“What will you do Lizzy?” Jane had been sitting quietly until this comment.
“First, I am going to hire a nurse for Alex. There will be much to do, and I cannot watch him and make arrangements. It is also unfair to expect aunt and uncle to rearrange their servants to care for him.”
Mrs Gardiner tsked. “Lizzy, no one who watches him is upset to have such a sweet burden.”
“Yet, this is exactly what the money is for, and Alex deserves the best of what I can now afford.”
“Very well, task number one. Place an advert in the paper. Or would you rather send out requests for word-of-mouth recommendations? What else?”
“I need to decide where to reside. I am not fond of the city for the long term. I am afraid I would lose my mind with no easy access to nature. And it is more expensive, which is the more pertinent fact. So, the country, somewhere, but not too far away. Near the city he will have access to tutors, and it would worry me if we were so far from family.”
“The weather is turning quite pleasant. Perhaps we can arrange day trips to scope out the surrounding villages.” Mrs Gardiner had risen and retrieved paper and pencil from her escritoire. She was now writing out Elizabeth’s thoughts.
“Aunt I would like to sit with you on expected costs. Creating my own budget will help guide with what I may or may not be able to afford.”
Jane had remained silent, and Elizabeth was confused by her lack of support.
“Jane?”
“Hmmm? Yes, Lizzy?”
“I am open to hearing your thoughts.”
“I am happy for you.”
“Thank you, dear, but I was hoping for an opinion.”
“On what?”
“On where you wish to live?”
Jane blinked at her, “I beg your pardon?”
“Jane, you are my dearest sister. For as long as you can stand me, I will always want you with me.”
“I can live with you?”
“Of course, Jane.” Elizabeth gave a little laugh. “How could you think otherwise?”
“I… I do not know. I felt perhaps my place was to return to Longbourn-”
“Stop!” Elizabeth rose to sit beside her sister and took both Jane’s hands “Jane, look at me.”
The shiny eyes of her older sister tremulously met Elizabeth’s.
“Unless you truly wish it for yourself, you will not be returning to Longbourn. The choice is yours, but you will always have a home with Alex and me.
Jane bestowed on her sister her sweetest smile. “What was it you used to say, Lizzy? You will teach my children to play their instrument very ill? Well, that is what I shall do: teach Alex to run around like a heathen and play his instrument ill.”
The sisters embraced, teary-eyed and wet-cheeked. Elizabeth was relieved to see Jane smiling again. She pulled back, “I am glad we have that settled. Now, we have work to do and lists to compile.”
More tea was consumed as suggestions and ideas were bandied about and written down.
“The yearly amount from the four percents will be near one thousand pounds per annum. However, I may wish to discuss investment opportunities with Uncle, using a portion of the whole. It could bring a better return and be a nest-egg for Alex, when he comes of age.”
“That is a fine idea, and you can discuss it with your uncle in the evening. It suits you to think so forwardly. You never were averse to taking risks. For now, we shall seek a nurse for Alex.” Mrs Gardiner tapped a pencil on the paper in front of her. “Have you given thought to a wet nurse? It will free you to sleep better at night. Your days may be busy with all these new arrangements to be made.”
“Let us see who applies or is recommended. I should like to continue nursing Alex, but I will think on it. Nothing need be decided today. Now, all is as it should be, and we can rest easy.”
