In the flickering light from the nearby fireplace Colonel Fitzwilliam’s face appeared pallid. He took an unsteady backward step and leaned upon his cue.
I went to him. “You do not appear well. Allow me to get you a drink.”
With a nod, he set his cue stick against the wall and plunged into a nearby chair. “I am not at my best today.” He unbuttoned his coat and waistcoat. When I gave him the brandy, he took several small sips.
I poured a second glass for myself and took a seat across from him. “Now, to return to my client, I solved his quandary to his satisfaction, and he is now content with his life and his marriage.”
His eyes flared wide, and his breaths came in rapid succession. “How did you address his fears? The dangers to women who go through childbirth cannot be denied.”
“You are apt to be sceptical of what I tell you next. I have a talent for sensing what shall occur in the future. For this client, I assured him that he would have four healthy children and his wife would live until the end of her seventh decade. As of now, they have been blessed with three children.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned back in his chair and lifted his chin. “I understand. You told your client, an ignorant and superstitious man, what he wished to hear, and he believedyou. You are fortunate his wife survived the three births, or you would have been exposed as a fraud.”
“Perhaps you would be good enough to humour me for a moment.” I sat forwards with my hand extended.
He glared at me for a long moment. “So, you want to give me a demonstration of yourgift? Very well.” He took my proffered hand in a punishing grip.
My eyes closed, and a deluge of images appeared. “You suffered a grievous injury two years ago by an enemy’s blade in Vitoria, Spain, that left you with a sizable scar on your chest. I see a handsome, raven-haired, green-eyed lady with whom you spent many nights before you returned to England.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam heaved a laboured breath. “How do you know about her? This is not possible.”
“I see three children in your future, one boy and two girls. You may be assured that Mrs. Fitzwilliam will live a long and contented life.” I opened my eyes.
He pulled his hand from mine as though I had burnt him. “I do not appreciate this street fair performance. Do you take me for a fool?”
“My sole object has been to assist you. Your doubt is to be expected, but before you dismiss what I have told you, consult Darcy. Ask him if my word may be trusted.” I stood, swallowed the remaining brandy with one gulp, and quit the room.
Elizabeth
I knocked on the door to Jane’s bedchamber and entered upon her invitation. We settled into a pair of chairs near the large window, which afforded a picturesque view of the river and the adjacent woods.
My sister gazed out at the prospect. “Stunning views abound at Pemberley, but this one is most delightful.”
“I could not be happier that the room pleases you.” My sight fixed upon her. Had it been my imagination, or had Jane’s countenance crimped for a second? If aught troubled her, I should not scruple to encourage her to confide in me. First though, I enquired after Charlie.
My sister described the toys and activities he favoured of late, the books he loved to have read to him, and the latest words he had learned.
“Did you enjoy the picnic?”
“Indeed, I did.” A rosy tint overspread her cheeks. “Despite your advance warning, I became tongue-tied when your husband introduced Mr. Graham. He is the most attractive man of my acquaintance.”
“Yes, he is rather exceptional.”
“Oh, and Bennet is so adorable!” She folded her hands. “When he handed me the daisy today, he appeared so solemn and sincere, like a much older boy.”
“Oh no, pray do not say that.” I employed a light tone. “As wondrous as it is to witness him growing and learning by the day, I miss the baby he used to be. Soon he will not allow us to carry him any longer, and I shall be heart-broken.” There—it happened again: Jane’s head dipped, and for a second, furrows lined her forehead. “You are distressed, are you not? Tell me what is on your mind.”
She shook her head. “No, no. We are here to celebrate your birthday. The last thing I should want is to burden you.”
“What sort of nonsense is this? You are my dearest sister. Pray, tell me what is wrong.”
“Very well.” She raised her eyes to me. “For the past six months, Charles has taken several trips to town. He attended meetings related to a business investment. When I suggestedthat Charlie and I might accompany him, he made excuses for why we ought to remain at the estate. During his most recent trip, Caroline and her husband, Mr. Ridlington, passed through Staffordshire on the way to their estate and stayed with me for two nights. Whilst Caroline and I strolled around the grounds, she broached the subject of Charles’s trips to London. She believes that he has taken a…mistress.” Jane uttered the last word in a whisper.
“No, that cannot be true!” Whereas I had been fortunate to gain Georgiana as a relation, my dear Jane had wed a man with vain and, at times, malicious sisters. For the sake of Jane’s sensibilities, though, I should attempt to maintain my calm.
Her lips tightened. “Many wealthy married gentlemen take mistresses.”
“Yes, because marriages of convenience are prevalent.Ourhusbands married us for love. How did Caroline reach such an improbable conclusion?”
