I pressed against the mahogany door, and peered through the slight opening between the door and the frame into the study. My mother sat at Father's writing desk, the pen in her hand wavering unsteadily over a piece of fresh parchment. I pressed harder on the door, and slipped through the opening.
"T-Talia," She stammered cautiously. "Do apologize to Elijah for me; I have forgotten to get his tea."
"He's not the least worried about that, Mother, I assure you." I replied gently, and sat down across from her. "How are you faring?"
"I'm…" The rest of her words hung effortlessly on her tongue, her voice not allowing her to continue. "I must admit to you, my love, that I am horribly worried about your father."
"Mum…" I sighed, taking her unsteady, warm hand in my own. I pressed against it reassuringly, and smiled at her. "I'm sure Father is perfectly safe. What harm could come to him on a visit to dear Mr. Handley?"
"It is not the visit that worries me, Talia, darling." She murmured hesitantly.
"Then…what is worrying you, Mother?"
"Fitzwilliam and I…" She began quietly. "Your father and I had a disagreement."
"On what matters, if I may ask?"
"Your brother, Talia. At the Stevens' ball he was seriously intoxicated, and by your father's recollection, barely able to walk without Faith's arm. Elijah and Faith returned to Pemberley before your father did…and Fitzwilliam is horribly upset with him, and does not wish to see him when he returns tomorrow morning." Mother whispered, her voice breaking with sorrow. "Your father will surely be the death of me, Talia."
I laughed bitterly at this, and nodded in agreement. "Father is one of the most stubborn, criticizing men in all of England, I assure you that."
"Oh yes, my love, he is." Mother agreed sadly, shaking her head. "I cannot help but feel compassion for your dear brother, and it surely pains your father to feel this sudden resentment towards his only son…"
"If it pains him, then why does he resent him?" I frowned. "I do not understand his reasoning at all."
"Neither do I," She admitted sorrowfully. "I never have, and probably never will. Men are delicate creatures, my dear."
"Indeed they are," I murmured quietly, and directed my attention to the windows. I spotted Faith, strolling casually through the garden, a lingering Louis Stevens on her arm. "Mother, did the Stevens not leave an hour earlier?"
"Louis is staying for dinner, darling." Mother said, eyeing me quizzically. "Did your sister not tell you?"
"That would explain her sudden chattering this morning," I agreed thoughtfully. "I believe I shall take leave of you, Mother."
"Of course, my love. I shall see you at dinner."
I exited the study slowly, my thoughts tangled with the newfound messes of my siblings' love. For the rest of the afternoon I remained in Aunt Georgiana's old room, her pianoforte still nestled in the corner. I practiced my songs effortlessly, the ivory keys feeling like my own fingers, after awhile. Mrs. Reynolds called me for dinner in what seemed to me a short time, and recommended I change my dress.
"But why?" I pleaded. My blue and white plaid frock was suitable for a casual dinner.
"You have been wearing it the whole day, Miss."
"Yes, of course," I agreed humbly, and scurried up to my chamber. I felt it hard to look at Mary as she slipped a pale rose colored gown over me, not because she was the sister of the woman my brother loved, but because of my rude treatment of her over the years, especially if I was cranky or tired. The love between our siblings would connect us even more, and now was the time to admit to my faults before it grew awkward once they were married.
"Mary," I felt myself murmur as she finished my hair.
"Yes, Miss?" She replied kindly.
"I must thank you, for everything you've done for me and my family. I could never ask for a more thoughtful, caring, or sweeter friend than you. And I do apologize if I made you feel as if you were unimportant to me."
"Miss Talia, you are a great and kind mistress, I assure you." Mary smiled in reply, and hurriedly exited. Had I made her uncomfortable in my words? Did she mistake my meaning of friendship for something more or different? Unsure as I was, I meagerly strode to the dining room, where Mother and Louis awaited.
"Talia, darling," Mother smiled adoringly. "You look wonderful. Did you see your sister?"
"I believe she is still in her chamber," I replied. It was unlike Faith to ever be late for anything, especially dinner, and with Louis here, I'd thought she'd make an exception to be prompt. Mother nodded understandingly, although her eyes gleamed with mischief.
I took my seat across from Louis, and folded my hands in my lap properly, as my mother was doing in wait of my sister.
"Mrs. Darcy," Louis began, his voice sincere and kind. "Earlier in the parlor Faith regaled me of the engagement of your nephew, Reginald. How are he and his family? I have not seen the Alexander family in many years, since I was a child, really."
"The Alexander family is in quite good health, I assure you, Mr. Stevens. Georgiana could not be more pleased that her son has found a
suitable wife, as is her husband, Mr. Alexander. She hopes her other two children, Lillian and Marcello, will be as happy in marriage as those two appear to be. Miss Wright is a wonderful woman, Georgiana wrote in her last letter to me, which I received about three days past." Mother smiled, happy to regale praise to any person. "Reginald, as you know, can be a bit…stubborn in some of his ways, but Miss Wright seems to have been able to blossom better, more polite and compassionate ways about him, which makes for a gifted woman, indeed."
"How splendid," Louis remarked agreeably. "Reginald was always a bit of a blockhead when we were younger, but I'm glad he's found a suitable young lady. I daresay, when is the wedding to be?"
"I am unsure, but I'll certainly relay the date to you once I ask Georgiana tomorrow."
"Mother, why don't we invite the Stevens over for dinner tomorrow evening, as well? So they may reestablish themselves with the Alexanders?"
"What a gracious idea, Talia. Louis, is the rest of your family engaged in any events tomorrow evening?"
"Not that I know of, madam. I'll be sure to ask after dinner."
"Wonderful! I know Georgiana and her husband would love to see your family again." Mother cried happily. "This has turned out to be such an exciting week."
"I daresay it has," I agreed, laughing.
Faith appeared in the doorway almost suddenly, and smiled at the three of us with charming, sky blue eyes. This evening she had donned a revealing scarlet gown, paired with Mother's old pearl necklace and matching earrings. Denise had done her hair expertly, curling the auburn locks to her shoulders. She looked exquisite.
"Faith, how good of you to join us." Mother remarked coolly, her eyes showing her disapproval of the gown. The two of us knew she was doing this for Louis, as he probably did as well. "You look very pretty, my dear."
"Thank you, Mother. Good evening Talia, good evening Mr. Stevens." Faith greeted sweetly, fluttering her eyelashes at Mr. Stevens, who blushed at the attention. I stifled a giggle as Mrs. Reynolds and Denise came out of the kitchen and poured us glasses of watered wine.
I sipped from my glass slowly, the bittersweet red wine surging down my throat violently, although I took meager sips. Louis and Mother chatted politely about our families, and I was about to remark on Grandfather's health, until I realized Elijah was not at the table.
"Mother," I murmured quietly in her ear. "Where is Elijah?"