The weak light of the December afternoon was waning as the procession of carriages made the final turn toward Raber Hill, yet the house glowed with light. It was an attractive Georgian style manor of red brick, with ivy climbing across the façade creating a pleasing appearance. Mr. Hurst was observing Elizabeth as she took everything in. He had been watching his daughter through much of the journey. If not for Charles Bingley letting Netherfield Park, they would be marking another year of loss in only a few weeks. He was irrationally afraid if he took his eyes off her she would disappear.
"It is very different from Longbourn, I know. I hope you will be comfortable here," he said. He just felt the need to say something, inane though it may be, before he was overcome with emotion.
"I am sure I shall. The house is newer than I thought it would be." Elizabeth was still looking out the carriage window.
"There was a fire about forty years ago. We had to do a great deal of rebuilding. While the damage was difficult to witness at the time, I confess I do enjoy the modern updates we were able to make. It has become a bit of an enthusiasm of mine now. I am always exploring the newest conveniences for our home."
"I look forward to seeing it all, and the park too. From what I can I see, it is lovely," Elizabeth replied.
As the carriage drew closer, they saw the staff of the house standing by to welcome the family home and to meet the restored daughter. When it came to a stop, Mr. Hurst stepped down and aided his wife as she exited. Once more he reached inside and handed Elizabeth out of the carriage. A quiet murmur rippled through those assembled. They had anticipated this day since Mr. and Mrs. Evans, the butler and housekeeper, respectively, informed the staff, many of whom were long-time retainers and had mourned Elizabeth's loss along with the family.
Mr. Hurst and his wife bracketed Elizabeth as they walked forward, and Mr. Hurst addressed those before them. "Thank you all for joining us to welcome our precious daughter home. It is a day I, at one time, thought would only occur in my dreams. Mrs. Hurst and I, along with David and Tessa, thank you for your loyalty to our family throughout these dark years. We hope we may have many more years of light to come. It is my pleasure to introduce Miss Elizabeth Celia Bennet Hurst. Our Zibby has come home."
Elizabeth was amused by the reaction to her father's announcement. There was applause all around, both polite and vigorous, but also some cheers, and even quiet sobs from some of the older women. What was the proper response to such a singular event? Amused though she was, she was deeply grateful for all their expressions of sincere joy, testament to their support of her parents and siblings.
She was introduced to the butler and housekeeper, who struggled to contain their delight. They had not yet been elevated to their current positions when Elizabeth went missing but they had been part of the household and remembered little Zibby well. They dismissed the staff after Elizabeth's vow to get to know them more in the coming days. "Mr. and Mrs. Lee are awaiting you all in the drawing room, quite close to bursting I would imagine," Evans said with a merry smile.
His wife was equally merry. "I will send tea in right away. Whenever your reunion is done, we will have water ready for baths. Miss Hurst is in the yellow room, Mrs. Hurst. I have assigned Sarah as her maid. And we are preparing an early supper as we thought you might wish to retire early after your travels."
"Thank you, Mrs. Evans. You have thought of everything, as always," Mr. Hurst said fondly.
The extended Hurst family disembarked from their own carriages and they all made their way to the drawing room. Elizabeth felt no trepidation at meeting her grandparents. After so many meetings and experiencing so much change already she felt it would take quite a lot to faze her now. She had only to meet her, by all accounts, kindly grandparents and her niece and nephew and then her family would be complete.
When they entered the room, a handsome elderly couple rose to meet them. Greetings were quickly dispatched among those known to each other. Finally, without ceremony Mr. Hurst excitedly blurted out, "Well, here she is."
Rachel Lee laughed as she approached Elizabeth, "My dear, your father's excitement is shared by your grandfather and I. We are so happy you are with us again." She kissed Elizabeth on each cheek before enfolding her in a tight embrace.
Elizabeth returned the hug and sighed happily. She luxuriated in the warm comfort and was convinced there was something special about a grandmother's touch. It had been a very long time since she experienced such from Grandmother Gardiner, but she was struck by how wonderfully familiar this felt.
