Chapter Thirty-Seven

Elizabeth

2 nd February 1812

O ne afternoon, Elizabeth found herself alone with Maggie in the drawing room, the soft light casting a glow over the room. Maggie, who had been more talkative in recent days, sat by her side, looking intently at her doll with a thoughtful expression.

Her mother had been invited to Pemberley post haste and was due in two days’ time. She had kept this news from Maggie thus far, aware she could not tell her before things were set in stone so as not to raise her hopes again. But now, it was time.

Elizabeth touched the child’s hand gently. “Maggie, Mrs Bennet will be here on Tuesday,” she said softly, watching the little girl’s face closely.

Maggie looked up, her eyes widening as she absorbed the news. “Mrs Bennet?” she asked, her small voice clear but hesitant. Then, a smile spread over her lips. “Mrs Bennet!”

“Yes, my mother,” Elizabeth confirmed with a smile, brushing a loose curl from Maggie’s cheek. “She’ll be coming to see you and to make sure you are well. I think she’ll be very glad to see how much you’ve grown and how well you’re speaking. And then, your aunt is coming. We had a letter from her just yesterday. She will be here the week after.”

Maggie nodded slowly, processing Elizabeth’s words, then looked up at her with a little more confidence. “Will you be here, too? And Mrs Bennet? When my aunt comes?” she asked, her voice soft but steady.

Elizabeth’s heart softened further as she nodded. “Yes, Maggie, I will be here with you.”

Maggie seemed reassured, her face relaxing into a small smile. “I like you… and Mr Darcy. And Mrs Bennet. I… I do.” she added, her eyes brightening a little.

Elizabeth’s heart gave a tender ache at the child’s words, her gaze warming as she took in the child’s trusting expression. “We like you, too, Maggie. Very much,” she said, pulling her close for a gentle embrace. The little girl leaned into her with a sigh, her small arms wrapping around Elizabeth’s shoulders.