Chapter Three

Bennet's Main Lobby.

The following morning.

"You weren't able to remember his features in any form?" The sheriff asked.

Lizzy nodded as she sat in the main lobby of the Bennet's Lodge. She'd informed the local police about the incident the evening before but she expressed she wished to keep it from the rest of the staff. Only Sophie and Anne knew and Lizzy was grateful for this. And as she would have anticipated Vivian was all in her mother's chamber – doing what she liked best – making herself appear presentable for the travelers who would be up later. And she knew she wouldn't be of any aid if she informed her about the rape. Lizzy felt chills run down her spine as she answered. "No, sir; I don't remember much. Other than his voice was seductive and then he used a knock out perfume which caused me to black out."

"And that was all? No other evidence in the room?"

"No. You have the clothing but that's all I have."

"And yes, Miss Bennet. When I looked at the clothes I saw that they were well clean. It seems your attacker wore gloves. Do you remember anything from that?"

Lizzy offered a prayer as she answered. "Yes. I do remember he was wearing something but it happened so fast it feels more like flashes of lightning."

"I'm sorry this happened, Miss Bennet." The sheriff replied in a gentle manner. Lizzy felt herself smile for the first time since the incident. She felt how the effects of the rape were on her. She remembered how he'd taken her by the back and yanked her backwards. She prayed she would be able to heal and recover as the man looked at her with a fatherly expression. Lizzy never knew how it felt like to have a father look at her and she smiled at the sheriff. He was kindly and loving as she softly answered. "Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome." The gentleman answered and there was a moment's pause. Lizzy knew the sheriff came quickly but Lizzy also kept another part of herself hidden. She prayed she wouldn't be pregnant because of a secret she knew would risk her life. But she prayed this wouldn't take place when the gentleman looked at her again as he finished. "Well Miss Bennet? Is there anything else we need to talk about before I leave?"

"No. I believe everything will be alright, sir. If you are able to find the man send me word."

"I will do what I can."

"Thank you." Lizzy answered and the two rose.

Anne was present with the two and she too rose. Lizzy was thankful she was there with her and as the sheriff said a few last words, he then left and Lizzy wondered aloud. "Anne? I was hurt last night and I'm still recovering. Vivian hasn't made her appearance yet and I can only presume what she's doing."

"Yes." The kindly lady answered and Lizzy looked as she rolled her eyes.

"Doing what she likes best: being center of attention and never once bothering to help with the other ladies. I was informed Sophie is going to cleaning the first floors from last night. Not to mention the front needs more receptionists and you have plenty for yourself."

"Yes." Lizzy answered as she placed her hands on her hips. She shook her head yet the image of the rape haunted her. She prayed it would leave and nothing occurred but Lizzy still felt unsettled when the sound of his voice was in her. Lizzy wondered how she wasn't able to remember his features but his voice was familiar. The evening prior she'd meet her cousin's coachman and son, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Samson, and both were blessed to have met her. But Lizzy wondered how the two remained silent when a few members of the male staff were distancing themselves from the two. Lizzy found both of them to be indeed fine gentlemen but she was curious about the reason for the peculiar reception they were receiving.

"Nothing great comes from that family." She'd overheard one of the men whisper. "The Darcy family is one to be avoided."

"Indeed?" She'd overheard but she was interrupted when Vivian made herself known in her usual Miss Queen manner. And if Lizzy knew it she only rolled her eyes when her cousin fluttered her eyes at the men and ignored her. Even Anne was irritated and Sophie. That occurred the evening before and now, as Lizzy looked around, it was apparent Vivian wouldn't be taking the morning shift at front. The sun was beginning to shine through the windows and Lizzy knew it was her job to take morning shift. Thankful Anne was escorting the sheriff out, Lizzy offered a prayer before she walked forward and then entered the area where front desk was.

Once she seated herself, Lizzy reached over and opening a binder, narrowed her eyes on Room 37. The name she written was the one when she'd been raped. His name wasn't there and Lizzy raised her eyes when Anne appeared.

