Author's Note: Thank you all for the reviews and the kind feedback! And a big thanks to those who have pointed out some inconsistencies (like when I said Miss Darcy instead of Bingley. Good grief). This chapter was fun to write - some things are being tied together in interesting ways. I hope you like how it turned out!
Chapter 17Jane Bennet watched her young cousins run with their kite and smiled. They had come to Hyde Park as a special outing for the day in order to give Mrs. Gardiner some time to rest. The few days she had been at the Gardiner's home in Gracechurch Street had already proven to be of great use to Mrs. Gardiner. With Jane minding the children and running the household, the expectant mother was able to get sufficient rest to join her family for dinner each day.
At first, the children were shy around their cousin; it had been some time since Jane had visited London. Her gently nature quickly won them over, and she was rewarding their good behavior with a day at Hyde Park, along with their somewhat elderly nurse.
"Jonathan, please do not go so near the lake!" she called as the nine-year-old boy ran gleefully with his seven-year-old brother Timothy. Three-year-old Lucy stayed close to Nurse as she carefully walked along the path.
"Miss Bennet?" a voice called incredulously. Jane turned and saw a vaguely familiar man approaching her, removing his hat.
"Yes?" she responded curiously. As the man grew closer, she let out a small gasp. "Mr. Cartwright!"
"I'm pleased you remember me," said the handsome man with a correct bow. "I have not seen you in what, seven years?"
"Why, yes, I believe so," Jane murmured, slightly distressed. Although she had not had the traumatic experience Lizzy did in witnessing the abuse of a tenant's daughter, her tender heart had had been severely bruised at Lizzy's description of what she witnessed.
Looking around, Jane sought Nurse and the children, but they had continued further along the path. "It is certainly a surprise to see you," she said hastily, "but I must return to the children."
"Are they your children?" Mr. Cartwright asked bluntly.
Jane shook her head. "They are my young cousins. I am in town to help mind them while their mother is ill."
"Ah, yes, the Gardiner's, right? Are they still on Gracechurch Street?" he inquired.
"Er…" Jane hesitated. How has he remembered that after all these years? She could no longer see the children or the Nurse, and there was no one else on their part of the path. She dipped a curtsy and said, "If you will excuse me, sir, I must catch up with them."
As she turned to leave, he reached out and grabbed her arm. "Not so hastily, Miss Bennet," he hissed, emphasizing her single state. "We have had no time to reacquaint ourselves."
Jane felt fear rising up in her. "Please," she whispered, "let me go." The gleam in his eyes at her pleading only increased her fears. "Please," she said again, with tears.
Mr. Cartwright merely chuckled, tightening his grip on her arm. "We never were able to have that private conversation all those years ago. Fortunately for you, I am still in search of a wife, and a mother for my son. You have only grown more beautiful with time," he leered.
As he lifted a finger to stroke her cheek, courage rose in Jane's breast. "I said, sir, to please unhand me," she said as she tried to pull her arm away.
Mr. Cartwright's face turned ugly, and he pulled her closer. She stomped on his foot, and he lifted a hand back.
"Oy! What's going on there? Unhand the lady at once!"
Jane and Mr. Cartwright turned to see a well-dressed man hurrying towards them. "I say there, let the lady go!" the man demanded.
Mr. Cartwright reluctantly loosened his grip, and Jane tore her arm from his grasp. Rubbing the sore spot that would surely bruise, she glared at him.
"This is not finished, Miss Bennet," he sneered, then turned and hurried off.
The man who had scared off Mr. Cartwright finally reached her. "Are you all right, miss?" he asked breathlessly. "My apologies for taking so long to reach you. I was not entirely certain of the situation at first."
"I am fine now, sir. Thank you," she said.
"Shall I call for a constable?" he asked in concern. "Or perhaps a physician? He seemed to have a tight grip on your arm."
"No, no constable or doctor," she said quickly. "I would not like the attention. In any case, he is gone now."
Looking around, she realized she still could not see Nurse or the children. "The children!" she cried, turning and heading down the path at a quick pace. She looked back to call farewell to the strange gentleman, but to her surprise, he was right behind her.
"Pardon the intrusion," he said, "but I would not be able to consider myself a gentleman if I left you alone after what happened. I will accompany you to your children, then see you home safely."
Jane looked at him in surprise. "That is very good of you, sir. Another time, I would tell you that we are quite safe, but today I will gratefully accept your escort." They rounded a turn in the path, and she sighed in relief to see Nurse minding all three children.
"There you are, Miss Bennet!" cried Nurse. "We were about to turn back for you." Peering more closely at Jane, she asked, "But what's this, Miss Bennet? Are you all right?" Nurse turned and gave a suspicious look at the man behind her master's niece.
"I am quite well, thank you, Nurse," Jane said quickly. "This is – well, I am afraid we have not been properly introduced, but he rescued me from a man who was importuning me."
Nurse's expression softened slightly. "I thank you for your help, Mr…..?"
The man's smiled, and Jane noticed for the first time just how handsome he was. "Well, as there is no one here to do the introductions, I believe we shall simply have to introduce ourselves. I am Lord Melbourne, eldest son of the Earl of Matlock." He gave a courtly bow.
Words failed Jane at hearing his title. Thankfully, Nurse (who had seen many years on the earth) had not lost her wits at being in the presence of a member of the Peerage. "This is Miss Bennet. Her father's estate is Longbourn in Hertfordshire. And I am Nurse, your Lordship," she added, bobbing a curtsy.
Upon hearing this, Lord Melbourne's smile widened slightly. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet, Nurse," he said, giving each of them a deep bow.
