I'm terribly sorry for the delay, but school has been so hectic. I finally found time to write a new chapter. Hope you like it!
Chapter 10: A night at Huntington
The music room was beautiful. Nothing else could describe its grandeur. The paper wall was fragile and gilded with small cherubs that smiled mischievously. The windows threw a sad light in the room which was reflected on the soft plush ottomans and elegant wooden furniture.
Yet, the main attraction was the large and impressive pianoforte. It was the greatest gift her brother could have given her and Georgiana was immensely proud of it.
She sat on her footstool and setting her fingers on the keyboard started a stormy, melancholy song which reminded Mary of a long forgotten spring day.
She was dazed and stood speechless next to Georgiana as she became one with music. Her fingers vibrated and her swan-like neck bowed submissively to the object of such beauty as she pushed the pedals with passion and anger.
Mary felt so small and insignificant. Georgiana's shy smile turned into an outright grin as she ended her song. The room was still filled with the musical notes.
She turned abruptly towards her friend.
'Well? What does the great pianist Miss Bennet think?'
Mary smiled humbly.
'The great pianist is not worthy of her title and she would gladly give it to Miss Darcy.'
'Nonsense, you just tease me.'
'It was beautiful…quite brilliant,' Mary spoke softly.
'Thank you, Mary, but my teacher still thinks I need improvement. Though I bet you will charm me as well,' she said stepping aside and inviting Mary to play.
'Oh, no…no, I told you I have given up.'
'And I told you I did not want to hear such foolishness again. Now please be seated.'
Mary sighed and sat on the footstool. All the songs she knew were bitter, dreary and sad but not in a pleasant, nostalgic way. They were funeral marches for the likes of Mrs. Long.
Yet, her hands started playing against her will. She started with a slow, banal song she had learnt when a child.
Georgiana watched her attentively and looked very much like a scholar in arts. Mary felt a bit nervous and once or twice she had almost mistaken the claps, but she returned to her demure pace and ended the song at least gracefully.
She turned towards Georgiana.
'You play excellently,' she said smiling.
'Now, you are really making a mock of it.'
'You misunderstood me, Mary. The song is horrible.'
Mary laughed. 'Thank Goodness someone noticed.'
'But…your skills are very good. You just need to select the right material and with a bit of practice you'll be dazzling the ball rooms,' she continued grinning.
'Oh, that shall be quite a day…' Mary murmured amused.
'Your brother must be very proud of your playing,' she added.
Georgiana looked up but did not reply. She seemed distraught, but would not tell.
'Georgiana, I…'
'Let me play you another one,' she said squeezing her hands gently.
Evening was approaching and everyone was getting ready to leave for Huntington Park, with the exception of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet who decided not to attend. It was not, however, a unanimous decision. Mr. Bennet felt quite ill and Mrs. Bennet felt obliged to attend to him, though she would not admit she did not like it one bit. She loved her husband terribly, but when it came to her daughters out in society…
Kitty and Lydia were frantic. The dresses were too short, too long or simply hideous. They could not be pleased and neither was happy with their hair.
'Why must we visit that stuck up fool?' Kitty complained as she threw her bonnet on the bed.
'Don't be silly, Kitty. He's single and has amassed quite a fortune. Either you are deaf or blind not to see what a catch he is. And character…humph! You can get used to that. Marriage is not about love.'
Kitty stopped and looked at her oddly.
Lydia stood in front of the mirror, hands around her stomach, sighing, annoyed at the obvious size of it.
'What do you mean? Were you not in love with Mr. Wickham when you married?'
'Of course I was. But mine was just a happy case.'
'Happy? Not quite.'
Lydia scowled. 'You have no sense of romance, Kitty. It lasted so little, yet it seemed the most beautiful time of my life.'
Kitty looked down embarrassed. She fidgeted with her ribbon and thought that she would like such a time as well.
'But now I must remarry. It's only natural,' she said flatly.
'Lydia…'
'Yes?'
'What think you of Mr. Prowler?'
Lydia sat down at her dressing table, fumbling with her compact.
'What I think of him?' she repeated.
'Yes…is he not a handsome man?'
Lydia turned. 'You are besotted with him, aren't you?'
'Not in the least. No! I simply…he seems a good companion.'
'Do you wish to marry him?'
Kitty was surprised to be asked such blunt questions, but relented.
'I am not sure…'
'Well, it is visible you do cherish some feelings similar to love.'
'How would you know?' she asked curiously helping Lydia comb her hair.
