October 1812 – November 1812

It is said there is no better medicine than time to heal all wounds, especially those of the soul, but it is very difficult to recover from a loss as great as the one suffered by Elizabeth and Jane.

It was probably easier for Elizabeth than for Jane, as she was busy helping their only servant, Molly, with chores around the house and the orchard. She was also concerned about her sister's health noticing that her sister still had breathing problems, became agitated when she went for a walk with her, and had not fully regained mobility of the fingers of her right hand. Jane was depressed as she felt she was a burden to her sister, but Lizzy would get angry when she suggested that. On more than one occasion, Elizabeth made it clear to Jane that one of the main reasons she wanted to continue living was because she was alive…

"…I wish I could help you more with the housework, Lizzy. It's not fair that you have to do all the chores while I'm lounging inside the house all day."

Lizzy shook her head, "Jane, you know I've always loved being outdoors and exercising. In Hertfordshire, I used to go for long walks every day that the weather allowed and did my best to be away from home." she smiled slightly, "Also, the heaviest chores are done by Molly and Tomy." Tomy was a 12-year-old farmer's son who helped Elizabeth once or twice a week for a few coins. Also, twice a week, Jane was teaching him and Molly to read and write.

Jane sighed, "Anyway, I wish I could help you. I feel worthless."

With a mischievous smile, Lizzy replied, "You can't imagine how much you help me by entertaining Mrs. Maxwell, or rather Victoria when she comes to visit us. I know she is a sweet and good woman and she means well, and I am grateful for everything she does for us…, but she's also nosy, talks too much, and doesn't understand that I'm not interested in marrying Mr. Stuart."

Jane chuckled slightly, "Poor Mr. Stuart, he is hopelessly in love with you," she paused, "Lizzy, please tell me the truth, do you like living here? Or do you live here because of me?"

Lizzy's eyes widened; she had already had several similar conversations with Jane. Frustrated with her sister, replied "Jane, we have already had this conversation several times and I realized you don't understand me. I am happy living here with you. You know very well that I prefer living in the country to the city. You shouldn't think I'm forced to live here, as nothing could be further from the truth." She squeezed Jane's hand and smiled, "I love you, Jane."

Jane sighed, "I love you too, Lizzy; but sometimes I feel that I am a burden to you, and if it were not for me, you would have a much easier life. I can't even help you with the house's chores because I start to cough. Because of the injuries to my right hand, I have a hard time sewing and even writing to Aunt Gardiner."

"Jane, please, don't say any more nonsense, you are the one who gives me the strength to continue living..."

PPP

December 1812 – April 1813

Christmas and New Year's Eve were very sad that year. Mrs. Maxwell invited them to her house since Mr. Harrington and Mr. Stuart were going to be there, but Jane and Elizabeth declined the invitation on both occasions. They didn't feel like celebrating, and it was the first time they hadn't attended church on Christmas Eve. They both spent those special days reminiscing about Christmases past: Mrs. Hill's punch, the gifts, the Gardiners' annual visit to Londbourn, Meryton's Christmas ball, their parents and sisters…and so many other memories.

During the cold winter, Elizabeth was very afraid that Jane would get sick. She constantly checked that it was not cold inside the house, and above all Jane was warm and ate well. Fortunately, the house had a large stove in the dining room, as well as in the bedrooms. Although the house had two large bedrooms, Lizzy and Jane slept in the same bedroom as it was a habit they had for many years. Every week, Tommy cut a brought them firewood so their pretty neighbors wouldn't get cold, and he left it in a pile at the side of the house covered with a cloth so that it wouldn't get wet. Lizzy gave him some coins and lent him books so that the young man could continue learning.

Mrs. Maxwell and even Mr. Harrington sent at least once a basket of ham and meat, especially for Jane. For their part, Elizabeth and Jane sent them eggs, cheese, and Molly's special butter and lemons from their lemon trees.

Fortunately, winter passed uneventfully, and Jane continued to recover. She coughed less and less, and rarely had trouble breathing, she had also almost completely recovered mobility in the fingers of her right hand.

With the arrival of spring, came the first anniversary of the death of their parents and sisters. It was an extremely sad day and full of memories, but they had decided they were going to stop mourning altogether and go on with their lives.