Chapter Twenty-Five

Elizabeth

17 th March 1812

Cheapside, London

E lizabeth exited the carriage in front of her aunt and uncle’s London home and bade farewell to her Uncle Phillips, who’d escorted her to Town on his way to a business engagement.

“Pass on my regards to the Gardiners, Elizabeth, I shall visit once I have completed my business,” he called as the carriage drove away.

Elizabeth waved after her uncle and then climbed the steps to the modest home on Gracechurch Street. In the distance, children played and laughter sounded though her mind remained hazy.

She was eager to see Jane, who had been staying with their aunt and uncle for the past few weeks, but even more eager to escape her life for a little while.

She rapped on the ornate brass knocker and was momentarily let inside by a maid.

As Elizabeth stepped into the cosy, well-appointed house, she was greeted by the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and the comforting hum of family life as her cousins played somewhere within, the bark of a dog mingling with their voices.

Aunt Gardiner hurried out of the drawing room when Elizabeth was announced and embraced her warmly. “Lizzy, my dear! It’s so good to see you. How was your journey?”

Elizabeth smiled, her travel-worn face lighting up. “It was uneventful, Aunt Gardiner. I’m just happy to be here.” She glanced around, her eyes searching for her sister. “Where’s Jane?”

Her aunt’s expression softened. “She’s in the drawing room. She’s been looking forward to seeing you. Why don’t I make sure your trunks are brought to your chamber while you say hello to Jane? You can greet your cousins later.”

Elizabeth was grateful to her aunt for understanding and hurried towards the drawing room, her heart pounding with excitement and concern. It had been so long since she’d seen her sister and so much had happened it felt as though years had passed by.

She found Jane seated by the window, gazing out at the bustling street below with a piece of embroidery untouched on her lap. When Jane turned and saw Elizabeth, her face broke into a radiant smile.

“Lizzy!” Jane exclaimed, rising to embrace her sister. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Elizabeth hugged Jane tightly, but then Jane pulled back, her face crumpling with emotion. “Oh, Lizzy I am so sorry I was not there for you these past few weeks. More than once did I consider returning but then you wrote you were coming here and I think that is better for us both.”

“I think so too. Oh, Jane. It has been dreadful, I cannot deny it. My Georgie, I cannot believe that I fell for a man like him. And at the same time, I still long for him. Isn’t that strange?”

Elizabeth had of course told her sister all about her beloved Georgie and the things she’d learned from Georgiana Darcy, but sometimes it still did not seem real.

“It is not strange. You loved him. I still long for Mr Bingley at times, even though I know he did not care enough for me to fight for me.”

“It is different for I do believe he loved you, with Georgie—I mean Mr Wickham—I must wonder if he did not play me for a fool all along.”

Jane narrowed her eyes. “You think he knew who he was all along and sought a way to escape? But his confusion seemed so real. I cannot imagine he would have made it up. And did you not say he wanted to prove who he really is?”

Elizabeth nodded. “He did, but now I am beginning to believe that he lied about that also. I think perhaps he knew who he was all along, and I shall never see him again. Truthfully, I do not know what I might have said to him had he still been at Longbourn when I received Miss Darcy’s letter.”

Her sister rubbed her back and Elizabeth felt badly for imposing upon her when Jane had only recently begun to recover from her own heartache.

“What do you plan to do? Did you not say that he came to Town? What if it is true and he is here?”

Elizabeth shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. She’d considered this. Coming to London might not have been the wisest thing to do, but she hadn’t had another option.

“I don’t know, Jane. I couldn’t stay at Longbourn anymore, waiting for news, or waiting for it to become clear he’d never return so I came here. If I see him… I don’t know. Part of me wants to confront him, demand answers. But another part of me is terrified. What if he really is as terrible as everyone says?”

Jane pulled Elizabeth into a comforting embrace. “We’ll face it together.”

Elizabeth clung to her sister, drawing strength from her presence. “Thank you, Jane. I just wish I knew what to do. Everything feels so uncertain.”

