“Are you thinking of settling elsewhere?”
“It all depends on how much I shall have to economise. I should prefer the country, at least until Alex requires tutors. Living at Longbourn would permit me to save for his future, I simply cannot stomach settling near Meryton again.”
“Lizzy,” Mrs Gardiner sighed. “I know it was difficult, but you must release the resentment. The only person it harms is yourself. And, eventually Alex.”
“I know you are right. But the way we lost mama, and Jane being so…” Words escaped her, so Elizabeth flapped a hand to describe how altered her favourite sister is. “They still will not call on her. All this time, she was left alone, shunned. Our sweet and gentle Jane. I will not give them the satisfaction.”
“I understand, my dear. But people are people wherever you go. There will be those we connect with and those who wish to tear us down. What matters is how you face them all. What is it you used to say?Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.” Leaning her head to catch her niece’s eye, Mrs Gardiner waited until she received a nod of acknowledgement.
“Let me show you to your room. I hope you do not mind, but I put you in a bedroom off the nursery. I believe you will find it more convenient.”
An hour was spent organizing the ladies and settling down the four overexcited children. Elizabeth begged off, pleading the need to rest and get Alex comfortable in his new dwelling. “We shall come down after we both have rested. I do not think any of us will enjoy an afternoon of wailing.”
“Rest well, Lizzy,” trailed in her wake and she shut the bedroom door leaving her alone with Alex to rest.
A couple of hours later, feeling refreshed, Elizabeth entered the front parlour with a wide-awake Alex in her arms.
“Lizzy, come have some tea. It is still warm. I was just telling Jane about some events taking place in the next few weeks before the season ends.”
“Aunt, I told you I am not here to-”
“Nonsense, Jane.” Mrs Gardiner cut her off. “You have hidden yourself away at Longbourn for too long. Well, no more. I wish to see you enjoy yourself. I give you my word I will not push gentlemen at you, as long as you promise to make an effort to enjoy yourself.”
Jane was looking quite put out, so Elizabeth plopped Alex into her arms to calm her down.
With a roll of her eyes at her sister, Jane merely said, “Very well, Aunt.”
“And we will be acquiring a few new gowns for you. No, no,” seeing Jane was going to argue. “Yours are far too out of date. We will find fabric at your uncle’s warehouse and use my modiste. Nothing fancy for day dresses, but you will require evening gowns as you shall be attending events and your uncle will not have it be said his business is doing so poorly, he cannot dress his nieces.”
When Jane still looked conflicted her aunt persisted, “Think of it as being a walking advertisement for your uncle’s wares.” Her expression was earnest, but her eyes gave away the humour she was trying to hide.
“Elizabeth, you will be getting a couple of new dresses too. You need dresses that, well, fit you properly!” With that, all three ladies chuckled, and a day was set for their shopping in two days’ time.
Chapter 15
That evening, the excited chatter of the Gardiner’s four children was a constant flow of conversation. The joy of having their favourite cousins present was palpable. At the meal’s conclusion, Elizabeth asked to speak to her uncle privately.
“What have you not yet told me about my situation? Now that I am here, pray tell me all.”
Mr Gardiner sighed, “I asked a colleague to make inquiries. It has been confirmed - Gregory’s father, the earl, attempted to seize your inheritance.” He met his niece’s eye. “I do not think he has yet been successful, but the lawyers were still stonewalling me before we travelled for the christening.”
Biting her lips to keep the tears in her eyes from falling, Elizabeth cleared her throat. “How could he do this to his son? How is it even possible to circumvent the law in such a manner?”
“He is a peer. And an unscrupulous one, it would seem. It is impossible to know what form of pressure he has pressed on the attorney. As for the law, it is no easy thing, which I believe explains why your situation is at an impasse.”
Elizabeth sat tapping a finger against her lips. “Should I ask Mr Darcy if he can assist?”
“Tomorrow morning you and I shall go one last time to seekanswers. If nothing comes of it, then yes, I think you will need to request his help. We must clear up this matter as swiftly as possible. Any further delay may place your inheritance and financial security at risk.”
~ / ~
Darcy House
“She is here.” Georgiana came skipping into Darcy’s study after breakfast.
“Who is here?”
“Elizabeth. She arrived in town yesterday. Oh, I cannot wait to see her. May we go?”
