Thursday's Child by Pat Santarsiero

Author:Pat Santarsiero [Santarsiero, Pat]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Published: 2013-07-31T04:00:00+00:00

Monday’s child is fair of face,

Tuesday’s child is full of grace,

Wednesday’s child is full of woe,

Thursday’s child has far to go.

TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“Lizzy!” cried her sister Jane. “What a happy surprise! Why did you not write us of your plans?” The two sisters hugged for several minutes as Lizzy could barely find the strength to pull herself away from Jane’s comforting arms. Her tears would not be denied.

“Lizzy, are you unwell?”

“No, no. I am well, Jane. I am just so happy to see you. I have missed you so much,” said an overcome Lizzy as she hugged her dear sister once more.

Mrs. Gardiner rushed to the two sisters and gave Lizzy an equally long and comforting embrace. “Oh, my dear niece, what joy to finally see you! When you did not come this summer, we had almost given up hope of ever seeing you again! You have been gone so long, Lizzy. But why did you not write to tell us you would be with us for Christmas?”

“I. . . I did not want to give you false hope in case I was unable to come.”

“Well, come inside and have some tea,” said her aunt. “You must be exhausted from your long journey.”

“Lizzy, are you sure you are well; you look so pale,” said Jane with much concern in her voice.

“Jane, I assure you I am fine.” Wanting desperately to change the focus of attention away from herself, Elizabeth congratulated Jane on her engagement.

“I only met Mr. Bingley briefly, but I could tell that day that he was already in a fair way to being in love with you.”

Jane smiled back at her sister and immediately offered her left hand, displaying the engagement ring that graced her third finger.

“It is beautiful, Jane. Mr. Bingley has exquisite taste in rings as well as in fiancées.” Happy tears filled both sisters’ eyes.

“Have you informed Mrs. Worthington that you will require some time off to attend my wedding in April?”

“No, it makes little difference as it does not signify. I was unable to take my leave earlier due to Mrs. Worthington selling her home. She needed my assistance in packing up her possessions. She has gone now to live with her son John and his family in Oxford. So you see, she will no longer require my services as a companion. I am afraid I am quite at my leisure at the moment.”

“But Lizzy, that is wonderful news!” cried Jane. “Not that I am glad you are no longer employed, but, well, I did mention to Charles that should your situation with Mrs. Worthington change, I would love to have you come live with us at Netherfield.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Jane. The last thing newlyweds need is an unwanted sister hanging about.”

“You are not unwanted, Lizzy. And besides, Netherfield is quite large, and Mr. Bingley has informed me the walls are quite thick.” Jane smiled a wicked little smile at her sister as they both blushed with laughter.

“Your wedding is several months away.

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