by Lauren King
Mrs. Gardiner comes into the drawing room and is about to join in the conversation with her nieces when the male house servant, Johnny announces their guest.
“Mr. Albert Morgan, ma’am.” Johnny says respectfully as he presents Mr. Morgan in the Gardiner’s drawing room.
All three ladies stand, and then Elizabeth cheerily makes the introductions to Mrs. Gardiner. All the courtesies are conveyed, and then Mrs. Gardiner offers Mr. Morgan coffee and tea.
“Mr. Morgan, do you enjoy South American coffee?” Mrs. Gardiner asks genially.
“I do find the taste agreeable, Mrs. Gardiner. I hear that Mr. Gardiner’s business is importing and exporting coffees and silks, ma’am?” Mr. Morgan asks amiably.
“Yes, you have heard correctly. Do you drink coffee daily or just once in a while, sir?”
“I drink coffee for pleasure, ma’am. You have a lovely home, Mrs. Gardiner.” Morgan speaks smoothly. He is curious about Miss Bennet’s relations; they seem respectable and well-to-do for being in trade. He was surprised when he learned of Miss Bennet’s relatives; however, if Darcy has accepted them, then they must be suitable and well mannered. He will assess them just as they will assess him.
“Thank you, Mr. Morgan. Will you be in town for the entire winter, sir?” Mrs. Gardiner asks nicely as she pours the coffees.
“Yes, I will be here for the entire winter. My family’s estate is in Northampton. I try to go back there whenever my time allows. Being amongst the Serjeants at Law, I can be quite busy with certain cases in the Courts of Common Pleas.”
After talking about how long he has been a barrister and what he likes to do during holidays, Mrs. Gardiner excuses herself to go spend some time with the children. Elizabeth remains with Jane, but she reads a book at the far end of the drawing room where the window sitting area provides a view of the streets below and lets in much light.
“How was your Christmas, Miss Bennet?” Morgan asks good-naturedly.
“It was nice Mr. Morgan. I spent it with family and good friends. How about yours, Mr. Morgan? Were you able to be with any of your family?” Jane asks pleasantly. “I hope you had some free time.”
“I did spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my parents and brothers who all came into town this year. I usually go back to Northampton for four weeks until the New Year to enjoy the holidays, but I am very glad I accepted Sir Thomas’ invitation for his ball this year.” Morgan smiles and slightly flirts with his comment.
Morgan hopes that his forwardness is not offensive to Miss Bennet. He does not like to play games when it comes to pursuing a young lady. If he likes the young lady and it is reciprocated, then he will let her know immediately so they can progress into a courtship. If he senses that she is unsure about him and she is dragging out their acquaintanceship, then he will assess if he likes her enough to continue. Otherwise, he will retreat from the pursuit. Unfortunately, he has had to do that two times in the past because those two young ladies were not as mature as he had thought they were. They presented themselves differently once he expressed some interest in them. He did not want to be involved with young ladies who were cunning like that.
He understands that young ladies have the prerogative to choose between potential suitors. However, if she remains dubious for the entire season, then that may be a sign that it will not be a love match, thus he usually bows out. If she remains flirty with other gentlemen, then he will always bow out. He does not want that type of a wife either. He does not expect her to know in a matter of days, but if he devotes much time for her to learn about him and she still cannot decide, then she, most likely, does not see him as her first choice. He would not want to be anyone’s hesitant second, third, or fourth choice. At that point, he usually withdraws his attentions. He is not being superior; he just knows what he wants in a wife and in a marriage.
His own parents had a love match; he has seen how warm that kind of a relationship could be, and that is what he would like for himself. He is attracted to Miss Bennet not only for her beauty but she seems very genuinely kind, and that is what he wants in his life. She sounds caring and considerate – all additional benefits for him and their future. Furthermore, she seems to be serious about her life and not frivolous. She laughed with her sister and Darcy very openly; therefore, he guessed that she was a fun person too. He would love to have that combination in a wife. He sees that Darcy will have that with Miss Elizabeth; he recognized all those characteristics in Miss Elizabeth. Darcy is one lucky man. Hopefully, he will also be just as lucky.
