Page 32

Elizabeth rose early and ate a quick breakfast in the kitchen.

Then she informed the coachman she was ready, and they set off for Cheapside.

When she arrived at her uncle's house, the family was still at the breakfast table, and she joined them cheerfully.

"Lizzy, we thought you would arrive tomorrow," Mr. Gardiner said, surprised.

"It was a miscalculation, uncle. When I travelled to Pemberley, it was the middle of winter—shorter days and poor road conditions slowed our journey.

Now, the roads are better, and the days longer, so we arrived a day earlier.

" "My dear, I shall send a message to Jane, and if you wish, we can visit her later," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"If Mrs. Smith permits it, I would love to spend the afternoon with Jane.

I plan to stay here tonight, as I must return to Darcy House tomorrow.

" "We are delighted to have you with us, dear Lizzy," said Mrs. Gardiner warmly.

"I must be back early tomorrow because Mr. Darcy leaves for Kent at noon.

I shall remain in London for at least two weeks to care for Georgiana, but I do not know if I shall have another opportunity to see you.

That is why I want to make the most of this day—we do not know when we shall meet again.

" Elizabeth could not stop talking or eating.

She was so happy she barely remembered the last time she had felt such an appetite.

"I think it is best if we do not make any plans until we speak with Jane," Mrs. Gardiner said gently.

She and her husband believed it was Jane's place to explain the changes in her life.

"I have sent for her," Mr. Gardiner added.

"I believe we will be able to visit her shortly.

" After breakfast, Elizabeth spent time playing with her young cousins and later joined Mrs. Gardiner in the drawing room.

They spoke about her life at Pemberley, though Elizabeth sensed her aunt's unease.

She could not imagine what was wrong—except, perhaps, something concerning Jane.

An hour later, Jane and Andrew arrived. Mr. Gardiner, anticipating that the sisters would prefer privacy, invited Andrew into his study while Jane went into the drawing room.

When Elizabeth saw her sister, she ran to embrace her.

"Jane, my dear Jane, you cannot know how happy I am to see you.

" "Lizzy…" Jane managed to say before she began to cry tears of joy.

"Dear nieces," Mrs. Gardiner said, smiling softly, "I shall leave you to your conversation.

" Jane and Elizabeth sat together, holding hands.

"Lizzy, there is so much to tell—but first, I must ask how you are," Jane said, her voice trembling as she took in her sister's thin frame and pale complexion.

Her heart ached, imagining what Elizabeth had endured in that cold, imposing house.

"I am well, Jane. I have been very fortunate to work with Georgiana.

She is such a lovely girl. All the staff at Pemberley have been kind, and I have made good friends.

And although I sometimes find Mr. Darcy difficult to understand, he has been a fair and even generous employer.

Truly, you need not worry for me." "I am relieved to hear it.

But Lizzy, you no longer need to work or live so far from us.

I have a home to offer you now. Dear sister, I want you to live with me for as long as you want!

" Elizabeth, noticing the fine quality of Jane's clothing and her more composed demeanour, felt a sudden sense of unease.

"What has happened, Jane?" Jane took a deep breath.

"Something significant, Lizzy. It happened a little over a month ago.

I met someone—Andrew. He needed a wife, and I needed a home and security, not just for myself, but for our family.

" Elizabeth frowned in concern. "Jane, you must not sacrifice your happiness for us.

Mama has become more sensible about money, and our sisters are maturing.

Please, do not ruin your life for our sake.

" "Oh, Lizzy," Jane said gently. "Meeting Andrew was the best thing that could have happened to me.

I now have a family—two dear girls who need me, and a home to offer you and our sisters.

" Elizabeth stared at her, overcome with emotion.

"Oh, Jane…" "I want you to understand that I am genuinely pleased with my new life.

Andrew respects me and is willing to share his life and his responsibilities.

I never expected love, but I found peace—and even admiration.

" Jane then explained everything: her marriage, her husband's troubled family, their struggles to care for his nieces, and how they had begun to build a life together.

"If you think I am sacrificing my life, Lizzy, you are mistaken.

" "But do you love him? And does he love you?

Can you truly see a future with a man who—" "Lizzy, we agreed to take our time.

We are still learning about one another, but with each passing day, I am more certain I made the right choice.

I admire him deeply. He is strong, kind, and devoted.

" Elizabeth gave a small smile. "Then I have nothing to say but congratulations.

And, of course, I want to meet him." "There is one more thing before I call him in—he is in uncle Gardiner's study.

" "Is something wrong?" "No, quite the opposite.

Lizzy… I am now Lady Norton." "Lady Norton?

" Elizabeth laughed, hugging her sister tightly.

"Oh, I would give anything to see Caroline Bingley's face when she is forced to call you'My Lady', after how she treated you!

" "Honestly, I hope never to see those women again," Jane replied with a smile.

"You are too generous,my Lady," Elizabeth replied with mock formality.

Jane left the room to fetch her husband, while Elizabeth silently prayed that all Jane had said was true.

