The Adventures of Lizzy Bennet Book 2
By Kate Speck
“Of all possessions, a friend is the most precious.”
~Herodotus
Year 1805
Chapter 1
January 1805
“LIZZY! LIZZY BENNET! You come down right now!” The lady shouted from below the tall tree.
“Awww... I like it up here.” Lizzy complained as she climbed down. “I miss my tree on Oakham Mount. I miss riding on Ghost and driving my pony trap to take my sisters on it. It was the best gift I could have ever imagined.”
The lady helped Lizzy fix her clothing and smoothed her hair. “Lizzy, I know you have been restless but you cannot climb the trees at the park. It is cold and you will catch a chill without your gloves or scarf on. We will be going to the museum soon and you did promise Jane to tell her all about the history of its main exhibits.”
“I remember, Aunt Madeline,” Lizzy smiled as she held her hand. “I’m very excited to go there again and I am grateful to be here. I’m sorry to be such trouble. I know Jane has been enjoying herself this week with shopping and seeing the sights but I wish Will were here. I’ve been wanting to practice my fencing but no one will fence with me.”
Mrs. Gardiner softly smiled, “He is a good friend to you, Lizzy. He is a very good brother to Miss Georgiana but I never see him laugh and jest as much as when he is with you. I know you miss him but perhaps your uncle might be willing when he comes home. He has been working hard this week to finish all of his businesses early so he can spend time with you and Jane.”
Lizzy nodded, “I hope do hope so. Uncle has been so nice to allow me to read his books and I enjoy going to his office in the mornings to observe the workers there. Papa says character study is amusing and people change all the time so there is much to learn by watching. It is fascinating to see so many various personalities in town, more than the four and twenty families that we dine with in Hertfordshire.”
“I am glad to hear it, Lizzy. We will definitely enjoy ourselves for the month and we have many outings planned.” Mrs. Gardiner confirmed. “I appreciate your patience and am glad your uncle was able to take him with you to the office in the mornings. I have been feeling poorly and I believe I am with child.”
Lizzy squealed in joy, “Truly?! Congratulations, Aunt Madeline! When? When will you have your child? Do you wish for a girl or a boy? How wonderful!”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed, “We believe late May. Your uncle says he does not mind either but I would love a little girl.” She tapped Lizzy’s nose. “Someone just like you, Lizzy, full of life and joy to make me smile.”
“I’ll be sure to behave myself, aunt.” Lizzy beamed. “We must care for you and ensure you are eating well. No heavy work and frequent rest for you from now on, Missus! I’ll be watching you.”
“You are such a mother hen, Lizzy. All will be well.” Mrs. Gardiner giggled. “Come, let us get you cleaned up and we will head out within the hour. We must make you presentable like the pretty girl you are. I do not know what your uncle was thinking to allow you to wear boy’s clothing and hide your beautiful hair under this hat. You are far too pretty to wear trousers and jacket.”
Lizzy laughed loudly, “He knew I would ruin all of my dresses and I’m glad he had kept some of his old clothes that I could wear. It’s to be a secret and you must not call me ‘Lizzy’ when I’m in my disguise, aunt. I am Liam, your cousin from Shropshire.”
Mrs. Gardiner hid her amusement, “Yes, Liam, your secret is safe with me.”
Lizzy skipped gaily back to Gracechurch Street and prepared for the day after embracing her sister who had been spent the peaceful morning drawing and embroidering.
~*~
“Why in the world would you indulge her fantasy of being a boy, Edward?” Madeline Gardiner chastised her husband. “I had no idea you kept your clothes from your childhood. Your sister will have an apoplexy when she finds out.”
Mr. Gardiner chuckled, “She begged and begged when she saw them set aside for the orphanage. I did not know I still had them until we began to clean out the guestroom closets for the girls. I allowed it because Fanny would have never approved of it and Lizzy would not relent until she experienced it herself. And she made the argument that her dresses would be spared and that torn dresses would upset her mother more. You know how Lizzy is, Madeline. She wishes to write about adventures and humouring her now will not only help her understand what it feels to wear trousers but perhaps she will learn that it is not a curse to be female after all.” He drew his wife close to his body and kissed her neck. “Women certainly have an advantage over us weak men who will do anything for love.”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed, “Oh, dear husband, I hope you are right. I will not tell your sister if you will not. Mr. Bennet will get a good laugh out of it but Fanny will faint dead away.” She wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck. “I do hope she will grow out of the phase and be happy in her own dress. The grass may be greener on the other side at a distance but it is only an illusion. I learned of it a bit earlier than her age because my mother allowed me to dress like a boy when I was ten years old.”
Mr. Gardiner quirked his eyebrow, “You?! A boy?
