“This calls for a toast.” He poured three glasses and raised his in the air. “To your union, sir. May it be a blending of spirits, leading to a lifetime of laughter, joy, and prosperity.”
They drank and Mr. Gardiner regained his seat. “May I ask, Mr. Darcy, how your family feels regarding your engagement?”
Bingley noticed the brief flash of surprise upon his friend’s countenance, but it quickly disappeared behind his impeccable calm mask.
“I shall know for certain this evening, but I believe they will be accepting.”
“Most,” Bingley added and finished his drink.
Mr. Gardiner’s brow rose as he glanced from Bingley to Darcy. “Most, sir?”
Darcy frowned in his friend’s direction, but Bingley simply shrugged a shoulder. “I have an aunt who harboured hopes of my marrying her daughter, but my cousin and I agreed long ago that it would not be so.”
Their host considered his statement, then set his glass down and stood up. “Well, gentlemen, I believe my wife will be anxious to receive your news. Will you accompany me to my home?” He took up the packet from Longbourn and stepped around the desk.
Darcy and Bingley voiced their pleasure in meeting Mrs. Gardiner. They exited the office and Mr. Gardiner gave instructions to his clerk before turning his attention back to the young men.
“My home is an easy distance, if you do not mind the walk.”
“Not at all,” Darcy replied.
They donned their outerwear and started off in the opposite direction from which they had arrived. They had not travelled far before Mr. Gardiner spoke up.
“I am pleased to hear that your family will welcome Lizzy. She and Jane are favourites of both myself and my wife. Before our children were born, they would spend many months with us. They still do. Jane visits us most every winter and Lizzy frequently travels with us in the summer. We would be most displeased if either of them were mistreated or disappointed in any way.”
Darcy nodded. “I assure you, sir, my priority is your niece’s happiness and wellbeing.”
Mr. Gardiner smiled and motioned toward a corner house a block away. “Our home. I hope you will both feel welcome at any time. After all, we are to be family.”
His words startled Bingley. Nothing had been said of his joining Darcy in matrimony to one of the Bennet sisters. He wondered what Mr. Gardiner knew that might assist him in claiming Jane’s heart.
The house they entered was clean but unremarkable on the outside. Once admitted to the parlour, Bingley was gladdened to find the furnishings inviting yet elegant. The chairs appeared new, but comfortable. Any ornaments set about the room were tasteful and gave the impression they held some sentimental value.
Mrs. Gardiner appeared pleased by their interruption to her day. She set aside her needlepoint and, after introductions, approached the bell pull to order tea, but Darcy stopped her.
“I beg your pardon, madam, but I am afraid we are unable to stay long. My aunt is expecting us soon.” He glanced at Bingley. “However, we could not refuse your husband’s invitation as we have heard much of you both. Your nieces speak of you often and with much love and respect.”
A pretty blush covered their hostess’s cheeks. “We feel the same way about them.” She returned to her seat and looked at them expectantly. “I imagine Edward would not have brought you here unless there is some news which is to be shared.”
Darcy laughed. “I begin to see from whence Elizabeth gets her quickness. You are correct, madam. Miss Elizabeth has paid me the honour of accepting my hand and her father has granted his blessing.”
“Oh, well we are to be family then. Welcome, Mr. Darcy. I could not be more proud. You probably are not aware, but I spent much of my youth in Derbyshire, not far from Pemberley.”
“Truly? Where?” Darcy took a seat and leaned forward, seemingly eager to hear her answer.
“In Lambton.”
“Why that is not five miles from Pemberley. Do you return often?”
Her smile softened. “No, though we had considered passing through there this summer on our way to the Lake District.”
“Then you must stay at Pemberley. I am certain Elizabeth will be longing to see her family by then.”
The Gardiners exchanged a surprised glance. “Oh, we could not impose,” Mrs. Gardiner replied.
“It is not an imposition. As you said, we will be family.”
They agreed that, should their travels take them through Derbyshire, they would indeed spend time at Pemberley. Their attention then turned toward Bingley.
