“Jane, I could never despise you. The circumstances are difficult, but I am pleased to be in your company again.”
Elizabeth’s trunk was already in her room, and she and Jane made quick work of unpacking her possessions.
“Lizzy, this is beautiful." Jane was holding up the baby blanket admiring the pretty item.
“It was a gift from a neighbour, for my baby.” Elizabeth walked over to the window and stared out at the familiar countryside. “A parting gift, as it turns out.” She spoke quietly to the window.
Plymouth, November 1813
Elizabeth felt the quickening. ‘I am to be a mother. I must write to Jane and Mrs Gardiner. I know they will be happy for me. I do hope they will not worry, or pressure me to return to Town or Longbourn. Plymouth is not the most convivial place I have ever been, and I dearly miss walking out over green hills. But I made my choice, and this is my place now.’
Elizabeth placed a hand on her abdomen and tears flooded her eyes.
A baby. How happy Gregory will be. Oh, I do wish I could tell him now. I shall write to him first and pray it reaches him swiftly.
A knock sounded and Elizabeth heard her maid of all work greet the visitor. From the sound of it, her neighbour had come to call, and Elizabeth smiled softly. Mrs Marianne Barton seems to have made a little project of the new young wife, ensuring she was not too lonely and learning her way around the neighbourhood and shops.
Molly entered and curtseyed. “If you please, ma’am, Mrs Barton has come.”
“Thank you, Molly. Please arrange for tea.” She smiled and greeted the older woman, who bustled in energetically.
“I cannot stay long, Mrs Carrington. There is simply so much to get done today. But I had to stop and see how you are getting on.”
“I am well, Mrs Barton. It is a delight to see you this fine day. Perhaps I might walk out and accompany you a little bit of your way. A little exercise shall be refreshing.”
The older woman stopped and turned a sharp stare on the younger. “Are you well?”
“I am. I…” Elizabeth bit her lower lip. “I am with child. I felt the quickening this very day.” And she promptly burst into tears.
“Oh, you poor dear. Come now, there is no need to take on so.” Mrs Barton folded her arms around Elizabeth in a warm embrace and waited until the crying slowed.
“This is a beautiful thing. You and your husband are beginning your family.”
Elizabeth nodded, drying her eyes with her handkerchief. “I wanted to tell someone so much and Gregory will not know for ages.”
“Hush, child. This is the way of naval life. You will write and he will learn of it as soon as your letter reaches him. Now, cease this upset, it is not good for you or the baby.”
Molly entered with tea and both women sat in quiet contemplation as they drank the warm beverage.
“I shall knit the babe a blanket; your first gift. Everything will be quite well, and you and your husband will be blessed with many children.”
Elizabeth blinked away her tears and with effort managed a bright smile as she turned around to face Jane, determined to shut away the memories.
“Well, Jane. It is your turn to tell me how you and Papa have kept yourselves busy this winter.”
The two sisters settled in for a cosy chat.
Chapter 10
Longbourn, March 1814
Gardiner Residence,
Gracechurch Street
My dear Lizzy,
Goodness, what a trying time you have had. I could scold you for not informing us of your difficulties. I would have come to you, even if it was merely to bring you to Longbourn, or to our home. To pack up, and travel, all alone - and so close to your confinement, too. You silly, headstrong girl. Thank goodness you met with such kind and generous people. The Darcys have long had a reputation for their generosity.
