Starcrossed at Longbourn by Nora Kipling

Author:Nora Kipling [Kipling, Nora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Heart Candies Publishing

* * *

Gardiner House, Cheapside, London

Elizabeth Bennet

* * *

A restful few days followed their arrival in Cheapside, with nothing much to do except unpack their trunks and visit with their young cousins. More than anyone, Jane and Elizabeth spent the most time in London over their other sisters and so it was a bit of a homecoming for them in a way, to be spending time with the Gardiner family and enjoying their company.

The only thing that chafed at Elizabeth was the difference in social rules in London versus Meryton. Here, a girl could not walk anywhere unaccompanied and there was no escape for a ramble in the woods as there was at home. At least the Gardiner townhome was newer-built and well appointed with a small kitchen garden out back and an apple tree that sheltered in the protective confines of the stone fence walls. Elizabeth found herself drawn to that apple tree and she spent more than a few days lingering under it with a book in hand, despite the bite of chill in the air.

Her aunt remarked upon it when she returned inside, through the kitchen, one afternoon.

“Elizabeth,” Mrs. Gardiner looked over her notes to the cook for supper later that evening as they were intent on having guests, “I must insist that if you wish to remain out of doors on these days as the season grows colder, that we look into having a modiste make you a more substantial pelisse. I cannot imagine your mother would allow you to tramp about outside so exposed to the elements.”

Elizabeth frowned and looked down at her pelisse. It was perfectly serviceable, if a little threadbare here and there.

“It was Jane’s before she passed it on to me when she grew too tall, but it is comfortable enough,” Elizabeth said, shifting to hide one hand behind her back so as to not let her aunt see a worn patch at the cuff on the sleeve. Mrs. Gardiner gave a small snort.

“You are a terrible liar,” she said, although she smiled to soften her words. “If I had to guess, I would assume your mother spends every shilling on new dresses for you girls and no proper outfits to protect you from the rain and snow. New ribbons, but no boots for walking. Yes?”

Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush. Her aunt was not wrong.

“She does not like us to be at our comfort out of doors,” she admitted after a long moment.

Aunt Gardiner’s brows came together in confusion. “Is it that it is not a ladylike pursuit? I know some families would prefer their girls never leave the sitting room until they go to their husband’s home, but I never put much stock in that thought. The open air does one a good turn, I believe.”

“No it’s not… it’s not that, so much, although I know she would prefer I be at my embroidery more than my walks,” Elizabeth pulled out a handkerchief as she spoke and twisted it amongst her fingers.

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