'It's in your eyes, dear sister. That lost look I could recognise anywhere.'
Kitty let the comb fall in her sister's auburn hair and wondered if indeed it was true.
The question was if Mr. Prowler was the cause of it.
At last, the Darcys and Bingleys reunited in the carriages leaving Mr. Prowler, Lydia, Kitty and Mary to stagger behind in the beautiful phaeton which was not exactly fit for the weather at hand but would do for a couple of miles.
Georgiana sat with her brother and sister-in-law and Mary felt very sad not to have her company near for the girl gave her courage and helped her overcome her fear. She feared Mr. Fowler and her terrible blush that would not go away.
Kitty was already sinking into her reveries, trying to find a way to amuse herself, whilst smiling complacently at Mr. Prowler who talked pleasantly of London affairs.
Lydia remained silent for a while until she noticed as they passed the darkened hills, a small yet lovely villa perched on top of a steep meadow, surrounded by small elms.
'I say, who lives in that sweet place?'
Mr. Prowler chose to answer.
'That there is the house of the parish. Father Woble lives there, quite close to his congregation I admit. He's a very good sort of fellow, very kind and humble, quite the type Mr. Darcy treasures.'
'And how do you know of him, Sir?' Mary asked surprised.
'I've taken the liberty to pay him a visit, once or twice. He has a lovely wife who makes the greatest puddings in the land. I've tasted them myself and there's nothing of the kind in all England. Ah, but she's a very modern young woman, very much in fashion and knows French too.'
'Hm…Mrs. Woble…' Lydia murmured pensively.
The subject was dropped and James continued his talk of London.
Some time passed and Mary had almost dozed off when the phaeton stopped abruptly.
'Did something come to pass?' she asked alarmed.
'We have arrived,' James replied smiling bitterly.
Mary stepped out of the carriage trembling and dared look around her.
Lush vegetation surrounded her as she saw the vehicle had stopped in front of large black doors, engraved with different strange letters.
The stony alley that led from the gates to the entrance was like a golden river, thrusting through a wildness of green and dark.
She stepped back to look at the mansion better and even Kitty gasped.
It was magnificent. Admittedly, it was nothing like Pemberley, but it had a charm of its own. It had a very solemn yet elegant look as everything seemed to have the colours green, silver or black.
The windows were tall, yet not wide, giving a Gothic appearance and the architecture seemed strict and imposing. It was such a contrast…the wild garden around and the demure construction in the middle of it.
'Well, gorgeous indeed,' Lydia exclaimed.
'Let's hope the inside is not so dreary,' Kitty replied recollecting herself and refusing to admit she liked it. Mr. Prowler took her arm gently and all entered the house waiting to see what they should expect.
They were received by two maids and one butler in the main hall which was quite simple and bare, but tasteful, as it was black and white with modest sculptures and tall leather chairs. A chandelier reigned over their heads and two flights of stairs at each end of the room led to the upper levels.
Lizzie, Jane and their husbands had already entered the parlour. Georgiana was waiting at the door for Mary and the latter felt relieved to see her.
They all found comfortable places to sit as Mr. Fowler arrived and welcomed them all very politely and courteously. He still retained his cold demeanour, but seemed truly happy to have them as guests.
Some drinks and hors d'oeuvres were brought round and everyone was pleased as the fireplace shone cheerfully.
'Oh, but the Colonel I see, did not come,' he said half mocking sadness.
'I suppose he did not understand he had been invited to being with,' Mr. Darcy said swirling his glass of brandy.
Lizzie observed with mirth that a very elegant viola sat on the mantelpiece and without waiting invitation she asked Mr. Fowler about it.
He smiled pleased. 'Oh, it is just my guilty pleasure. I adore music and thus…claim to know how to play an instrument.'
'Oh, then do play for us,' Jane agreed gladly.
Mary did not look at him, but remembered her dreadful playing and said nothing.
Mr. Fowler obliged his audience and taking a fixed position, took up the viola and started playing.
It was quite beautiful, everyone would have agreed. His hands ran demonically over the cords, yet it was not superior talent. But it charmed all.
Whilst he played, Mary looked at his closed eyes and wondered why he was such an odd one. She would never have had the courage to play like that, impromptu and on demand.
When the solo was over, all the guests applauded strongly with the exception of Kitty and Mr. Prowler who did not seem much impressed.
'Well, it must have really softened your spirit, Miss Bennet,' Mr. Prowler addressed Mary as he saw her blush shyly.
She turned irritated, but said nothing.