"The sheriff is leaving and I noticed you were checking the guest list. Is his name there?"

"No. He didn't give us the name."

Here, Lizzy remembered how the sheriff checked Room 37 but the man vanished and everything in the room was gone too. Lizzy felt another chill run down her spine and Anne reached over and touching her, assured. "Don't worry about it, Lizzy. You're going to be alright and with grace we'll be able to find that man who attacked you."

Hope rose within her as Lizzy replied. "Thank you, Anne. I pray so." She felt her body start to tremble again but she felt more at ease when Anne gently steadied her.

"Perhaps it's too early for you to be working. I can do this." Anne offered but Lizzy shook her head. She knew Vivian would be making her way in and she wanted to make sure she remembered what needed to accomplished. She only braced herself when Anne replied. "I believe I hear her coming now. You most certain you don't want to take a rest?"

"Yes." Lizzy answered.

She looked at Anne and raised a brow as she added. "And if I count to three she's going to be here in three, two, one…!"

"There you are, cousin! Care to leave so I can take this shift?" A voice which Lizzy knew too finely. She looked and when she met the figure of Vivian, Lizzy answered. "Indeed. You sure were a little tardy when you arrived."

Lizzy noticed the elaborate dress Vivian was wearing and she tried her best not to show her expression when she realized she was wearing a little too much perfume. Lizzy knew it was lavender and when she let Vivian take her position, Lizzy tried her best not to show her feelings when Vivian replied. "Tarty or being polished for the travelers?"

Lizzy rolled her eyes as she answered. "The first: tarty."

"That could explain why you tried to take the front."

Lizzy felt her temper spark when her cousin looked at her and gave her a stink eye. Anne was well away so Lizzy was able to look at her cousin and she was about to say something when the front doors opened and Vivian turned as she called. "Welcome to Bennet's Lodge!"

"The shrill sound of her voice makes me think of a dying mouse!" Lizzy overheard one of the other ladies remark as she exited. Lizzy looked at the two ladies as they ascended the stairs. One of them was Sophie and her sister was with her. The three looked at each other and all of them smiled.

Sophie looked at Lizzy and the two shared their feelings when Vivian ignored them as Lizzy exited. She turned to her cousin as the gentleman inquired about which rooms were availed but his eyes moved over to her and she watched as he turned a crimson.

"Which room would you like?" Vivian asked and Lizzy could hear the firmness in her voice. Knowing this wasn't the best of times to converse with her when she was like this, Lizzy looked at the two other ladies as she inquired. "Tending to the guests upstairs?"

"Yes. I was about to show Margaret where we need to start." Sophie replied and Lizzy nodded. She was thankful Sophie was the one, from Anne, who knew about her rape and she prayed things would go the way she dreaded. Placing her hands on her hips, Lizzy listened as Sophie continued.

"We know the routine, Miss Bennet, but Margaret is new so I was hoping to show her how the washing is done. Then when the guests leave their rooms," which at this point, all heard sounds of footsteps above, "we will make their beds and then clean their towels."

"And dust as well as clean the windows." Margaret added.

Sophie looked at her sister and Lizzy could have been assured they were twins but she remembered Sophie informed her Margaret was younger. Sophie was around Lizzy's age though Lizzy was older. She didn't bother with ages as the two looked at each other and Lizzy saw something like a glow of competition enter. She raised her brows as Sophie looked to her as she finished. "We're best be making ourselves work, Miss Bennet. The rest of the ladies are preparing the meal for the travelers and I believe too your cousin isn't liking this gentlemen here."

Here, all of the ladies tried their best not to eavesdrop on the conversation which Vivian was having with the traveler. He was dressed in Western attire but Lizzy knew Vivian was trying to ask which room he would best like. Lizzy knew Vivian so she retuned her attention to the ladies' and gestured for them to do their part. Both nodded and then quietly left; as if they feet were tiptoeing up the stairs in a silent manner from a teacher who didn't want to be bothered.

