Hours later, Elizabeth, Jane and Alex were settled in their new home. Or as settled as they could be under the circumstances. The move had been almost anticlimactic. Dumfries’s guards knew their business, and everything was handled with ease. The two bedrooms each had chosen during their previous visit had been aired, as had the small nursery adjacent to Elizabeth’s suite.
Dorothy had expressed pleasure being in closer proximity to the family, and not on the top floors as usually done in the great houses.
Elizabeth had tasked a maid to usher both her and Jane around the house until they learned the layout. Seeing guards placed strategically all over the house unnerved her. Truly there were not so many, it merely felt that way, with eyes on her wherever she went.
Entering the drawing room which had been redesigned by the viscountess, Elizabeth found Jane already there standing in the middle of the room. “It really is atrocious,” Elizabeth opined.
“And yet, there is potential, even if we cannot reupholster the furnishings yet.” Jane moved slowly around the room looking at it from several directions. “A couple of footmen can move the worst of the pieces to a back room, and we can rearrange the furniture to a more inviting arrangement.”
“You sound quite excited about it, Jane.”
Her sister smiled shyly at Elizabeth, “I confess I am.”
“Then it is yours to deal with, as you so desire. I shall discuss the small dining room with Mrs Fletcher and that should do for now. We have no plans to host, aside from our small family party. Do you not think, Jane?”
“Yes, for now. You also have a study, and I am sure there must be a library.”
A gleam entered Elizabeth’s eyes. “I forgot entirely about the library. Just imagine the treasures hidden on those shelves?”
Soft, feminine laughter filled the gilded drawing room, such as had not been heard in some time. Servants passing through the halls under Mrs Fletcher’s instructions smiled to themselves. Perhaps finally, the house would feel once again like a home.
That evening, the two women sat over a modest meal, sharing their activities and accomplishments.
“I cannot wait for you to see the drawing room, Lizzy. It is already so much improved.”
“Then we shall retire there after the meal so you may show me. I hope you do not mind, but our fare will be simple when it is only the two of us. Mrs Fletcher and I went over the menu with MrsRowley, the cook and discussed feeding the guards with the servants. I would prefer to be frugal until I feel more financially stable.” Elizabeth reached out and took her sister’s hand. “Jane, I regret I will be busy looking through the earl’s papers to try and learn what I can about his properties and business affairs. I hope you know you need not stay inside merely because I do.”
“I was never one for walking as you are Lizzy. Perhaps I shall spend some time in the garden. I am sure the Darcys will be stopping in for visits, as well.”
“I am sureGeorgianawill. She may even be interested in daily walks with you, Alex and Dorothy. And the four guards of course. We shall be known for our entourage wherever we go.”
The sisters giggled together, both finding comfort in their closeness. “Dear Jane, I am truly grateful you are here with me. I know not how I should have borne all the adjustments from the last couple of days, if I did not have your warm presence to calm me.”
“You are my dearest sister. There is nowhere else I would rather be, than here with you and Alex.”
Blinking away unbidden tears, Elizabeth sat up straight. “Now, it is time to show me your masterpiece.”
The remainder of the short evening was spent admiring the changes Jane had wrought in the drawing room. “It is so much more inviting. One feels it is possible to breathe in here now.”
Acknowledging their exhaustion from the exciting day, both decided to retire early. They exchanged wishes for a restful sleep between themselves and wished goodnight to all the guards they passed as they made their way upstairs. Despite the material change in situation, the guards were a reminder all was not tranquil in their new abode.
Chapter 27
A note arrived from Georgiana the following morning. “She wishes to visit. Jane, would you mind walking out with her, and Alex and Dorothy? She can show you the nearest paths of Hyde Park.”
“Not at all. Why do you not join us?”
“I wish to write letters to either the butler or steward of each estate. I also want to send a note to Mr Graham.” A sigh escaped Elizabeth as she glanced out the window to behold what was promising to be a beautiful day. “Perhaps if I finish them in a timely fashion, I shall join you. Jane,” a hitch in her tone called Jane’s attention to her sister, “Please stay together as a group. You will not stray far from Alex?”
“We shall all walk together, Lizzy,” Jane assured her.
Georgiana arrived with Mrs Annesley and after admiring the drawing room and taking refreshments, the ladies prepared to depart. Dorothy, Alex, four hulking guards, and two of the Darcy footmen were waiting for them at the entrance. Between Dumfries’ men and the Darcy footmen, a veritable army surrounded the women and Alex.
As the group walked through the park, Georgiana and Jane both expressed feelings of discomfort. “It does make one feel a bit like being part of a menagerie. Mrs Annesley, would you mind walkingwith the guards and Alex to show Nurse Dorothy the different paths? Jane and I shall be directly behind you, with the Darcy footmen.”
Mrs Annesley agreed to it but cautioned them not to stray too far behind. With fewer eyes on them Jane and Georgiana were finally able to relax and converse.
Both Jane and Georgiana were quiet women by nature. The one topic they had in common was Alex. Each was eloquent enough to discuss in detail every adorable part of him, including his toes. When his cries drew their attention, they rushed to his side, joining Nurse Dorothy and Mrs Annesley.