“And have you news for us also, sir?” Mrs. Gardiner asked before her husband could stop her.
Bingley’s cheeks warmed as he shook his head. “I fear I am simply a friend of the family at this time, madam.”
Mrs. Gardiner frowned before glancing toward her husband who shrugged. “Well, no matter. You both must join us for dinner. As you are otherwise engaged this evening, would tomorrow be acceptable? I am certain our children would love to hear word of their cousins.”
“What my wife means to say is, Lizzy is a favourite of theirs and they will demand to make your acquaintance, Mr. Darcy. You may find my sons a bit more intimidating than Mr. Bennet.” Mr. Gardiner laughed heartily.
“I look forward to it.” Darcy’s smile was bright and sincere. “I had planned on returning to Hertfordshire the following day, so I will carry any correspondence you may have.”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded and turned toward Bingley. “Are you accompanying Mr. Darcy when he returns to Hertfordshire?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He hesitated, uncertain what more he should say as she watched him expectantly. “I am looking forward to seeing your nieces again.”
Her brow rose. “Will we have another event to celebrate?”
The burning sensation increased and he stuttered over his words until Mr. Gardiner came to his rescue.
“Madeline, leave the young man alone. Forgive my wife, sir. Though she is not as silly as my sister, she is no less curious.”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed. “Edward, how dare you compare me to Fanny? You know very well why she behaves the way she does.”
Darcy and Bingley held their breath, waiting to learn more of Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Gardiner seemed to notice as his gaze fell upon them before returning to his wife. Mrs. Gardiner nodded encouragingly.
“I suppose it would do no harm to mention it.” He sat back in his seat and folded his hands in his lap. “You might have noticed that my brother-in-law enjoys making sport of his wife.”
The men nodded, uncertain what to say.
“Fanny and Bennet were acquainted for most of their lives. Meryton is a small community, as you know, and Bennet’s mother enjoyed walking there to visit friends. She and my mother spoke on a weekly basis, exchanging gossip and such. Bennet often accompanied his mother.
“There were not many ladies in the area, only daughters of tradesmen. I believe Bennet’s father wanted him to come to London for a season and find a wife, but my brother has never liked the ton. Looking back, it is clear he planned on marrying Fanny all along, but no one was the wiser until he approached my father.”
He tugged at a small thread on the arm of his chair, not meeting anyone’s gaze. “Father was in ecstasy over the fact his little girl would be the lady of a manor house. He told everyone the news, unaware that Bennet had not yet spoken to his own parents. As you can imagine, their reaction was not of the same nature.”
Darcy rocked a bit in his seat, suddenly appearing highly uncomfortable. “With everyone aware of the engagement, they would be unlikely to speak out against it,” he said hopefully.
“Perhaps not to the townspeople, but they were quite vocal to my sister. I have heard that she was a tower of strength when Bennet brought her before them, but even towers can be tumbled after years of attacks.”
He sighed. “In some ways, I cannot fault Bennet. He was caught between his family and his love, which is a difficult place to be.” Mr. Gardiner loo
ked meaningfully at Darcy before turning his gaze upon Bingley. “Bennet is not one for confrontation. He retreats to a place of safety. At that time, he did so leaving my sister to receive the brunt of his parents’ displeasure.”
Darcy shook his head as he clucked his tongue.
“Yes, bad form.” Mr. Gardiner chuckled at Darcy’s surprised expression. “It is what I told him at the time, little good it did. He thought Fanny was the stronger of them and he relied upon that, but there comes a time when a man must step forward and protect his own, even if it is against those he loves dearly.”
Mr. Gardiner leaned forward. “As each daughter was born, Fanny felt more inferior. Bennet’s mother did not improve matters, insinuating it was her connections to trade which made it unlikely she would birth a boy.” He shook his head in disgust.
“That woman did everything she could to destroy Fanny’s confidence, but my sister never allowed her distress to show. It was only after the old bat passed and Fanny began spending more time with our sister that she became so silly. I believe the old lady’s words still ring in her ears, telling her she is not good enough, and part of her has begun to believe it.”
