Mrs. Green pointed to the chair closest to her bed. “Sir, pray indulge me by sitting here. My sight has grown dim, and I have few enough pleasures these days. I should like to get a proper look at you.”
Graham’s hearty laughter lightened the atmosphere. “You are most kind, madam. I feel privileged to have been afforded the best seat in the room.” Angling his head to the side, he winkedat me. He moved another chair closer for me before taking his designated seat.
I raised the distinctive jar decorated in black-and-white stripes before Mrs. Green. “I understand you have a preference for Pomfret cakes. Would you care for one now?”
Mrs. Green clapped her hands. “Oh, you are a dear lady! I have had a hankering for those treats for weeks. They are an extravagance I have indulged in on rare occasions. I should love to have one, and I hope you both will partake as well.”
I opened the jar and handed one of the flat, round confections to Mrs. Green. “I appreciate the offer, but to be truthful, I do not favour them.” When I offered the jar to Graham, he shook his head, placing a hand on his stomach.
“None for me, thank you.” His sight flitted to Mrs. Green. “Mrs. Darcy can attest to the fact that I ate a great deal at breakfast.”
“Yes, without question.” I directed a grin at Mrs. Green. “I should wager that Mr. Graham’s appetite is unrivalled.” I set the jar on a nearby table.
She held the cake aloft to view its distinctive engraving. “It is true that not everyone appreciates these. My granddaughter and I are the only ones in my family who favour them.” She took a tiny bite, and a sigh slipped from her as she chewed the sweet morsel. “Mrs. Darcy, I cannot thank you enough, both for the Pomfret cakes and for taking along this delightful young man for me to gaze upon.”
“You are a flatterer.” Graham extended his legs and thrust out his chest. “I should wager you had more than your share of admirers in your day.” His eyebrows waggled in a comical style.
A touch of pink appeared on Mrs. Green’s otherwise pallid cheeks. “Yes, most people considered me to be attractive in my youth.” She released a feeble giggle. “My dear, departedhusband, Thomas, used to call me ‘The prettiest lass in Lambton.’”
Graham beamed at her. “The true beauty of a woman is constant and never fades.”
A lump formed in my throat. Graham possessed an impressive skill as a charmer. Given this, how could I blame my friend Mrs. Mead for having found him irresistible? With my promise to Fitzwilliam on my mind, I imparted his regret and well-wishes to Mrs. Green. Thereafter, the three of us chatted in a light, cordial style whilst she nibbled on the Pomfret cake. After a while, though, she grew quiet, and her slight smile evaporated.
I stretched towards her. “Are you well, Mrs. Green? If you are in pain, I could ask Selina for a draught. Or if you are weary—"
“Oh no, you need not fret for my sake.” Yet in defiance to her words, her forehead corrugated. “Pray excuse my frankness, but the time for me to join my dear husband is nigh. Each sunrise finds me weaker. Mr. Cooper believes I shall last a few more days at most, and I have made my peace with that fact.” A doleful heaviness characterised her appearance as she glanced towards the window.
Moisture pooled in my eyes, and I averted my gaze.
Graham moved to the edge of the chair. “You may think me impertinent, but despite your words, I can see you are aggrieved. Will you not tell us what is on your mind?”
“Ah, well…” Mrs. Green’s features contorted, lending her a wistful look. “You are a perceptive gentleman. My youngest son, Lewis, is in the army. He has not sent word for many months. He last wrote to me after his regiment received orders for Spain. I had hoped to hear from him before I… Well, it seems that will not happen.”
Graham reached out to take her hand. “I have an unusual request. I ask you to close your eyes and picture your son Lewis as you last saw him.”
Her sight flew to me as though to gauge my response. I struggled to remain still and maintain my countenance. What did Graham intend to do?
“Very well, I shall do as you ask.” Mrs. Green’s eyes drifted shut.
Graham’s eyes closed as well. He sat stock-still with his lips pressed together and his head angled to the side as though deep in thought. At length, he stirred, bent his neck back and forth as though to relieve a cramp, and beheld Mrs. Green with a grave expression. “Madam, I am aware of your son Lewis’s fate. Would you like me to inform you?”
My hand covered my mouth, stifling a gasp, and a smothering rush of heat spread through me. Graham could not possibly know anything about Mrs. Green’s son. Did he imagine himself to be a soothsayer?
Mrs. Green blinked several times and stared at him. “Yes, if you please. I want to know Lewis’s destiny.”
“Three months ago, your son took part in a battle along the mountains of Spain. He exhibited bravery and strength in his efforts while in combat. Unfortunately, he and several others in his battalion fell victim to enemy fire. Be assured that your valiant son did not suffer. His death was immediate.”
“No, pray tell me it is not true!”
Graham shook his head. “Alas, that is what happened.”
She fell forwards, drew her hands to her face, and bewailed. The soft, anguished sound permeated the small room.
Fie!Why in the world would Graham do this? How could he tell this poor, sweet lady such a dreadful falsehood? I never should have taken him here!
“Your son did not die in vain.” Graham leaned closer to Mrs. Green, and his voice softened. “His actions allowed many others in his regiment to avoid injury or death. His final thoughts were of you. He pictured you seated in your favourite chair by thewindow—where you sit to admire the blooming bluebells in the spring. Lewis recalled the day he left home. You had risen hours before daylight to bake his favourite currant tea biscuits for him. He saw how weary you were and walked you back to your bed.”
Mrs. Green gawked at him. “Yes, yes, that is correct! I gave him the biscuits, and he insisted I lie down and rest. He hugged me as he said goodbye and told me he loved me. Then he stopped at the doorway and waved. I never saw my Lewis again.”
