It pleases me to inform you that my enquiries have produced a suitable cottage in Margate, available for lease from the first of May. It is a modest yet charming dwelling situated near the shore. The solicitor reports four bedchambers above, well suited to yourself, Miss Elinor, and Miss Lane. The lower floor comprises a parlour, dining room, study, and a kitchen.
Pray write to me directly, that I might secure it for the summer. The house is much in demand and seldom stands empty.
Yours sincerely,
R. Wilkens
Pleased to know her plans were taking shape, Elizabeth replied at once, authorising Wilkens to finalise the lease through the summer months. After Jane and Mr Bingley’s wedding, she and Elinor would travel to Margate.’Tis time to make new memories.
A few days later, she took affectionate leave of Suzanne. The Blythes would remain in London for the season.
“Come again, dear friend.” Suzanne kissed her cheek. “I hope to hear from you soon.”
“You will not be rid of me,” Elizabeth promised. “I shall return to London before setting out for Kent.”
“Will you stay here at Godfrey House? You know the invitation is ever open.”
“I do, and I thank you. But I mean to stay at my own house. There are still some minor alterations to be made, and it will be best if I am there to direct them.”
Suzanne laughed and drew Elizabeth into a fond embrace. “I am so proud of you,” she whispered. “Your strength is admirable. Send your card round and we shall call when you arrive.”
Elizabeth agreed and, after bidding a final farewell to the Blythes and Arthur, she joined Miss Lane and Elinor in the waiting carriage.
“What say you to a journey to the sea?” she asked as they set off. Miss Lane’s pleased reply set Elinor chattering, and the little party spent the rest of the day cheerfully discussing their coming holiday as the coach rolled steadily towards Longbourn.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
February-March 1812
Longbourn
Elizabeth
Longbournseemedthesame,yet different when she arrived. As she stepped inside and was greeted by her mother and sisters, Elizabeth sensed a subtle alteration in the household.Mayhap it is I who is altered,she reasoned, as she looked about.
“My, that gown is lovely!” Lydia cried, her fingers already exploring the fine travelling attire Elizabeth had purchased in town. It was more fashionably cut than anything she had brought with her after her marriage.
“Thank you, Lydia. I brought presents for everyone.”
The younger girls’ delighted exclamations filled the room. She directed Kane to deliver the trunk to the parlour instead of her chambers upstairs, and while her maid set about unpacking, Elizabeth joined her mother and sisters within. Mrs Bennet received a shawl, fan, and gloves; Lydia’s glee at the new bonnet and basket of embellishments drew laughter all round. Kitty, Jane, and Mary each received a bolt of fine fabric. “You will need something suitable for your coming out, Kitty,” Elizabeth remarked as her sister thanked her, eyes glistening.
“I wish I could come out,” Lydia pouted. “You were married at sixteen, Lizzy. I do not see why Mama and Papa had to change the rules after that.”
Elizabeth’s smile wavered. “Would that I had been able to wait to marry. But that is beside the point—are you not pleased with your gift?”
Lydia’s lower lip trembled before she gave a grudging nod. “I suppose I shall have to wait for my turn. Jane promised I might stand up with her at her wedding, since Kitty will do the same for Mary.”
“And you will both have a new gown for each wedding!” Mrs Bennet interjected, already detailing the funds her husband had set aside to see all the girls suitably attired. Elizabeth half-listened, her thoughts drifting to her father and the silence that had followed her arrival.
Gathering the parcel of books she had purchased for him at Hatchard’s, she made her way to his study. The door stood ajar. Within, she found him bent over his ledgers, spectacles perched low on his nose.
“I would suspect you were avoiding me if I did not know better,” Elizabeth declared as she paused at the door.
Mr Bennet started, the quill blotting the page. “Lizzy!” He smiled, yet the lines about his eyes betrayed unease. “Come in, my dear.” He set down his quill and leaned back in his chair.
Elizabeth entered and laid the parcel on the desk, then took a seat.
“’Tis good to have you home, my Lizzy. How was your time in town—productive?”