Some pleasant conversation followed but as time passed, they all repaired to the dining room.
It was perhaps the most lugubrious room in the house but that did not stop it from being very majestic and even welcoming.
The lights glimmered dimly and the atmosphere was that of suspense as all sat down at the large oak table, resting their backs on hard, elegant iron chairs, cushioned loftily.
Lydia had the fortune of seating herself next to Mr. Fowler, whilst Kitty found herself and Mr. Prowler facing the unwanted gentleman.
'Nice seats we have indeed,' she muttered sullen.
No one stood at the head of the table. It was a rule established by Mr. Fowler and Mr. Darcy seemed impressed by such ethics.
Mary once again sat desolately with Georgiana and Jane but she did not waste a minute of the evening as she talked with her companion of all that could be talked of. However, she could hear Lydia's snide remarks.
'Oh, Mr. Fowler, who would have guessed you are a man of such talents? Why, playing the viola? I've never head of it!'
'I assure you, madam, many a great gentlemen I've met enjoy this leisure activity,' he replied politely.
'Ah, but do not call me madam, Sir. I am a young woman indeed, I simply had the horrid misfortune of losing a beloved husband.'
'Is that so…?'
Their conversation made Mary feel very uncomfortable and Georgiana took notice of it immediately.
'For a pained widow, she just won't cease talking, will she?'
Mary smirked. 'Oh, if your brother could hear you!'
'Ah, let him. All of them are rather stiff tonight, including you, Mary dear.'
'I am not…I feel quite at ease.'
Georgiana threw her an unconvinced look.
'If that is how they call it these days…'
Suddenly, there was great commotion around them as Jane sat up abruptly.
Forgetting her manners, she laughed happily touching her stomach.
'The baby, it moved! It kicked its little legs,' she exclaimed.
Charles turned red and excited, got up to assist his wife.
Lizzie joined her sister and giggling childishly, both took her to sit down in the drawing room which was ready for the guests.
'Oh, Jane, does it still kick?' Lizzie asked nervously.
'A little bit,' she said frightened.
The dining room was almost empty and as Georgiana got up, Mr. Fowler leaned over Mary's seat.
'Follow me, Miss Bennet,' he whispered.
Mary looked up at him, surprised and disconcert, wanting to go at Jane's side.
However, when she saw the excitement that had overtaken the drawing room she stepped back and seeing as Mr. Fowler was climbing a flight of stairs signalling her, she followed promptly.
'Sir,' she said as she walked next to him, 'it is not well for us to leave like that. Jane might need help.'
'She'll be alright, Miss Bennet. Women have children all the time and those children are born naughty as you see…' he said smiling amused.
'Still…'
'Now, now. Let us leave logic and command and let our wishes guide the way.'
She looked at him confused. They stood in a dark corridor and he suddenly pushed a heavy door.
As Mary stepped inside, she felt her breath stop.
It was as large as an amphitheatre, but it seemed a Roman arena. The air was tight, icy and sharp, the lights were celestial and imposing, but it was quite stunning.
The walls, the stairs, the chairs, everything was laden with books.
She seemed to be inside a spiral of books and when she looked up she saw the ceiling very far away, encircled by parchments.
Dust flew gently in front her and she scratched her noise.
Mary dared walk a few steps ahead, touching some old volumes on a rickety shelf.
'It's…'
'Quite amazing, isn't it?'
'Truly…I have never seen such a library before.'
'Mind you, it's not bigger than the one at Pemberley, but it seems a great deal more sinister.'
'Oh, the things you say…' she smiled and started inspecting the books.
Mr. Fowler watched her from afar.
'Oh, you can climb on these books?'
'Oh, yes, in order to reach other shelves.'
'But wouldn't that smudge and make the books dirty?'
'They were so when I got them.'
She spoke no more and turned a corner to search other parts of the vast room. It was a labyrinth of books, nothing like the organised one at the Darcy residence.
Suddenly, she felt very cold and alone. An odd, disturbing feeling overtook her. The silence was unbearable. Her fingers touched the volumes dreamily as China ink and printed letters remained on her dusty thumbs.
She felt she could dance on a sad song and collapse on her last legs among those books.
Mary broke the spell, however and without looking back, turned a corner to find Mr. Fowler.
Silly her, she bumped right into him as he had gone in search of her as well.
'Oh, I'm sorry, I had not seen you,' she managed to say.
He looked down at her with a soft smile.
'I was a bit afraid you had gone lost, Miss Bennet.'
