She turned back to Mr. Collins. “Sir, should you wish to come downstairs before seven o’clock, Walters will show you to the library. My husband’s collection of rarities proves interesting to most visitors, and Walters will give you a tour.”
Mr. Collins followed Walters from the room after offering Elizabeth a bow. He lifted a hand as though intending to take hers, but she stepped back. Her expression and manner left no doubt that she would not permit such familiarity.
As she watched him ascend the stairs, one thought returned to her mind.
Yes, I believe Mary would celebrate if he decided to take a mistress.
Elizabeth was so distressed by her brother-in-law’s behavior that she found she could not sit still, so she walked the length of the drawing room, peered out the window, and then returned again. She was pacing, something she had never done in her life.
At last, Peter Miller presented himself.
“You wished to speak with me, Mrs. Darcy?”
“Yes. How goes the hunt? Have the dogs been sighted?”
“Yes, ma’am. We tracked them to a wooded area where they were feeding upon a carcass. It was a dead lamb mistress. The baying of the hounds startled them, and they fled before anyone could take a shot. We pursued them, and Mr. Selkirk brought down one of the larger, older dogs that broke away from the rest. The Pemberley gamekeeper took one down as well, but it is a sizeable pack, Mrs. Darcy, and your husband says it is no wonder they have already taken four of Selkirk’s lambs.”
He paused before continuing.
“After the men have eaten, they intend to remain another two or three hours. They also plan to hunt again tomorrow, at least through the morning, and continue until shortly before the storm arrives.”
“Peter, how far away is the pack?”
“I should say a full eight miles, ma’am, though it feels farther owing to the hilly terrain.”
Her brows drew together.
“You need not worry, Mrs. Darcy. Mr. Darcy’s mount is steady and reliable, trained to carry a rider while shots are being fired. He is not likely to spook. We also ride where the ground is less rocky and treacherous. Mr. Darcy warned us all to take care lest one of us return injured. He said that, in such a case, you would have much to say on the matter when we returned.”
A faint smile touched her lips, and some of the tension left her expression. “Thank you for your tease, Peter. I confess I have been very worried, but you have eased my mind. You may go now. I am certain the men shall be very hungry by the time you return with their luncheon and wine.”
He bowed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Then he departed.
With her duties toward Mr. Collins discharged, she returned to the second floor. Kitty and Georgiana sat upon the uppermost stair awaiting her return.
Elizabeth felt touched by the sight. “Are you girls waiting for news of Mary?”
Kitty answered for them both. “How is she, Lizzy? Is Mary in danger of dying because she carries two babies?”
It was a serious question, and Elizabeth did not treat it lightly.
She took a seat a few stairs below them and said, “Her risk is certainly greater. I have heard Mamma speak of such cases. She knew one woman who died of a hemorrhage and another whose infants did not position properly. They generally arriveheadfirst, but one of the twins presented feet first. The mother died, though they were able to save both sons in that particular instance.”
The three women sat in silence for several minutes. At last, Elizabeth spoke.
“I was with Mary about an hour ago. She was on her feet and had spent much of the morning walking. The two midwives are in attendance because the delivery will be more complicated owing to the twins. From what I observed, I believe Mary shall do well, though I have nothing to support that belief beyond intuition. I confess I fear more for the infants, lest they arrive too early and lack the strength to survive.”
“Is there anything else you wish to ask?”
“When may we see her?” Kitty asked.
“It shall not be until after the birth. Even if everything proceeds well, she shall be very tired. She labored throughout the night and all this morning. It may be tomorrow before the babies arrive.”
“Has she eaten anything?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “No, dear. She has been in too much pain, and she says she is so large that she feels no hunger. She believes the babies press upon her stomach and leave her feeling full. She is drinking water, however, and once the babies are born, she shall be able to eat as much as she likes.”
