When Jane informed us of your misfortune, her letter was barely recognisable, it was so miswritten. She was quite overcome at learning the details from the hand of a stranger, though they were your words. The poor dear has been besideherself with worry.
There, my chastisements are out of the way. At least, until we meet in person, at which time, I withhold the right to scold you a little more.
From what little details you wrote, it seems as though the birth was relatively easy. That is most fortunate, especially considering the circumstances.
We look forward to seeing you, perhaps for the christening. I will add my voice to yours and hopefully, between the two of us we may finally convince Jane to come to Town.
Affectionately,
M. Gardiner
Elizabeth settled in at Longbourn over the next few weeks. Caring for Alex took up most of her time, as she tried to rest when he did.
Mrs Hill found everything required for baby Alex. The old Bennet cradle was brought down from the nursery, cleaned and set up in Elizabeth’s room. Bedding, linens and baby swaddling and clothes were laundered and aired out from where they had been stored in the attic.
Word spread about Elizabeth’s return. The gossip heated up again in Meryton discussing the sad news of her being a new widow, encumbered with a baby. A very few spiteful neighbours raised their brows, intimating there may never have been a marriage, since Elizabeth had not returned to Longbourn for her wedding. However, these comments were whispered and not spread amongst the general gossipers.
Aunt Philips came to meet her great nephew, and Lady Lucas called to greet Elizabeth and to see her son. Lady Lucas and Elizabeth’s mother had had an interesting friendship, consisting of both affection and jealousy. When Charlotte engaged herself to the Longbourn heir mere days after Elizabeth declined his offer, Lady Lucas could not wait to crow over her good fortune. However, when Mrs Bennet died, Lady Lucas was at Longbourn every day, tears in her eyes and doing anything she could to be of comfort for her dead friend’s daughters.
Charlotte and Elizabeth’s friendship had been tested not just by the marriage, but by her husband’s less than charitable response to the Bennet tragedies. In his letter to Mr Bennet, the Longbourn heir presumptive hinted at Mrs Bennet’s and Lydia’s deaths were a form of divine punishment and justly deserved.
Furthermore, after nearly four years of marriage, Charlotte had yet to fall with child, and tensions were high amongst those family members in regard to producing an heir.
“Lizzy,” began Lady Lucas, “He is a beautiful baby. Your mother would have been thrilled about your son.” She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Indeed. I can hear her even now, telling anyone who would listen, what a fine boy her grandson was.”
Lady Lucas handed Alex back to Elizabeth.
“Lady Lucas, how is Charlotte, is she well? I have not heard from her since she wrote her condolences on my husband’s death.”
“Charlotte is well.” She leant closer, “She is not yet with child, and I understand her husband’s so-called patroness is most vocal with her opinions on the matter. My girl is frustrated.”
“I am sure that cannot be of help to the situation. Perhaps if she and Mr Collins could get a little time away? The shore can be a relaxing place, and it might be beneficial for them.”Not to mention get them away from the harridan her cousin revered.This thought she did not share with Lady Lucas.
That good lady bristled. Still unsure she wished to be joyful for the daughter of her deceased friend or jealous of her good fortune in birthing a son. “It certainly was for you,” Lady Lucas responded with a bite in her tone, to which Elizabeth merely raised one eyebrow.
“Lady Lucas, Aunt, let me refresh your tea.” Jane jumped up from where she was sitting and began a new topic of conversation about the gossip of Meryton. This kept the ladies entertained until they said their goodbyes and departed.
“Thank you, Jane. Lady Lucas and our aunt mean well, but I acknowledge, being away has lessened my patience for their silliness and petty gripes.”
“It is not so bad, Lizzy. In truth, they rarely visit. Lady Lucas only arrived today to see Alex. We have not seen her at Longbourn in many months.”
Jane had taken up some needlework and Elizabeth watched her. “Jane.”
“Yes, Lizzy?”
“I may need to travel to London soon. I received a letter from my uncle. He has not been successful sorting out the problems with my settlement. Would you accompany me, if I go?”
Not lifting her eyes from the hand work, Jane replied in a quiet voice, “I do not think so.”
“Jane, you cannot hide out here for the rest of your life. You are still young and should be out in the world meeting gentlemen, starting a family of your own.”
Jane did not raise her eyes, “Papa needs me here.”
“If we go to the Gardiners, Kitty will need to come home in any case. Or, we might ask Mary to come and stay. We will not leave papa on his own.”
When Elizabeth saw her sister would not reply further, she stood up, with Alex in her arms. “At least consider it, Jane. I missed you dearly and should hate being parted again so soon.”
