Listen to Your Heart by Leenie Brown

Author:Leenie Brown [Brown, Leenie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Leenie B Books

Chapter 10

Two days later, Anne watched through the breakfast room window at the dower house for Richard to return from his ride. Her tea grew cold as it stood untouched on the table. It was not like him to be late for breakfast. A sense of dread settled in her stomach, causing her to feel like expelling the bit of toast she had managed to eat.

“Anne.” Lady Matlock placed an arm around her shoulders. “He is merely late. Come, you must eat.”

Anne sank into her chair and dutifully took up her cup. “I cannot shake the feeling that all is not well.”

“We could go for a drive after we eat,” offered Elizabeth. “I know we cannot access all the trails he might ride, but we could occasionally stop and walk a bit.”

Anne gave her a grateful smile. She was glad to have a friend such as Elizabeth. “I would like that.”

“Then it is settled.” Lady Matlock rose to have the phaeton readied.

“Do you miss Darcy?” Anne asked softly while her aunt was outside the room.

A blush stained Elizabeth’s cheeks, and she laughed nervously. “I do.”

“It is silly, is it not?” Anne broke off a small piece of toast. “I would not have thought to miss Richard so just two days ago.” She placed the bread in her mouth and chewed. “Everything changes when your heart is engaged.” She pushed her plate away. “Here I am unable to eat and missing him when he has been gone a few hours, and you have been without Darcy’s presence for two days and will not see him until the morrow. I should be calmer like you.”

Elizabeth placed her cup on the table and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “If Mr. Darcy were expected and had not returned, I would not be so calm. As it is, I find myself peering out the window and watching the road far more than I should.” She took up a muffin. “However, unlike you, I currently find waiting has increased my appetite. I fear if Mr. Darcy is gone for too long, I may not retain my figure.”

Anne laughed. “I can ask Cook to pack a basket for our excursion if you wish.”

Elizabeth shook her head and smiled. “No. I have eaten enough to sustain both you and me.”

“My lady,” a maid scurried into the room just as Lady Matlock returned. “Stewart says the colonel’s horse has returned without him.”

“Without him?” Lady Matlock halted mid-step.

“Yes, ma’am.” The maid twisted her apron. “The horse appeared at the stables without Colonel Fitzwilliam. Stewart says the grooms have begun a search, but he wished for you to be made aware of the facts, my lady.”

“The phaeton cannot be made ready, my lady.” Randall, the butler, entered the room. He gave the maid a disapproving look.

“I am sorry, Mr. Randall.” The maid ducked her head. “Cook said to make haste, and I could not find you, sir.”

His look softened, but he motioned with his head that she should leave the room.

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