'You would have found me…eventually, buried in these books.'
He took her hand and looked at it strangely.
'No doubt, your charm would have been increased. But…I hate to make compliments, so I will simply…'
He stopped short.
She waited in silence. He played with her fingers.
'One of these days I will come in my carriage to take you.'
Her eyes looked at him confused.
'Oh, not kidnap you, for Pete's sake. I will bring you here and we shall have a round of chess. I would not want to lose to you, now would I, Miss Bennet?'
'I suppose not, but I am not such a good player as my sisters profess…'
'Then let us find something which you shall conquer. Something you could attain victory over and I couldn't do a thing…' he said slowly taking her other hand and clasping them together ceremoniously.
He meant to bring the hands over his broad chest, but at the last moment let go and disappeared among the shelves.
Dazed, Mary leaned against a small wooden chair at her side.
'When, Sir?' she suddenly asked turning the corner to look after him. 'When will you come?'
But he had already left.
Blushing furiously and feeling incredibly stupid, she left the library in search for the party. Eventually, she found her way across the dark corridors and narrow flights of stairs but it took a good half hour.
'Ah…why on Earth...' but she stopped short as she had finally arrived in the dining room again.
Sighing with relief she went to the drawing room, but found no one there.
Her calm dissipated as she started to panic.
'Goodness, they did not leave without me, did they?'
'Unfortunately not, Miss Bennet.'
She turned. Mr. Prowler, clearly looking displeased stood in the door.
'I've found her, she's here!' he shouted at Charles.
She then realised that she had gone missing and people were searching for her.
'Come along now…' he said.
She arrived in the main hall where Kitty was already wailing and Georgiana looked worriedly around her.
'Oh, here you are! Lord, I thought something had happened,' Georgiana said as she grasped Mary's hand.
'Mary what was the meaning of all that? We were worried,' Lizzie spoke.
She decided she could not have felt more embarrassed in her life.
However, she composed herself and managed to blurt out an answer.
'I…went exploring through the house. I found the library…'
'Oh, Mary will always be Mary,' Charles intoned amused.
Eventually everyone forgot about the incident and they all repaired to their vehicles.
It was quite cold and the petite phaeton was not a pleasure to ride in. Add that with Kitty's grumpy mood and Lydia's huffs for not having spent more time with Mr. Fowler and Mary's night was complete. Not to mention, Mr. Prowler seemed moody and volatile.
'Ah, wake up, sleepy head! Now it is I who must yank the sheets off of you!'
Kitty's voice pierced her ears and she wished she could drown in her pillow.
'K-kitty…go away, would you…'
'Nonsense! It's half past nine, what an incredible idler you are!'
'I slept bad, last night.'
'And I do care, dear sister, but right now you have to get up.'
Mary sighed and flinging her quilt sat at the edge of her bed.
Kitty stood at her side, dressed in some very odd manly clothes, she had not seen before.
'Kitty? What on Earth are you wearing?'
'Ah, pardon me, it's a riding suit, if you have never heard.'
'It's ridiculous!'
'Mr. Prowler says it looks divine! Now come, make haste, dress up!'
'Whatever for?'
'Have you completely forgotten?'
Two weeks had passed since the memorable dinner at Huntington Park and Christmas was coming soon. Yet Mary felt as tired and indisposed as ever and wanted to go home, to lock herself up in her room and read the day away.
'Yes, I have. Now, would you kindly say?'
Then it dawned on her. Oh, no…
'Mr. Prowler will take us riding!' she beamed.
'Kitty, please, my head is killing me…'
'We had a deal, Mary! Do not be such a drag!'
'Bugger…'
'I heard that.'
'Yes, well, can I have a bit of privacy?'
Kitty huffed and exited the room.
'I'll be waiting outside.'
In the silence of her room Mary got up and still dizzy with sleep headed for the lavatory. As she splashed cold water on her face she wished some terrible rain would make their scheme impossible. She looked out the window.
'Curses…' she muttered. It was bright and sunny though bitingly cold.
She then realised she had no riding suit.
Oh, well, I'll make do with what I have.
The two sisters walked across the fields, heading for the stables where Mr. Prowler was waiting excited and in high spirits.
A bit of frost had settled over the land, making it look surreal. The empty, hollow trees rang sadly as they walked in the cold sun.
'Mary, for heaven's sake, a dress while riding?'
'What? You propose something better?' she muttered as Kitty encircled her hand round hers.
'You could have borrowed Jane's suit. Lizzie gave me hers,' she said rolling her eyes.
