Elizabeth began to feel her life was governed by an unwritten list of firsts to be experienced and tasks to be completed. As they were checked off, and when the last one was completed, her new life would start in earnest. Yesterday, her fathers' visits to their solicitors to manage the financial and legal aspects. Last night, the introduction of the Gardiners to the Hurst family. And now today, the world at large would know of Elizabeth's recovery with the publication of notices in the newspapers.

There were also goodbyes to be said and lasts to be marked. Elizabeth had said goodbye to her dear papa earlier in the morning as he left to return to Longbourn. Intellectually, she knew she would see him again, but it would never be as Elizabeth Bennet. She was no longer a daughter of Longbourn. The next time she returned it would be to pack up a life accumulated over nineteen years so it could be dispatched to Raber Hill, a place she could not remember.

It might not seem a monumental first, but the day spent shopping was rife with emotion. On the agenda were visits to the warehouses and drapers so as to outfit her rooms at the Hurst townhouse, Raber Hill, as well as Clessondale. Tessa had assured her that the grands would be adamant upon her choosing and decorating a room to her liking at their estate and it was best not to argue.

"The grands will insist upon it, especially Grandpapa. You do not want to disappoint him. If he could be here, he would be squiring you to around the shops himself."

"Have you always called them 'the grands'?" Elizabeth was curious. She liked the name as it felt informal and playful. It could be that it was always infused with so much affection when spoken, but she felt predisposed to like her grandparents.

"Oh, that was David. Clessondale borders Raber Hill so as we were growing up all the grandparents were always about, and he just started to collectively refer to them as 'the grands'. It stuck."

"I look forward to seeing them. Would our grandfather really be disappointed?"

"Grandpapa loves all of us, of course, but he dotes on his granddaughters, Elise too. I have never seen a man so enamored with little girls than he, not even Henry. He will expect you to have a room at Clessondale and stay often. You must prepare yourself; he will hug you until you squeak. And that is just during the normal course of events. He is great fun."

"Lizzy, have you found anything you like?" Mrs. Gardiner had been invited on their shopping excursion the previous evening. Once more, Elizabeth was pleased that her family was well received by the Hursts. This reinforced her belief that not only would she be able to maintain a relationship with her extended Bennet family but that it would be welcomed and encouraged.

"I have found many things I like, Aunt. It just feels so indulgent to redecorate three sets of rooms."

"Lizzy, it is indulgent. And I agree with that indulgence whole-heartedly. This is a tangible representation of your place in your home and with your family. Had you not been separated this would have occurred as a normal part of life. Accept it as such." Mrs. Gardiner's lips quirked up. "It is only that the timing is perhaps a little off."

"Mrs. Gardiner has the right of it. This was always your due as part of the family. Rooms, dresses, a presentation at court, all of that. While we are not among the very highest in society, we are quite respectably situated. The expense takes nothing away from me, nor from David. You need not feel guilty on our account." Tessa put her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. "And it is so very fun to shop! Mama has been enjoying herself immensely. I think Papa will truly enjoy paying the bills almost as much. They are so very happy."

Elizabeth looked over at Mrs. Hurst, where she was comparing fabrics with Mrs. Bennet and Louisa. She seemed to feel Elizabeth's gaze on her for she looked up, straight into her eyes, and lifted an eyebrow in question. She gestured at the large room of pretty things as if saying 'Get to it.' Elizabeth nodded in acknowledgement and got to it. As Tessa said, it was great fun. She enjoyed shopping with her sisters in the past, this was different but no less pleasurable.

As they were preparing to leave, Mrs. Hurst encountered a friend of hers. She and Mrs. Kern were of an age, having come out together, and had seen each other on some of the few occasions the Hursts ventured into country society. Mr. Kern's estate was not too distant from Raber Hill. The Kerns had been among the more sympathetic friends after Elizabeth disappearance.

Introductions were made to those unknown to one another. "Mae, I had no idea to see you here! But I am so glad I have. Your remarkable news in the day's papers brought tears to my eyes." Mrs. Kern was quietly joyous for her friend, not wishing to draw attention that might make the group uncomfortable. Genuine warmth and humor shone from her eyes as she looked at Elizabeth. "My dear, Miss Hurst, you are sure to be a sensation. A found heiress not many knew was lost. And so beautiful, too. It is too much. Next year's spinsters will hate you on sight. Incidentally, Mrs. Hurst, how is your dear sister, Miss Bingley." Mrs. Kern sounded so sincere Elizabeth tried not laugh. Her efforts were almost ruined when she caught the knowing wink the older woman directed at Tessa.

"Thank you for asking. My sister is very much as she ever was," Louisa said neutrally.

"Aww, that is unfortunate," Mrs. Kern tsked. "Be sure to tell her I asked after her." Her soft brown eyes now twinkled with mischief. Elizabeth suspected there was a good story to be told but she would have to wait for another time. "Will you be in town long? Might you join us for dinner? It would be just Mr. Kern and myself. The boys are off in Ireland, of all places."

As the other women made plans, Tessa leaned close to Elizabeth and whispered, "'The boys' are Paul and Andrew Kern, eligible men about town, of suitable marriageable age. Quite handsome, too. Mrs. Kern does not play the matchmaker, at least not too much. You need not worry." Tessa watched Elizabeth closely. "I never asked, do you already have a beau?"

"I do not." Her expression was a bit wistful.

"What, no fine specimen of Meryton ever caught your eye?

"Of Meryton, no," sighed Elizabeth. That was enough to convince Tessa she needed to have a conversation with David. He had put her off with a promise of later, regarding Darcy's attention toward Elizabeth yesterday. Tessa was well aware she often overstepped with her bold personality. However, she did limit herself when it came to the romantic lives of those close to her. Her brother's marriage to Louisa was testament to that. The women in her family were not prone to play cupid. Her family had let her follow her heart without pressure to make a more advantageous match. They, she, would do no less for Elizabeth. That did not mean there was not some jolly nice gossip to be had.