“Thank you, Lizzy. We shall go with you to get the carriage. Perhaps I might visit again tomorrow? I could inquire with Lady Matlock to see if she is available, as well.” The tease was charming from her sweet, occasionally shy friend.
“If she is, my drawing room is open to you both.” Elizabeth winked and took Jane’s arm to guide her away, as she was now nearly inattentive to everyone around her. She settled Alex more comfortably in her arms and as a group, the entire company began to return to the house. Between Alex and herself, the numbers of guards now surrounding them made quite the spectacle. Georgiana and Mrs Annesley followed after bidding Mr Bingley a good day.
At Carrington House, Elizabeth handed Alex to Dorothy, advising her she would be up directly to feed him. Half the guards with them followed the nurse inside, the rest remained, encircling the ladies, their attention constantly surveying the surrounding areas.
Elizabeth held Jane’s hand to offer support. “Georgiana, thank you for visiting us today. We will be happy to see you at any time, but do not overlook your obligations to theTon. I wish to hear the details of the next event you attend, when I see you next.” Her eyes twinkled with humour, then she lowered her voice. “If Lady Matlock insists on setting themodisteappointment, I beg you to take pity on us and promise to join our outing. I fear we shall need your presence to bolster our courage.”
“Lizzy.” A soft giggle escaped the younger woman. Then she lowered her voice to a near whisper. “My aunt can be sharp, but she is a warm person once you get to know her.”
With final goodbyes, she and Mrs Annesley entered the coach assisted by the Darcy footmen. Then, Elizabeth, Jane and the rest of her entourage ascended the few steps to their new home.
~ / ~
Once inside, Jane hurriedly removed her bonnet and pelisse and rushed to climb the stairs to the family wing.
“Jane-”
“Not now, Lizzy.” Jane quickly attained the upper floor and was out of Elizabeth’s eyesight. Deciding to let it rest for now, she too climbed the stairs, to join her son.
Jane remained in her room and did not attend her sister for the rest of the day, taking a tray for her meals. Though a maid did whisper to Elizabeth very little had been touched on them.
Of a mind not to trouble the servants, Elizabeth decided to have a tray brought to her room as well, spending time with her son and completing the letters to be sent to the Carrington estates.
Still, when she finally retired for the night, Elizabeth resolved to write to her aunt if Jane was still unsettled the following day.
~ / ~
When Jane did not come down for breakfast, Elizabeth sent an urgent note to Mrs Gardiner. Both women had discussed at various times their concern for Jane and her apparent serenity despite everything the Bennet family had endured.
It was more than Jane’s refusal to visit town. In all the months since the deaths of their sister and mother, not once had Jane allowed herself to be pulled into a conversation to discuss her thoughts on the tragedies.
Elizabeth jumped up and rushed to give her aunt a hug as soon as she arrived. “Aunt, thank you so much for coming. I hope you will forgive me for importuning you so soon after we left my uncle’s house.”
She described the events at the park, and Jane’s reaction when Elizabeth had joined them. “She has not been downstairs since,and according to the maid has barely touched her food. I am not sure we should confront her, on the other hand, I confess her countenance at the park frightened me.”
“Lizzy,” with a shake of her head, Mrs Gardiner took a few steps away, “I cannot say I have answers, but I have been waiting for something to provoke your sister out of her emotional stupor.” She turned back to face her niece, her hands clasped in front of her. “I know your sister mourned Lydia and your mother, but she did not do so for the loss of her own hopes and dreams. She stayed shut up and separated from society at Longbourn, despite our best efforts to have her visit. Even after both you and Mary wed, she refused to visit us. Could the flirting of a handsome man finally be the catalyst?” She straightened her shoulders. “It is time to find out.”
With those final words she marched out of the room and up the stairs. Elizabeth rushed to follow, only leaving word with a footman to pass on to Mrs Fletcher, she was not available to any callers and to send up tea to Jane’s room. Then she hurried in her aunt’s footsteps.
~ / ~
Elizabeth arrived at Jane’s room after Mrs Gardiner had knocked and announced herself. The door slowly opened to reveal a dishevelled Jane. Her hair was half undone, and she was still in her dress from the day before, though now it was a wrinkled mess.
Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth slowly entered the room, gently manoeuvring Jane backwards.
“How are you feeling, Jane?” Mrs Gardiner spoke in a gentle voice; one she used when her children were most upset.
“I am well.” Jane replied with a shrug.
“You did not join me to break your fast.” Elizabeth did not approach her sister but smiled and tilted her head. “Tea shall arrive soon. Perhaps you will care for a cup?”
With a sharp shake of her head and another shrug, Jane began walking around her room aimlessly.
“Jane, I understand you had an enjoyable visit at the park with Georgiana yesterday.” Mrs Gardiner moved to take the chair in front of the dressing table.
When Jane made no reply, Mrs Gardiner continued. “Lizzy explained you both made the acquaintance of a handsome, young man.”
A choking sound emitted from Jane’s throat and her eyes squeezed shut.
