Alex was sitting on Dorothy’s lap chewing on his little fist. He began flapping his other hand saying, “Ooh, ooh,” when he saw his mama. She crossed the floor to lift him in her arms, kissing his chubby cheek. “Are you ready for your first picnic, my son?”
“Gah,” he stared at her face in wonder, and the ladies could not help but laugh.
The sound of the knocker reverberated down the hall. Soon the happy chatter of little children drew closer to the drawing room.
“Lizzy! Jane!” The children entered, full of spirit and ready to run around in the park.
Master Edward Gardiner entered with more reserve. When he spotted Alex in Elizabeth’s arms his reaction caused a few raised eyebrows. He headed straight for his cousin and with a most serious expression bowed to him.
“That was very nice, Edward.” Elizabeth leant over and whispered, “you do not need to do that every time you see Alex.”
“I wanted to see what it felt like. He is after all a lord,” Edward whispered back.
“And how did it feel?” She struggled to keep her voice even, despite the urge to laugh.
“It felt strange. He is just a little baby.” The expression on her young cousin’s face was serious and contemplative.
“He is. What say you, we leave the bows until he is much older?”
Edward looked up at her thoughtfully, then gave one affirmative nod of agreement.
Mrs Gardiner left the children with her husband and Jane and pulled Elizabeth aside. “I have a couple of dresses Mrs Bean finished for you.”
She gestured for Dorothy to take Alex and once her niece was free, she pulled on her arm in the direction of the stairs. “Do change into one of them for the picnic, dear. Mrs Bean made sure to add a small amount of embellishment in black out of respect for your mourning. I have looked them over and the dresses are just right.”
Standing at the foot of the staircase, Elizabeth pulled one of the dresses out of the paper wrapped package. “It is a pretty dress. I had forgotten what it felt like to wear soft muslin.”
With a small shove, Mrs Gardiner pushed her niece up the stairs. “Hurry and change, Lizzy, the children shall grow impatient.”
Elizabeth was never more grateful she ordered half mourning dresses from Mrs Bean. Despite her conflicted emotions about attending the picnic, another side of her felt the same excitement as the children. It would be a refreshing change to be both out and surrounded by people.
Lucy helped her change, admiring the new gown. “You look lovely, madam.”
Hesitating, Elizabeth faced the mirror. A young woman’s reflection filled the mirror. “Oh. I barely recognise myself.” The dress was in a soft grey colour, accented with black ribbon at the neckline and high waist. Made of fine muslin, it hugged her figure in a way the black mourning dresses never did. Her hands smoothed down the soft skirts. “It is lovely.”
“One moment, ma’am.” Lucy darted into the dressing room, reappearing with a black lace shawl draped over her arm. “I noticed this when I was organizing your things.”
“Perfect, Lucy. Thank you.”
After one last look in the mirror, Elizabeth went to rejoin her family.
It took far too long to get their whole group on the way. “Aunt, Uncle, why do you not go ahead with Jane and the children? Alex and I will follow with Dorothy and the guards.”
Agreeing to the plan, order was restored, and they were more expediently on their way.
Georgiana’s instructions had been to meet at a specific gate. A footman stationed there would show them the way.
Gasps of amazement flew from several mouths when they arrived at the picnic area. Georgiana had designed a beautiful alfresco setting using space rugs and colourful pillows.
“You are here, welcome!” The hostess skipped over to her guests, greeting everyone, including the children. She pointed out games for the children to play until they got hungry. “Do not worry, we have plenty of maids and footmen to keep an eye on them.” She assured Mr and Mrs Gardiner.
Jane and the Gardiners went to shepherd the children and Elizabeth stepped forward to greet her friend. “Georgiana. This is wonderful. You must have put so much work into arranging everything.”
“I had help, and I always wanted to host a picnic. Maybe when we return to Pemberley, I shall host one there as well.” She made a face at Alex who gave her a gummy grin in delight. “You look lovely, Elizabeth. One of your new gowns from Mrs Bean?”
“Yes. My aunt brought it over today.”
Dorothy approached, “Shall I take him, Mrs Carrington?”