Aunt Gardiner, who had been standing quietly by the door, stepped forward. “Lizzy, Jane, I do beg your pardon for listening in but I could not help it. I worry about the both of you. Rest assured, whatever happens, you have family here to support you. We shall figure this out together.”

Elizabeth smiled, grateful for the unwavering support of her family. “Thank you, Aunt. I don’t know what I would do without you all.”

“Well, I have done nothing yet. But I plan to. Pray, would you care to go for a picnic this weekend? We could go to Hyde Park.”

Elizabeth looked at Jane who nodded encouragingly and then, with a smile, she agreed. The time for grief and sorrow had to be over and she had to learn to move forward, even if that was without Georgie.

***

20 thd March 1812

The sky over London was a brilliant expanse of blue, unmarred by even a hint of cloud. The spring sunshine shone brightly, casting a golden hue over the lush greenery of Hyde Park. Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, accompanied by their Aunt Gardiner, had decided to take full advantage of the beautiful weather by spending the day outdoors just like their aunt had suggested. They had chosen a spot near the Serpentine, where the gentle lapping of the water against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their picnic.

The last few days had passed like a whirlwind. Between Jane and her cousins, Elizabeth felt as though she were busy all the time and she’d found that distracted her from thinking of Georgie too much. At night, she was often too tired to consider her fate and sleep took her away quickly, much to her relief.

The picnic blanket was spread out beneath the shelter of a large oak tree, its leaves rustling softly in the light breeze. The blanket was a cheerful checkered pattern of red and white, and atop it was a hamper of treats Uncle Gardiner had ordered from Fortnum & Mason.

Elizabeth reclined on the blanket, feeling the soft grass beneath her fingers. Jane sat beside her, her expression serene, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. Her older sister had seemingly abandoned the melancholy that had gripped her and replaced it with anxiety over Elizabeth. Aunt Gardiner, always the picture of grace, set out the plates and cutlery with a deft hand.

“Such a perfect day,” Elizabeth remarked, stretching out and letting the sun warm her face. She was determined to recover from her own bout of melancholy and would not let her aunt and sister worry about her anymore. “It feels like an age since we’ve had weather like this.”

Jane smiled gently, her gaze drifting to the sparkling water. “Indeed, Lizzy. It’s so peaceful here. Just what we needed.”

Aunt Gardiner nodded in agreement as she settled herself comfortably on the blanket. “It’s wonderful to have you both here. A little respite from the usual hustle and bustle is always welcome. I am glad we left your cousins behind. I do adore them all, but sometimes it is nice to be among us ladies, is it not?”

Elizabeth glanced at Jane, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Indeed, I agree. Although I must say, you have not shared much news from home,” she challenged.

“Oh Jane, you wouldn’t believe the latest dramas at Longbourn.” Elizabeth said with a laugh.

Jane raised an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on her lips. “Oh? Do tell.”

“Well,” Elizabeth began, her voice laced with amusement, “it seems Kitty has taken quite a fancy to Mr Faraday, the greengrocer. They’ve been seen walking together on several occasions, and Mama is positively delighted because while he isn’t titled, he is quite well-to-do, what with three shops in three towns as Mama likes to say.”

Jane’s eyes widened in surprise. “Mr Faraday? I hadn’t realised Kitty was so interested in him.”

Elizabeth chuckled, “Oh yes, ever since she and Lydia had their falling out she has been more independent and Mama is already imagining wedding bells. She’s even taken to discussing dowries and bridal gowns. And as you can imagine, Lydia is green with envy.”

Aunt Gardiner poured herself a glass of elderflower cordial and looked up with a smile. “Your mother does have a penchant for getting ahead of herself, doesn’t she?”

“Indeed she does,” Elizabeth replied, her tone affectionate. “Although at present she is a little distracted on account of something she believes Lady Lucas did to spite her.”

Jane leaned in, her curiosity clearly piqued. “What did Lady Lucas do?”

Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Apparently, Lady Lucas made an offhand remark about Mama’s new bonnet, suggesting that it was perhaps a little too flamboyant for her age. Mama thinks it is part of a campaign to shame her and that Lady Lucas is quite envious of her.”