Once the ladies were upstairs, Lizzy moved her eyes over to the dining hall. The rest of the staff were setting the tables and Lizzy was thankful Anne was overseeing this. She muted away how Vivian was talking with the gentlemen. Though Lizzy knew Vivian wanted talk on and on, she knew helping the travelers find a room was better than talking.

Lizzy was about to make her way to the office when the traveler asked.

"Pardon me but are you Miss Bennet?"

Lizzy paused when she looked and the young traveler met her eyes and his color increased. Vivian, whom Lizzy knew would have rolled her eyes, looked at her and with that fake smile, answered. "Yes; this is Miss Lizzy Bennet, sir. She is the owner of Bennet's Lodge. Is there reason for your asking?"

Though Lizzy felt more Vivian was giving her the stink eye, Lizzy maintained her peace as she answered. "Yes. I am."

"Well," he replied, as he placed a hand on his hair, "I wanted to simply remark the lodge is a blessing to be open. I've traveled a ways and I would like to be in a room for low cost. Is there one on the first floor?"

"Yes. Vivian?" Lizzy inquired and she peered at her cousin.

Though Vivian didn't show it Lizzy knew her cousin wasn't pleased with her being there to talk with the gentleman but she ignored this. She made her way back to the desk and when she reached over, she took out the binder and read the openings. Lizzy knew Vivian had taken the wrong binder when she watched as her cousin looked at her binder. Inwardly, Lizzy smirked when Vivian had taken the wrong one and Lizzy was holding the right one. The Western gentleman watched as Lizzy read the vacant rooms before she nodded.

"Alright. Room 3 on the first floor is ready. It is to the price to your liking. What was there you had in mind?"

"Simple, Miss Bennet. A place where it is simple." He answered and Lizzy met his eyes and if he wasn't turning a crimson, she would have chuckled. She knew the beauty God had blessed her to be but it was bothering at times when she couldn't converse with someone without them noticing her beauty. She was thankful when Vivian actually slammed the binder as she exclaimed. "Well if I weren't for the dust here I would have seen this was the binder for the chores and not for the guests' rooms!"

Lizzy and the Western gentleman looked at Viviani as she did this gesture. Both were mute but Lizzy knew Vivian had met a defeat. She watched as her cousin, upon noticing this, blinked before she plastered on her smile as she added. "Though I am relieved it was here. Better safe than sorry?"
Before Lizzy could say anything more the gentleman looked at her as he answered. "Room 3 is perfect, Miss Bennet. The key is here?"

"Yes." Lizzy replied.

"Let me." Vivian rudely interrupted and before Lizzy had a chance, her cousin reached into the drawer and retrieved the keys. Lizzy tried her best to keep her feelings in but when her cousin took the keys out it was apparent Vivian wanted her out of her sight. The gentleman, on the other hand, looked from Lizzy to Vivian before he looked at Lizzy and gave her an apologetic look. He didn't say anything as Vivian rose as she added. "Here is your key for Room 3 on the first floor. Your name and how long will you be staying?"

"I will leave you in the hands of my cousin." Lizzy answered for the gentleman. She could tell Vivian wasn't liking her presence and she for one didn't want to be in hers. As the he looked at Vivian, Lizzy quietly made her exit after she returned the guest binder back. She peered slightly over Vivian's shoulder and saw she'd taken the wrong binder and it was for the chores of the lodge. Lizzy then made her exit when the he answered. "I will be here two weeks."

"As long as she will be here." Lizzy thought.

Lizzy gave a smile to the two before she entered the dining room. Lizzy wanted to help with this part of the lodge and she nodded at what she was viewing. The ladies' were finishing with the tables and the first of the guests were already making their way in. Most of the men, as Lizzy knew, were travelers out of town and few ladies' were with them. The Lodge's Lodging dining room appeared like a Medieval tavern: the hearth in the middle while tables were neatly organized around. The kitchen was to the right and there were five large windows. Lizzy kept in mind how they were to be kept and certain ladies' took shifts to do this work. Lizzy knew this was the next on her list. Hearing the voice of Vivian in the background, Lizzy offered a prayer before she made her way to the kitchen. She would help with the staff to avoid anything to do with her cousin!

