“Rogers, excellent.” Darcy stood aside and let their servants in. Within a few minutes the table was set up with their repast and he and Georgiana were alone again.
“Pray, be seated. I hope you will rest for the remainder of today and retire early.” Darcy held the chair for his sister and then took his own seat at the table.
“I hope you do not mind, but I wish to stay with Elizabeth again tomorrow. It is beneficial having so many pairs of hands to help her.”
Darcy examined his sister, but she held his gaze. “I do not mind, as long as you care for your own wellbeing, as well. You are to makesure you eat properly and if you need to rest, you will come down to your own room.”
“Oh, thank you,” Georgiana clutched her hands together before her chest. “As to that, perhaps Elizabeth and her son should now be moved to a lower floor. The reason she was placed so far away has passed. And though her son does cry, they are soft and do not last very long. She is such an attentive mama. Even from her sleep she hears his cries and wakes immediately.” Georgiana leant closer imploringly at her brother, “If she is closer to us, it will be much easier to come and go, as needed.And…we might even share an evening meal?”
Darcy cleared his throat. “Georgiana… Before making plans, it might be best to discuss this with Mrs Carrington and with Mr and Mrs Hobbs. They might object to any changes, or they may not fit in with the running of the inn.”
Watching his sister’s excitement bleed away, he continued, “We will broach the suggestion tomorrow and see what their response is. For now, I wish to see you eat a hearty meal and I insist you retire, even if you read for a while. I will not have you become unwell over this whole ordeal.”
Crestfallen by her brother’s response at first, she could not help but smile at the love and care he always showed her. “Very well... You really are the best of brothers.”
Chapter 5
The innkeeper and his wife had no objections to moving Elizabeth and her son to a room near the Darcy’s.
“To be sure, it’ll be easier on me an’ the maids, not needin’ ta climb the stairs so many times a day.”
It took a little more convincing to get Elizabeth to agree. “But what if he cries during the night? Will that not disturb your other guests?”
Georgiana was the first to assure her. “Elizabeth, he is not so very loud, and you never let him cry for long. If you were closer to our own rooms, I shall be able to visit whenever it is convenient to us both. Think of the maids, Elizabeth. They will not need to climb the stairs every time you, or your son require anything.”
Elizabeth gave her a hard stare. “I am not so brain fuddled as to be completely unaware of the trick you are attempting to play on me.” She smirked at the younger lady. “Does your brother know his sister has such a manipulative streak in her character?”
Georgiana blushed yet lifted her chin. “My words may have been heavy handed, but the sentiment is true. Besides, if you are set up closer to our rooms, you might even join us for meals.” She leant closer to whisper, “You might even be allowed out for a brief walk in the fresh air.”
“Georgiana! Manipulativeandmean.” Elizabeth’s mouth was agape in shock. “Very well, if the kind and generous Mr and Mrs Hobbs have no objections, I agree to change rooms.” She sniffed, raising her chin imperiously, “It seems I must agree, there is no telling what further reason you might next pull from your pocket.”
Georgiana squealed and gave Elizabeth a brief hug, skipping out of the room to help with the new arrangements. Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. Georgiana reminded her of her sisters, and that was a comforting feeling to have after so many months of separation from them.
That day was busy managing the move of Elizabeth, her son and their possessions down to the first floor. The room was quite similar to her old one, but the view from the window held trees with their leaves dancing in the breeze. It was an enticing sight for her and made her itch to run outside. Then her son cried for attention and her focus turned back to him.
Hannah was putting away Elizabeth’s belongings and the few baby items borrowed from Mrs Hobbs and a few of the local women.
“Oh, Ma’am, this is so pretty,” she said, as she held up a small blanket knitted in white and yellow.
Elizabeth gasped, “I had quite forgotten about that. It was a gift from a kindly neighbour back in Portsmouth.”
“Shall I leave it out, ma’am?” Hannah refolded the baby blanket.
“Yes. Thank you, Hannah.”
Some time later, Georgiana joined them for tea and a visit. Since Elizabeth and her baby were well and resting, Elizabeth sent Hannah to get some rest too. “You have been wonderful, Hannah, but I am fully aware of the late hours you have kept in my company.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I will return later with your evening meal.” Hannah dipped a curtsey and left.
With her departure, the only sounds now filling the room were of the baby suckling. Elizabeth looked at Georgiana ensuring she was not uncomfortable. “Georgiana, are you sure you wish to stay? This afternoon may be quite dull.”
“Oh, no. I assure you.” Georgiana bit her lip, “There is something I have been curious about,” she spoke her next question in a rush of words. “If it is not too painful, will you tell me how you met your husband?”
“It is not too painful.” Elizabeth lifted her son up against her shoulder, tapping him gently on his back. “We met at an assembly in London. He was visiting a friend, and I was staying with my relations in London. I most likely would not have given him a second glance if he had not pursued me so faithfully, and in such a charming way.” Elizabeth chuckled when her husband’s namesake erupted with a small gust of air.
“He was on leave for an unspecified length of time whilst his ship was undergoing repairs. As for me, the last thing I was contemplating was marriage.”
“Did you not wish to marry?” Georgiana’s eyes were wide.
