The express reached Raber Hill the afternoon after it was sent from Netherfield. Wesley Hurst and his father-in-law, Marcus Lee, were ensconced in the study, comparing notes on the recent harvest. Raber Hill bordered Clessondale to the west. The yields had been very good for both estates this year.
"It is from David." Reading it, he went completely still. He remained motionless for some minutes. Suddenly he took a great gulp of air, as if he had only just remembered to breathe. He immediately rushed to the door shouting for the butler. Though only a moment passed before the man joined them, Mr. Hurst was desperate.
"Evans, we are for London as soon as possible. See that the carriage is prepared immediately. Tell Hubbard to plan for a fortnight's absence, at least. Please inform Chase so she may see to Mrs. Hurst's packing. Where is Mrs. Hurst?"
"Of course, sir. I will make the notifications. Mrs. Hurst is in her sitting room with her mother."
"Wes, what is happening? Whatever it is, you cannot wish to leave so late in the day. There are only a few hours of daylight left." Mr. Lee had never seen his son-in-law so frantic.
"Marcus, my daughter is—" He stopped, covering his mouth with his hand as his voice broke, his lips quivering with emotion.
"Wes, what is it?" Mr. Lee repeated. "I cannot help if I do not know what is going on. What is the news of Tessa? Is she well?"
"It is not Tessa. It is Zibby. David has found her." He handed the letter to Mr. Lee, who read it and collapsed into his chair.
"I cannot believe it," Mr. Lee said, his voice full of wonder.
"I have so many thoughts running though my head. I do not know what to do."
"You were decisive enough with Evans," noted his father-in-law. "Take a moment to calm yourself. You know what needs to be done. Though, I do recommend going to Mabel and Rachel directly. If Chase asks about packing, Mabel will wonder what she is about."
They left the study to seek Mrs. Hurst in her sitting room. "I have imagined being able to give this news to Mabel so many times. Not once in my imagination did I swoon at her feet. Yet, I feel that is quite likely to occur."
"I have heard of tears of joy. I have never heard of a swoon of joy. But perhaps you will set a trend among the ton," Mr. Lee grinned at him. He was feeling rather giddy himself.
Entering after a quick knock at the sitting room door, Mr. Hurst went to his wife. Taking her hands, he gently pulled her up to stand. Leaning close, he kissed her soundly. Both the Hursts and the Lees were very informal among family and friends. Their manners might be seen as less than fashionable among those in London who cared about such things. However, this was more affection than the Hursts usually exhibited in front of others, even those with whom they were most familiar.
"Wes, what has brought such light into your eyes?" After all these years, Mabel Hurst could still blush with pleasure at such enthusiastic demonstrations.
"It is very seldom that a husband may grant his wife's greatest wish in the world. I celebrate the fact that I will be able to do so. Mae, our family will be whole once again. We are for London, for Zibby will be reunited with us soon."
"Is it truly so?" Mrs. Hurst gasped. Her hands painfully gripping her husband's.
"David writes that she has been found and she is well, my dear."
"Thank God. How did he find her? Where has she been? When can we see her?" Mrs. Hurst asked her questions in quick succession. Where Mr. Hurst had initially reacted with stillness, Mrs. Hurst was all frenzied energy.
"I am afraid I do not know the answers to your questions. David sent an express. Oh, I left it in the study."
"No, I have it." Mr. Lee handled the note to his daughter. While his son-in-law was revealing his news, he had quietly shown the letter to his wife. Rachel Lee watched as the younger couple transformed before her eyes. After the loss of Elizabeth, they had moved on eventually, they all had, but there was a residual burden they carried with them every day. It shadowed them for the last nineteen years. With one scrap of parchment and ink, the shadow was dispelled.
"Please do not say we must wait until tomorrow to leave for London. It would be unbearable," Mrs. Hurst pleaded. Despite her son's reassurance that Elizabeth was well, she would not sleep well until her daughter was in her arms. These next few days would be interminable.