When Lizzy entered the kitchen, she walked over to the closet, where the aprons were, as she thought. "And to presume all she wanted is to have attention for herself! All I wrote was I needed front desk assigned! Not a woman who wants to converse all day about this and that!"

"Miss Bennet? The travelers are going to be stepping out soon. The usual?"

"Yes. Make sure everything is correct. One thing I need is a complaint about the lodge. Everything was set up perfectly! Blessings to you all!"

"Thank you, Miss Bennet." The staff answered.

The majorly of the Bennet's staff were ladies but Lizzy also knew the stable hands and grounds men were a part too. Lizzy knew they would come in for their early meal before they would tend to the grounds and animals. The sounds of the guests were heard and Anne, who was second to Lizzy, called. "Alright, ladies! Let's get this moving along! I overheard one of the guests say they're going to try to find the gold in one of the caves nearby and he's rousing everyone fast!"

"If you ask me there's nothing in those caves." Another answered.

Lizzy heard murmurs of agreements and she took their sides. As she made her way over to the silver wear the conversation continued.

"Is there any word about how many have arrived? From last evening?"

"600."

"You read it?"

"Yes. Local paper is like loose foxes. Word is spreading and they're arriving from all over! Not since California had theirs has this occurred in our town!"

"No indeed!"

"Though I would still caution them about the wolves."

"Yes. My brother informed me they're not particularly fond of those 'gold seekers.' The last attack happened last night."

"Did the sheriff do any checking on that?"

"No. He was busy but the newspaper has been perfect source of information."

"Ladies? We'll need to converse about this later! Those guests' are waiting!"

"Thank goodness for Anne." Lizzy thought.

Then Lizzy played her role in helping with the guests. She loved this most about her family's business and though she didn't know her parents, who passed away when she was younger, she was informed they both loved working together and helping those who came to the lodge. And she carried this on and she was thankful!

"First put the coffee and tea out first. Then the others." Anne's gentle voice informed the ladies and Lizzy was grateful for her! The kindly lady replaced Lizzy's late mother and was second in hand for the lodge. Lizzy met Anne's eyes and she smiled at her as the ladies started to make their exit through the doors. Bennet's Lodge was known for its kitchen and when spring arrived Lizzy would help poorer families with their meals. It was a blessing to know some of the residents couldn't afford meals so Lizzy offered each month, when the weather was best, to host the dining room for them so they were blessed with a meal. Lizzy needed to remind Vivian of that and she rolled her eyes when she thought she heard her cousin's voice exclaim.

"What a turnout!"

"Apparently she's still yearning for attention!" Lizzy overheard.

She didn't say anything when Anne approached and both of them shared another smile. Vivian must have been a little bored at the front and yearned to make her appearance known. Peering through the windows of the doors, Lizzy saw the figure of her cousin. In the center of the room and Lizzy knew she was trying to attract the gentlemen. Most of the guests' were men but Lizzy was relieved there were ladies' there to fill in a few places. But Vivian?

"How long is she planning on staying?" Anne asked.

"Two weeks."

"Two weeks as the travelers increase? She most certainly arrived at the right time! How are you fairing since last night?"

Lizzy offered a prayer when the image of the attack came. She prayed it would leave her as she answered. "Alright. It is taking its' time but I'm praying the sheriff will find him so this will be mended. I never experienced that before, Anne."

Anne's eyes softened when she looked at Lizzy. The two ladies knew of the rape and Lizzy was still recovering from it. She met the lady's expression as she softly replied. "No one expected it, Lizzy. You're sure you want to continue working as if it never happened?"

