by Leenie Brown
“Yes, Richard told me Bingley is quite taken with your eldest niece.”
“It is quite easy for many of the young men Jane meets to be taken with her. She is sweet to a fault and quite a beauty.”
Mr. Gardiner and Lord Matlock handed their outerwear to Roberts.
“Father!” exclaimed Richard coming into the entryway. “What brings you to Cheapside today? Checking up on Darcy?”
“Of course,” replied his father.
Richard laughed but put a hand on his father’s shoulder to forestall his entry into the parlour. Leaning close, he whispered, “I must warn you, the atmosphere here is unique. The picture of familial felicity can have a peculiar effect on a person.” And with that, Richard removed his hand from his father’s shoulder allowing him to enter the room.
From the doorway, Lord Matlock surveyed the scene before him. Mr. Gardiner was being greeted by his daughters and wife while lively conversation flowed around the room. He saw Bingley seated next to a young lady who he assumed to be Jane Bennet. Mr. Gardiner had certainly not exaggerated about her beauty. He noted two other young ladies, who, based on information from Richard, he guessed to be the Lucas sisters from Meryton. And then there was Darcy.
“It is rather like looking into the future, is it not, Father?” said Richard softly when he heard his father draw a quick breath. His father nodded.
On the far side of the room, Darcy was seated on a settee. A dark-haired boy with a bandaged leg sat next to him while a smaller boy sat on his lap with his curly head snuggled into Darcy’s shoulder. Darcy was reading a book to the boys and was being watched by a handsome young lady whose arm was in a sling. He studied her face as she laughed and conversed with those around her. Her eyes never strayed too long from his nephew, and he saw a tender smile pass between the two as Gardiner began to introduce him to the room.
“Children,” said Mrs. Gardiner after the introductions were made. “It is time to return to the nursery. Mrs. Eddington will be waiting.”
“Mr. Darcy?” Lord Matlock heard Andrew address his nephew. “Will you carry me to my room? Papa has been working all day and should rest.”
“Certainly, Master Andrew—if your father approves.” Mr. Gardiner nodded. Darcy placed Michael on the floor and scooped up Andrew.
“Mr. Darcy? I need to give my Lizzy a kiss first,” said Andrew.
“As you wish,” said Darcy, and he held Andrew so that he could place a kiss on Elizabeth’s cheek.
“Me, too. Me, too,” said Michael as he jumped up and down next to Elizabeth. Elizabeth leaned down so that he could also place a kiss on her cheek. Then catching hold of Darcy’s coat, Michael followed his brother out of the room. Elizabeth smiled sweetly as she watched them walk away.
Matlock took the seat that Darcy had just vacated. “Miss Elizabeth, I want to extend my family’s well wishes for your health and our thanks for your help in apprehending Wickham.”
A blush coloured Elizabeth’s pale cheeks. “I thank you, sir, but I did nothing more than go shopping for books. It was more of a right time, right place sort of thing,” she demurred. “Or would that be the wrong time, wrong place?” she added with a laugh lifting her injured arm just a bit.
“I dare say it is not every young lady that would be quick thinking enough to use books as weapons. Another may have let Wickham get away.”
“It was more a matter of making sure Andrew and I could get away,” said Elizabeth gravely. “I was fortunate to have such weapons so readily available. They do say the word is mightier than the sword, and apparently it is equally as effective against pistols.” She smiled.
“So, it was a lucky throw that disarmed your assailant?” asked Lord Matlock.
“Milord,” said Charlotte, “there is no such thing as a lucky throw with Lizzy. Her aim is legendary in the annals of childhood battles in Hertfordshire. She is the undisputed champion of our lot.”
“Charlotte, you are a very strange friend indeed. I had hoped to present myself as a lady while in London, and I am quite certain, marksmanship is not on the list of accomplishments for a lady,” said Elizabeth, her cheeks burning.
“Our Lizzy was a spirited young girl to be sure,” said Mrs. Gardiner with a smile for Darcy as he walked into the room. “But, she has grown into a fine young lady. Anyone who has had the privilege of your company would agree.”
