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?”