“He is with his wet nurse, but I shall fetch him directly once he has finished his meal.” Jane smiled. “He is a very good baby.”
“Please tell me that he does not look like Mr. Collins.” Kitty’s pleading tone caused a bubble of laughter to emerge from Jane and soon all five sisters were chuckling good naturedly.
“Elizabeth thinks he favors me,” Jane said, wiping her eyes. “I think she is correct.”
“Oh, that is very good.” Lydia smirked. “I had hoped he would be handsome instead of… well, you know.”
She did know. Jane shook her head, saying nothing.
“I believe I shall go find my husband,” Elizabeth said at length.
“Yes, yourMr.Darcy. How surprised we all were when we learned you were to marry him!” Kitty snickered. “Did he not insult you? How can you stand being married to a man who finds you only tolerable?”
“I assure you, Miss Catherine, that I have long considered your sister to be the handsomest woman of my acquaintance.”
As one, the sisters turned toward the doorway where Mr. Darcy stood. His serious expression was softened by the affection in his gaze as he looked at his wife. Elizabeth blushed prettily, smiling in return.
“Oh, that is a good joke!” Lydia cried. “Lizzy, I hope you did not forgive him too easily. A man must atone for his poor behavior.”
“I promise that I made Mr. Darcy suffer long enough.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes and cast an apologetic look at her husband.
“Since you seem to like him now, I suppose I cannot hate him any longer. He must not be as bad as we heard. You do not suffer fools or arrogance, Lizzy.”
Kitty echoed her sister’s words and Mary said nothing. Jane decided to depart when Mr. Hill, the butler, announced that Uncle Phillips had arrived.
“Show him to the study, Hill,” Jane directed. “Lizzy, Mr. Darcy, will you come?”
They nodded and followed Jane from the room and down the hall to their father’s sanctuary. The door stood open, waiting to admit them, and they entered slowly. Nothing had changed since Jane had last been in this room. The desk still had papers all over it, and there were still stacks of books around the room. Mr. Phillips stood by the desk, a stack of papers in his hand.
“My dear nieces, it is good to see you both. And Mr. Darcy.” Mr. Phillips bowed and asked if they might be seated. “There is much to discuss,” he said. “It could wait, but since you asked me to come, I brought everything we needed to finalize matters.”
He cleared his throat and began explaining the details of the entail. “With the birth of your son, Henry Thomas Collins, the entail of Longbourn in Hertfordshire has dissolved. As hismother and only guardian, you are trustee of the estate and will manage things until he reaches his majority.”
Mr. Phillips adjusted his spectacles and continued. “These documents detail everything included in the entail.” They spent the next hour going over the documents. Jane asked many questions, as did Mr. Darcy. Mr. Phillips seemed relieved that his niece would have assistance as she stepped into her new role.
“What of my sisters? Is my mother their guardian?” Elizabeth asked.
“No. Mr. Gardiner, followed by me, was named by your father. They may continue to live with their mother, or they may go with one of their married sisters if they so choose. Since Longbourn has no dower house, Mrs. Bennet can take a small cottage in town or she may stay here, ifyouare willing, Jane.”
“My mother may stay as long as she does not attempt to usurp my authority.” Jane’s voice was firm despite how nervous she felt.I have already been subject to that and have no wish to experience it again.
“Very well. Where is she now so that we might speak? I wish to remind her to stay within her means. I am responsible for dispensing her pin money, and that of the other girls.”
“Mama is… indisposed at the moment.” Elizabeth sounded amused.
“She is resting.” Jane cut in. “We found that she was overwrought upon our arrival and had her tucked securely into bed.”
Uncle Phillips raised an eyebrow, but Jane met his gaze without blinking, unwilling to explain further. After a moment, he looked away, shrugging. “Let me know if you need anything. Have you been communicating with the steward?”
“Yes. He seems to be a capable man and has not tried to challenge my decisions. He is willing to teach me, and to offer advice, which I value highly.” Yes, Jane was very pleased withMr. Brown. Though they had not met in person, his letters spoke of his intelligence. Mr. Bennet had chosen him well.
“Very good. I am off to Meryton, then. Your aunt will have dinner waiting.” He donned his hat and bid them farewell before leaving the house.
“That went well,” she said, rubbing a hand over her eyes. She felt so tired. The journey and the upheaval that day were enough to wear anyone out.
“Let us retire until it is time to dress for dinner,” Elizabeth suggested. “Henry must be missing you by now.”
Jane nodded and followed her sister from the study, leaving Darcy leafing through a stack of papers on Mr. Bennet’s desk. They went upstairs after informing the three youngest Bennets where they would be. The staff was still busy moving Mrs. Bennet’s things from the mistress’s chambers to the room down the hall, and so Jane resolved to take Elizabeth’s former chamber for the afternoon.
