“She speculated he could not be satisfied with any one lady for long. She asserted that he had believed himself to be in love many times before meeting me only to switch his affections to another in a moment.” Jane’s fingers gripped and twisted the skirt of her dress. “According to Caroline, their late father had kept several mistresses, and Charles idolised the man.”
Dear me.A lump formed in my throat. It would take a strong character to renounce a revered father’s example.
“What do you think, Lizzy?”
“Charles’s every word and action exemplify his love for you, and you know that Caroline cannot be trusted.”
“In this instance, she has no motive to mislead me.” Jane removed her handkerchief and wiped her tear-stained face.
My poor sister. Fie on Caroline!“I caution you not to believe her. She is not a true friend. We know that Charles’s affections for you endured a separation of almost a year—from the dayafter the Netherfield ball until the following autumn. Have you spoken to him of your suspicion?”
Jane gasped, and her eyes opened wide. “Of course not! I could never raise that subject with Charles.”
“His recent actions and his sister’s statements have distressed you. You must discuss this with him, for he alone can ease your mind.”
Jane folded her arms across her chest. “I could not do that. What if Caroline is right? I could not bear to hear him say the words aloud. If it is not true, he would be hurt and insulted if I asked.”
“He will understand your concern when you provide an account of what Caroline told you.”
“No, I cannot ask him.”
There had to be a solution. My finger traced my lower lip. “Fitzwilliam could speak to him.”
“Lizzy, no!” My sister hissed the words. “You must not involve him.” She grabbed my wrist. “Promise me you will not!”
“No, fear not. I voiced an idle thought. You must ask Charles yourself. The conversation will be uncomfortable, but he is your husband. You ought to be able to tell him your troubles. I noticed your anguish, and sooner or later, he will as well. Charles may be hurt that you did not trust him enough to raise the subject with him before now.”
“But I am not as bold as you are. I know not whether I can do this.”
I took both of her hands in mine. “You can do this. You are stronger than you know. Talk to him tonight.”
“Oh mercy!” Jane raised her palm to her forehead. “At times I believe anything would be preferable than to allow this suspicion to rankle me. Perhaps you are right. I shall give the matter thought.”
Graham
I entered the rose garden where Lady Catherine’s daughter strolled amidst the bushes on the flagstone path, humming a sunny melody.
“Miss de Bourgh.”
The tune broke off as she halted and turned round. “Good day, Mr. Graham.”
I neared her, offering one of my best smiles. “I hope you do not mind my company for a short while.”
“Not at all.” She bent low to sniff a lone, red bloom. “The familiar sights have reminded me of past visits. Pemberley changed after the deaths of Darcy’s parents—the estate became a sombre place. Now, this is a joyful home again. Despite what my mother may think, I am convinced my late aunt, Lady Anne, would approve of Elizabeth.”
When I held out my arm, she took it. We left the garden and approached a large pond of murky water teeming with life. “I noticed how well you got on with young Bennet.”
“Oh, he is such a charming little boy!” Miss de Bourgh grinned. “I hope to see a great deal more of him whilst I am here. Releasing my arm, she stepped towards the pond and crouched to inspect a pair of young frogs resting at the verge of the water. After a time, she straightened and turned to me. “I am fascinated by nature’s creatures. Even the ones most would deem unattractive are interesting to me.”
“Well, they all have their function in the world.” I sent out a silent call to a specific variety of lepidopterous insect that she ought to appreciate. Soon enough, a flutter of movement behind Miss de Bourgh drew my notice. “Look over there.” I pointed to the vivid swallowtail butterfly that landed on a flowering shrub.
She spotted the colourful insect, and her palms came together. “How extraordinary! I have seen quite a few butterflies in Kent, but none as beautiful as this one.”
“Since you admire wild creatures, may I assume you have a pet cat or dog at home?”
“I have always wanted a dog of my own as a companion.” Miss de Bourgh used a soft, wistful intonation. “One of our tenants has a delightful cocker spaniel, and I should love to have a similar one.” Her lips pressed flat. “But my mother would not allow a dog in the house. She considers them to be ‘filthy beasts’ and believes they carry terrible diseases.”
“That is a shame.”
