A Snowy Christmas at Rosings Park by Anna Lockhart & Maggie Neville

Author:Anna Lockhart & Maggie Neville [Lockhart, Anna & Neville, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Daisy Chain Publishing
Published: 2019-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Elizabeth woke from a chilly sleep, hoping that she would be met by the sun. Her hopes were immediately dashed, however, when she saw through the drapes that the world outside was pure white. She leapt from the bed and ran to the window, aghast to discover that the snow had only begun to fall harder at some point during the night.

“Charlotte! Charlotte, have you seen this? How will we ever leave Rosings before…”

Elizabeth turned to finish addressing her friend but only then discovered that Charlotte was gone. She must have left earlier so Collins did not know she had spent the night in Elizabeth’s room. However, Elizabeth also realized that she did not know what hour it was. It was impossible to tell by looking outside because the snow had blocked out the sun. She was taken over by a sudden rush of panic.

“This does not seem like the kind of home where tardiness is tolerated,” she said to herself as Elizabeth quickly washed with cold water and then put on the same dress she had worn the day before. Once she looked some version of proper, she ran down the hall, then the stairs, in hopes she might discover Charlotte before anyone else.

Instead, she slipped into the dining room where she discovered the entire household finishing their breakfast. Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at her with amusement, but Charlotte only looked concerned, and Lady Catherine appeared as if she might have Elizabeth sent to the stocks.

“Miss Bennet, do you know what time it is.” It was clear from her tone that Lady Catherine was not asking a question.

“In fact, Lady Catherine, I do not. I found it quite difficult to sleep once the fire burnt out and then snow has blotted out the sky. I am also used to one of my sisters rousing me when it is time for breakfast.”

Charlotte whispered, “I am sorry” to Elizabeth, but she simply shook her head at her friend to let her know she was not cross with her. If anything, Elizabeth did not find the scolding from Lady Catherine to be terribly appropriate breakfast conversation. She did not have time to object, however, because there was more scolding at hand.

“In this home, Miss Bennet, we arrive at meals on time. They will be held for no one, for any reason. We will not waste food because you could not be prompt,” Lady Catherine said before taking a long, pointed sip of her tea. Elizabeth did not know if it was madness from the driving snow outside or the fact she knew they would not be escaping Rosings anytime soon, but she lost control of her reason for a brief moment and spoke her mind with elegance and honesty.

“And if you were late to breakfast, Lady Catherine? Would the household wait for you?”

The room went silent as the weight of Elizabeth’s impertinent question set in. While she thought perhaps she saw a trace of amusement in the eyes of Mr. Darcy, and

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