For a moment Lizzy thought perhaps Anne had a point. The rape occurred the evening prior and she was recovering. She didn't want to inform the other ladies about the torn clothing or the fact the sheriff told her she could suffer affect effects. Lizzy looked around her and something felt a little wrong about working and ignoring. When she looked at Anne she admitted. "I actually would like to not have my cousin in my mother's chamber because I felt solace when I was there. I don't believe Vivian will mind if I leave for a moment."

"Why don't you do that, child?" Anne answered and motherly understanding entered her eyes. Lizzy lowered her shoulders a bit as the motherly lady approached. When she placed her hand on Lizzy's shoulder, a chill ran down Lizzy's back as Anne said. "You're shaking. Best leave while you can and keep yourself fine. That rape wasn't something which should have occurred."

Lizzy said nothing when her body started to tremble. Anne's assuring hand made her feel better and Lizzy closed her eyes when the memory came. She prayed this would pass as she recited a Hail Mary. Reciting it in Latin was her best and when she was finished, Anne had her hand on her shoulder as she nodded. Both knew where Lizzy needed to leave for recovery and when Anne took a step back, Lizzy softly replied. "I will go but I won't be there long."

"Take the time to heal, Lizzy. No woman can piece together an attack like that. We…."

At that moment, the back door of the kitchen opened and one of the stable hands appeared. He brushed his clothes a bit as he called. "Anne? Is there a way us gentlemen out back can have a break? Miss Queen's stallion is causing the other horses' to be roused! And the weather's beginning to show signs of a snowstorm!"

Anne smiled at Lizzy before she looked at the youth as she answered. "Yes. How long have you all been out there?"

"Since this morning. The ice isn't making life out there easy. All the hands work early and Mr. Darcy," here he shuddered, "informed the lads Miss Queen's stallion only wants to return home. She's going to be here for two weeks and he's not at all happy about that."

Lizzy knew this stable hand and he was a brother to one of the ladies. Looking at him and thankful for the blessing of a pause, she remarked. "Raphael? How is he arousing the other horses?"

"He believes it's the mating season, Miss Bennet. He's trying his best to mate on the female horses we have but they've been pushing back. Or so it seems."

"Mating season? During the winter?" Anne asked.

"Yes. He believes he should dominate the females. Mr. Darcy said he hasn't been around a female horse since he left their… place."

Raphael spoke this with such distain Lizzy wondered how it was he was acting in this way. She knew of the Darcy family but she never really knew much about them. Curious got the better of her as she inquired. "Raphael? What is it about Mr. Darcy which makes you have that expression?"

Raphael shuddered and he looked away. He was tall and youthful but Lizzy knew he was also a hard worker. She'd met Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his son, Samson, the evening of Vivian's arrival but she was perplexed when the two remained in a corner of the room and not with the rest. Lizzy remembered how Vivian seemed to pull the strings on Mr. Darcy, the elder, but he didn't complain over what she was demanding of him. This impressed Lizzy as she knew Vivian did this plenty of times at her home in Kanas City. Raphael took a moment to answer but then he shook his head. When he looked at Lizzy he answered. "I'd prefer not to talk about it, Miss Bennet. Nightmares would pester you if I mentioned anything."

Understanding, Lizzy nodded as Anne took redirected the conversation back to the original topic.

"The stallion wants to mate on the females? Is the other stall open?"

"Yes. Which is reason for me asking if we can have a break. He's driving even the other lads crazy!"

"He truly believes he can dominate them?" Lizzy asked and Raphael nodded.

"A few of them are enthralled but most are avoiding him. Miss Queen had four horses and all of them were male. Mr. Darcy informed us he was the lead and the others were younger. He was the dominating one we were told."

"And since most of the horses out back are girls' it would make sense he would want to have a foal of his own." Another voice answered.

All three turned when another figure appeared. Lizzy recognized him to be Samson Darcy; the second coachmen who brought her cousin over. He was handsome in appearance and showed a few signs of a beard but not completely. Lizzy would have guessed he was at least 6 feet tall and muscular. From his appearance he come back from shoveling snow. Or breaking icicles. Lizzy waited for Samson to stomp his boots from the snow as finished. "Theo is quite a stallion. He wants what he wants and when he doesn't get it he will fight for it."