"Is it my turn yet?" asked a jaunty voice. Jaunty was the exact word the describe the man speaking, Elizabeth thought. Marcus Lee was tall and lean with an unruly shock of white hair, his face reflected laughter and he had a twinkle in his eye. "I am sure I need no introduction, but I am your Grandpapa. And you, my Zibby-girl, are a sight to behold." He took her hands and stepped back as if taking her in. His face split into a bigger grin than it had displayed just a few seconds before. Still grasping her hands, his arms wiggled as he moved them in a wave-like motion that then extended to her arms. He repeated the movement until Elizabeth joined in and she could not help but laugh.
"I think my grandpapa is very silly. We shall be great friends, I think."
"It is imperative that you know that from the very first. I make a point to be at least a bit silly everyday and I like for others join me. That was part of our silly dance. I look forward to teaching you the rest."
"I shall look forward to it sir," Elizabeth said as she initiated the motion in return. "I hope it is all as much fun as 'silly arms'?"
"You remember then, we did call this 'silly arms'?" His expression turned hopeful.
"No, not really. It just seemed a fitting name. I am sorry to have gotten your hopes up."
"But, Lizzy, perhaps is like when you called me brat at Longbourn. You did not remember, necessarily, it just came to you," Tessa said.
Seeing her granddaughter become more serious, Mrs. Lee sought to reassure her. She led Elizabeth to a nearby sofa and sat beside her. "Zibby, you need not worry if you do not remember. And it is certainly nothing for which you need to apologize. We love you all the same and it is the present and the future that is most important. We will experience new things together and make new memories."
"Once Mr. Darcy's family finds resolution on our behalf, the past will be truly behind us. And you may then look to a future with us as well as with your suitor–," David was interrupted by Tessa's elbow in his side.
"David, you started off well but, you must not tease. If you persist, I will be forced to enlist Grandpapa to counteract your efforts."
"You know that never ends well for you, lad," Mr. Lee acknowledged good-naturedly. Passing behind the sofa he put a gentle hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "If the boy gives you any trouble, you let me know and we will formulate a plan of attack."
"Already, you are ganging up on me," David said, pretending offense.
While the others chattered Elizabeth thought it was not so different than an evening at Longbourn. As she was enjoying the easy conversation, she felt something brush against her ankle. She looked down to see an orange tabby cat. It must be Dogberry, she thought. He was a beautiful animal, with golden eyes and a face that seemed to wear a perpetual smirk.
"He wants up with you, but he is almost twenty years old. He cannot jump very well anymore," Mrs. Hurst explained.
"Is he allowed to be on the furniture? May I pick him up?" Elizabeth asked.
"Of course, he will expect it. He is very friendly and can be most insistent. He missed you just as we did so I fear we spoiled him most terribly."
Elizabeth leaned down and held out her hand for the cat to sniff. When he seemed satisfied, she picked him up and sat him on her lap. "Did you miss me, Dogberry? Do you remember me?" As she stroked his soft fur, she thought she understood a tiny fraction of what her family felt, yearning for a sign of recognition. "Are you yelling at me for leaving you?" Dogberry had started meowing loudly as he stared her in the eye. Finally, with a few slow blinks directed at her, he stepped off her lap to squeeze himself in the space between Elizabeth's thigh and the side of the sofa, resting his head on her leg.
When she looked up, she saw everyone watching her and felt very fanciful for her words and thoughts. Tessa thought to allay her embarrassment. "You should know that Dogberry is the best sort of conversation partner. He keeps all your secrets and will not give you unwanted advice. On more than one occasion I have confided in our young master Dogberry." She reached over to give him an affectionate scratch behind the ears. "He is a very good listener."
The tea had arrived during her exchange with the cat. They made quick work of it and retiring to their rooms to clean up from their lengthy journey. Dogberry, content where he was, watched them leave and snuggled in for a nap.