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BOOK THREE

HOPE AND SENSIBILITY

CHAPTER 1

Absent was the customary spring in his step when young Ben wandered into Darcy’s empty study. Affectionately hailed as Sir Lancelot by everyone who knew him best, the little fellow climbed into a chair beside the fireplace. After gazing intently at the roaring flames for a good long while, he sighed.

Darcy’s unhurried entrance interrupted his son’s musings. “Ben, I thought you were spending the morning with your mother.”

“I just came from seeing Mama.”

“Did you enjoy a pleasant visit?”

“Mama is sad, and nothing I would say or do made it any better.” The little fellow had always taken it upon himself to make his mother smile.

Darcy sat down in the comfortable chair next to Ben. “Son, you must trust that, in time, things will be just as they ever were with your mother.”

“I know you say that, and I am sure it is true, but nothing has been the same since our family took their leave of Pemberley. Mama was ever so happy then.”

“Indeed, she was. That was a very happy time for all of us.”

“So, is such sadness to be expected every year after Christmas?”

“There is something to be said for feeling forlorn at this time of year.”

“I shall not rest until I find a way to brighten Mama’s day and bring a smile to her face.”

“I am sure you shall accomplish your mission.” Recalling the events of the past month, Darcy said, “Pray no more surprises like the great scheme of inviting our entire family here at Christmas.”

“What was the harm? Everything worked out for the best, did it not?” Ben’s countenance clouded. “Well, almost everything. Mama’s sadness is not what I had hoped for.”

Darcy sympathised with Ben in feeling sad for his mother, for he too was disheartened over Elizabeth’s low spirits. He could not confide in Ben the true reason for Elizabeth’s sadness. She had been so excited over the holidays when all the evidence of what she was feeling taught her to believe there would be a new addition to their family. Just a week after the last of their family party left Pemberley to return to their own home, Elizabeth’s discovered that her fondest wish during the Christmas season was not to be.

“Do you know what is weighing on Mama’s spirits? Is there something other than our family’s leave-taking?”

“Actually, Ben, there is a far weightier matter that concerns your mother, but, as I said, all will be as it ever was in due time. Pray you will not continue to worry. While I am certain your mother would be pleased to know how much you want to help, she will not be pleased to know how sad you are. She wants you to be happy.”

Ben looked out the window. The sun beaming off the snowy landscape flooded the room enough to make his eyes squint. His expression brightened. “I know exactly what will bring a smile to Mama’s face this morning. I shall gather Aunt Georgiana, and you must encourage Mama to sit by her window overlooking the maze garden.”

Darcy entered Elizabeth’s room bearing the tea service he commandeered from the maid in the hallway.

She looked up from her book. “What a pleasant surprise. I did not know you were joining me for tea.”

Smiling, he walked over to the table and placed the tea service down. “Indeed. Come, let us sit by the window.”

“I do not want to sit by the window.”

Darcy strode across the room and drew open the shade. Georgiana and Ben were already busy at work. “Pray reconsider. You will not regret it for it is much pleasanter here by the window. The newly-fallen snow is spectacular. Come sit with me and enjoy the view.”

Darcy walked over to the bed and retrieved Elizabeth’s comfortable robe. He held it out invitingly and silently urged her acquiescence.

“You are very determined this morning. What are you about?”

“You shall know soon enough.”

Elizabeth set her book aside and threw off the covers. Darcy assisted her in donning her robe. While doing so, he placed a light kiss on the side of her neck. After lingering a moment or two to enjoy her affectionate husband’s ardent attentions, Elizabeth walked over to the window, prepared to behold the beautiful winter wonderland—Pemberley’s magnificent landscape draped in snow. After what seemed liked days of snowfall, it had finally ceased.

Her eyes widened. What a beautiful sight greeted her, and a surprising one as well as she beheld an unexpected, but rather engaging, prospect. Georgiana and Ben were frolicking in the glistening snow and enjoying themselves immensely.