"Oy." Raphael remarked.

"You said oy?" Samson asked as he looked at him. From the sight she was witnessing Lizzy wondered if the two knew each other. Her question was answered when Raphael looked at Samson as he replied. "Yes. Your horse isn't making life out there easy! You could have used the older one!"

"The older one? Father informed my brothers' to keep him back for the fields!"

"The fields?! How in goodness sakes name is that possible for that old stallion?"

Here was something Lizzy never knew about the Darcy family. She remembered hearing word the Darcys were a Catholic family but didn't attend Mass or made themselves appear for social outings. All she knew was what she'd overhead from the ladies at the lodge. Lizzy yearned to know more but then the doors from the dining hall opened and the ladies returned. A few of them, upon seeing the two gentlemen, looked and there was a brief's pause before Anne took over like a mother hen.

"Alright. You're all standing around and the guests' need to be tended to!"

She looked at one of the ladies as she continued. "Is Vivian still making a show of herself?"

"Yes. She's doing a fine job of it too."

Lizzy knew this was the time for her to either escape to her mother's chamber or remain and help. She prayed and wondered what she needed to do but when another one of the girls' made a sound, everyone looked at her as she exclaimed. "Miss Queen wore too much perfume! When we passed it was so strong I can only compare it to a rotten egg!"

Hearing this there were giggles and smirks and Lizzy was one of them. She felt better from the incident as Anne remarked. "That sure is a fine way of informing us how she's making herself the best front desk receptionist!"

"Front desk rotten!"

"Mercy!"

"Yes?!"

"That's a fine manner of conversing in that way! I actually agree! Miss Queen either put too much on or she's trying to capture one of the gold seekers for a husband!"

The girls' began to resume their work as Lizzy listened. She folded her arms at one point as she listened and raised a brow. Perhaps returning upstairs wasn't the best of ideas because she was enjoying listening to what was being remarked upon her cousin. Lizzy knew Vivian liked to be the center of attention but she also knew she disliked being ignored more. If there ever was an opportunity for her to escape it would be in the company of men. Especially ones who were enchanted by her appearance.

"Better get to work, ladies and gentlemen. Those men are going to be leaving for the caves and those horses need to be ready." Anne reminded the crowd. Lizzy knew this was right so she thanked Anne before she brushed her apron and then made her way over to washing the dishes. Perhaps this would be better than letting anything else bother her. She offered a prayer of courage when she remembered how she'd been raped. She hoped he would be found and she would be justified!

Later that afternoon.

Fitzwilliam wiped a hand across his brow. He was thankful all the gusts or those who were willing, selected their horses to travel to the caves. He wondered how it was possible all of them were believing the tales there was gold but he didn't say anything. He and Samson along with the other lads helped groom, saddle, and ready the horses for the gold seekers.

The last was their stallion and he pawed the ground; as if upset he was left out. Samson, who helped with the others, made his way over from the front gates as he remarked. "Well the last one is gone! He's not too pleased, is he?"

"No." Fitzwilliam replied.

He was standing by the fence where Miss Bennet kept the lodge's horses. Since arriving the evening before, Fitzwilliam was able to see how the back was for the lodge. The building was nested on a hill yet it wasn't far from gown. Fitzwilliam recalled how the carriage had to plow through the snow to make it to the top. And Samson was courageous to have helped by helping with the lead horse to travel up the hill. Fitzwilliam never been to the lodge but he heard tales about Miss Bennet and her beauty. It didn't surprise him when he beheld her last evening. He found himself smiling when he remembered how word was confirmed: yes. She was fair and her hair was black and her lips as red as a rose. He wondered how she never married yet she was extremely attractive. He never informed anyone, especially Miss Queen, how beautiful Miss Bennet was and he found it challenging not to stare at her. Yet when Samson appeared, Fitzwilliam answered. "He's not happy he can't join the females as they take their riders up to those caves. He's like the others, son."

