“My Lizzy, what a little Amazon you have become.” His sad countenance shifted to include pride for his favourite daughter.
“I do not have any other choice. I have Alex now and will be as strong as I must for him.” She held his gaze and offered him a smile, showing any resentment on her part had been set free. “Promise me?”
“I shall, my dear girl. I shall try my best.”
“Try more than your best, Papa. I shall hold you to it.” With a kiss to his cheek Elizabeth exited the room.
~ / ~
At breakfast the following morning Kitty and Mr Gardiner shared their thoughts on a book they had both recently read.
Mr Bennet, despite himself, found he was intrigued enough to inquire further. “And what other books have you and your uncle discussed?”
“In the beginning it was just a collection of Shakespeare’s poems, but as we continued, we read a philosophy book and the history of our kingdom.”
Mr Gardiner was nodding encouragingly at her.
“Indeed! And which did you enjoy more?” Mr Bennet leant closer in interest.
Thinking her father was teasing, Kitty hesitated to reply. However, his sincere expression gave her courage to continue. “I liked the history, Papa.”
“And why is that?”
“It helped me understand how we got to where we are now. It also put the war into perspective, and the officers,allof the soldiers, are not just handsome men in uniforms. The uniform singles them out as courageous men who fight and sacrifice their lives so we at home can continue to live in safety.”
Bennet stared at her saying nothing then he reached over and patted her hand. “That was extremely well said, my dear.”
When breakfast was done, the ladies and Mrs Hill sat together again for another teaching session. There was a lot to give over in a short amount of time, but everyone assured Kitty she was doing well, and Mrs Hill could answer any questions which might arise after they departed.
A maid entered holding Alex, bringing him to his mama. Elizabeth kissed his cheek “Look who is awake.” Alex yawned and she laughed. “Almost awake.”
“He is so precious. I think he has your eyes, Lizzy.”
Jane tilted her head contemplating her nephew. “I must agree with Kitty. He has the shape of your eyes, though they are still blue, but so far, all his other features seem to be Gregory’s.”
Elizabeth kissed Alex’s head and held him close. “I just want him to be as good a man as his father was.” Resting her eyes on her younger sister, Elizabeth continued, “Kitty, thank you for remaining at Longbourn to stay with Papa. I hope you continue with your reading and asking questions of him. I am convinced you will both enjoy it very much.”
“Do you think so?” A hopeful, yet tremulous expression grew on Kitty’s face.
“I do,” Elizabeth encouraged.
Jane reached out to take Kitty’s hand. “When you visit the tenants be sure to take a maid or footman. If any issues arise, tell Papa at once. Some things fall under his purview to attend to.”
Kitty nodded once firmly. “You may count on me, Jane.”
Late that night, Jane tapped on her sister’s door. “I heard Alex and knew you would be awake.”
“Do come in, Jane.” Elizabeth was seated in the middle of her bed, nursing Alex.
Jane entered the room and closed the door. She slowly meandered around the room, touching the window curtains, refolding Alex’s baby blanket. Eventually, she sat down beside Elizabeth on the bed, staring at Alex in her sister’s arms.
A bemused Elizabeth watched all this, not saying a word, waiting for her sister to say her piece.
“I hope you do not have high expectations for romance to fall in my lap, Lizzy. It will distress me if I think you are disappointed in me. I am only joining you to be with you and with Alex.”
“The only expectation I have is for you to find a little enjoyment, even if it is from a lecture at the British Museum. As for myself, after we manage to solve my financial situation, I must begin to make long term plans for myself and Alex.”
“But Lizzy, you can always stay at Longbourn, at least for the near future.”