“Thank you, Aunt,” said Elizabeth giving Charlotte a hard stare.
“I have had some good news from Hertfordshire today,” said Mr. Gardiner in an attempt to turn the subject. “Your father writes to inform us that Mary has accepted Mr. Collins’ offer of marriage.”
“It appears it is safe for you to return home, Miss Elizabeth,” said Richard with a grin.
“So, it would seem, Colonel,” said Elizabeth with good humour. Noting the look of confusion on Lord Matlock’s face, Elizabeth said, “I am sure that this will do nothing to aid me in my quest to present myself as a proper young lady, but I shall spare you the confusion and explain. Mr. Collins is our cousin and due to an entail, my father’s heir. He made an offer of marriage to me, which I, for very good reasons, refused. My mother was not pleased and for my good and my father’s peace of mind, I was sent to London for a while. I am happy for Mary. She is much better suited to be a parson’s wife.”
“Your cousin is a parson? Does he have a parish?”
“He has the living at Hunsford,” replied Elizabeth.
“He is my sister’s parson?” asked Lord Matlock in surprise. “And pray how does he get along with Lady Catherine?”
Elizabeth chose her words carefully. “He speaks very highly of her. He has often told us about her, and he has described Rosings to us in such detail, I feel as though I have been there.”
Lord Matlock laughed. “And does he speak of her advice—which she freely gives whether asked for or not on every subject?”
“I was told it was on her advice he came to choose a bride from among his cousins,” said Elizabeth. “Although I am the only one to have refused Mr. Collins, there are two other ladies in this room–one who is related to me and one who is not–who were fortunate to avoid the same situation due to the interference of their mothers.”
“Indeed?”
“Indeed. It seems it is now safe for Charlotte to return to Meryton which is quite opportune as her father, Sir William, is coming to escort her home in two days’ time,” said Elizabeth.
“We shall have to give her a proper sending off,” said Bingley. “What say you, Darcy? Shall we gather at your house or mine?”
“I should think Darcy House would suit better. Is not your sister only arriving from Scarborough on the morrow? To ask her to host such a soiree on such short notice and after a long journey does not seem to be wise,” replied Darcy. “Mrs. Davis will have no trouble arranging the details within two days’ time. The children are welcome to attend, Mr. Gardiner. And, I will assume you will be joined by your sister, Bingley?”
“I will ask her. Would you and Richard like to stop by tomorrow evening? I could give you her answer then.”
“Capital idea, my friend,” said Richard.
“Now, Gardiner,” said Lord Matlock. “There is the matter of that port you promised me.”
Mr. Gardiner smiled and rose to leave.
“Darcy, I assume your invitation will reach your aunt tomorrow?”
“If not tonight, Uncle,” replied Darcy.
“It has been a pleasure to meet you, ladies,” said Lord Matlock with a bow. “I look forward to seeing you all again in two days’ time. Miss Elizabeth, again, my best wishes for your health and recovery.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Mr. Gardiner poured a drink for himself and another for Lord Matlock.
“Your niece is a singular young lady.” Lord Matlock settled into a chair in front of Mr. Gardiner’s desk. “She is witty, well-spoken, and self-assured.” He began enumerating Elizabeth’s qualities─qualities he considered essential for the wife of his nephew.
“She has a fondness for reading and the development of her mind. She cares deeply and is willing to risk her life to protect those she loves. She is obviously not a fortune hunter as she has refused the heir to her father’s estate. She is not afraid to admit to her faults.” He took the glass Mr. Gardiner offered him. “I have to say I am impressed by her. And the attachment between her and my nephew seems to be equal. There is not much left for me to discuss with you. I assume that is why you insisted on my meeting her first?”
“Of course. I thought it best for Lizzy to speak for herself. But you still have questions, so please ask.”
“What of her family? I know that her father is a landed gentleman, but what of his estate?”