"Yes." Samson replied as he stood beside him.

Fitzwilliam heard a neigh and the stallion finished pawing the ground. The Bennet's Lodge had a huge fenced area for the horses and Fitzwilliam only guessed how he was feeling being left out. The animal made his way over and nudged him. Fitzwilliam sighed when Samson said his thoughts.

"Yes. And you're not going to try to mate on another one."

Fitzwilliam laughed when he heard this. Samson had a sense of humor and when he leaned forward, he watched as Samson raised a brow and as if he were discipline one of his brothers, Fitzwilliam listened as Samson continued. "Yes. You head correctly. You're not going to mate until we're back and with the others!"

"You are most certainly taking this truthfully." Fitzwilliam replied.

Samson nodded as he reached out and letting the stallion sniff him, waited until he was able to rub him. As he was doing this, he answered. "Well there are plenty of other ladies he can mate with, father. I wasn't pleased when he was trying to do it with Miss Bennet's here. And the last thing we need is to have him mate and have a foal after we leave."

"Yes. And Miss Queen is going to be here until then."

Fitzwilliam peered at the sky and saw how the clouds were starting to form. He sniffed the air and didn't smell anything which could hint at a tornado. But he knew it was going to snow as he continued. "The travelers should be back shortly. The snow's about to start and if they're not back they could have trouble finding their way to the lodge."

"Eh. They'll manage with the horses." Samson answered.

Fitzwilliam made a face and paused when the stallion decided to occupy himself. As he turned and rushed around to play, Fitzwilliam looked at Samson as he replied. "They'll mange on their own?"

"Yes. Raphael informed me Miss Bennet's horses' know the area better than they do! They can help if they get trapped underneath a bed of snow or get trapped in a little hole!"

"Samson you sure are bold."

"I know I am."

Fitzwilliam chuckled when he placed his hand around his son's shoulder. Samson looked at him and smiled. He was leaning forward a bit and when they heard a neigh, both turned and watched as the stallion was jumping up and down. He sure was trying to attract attention and Fitzwilliam knew he wasn't liking being left behind while the female horses were occupied. Fitzwilliam remembered what Miss Queen informed them about her staying for two weeks. She was going to do what she could for her cousin and Fitzwilliam was thankful knowing he would be blessed to leave for his home. Samson was his son but he also had five others beyond Cherry Creek. Fitzwilliam remembered there was a Latin Catholic Church located in town but he was hesitant to attend. It was the weekend when the three traveled from Kansas City to Bennet's Lodge and it was an overnight trip. It was a blessing Fitzwilliam and the others were able to make it though he remembered how the receptionist wasn't pleased with how bossy Miss Queen been. He recalled too how Samson, after meeting Miss Bennet, rolled his eyes when Miss Queen kept on talking about what she'd been up to in the city and never put a stop to her nonsense talk. And he'd observed how Miss Bennet was calm yet her features showed she wasn't pleased hearing everything Miss Queen was bragging about.

"Especially how she always played with her hair constantly." Samson remarked later. "If you inquire she looked as if she wanted more attention from the footman rather than enjoy the presence of her cousin."

"Not to mention also…" Samson announced and here, Fitzwilliam watched as Samson ran a hand through his hair. Noticing this, Fitzwilliam asked. "Samson? When you do that I know something's in your mind. What is it?"

"Miss Queen informed me she wants to have her vanity set up on the third floor! I just remembered it's still in the carriage!"

"That could explain why she's been bothering me to know where it was." A voice from behind said. Both of the men turned and Fitzwilliam felt his heart beat when Miss Bennet stood behind them. The loveliness of her beauty was eye catching and he found it a little challenging not to stare as he greeted. "Miss Bennet."

"Mr. Darcy. Samson." She answered and she nodded.

