Finally, Jane could take no more. “Lizzy!”
Elizabeth stopped, turning to face them with a frown on her face. “He is just a baby. How is he supposed tobean earl?”
“I rather think the responsibility shall be yours.” Mrs Gardiner replied dryly.
“Pardon?”
“Lizzy, you are his mother, and until your son comes of age, he is under your protection. He will perhaps need a male guardian, but you are raising your son. Even with the advice of his guardian, the day-to-day responsibilities shall be yours.”
“No. No, no, no. A part of me feels this is a dream.” She wrapped her arms around her middle and whispered, “What a good joke,” falling back onto a chair. “I will be the laughingstock of Town. The sister of a girl who ran off with a man. It will be gossip fodder for months, if not years. What kind of life is that to raise Alex in? All I wanted was a sweet home in a small town or village somewhere, where he could grow up happy.”
“Lizzy, he will still grow up happy. You are his mother and will see it is so.”
“I think you will do an admirable job of it. With your strength and conviction, you are perfect to assume the obligations. Not to mention your experience with Longbourn.” Jane’s smile was soft but met her sister’s eyes earnestly. “I know you can do this, Lizzy.” She laughed, “It is a good thing you are in mourning.”
Jane turned to her aunt, “Never mind theTon, can you imagine Lizzy’s pique when she must shop for a completely new wardrobe, to fit her new place in Society?”
At Elizabeth’s look of horror, Jane and Mrs Gardiner burst into laughter, releasing some of the tension.
“Lizzy, there is no doubt you are facing challenging times. Try to remember you are not facing them alone. Think of it as building your household. A grander one than you had anticipated, yet not so different. You started with the nurse, next will be the guards. Not a natural next step, ’tis true, yet a necessary one for any titled or extremely wealthy family.”
She tapped a finger on her chin. “I imagine there is a townhouse with, at the least, a basic or skeletal staff. You may feel one or more positions need to be replaced after meeting with them.” She got to her feet. “We should make a list.”
Elizabeth smiled fondly at her aunt. “Where would we be without you, Aunt? You were always the woman I most looked up to. The one I most wished to emulate.”
“As did I,” Jane concurred quietly.
Their aunt blushed a little at the compliment. “I love you both dearly. As does your uncle. Now come, there is a list to be compiled.”
Mr Graham had arrived at exactly ten of the clock, this time with another associate in tow, carrying a very full satchel. Introduced as Mr Vane, Mr Graham explained he would be handling the transfer of assets and property.
Not too long after, another commotion sounded at the front door. Elizabeth’s heart dropped a little when she saw it was the four Darcy footmen, but no Mr Darcy. Though she could not fathom why his absence should upset her.
Davis bowed, “Mrs Carrington, Mr Gardiner. Mr Darcy explained our task. Sir, per’aps a footman could show us about the property so we could get a layout of the ’ouse?”
“Of course.” Mr Gardiner stepped out and returned a few minutes later.
Elizabeth wished to ask after Darcy but held her tongue. She may now be raised up from merely the daughter of a simple country gentleman, but she remained the sister of a ruined woman. There is no way Mr Darcy would wish for such a connection, for himself or for Georgiana.
~ / ~
“Good morning, Georgiana.” Darcy strode into the breakfast room.
“Good morning, William. You are rather cheerful this morning.”
“Am I? Hmm,” he appeared thoughtful. “Yes, I do believe I am in a good mood.”
She smiled to see her brother so playful. “You slept well?”
“Of course.” Darcy sat down at the table after making his breakfast choices. He nodded at a footman to pour his coffee.
She narrowed her eyes. “Have you been out already exercising your horse?”
“An excellent idea, dear sister, I should have done so.”
“William.”
He raised his eyebrows at her.
