Page 110 of The Secret Diary of Anne de Bourgh

“I believe you have not yet heard our news, Miss de Bourgh.”

I had not, though I began to guess before she told me, because I spied Mr Byerly in the room, standing near the fireplace as the ladies greeted each other.

I congratulated her as warmly as I could. She watched my face rather closely while I did so, and seemed uncertain how to proceed when I added that I hoped they would be very happy.

“Mr Byerly has made me exceedingly happy already,” she said.

“I am very glad.”

He came to join us then. I congratulated him too, and there was no difficulty in believing that he was pleased with his choice. When Caroline put her hand upon his arm, he covered it briefly with his own.

I liked seeing that.

Mr Byerly has also made an offer for Rosings. Darcy told me this morning, explaining that he had supplied the particulars requested after their earlier conversation. He and Richard consider the offer a fair one, and asked whether I remained certain that I wished to sell.

I assured them that I did.

There is still business to be attended to before everything is concluded, but I may now begin to think of Rosings as somebody else’s future home.

Caroline certainly does. She asked me about the drawing-room and whether its windows received much afternoon sun. I was able to answer her, and found that I did not mind doing so.

She will enjoy those rooms. She will fill them with company, and take pleasure in making them handsome. Byerly listened while she spoke of visiting the house, and promised that they would make arrangements as soon as the purchase was finalised.

When we came home, Elizabeth wished to hear everything. She was particularly interested in Caroline’s manner of telling me.

“I believe she expected me to be disappointed,” I confessed.

“Then you have been very inconsiderate.”

I laughed, and Lizzy smiled at me over the little garment in her lap.

“Was he happy, Anne?”

“He appeared very happy. They both did.”

She looked at me for a moment, then asked whether I was truly as content as I appear to be.

“About Mr Byerly? Entirely.”

Elizabeth did not immediately speak again. I suspected she had heard rather more in my answer than I intended.

“I do not wish to marry him,” I added. “But I should like somebody to look at me as he looks at Caroline.”

Lizzy put down her sewing and reached for my hand.

“I should like that for you too.”

I was grateful that she did not tell me I had only to be patient.

Caroline will have Hugh and Rosings, and I am glad for her to have both. I would not exchange places with her.

I should only like to know what my own place is to be.

21 December

Jane came to help organise the baby clothes this morning, and we spent some time admiring them before Elizabeth declared that there could be no possible reason for the child to delay any longer. Everything was ready, and she was becoming rather tired of waiting.

Ophelia was much pleased with the basket which Jane had brought with her. Fortunately, Jane had taken everything out before the cat discovered it. Georgiana attempted to persuade her to leave, but Ophelia merely tucked her paws more comfortably beneath her.