He had put a good spin on the scene that morning for Georgiana’s sake, but Darcy knew their battle with the Matlocks was not over. Their uncle and aunt would not go quietly into that good night. Nor would they lay their lofty plans to rest so easily.
After all, the Darcys had come to Town, and Miss Georgiana Darcy with her thirty-thousand pound dowry and connection to the Earl of Matlock was a catch worth squabbling over.
Darcy shuddered when he imagined the young men lining up to try and win her regard. Some would be honourable, upright gentlemen. Most, however, would be rakes and fortune hunters, desperate to boost the coffers they depleted by gambling and paying for the upkeep of their lady-birds.
When his thoughts turned to the gimlet eye his uncle gave him, Darcy groaned. He was a widower now, and back on the marriage-mart. This time, even more of a catch, for Pemberley still required an heir. With Rosings added to his portfolio, no matter how insolvent it was, he would be a target for any unmarried lady, seventeen years of age and up.
Darcy finished his brandy in one last gulp and rested his head back. Nothing has changed in all the years since he came of age. The game was the same and so were the ladies.
A memory of morning sunlight playing over the blushing cheeks of a smiling young woman drifted through his thoughts. Perhaps he will be fortunate and meet a lady in Town who has similar qualities to the brave, young widow.
Chapter 11
Longbourn
Gardiner Residence,
Gracechurch Street
Dear Niece,
I regret I do not have better news. There is no doubt your husband’s attorney is stonewalling me. His unavailability borders on deceit by this point. I am sure travelling is what you least desire to do at this time, however I feel it is necessary.
Your aunt and I are honoured to be Godparents and look forward to seeing you and meeting your son when we visit for the christening.
Kitty is excited to be returning home. I am sure you will note a little more steadiness and maturity when you next see her.
Yours, Etc.
E. Gardiner
Jane adored spending time with her nephew.When he was in her arms, Elizabeth could finally see the Jane of old. Her goodness and sweet smiles were all for baby Alex.
It was a boon for Elizabeth as well. When Alex was fed, dry and sleeping, Jane gladly watched over him so her sister might return to her former habits of walking the grounds of Longbourn. It meant an escape from the home she no longer felt comfortable in. Memories, both sweet and sour, rose up at every corner.
The exercise had an added benefit, returning her to her former figure, aside from her fuller bosom. Elizabeth hoped once Alex outgrew his need for her, they would reduce in size.
Being back on Longbourn’s lands, Elizabeth relished the luxury of being outside. Every bird tweet, tree rustle and lungful of fresh air rejuvenated her. Standing at the top of Oakham Mount, Elizabeth raised her face to the sky. Her skin warmed from the rising sun, and her mind emptied of everything – the past, the losses, and the obligations.
The exercise had the added element of calming her overwrought emotions. She had not been made for unhappiness, choosing to see the follies of life rather than be bogged down by its miseries. However, the extreme changes of all her recent upheavals had played havoc with her equilibrium. Sitting through the superficial social calls was often a spark to the tinder of her emotions, be it tears or temper.
Since Aunt Philips and Lady Lucas’s visit, several other ladies had come to condole with her, and meet her son, but not many considering the Bennets long tenure at Longbourn. At first, she blamed this on not having yet been churched, but when a few of her mother’s closest friends never showed she approached Jane with her concerns.
“Jane,” Elizabeth decided to be upfront, “Is our family still being shunned?”
“Not exactly.” Jane lowered her needlework. “Truthfully, we do not socialise or attend events, so there is little interaction. A few of the families do still keep their distance. However, I believe they are more embarrassed now at their past behaviour than shunning us for Lydia’s mistake. And they should be. My mother would still be alive if our neighbours had shown more Christian charity.”
“Jane. That speech screams of bitterness and is quite unlike you.”
“Am I wrong? They treated mama in an infamous manner. Even if Lydia was silly and thoughtless, did she and our family not pay the price already with her death?”
Elizabeth had no answer for her sister and decided not to pursue it at present. The shade of anger, which had taken root in Jane’s kind heart, gave her pause. It was so far from who her sister used to be.
“Have you thought more of my request to accompany me to the Gardiners? I know they have asked for you, as have our cousins. You might even meet someone.”
“Lizzy, I am on the shelf and still penniless. Not to mention the black mark against our family. There is little point in trying.”
“You do not know that. Mary and I have both married.” Elizabeth hesitated before continuing in a quieter tone. “Jane… it pains me how you have cut yourself off from life.”