“His estate is modest but well-run. He is a gracious landlord to his tenants, and they are quite loyal to him. It is publically known that his estate yields two thousand per annum, but those are only public numbers. His profits exceed this substantially. He keeps the profitability and even the organization of his estate somewhat a secret. He likes to keep people guessing—loves a good laugh, he does.
“However, the real reason that he keeps his finances secret is my sister, his wife. Fanny has always been a bit of a flibbertigibbet, but it has gotten worse as she has grown older. I believe it is because the estate is entailed away from her and her daughters. She is fearful of what will happen when Bennet passes.” Mr. Gardiner sat his glass on the desk and leaned back in his chair. “I can assure you that her care has been provided for between myself and her husband. She shall have no need of want as long as she can live on an income of no more than two thousand a year. She can be a bit of a spendthrift, and to protect her from learning to live with more and having her circumstances lessen on his passing, Bennet has chosen to keep the true profitability of his estate a secret from her.”
“I admire his forethought and desire to protect her,” commented Lord Matlock.
“He does have an incredibly quick mind and a strong protective side. Elizabeth takes after her father in that regard. His protection extends to his daughters. The money for their dowries, which was merely one thousand a piece, is well-invested and has been gaining in value each year. Only he and I know the true numbers.”
“But would not publishing their dowries make them available to a wider society in which to find a husband?”
“Indeed, it would, and perhaps with the younger girls, who are quite silly, publishing the amount may be necessary. However, Bennet knows the value of his eldest daughters and believed that they would be able to attract an appropriate husband without this number being known. He planned to share the true value of their dowry with them if the eldest remained unmarried at the age of three and twenty. Jane will be three and twenty in six month’s time. However, I believe that the amount will be known sooner than that, now that Mary is engaged, and your nephew has requested of me permission to seek a courtship with Elizabeth.”
“Darcy has talked to you?”
“Indeed he has, this morning at my warehouse. He plans to speak to you about it tonight. He will approach her father after Elizabeth and Jane have returned to Hertfordshire, but as he knows Lizzy is her father’s favourite, he wishes a letter from me regarding the permission I have granted him here would precede him into Hertfordshire.”
Lord Matlock guffawed. “He always was one who took every precaution to ensure success. I dare say, I never imagined he would ever have to worry about being refused. The fathers of the ton seem quite willing to throw their daughters in his direction.”
“Bennet is not your typical father, and Elizabeth is not your typical lady.” Mr. Gardiner leaned forward and rested his elbows on his desk, steepling his fingers in front of him and tapping the first two together as he considered his next question. Something Darcy had said during their interview that morning had him a bit uneasy for his niece’s sake. He stopped tapping his fingers and folded them. “Do you fear she will not be accepted by your relations? Darcy mentioned something in that regard.”
“My relations are traditionalists.” Lord Matlock took a swallow of his drink. “They find my behaviour to be singular at times and not to their satisfaction. However, since I am the head of the family, they have no choice but to accept it. Although I cannot guarantee there will be no dissension, I think, for the most part, they will accept my position on Darcy’s choice until they have met and are charmed by Miss Elizabeth.” Lord Matlock grimaced slightly. “The only hold out will be my sister, Catherine. She has been under the impression Darcy would marry her daughter Anne since both Anne and Darcy were infants. I expect a loud confrontation and possibly a breach in the family fabric for a while, but it is not unexpected.”
Mr. Gardiner’s eyebrows rose. “Do I take it you approve of the possible match?”
“Without reservation,” Lord Matlock replied flatly. “I have not seen Darcy as I did today since before his mother died, which was the last time he felt secure and unconditionally loved. I think he has found that feeling again, and I am glad for it. I look forward to the day when I can welcome you to my extended family, Gardiner.”
Mr. Gardiner shook his head in disbelief. “Your family will then have ties to trade. Will that not be a sour taste for some?”
Lord Matlock placed his glass on the desk and leaned back in his chair with an amused smile on his face. “Gardiner, you are no ordinary tradesman. You are a well-respected businessman and member of the Mercer’s Company.” He tilted his head slightly and raised a quizzical brow, pausing until Mr. Gardiner nodded his acceptance of the facts. “That will do much to sweeten the taste; however, I will not lie and say it will not cause some trouble. But, it cannot be avoided. As you know from doing business with Darcy, he is a very determined man once he has made up his mind, and it appears he has made up his mind.”
