Notes: I have to edit/add lines to this chapter, but since it is not very relevant, I prefer to continue with the next one that is more important.
Next Chapter: Jane's story
PPP
On the morning of her twenty-one birthday, Elizabeth woke up feeling excited. As she made her way to the drawing room, she was surprised to find her mother and sisters already gathered there, eagerly awaiting her arrival. They greeted her with a "Happy birthday, dearest Lizzy!" in unison.
Mrs. Bennet, with a gleam of maternal pride, presented her with a large package containing a beautiful deep green cloth for making a cloak, a fashionable stylish bonnet, and a pair of matching gloves. Mary, presented her with a collection of new Beethoven sheet music, knowing he was Elizabeth's favourite compositor while Kitty, always attuned to fashion gifted her an array of ribbons to adorn her hair and a fan.
To Elizabeth's delight, she received two additional presents, one from Georgiana and another from Mr. Darcy. The joyous anticipation continued as she eagerly reached for the four letters that lay on the table, each bearing the well-wishes of loved ones: one from Georgiana, one from Mr. Darcy, one from Jane, and the last from Charlotte.
Georgiana's gift was a recently published novel while Darcy's present was a stunning bracelet that glistering in the gentle morning light, a true testament to his thoughtfulness.
Elizabeth's anticipation of reading her letters led her to choose solicitude over a stroll along the beach with her mother and sisters. With great care, she unfolded the letters one by one. The first one she perused was from Charlotte, extending warm birthday wishes and sharing the news that the midwife predicted her child would be born in a month. Jane's affectionate birthday greetings were next. Both Georgiana and Darcy had penned their letters the night before their departure to Rosings. Georgiana's letter overflowed with genuine excitement at the prospect of Elizabeth becoming her sister.
Elizabeth then delved into Darcy's letter. As she read his heartfelt expressions of love, it became evident that it was her first love letter – one that left her exhilarated by the depth of his affection. Darcy also promised to send her another letter upon his arrival at Rosings.
In the afternoon, Elizabeth diligently replied the letters. Later, as evening set in, the family gathered around the table to savor her favourite dishes.
The following morning at breakfast, Mrs. Bennet gently reminded them, "Do you remember that in three days we will return to Longbourn?"
All three of them responded with affirmation. Mrs. Bennet's smile widened as she added, "Mr. Hill will be arriving tomorrow to escort us. Besides I have already made arrangements for us to spend a few days in London. We will visit Jane, take strolls through Hyde Park," She looked at Kitty and added, "and find a stunning gown for your debut in society."
Their face lit up with excitement, but then Kitty's countenance shifted. Sensing her youngest daughter's unease, Mrs. Bennet asked with concern, "Do you want to go to London, Kitty?"
Kitty looked down, as her mother and sisters awaited expectantly for her response. Finally, she replied, "Yes, I want to go to London." Kitty's eyes filled with tears, and added, "Since Jane entered society, I have dreamed several times about my own debut, but in all my dreams, Father danced the first set with me…"
"Oh, Kitty." Everyone's eyes filled with tears. Mrs. Bennet took control of the situation and hugged all three of her daughters, showing them how much she loved them.
The three sisters and Mrs. Bennet stayed in the drawing room for a few hours, reminiscing and sharing stories, particularly about their childhood when their father used to read them fairy tales and teach them how to ride a horse. All of them found solace in the warmth of those cherished moments.