???
By dinner that evening Elizabeth had come to a decision.
As she listened to Mrs Bennet describing, at considerable length, the sufferings she had endured during Jane's illness and to Kitty complaining that Lydia had stolen her favourite shoe roses, she felt she could not breathe. The chaos of Longbourn normally felt comfortable and familiar, but currently it felt suffocating.
She noticed her father staring at her as she pushed peas around her plate, only contributing to the conversation when it was absolutely necessary.
"Are you well, Lizzy? I do hope you are not coming down with whatever ailed Jane at Netherfield. I do not think your mother’s nerves could manage it."
"I should like to visit Aunt and Uncle Gardiner in London."
The table hushed around her.
"Oh, I should like to go to London ever so much!" Lydia squawked.
Mr Bennet put up a hand to silence her. "And is there a particular reason for this jaunt?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
Elizabeth set down her fork. "Aunt Gardiner is expecting again, is she not? Jane mentioned in one of her letters that she has been rather tired of late. I thought perhaps I might be of some use for a few weeks. Three children are enough to exhaust anybody and I cannot imagine a fourth will improve matters."
Jane immediately nodded. "She did seem very tired when we last visited. I am sure she would be glad of the company."
Mrs Bennet looked unconvinced and huffed,"Your aunt has servants."
"Yes, Mama, but she also has three children under ten."
Mrs Bennet considered this. "That is true," she admitted. "Though I never found children particularly tiring."
At this, every one of her daughters looked at her. Mrs Bennet had not been a particularly invested mother and had handed off the care of her young children to a formidable woman named Nanny Brown.
Mr Bennet turned his attention back to Elizabeth. "And how long would you remain in London?"
"A few weeks or perhaps a month complete."
"Hm."
He took a sip of wine and regarded her thoughtfully. Elizabeth had the uncomfortable feeling that he could read her mind and knew perfectly well there was more behind her sudden desire to leave Hertfordshire than concern for her aunt's comfort.
"As it happens," he said at last, "I have given Frost leave to take the carriage to London tomorrow along with his wife."
"The coachman?" asked Kitty.
"The very same. Despite years of loyal service, he has not yet been promoted to Archbishop of Canterbury."
Kitty looked confused.
"Mrs Frost's mother has taken ill," he continued. "They intend to leave first thing in the morning and spend a few days in town. He will also collect a few things I need while he is there. If your aunt is willing to receive you, I see no reason why you should not accompany them."
"I shall send an express," said Elizabeth, feeling an immediate rush of relief. "That way it should arrive before I do. Thank you, Papa."
Mr Bennet looked at her over the rim of his glass. "You are very welcome. Though I confess myself curious. Most young ladies require a stronger inducement than childcare before volunteering for such an expedition."
"I am merely trying to be useful."
"Then your relations are fortunate indeed."
He returned to his dinner and the conversation drifted elsewhere, but Elizabeth scarcely heard it. For the first time in two days she felt as though she could breathe properly. In less than twenty-four hours she would be on the road to London. A little distance from Netherfield, from gossip and one infuriating gentleman would do her a world of good.
At least, she very much hoped so.
