Page 43 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

“I believe it has something to do with the Netherfield tenant. They had grown very close, Aunt. I believe he asked her to marry him, and she refused.”

Mrs. Gardiner looked at her in surprise. “Why would she do such a thing? It is expedient that you both marry. Indeed, three of you are of marriageable age and ought to marry as soon as possible. What could induce her to refuse an honorable offer? Was the gentleman in some way deficient?”

“No, Aunt. He is wealthy, amiable, handsome, and deeply in love with my sister. I can only conjecture. Perhaps she is heartbroken because he did not ask, though I do not believe that is the cause. When they were last together, it was plainly evident they had both been weeping.”

“Lizzy, I will discover what has passed between them and then talk some sense into her. Your greatest hope now lies in marrying before the scandal becomes known.”

Elizabeth studied her aunt.

“What is it, Lizzy? Why do you look at me so?”

“Uncle Gardiner expressly instructed us not to tell anyone of our ruin. Jane may have divulged our secret. Perhaps he threw her over on account of Lydia.”

“I understand, and I cannot blame her. Lizzy, when you are married, you will discover that keeping secrets from one another drives a wedge between husband and wife. It is best never to keep a secret from your husband, nor for him to keep one from you.”

The two women sat together in silence for some time when Elizabeth said, “Despite knowing my Aunt Phillips is one of Meryton's greatest gossips, we left Kitty in her care. If Kitty drops the slightest hint, no matter how innocent, Aunt Phillips will question her until she has learned the entire story. I cannot rest easy knowing we left Kitty in that house.”

Mrs. Gardiner frowned. “You are right to be concerned. I shall speak to your uncle. Perhaps he can fetch her sometime this week and bring her to London. We can place her in school, far from your aunt and your gossiping neighbors.”

“I am willing to return for her myself and spare Uncle Edward the journey. My father left me a little money. I can hire a carriage and travel there and back tomorrow.”

Mrs. Gardiner considered her niece's suggestion before replying. “I shall do one better. Your uncle can send you in our smaller carriage to collect your sister. You may help her pack and bring her back with you.”

“Assuming Uncle Gardiner agrees, what reason shall we give to Aunt Phillips for so sudden a decision?”

“We may say whatever we please, Lizzy. We might claim that an excellent school has an unexpected vacancy, or that your uncle wishes to remove her from Meryton and all its painful memories. I daresay that explanation would prove the most satisfactory to your Aunt Phillips. Or we may simply say that your uncle hopes to prepare Kitty to become the wife of a gentleman of means.”

A wry expression crossed Mrs. Gardiner's face. “What say you, Elizabeth? We may choose one reason or all three. Any of them would be perfectly plausible.”

“Aunt Maddie, Kitty hates to study. I believe my sister will refuse to come with me if she learns we intend to send her to school.”

“Then tell her I need help in the nursery with little Edward. They will ask why neither you nor Jane can assist me, and you may tell them you shall both be occupied finding husbands and cannot be spared.”

Elizabeth laughed. “That will answer very well, though Kitty will feel deceived when she arrives and learns she is to be placed in school.”

“I shall allow her to care for little Edward for a month. If Kitty is as idle as you describe, she will soon beg to go away to school rather than spend her days chasing a busy three-year-old who has only recently learned to run.”

Elizabeth laughed.

“You are a lifesaver, Aunt. Now, if only my uncle agrees, I may collect my sister tomorrow.”

* * *

The following day, the footman handed Elizabeth down from Uncle Gardiner's carriage, and she made her way into Uncle Phillips's office.

He stood in surprise.

“What has happened, Elizabeth? Is everything well with the Gardiners?”

“Everything is well, sir. However, I fear that between my unguarded sister and my curious aunt, the story of our ruin will soon spread throughout Meryton. That is why I am here. I have come to collect Kitty.”

Elizabeth heard the scrape of a chair to her left and looked toward the sound.

Mary stood behind a desk.

“Lizzy. We did not expect you. You did not write to say you were coming.”

Elizabeth crossed to her sister, and the two women embraced. Both wept.