“I was merely curious,” he replied. “It is refreshing to see you choosing to read something silly for once, that is all.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Lydia and Kitty recommended I read it. Itissilly, but I am enjoying it.” She followed Papa into his study and sat down in a chair opposite his desk. He took the chair next to her.
“I have not spoken to you since the accident,” he said quietly.
She dropped her head. “I knew you would wish to. I have been waiting.”
“Had I spoken to you directly after, I would have lost my temper,” he told her. “Therefore, I am glad I did not. You frightened me, Lizzy, but you have done nothing wrong. I told Mrs. Quimby as much when she offered me her resignation.”
Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open. “Mrs. Quimby wished to resign?”
“She felt she had failed in her duties by allowing you to leave the house last night. I informed her that had I been here I doubted that even I would have been able to stop you.”
She felt a great weight lift from her shoulders. “Thank you, Papa,” she said. “I am not certain that is meant to be a compliment, but I thank you anyway.”
Her father released a deep sigh. “You might have sent for me and waited,” he said. “It would have been the more sensible thing to do. But had you not acted when you did, Jane would very likely not be with us today.”
“Had you been here, Papa, Iwouldhave been content to wait. But you were not, and I did not know how long it would take to inform you.”
He studied her carefully. “You would not have been content, but perhaps you would have waited until I was gone to follow me.”
Elizabeth blushed. “Even when I arrived, I admit I hoped you would be close behind.”
Her father frowned. “I ought to have been here.”
“Are you planning never to leave the house again?” Elizabeth asked lightly. “You shall become quite dull indeed if that is your intention.”
Papa snorted. “Allow me to finish, if you please.”
Elizabeth nodded.
“You might have waited for me when you arrived or allowed one of the men to scramble all over the incline rather than doing it yourself. But you were correct—the mud made everything unstable, and you were by far the slightest person there.” He sighed. “I am not good at admitting when I have been in error, Lizzy. But I was wrong. You are clearly more than capable.”
She nearly wriggled with the pleasure of his approval, but she held herself still.
“Having admitted as much,” he told her, wiping his brow with a handkerchief, “I would appreciate it if you never did such a thing again.”
“Not if there is anyone better suited nearby,” she promised. “Fortunately, such incidents are rare.”
Papa shook his head slowly. “Not rare enough for me.”
She waited a moment, but he seemed to be finished. “Will you ride out today? If so . . .”
Her father shook his head fondly. “I know. I have sent someone out with materials for Mr. Todd’s roof.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Thank you, Papa. I will just take the Todd girls a basket this morning, then, and see how they are faring.”
He took her hand. “Do not walk too far today, my Lizzy. You will tire more easily after last night.”
“I promise to walk only there and back. Molly’s cough is no better, and Jane has made her a draught.”
“And you will take some of the honey cakes too?” Papa asked with a smile.
“You know me well. I hope to tempt her appetite.”
Papa nodded. “Take Sarah with you.”
“I will return more quickly if I do not,” Elizabeth called over her shoulder as she exited the room.