The young widow looked like she would argue more, but eventually she nodded, blinking rapidly. “Then I shall only say thank you, sir.”
“Very good. We shall depart in the morning. It is too late to get far today, and we will need to make sure you have everything you need for Gregory Alexander’s,” he smiled at the name, “travels.”
She huffed but sat down on the bed and slumped her shoulders. “You have both been far too generous towards me. I feel it is more than I deserve...”
He gazed at the floor for a brief moment, “Somehow, I suspect it is the least you deserve.” Then he bowed and exited the room.
Georgiana walked over to where Elizabeth was sitting. She had remained quiet all through the disagreement. Now she placed ‘Alex’ in Elizabeth’s arms.
“This really is for the best. We only desire yours and Alex’s well-being.”
“Alex… Shall I have no say regarding this sobriquet?” Elizabeth’s eyebrows lifted.
“No. You shall not,” she giggled.
And with that, Elizabeth gave her first genuine laugh in a very long time.
~ / ~
The next morning Mrs Hobbs arrived with a dress in her hands. “Ye’ll find this easier on the road, dearie.” The fastenings in the front would be most convenient for nursing in the carriage. “I ’ad a maid take it in an’ it should fit ye now.”
“We shall not be travelling long on the road to Longbourn.”
“It’ll be long enough, an’ yer babe’ll be wantin’ ta eat.”
Elizabeth smiled softly at the dear woman. She took Mrs Hobbs hands in hers, “My dear Mrs Hobbs, what would I have done without you? I have no doubt you saved my life, and my Alex’s too. If not for your kindness and strength...” She stopped, her throat too tight to say more.
Mrs Hobbs smiled bashfully back at her, “The strength was all yers, to be sure. Ye jest remember tha’, when the days or nights weigh ye down. Ye are always stronger’n ye think ye are. If ye doubt me, jest think back on givin’ birth with only a stranger helpin’ ye.”
They hugged and dabbed at the few tears collected in their eyes, chuckling sheepishly.
A footman had taken her trunk down to the carriage and Elizabeth said goodbye and expressed her appreciation to the maids who had been so helpful over the past several days.
“I do not see Hannah, is she not around?” This was met with the shuffling of feet. “Pray do give her my thanks when you see her.”
When Elizabeth stepped out of the inn with Alex in her arms, she saw two carriages were being prepared for departure. The sight of Hannah entering the second Darcy equipage, caused an eyebrow to rise and she fixed a gimlet eye on Georgiana, who had the goodsense to busy herself with entering the first carriage, assisted by a footman.
“New maid, indeed… If I blinked, I am convinced I should open my eyes to a complete wardrobe for Alex, not to mention his first pony and a full-time governess...” Elizabeth muttered to herself, keeping her voice too low for anyone to overhear.
“Good morning.”
Whipping her head around Elizabeth saw Mr Darcy coming around one of the carriages with his valet and a groomsman following.
Elizabeth bobbed a brief curtsey, “Good morning, Mr Darcy.”
“We are nearly prepared to depart. Do you have everything you will require for yourself and Alex, during our journey?”
“I believe so. Mrs Hobbs offered extra towelling should Alex need to be changed or if he should make a mess.”
“Very good. We may stop at any point you or he needs to rest. I took the liberty of sending an express to your father informing him of our intentions to travel today.”
“That was very thoughtful, sir.”
He waved a hand to the side, “It is no trouble.” He guided her over to the first carriage with a hand under her elbow. “Georgiana, will you take Alex?”
“Really, sir, I am sure I should be comfortable in the servant’s carriage. I cannot be sure Alex will not cry or need changing again.” She clutched her son closer to her breast.
“I will not hear of it. We are three pairs of hands and shall be well able to keep the young master content. Should we require refreshing in any way, we shall stop.” His lips twitched in a brief smile. “It truly is not a long way from here to Meryton.”
