Free If Only In His Dreams by Melanie Schertz

his desires.  “And wealth? Do you foresee yourself shopping on a constant basis?”
     
    “ Lady Anne , I do not wish to sound impertinent, but I must tell you the truth.  I care not for your family’s money and connections.  I am content here at Longbourn in spending my time making clothes for our tenants’ children and taking food to those who are ill or disabled.  You are more than welcome to investigate the truth of my words with anyone, our tenants or my family.  My brother has given me a generous allowance, which , most of it , sits upstairs in my drawers.  If need arises that someone takes ill, I have taken it upon myself to ensure that they have proper care from the local apothecary and food to aid them on their recovery.  And that is done from my allowance, for I have no real need of it.  My sister and I have new gowns made twice a year to replace ones which are worn or in too bad condition to be used, though some of the material has been used to make doll clothes and such for the children.”
     
    “This is a practice I have done at Pemberley since my marriage, though it is becoming more and more difficult for me due to my health.” Anne Darcy stated.   “Since you have stated I may do so, I will speak with others to find out the truth of your words.  Now, as you are to be my future daughter, I wish to know you better.”
     
    Shocked, Elizabeth finally sat down in a chair across from Lady Anne .  For the next hour, the two ladies spoke openly on many subjects, and only stopped when Alex knocked on the door to announce that refreshments were available in the drawing room if the ladies would care to join them. 
     
    “Some refreshments would be delightful at the moment.” Lady Anne stated with a smile.  “Your sister and I have discussed so many issues that I am quite parched.”
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
    Darcy and Bingley made their usual visit to Longbourn only to find one of Darcy’s carriages in front of the main house.  Upon being shown inside the house and into the drawing room, Darcy was both pleased and surprised to find his mother and sister there. 
    “Mother, I had not realized that you would be coming directly here rather than Netherfield .  A nd you have arrived much earlier than expected, for I estimated your arrival to be later this evening.”  Darcy stated as he kissed his mother’s cheek.  “And Georgie, my how you have grown in such a short time; I believe you have grown at least a foot in these few weeks.”
     
    Georgiana embraced her brother as she giggled.  “William, you are a silly man.  We had a wonderful trip here, and Mamma was so excited to arrive that we started out this morning much earlier than usual.  The scenery on the trip was beautiful.”
     
    “My goodness, I do not believe I have ever heard so much come from you at one time.” Darcy hugged his sister tighter and kissed her lightly on the forehead.  “And how do you find Hertfordshire?  I know it is not the rugged terrain of Derbyshire, but it has several wonderful places to explore.  And I am quite sure that we could persuade Miss Elizabeth in showing us some of them, as she is quite an explorer of the great outdoors.”  He looked at Elizabeth carefully, afraid of seeing pain in her eyes in case his mother had been harsh to her.  Finding only a kind and loving smile gracing her face brought her favorite dimpled smile from Darcy.
     
    Seeing for herself the way her son reacted with this young lady, Anne Darcy had no further reservations towards the young lady who had stolen her beloved William’s heart.  “Miss Elizabeth, I know it is far too soon for you to refer to me as Mother, but I would be honored if you were to call me Anne or Mother Darcy.”
     
    Elizabeth blushed as she took hold of Lady Anne ’s outreached hand.  “It will be an honor for me, Mother Darcy.  And I wish for you and Miss Darcy to use my name.  My family refers to me as Lizzy, or my Christian name