And so it was, they were deep in yet another discussion over the trend towards building railways when Logan appeared. By the disheveled look of him, he had run to find his master. He handed Rawlings an express post, which he tore open immediately.
My dearest Mr. Rawlings,
The war is over. There is no one to hold my hand when the lightning strikes and the thunder booms. My Aunt Marie is so sad, nothing I can do can make her laugh. You made her smile when you visited, and she has waited for your return. When do you come? Soon? My father misses your stories.
Your little Countess (There is still a king of England!) now fully grown,
Miss Lucinda Lowell
Rawlings jumped up. “Logan, pack our trunks. We leave immediately for America. We have no time to waste!”
Darcy stood next to his concerned friend. “What is it? What is wrong? Let me help you.”
“Logan and I will set sail at the earliest opportunity. Rawlings handed him the letter, which he read aloud.
Kent moved to sit beside his sister, and in a half-whisper said, “Sarah, I believe the time has come for you to secure your place in the Kent family business. I suggest an appraisal of our textile holdings in Boston might be a perfect place to start.”
Sarah’s eyes grew wide. Although her gaze had stayed on Rawlings the entire time they were near each other, she did glance at her brother. She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. “Yes, I agree. Thank you, brother.”
Kent leaned his head towards Elizabeth. “But first, before you leave for America, I want you to speak to Lizzy.”
“Why?”
“Please ask her… Well, you must ask her to help lower the neckline on your gowns. You need to show a tiny glimpse of heaven if you wish to attract a certain someone’s attention. And giggle. And don’t forget to bat your lashes.”
“Why?”
“Rawlings is our treasure, and I do not wish for any colonial strumpet to lay claim to him.” Kent laughed.
Darcy, overhearing the siblings strategizing, decided to take the cue. “Richmond!” He waved his hand to summon him over.
Richmond jumped up and approached his cousin although he stumbled over his own foot. He had kept his gaze on the beautiful Sarah Kent.
“Do you feel a need for new scenery? I have need for a man to look into our holdings at the Lowell mill now that the war is over.”
Richmond smiled widely. “Yes, Darcy. I see your point. I agree, Rawlings might not be the best man for the job. In fact, I think I should leave immediately and secure my… our property.”
Darcy placed his hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “Yes, indeed, but remember the property is not an object, cousin. She is a beautiful woman to be loved and cherished.”
Richmond hurried until he caught up with Sarah Kent. He offered, in his most charming manner, to escort her.
Elizabeth tapped Darcy’s shoulder. “You, sir, are a matchmaker!” She whispered in his ear, “I wonder which man Sarah will end up with?”
He placed his arm around his wife’s waist and pulled her close. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “That, my dear, is a story for another time. Now what is this thing Kent called theglimpse of heaven?”
The End
A World of Expectations_Book 2_The Confrontation Page 48