~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Not an hour after arriving at Hertfordshire House, Peter, the Gardiner footman (the same one who had delivered the letter to Elizabeth at Castlemere), arrived to deliver a note informing the residents that Madeline Gardiner had been taken to bed for her lying-in.
The coaches were ordered made ready again and soon the newly arrived residents of the house were on their way to Gracechurch Street.
On arriving, Philips went to keep his brother company, the four maiden Bennet sisters went to entertain their cousins, and Aunt Hattie with Elizabeth made their way up to the birthing chamber.
“Lizzy dear, as one who is no longer a maiden, you are welcome here, but are you sure you want to witness the travails of childbirth before it is your time?” Madeline asked between pains.
“Yes, Aunt Maddie. It will help prepare me,” Elizabeth replied firmly. “And I remember what Mrs. Medford told me, no two births are quite the same.”
“In that case…” Madeline winced as another, bigger pain than those before, hit. “As I was saying, you are welcome to remain.”
Even though Hattie Philips had never been blessed with a child of her own, she had attended all five lying-ins of her younger sister as well as being present when Maddie birthed Lilly. Hence, she was a great help to the midwife.
As was often the case for a lady who had born more than one child previously, the labours were not very long and two hours later, the squalling of a newborn babe was heard.
Elizabeth had the pleasure of assisting the housekeeper to clean and swaddle the newborn. In the meanwhile, a maid was changing the bedding and another helping the mistress to change.
The housekeeper handed the precious bundle to the Duchess. “You hand him to his mother, Your Grace.”
She gingerly took the babe who was asleep, and handed him to his proud mamma. “Have you and Uncle Edward considered names yet?” Elizabeth asked as she placed the slumbering babe in his mother’s welcoming arms.
The newest Gardiner squirmed a little when he was transferred, but soon settled, with his little lips making a sucking noise. “We did select both a girl’s and a boy’s name. If it had been a girl, she would have been named Bethany after her brave cousin, but this little one is Peter for my late father,” Madeline revealed. “Lizzy, will you please go tell Edward to come meet his son.”
Elizabeth did not need to be asked twice. She found her uncles in the drawing room with her sisters and young cousins. Everyone was looking at her expectantly.
“It is a boy, both mother and Peter are doing very well,” Elizabeth reported.
Gardiner sprang out of his chair like a young man, kissed his niece on her forehead and was up the stairs before anyone could move.
It was rather late that night when the coaches returned to Hertfordshire House. The only one who was missing was Hattie Philips who would remain with her sister for a few days.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Even though she had not had many hours of sleep, Elizabeth was up and dressed not long after dawn. As was her habit, she did not ring for Loretta, but her maid had an uncanny knack for knowing when she was needed. Hence, she had been ready to assist Her Grace to change into a walking dress. Now that the morning illness had abated, rather than ginger tea, a steaming cup of hot chocolate was waiting for Elizabeth.
As much as she missedJamil, not being able to ride until after she delivered, Elizabeth had decided to leave her beloved mare—she was truly her mare now—in Derbyshire.
After her drink, Elizabeth made her way downstairs where the butler was ready with her gloves, light pelisse, and bonnet.
Unsurprisingly, Brian and John were waiting for her as well. Being that they were in London and not the country John had suggested, and Elizabeth had agreed that a third man join them when she walked out in Town.
The newer man, Albert Smith, was waiting for them on the steps just past the front door of the house. Brian Johnswalked ahead of her—she had accepted her guards needed to be aware of where she wanted to walk ahead of time—John Biggs to one side of her and, Albert behind.
In less than a half mile they entered the park and headed for the wide end of the Serpentine.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
William had debated whether to walk or ride in Hyde Park that morning. With the excitement of seeing Elizabeth later in the day, he had woken even earlier than was his wont. In the end, he decided to take Zeus out for a ride.
By the time he reached the stables in the mews, word had reached the grooms he wanted to ride so his stallion was saddled and waiting for him when he arrived. He pulled a large, red apple from his pocket and placed it on his palm to offer to the horse. Zeus nickered in anticipation of his treat. The apple was soon no more.
Once mounted, William headed to the park and entered via the Grosvenor Gate. First, he gave his horse his head as he galloped along Rotten Row. At that time of the morning it was practically deserted. As soon as he judged Zeus had been worked out sufficiently, William slowed to a canter and headed to the narrow end of the Serpentine to ride along the path paralleling its banks to the other end.
About half way along, he slowed to a trot. When he looked up, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. There ahead of him, about a hundred yards away was Elizabeth, walking toward him. He did not miss the two giant guards as well as it seemed one more.
The added security made good sense to William. He was not sure if word of her wealth was known in broader society yet, but rather safe than sorry.
