The Saturday Broadsheet (August 2020)

This excerpt is the part where Lady Catherine’s scheme is put into play. (Yes, I did say Lady Catherine. 🙂 )

“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth,” Richard greeted her as she came near the house.

Elizabeth curtseyed and returned the greeting.  “I am here to practice as I was instructed to do.”

There was something not entirely pleasant about Miss Elizabeth this morning. Her eyes were dull, and her smile had no spark. “My aunt can be demanding.”  He tilted his head and studied her expression.  “You are not unwell, are you?”

“A slight headache,” Elizabeth admitted.  “However, it is not enough to render me unable to please my cousin’s patroness.”  She had attempted to use her headache as a reason to avoid Rosings, but Mr. Collins would not hear of it.  According to him, a bit of music would likely cure all her ills if the glorious walk to Rosings, knowing the favour of one so great as Lady Catherine had been bestowed upon her, did not do so first.  She smiled sheepishly. “My cousin can also be demanding.”

Richard chuckled and accepted the explanation but felt that more was amiss.  However, there was no way to inquire further without being thought meddlesome.  He extended an arm to her.  “Allow me to escort you to your instrument.”

Elizabeth could not help smiling at the flourish of his free hand as he waved it toward the house.  Why could his cousin not be so amiable?  It was as if the two were opposites sides of the same coin — one dour and grave and the other affable and bright.

“I must admit that I am selfish enough to be grateful for my aunt’s insistence that you play.  There are far too many stays here that are dull.  A new friend and music do lend a certain delight to this visit.”  He led her up the grand staircase and toward the family wing.  “It is only when Mrs. Jenkinson is required to play, or Georgiana is with us, that there is anything as pleasant as music about the house.”

“No one else plays?”

Richard shook his head.  “Anne’s skill at the piano was passed on to her by her mother,” he leaned closer and whispered, “No matter how much Aunt Catherine insists she would have been a proficient had she practiced, it was not meant to be — or so my father says.  But, you mustn’t tell her I said so, for I will deny it if you do.”

He turned as his batman, Mr. Stone, approached.  “Did you find the missing item?” he inquired but then, held up a hand to prevent the man from answering.  He needed Elizabeth only to hear a reason for his leaving her to find the piano on her own. He did not need her to hear any of the discussion about the item that was missing because it had been taken at his request.

He turned to Elizabeth. “I must apologize.  There is a matter that requires my attention.  Three doors up on the left is where you will find what you need.”

“Oh, of course,” Elizabeth replied.

Richard turned toward Mr. Stone but not so far as to not be able to see Miss Elizabeth’s progress.  “You have the keys?”

Mr. Stone handed two keys to Richard.

“And the bell?”

“Disconnected,” said Mr. Stone.

“From all three rooms,” Richard began moving down the hall as Elizabeth reached the door he had directed her toward.

“Yes, sir.”