“Perhaps it was,” Jane’s soft voice startled her. “But you cannot deny, their so-called presumption was kindly meant.”
“I did not see you there, Jane.” Elizabeth patted the seat beside her, a crooked smile on her face. “Are you coming to join us?”
Jane smiled, also remembering the last time this scene played out. “I believe I shall.” She joined her sister on the settee and handed her a letter. “This just arrived for you. May I hold Alex whilst you read it?”
At Elizabeth’s ‘of course’, Jane took Alex into her own arms and gazed lovingly at him. She rocked herself forward and back for several moments, giving her sister time to read her correspondence.
When Jane looked up it was to catch Elizabeth staring at her, one eyebrow slightly lifted. “Lizzy?”
“It is from Mr Graham. Our refurbishing plans may move forward.”
“This is good news.” Jane was chewing on the insides of her lips.
“Jane, what worries you?”
A swift inhale, then Jane said, “I am very concerned about the situation, and think we should move to Carrington House immediately.”
It was a statement, not a question. “I admit to leaning towards that idea myself.”
“Oh, Lizzy. Uncle and Aunt have been so kind to us, but I cannot help thinking we are a burden. I did not sleep at all well last night; visions of fire dominated my dreams.”
Elizabeth nodded slowly, her own expression now pensive.
Jane continued speaking. “I will feel more at ease being separated from them. I fear Alex’s presence puts everyone here at risk.”
Elizabeth reached out and touched her son’s head with her fingertips, gently running them in little circles. “Our thoughts align. I, too, hold great fear for our relations from the unknown person. He has shown he will not hesitate to kill indiscriminately with fire.
“I would not wish to offend our relations, but it may be for the best to move there as soon as tomorrow morning." Elizabeth snickered softly, “Lady Matlock shall certainly be happier visiting a more appropriate address.”
“Lizzy.” Jane shook her head at her favourite sister.
They sat in companionable silence, staring at Alex. Jane turned her head to Elizabeth, “Tomorrow?”
The sisters’ gazes met, and Elizabeth nodded. “Tomorrow.”
The release of tension caused Jane to droop. Taking a calming breath, she changed the topic of conversation. “Have you written to Mary of your change in circumstance?”
“I have not. I may write to her by and by, but it may also wait until she feels a visit is proper.” Seeing Jane was going to object, Elizabeth continued hurriedly, “She will probably send a disapproving letter, as if I could change what has occurred and how it affects my Alex. A letter to Charlotte should not wait, though. I have no idea how long it will take for Kitty to share the news, but Lady Lucas may write to Charlotte immediately. If she does not, Sir William will most assuredly write to Mr Collins.”
“Well then, you had better write to Charlotte. I shall continue to hold my nephew.”
The sisters shared a smile before Elizabeth rose to move to the small table in the room she used for her correspondence.
Dear Charlotte,
I trust this finds you well.
As you are aware Jane and I and Alex are all visiting with the Gardiners in Gracechurch Street. Some days ago, a most startling event took place.
Two men called on us with the most astonishing news. It seems not long after my husband’s death and that of his brother fighting in the army, the earl and viscount lost their lives as well, in a most worrying fashion. They perished in a fire on the estate, which now is believed to be arson. The purpose of these two men, solicitors of the former earl, was to meet my son. It seems he is the last living male Carrington and now carries the titles.
There is much work to be done to bring the properties back from near ruin, I am told. Jane and I shall be moving to stay in the townhouse. It too needs work, but the three of us shall not take up much space and I trust the work may be completed even with us living there.
My dear friend, I know you will rejoice at this new advantage in life for my Alex. But I beg you to keep his safety in your prayers. I shall not sleep again until the culprit is caught or stopped. My Alex’s survival is all that matters to me.
Perhaps by and by, your husband will allow you a visit to Town. Just imagine, you, me and Jane together again, like in our girlhood days.
I shall write when we have moved to the new address.
