B00CO8L910 EBOK Read Online Free Page A

situation.
    Darcy walked around his desk and kneeled next to his sister, taking her hand. “Do not worry, my dear. Miss Bennet is simply longing to be home. I will accompany her there on Monday.”
    Both ladies nodded their heads slowly. Mrs. Carroll stood straighter, determining to ensure that the two grieving ladies received every possible comfort. She excused herself to see to it personally. Darcy smiled appreciatively at her as she left.
    “Georgiana, you must not assume . . . If Miss Bennet or Miss Lucas do not join us for dinner . . . you must not think it is you. They will likely not be inclined for company.”
    Georgiana nodded and threw her arms around her brother again. She was filled with gratitude for his presence in her life. They had suffered the loss of their parents, and he was all she had left. Darcy, feeling much the same, returned her hug with equal fervor.
    * * *
    Elizabeth stood humbly, taking in her surroundings. The graceful room before her was fitted up in calming shades of blue. Its furniture was massive; the heavy pieces made from cherry wood complemented the soothing shades of the wallpaper and linens. They neither dwarfed the space nor felt intimidating. It was a comforting apartment, and she was grateful for the delicate strength she could draw from it. She barely had time to take in the beautifully appointed surroundings when she heard a knock from the dressing room door. She reached into her pocket for her handkerchief to dry her eyes and recognized the “FD” embroidered on the corner. Sighing heavily as she remembered its owner, she threw it on the bed and called for the maid to enter.
    A small, slim girl about her age reverently walked into the room and gave a quick curtsey. “Ma’am has ordered ye a bath, miss, if ye like. I’ve been sent to help ye ready for it.”
    The thought of soaking in a warm bath after her travels — and indeed after all she had endured — sounded heavenly. The maid hummed as she took out Elizabeth’s pins and began to brush her hair. Elizabeth shared one maid with all of her sisters. Having someone brush her hair was a luxurious comfort, and for a moment, she closed her eyes and believed she was back in her room with Jane.
    “What is that tune you are humming?”
    The maid stopped humming and bowed her head. “Pardon me, miss.”
    Elizabeth turned in her seat at the dressing table. “No, do not stop. It was nice. I simply wanted to know what it was called.”
    Nodding, the maid quietly replied, “I don’t rightly know, miss. ’Tis a song my mum would sing to me.”
    Elizabeth turned around again, and the maid continued brushing. After a moment, she began humming again. A knock on the dressing room door signaled the bath was ready. Elizabeth sank gratefully into the warm water as the maid quietly bustled about the room, adding soothing scents to the water. When she began to wash her hair, Elizabeth quietly asked, “What is your name?”
    The maid seemed to hesitate for a moment, worried that she had displeased the pretty miss. “My mum says Penelope, but I goes by Penny, miss.”
    Elizabeth smiled wanly. “My name is Elizabeth, but my sisters call me Lizzy.” Then she closed her eyes and leaned back against the tub. Her tears disappeared into the bath water. When the maid finished washing Elizabeth’s hair, she quietly retreated out the servants’ door, leaving her alone with her depressed thoughts. She missed her family terribly and could not wait to be with them. She thought of the warm welcome the staff and Miss Georgiana made for Mr. Darcy. It was a side of him she had not seen before. Here, he was loved and respected. To have the approbation of his servants in such a familiar manner spoke of their regard towards the man, and she marveled at it. She hated to be indebted to him for his profound kindness. He had seen to her every comfort, and she could see that he understood her grief. He had lost both his parents after all. Thinking of Mr.