And for the second time in a few minutes Elizabeth’s cheeky grin and twinkle made an appearance. “I have every intention of making sure she does.”
Mr Gardiner called from his position beside the carriage. “I am afraid we really must be on our way. Especially if we shall be required to stop for changes of wet or soiled clothing.”
With a last kiss to Kitty and goodbyes all around, Mr Gardiner handed his wife and then Jane into the coach. Jane took Alex from Elizabeth who was then handed in, before Gardiner followed and settled on the back facing seat beside Elizabeth.
With waving hands and cries of goodbyes the equipage moved slowly forward out of Longbourn drive and into the road towards Meryton.
Allowing herself to take in the town as they rolled by, Elizabeth said her own personal farewell, praying she need never have cause to return unless it was for a visit.
“The children will be so happy to see you both; they have missed you dearly.” The smile Mrs Gardiner turned on Jane was encouraging.
“I am sure I shall not recognise them. They must have grown so tall over the past two years.” A look of distress came over her niece and Mrs Gardiner put an arm around her shoulder.
“They have grown but still hold you both in affection. I am sure they will be happy to commandeer much of your time and attention on outings to the park, when the weather is fine. The younger ones are still very much entertained by storytelling.”
“That was always Lizzy’s forte.”
“Then you shall spend your time sitting with Maggie as you show her new embroidery stitches. You know that isnotmy forte.” Elizabeth quirked a brow at her sister.
Chuckles from all the passengers dissolved any residual tension.
~ / ~
Gardiner Residence
The journey to London took longer than usual, as Mr Gardiner predicted. Stops were made on the way to allow for a clean and fed Alex, and everyone appreciated the lack of odours each time they continued with the journey.
Eventually, they pulled up in front of the Gardiner’s home. It was a good sized, three-storied building on a corner lot, with several windows on the bottom two floors sporting plants and flowers adding to its charming facade.
The front door opened, and a footman stepped out, descended the stairs to approach the carriage. He placed the step and openedthe door to allow Mr Gardiner to climb out. That gentleman stretched his back before turning around and handing out his wife.
Jane exited next with the assistance of the footman, and she immediately turned around to take Alex from her sister’s arms. Lastly, Elizabeth was assisted from the carriage. She stood for a moment staring up at the building, memories overwhelming her, from the last time she was there.
She could not account for how long she remained thus. Only her aunt’s voice speaking in her ear brought Elizabeth back to the present.
“Lizzy dear, are you ready to come inside?”
Quickly looking around, Elizabeth noted it was just her and Mrs Gardiner standing on the walkway. “The last time I was here was for my wedding breakfast.”
“I know, dear.”
Elizabeth felt a warm arm encircle her back and slowly nudge her forward. “Let us go inside and get you situated. I have a little surprise for you.”
With a small smile to her aunt, both ladies ascended the steps, following the others inside.
A maid stood by ready to take their outerwear. Mr Gardiner had already disappeared, but Jane waited patiently, still cradling Alex in her arms.
With her bonnet, gloves and pelisse removed Elizabeth hurried to take Alex from Jane so she could divest her things.
“Aunt, if it will not disrupt their lessons, may I go up and greet my cousins?” Jane had missed their company the past couple of years.
“You may, Jane. I am sure they are waiting to see you too.”
When Jane ascended the stairs Mrs Gardiner escorted Elizabeth to a small parlour in the back of the house.
“This room never did get much use, aside from the cold dreary days of winter. On those days, the children could not venture outside and I needed to separate them before their pent-up energy reduced them to squabbles. I had it refreshed for your use now. My hope is it will give you a place to be with Alex, so you need not go upstairs every time you require private time with him.”
“This is so kind of you, Aunt. I am not sure what will happen or how I shall make future plans for us, but I may be here longer than I led Jane to believe. Papa comprehends I will not be returning to Longbourn unless I have no choice.”
