“Can your father not be of assistance?” Darcy’s brow was furrowed. It was inconceivable to him for a father to not do all he could to protect his family.
“My father…” she lowered her eyes. “My uncle lives in London. It was more convenient.” She bit her lip. “The one bit of information he was able to discern led us to believe Lord Carrington was attempting to claim the funds himself. To the best of my knowledge, he has not yet been successful.”
“I should say not. It is not so easy to circumvent a legal will.” His nostrils flared in disdain. “I should be more than happy to be of assistance, if you find it is required.” Everything about his demeanour conveyed earnest sincerity.
“You have done so much for me already; I should dislike importuning you any further. I trust my uncle will be able to settle everything for us.”
Georgiana had been quiet though the length of their conversation, but seeing her friend had become distraught, she wanted to give her time to recover. In addition, Georgiana was desirous for her brother to get to know her new friend. “Brother, I had begun to describe the Pemberley library to Elizabeth. I do not think she believed me. Pray tell her all about it.”
“Do you enjoy reading, Mrs Carrington?”
Thus, continued their travels discussing books at length, and plays they had seen in London. These discussions were interspersed with stops to refresh themselves and see to Alex’s needs.
Darcy did change places with the maids riding in his second carriage. Elizabeth was too busy with Alex to do more than raise one brow and smirk at Hannah when she entered the carriage. When Georgiana saw Elizabeth’s eyes getting heavy, she offered to hold the baby and let the young mother get some rest.
Places were switched around again at the stop before their separation. The servants were to continue to London, whilst thecarriage carrying Darcy, Georgiana and the Carringtons were for Longbourn.
Finally, the coach turned off the main road towards Meryton. Elizabeth grew excited as she could see more signs indicating they were getting closer to her childhood home. The fine carriage drew the eye of everyone it passed, and heads turned to watch it go by.
“It is not much further now. Longbourn is only one mile from Meryton.”
“It is a pleasant looking county. We have travelled through it but never had reason to stop here before.” Darcy was peering out the window to view the verdant countryside.
Georgiana reached over to press Elizabeth’s hand firmly. “Promise you will write to me?”
“I promise.” Elizabeth smiled, “You are fortunate I brushed up on my drawing, as I intend to send you sketches of Alex as he grows. I had a little knack for it in the past but have taken up a pencil these last few months and have improved… well, somewhat.”
“I should like that very much.” Georgiana rested her gaze on Alex. “He is quite precious. I shall miss him.”
“We shall both miss you.” Elizabeth kissed the top of Alex’s head.
Darcy cleared his throat, moved by the pretty picture Mrs Carrington made. Even in her ill-fitting dress, she glowed in her motherhood. “Good. Then you will be able to send word to Georgiana if you require assistance releasing your funds. I insist upon it.”
“Very well, Mr Darcy. I give you my word.” They shared a small smile before looking away.
As the carriage turned into the Longbourn drive, Elizabeth saw the front door open. Jane, Mr Bennet and Mrs Hill emerged from the house, stepping out onto the portico. When Jane caught sight of Elizabeth through the carriage window, she began waving her handkerchief, in between using it to dry her tears.
The coach came to a standstill, and a footman lowered the step. Darcy exited the coach and handed out Georgiana, who took Alexfrom Elizabeth before she too, was assisted down by Darcy. As soon as her feet hit the ground, Jane enveloped her in a tight hug.
“Lizzy! How I have missed you.”
Mr Bennet kissed Elizabeth on the head, “My dear girl.”
This tableau might have extended to many minutes, but Elizabeth heard Darcy clear his throat and ask for an introduction. She extricated herself from Jane’s embrace and took Alex from Georgiana.
“Sir, this is my father, Mr Thomas Bennet, and my sister, Miss Jane Bennet. Papa, Jane, this is Mr and Miss Darcy. They have been most kind to me, practically my saviours.”
The gentlemen bowed and the ladies curtseyed, and Elizabeth concluded, “And this little one is my son, Gregory Alexander Carrington.”
“Oh Lizzy, he is beautiful. May I take him?” Not waiting for a response, Jane plucked him from her arms and invited Miss Darcy into the house with her.
Elizabeth watched Darcy to witness his reaction to her sister. She was older now, and considered on the shelf at five and twenty, but she was still a beautiful woman. Yet he did not give her a second glance. Why this should be important to her, she could not say.
Bennet had not yet moved. “Sir, you have my heartfelt gratitude for all your kind attention to my daughter. I cannot express how much your letters eased our concerns for our Lizzy.”
“Papa, why do we not join Jane and Miss Darcy inside. I am sure Mrs Hill will have refreshments ready for us.” Elizabeth smiled at Mr Darcy, “Will you stay for tea before you continue on your journey?”
“Thank you, we shall stop for a short while.” He followed Mr Bennet and Elizabeth in, and an older servant divested him of his hat and greatcoat.
