by JA Fan

Created on: February 25, 2009

Lady Matlock could not be happier with the developments in her youngest son's life. She had often thought over the years that Catherine had set her cap on the wrong cousin for her daughter Anne. Lady Matlock and Anne had many conversations over the years that led her to believe long ago that Anne had a high regard and feeling for Richard. About the time that Lady Matlock came to that realization she also came to another. Anne deBourgh was not as sickly as she was generally thought to be, she used it as a ruse to avoid prolonged interaction with her mother. No matter what anyone would think she did not condemn her for it either.

Lady Matlock had often seen in Anne qualities that she knew Richard admired in women and had been aware for the past five years at least that Anne was in love with him and not her cousin Darcy. She was so happy that all was working out as it properly should. Even better for herself now that her son would be away from the harm that an army life inflicts on a person. She had never approved of Richard becoming a Colonel, but he was a second son and that is what he had wanted and Lady Matlock never interfered with her children's choices. Too often she had seen the harm that came when one did that.

Thinking of someone who interfered in her children's lives her thoughts naturally turned to Catherine and likewise in response to her own precious husband. Lord Matlock had been solemn since his return on Friday. Last night she had seen a little of himself in his actions but too much the past days he had been out of spirits and distressed. It pained her to see the love of her life in such a state. When he returned Friday night he looked haggard and aged. He said nothing but walked up to her embracing her in such as way that had she not known better she would fear that she would never see him again. Then in the next moment his embrace turned to one of a man in need, as if he was just returning from a long sojourn and needed the assurance that his wife and love was there and indeed real.

Lady Matlock had led him to his room and dismissed the servants. She stayed with him assuring him in every way possible that she supported him and would always be there for him. After a distressing few hours in which additional tears of pain and regret were shed Lord Matlock fell asleep with his head on his wife's lap, his arms wrapped around her as best he could, her reclining against some pillows as she stroked his hair and lightly hummed. Lady Matlock eventually

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>