She did not doubt Andrew respected her, but her sister deserved love—not just respect and stability.

When Jane returned on her husband's arm, Elizabeth observed him carefully.

He was not as handsome as Mr. Bingley, but he was undoubtedly a fine-looking gentleman, and his posture and expression suggested confidence and kindness—traits Mr. Bingley had sadly lacked in moments of consequence.

Jane made the introduction, and Andrew greeted Elizabeth with sincere warmth.

"We came to invite you to our home," he said kindly.

"Your mother and sisters are at Aunt Amanda's house, and uncle and aunt Philips are with us.

They will return to Hertfordshire the day after tomorrow, so we must make the most of our time together.

Everyone knows you are in London, and they are waiting to have luncheon with you.

" "What a joy! I shall be able to see my whole family.

Thank you very much, my lord." "My lord?

"Andrew laughed gently. "Please, call me Andrew.

Do not forget—we are family now." "Very well," Elizabeth replied with a smile.

"But only if you call me Lizzy." "Of course, Lizzy.

" After twenty minutes of pleasant conversation, Jane informed the Gardiners that they would return home and invited them to dinner that evening.

When Elizabeth arrived at Jane's house, her mother and sisters rushed to embrace her.

The reunion was so heartfelt that even Mrs. Philips was struck speechless.

"My dear Lizzy," said Mrs. Bennet, kissing her daughter's cheek, "you cannot imagine how happy I am to see you—and to know that you shall never have to work another day!

And now, we shall see each other more often.

Oh, my dear girl, I am so proud of you for doing everything in your power to help your family.

" Kitty and Lydia chattered excitedly about their plans for visiting their new brother-in-law's estate, while Andrew's nieces played contentedly with some kittens in the corner.

The girls were sweet and affectionate, and it was easy to see how deeply they had bonded with Jane.

Seeing her entire family so well and joyful made Elizabeth feel more hopeful about her sister's future.

And yet, a certain unease tugged at her.

"Lizzy," Andrew said gently, "if you do not mind, would you come with me to my study?

There is something important we would like to discuss with you.

" "Of course," Elizabeth said, surprised.

Once Andrew had closed the door behind them, Jane motioned for her sister to sit.

Andrew then explained the purpose of the conversation.

"Lizzy, Mr. Gardiner told me you promised to return to Darcy House before noon tomorrow.

But please—allow me to speak with Darcy and explain that you shall no longer be working for him.

We were classmates at Cambridge, and from what a mutual acquaintance tells me, I do not believe he will object.

I am confident he will terminate your contract without trouble.

" "Lizzy," Jane added, "we can send for your belongings.

Your bedroom is ready—I took care of decorating it myself.

Clara and Matilda are excited to spend more time with you.

I told them you were amusing and would surely take them for walks through all the parks in London.

" Elizabeth was touched by their kindness and generosity.

Though she had barely begun to absorb all the changes, her heart was full.

Yet a shadow passed across her features.

"Andrew, Jane… I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me and our family.

But I cannot leave Miss Darcy so suddenly.

" She went on to explain how fragile Georgiana was—how difficult it had been to help her gain confidence and how lonely the girl had always been.

"She carries some deep guilt I cannot fully understand.

But I am her only friend. If I leave her abruptly, I fear she will retreat into herself again.

" Jane took her sister's hand, her voice gentle.

"Lizzy, you have always been so generous—but you must also think of yourself.

" Andrew nodded. "It is a noble sentiment, and I admire your loyalty.

But surely you see, Lizzy—Baroness Norton's sister cannot be employed as a companion.

It would reflect poorly on Jane. I imagine you understand I do not wish for any negative talk before I formally introduce her into society.

" "I understand," Elizabeth said softly.

"Andrew, allow me to speak to Mr. Darcy myself tomorrow.

I shall tell him I cannot remain in his employ, but I shall stay on as Georgiana's friend—without pay—until he finds a suitable replacement.

He departs for Kent tomorrow and will return in two weeks.

Perhaps then, if you wish, you may speak to him yourself.

I shall also tell him that I can only remain with Georgiana for a month, as I plan to travel to Somerset with you.

And if it is agreeable to you both, I would like to invite Georgiana to join us.

Mr. Darcy will be very busy over the coming months and cannot always be by her side.

" "Of course," Andrew said at once. "She is welcome.

" Andrew and Jane exchanged glances, both realising that Elizabeth's affection for Georgiana could not be set aside lightly.

"Very well," Andrew said at last. "But only for one month.

That should be sufficient time to find someone else.

" "At least while you are in London, we can see you as often as we wish," Jane said, embracing her sister.

"Now, let us return to the drawing room and enjoy this wonderful day with the rest of the family.

" Elizabeth smiled and followed them, overjoyed to be reunited with those she loved.

But even as she laughed and conversed with her family, her thoughts drifted back to Pemberley, to the quiet young woman with melancholy eyes.

'What should I do… what can I do to help you, my dear Georgiana? '