“I’m certain Winkler would appreciate hearing you say so,” Darcy said flatly. He turned his head to see the clergyman approach Kitty, as she sat beside Georgiana.
Caroline edged closer to Darcy, something he wished that she’d not do, but something she’d continued, even after his marriage. “It’s insightful, Mr. Darcy, to employ a clergyman who takes a more progressive stance. So many Catholics and Calvinists refuse to accept the teachings of the Anglican Church. Mr. Winkler has reached out in a non-denominational way.”
Darcy would have preferred to speak of something other than his clergyman. He already felt remorse about how he had handled his conference with the man. He would have to find a way to broach the subject of the man’s request to marry Kitty. “Many of my tenants are of Irish Catholic descent, and as such, have kept their beliefs. Mr. Winkler’s is the only church within seven miles. He’s addressed the community’s needs in his sermons and in his ministration to the neighborhood.”
“You’re fortunate to find such a man,” Jane said quietly, but her eyes rested on the pompous Mr. Collins, who had cornered Mary and Mr. Grange and was delivering his own version of a Christmas message.
Darcy smiled easily. “I am indeed, Mrs. Bingley.”
At that moment, arm in arm, Elizabeth and Anne entered the room. “Oh, Mrs. Darcy,” Bingley called upon recognizing them. “You were missed.”
Elizabeth rushed to Darcy’s side and claimed his arm. Instantly, he felt whole. Issues would resolve themselves as long as she remained beside him. “You shall excuse me, Mr. Bingley,” she said as she curtsied. “Lady Catherine, Miss De Bourgh, and I planned for the festivities celebrating Lord Lindale’s heir. I regret my tardiness.”
“Where is Her Ladyship?” Caroline asked suspiciously.
“My mother would freshen her things before joining us,” Anne said defensively.
Manneville asked, “And Lieutenant Southland?”
Darcy hated that everyone noticed the delayed appearance of the De Bourghs and Southland. “The last I saw of the lieutenant, he and my cousin had their heads together. Probably discussing military protocol.” At least, part of what he said was true. He’d sent for his cousin to speak to the lieutenant.
As if on cue, Edward and Southland entered. His cousin turned to where Darcy stood, while the lieutenant purposely joined Georgiana’s grouping. “See,” Elizabeth said. “We knew we could find the colonel and the lieutenant together.”
Edward pointedly placed Anne on his arm. “Was I needed?” he asked jovially.
“Your absence was noted, Colonel,” Jane observed.
“Southland and I’ve decided to leave Tuesday morning. We had details to settle.” Darcy wondered how much of what his cousin said was true. Obviously, Elizabeth’s claim to have planned for Lindale’s heir was an agreed-upon story.
“Might we address gifts for the staff, Fitzwilliam?” Elizabeth asked softly. “I would excuse the servants after the midday meal. They’ll be engaged well into the evening tomorrow.”
“Of course, my dear. I’ll ring for Mr. Nathan.”
“May we speak privately?” Winkler whispered to Kitty.
Kitty shot a quick glance to where Georgiana spoke to Southland. “Perhaps we might walk about the room, Mr. Winkler? I could stand a bit of exercise.”
“It would be my pleasure, Miss Catherine.”
He placed her on his arm, and they ambled slowly about the room. “I would seek your advice, Catherine,” he said in a voice just barely above a whisper. “My conference with Mr. Darcy didn’t proceed as I’d hoped.”
Kitty frowned. “Did Mr. Darcy refuse us?” She, too, muffled her words.
“Not exactly. Mr. Darcy asked that we not marry until after Miss Darcy makes a match.”
Kitty nodded her understanding. “That makes sense. My sister and Mr. Darcy have spoken repeatedly of Miss Darcy’s presentation. It’ll consume much of their time.”
“My concern is what happens if Miss Darcy’s betrothal is delayed. We’ve spoken of a period of time for us to learn more of each other, but I’d envisioned a half year at most. The London Season doesn’t even begin until March and runs until autumn. What if Miss Darcy makes no match and requires additional Seasons?”
Kitty defended her friend. “That’s not likely. Miss Darcy’s delightful.”
“I agree,” Winkler directed their walk away from the others. “But around strangers, she is also excessively shy, and we’re both aware that Mr. Darcy would never force his sister into an engagement. Are we to wait through multiple Seasons?”
Kitty began to see the uncertainty of their arrangement. “And what if Georgiana’s Season is delayed? Shall not Elizabeth be busy with her confinement?”
Winkler edged closer to Kitty. “I’d not considered Mrs. Darcy’s delivery. What is her date?”
Kitty glanced about to assure privacy. “Some time in mid to late March.”
The clergyman fought for composure. “Then how will Miss Darcy make her Come Out? She cannot possibly make an appearance before the Short Season. Mrs. Darcy won’t be fit to travel before the autumn. How long must we postpone our joining?”
“I see no cause for delay. If Miss Darcy must wait, we could consider a summer match if all goes as we’ve spoken,” she reasoned.
“Unless you are Mrs. Darcy’s sister, and you have chosen a man without a title as your husband,” he said matter-of-factly.
Kitty stumbled, and Winkler steadied her arm. “Do you mean to say, Sir, that our joining would reflect poorly on Miss Darcy’s prospects?” she hissed.
“The
“And his fortune comes from trade,” she finished for him. Kitty paused to process Winkler’s reasoning.
“But you’re a gentleman,” she protested.
“I am. I don’t believe that Mr. Darcy feels our joining is a bad one. He would simply want it to occur after Miss Darcy makes a match.” He paused as they passed her parents. “What I wish to know, Catherine, is how long you wish to wait. I’ve told Mr. Darcy that I mean to marry you even if I must find another living.Would you follow me, Kitty, to a new position?”
“Come, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said. “Mr. Nathan has the staff assembled in the ballroom. Mr. Darcy would have you attend his annual Christmas offering to his servants.”
“Of course.” Georgiana caught Elizabeth about the waist, and they started for the door, but Mr. Bennet’s clearing his throat stopped them cold.
“Yes, Papa?” Elizabeth asked with concern, but the mischief in his eye eased her thoughts.
Mr. Bennet winked at Georgiana. “It seems no one else will take advantage of the ladies. Well, I have no qualms in doing so.” He reached up and plucked two berries from the mistletoe ornament. Then he leaned forward to place a brief kiss on Georgiana’s forehead. “Happy Christmas, Miss Darcy.” Then he turned to Elizabeth. “To you, Child, I wish infinite happiness.” He raised Elizabeth’s chin and kissed her cheek.
She laughingly accepted his touch. “You staked out the mistletoe and waited for our approach,” she teasingly accused.
“I confess. It’s an old man’s ploy.” He cupped Elizabeth’s chin. “You are loved, my Lizzy,” he said softly.
“As are you, Papa.” Elizabeth teared. “Miss Darcy and I shall return in a few minutes. We must address the staff. Save me a place by your side.”
“I’ll anticipate the pleasure.”
Elizabeth watched him casually walk away. She’d not imagined that her father would ever age, but he’d done so over the past two years. His step was a bit less stable, and lines showed around his eyes. Reluctantly, she