“Indeed it does. I wish him success.”
“Well, then, Gardiner, I should head home. I look forward to seeing you at Darcy’s.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
“You know Father was here to check up on you, do you not?” said Richard when the gentlemen had entered the carriage.
“Yes, it was obvious to me, and I expect to Elizabeth as well,” said Darcy.
“So it is Elizabeth now is it? Would Andrew still say you are a good gentleman if you use such familiar terms for Miss Elizabeth?” taunted Richard.
“Andrew knows it is acceptable for a gentleman to use a lady’s Christian name during a courtship if the lady has given him permission.”
“Courtship? Richard, did Darcy just say he was courting Miss Elizabeth?” asked Bingley.
“I believe he did, Bingley,” replied Richard.
“Does this smack of impulsivity to you?”
“It does indeed. Seems more your style than his. What do you suppose has happened to him?”
“Perhaps you should ask him,” said Darcy.
“Capital idea, Darcy. Do you think we should ask him, Richard?”
“I believe we must, Bingley.”
“He may not answer you,” said Darcy. “But if he did, he would probably say he had found a woman he could love and after seeing her bleeding in his arms, he had no wish to move any slower.”
“Well, now, Bingley, see what he has gone and done? He has given such a reasonable answer we are left without means to tease him.”
“Rather thoughtless of him, do you not think?” said Bingley with a smile. “So, when will this be official so I may inform my sister of her disappointment?”
Richard laughed.
“I have spoken to Elizabeth’s uncle this morning, Elizabeth this afternoon and will speak to Uncle Matlock tonight and Elizabeth’s father upon arriving in Hertfordshire. Mr. Gardiner is sending a letter regarding the permission he has granted me while Elizabeth is in London. It will not become a public courtship until I have spoken to her father, so you will just have to wait to share that news with your sister, Bingley. However, there is a disappointment of sorts that you shall wish to explain to her before both she and the Gardiner
s show up at my house.”
Bingley smiled. “You mean the connection between my father and Miss Elizabeth’s uncle?” The door to the carriage opened. “Why do you think I wanted you to come over tomorrow?” He chuckled as he stepped down from the carriage in front of his house.
“Just tell her before we get here,” said Darcy.
Chapter 7
“Charles.” Caroline strode purposefully into her brother’s study. “Are there engagements of which I should take note? The holiday season in town can be quite busy.” Taking a seat, she opened her calendar and took a pen from his desk. She had missed London society.
Charles pushed a few papers to the side and rummaged under a few more before finding his calendar. “We have a dinner at Darcy House tomorrow evening.”
Caroline’s smile was self-satisfied. How fortunate to be asked to dine with Mr. Darcy so soon after arriving in town. Perhaps he had missed her company while she was away?
“There will be several in attendance. Some of them you know and some you do not.” Her brother both dreaded and relished the opportunity to share the information about the guests who would be present. “You, of course, know Colonel Fitzwilliam. He will be joined by his mother and father, Lord and Lady Matlock.” Charles noted how her look of self-satisfaction grew to one of self-importance. “Our father’s former partner, Mr. Edward Gardiner and his family will also be attending.” She looked up from writing. “You have not had the privilege of meeting them, have you?”
She shook her head. “I know you do business with him quite regularly, but I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting him or his family.”
“Mr. Gardiner is a highly respected businessman. Both Darcy and Lord Matlock are customers of long standing and count him a friend,” said Charles with a sidelong glance at his sister. “Two of Gardiner’s nieces will be joining them as well as some friends from Hertfordshire.”
“From Hertfordshire?” said Caroline in surprise. “Who does Mr. Gardiner know in Hertfordshire?”
“He knows many people there, Caroline. He has family there.” He paused for a moment allowing the shock of the news to settle in for a moment before he added to it. “Mrs. Bennet is his sister.”
