“It is in your suite of rooms.”
“Ah, I understand. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds; now I must find Mr. Darcy.”
“He will be in his study. Come, I will take you there.”
***
The tour occupied the remainder of the morning, but they did not see much beyond the first floor. The reason for this was simple: the library had been one of the first rooms Mr. Darcy had shown her, and she had declared her fervent desire to never leave it. She had been persuaded to continue with the tour only after he had promised her that she would have free access to the room and its treasures, without restriction.
When it was time for her meeting with Cook, Mr. Darcy escorted her back to her room, as she was still liable to become lost in the hallways. He said, “Do tell her that I am very partial to her blueberry tarts! They do not appear often enough to suit me.” His smile was boyish.
“Blueberry tarts shall be at the top of my list,” she promised him, smiling.
He looked around; seeing no servants about, he wrapped his arms about her, pulled her in close, and kissed her deeply. He was very much looking forward to tonight.
As she went inside and closed the door, he returned to his study, where that stack of correspondence still awaited him. He had smiled and laughed with Elizabeth, but now that he was alone, his mind was churning. His night with his wife had wiped his mother’s actions from his mind completely; but now that his reason was restored, he was deeply concerned. What if his mother never reconciled herself to Elizabeth’s presence? Would Pemberley become a battleground?
***
Cook was clearly delighted to have been asked to meet with the new Mrs. Darcy. Lady Anne’s orders had been to prepare several courses for each meal, but Cook was well aware that neither Mr. Darcy nor Miss Darcy could possibly consume that much food.
Perhaps the new Mrs. Darcy would be more sensible. Cook had the menus for the remainder of the week written out; she would show them to the new Mrs. Darcy.
She and Mrs. Reynolds mounted the stairs together. Cook had never been in the family wing of the house, and her mouth hung open as she saw the various pieces of art and decoration, any one of which would have kept a tenant family for a year. Mrs. Reynolds saw her expression and frowned at her.
“I cannot help it, ma’am,” she whispered to the housekeeper. “Such riches!”
“And none of them belong to you or to me, so you keep your eyes to yourself,” Mrs. Reynolds replied.
When they reached Mrs. Darcy’s rooms, Mrs. Reynolds knocked softly.
“Come in, Mrs. Reynolds.”
The two entered, and Cook could not help the gasp that escaped her lips. All this, for one small young woman! Mrs. Reynolds scowled at her fiercely, but Mrs. Darcy laughed, merrily. “I know, it is all rather too much, is it not?”
Elizabeth rose and extended a hand to Cook. “I know they call you Cook, but may I have your name?”
“I am Mrs. Thurston, ma’am.” And she took the proffered hand.
“Do you prefer that I call you Cook or Mrs. Thurston?”
“I would not mind being called by my name, ma’am,” she said.
“Very good; let us sit in my office.” She led the way to the small room that housed a desk, a large bookcase, and several chairs.
Once they were all seated, Mrs. Darcy began. “I have only been here one day, Mrs. Thurston, but everything I have tasted has been delicious. I see you have something in your hand; is that the menus for the rest of the week?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mrs. Thurston handed them over. “I am sorry, I know my handwriting is –“
“Perfectly legible, Mrs. Thurston, please do not fret.”
There was a minute’s silence, as Elizabeth read over the list of dishes to be prepared. “Mrs. Thurston, I hope you will be frank with me. This all seems like rather a lot of food for four people, three of whom are small ladies. Goodness, this would have fed my entire family of six, and there would have been enough remaining for the next day!”
“I have obeyed Lady Anne’s directions,” Mrs. Thurston said.
“I know that, but – what isyouropinion?”
Mrs. Thurston cast a despairing glance at Mrs. Reynolds, who sighed deeply. “Go on, Cook.”
