Page 96 of A Most Beloved Sister
I know you planned to stay in London for another month or two, but I fear that there is a chance Jane may not last that long. Please come to Netherfield as soon as you are able to make arrangements.
Knowing of your love for your sister, I have sent orders to our house in town to prepare one of the carriages for your convenience. Simply send a note to 23 Wimple Street in care of the housekeeper with the day you plan to return, and she will ensure it is sent to you.
With all my love,
Louisa
Chapter 26
My dear Georgiana,
Please accept my most sincere regrets that I will not be able to call as we had planned in a few days. Upon my return from your home, I found an express waiting for me that my dear sister, Jane, has declined in health.
It is with a very heavy heart that I must return to Hertfordshire to be by her side for what will most likely be her final days. I am uncertain of when I will return to London, and I will feel the loss of your companionship, my new friend, most keenly.
Please convey my apologies to your brother for being unable to walk with him to the disabilities home tomorrow, as I will be leaving in the Bingley carriage at first light. I will miss his conversation, which I have greatly enjoyed these last few weeks.
I must go; I have much to do, but I do hope you will correspond with me during our time apart. I am eager to hear more of your opinions on Clementi’s latest works and how they compare to Dussek’s.
Your friend,
Elizabeth Bennet
∞∞∞
Elizabeth was shaken out of a sound slumber by the jolt of the carriage as it came to a halt in front of Netherfield. Across from her on the rear-facing bench, Penny was similarly startled awake. The door opened, and Jamie was standing there to hand them down.
She looked up at the large country manor; it seemed as if a lifetime had passed in the two months she had been away. So much had changed for her, yet at the same time, she expected so much to remain the same.
Almost as soon as she entered the house, she was greeted with a warm embrace from Louisa. “Oh, Elizabeth, I am so glad you are here.”
The telltale bulge beneath Louisa’s dress pressed into Elizabeth’s abdomen, and she gasped as she felt a small kick. “My goodness!”
Louisa laughed and placed a hand on her stomach. “This little one seems anxious to be out.”
“When are you expected to begin your confinement?”
Making a face, Louisa said, “Technically it has already begun. Mrs. Fields said in March or perhaps April, and since it’s almost the end of February, I have been confined to the house for the last four weeks. I am about to lose my mind, especially with Reggie hovering the way that he has.”
“Really?” Elizabeth’s eyebrows raised high on her head.
“Oh, yes. While I appreciate the efforts he has made—he hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol since his accident—his nervousness over my condition might drivemeto drink!”
Elizabeth burst into laughter and gave her friend another hug. “Oh, Louisa, I am delighted to see you so happy.”
Louisa brushed a tear from her cheek. “I never thought my life could turn out this way. Now”—she straightened and smoothed her dress—“I imagine you wish to refresh yourself and then see Jane as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, please.”
The two women made their way up the stairs. “How is my sister doing?”
“She spends more time asleep than awake, I’m afraid. Her lips and fingers are always blue, and her cough is quite intense. Mr. Jones has given her an increasing amount of laudanum to keep her comfortable. The times that she is awake, however, she is just as sweet and wonderful as always.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Jane has always been that way. At times, she gets a stubborn streak about her, but she has always had a gentle and amiable nature. She really is too good for this world.”
“Charles said the same thing last night.”
They reached Elizabeth’s room—the same one she’d stayed in before and where she had left all her things before going to London. “How is he doing?” she asked, setting her small valise on a table near the bed.