Samson acknowledged her as he replied. "Miss Bennet. I'm sorry. Should I go and ask when your cousin would like to have the desk up?"

"She's demanding it to be now."

"Best be moving to it, son. If Miss Queen won't get her way she's going to have quit a fit." Fitzwilliam cautioned as he gave his son a little touch to the elbow. Samson nodded and quickly made his way to the stables. They were located to the left of the fence and it wasn't a long run for him. Fitzwilliam momentarily watched his son rush inside before he looked at Miss Bennet. He gave her an apologetic smile as he said. "Miss Bennet? I don't want to make you feel bad about us bringing your cousin unannounced."

"It's understandable because of her personality, Mr. Darcy." She replied.

Fitzwilliam was a bit surprised by Miss Bennet's response. He'd only met her last night and yet as she stood there, watching as the stallion was playing about, he couldn't help but see how beautiful she was. The stories were confirmed. She was the fairest among the land and her beauty was eye catching. He felt a little warm under the collar as he answered. "Samson's going to see if he can assemble her desk. We were instructed to have it at the back of the carriage after the rest of her belongings were prepared."

"As I'm sure she would have asked something like that."

Fitzwilliam narrowed his eyes when the stallion gave another neigh. Both looked as he made a rear and made a show of himself. Fitzwilliam must have heard Miss Bennet smirk as she remarked. "He's either upset he's not with the females or making us watch him because he's playful."

Fitzwilliam chuckled as he answered. "Well he most certainly is! You already know about him trying to mate on the females, right?"

"Yes."

Here, Miss Bennet approached but she stood a little ways from him. Fitzwilliam knew this was proper and he didn't bother to touch her. Though the memorizing manner of her beauty would have tempted him but he moved his attention to the horse. He was prancing around and neighing at the same time. Fitzwilliam wondered if he should inform Miss Bennet about his concern about the travelers returning during the snowstorm but he thought against it. He'd only met Miss Bennet yet he felt comfortable in her presence. The two stood beside the fence as they watched the stallion in silence. It wasn't unpleasant to Fitzwilliam; he liked when silence was there to comfort the soul. The stallion did most of the noises he would have made. Then after a moment, Miss Bennet said.

"Mr. Darcy?"

"Yes?"

"You're planning on staying for two weeks, correct?"

"Yes. Your cousin informed me and Samson we're to be here until two weeks are over. Reason for asking?"

"Yes. Because normally my cousin would want to stay a little longer. Did she inform you she can do something like unexpectedly announce she'll stay longer?"

Fitzwilliam answered. "Yes. I know she can do that. I assumed she would when she asked Samson to help her with the vanity desk."

Miss Bennet nodded as the wind blew through her hair. Fitzwilliam noticed this and again her beauty was striking. He offered a prayer of courage as he moved his attention from her. It was challenging not to wish to at least stare. She was beautiful and her countenance was soft! He'd noticed this when he met her last night and he hoped Samson wasn't feeling the same way but when he glanced at him, Samson was occupied plugging or invisibly plugging his ears on how Miss Queen was ranting on about herself. As the stallion pranced around, here the couple turned when a voice from the stables called. "Father! Need some help here!"

"Would you pardon me, Miss Bennet?"

"Indeed." Miss Bennet answered.

Fitzwilliam looked at Miss Bennet as she nodded. He saw how understanding she was as she added. "If I know how my cousin would like she wants to have that up by tomorrow!"

Fitzwilliam felt how Miss Bennet agreed with him. He smiled at her again as he replied. "Then I will take my leave. It was pleasant to talk with you, Miss Bennet."

"Thank you."

Fitzwilliam tipped his hat to her before he turned and made his way to the stables. He didn't look back as he made his way over yet a part of him yearned to look. Miss Bennet was so beautiful it was all he could have done not to at least take a peek. If he had been watching she followed him with her eyes. A brow was raised as this occurred. Then she looked at the prancing stallion; who was making a show of himself as he pranced about in the field.