Mary frowned. 'In any case, I should see you bow to the Colonel to settle up the service I am doing you.'
'And what service is that, pray?' Mr. Prowler asked. Mary cursed under her breath. She had not realised they were in front of him.
'Good morning, Mr. Prowler,' Kitty spoke politely.
James kissed their hands and rushed to bring out the horses.
'Now, this horse is for Miss Bennet,' he said bringing a dark copper stallion next to Mary.
'His name is Victor,' he said stroking him gently. Mary patted him unsure.
'Victor…strange name for a horse.'
'Well, it is Mr. Darcy who named it, not I.'
Another stallion, black and proud stood next to Kitty.
'Bonther looks happy to see you, Miss Catherine. He shares my feelings in that.'
Kitty smiled pleased.
'Now, let me show you how to mount.'
James rushed to Catherine's side and giving her a hand, helped her get up on the saddle, holding her waist carefully.
Kitty felt her face flush but she laughed happily.
He placed the hems in her hand and put her feet in the stairs.
'Will you be wanting a whip?'
'Oh, no never, I would hate to harm the poor thing,' she said still holding his hand.
'Well, then, let's make a few steps shall we?'
She nodded a bit nervous.
The proud horse was very obedient and kind, knowing he had a gentle female rider. Thus he moved slowly and patiently.
Mr. Prowler, never letting go, followed the trot of the horse until they had reached the small fence of the stable.
Kitty laughed happily.
'Ah, it's wonderful!'
'Well, then, ready to ride on your own a bit?'
'Most certainly.'
He let go and Bonther dared walk a bit faster as she rounded the stables two times, laughing happily.
Mary, meanwhile, decided she was apt enough to mount her horse by herself.
'Childish to be held like that...' she mumbled and with a fierce look on her face placed her hand on the hems.
'Alright, Victor, it's you and me now.'
With that she placed one foot on the stair and using all her might pushed herself onto the horse.
Her brave plan failed, however and she almost fell to the ground.
Luckily for her, James had noticed what she was doing and rushed to catch her.
Holding her by the waist he managed to stop her fall.
'Easy now, Miss Bennet, we do not wish to harm the poor horse.'
She felt furious. The nerve of him…
However, he placed her gently on the saddle, steadying her as best as he could.
Mary started swaying unceremoniously. She felt scared. She felt his hand move away and in a sudden spasm of fright said weakly 'Don't let go.'
'I was not going to, Miss Bennet,' he said smiling and guiding her towards the fence.
She walked a few steps and she felt more reassured.
Sighing with relief she thanked him, but wished to mount down.
However, Victor had a different opinion.
A long farm snake suddenly swished round his feet and in the rush of the moment, the terrified horse started to neigh frightened.
He broke into a run which baffled James himself.
'Aaaa!'
Mary screamed as she gripped the hems, dreading the fall that would soon come.
Victor ran and ran without stopping and she passed hills and trees without even seeing them.
The horse was throwing her high in the air but she held the hems with all her might.
'Yield! Yield!' she yelled at him. 'Victor, yield.'
It was of course useless.
Kitty looked frightened and shouted at Mary distressed.
'Mary, come back, what do you think you're doing?'
James laughed carelessly and mounting his horse rode with the speed of lightning to catch Mary.
He managed to reach Victor in time.
'Having fun, Miss Bennet?' he shouted at her as he rode next to her.
'Not quite! You said he was harmless!'
'I never did, you supposed so!'
'Argh, how can it be made to stop?' she asked angrily.
'I'm afraid it will stop when it hits the gates!'
She looked in front of her with horror. They were indeed heading for the tall, iron gates.
'Do something!'
'You have not said the magic word, Miss Bennet!'
'Of, for God's sake, please!'
He smiled. 'Oh, fine, fine, if you so insist!'
He rode past her and with a quick movement, got down and took charge of Victor, grabbing the slippery hems.
He used all his might to stop him in his gallop and was almost pushed into the gates, mud and soil dirtying his clothes, when finally, Victor relented and stopped abruptly.
Unfortunately, Mary let go too soon and was thrown in a puddle of rain.
'Ah! Wretches!' she said spitting dirty water.
James looked down at her, laughing with all his might as he wiped some mud from his forehead.
'You are a sight to behold, Miss Bennet.'
'And I thought I'd get through this in once piece…' she muttered glaring at him.
'Charming as always. Now, do get up and clean yourself. You do not look well, I must say.'