Jane hears Mr. Morgan’s implication, and she is amused, in a good way; hence, she smiles shyly. His indirect compliment does not make her feel discomfited as Mr. Northrop’s compliments did.
“You had an enjoyable time at the ball, Mr. Morgan?” Jane smiles prettily.
“Indeed, I did, Miss Bennet. I had the great pleasure of meeting you and dancing with you which reminded me that I like dancing, especially with someone as pleasant as yourself. I had a chance to meet and converse with Miss Elizabeth and Darcy; I always enjoy conversing with Darcy. He and I have very good university memories as comrades; therefore, I am always happy to spend time with him. So yes, it was a most enjoyable night for me. I hope you had a pleasant time also?” Morgan tries to be as open as possible so Miss Bennet can sense how he is naturally.
“I did, sir. Everyone was very nice. I noticed that Mr. Darcy and you liked teasing each other. It was very endearing to see two illustrious gentlemen be true friends with each other. Do you and Mr. Darcy see each other often?”
“We see each other throughout the season when Darcy is in town; otherwise, we do not see much of each other when he is at Pemberley. Whenever I am out in Derbyshire, I do try to visit him, though. It is very tranquil and comforting to be at Pemberley. No wonder Darcy prefers it over town; I would too if I had such an estate. Darcy has always been a good friend, and I am glad that we have remained that way. Do you have friends here in town, Miss Bennet?” Morgan wants to know where she will be residing for the near future, especially after the holidays.
“I only know Mr. and Miss Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, my Uncle’s family, and a couple of acquaintances. So it sounds like you live mainly here in town, sir?”
“Yes, that is right. How have you like town so far?”
“I enjoy it. Elizabeth and I enjoy being with each other and with our Uncle’s family. She is my best friend. We enjoy the parks and the different museums. However, I know Elizabeth misses the greenery and tranquility of Hertfordshire. I do too but not as much as her because she is an avid walker. She misses the freedom of walking in peace without being worried about the less-than-trustworthy people around in certain areas.”
“Well, she will surely experience an abundance of greenery and tranquility at Pemberley. How long do you remain in town, Miss Bennet?”
“Until after Mr. Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s wedding, sir. When do you go back to court, Mr. Morgan?”
“The third week of January; however, I do get free time. I am not locked up at court and forced to only do work.” Both Morgan and Jane chuckle gently. Morgan finds Miss Bennet’s giggle to be rather cute.
“Well, I am glad because your work sounds very demanding, and it requires a lot of your time and effort. I think everybody needs some time to rest their mind and body so they can continue to function at their best.”
“You are absolutely correct, Miss Bennet. When I first started my profession, I devoted all my time to it in order to advance to where I am presently. Now, I will follow your advice to rest more so I can function at my best. I agree that a tired mind and body will not function as well. I will spend more time with friends so that my life can be fulfilling. What is life if you do not have someone to share it with and have family and good friends to be around? Do you agree, Miss Bennet?”
“Indeed, I do agree with you. It would be wonderful to find the right person to share one’s life with like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. They will have a great, loving ma
rriage from what I can gather thus far.” Jane states wistfully. She surely does not want a marriage of convenience; it sounds awful.
“My excellent parents were a love match, and I have seen how splendid they are with each other, thus I will settle only for a love match. It is an amazing thing to have for the rest of one’s life.” Morgan has never wanted or even thought about a marriage of convenience.
“That sounds like an ideal relationship, Mr. Morgan.” Jane smiles pleasantly at Mr. Morgan.
Jane enjoys talking with Mr. Morgan very much. She notices how handsome he is now that she can look at him directly without fear of being considered too forward. He is intelligent, straightforward, sensible, logical, and confident with his speech and ideas. He considers what she says and is not patronizing. She hopes that he is a true gentleman like William. At first, she thought that they would not match because he might be too different from her or too stern. However, she likes that he seems to be the type of man that could take charge and protect his family but also be tender and loving with his wife and children. This is discernible from how he speaks about his parents’ loving marriage and that he wishes for the same type of marriage. He must be a warm and a caring person.
