Elizabeth & Darcy 2000: Whispers of Pemberley by Florence Gold

Author:Florence Gold [Gold, Florence]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

But as they entered Elizabeth’s office, Clarice announced that Kath wished to speak to her.

“So, she’s at work!” Elizabeth said, attempting to conceal her frustration.

“Yes, and she asked me to let her know when you got back,” Clarice responded.

Elizabeth turned to Olivia, her aunt’s concern evident, ready to shield Elizabeth from any potential danger or individual, even Kath.

“Let’s postpone the meeting with Marianne until tomorrow,” Elizabeth suggested. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. I promise I’m fine,” she added quickly, though her aunt was unconvinced.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to wait?” Olivia asked.

“No.” Elizabeth’s firm tone only heightened Olivia’s concern. She feared the worst, while she hoped that Elizabeth wouldn’t lose the battle with her sister for once. The situation was far from the unity they had hoped for after Thomas’s passing. They’d wished for the three women to find solace together and uphold the family bond Thomas had built. Yet, Thomas’s death seemed to have increasingly driven a wedge between them rather than fostering understanding or cohesion.

***

Elizabeth waited for Kath at her desk, half facing the stunning view from her windows.

“London’s so beautiful!” Kath exclaimed as she came in. She was dressed casually in jeans and a white shirt, her makeup almost subtle.

Sitting down in front of Elizabeth, Kath’s sadness was palpable, and she didn’t make any effort to hide it.

“I’m sorry for what happened at the restaurant,” Kath said unexpectedly. It was unprecedented; Kath never apologised. However, it seemed she had actually recognised the consequences of her actions.

“If you’re referring to my breakup, there’s no need to apologise. It likely only sped up the inevitable.”

“You seemed happy together,” Kath remarked wistfully, while Elizabeth struggled to maintain her composure.

“Kath, there’s an unspoken rule about not discussing our private lives at Collister.”

“Oh, don’t be so uptight, Lizzy,” she retorted, using Elizabeth’s childhood nickname. Still, Elizabeth wasn’t in the mood for nostalgia and affection.

“What do you really want, Kath?” she asked, instantly regretting her harsh tone. Yet, it had become instinctive when conversing with her sister recently.

“Nothing. I want nothing, Elizabeth. I just came to tell you I’m sorry for any role I may have played in your breakup. But it seems you’re not willing to accept my apologies.”

“I’ve told you there’s nothing to be sorry for. It wasn’t your fault.”

“I’m in love, and I want to get married,” Kath suddenly said, and Elizabeth was lost for words. “Finally, I’ve got your attention,” she continued, rising from her seat. “But talking about such personal matters in your office isn’t appropriate apparently.”

And just like that, she was gone, leaving Elizabeth feeling deeply distressed.

Elizabeth didn’t wait for Clarice to tell Arthur about her arrival. She barged into his office, hoping to find him there.

“What’s happened?” Arthur exclaimed. “I will kill him!” he continued, but Elizabeth shook her head.

“It’s Kath. She just told me that she’s planning to get married.” And she slumped into the chair across from her uncle. “Dad used to say that misery never came alone—it brought its companions.”

“Your father was wise and too willing to give advice without being asked.

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