“Of course.”
Darcy stood and departed the room, and Georgiana watched him leave, a little smile playing around her mouth.
~ / ~
Longbourn
A month after Elizabeth’s return, she asked her father to make arrangements for Alex’s christening and for her to be churched. Uncle and Aunt Gardiner, and Kitty were due to arrive to participate in the celebration.
Elizabeth needed to return with them to London. The lawyer handling Gregory’s affairs refused to meet with Mr Gardiner and trying to get information through gossip hit a wall, too. She wouldpresent herself at his office in person in the hopes of achieving better results.
The breakfast following the christening was going to be a small affair, with only the Philips attending. Although the Lucas’s were invited, they declined. A modest repast was planned under Jane’s supervision with Mrs Hill.
The Gardiners arrived the afternoon before the event and much noise and merriment filled Longbourn’s rooms, as everyone settled and was introduced to the newest family member.
“May I present Master Gregory Alexander. Or Alex, as that little appellation seems to have stuck.
“Oh, Lizzy, he is beautiful.” Mrs Madeline Gardiner took him from Elizabeth’s arms and held him to show her husband.
“Such a mix of both you and your husband.” Pointing a finger to nudge Alex’s hand, Mr Edward Gardiner smiled widely when his great nephew grabbed on to clasp the large finger, with his tiny hand.
Smiling at their antics, Elizabeth agreed. “He seems to have inherited the best of us both.”
“He is a dear, Lizzy. Your husband would have been so proud of you.” Mrs Gardiner kissed her niece’s cheek.
“Alex is a good baby, so Mrs Hill informs me. He was a little small at birth. Mrs Hobbs, I told you about her in my letter, told me it was normal seeing my labour came on early. Thankfully, he has a healthy appetite and has already put on a good amount of weight. He fusses a bit here and there. Although he rarely cries, unless he has waited too long for my attention.”
That evening the Longbourn home was filled with chatter and love. Even Mr Bennet joined everyone in the drawing room after the meal.
“Kitty,” called Mrs Gardiner, “Will you play for us? Your playing has improved over the last six months. I am sure everyone will enjoy listening.”
A blushing Kitty, rose from her seat and walked over to the piano. “I am not very accomplished yet.”
“Play what you feel comfortable with, dear,” Mrs Gardiner encouraged.
Kitty began haltingly, but as she grew less self-conscious, her playing improved. When she finished the song, everyone clapped.
“That was a lovely rendition of Greensleeves, Kitty. You played it with much feeling. Well done.” Elizabeth could not have complimented her sister any higher than those words.
“Thank you, Lizzy!” A sweet blush bloomed on Kitty’s cheeks. “That means a great deal, coming from you.”
Just then the maid came, asking for Elizabeth. “Alex needs me, so I will wish you all a good night, and see you in the morning.”
The calls of ‘good night’ followed in her wake as she exited the drawing room and climbed the stairs to her chamber, where a hungry Alex awaited her attention.
~ / ~
London
Lady Matlock had invited Darcy and Georgiana for a small family dinner. Their second son, Richard was unable to be excused from his regimental duties, so it was just the four of them that evening.
Nothing of serious import was spoken of during the meal, until Lord Matlock spoke up to his nephew. “I say Darcy. You mentioned that young widow, what’s her name, Carrington, yes?”
“Yes, she married the third son of the earl of Carrington.”
“Did she, indeed? I recollect why the name sounded familiar. Gossip around the House is that Carrington is pockets-to-let. Unsurprising, really. He, and his son, so I have heard, are well sunk into the worst habits.” He lowered his chin to give Darcy a look from under his eyebrows, remaining circumspect in front of the ladies. “Instead of taking care of the estate or managing investments, they have run it to the ground. I do hope your young widow has other family to care for her. She will not be getting any help from that quarter.”
“Oh, but she has.” Georgiana was quick to defend her friend, and her brother was quick to agree.
