had been a beauty in her prime. She watched her raise her hand to her temple and with her fingertips move a lock of hoary hair back from her face. She pulled down the white mobcap that covered her crown. Dressed in a white nightgown, a wrap of white wool she wore around her shoulders. Even her bedcovers and sheets were white, her pillows and the curtains that hung from the canopy. It was as if she were wrapped in snow. Or was it a symbol of purity?
“Some things are better forgotten.” Madeline said. “Better left in the past where they belong. I think God made it that way so we would not be so sad when we age. For it seems he made us to remember happier times, don’t you think?”
Darcy nodded. “I believe so.”
“And when you get as old as I, you feel you have known all you are capable of knowing, depending on how keen a mind God gave you. Remembering to get through life is what matters.” A smile brightened Madeline’s face and she chuckled. “You must think I am on the edge of madness, Darcy.”
“Not at all. You are wise, Grandmother.”
“Hmm, perhaps, but not enough. There are things I should have done differently. But that is the way of things. We leap before we look.” She laid her hand across Darcy’s. “I pray you never do that, my girl. Always think carefully before making a decision.”
“I try to use both my head and heart.”
Madeline pressed her lips firm. “Ah, the heart. That seems to be an American notion. Here in England, we upper class strive to use our logic in situations of the heart. I hear that in America, class matters not and people marry whomever they please. Do you understand what I mean?”
“I do. But in America the rich are not apt to marry a person of lower distinction—unless they are madly in love and cannot help themselves.”
Madeline laughed. “My, my. What things must go on. But seriously, Darcy, you mustn’t go to the ruins again. It is too sad a place, and as for Ethan Brennan—I can see you love him by the mere mention of his name. He just may be the one for you.”
“Have you met him?” Darcy asked quietly.
“Not in person.”
“Then how do you know whether he is a good match for me?”
“I knew his parents. I met them at church when they arrived. She was a charming woman. Her death was tragic.”
Darcy cocked her head. “Ethan told me his father found good company later in life. She soothed his grief by being his companion and a governess to Ethan.”
“You think her noble, do you?”
“Indeed, I think she must be.”
“I shall say this much. I recall there was a great deal of insipid tongue wagging. I cannot remember why, or even her name. … I remember so little of the whole event. Yet, I have a feeling Ethan told you too much.”
“He told me he loves me.”
“Loves you? Oh, my.”
“We met last summer, in Virginia.” Darcy told Madeline the details about the gathering at Twin Oaks, how he almost ran over her with Sanchet, how he saved her from a near drowning, and that they both believed God had brought them together again. Madeline looked confused and fussed with the trim on her wrap. Her brows pinched and she worked her mouth to find the words to reply.
Darcy squeezed her grandmother’s hand. “Do not worry.”
Madeline’s eyes grew misty. “It is not that. I refuse to worry, for you are to leave for home soon and Mr. Brennan shall remain at Fairview. Unless …”
“He has not asked me.”
“But he might. And what will you do then?”
“I will accept.”
“Buy your wedding clothes, Darcy.” Madeline wiped her eyes. “I think I shall pass on soon.”
“Oh, please, do not say that. Do not cry.”
“I am tired, Darcy. I miss my husband. I prayed to see you before I leave this world because you were my Hayward’s only child. I am happy to have had that prayer answered. But Hayward—how I longed to have seen him again. But I doubt I ever shall.”
Though flattered, Darcy felt sad that Madeline had no interest in the other girls or in seeing Uncle Will. She could not understand the reasons. “I wish with all my heart you could meet your other granddaughters and see Uncle Will again. I think you would like Aunt Mari, his wife.”
“I was so young when I had William, and having not seen him