Elizabeth could not believe how easy this was going. She eyed her sister a little suspiciously.
Jane noticed and sent her one of her former serene smiles. “Do not be so shocked, Lizzy. It is not as if this is the first time you have mentioned it. The simple fact is I do not wish to be separated from Alex.” She gave Elizabeth a smirk, got up and walked out of the room.
Mouth agape, Elizabeth could not but ponder yet again the resemblance between Jane and her new friend, Georgiana.I might as well let the two of them take over the care of Alex and be done with it.I hope to introduce them in London, although, perhaps I should not; I may never hold my Alex again.
With Jane’s decision to travel with Elizabeth to London, all the ladies pitched in to teach Kitty as much as possible of Longbourn’s household duties before their departure. It was going to be a hurried course of teachings, as Mr Gardiner needed to get back to his business and could not delay much longer.
The women convened in the seldom used back parlour, accounting books arrayed on a small table. Chairs had been pulled up from all corners of the room and everyone was focused on Kitty and giving her a basic idea of the day-to-day tasks, before she was left to handle things by herself.
“There is no need to fret, Kitty dear.” Jane pressed Kitty’s hand. “Mrs Hill is here to guide and teach you. I did not know anything when I began. Aptitude comes with learning and experience. You will do very well.”
“Will I need to visit the tenants?” A look of apprehension was clearly visible on Kitty’s face.
“It is not as daunting a task as it seems at first.” Jane gave her sister an embrace, leaving one arm around her shoulders.
“You’ll do fine Miss Kitty,” Mrs Hill gave a sharp nod, “And there’ll be no problem sending a maid with you when you go. The tenants will be grateful to know the Bennets are caring for them.”
Jane continued reassuring Kitty, “Papa purchased an old cart and a horse to draw it. He did not like me walking to all the tenants by myself. So, you shall have the pleasure of learning how to drive the cart as well.” The smile Jane beamed on her younger sister was in complete opposition to the look of horror which overtook Kitty’s.
Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner, watching the scene unfold before them burst into laughter. Soon the other women joined them, everyone feeling a sense of relief from the built-up tension and apprehension.
They all settled down to go over the account books and explained what Kitty will be taking on.
At dinner that night another topic was raised which Elizabeth hoped would be of benefit to Mr Bennet. “Shall you ask Mary and her husband to come?”
“I will write to her, but I do not think Mr Banfield will leave his flock. Perhaps at a later time.” Jane darted her gaze from Mr Gardiner to Elizabeth and back. “Uncle, do you have an idea on how long it may take to release Elizabeth’s funds?”
Mr Gardiner cleared his throat. “I am afraid I do not. The lack of any kind of response is beyond the pale. Hopefully, we shall know more once Elizabeth is with me to bang on the attorney’s door.”
With a smirk, Jane murmured, “You may always ask Mr Darcy for his assistance.”
Elizabeth pretended she did not hear her. Instead, she smiled brightly at her father. “Papa, you may have a full house again if they should come. Is that not wonderful?”
He muttered quietly under his breath, not really acknowledging her words.
Changing the subject, Mrs Gardiner spoke about how excited her children will be to see both Elizabeth and Jane, and the Gardiner children were spoken about at length for the remainder of the meal.
When everyone but Mr Bennet adjourned to the drawing room, Elizabeth followed him to his book room and knocked on his door.
“Come in, Lizzy.”
“You always knew it was me at your door.”
“Rarely did anyone else knock on it and your mother was more like a gust of wind when she wanted entrance to my sanctuary.”
Elizabeth smiled sadly at the memory.
“Having Kitty here with you will be a boon, Papa. Pray make an effort to leave your book room and attend her. She will benefit from spending time with you, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much she has changed.”
“Well, Lizzy, if you say so, I suppose I must.” His shoulders dropped dejectedly, “I will miss you, Alex, and Jane.
“You might call on Sir William to enjoy a drink together and reminisce about your misspent youth.” Her tone was overly bright. “As I have asked of Jane, please allow life back in—for both you and Longbourn.”
He frowned, the lines of his face seeming to etch deeper into his skin. “I failed you all.”
Elizabeth examined her father, the stooped shoulders and downward turn of his mouth. Memories flooded her mind with visions of her childhood, but also of his indifferent parenting and his dismissive behaviour towards his wife. Treatment, which at times bordered on cruelty, in light of her fears of being left destitute after his death. Of course, that was irrelevant now, still, his words required attention.
“Perhaps you did,” she replied plainly, “But what is done is done. Kitty and Longbourn still need you and you are not dead yet. Lay the books down and step outside.”
