“Pray do so, Jane. I know your uncle will want to express his own appreciation to Mr Darcy in person.”
All three fell silent, then a huff of air was heard, added to it came a squeak and more huffs of air. Elizabeth tried very hard, but her giggle rose in her throat and erupted. Soon all three were laughing uproariously clutching their sides or bent over their laps.
Eventually the hysterical laughter slowed and stopped. Only then did Jane and Mrs Gardiner notice Elizabeth’s laughter had morphed into tears. They comforted her as well as they could until she and Alex were helped upstairs, so they could rest until dinner. It had been a trying few months for the young widow.
~ / ~
Darcy and Georgiana’s carriage ride back to Darcy House was a quiet one, until they had nearly reached their destination.
“Was she correct?”
“Pardon?”
“Elizabeth. Was she correct?” Seeing her brother was not following her train of thought, Georgiana elucidated. “Lord Carrington would have kept trying to take her inheritance?”
“It is impossible to say. It matters not as the man is dead. I can reassure you, however, Lord Matlock would not have allowed the inheritance to be stolen away from Mrs Carrington and Master Alex.” His tone was confident.
“Sometimes, I suppose, it is of benefit to have friends in high places.”
“Indeed.”
~ / ~
The next morning at breakfast Mr Gardiner and Elizabeth were discussing their intention to visit Mr Haversham directly following the meal.
A little sound from Mrs Gardiner drew their attention. She tsked, “A note from Mary in response to my invitation for tea or dinner. She declined, saying she did not think it appropriate to eat at a home where someone is in full mourning.” With a sigh she lay the letter on the table.
“Aunt, I am more than happy taking a tray, so they might visit.”
“Nonsense, Lizzy. We are family. These strictures should not count. This is all Mary. Her husband is far too nice to be so strict.”
“Perhaps they will come when I enter half mourning. It is well, Aunt. Besides, Georgiana is keeping us busy all by herself.”
“I received a letter from Kitty, too. I wonder how she is getting on.
Longbourn
Meryton
Dear Aunt Gardiner,
And Jane and Lizzy, as I am sure you will all be sharing this letter.
We at Longbourn are quiet, but it does not follow that we are not busy. Mrs Hill is still instructing me, but I havereached a state of comfort enough to visit the tenants on my own. And by that, I mean I am driven in the little pony cart. Papa adjusted one of our maid’s duties and allotted her the task of driving it and accompanying me wherever I go, even if it is just down the lane to Lucas Lodge. I cannot say if I am frustrated by the lack of trust or happy to feel so cared for. A bit of both, I imagine.
He says with my being the only female in the house, there was no need to keep her as she was. Do not fear, for I understand she is being properly compensated for her new duties.
If I am mentioning Lucas Lodge, I should tell you we were invited to dinner and Papa agreed! I was happy to be with Mariah, but seeing Papa with Sir William, how relaxed and talkative they were together, brought tears to my eyes. I had to claim some smoke from the candles got in it, which vexed Lady Lucas greatly. I did not mind; it was better than bringing attention to Papa’s revived behaviour.
Since writing the above, some news of the most alarming nature has made its way to Longbourn. One of the servants returned from an errand in Meryton and informed Mrs Hill about two strange men in the village. No one knows them, but according to the gossips they are asking about Lizzy. Or rather they are asking about Mrs Carrington and her child! Say what you will of Meryton, but this time they did not disappoint us. Apparently, no one agreed to say a word to these men about Lizzy. Only that she returned for a month after her husband’s death and is now in London.
If they should return, I will let you know immediately.
All my love,
Kitty
Mrs Gardiner set the letter down on the table and leant back in her chair. “Well… This is unexpected.”
