Elizabeth said pointedly. “I am grateful for your presence in that regard. If you and Mr. Joseph hadn’t joined us, I would have cautiously taken my breakfast in my room. None of the men have been rude, but it’s quite intimidating when one is the only woman among so many men. Like an invasion of holy ground.”
Mr. Horvak and Sir Jonathan stopped at the table to pay their respects. When Elizabeth and Mrs. Joseph started to rise, Sir Jonathan said, “Please. That’s not necessary. We’re kindred souls — those waiting for the Christmas spirit to clear a way home.”
“Do you suppose we should even attempt a journey today, Sir Jonathan?” Elizabeth asked.
“My coachman came by earlier, and he seemed to think we’d need another day.”
Elizabeth frowned. Despite enjoying Mrs. Joseph’s company, she wanted to be elsewhere. “Mr. Darcy and Mr. Joseph are completing their own analysis.”
“I suspect your husbands will come to the same conclusions,” Mr. Horvak said.
As Nan entered with the gentlemen’s meals, Elizabeth said, “We’ll leave you to your breakfast.” Noticing Mary’s sudden grimace, she added, “Mrs. Joseph requires a bit more rest.”
“Of course, Mrs. Darcy. We’ll speak later.” The two men bowed out.
Elizabeth supported Mrs. Joseph to her feet. “Is something amiss?”
The woman frowned. “I suddenly feel very light-headed. Probably nothing — especially for a woman eight months with child. Other women would be considering their confinements.”
“I suspect that you didn’t sleep well last evening,” Elizabeth added as they slowly climbed the stairs.
“Better than I would’ve in the stable,” Mary said ironically. “When one is as large with child as I, sleep doesn’t come easily.”
“Then you’ll take the bed and find some required rest.You were very brave to attempt this journey under the circumstances,” Elizabeth assured as she held the room’s door for her new friend.
However, a second grimace twisted Mary’s countenance, and the woman caught the door frame with white knuckles. “I suspect I shouldn’t have had so much ham. It is so salty, and it makes my stomach cramp if I don’t drink enough water with it.”
“Then let’s get you to bed and order some fresh drinking water.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. You’re proving to be an excellent friend.”
Elizabeth insisted that Mary stretch out across the bed. Once she had the lady settled, Elizabeth draped a blanket over her. “I expect you to nap for at least an hour. I shall tolerate nothing less,” she politely ordered.
“And what shall you do while I sleep, Mrs. Darcy?” the woman asked with half-closed eyes.
Elizabeth smiled contentedly.“I have some letters to entertain me.”
Chapter 6
Edward sat alone in the library. He would need to join his young cousin in Georgiana’s efforts to entertain a diverse household. “Who would’ve thought Georgiana capable of handling any of this?” he asked aloud. “Not I. I saw only a child, but Georgiana is no little girl — not even a silly, giggling teen.” The realization brought a smile. He had always considered his cousin ethereally beautiful — her golden blonde, nearly white hair framed a heart- shaped face. She fought to keep the curls in place, but Edward had always preferred it when the wisps broke free and draped over his cousin’s forehead and cheeks. Gone were the bows and ribbons of a young girl. In their place, Georgiana sported the sleek fashion of a well-dressed lady. With the smile remaining, Edward expelled a deep sigh. “No time to ruminate over more pleasurable ideas. Her Ladyship awaits.” He shoved to his feet. “To everything there is a season.”
“Miss Catherine,” Mr. Winkler bowed as he entered the morning room. “May I join you?”
Kitty had purposely waited at the breakfast table in hopes of speaking to the man. “Of course, Mr. Winkler. I pray you slept well, Sir.”
“An excellent bed,” he said good-naturedly. “I sorely hated to leave it.” He filled his plate and then took the empty place beside her.
“Then you should have remained, Mr. Winkler. We have so few hidden pleasures in which to indulge ourselves.” Kitty adjusted her seat, shortening the distance between them.
The clergyman chuckled lightly. “What sort of man lies about all day?”
“Perhaps a man who works hard to see to his parishioners’ needs,” she countered.
He smiled kindly. “Perhaps a man who takes his duties seriously and who appreciates the living bestowed upon him by Mr. Darcy.”
“You believe this your true calling, Mr.Winkler?” Kitty asked as she poured tea for him.
“It’s been my life’s dream.” Winkler’s voice grew more passionate as he spoke of his desire to serve. He spoke of when he first knew that he would serve the Lord and how he had discovered pure pleasure in earning Mr. Darcy’s approval. “I have such great plans, Miss Catherine. I’d like to see a village school and some sort of organization to meet to the needs of the elderly, especially those with no family to oversee their care.”
Kitty sat entranced. She couldn’t remember exactly when she’d become physically aware of this man. She suspected it was at Lambton’s May Day celebration. As she had watched, Mr. Winkler had joined several other local musicians at an improvisational concert. He’d lent his talent and his beautiful voice to the entertainment, and she couldn’t help but see how the music had overtaken his soul. It was what she thought Heaven must resemble. At that moment, she wanted to know him better.
“It sounds as if you’ve ordered your life, Mr. Winkler.”
The man leaned closer. “Everything except my personal needs, Miss Catherine.” His voice took on a husky rasp.
Kitty glanced up to find Mr.Winkler’s eyes gleaming with emotion. “What else could a man desire?”
“A woman who shares my passion for my work and my life,” he said hoarsely.
Kitty swallowed hard. “You mean to take a wife, Mr. Winkler?”
“If the right woman would agree,” he said with another smile.
Yet, before Kitty could respond, the Bingleys and Caroline entered the room. Groaning silently in frustration, Kitty returned to her meal, while Mr. Winkler scrambled to his feet.
“Good morning, Mr.Winkler,” Jane said as she curtsied. “I hope you slept well. Kitty, how was our mother?” she added quickly.
Thinking of her mother’s marriage manipulations, Kitty said, “Planning for a productive day. She’s the consummate mother.” Kitty shifted away from him as Winkler resumed his seat.
Bingley motioned to a footman. “Would you ask Mrs. Oliver if Mrs. Bingley might have coddled eggs for breakfast?”
“Right away, Sir.”
“Charles, that’s not necessary,” Jane protested.
Bingley escorted his wife to a seat across from Kitty. “It is necessary, my dear. I’ll call on the kitchen later to express my gratitude, but I’ll cater to your preferences when possible.”
Caroline took the empty setting several seats away. Kitty interpreted it as a deliberate act of disapproval. In spite, Kitty said, “Perhaps Miss Bingley would prefer coddled eggs also, Mr. Bingley.”
A frown crushed Caroline’s countenance. “Heaven forbid. Slimy, half-cooked egg whites.” She snarled in disgust.
Jane took a sisterly note of Kitty’s remark before saying, “Have Mama and Papa had their breakfasts?”
“Papa was down very early. I’m sure he’s holed up in Mr. Darcy’s library. He spotted several titles by Sir Walter Scott he hadn’t read. Mama was still in her chambers. She joined me to do some embroidery work on Papa’s new waistcoat and then returned to her bed.” Kitty accepted the tea a footman poured for her. “Mr. Grange shall escort Mary down in a few minutes.”
“How long has Miss Bennet been engaged?” Mr.Winkler asked. “I don’t recall your saying so, Miss Catherine,
