Echoes of Pemberley by Cynthia Ingram Hensley Read Free Book Online Page B

full attention.
    “Where is Sarah, and why are we eating in here?” replied his sister, avoiding his question.
    “She had some errands in the village and is bringing supper home.”
    “But why are we eating — ”
    “Catherine Elizabeth,” he interrupted her. “ How did your riding lesson go?”
    “Oh.” Catie looked at him and considered. It would be easy to tell him the truth about her afternoon — how Sean Kelly had spoken to her. Ben might even go have a word with him. But then again, what had the man said that wasn’t true? It was that realization that had brought her to tears in the first place. It wasn’t that she hadn’t heard similar accusations before. Remarks about her behavior had often been whispered behind the gossiping hands of maids or grumbled under a nanny’s breath. But Sean Kelly was the first ever to say such things to her face. “Good, Ben . . . jolly good,” she assured her brother as convincingly as possible, determined to handle the young Irishman herself.
    “I’m glad to hear it.” He smiled. “I was worried. Sarah said you weren’t getting on with Rose’s nephew very well.”
    A smile curled up one side of her mouth as she teased her way out of the conversation. “He’s just . . . you know . . . bossy like the rest of your lot.”
    “Oh, is that so!” He laughed.
    “Yes, it is.” Grinning, she reached over and snatched her book back. Catie loved when they could be brother and sister like this. They so often now forgot to be the siblings they once were.
    Ben stared at her for a moment. “You know, Catie. I’d love it if you would take a ride with me next Monday. I haven’t been ’round to see all the crops yet, and there are several tenants I haven’t called on in over a month. Plus,” he added, tapping her knee affectionately, “it would be nice if you and I were to spend some time together.”
    “I’d like that.” Catie smiled at him as Sarah came through the door, arms loaded and smelling of chicken curry.
    “Ah, here’s our supper!” Ben jumped up to help her, and the commotion of dinner quickly commenced.
    An hour later, the calm of evening had settled over the room, and everyone was busy with their individual diversions. Catie was again on the sofa with her book. Sarah was in the large chair by the window with a child on each knee reading a bedtime story, while Ben, seated at the opposite end of the sofa, had his head buried in the newspaper. Catie admired him momentarily. Bennet Darcy was her first love. So young, dashing, and handsome, she had resolutely planned on marrying him until about the age of six when she grew old enough to realize the impossibility of it.
    The question is: Why would she want to marry him? Ben was always serious and deliberate, nothing like their spirited, adventurous father. Ben made her behave as a child when their father didn’t. He was much stricter and harder to please. But that was probably the root of Catie’s infatuation with her brother. Most women prefer a man who challenges them. Even little women, who can’t tie their shoes yet, enjoy a rambunctious clash of wills. Catie forever strived to earn his praise or gain his attention, but sometimes, like now, she just preferred to sit and study him. She often wondered if he was more like their mother in personality, and if so, what sort of relationship would she have had with her?
    Seemingly bored with the news, Ben laid the paper on his lap and studied his hands for a moment while twisting his wedding band. Catie had seen him do that before. When he was worried or bothered he would unconsciously turn the golden ring. It was as if he found comfort simply by touching the object. He sighed heavily, restlessly even, and then turned toward the window, propping his chin on his knuckles.
    A few minutes later Geoffrey and George scrambled over to say good night and temporarily broke their father’s meditation. But as soon as they were gone, Ben again turned his thoughts to