And with that he mounted his horse and rushed to calm Kitty down. The poor girl was running like crazy to reach Mary.
'Is she alright?' she shouted.
'She's perfectly well. Only her apparel is quite ruined,' he intoned out-loud.
Mary, huffing and puffing, rose from the puddle and taking out her handkerchief wiped her dirty face.
'And that's the last time I mount a horse…no offence, Victor,' she said looking at the horse. He neighed happily.
'Well, at least you're pleased…' she mumbled and getting up disappeared in the house.
Georgiana leaned against the lavatory door, giggling mischievously as a maid poured hot water over Mary's body.
She found herself in the wooden tub, bathing herself or rather letting herself be bathed by a chambermaid called Susan. And again, she felt terribly embarrassed.
'I do not know what is so funny, Georgiana,' she said stiffly.
'You do not? You fell off a horse in a puddle! On your first ride! I find that hilarious!' she said laughing.
'Let's see that happen to you…' she muttered. Mary had some sores near her buttocks but she would admit that to no one.
'Well, I suppose it was Mr. Prowler's Christmas present.'
'I'd rather no have any of that, thank you,' Mary said cynically.
Christmas was three days away, but Mary was in so spirit for it.
'Ah, grumpy girl, we will put you to bed to read, how is that?' Georgiana intoned as she heard Mary get out of the tub.
'Excellent…'
Dinner that evening was not as pleasant as she had hoped. Another night of noisy people and her mother's booming voice…she had no wish to stay longer than it was due. Yet Mary missed her father and tonight he was eating up in his room, because he was too tired to come down.
Mary was quite worried. It had been quite some time and he still was not completely recovered and whilst she had paid him a visit two days ago, she felt, in her current situation, that another one was needed.
In any case, it was the best excuse not to attend the entire dinner.
She entered his room quietly and saw that he had fallen asleep with the tray settled on a small table near the bed.
Mary smiled as she watched the old man's breast rise and fall in deep slumber. Or so she thought…but as she moved to tuck him better, his eyes opened.
'Mary…dear girl, what are you doing here?'
'I came to see you, papa. But you are tired…I should let you sleep.'
'Nonsense,' he said getting up and resting against his pillow. 'I was taking a nap only, but you would rather spend time with an old wart, instead of enjoying your time with the young ones?'
Mary sighed smiling.
'I'm afraid the youths are too wild for my taste. At least tonight.'
She sat down next to him.
'I heard of your little adventure today,' he said his eyes twinkling.
'Yes…and I'm sure everyone knows by now…'
'Well, nothing to be ashamed of dear, you cannot be expected to ride a horse without prior practice.'
'Quite right…but it was a nasty thing anyway.'
He remained silent for a while.
'You would tell me if something was on your mind, Mary, would you not?'
She looked at him surprised.
'Of course, papa. Forgive my mood, I simply dread the festivities that are to follow soon…'
'Ah, but you've always had a soft spot for Christmas.'
Not this year…
'I suppose you're right.'
'And this year I'll take you dancing two round across the Ball Room!' he said coughing loudly.
'Oh, don't exert yourself on my account!' she said placing a hand on his chest.
'Fiddles! I'd like to see you dance with all the handsome men across the room, Mary.'
'I wouldn't, however. Too tedious to dance so much.'
'You are young, you could bear it better than I did. Your mother was…too spirited for my tastes at times, but I managed.'
He coughed again, shaking his head. Saliva lingered on his chin and she could have sworn she saw something red too.
Mary bit her lip, worried. Her father…was not what he used to be. And she saw now an old man instead of the proud firm one he had been some months ago.
'Papa…'
'I'm alright, child…I'm…' he said coughing short, 'I'm alright.'
Mary looked away, tears almost coming to her eyes.
'You are not well…we should just go home,' she said sadly.
'Why should we do such a silly thing?'
'Because you are not well!' she insisted. 'This will not do you well, this atmosphere.'
'Mary…' mumbled as he took her hand. 'My happiness is being surrounded by family, nothing else.'
She smiled at him sadly and caressed his white whiskers.
'I realise…in my life…my greatest and only achievement has been you and your sisters.'
Mary held his hand tightly.
'And I'd be damned if I did not enjoy another Christmas with Mrs. Bennet and my girls.'
She kissed his hand softly.
'Giants and storms cannot hold us apart, my dear. It can never take me away…' he said shutting his eyes tiredly.
'What cannot father?'
But he brushed her hair with his eyes still closed and bade her be silent.