“Yes, my parents were very loving with their children. I know that in many families the father and sometimes the mother are not very involved with their children when they are very young. In my family, my Mother oversaw all the nannies and governesses, thoroughly. She spent time with us every day and not just for half an hour. We spent time walking in our garden, riding horses, and having picnics. She would read to us at our pond or go collecting butterflies and wildflowers. I just remember joyous times when I was a young lad.”
“We were allowed to have meals with my Father and Mother once we were able to sit properly at the dining table. My Father was doting and caring. He did not just pat our heads and then left everything to my Mother. My Father was involved with our upbringing from a young age. I remember thinking that he was such a great man. He spoke confidently, intelligently, and caringly. He explained things to us without intimidating us or reprimanding us for not understanding. I felt I could ask him anything and he would help me which he did. I was not hesitant to share my ideas and thoughts with him and my brothers. I think my two brothers feel the same way about our parents. I am very blessed to have my parents.” Morgan smiles comfortably. “I am sorry if I sound boastful, Miss Bennet. I do not mean to be. I hope I did not bore you.”
Jane smiles prettily and then says, “Not at all, Mr. Morgan. You are not boastful; you are simply contented with your family. That is one of the best feelings for anyone to have. I was very pleased to listen to your stories about your loving family. I think anyone would agree that you have an ideal family and would wish for the same. I am very happy for you. Your family sounds wonderful. They will be protective of you, then. I think that they will scrutinize all your friends.”
“Thank you, Miss Bennet. My family is protective, and we will always watch over each other, but that does not mean they will overly analyze everyone with the intent to find fault. If they know that I approve of someone, then that person must be somebody decent. I treat my friends the way I want to be treated which means they cannot be bad people. Naturally, I can still be deceived, but I try to be the best person I can be so they know what to expect in our friendship. I am forthright, Miss Bennet; I hope it does not offend you.”
“It certainly does not, Mr. Morgan. You remind me of my dear sister, Elizabeth; she is very much like you. I am glad to have made your acquaintance, sir.” Jane smiles nicely and candidly. She is certainly happy to get to know Mr. Morgan; he is an interesting gentleman.
“Thank you, Miss Bennet. Making your acquaintance was the highlight of the ball for me.” Morgan states sincerely. He surely wants to know Miss Bennet better; she seems to know her mind. She does not seem flighty or silly.
“You are too kind, Mr. Morgan. I have been told that I am shy and quiet; however, you would not know it from listening to me interrogating you about your family. I hope you are not taken aback, sir.” Jane smiles timidly.
“Indeed, I am not, Miss Bennet. I am very pleased that you are not too shy with me because I would like to know that we could talk freely and comfortably with each other.” Morgan happily assures Jane; he wants her to be open and frank so they both can see if they are right for each other.
“Yes, I would also prefer for us to be frank with each other if you do not think it too unlady-like of me.” Jane wants to be honest so there are no misconceptions about her and her family.
“I think you are a perfect young lady.” Morgan responds agreeably.
“Thank you, sir. Would you like some tea, now, Mr. Morgan?”
“Yes, thank you, Miss Bennet. So, tell me about your family, Miss Bennet. You are from Hertfordshire?”
“Yes, I am. I am the eldest of five sisters; Elizabeth is second. Then there is Mary who is eight and ten. Kitty is seven and ten. Lydia is five and ten. As you can guess, my Father was hoping for a son somewhere there.” Jane chuckles lightly as does Mr. Morgan. “Not only does he not have a son but he has to deal with five daughters and a wife. I am certain that he is tired of hearing about ribbons and laces.” They chortle again.
“He must be a protective father. Does he scare away all your suitors, Miss Bennet?” Morgan teases. With Miss Bennet being so pretty, he is certain that she has many suitors fighting for her attention.
Jane says shyly, “There are no suitors to scare away, Mr. Morgan.”
