Chapter 6

The innkeeper and his wife had no objections to moving Elizabeth and her son to a room nearby the Darcy's.

"To be sure, it'll be easier on me and the maids, not needin' ta climb the stairs so many times a day."

It took a little more convincing to get Elizabeth to agree. "But what if he cries during the night? Will that not disturb your other guests?"

Georgiana was the first to assure her. "Elizabeth, his cries are not loud and you do not let him cry for long. If you were closer to our own rooms, I shall be able to visit whenever it is convenient to us both. Think of the maids, Elizabeth. They will not need to climb the stairs every time you, or your son require anything."

Elizabeth gave her a hard stare. "I am not so brain fuddled as to be completely unaware of the trick you are attempting to play on me." She smirked at the younger lady. "Does your brother know his sister has such a manipulative streak in her character?"

Georgiana blushed, yet lifted her chin. "My words may have been heavy handed, but the sentiment is true. Besides, if you are set up closer to our rooms, you might even join us for meals." She leaned closer to whisper, "you might even be allowed out for a brief walk in the fresh air."

"Georgiana! Manipulative and mean." Elizabeth's mouth was agape in shock. "Very well, if the kind and generous Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs have no objections, I agree to change rooms." She sniffed, raising her chin imperiously. "It seems I must agree, there is no telling what further reason you might next pull from your pocket."

Georgiana squealed and gave Elizabeth a brief hug, skipping out of the room to help with the new arrangements. Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. Georgiana reminded her of her sisters, and that was a comforting feeling to have after so many months ofseparation from them.

That day was busy managing the move of Elizabeth, Gregory Alexander and their possessions down to the first floor. The room was quite similar to her old one, but the view from the window held trees with their leaves dancing in the breeze. It was an enticing sight for her and made her itch to run outside. Then her son cried for attention and her focus turned back onto him.

Hannah was putting away Elizabeth's belongings and the few baby items borrowed from Mrs. Hobbs and a few of the surrounding neighbors.

"Oh, Ma'am, this is so pretty." She held up a small blanket knitted in white and yellow.

Elizabeth gasped, "I had quite forgotten about that. It was a gift from a kindly neighbor."

"Shall I leave it out, ma'am?" Hannah refolded the baby blanket.

"Yes. Thank you, Hannah."

Some time later Georgiana joined them for tea and a visit. Since Elizabeth and her baby were well and resting, Elizabeth sent Hannah to get some rest too. "You have been wonderful, Hannah, but I am fully aware of the late hours you have kept in my company."

"Thank you, Ma'am. I will return later with your evening meal." Hannah dipped a curtsey and left.

With her departure, the only sounds now filling the room were of the baby suckling. Elizabeth looked at Georgiana ensuring she was not uncomfortable. "Georgiana, are you sure you wish to stay? This afternoon may be quite dull."

"Oh, no. I assure you." Georgiana bit her lip, "There is something I have been pondering," she spoke her next question in a rush of words. "If it is not too painful, will you tell me how you met your husband?"

"It is not too painful." Elizabeth lifted her son up against her shoulder, tapping him gently on his back. "We met at an assembly in London. He was visiting a friend and I was staying with my relations in London. I most likely would not have given him a second glance if he had not pursued me so faithfully, and in such a charming way." Elizabeth chuckled when her husband's namesake erupted with a small gust of air.

"He was on leave for an unspecified length of time while his ship was undergoing repairs. As for me, the last thing I was contemplating was marriage."

"Did you not wish to marry?" Georgiana's eyes were wide.

Elizabeth contemplated, "It was… complicated. But the more time I spent in his company, the more I enjoyed and respected his mind and the choices he had made for his own life."

She shifted the baby to feed from her other side and continued speaking when he settled again. "He was a third son, you see, and needed to make his own way in the world. I met a couple of his officers, and they showed him a great amount of respect. I believe that was what decided me.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... When you ask tenants and servants what their opinion of your brother is, how might they respond?"

"Oh, William is very highly thought of."

Elizabeth smiled at her. "I suspected as much. He cares for people. As do you. My Gregory was respected by his men but they also held him in high esteem."

"I imagine it is similar to my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the men he leads into battle."

"Just so. Therefore, I knew I could trust him with my life and well being."

"What about love?" Georgiana's eyes were steadfast on Elizabeth's face.

"I cared for him and I believe love could have come in time, but I suppose it does not matter now. I was notified of his death in March, but he died during a skirmish many weeks before. Forgive me, Georgiana. Speaking of this so openly is quite inappropriate." Elizabeth rocked the baby in her arms to find comfort for herself.

"No, please, I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, but, well… I imagine this is what it is like to have a sister. To be able to talk about issues of the heart." Georgiana blushed.

Elizabeth pressed the younger woman's hand. "Yes, and you are as easy to speak to as my dear sister, Jane."

"Is she a younger sister?"

"No. She is the oldest, then me, then Mary and Kitty. Our youngest died a few years ago."

"Oh. I am so sorry."

"It was an accident." Shaking her head and squaring her shoulders Elizabeth continued, "Jane and I were always close. She is the kindest woman you will ever meet. Though I fear life has altered her perspective from what it used to be." Elizabeth gave a little shiver. "Enough of me. I believe you mentioned you and your brother spent a good deal of time traveling?"

"Oh, yes!"

And they spent another half an hour with Georgiana describing to Elizabeth all about their travels in the north and the wonderful sights and people they met.

"I admit to being painfully shy, at first. Spending that time with Brother, and meeting so many different people, helped me emerge a bit from my shell. We are a naturally reticent family, but I no longer fear my own shadow."

"That is well. You are a wonderful young lady, both intelligent and compassionate. These are fine characteristics to have."

The young ladies smiled at each other, then turned the conversation to lighter topics for a while. Watching the infant as he slept or holding him to rock him when he fussed. The afternoon passed quickly and neither realized the time until Hannah returned.

Georgiana jumped to her feet. "I did not realize the time. I hope I did not keep you from your rest."

"No, I was happy to visit with you. I can only hope your brother is not upset with my keeping you to myself all day."

Georgiana could only give her a wide eyed look before rushing out the door, praying her brother will not be vexed with her.

My apologies for the shortish chapter. I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to your thoughts and feedback.