Jane pressed Elizabeth’s hand when the cart turned down the lane and was lost from view. Lydia began to weep.
Elizabeth turned to her sisters. “Let us sit in Mamma’s rose garden and have our tea. I will see Papa back to bed, and I will return directly.”
She hurried up the stairs, but stopped when she heard her father weeping. Kitty was weeping as well. Elizabeth waited for several minutes before she drew near.
“Come, Papa. Let me help you to bed. It will not do to bring on a relapse.”
She turned to her sister. “Kitty, go back to your bed, dear. I do not want you to sicken either.”
Mr. Bennet rose and allowed himself to be led back to his room. Elizabeth helped him into his bed, then offered him a cup of hot tea, which he accepted.
“Elizabeth, I am sorry that I taunted your mother at every opportunity. It was unforgivable.”
Elizabeth knew his constant sarcasm had wounded their mother, and it had pained her to witness it, but it would do no good to press that truth now.
“Papa, we both know what Mamma was. You rubbed each other wrong. She taunted you whenever she could, and you answered her in kind. I believe the matter stands equal between you. No one was the winner, and now you will have some years of peace. You will be better behaved with your daughters, and with your grandchildren.”
She looked at him.
“Now lie down and try to sleep.”
He managed a smile. “You are right, Lizzy. She gave as good as she got. We were not suited, but we did make it work for many years. I will take comfort in that.”
Elizabeth returned to the garden, where her sisters were taking their tea. Of them all, only Lydia was weeping. Elizabeth drew a chair close to her youngest sister.
“Do you wish to speak of Mamma?”
“Lizzy, why could we not go to the graveside? I wanted to hear what the rector had to say. It is not fair. I am strong enough to walk to the cemetery and to see my mother buried.”
She broke down into loud wails.
“My dear, it is not the custom for women to be present. Take comfort that Uncle Edward was there. He is her brother, and he loves her very much. When you return to London, you may ask him all about it. He will tell you everything you wish to know about the service.”
Elizabeth paused, then added, “If you would like it, I can ask the rector for his notes, and I will mail them to you so that you may read them for yourself.”
Lydia’s sobbing quieted, and she listened.
“Would you do that?”
“Yes, my dear.”
“I want to know what will happen to Mamma now. Where is she, now that she has left us?”
“Very well. I will ask the rector, who is learned in these matters, and mine shall be the first letter you receive from Longbourn, I promise.”
Lydia reached for her sister, as if to embrace her, but Elizabeth drew back.
“I am sorry, Liddie, but I have been with Papa, and though he is likely no longer contagious, I cannot risk making you ill with this dreadful disease. I will give you a long embrace the next time we meet.”
Lydia smiled through her tears. “Very well, Lizzy. I shall hold you to it.”
Elizabeth turned to Jane. “Are you returning with Uncle Gardiner, or will you remain at Longbourn?”
“I packed all my things and brought them back with me. Since there is now no fear of being compelled into a marriage with Mr. Goulding, I am no longer exiled from my home.”
“And what of Mr. Bingley?”
Jane’s eyes fell away. “I have not heard from him since that night at the theatre.”