Mr. Morgan’s comment reminds Jane of when her Mother had declared her ‘out’. She has been ‘out’ for the last seven years, yet she only had one gentleman who showed enough interest and called upon her three times when she was eight and ten years old. At all three times her Mother was present for at least half of the visit, and she questioned him quite a bit. They also were at an assembly together where her Mother talked to anyone that would listen about Jane’s ‘suitor’. They were not even courting yet, but her Mother was already predicting their future. By the middle of that assembly, her Mother pushed her to dance with Mr. Carlton for the third time so that all the other young girls would know his preference.
Jane remembers that it was very embarrassing for her that night, but she could not tell anyone about it except Elizabeth. Elizabeth recognized her embarrassment and tried to soothe Jane as best as she could, but her Mother was insistent that she should dominate Mr. Carlton’s time. By the end of the night, Mr. Carlton must have heard some of the gossip about them because he briefly called upon her the next day to tell her that he was worried whether he would be able to live up to all the gossip about them and all that was already expected of him by her Mother even though they are not even officially courting yet. He did not want to disappoint Jane. After that visit, he did not call upon her again. At that time, Jane thought that he did not like her enough, but she realized, later on, that he did not like her Mother’s conduct. There were a few other young men who danced with Jane and showed their partiality towards her, but they did not move forward. At the time, Jane had surmised that it was due to her.
“That cannot be true, Miss Bennet.” Morgan continues playfully; obviously, he is trying to get relevant information from Miss Bennet.
“Mr. Morgan, you tease me.” Jane says lightheartedly as she smiles.
“I am glad there are no suitors.” Morgan looks intensely at Jane, and she shyly looks down at her hands on her lap. “I am sorry if I was too blatant, Miss Bennet. However, I am truly glad that you have no suitors.”
Jane blushes at Mr. Morgan’s direct comment. She is not uncomfortable with his statement; it is rather endearing. She is actually thrilled because he sounds genuine with his feelings and compliments – unlike Mr. Northrop. Mr. Morgan is not only handsome but he is well rounded in other aspects as a gentleman. Jane is…attracted to him. She will need to control her feelings so she does not get disappointed again.
However, she can feel the difference betw
een Mr. Morgan and Mr. Bingley. For instance, she does not think that Mr. Morgan is the type of gentleman that would allow his brothers to be rude or disdainful towards her. He would not allow them to dictate his actions, but he is sure to listen to their advice. Moreover, he does not seem to be easily intimidated to go against his own wishes. Now that she has thought of that particularly – his family may advise him against her if they learn of Lydia’s problem. Jane must think positively. She will assess how interested Mr. Morgan is and then decide from there.
There is not much more she can do to assure any gentleman’s devotion. On the other hand, it shows Jane who really truly likes her and who wants a future with her. Equally, she understands that it is unfair to judge a gentleman in such a way because they have to consider their reputation and the reputation of their family if they are embroiled with the Bennets. Jane recognizes that it is rare to find someone like William; Elizabeth is exceptionally fortunate to have William’s love and devotion.
Jane can only be the best person she can be. Elizabeth is correct in that opinion. If Jane is so unfortunate as not to find anyone tolerant of her family’s trouble, then she will accept her fate. She cannot do anything else. So far, Mr. Morgan has shown to be a reasonable man, thus she hopes that he will be tolerant of Lydia’s problem so they can progress into a relationship.
Jane and Mr. Morgan talk about their families, and their childhoods. Jane vastly enjoys his stories because he is funny; this is another side of Mr. Morgan that she likes very much. She is truly glad for his visit today. She has a good feeling about Mr. Morgan.
Mrs. Gardiner comes back into the drawing room to ask if Mr. Morgan would like some more coffee. “No thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. I want to thank you for letting me visit your home today. I am happy to have made your acquaintance, ma’am.” Morgan stands up to make ready to take leave.
“You are welcome, Mr. Morgan. It was nice to make your acquaintance, sir.” Both Mrs. Gardiner and Jane stand to bid Mr. Morgan farewell. Mrs. Gardiner turns to Elizabeth and says, “Lizzy? Mr. Morgan is leaving, now.”
