Moonlight, Mistletoe, and Mary by Leenie Brown

Author:Leenie Brown [Brown, Leenie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-989410-67-7
Publisher: Leenie B Books

Chapter 4

Richard had to admit that the candle decorations on Longbourn’s dining room table had looked excellent. The bits of mistletoe which had been woven in with the rest of the greens had looked almost like tiny balls of snow, and tonight, that was a fitting thing. The wind was from the north and a few clouds had settled overhead eager to sprinkle snow over everything. There was no fear of being snowed in or their travel from Longbourn to Netherfield being overly treacherous later. The snow was not heavy, nor was it long-lasting. In fact, it had stopped before the dessert course had been served.

“Should you not be sitting and resting?” Miss Lucas, with Mary at her side, joined him at the window where he stood, leaning heavily on his crutch.

“Most likely,” he admitted. His foot was aching, and it would likely swell. However, he was not currently in the mood to join in a game of whist or a conversation in a corner unless it was with Mary. There was something about which he wished to speak to her; however, the corner of a sitting room filled with people did not seem the right place for such a discussion.

“Then, why are you not doing so?”

Miss Lucas was a demanding woman.

“Because I do not want to.”

“And what do you wish to do?” Mary asked.

“Sit outside and look at the moon.”

“Sit outside? On a night like this?” Miss Lucas’s surprised question held a hint of censure.

“It is only a little snow, and if one is properly dressed, it is not unthinkable.” He allowed his gaze to travel back to the night sky. “I have ridden, marched, and slept in worse.”

“That must have been dreadful,” Mary said softly.

“It was, but the horridness of it was not solely because of the weather.”

“Why would you subject yourself to cold and snow if you do not need to do so?” Miss Lucas asked.

Richard shrugged the one shoulder that was not needed to support himself on his crutch. “To get a better look at the moon and to find some quiet.”

“Indeed?” Miss Lucas said with some interest.

“I have always enjoyed the night sky.”

“So has Mary.” Miss Lucas was smiling when he looked at her.

“I have been thoroughly teased for it,” Mary said.

Richard looked from Miss Lucas to Mary, who did not appear to be bothered one bit about having been teased.

“My father has a telescope,” she added with a smile. “I know the stars are not plentiful tonight because of the clouds, but we could observe the moon when it is not hidden.”

“Would your father allow it?” He hoped so, and not just for the opportunity to look at the moon, but also to be tucked away from the crowd with Mary.

“Shall I ask him? He has brought out his other scientific equipment at dinner parties before.” Her expression was hopeful.

That did not surprise Richard, for Mr. Bennet seemed the sort to prefer a scientific demonstration to a game of cards.

“Will it not interfere with the music your mother has planned?” Miss Lucas asked.

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