Jane stifled a laugh, her hand covering her mouth. “Oh dear. I can only imagine Mama’s nerves are troubling her.”

Elizabeth grinned. “She was utterly scandalised and called for her smelling salts. She declared that Lady Lucas had no taste.”

Aunt Gardiner chuckled softly. “Your mother does have a flair for the dramatic, Lizzy.”

Elizabeth sighed, her laughter subsiding. “Yes, she does. But despite all the drama, there’s a certain charm to it. It wouldn’t be home without it.”

Jane reached out and squeezed Elizabeth’s hand. “I miss it all, even the chaos. But it’s wonderful to be here with you, Lizzy. And with you, Aunt.”

Aunt Gardiner smiled. “It’s a joy to have you both here. And, while Town is wonderful, of course, I’ve been thinking. Perhaps we could extend this little respite. How would you both feel about a tour of the north?”

Elizabeth’s eyes lit up with excitement. “A tour of the north? That sounds splendid, Aunt!”

Jane’s smile widened. “Oh, that would be wonderful! I’ve always wanted to see more of the countryside.”

Aunt Gardiner looked thoughtful. “I was thinking we could visit the Peak District. The scenery is quite breathtaking, and there’s so much to see and do. And, of course, we could include a visit to Derbyshire. You know of course that is where I am from. Your uncle has suggested the trip for all of us to take together.”

At the mention of Derbyshire, Jane’s eyes brightened with curiosity. “Derbyshire? Do you happen to know the Darcy family?”

Elizabeth gasped at the sound of the name but looked eagerly at her aunt. She wasn’t sure what, if anything, her aunt knew about the Darcy’s involvement in Jane’s and her current predicament but she was curious to hear her opinion.

Aunt Gardiner smiled. “It is curious you should ask. Is it because your Mr Bingley was friendly with them?”

Jane nodded but didn’t look at Elizabeth. “Yes, I’ve heard much about them from others but I thought perhaps if you knew them…”

“I’ve met the Darcys on a few occasions. Mr Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, is one of the finest in the country,” Aunt Gardiner said as she reached for one of the scones. “Though I don’t know them very well, I’ve always heard very good things about Mr Darcy. He’s known to be a very respectable gentleman, and his sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, is quite charming.”

Elizabeth’s expression grew thoughtful, “You speak so highly of him, Aunt. But from all I know of him, he is high in the instep. It is he who helped convince Mr Bingley to abandon poor Jane.”

Jane, always the voice of reason, gently interjected. “Lizzy, I told you, I do not bear him a grudge at all. It was Mr Bingley’s decision.”

“Well, if he is anything like his aunt, Lady Catherine, then I am sure it is true and he is as I suspected,” she declared though Georgiana Darcy’s kind words about her brother still rang in her head. Why was she so affixed on being angry at Mr Darcy? Was it because it was easier than dealing with her disappointment and anger at Georgie and their situation? Was the elusive northerner nothing more than a scapegoat to pin her confusing feelings on?

Aunt Gardiner, perhaps sensing the gravity of the conversation, leaned in. “You need to tell me everything that has happened, my dears. But I can tell these are troubling times for you both. Maybe a tour of the north would do you both a world of good.”

Silence fell over their small group while Jane squeezed Elizabeth’s hand.

“Our aunt is correct. We shall go on this trip and forget all about the Wickhams, Darcys, and Bingleys of the world for a while.”

Elizabeth glanced at Jane, her heart full of gratitude for her sister’s unwavering support. “Thank you, Jane. For always being here for me.”

Jane smiled softly. “And thank you, Lizzy. For always being so strong. We’ll get through this together.”

As the afternoon wore on, they continued to enjoy their picnic, sharing stories and memories. Elizabeth found herself relaxing, the warmth of the sun and the company of her loved ones easing her troubled mind. As the day turned into late afternoon, they packed up their belongings and returned home, with Elizabeth feeling a little lighter for the first time in weeks.