“Good morning, Mrs Hobbs.” Elizabeth looked at the letter in her hand. “It is from Jane. I will be happy to walk in the sun later. For now, staying inside with my son suits me just as well and will allow me to read my sister’s letter.”
“What’s this I hear ’bout ye not eatin’ yer breakfast?” Mrs Hobbs replied.
“I did not have much of an appetite.” Elizabeth laid her letter to the side and trailed a finger down the soft, downy skin of her son’s cheek.
Mrs Hobbs sat down and examined the younger woman. “Dearie, I need ta give ye information ye need to know, seein’ as ye be takin’ on the feedin’ of yer babe. Now, listen well…”
Mrs Hobbs proceeded to explain to the new mother how what she ingested affected her son through her nursing him. His growth, his health and general well-being depended entirely on how well she will care for herself.
“Ye are a mother now, dearie. ’Tis fine ta feel sorry fer yerself now an’ again. But ye must not forget ta care for yer body.”
Elizabeth nodded her understanding and thanked Mrs Hobbs, “I will do what I must for my son.”
Mrs Hobbs gave an affirmative nod. “Welcome ta motherhood, dearie. A lifetime o’ guilt, an’ feelin’ yer never enough.” She chortled, “Ah, but the love... It’ll fill ye up till yer heart might nearly burst.”
She stood up and approached Elizabeth, resting a hand on her shoulder. Patting it a few times she said, “Ye’ll do, dearie, Ye’ll do jest fine.”
After the older woman exited her room, Elizabeth sat holding her son a little longer, before she reached for Jane’s letter.
Longbourn
Meryton
Dearest Lizzy,
We have all been in uproar since receiving the express sent by Mr Darcy. To receive further notice in your words, albeit written by Miss Darcy, letting us know you and your baby were well, has been a balm to our frayed nerves.
You have a son! Oh, how I long to see you and him. I long for you to return to us quickly, but I must insist you take the necessary time to properly recover.
Papa sends his love, and seconds my sentiments concerning your well-being. I will write to our Aunt Gardiner and acquaint her with your happy news.
Dear Lizzy, I cannot wait to see you. Pray, be sure to keep us informed of your recuperation and when you might expect to continue your journey to us.
All my love and affection,
Jane
Tears had streamed down Elizabeth’s cheeks whilst she read. Then she carefully folded up the letter, lay down on the bed with her newborn son by her side, and cried herself to sleep.
~ / ~
A couple of hours later, a refreshed Elizabeth stood once again before the Darcys’ door. She was as nervous as she had been the previous night, but for different reasons.
She felt the situation from the previous night had been left unresolved and she still owed them, well,something. Her hand lifted to knock, but before it made contact, Georgiana had opened the door and stood in front of her, beaming. “Elizabeth! I was coming to see you. Are you ready for our walk?”
A brief hesitation on Elizabeth’s part made Georgiana hook an arm through her friend’s, dragging her down the hallway.
“We will speak at length outside, but let me reassure you, all is perfectly well. My brother and I had a wonderful ride this morning. I left him dealing with correspondence, andweshall enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.” Georgiana continued her chatter until the women were outside and well away from the inn. “When we return, I shall insist on seeing your dear little Alex-”
“Alex?”
“Oh yes, Gregory Alexander is such a mouthful, and he looks like an Alex, does he not? As I was saying, I insist on spending time with him.”
Elizabeth let the chatter wash over her, together with the warming sun. It seems the siblings had worked the issues out between themselves. For now, she would bide her time and see where things stand when they parted ways.
~ / ~
Seeing as Elizabeth appeared to be in a pensive mood, Georgiana described Pemberley, its lands and her life there. “We live a fairly retired life at home. Aside from riding nearly every day when weather permits, I spend many hours at the pianoforte. Music is my greatest love, and I practice daily. Or ‘far too much’ according to my brother.”