“If only Thomas had confronted his mother, but he thought Fanny was unaffected by her.” Mrs. Gardiner dabbed the corner of her eye with her handkerchief. “Now he hides in his book room, not wanting to see what she has become due to his inaction.”
Bingley swallowed around the lump in his throat. “Were the daughters witness to their mother’s ill treatment?”
“That was the most bizarre part.” Mr. Gardiner frowned as he sat back in his seat. “Old Mrs. Bennet loved the girls. Bennet was her only child to survive, and she doted upon his daughters. It wasn’t until …” he glanced to his wife, “Kitty?”
She nodded and he continued.
“… that we noted anything unusual. Madeline was assisting Fanny after Kitty was born, but my sister wanted little to do with the child. She would cry whenever Kitty was brought to her; whenever any of the girls entered her room.”
“I spoke to Edward and he mentioned it to his brother, but Thomas dismissed it as fatigue. It was then that I suggested Jane and Elizabeth come stay with us.
“Bennet’s mother protested, of course. She declared us unsuitable due to my profession. Bennet finally assisted us by listing the advantages of being in London, including access to masters, and she relented. Her only demand was that they not be allowed to form strong ties to any children their age whose families were in trade.” He snorted and shook his head again.
Mrs. Gardiner patted her husband’s arm. “You might have heard stories of a young man who paid particular attention to Jane when she was but fifteen.”
Bingley nodded.
“His family owns a warehouse neighbouring my husband’s. Because of the vow we swore to Mrs. Bennet, we had to dissuade the young man from courting Jane.” She smoothed her skirt. “Though Jane was full young, and I doubt there were any deep affections for him, she was hurt when he stopped calling with no explanation. We did not wish to create animosity between her and her grandmother, for whom she is named, so we did not tell her.”
The gentlemen sat quietly. Bingley was lost in thought over what had been revealed. He realized the Gardiners were watching them both closely and wondered if they had only divulged the Bennets’ history as a word of caution. He glanced at his friend.
Darcy sat straight in his seat, but there was a look of concern upon his features. He ran a finger along his jawline and studied the pattern in the carpet before him.
Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat. “Forgive me for being so serious during your visit, gentlemen. I promise tomorrow we will be more lighthearted and truly celebrate with you.”
Recognizing his words as a sign the visit had come to an end, both Darcy and Bingley stood and took their leave. The carriage ride back to Mayfair was completed in silence as each gentleman reflected upon the story they had just heard. They were both surprised when the carriage pulled to a stop before the home of the Earl of Matlock.
Bingley watched Darcy closely as he donned his normal mask of reserve. He could not suppress his frown and was pleased when his friend allowed the guarded visage to slip away.
“Shall we?” Darcy asked.
Bingley nodded and they entered the posh townhouse armed only with the strength of their attachment to the Bennet sisters.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“Darcy, I cannot express my surprise enough. I am utterly astonished, to say the least. After all these years of the best of the ton being paraded before you, you choose an unknown lady from a country community.” Lady Matlock shook her head in dismay. “I can only hope she is a paragon of some sort.”
Darcy fought his mutinous features which desired to laugh at his aunt’s portrait of Elizabeth. Before he could reply, Lady Matlock had turned her attention to his friend.
“Mr. Bingley, you have met this lady. What say you regarding her and her family?”
Bingley appeared to sputter. “Your Ladyship is aware I am partial to the Bennets.”
With a shake of her head, Lady Matlock dismissed him. “Yes, yes, Catherine was quite vocal on the subject.” Her attention returned to her nephew.
“Darcy, Richard insinuates that this Miss Elizabeth is far superior to our society ladies and I must know in what way. He stated she ‘bested you’ in some manner. Whatever did he mean? Is she one of these young ladies who seeks to be equal to men in everything? I find it highly unladylike.”
Unable to suppress his mirth, Darcy chuckled as he shook his head. He summoned his fortitude and cleared his throat. “No, Aunt, Elizabeth is very much a lady. I believe what Richard intended to say was that she is quick witted.”
