“Lizzie!” the lady cried. “’Tis our Lizzie! Mr. Bennet, she’s come home.”
The family leapt from their seats and rushed to the steps at the front of the house, decorum forgotten. On seeing them, Elizabeth began to run; both she and her mother embraced, holding each other tight, having not beheld the other for more than five years.
“Mama,” cried Elizabeth, tears glistening on her cheeks, “I’ve missed you so!” Then she laughed, “But take care not to crush your grandson!”
Mrs. Bennet released her impassioned embrace. “Oh, my goodness! Oh my, is he truly your son? So big. Mr. Bennet! You must come and see Lizzie’s boy!”
All hesitation disappeared, a dam of repressed emotion broke, and the whole family gathered around. “Here, Mama, take little Ben.”
“Little Ben? What name is that!” said Mrs. Bennet, holding the boy in her arms, gazing warmly into his face. He stared up at her, puzzled by the attention, raising a small hand to touch her mouth.
“His name isBennet George Edward—Bennetafter dear Papa,Georgefor his paternal grandfather, andEdwardfor Uncle Gardiner.”
Free of the boy, Elizabeth gave each of Lydia, Kitty, and Mary a heartfelt hug. Then she turned to Jane, having not seen her since February ‘09.
“Sweet Jane, I’ve missed you so very much! We’ve been apart so long.” Their embrace was fervent, each reunited with their dearest sister. At last, she turned to Mr. Bennet, who was standing a little back from the group. There were tears in his eyes. For him, he had not seen Lizzy for more than six years, since before his apoplexy. She threw her arms around him.
“Dearest Papa, you’re recovered. Your mind and bodyreunited—this is the miracle for which I’ve long been waiting.”
“My Lizzie, my Lizzie.” The effort of speaking was too much; tears freely flowed down his face. He held her tightly, barely able to comprehend that his favourite daughter, who had inhabited his study as a child more often than he, was now back home.
“You’ve brought your mother a present,” he said, gaining some equanimity. “It seems a long time in the making for one so small.”
“Oh no, sir,” replied she, with a twinkle in her eye—her father was truly recovered, having found his droll humour—, “it took the normal time, some nine months; but ‘twas the finding of a suitable father—you, dear Papa, set a very high standard. Indeed, ten thousand miles I travelled to find one I could respect, admire, and love as much as you. I believe, sir, you will be quite satisfied with my choice.”
They entered the house, moving to the drawing-room.
“Mrs. Hill,” said Elizabeth, “you’ve looked after dear Mama and Papa so well—see, Papa is all recovered.” The housekeeper blushed and gave Elizabeth a deep curtsey.
“’Twas my duty, my lady…”
“None of that—you sat me on your knee when in clouts. Oh dear, I’m no longerMiss Elizabeth—perhapsLady Lizzie, that sounds very fine.” Elizabeth, much to Mrs. Hill’s embarrassment, gave her a warm hug. She whispered, “A marchioness is still a young girl at heart—you’d best hide your lemon tarts, for I’ve not forgot where you keep them.”
Thereafter, there was no want of discourse. Mrs. Bennet could scarcely talk fast enough but found herself loath to give up Ben to enable Elizabeth’s sisters to hold him. After some time of being passed from one strange lady to another, his good nature failed, and he began to cry, looking around for Elizabeth for comfort and security.
“He’s tired and also hungry. Let me sit in the cornerchair, where I can have a modicum of privacy.” Elizabeth took her son and settled herself; then undid her laces to enable Ben to suckle.
“You feed him yourself? Surely, you’ve a wet nurse.” Mrs. Bennet looked at Elizabeth with some discomfort. “And here, in the parlour, with Mr. Bennet in company?”
“You must excuse me, Mama, for Ben has known only my breast since he was born—I had no other option. My sole company at his birthing was an eight-year-old girl. As for Papa, I’m his daughter. He saw you suckling both Jane and I, for I know he was a dutiful parent and attended our births and your needs. If he wishes, he can leave—but were he to escape to his study, then I would follow. ‘Tis certain he has many new editions since I was gone away.”
***
A black landau swept onto the gravelled driveway. On this occasion, it was Lydia who saw it halt before the door.
“There is a large carriage just pulled up. Oh, I’ve always wished to ride in a landau. Then everyone in the village would see me, and I could wave to them, ever so gracefully.”
“Well, we shall take the landau out, perhaps later in the week. I do believe ‘tis William. I apologise for his tardiness, but a horse threw a shoe just by the smithy in the village.”
A rather overawed Mrs. Hill opened the door to the drawing-room.
“Lord Darcy and Lady Georgiana Darcy.”
“Oh, William, you’ve caught medishabille.Please,a moment before I make the introductions.”
None in her family, apart from Mrs. Bennet, had met Darcy beforehand. They were openly staring. Not only was he a marquess—the highest rank ever to visitMeryton—but his physical size was daunting. But ever so handsome. Lydia gave a smothered cough, putting her hand over her mouth to hide her embarrassed giggle.
Elizabeth came to stand by his side, little Ben stretched out his hands to be taken by Georgiana.
