Page 4

“Yes, he did. Thank you, Lizzie.”

Those last three words told all five children how much this had affected Mrs. Bennet. Elizabeth was very rarely thanked or praised.

“I will be staying at Gracechurch Street until Uncle Gardiner is recovered and able to return home. We will then reconsider what needs to be done. I will write regularly and as soon as Uncle Gardiner is home then you will be able to visit, okay?”

Mrs. Bennet nodded, her tears no longer flowing.

“I have told Martha to tell Edward that he is in my prayers, and I ask that you do as well please.”

“I will Mama. Our prayers will be heard and he will be home soon.”

This last was nothing more than deep faith but needed to be said nonetheless.

90 minutes later the four travellers were on their way.

--

The Bennet carriage pulled up outside the Gardiner townhouse on Gracechurch Street in the early evening. To find what felt like half the street inside. Everyone was well-meaning but it was utterly chaotic. Mr. Bennet retreated, this situation was not his forte, and Mrs. Philips demonstrated that she was the sister of Mrs. Bennet and started to make a scene. It was left to Mr. Philips and Elizabeth to make sense of everything.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please. Everyone. Please!”

The last was said in a loud voice and Elizabeth could tell that a piercing whistle was next.

“Thank you. Mr. Bennet and I need to make arrangements with the undertaker. Can someone please give me his address?”

A card was passed over to Mr. Philips.

“Excellent. My wife and niece will see to the children. I thank you all most sincerely for your care this day while we travelled. Given the season the funeral will be tomorrow. Details will be posted on the parish noticeboard and you are all welcome to attend.”

It only took one or two couples to start to leave before the crowd departed. Mr. Philips and Elizabeth thanked everyone as they left. Once the front door was closed, if only briefly, Philips turned to his niece.

“I am sorry to abandon you with your Aunt but your father and I need to make the arrangements for Madeline.”

“Do not worry, I know that this needs to be done immediately. I will have cook prepare soup and a cold repast for when you return.”

Mr. Philips squeezed her shoulder before dragooning his brother-in-law into accompanying him to the undertakers. Elizabeth straightened her back and squeezed her eyes closed for a moment, preparing herself for the task ahead.

The Gardiner children.

Chapter 2

This was the moment that Elizabeth dreaded but it could not be avoided or delayed.

The Gardiners had four children. The oldest was Edward, called Eddie by everyone, who was 13 years old. He had been born within a year of his parent’s marriage. But then there was a near six year gap until the birth of his sister. Elizabeth had overheard various snippets of conversation over the years but still was not quite sure why there was such a gap between Eddie and his three younger siblings. Angela was seven and would not turn eight until close to the end of the year. Rebecca was six years of age and Michael was the baby of the family at only three. His fourth birthday was in September, the first to occur following the death of their mother.

Elizabeth’s aunt appeared to have been putting on a performance for the neighbours because she was once again calm as the two of them ascended the stairs to the nursery. The next hour was a weepy blur of hugs and cuddles, murmurs of comfort, and just being two familiar faces for the shattered children. With the help of their nurse the three youngest were settled into their beds and Elizabeth and her aunt held the children’s hands until they fell asleep. They were all emotionally exhausted and it was but a few minutes until they were fast asleep.

“Lizzie, I am going to check with the cook and the housekeeper. I will organise dinner for when your uncle and father return.”

Elizabeth nodded and while her aunt descended the stairs she walked to the bedroom next to the nursery which was Eddie’s room. He had stayed back and let the younger children monopolise their aunt and cousin. Now Elizabeth could devote time to him exclusively.

“Come in cousin Elizabeth.”

Eddie was standing beside his bed looking lost and Elizabeth crossed the space between them in three quick strides and pulled him into a hug. They held it for a long time.

“Will you be honest with me?”

Eddie spoke the words into her hair but she heard them clearly. They separated and sat on the edge of the bed.