Lady Matlock frowned as she watched him. “Well, it was expected you would marry a bluestocking.”
“I would not label Elizabeth as such. She simply expresses herself well and is able to support her arguments in a rational, though humourous, manner.” Darcy smiled as he remembered some of their spirited debates while she stayed at Netherfield.
“Oh, please, do not go dreamy-eyed on me.” Lady Matlock snapped open her fan and applied it vigorously.
Georgiana’s shoulders began to shake and Darcy suspected his sister was finding it equally difficult to hide her amusement over their aunt’s theatrics. From the moment he entered the room, it appeared his aunt was battling within herself. She was pleased that he had chosen to marry, but uncertain of his choice. Eager to accept Elizabeth, but suspicious of her motives.
His thoughts turned to the story Mr. Gardiner had revealed and he sobered. “Aunt Eleanor, I am uncertain how to calm your fears, but I must be clear. I have chosen Elizabeth as she is the only lady I could imagine having by my side for a lifetime. She is compassionate and intelligent. She does not value my fortune over my character. Indeed, there was a moment when I proposed that I feared she would refuse me.” His eyes fell to his lap and he ran a finger along the crease of his pants leg.
“Refuse you? Is she daft?” Lady Matlock appeared ready to wage battle in his defense.
Another chuckle escaped him. “No, madam, precisely the opposite. I had not behaved well during my time in Hertfordshire and she took me to account for it. I was made to realize how similar my behaviour had been to,” he grimaced “Lady Catherine.”
“Oh dear.” His aunt shook her head. “But she did eventually accept you, therefore she is not completely devoid of sense.”
Darcy noticed Bingley’s sudden interest in some sort of activity outside the window as his shoulders also began to shake. Taking a deep breath, he decided it was time to end this farce his aunt was playing.
“Aunt Eleanor, it appears to me you wish to be accepting of my choice, and I hope that to be true. I have decided that, should my family not be receptive toward Elizabeth, our interactions would, therefore, have to be very limited.”
Georgiana gasped as she quickly sobered. “You would choose her over us?”
Dar
cy took her hand and gently patted it. “Georgie, I love you dearly, but the Bible tells us that a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife. One day, in the not so distant future, you will decide to marry and you will understand more fully. You would not want your husband’s loyalties divided between you and his family.”
“Well said, Darcy.” Lady Matlock smiled. “I see you have considered this decision thoroughly. I would not want you to allow your baser instincts to decide your future. This Miss Elizabeth seems to be a paragon indeed. I look forward to meeting her. When shall you bring her to me?”
This time Darcy stuttered over his words. “I had not intended, that is, Elizabeth and I had not discussed her coming to town.”
“Well then I suggest you do so.” Aunt Matlock leaned forward to secure a biscuit from the tea tray. “She must be introduced to society and before that is done, I must have an opportunity to give her such advice as will be needed. You said she has family in town?”
“Yes.” Darcy regained his composure. “Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. They live in Cheapside. Mr. Gardiner is in trade.” He waited anxiously for her response.
Her brow furrowed. “Would that be Madeline Gardiner?”
Neither Darcy nor Bingley were able to hide their complete surprise. “Yes, I believe that is her first name,” Darcy said as he looked to his friend for affirmation.
“Then I do not doubt that Miss Elizabeth is everything you say she is. Mrs. Gardiner assists the Ladies Charitable Society by finding trustworthy needy organizations where we can be certain our funds are used to their fullest and not simply lining some individual’s pocket.”
The gentlemen exchanged another incredulous glance.
“You know Miss Elizabeth’s family, Aunt?” Georgiana asked.
Lady Matlock shook her head and took a sip of tea. “I do not live a confined life, Georgiana. None of us do or should. It is important to know people outside our normal circles.” She smiled as she fingered her skirts made from a fine silk. “How else might I be able to locate such a singular pattern of high quality before the Duchess of Devonshire?”
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