They are only trying to be kind.
Your ever affectionate,
Georgiana
