Read Online Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell - Free Book Online Page A

Bennet’s attention from her discussion with Lily over the dresses favored by the other members of the congregation. She fussed over her middle daughter, claiming that she had certainly caught a cold, while Beth and Kathy shared a giggle.
    “What’s so funny?” Lily demanded.
    “Nothing,” Beth managed before giggling again.
    Lily pouted. “No one tells me anything.”
    “That’s because you’re the baby, and you don’t understand such things,” Kathy opined.
    “I do too!” the youngest Bennet cried.
    “What is this?” Mrs. Bennet turned from Mary. “What are you arguing about?”
    Kathy crossed her arms. “Lily is being nosy again.”
    Lily was indignant. “Am not! You’re keeping secrets from me again. It’s not fair!”
    “Now, Lily…” Beth tried to placate her, but was interrupted.
    “It isn’t. But just you wait. One day, I’ll have a secret to keep from all of you. The biggest secret in the world! And I won’t tell any of you a thing!”
    Mrs. Bennet hushed her daughter. “Stop it, all of you! Do you have no compassion for my nerves?”
    “Oh! You always take her side!” cried Kathy.
    In this manner the five women continued to their destination, earning not a few curious stares from the townspeople they passed along the way, only ceasing the complaining once Mrs. Bennet reached the Bingleys’ small porch. The door was opened within moments of her knock by Dr. Bingley, as if his mother-in-law’s action was anticipated.
    The Bennet ladies entered the small sitting room, usedduring the day as a waiting room for patients, only to find it was already occupied. Beth, for one, was so stunned by the identities of the visitors she cried out.
    “ Mr. Darcy? ”
    Indeed, the owner of Pemberley Ranch was standing by the settee, a cup of coffee perilously balanced in one large hand, next to two fashionably dressed women. Beth recognized them as Miss Gaby Darcy and Miss Anne Burroughs. Jane was in a chair next to them, obviously in the middle of an interrupted conversation, and all wore expressions of astonishment at Beth’s outburst.
    Charles stepped forward. “I believe y’all know Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Miss Burroughs. We were pleasantly surprised when they dropped by right after we got home.”
    The Bennet ladies confirmed that they had met the Darcys but said they were not acquainted with Miss Burroughs, though they had often seen her in church. The introductions were made, Miss Burroughs lingering with Beth and Mary, while Jane and Gaby entertained the others. Beth could see Lily and Kathy openly staring at the Darcys as if they were creatures on display. For the first time, she regretted George Whitehead apprising them of the Darcys’ colorful background.
    “I understand from your sister that you play, Miss Beth, and that you and your sisters sing very well,” Anne managed to say, keeping her eyes lowered.
    Beth laughed. “Not very well—my sister is obviously having fun at my expense.” She noticed Mary’s hurt look and quickly added, “But Mary here is the musician of the family.” Now that Jane has left us—and a poor substitute she is, she added to herself.
    Mary puffed up, pleased at the compliment. “I would love to hear you play, Miss Burroughs.”
    “ Me ?” the girl squeaked. “Oh, no, Miss Mary, I don’t play!” Anne’s face turned from white to red, and the other two ladies were mortified.
    It was Darcy who came to her rescue. “It’s true Anne doesn’t play, but my sister does, and the two of them have sung some very pretty duets in their time.” If anything, the compliment seemed to embarrass Anne even more.
    The four of them stood about in an awkward silence, none knowing what to say next. Beth could not stop glancing at Darcy’s dark good looks. Finally, Darcy broke the impasse.
    “It seems we’ve intruded on a family get-together, Charles. We’ll take our leave.”
    Despite Mrs. Bennet’s halfhearted protests, and Jane’s sincere ones, the