Offering his arm to Miss Bennet, he said to Nurse, "Miss Bennet had an unfortunate encounter with a man who was not behaving in a gentlemanlike manner, never mind that he was dressed as one." He sniffed disdainfully.
When Jane hesitated in taking his arm, he looked at her. "Miss Bennet, as promised, I will escort you to your home in safety."
Jane smiled at him. "I am grateful for the offer, your Lordship, truly."
"Then what seems to be the problem?" he asked.
"Well, I promised my cousins that we would spend the entire day at Hyde Park as a reward for their good behavior. I would not like to renege on my promise, but neither do I wish to return home unaccompanied. I'm afraid Mr. Cartwright knows where my aunt and uncle live."
Lord Melbourne raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well," he said, crouching down to look at Jonathan and Timothy in their eyes, "a lady must always keep her word. As should a gentleman, if he has any honor. Do you boys agree?"
They both nodded solemnly.
"There's no helping it, Miss Bennet. The only way for both of us to keep our promises is if I stay with you the remainder of the day here at Hyde Park, then escort you and the children home at the end."
Jane's eyes widened. "But sir!" she protested, "I could not ask that of you!"
"Nonsense, you haven't asked anything of me," he said airily, waving his hand. "I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. As I have no fixed engagements today and had planned to spend much of it here at the park anyway, enjoying the uncommonly fine weather, it is no trouble to me. Besides," he added with a charming smile, "I do believe your company will be much more enjoyable than my own."
Nurse looked at Jane and said, "You know your aunt was counting on a full day of quiet rest."
"Then that settles it," Lord Melbourne declared. "You simply must stay here, and I insist on remaining until you are home safely." He suddenly looked a bit forlorn. "However, if my company is so abominable to you, I shall be happy to remain on the bench over there in case I am needed."
Jane stifled a giggle behind her hand. "It seems I have no choice," she said. "If you are to remain, and I am to remain, then I believe I would prefer we remain at the Park together. Your company does not seem too terrible a thing to endure."
The Viscount let out a burst of surprised laughter. "I say, Miss Bennet, I appreciate your wit, even if it is at my expense."
A warm feeling filled Jane's chest. In Meryton, she was the beautiful one and Lizzy was the witty one. It seemed that this man saw past her looks, at least at the start.
They spent the next several hours together at the park. To Jane's surprise, the Viscount not only remained with them, but he joined the boys in their fun of kite-flying and chase. He taught them Blind Man's Bluff and insisted they pick some wildflowers to give to the ladies. The boys gave theirs to Jane and Lucy, while the Viscount presented his with a flourish to Nurse, who blushingly accepted them.
As the sun began to lower in the sky, Jane regretfully called the children back to her, informing them it was time to head for home. Lord Melbourne offered Jane his arm, and the three adults and three children began the walk to the Park's entrance.
"Where are we headed?" the Viscount asked her.
"Gracechurch Street," was her quiet reply. She had no illusions that she would have his company after seeing how close to Cheapside she was residing.
"Ah, excellent neighborhood," he said with aplomb. At Jane's look of disbelief, he continued, "My cousin has a good friend in trade whose family used to have a house in the area. I also have school chums whose families reside nearby. It isn't Grosvenor's Square, but neither is it the East End!"
They walked in silence for some minutes. Jane's mind was awhirl with all that had occurred that day. As they approached her uncle's house, she realized with sorrow that her acquaintance with the gentleman was in all likelihood over. I will never see him again, she thought glumly.
They climbed the front steps, and Nurse ushered the children inside. As Jane turned to thank Lord Melbourne for his company and escort, she was halted by his question. "Would It be too much of an imposition to call on you in a few days to assure myself of your safety?" he asked.
Jane could only stare at him, blinking. The confident smile on his face began to falter. "Of course, if that would be too intrusive – "
"No!" Jane blurted out unthinkingly. At his startled countenance, she calmed herself and said, "I mean, no, of course that would not be an imposition or an intrusion. I would be delighted to see you again, your Lordship. I simply would not wish to inconvenience you more than I already have."
Lord Melbourne's smile returned to his face. "Nonsense, dear lady, nothing would please me more than to know that you are safe from the vile blaggard who dared to importune you. In fact," he said after a pause, "I would like to inform your uncle of the situation myself."
Jane looked at him in surprise. "If you do not mind waiting, I will see if he is home." She opened the door and beckoned a maid. At her positive response, Jane returned her attention to the viscount. "He is at home, sir, if you would like to speak with him."
"I would indeed," he said. Jane led him down the hall and into the parlor, where Nurse and the children were sharing the events of the day with their father and pale mother. Mr. Gardiner smiled warmly at his niece, but his face changed slightly as he viewed the stranger behind her. He rose from the chair he had placed next to the settee where his wife lay and crossed the room. "Jane, it is good to see you," he said with a hint of question in his voice.
"Mr. Gardiner, his Lordship Viscount Melbourne has requested an introduction to you. Lord Melbourne, this is my uncle, Mr. Edward Gardiner."
The gentlemen exchanged bows, and only the brief furrow on Mr. Gardiner's brow betrayed his confusion. "Welcome to my home, your Lordship," he said.
"Mr. Gardiner, would it be too much trouble to request a private audience with yourself?" the viscount requested.
This time, Mr. Gardiner's surprise was enough to raise both eyebrows. "Certainly," he said. "There will be time before we are called to dinner. Please, come with me to my bookroom." Lord Melbourne followed Mr. Gardiner from the room, while Jane crossed over to her aunt and collapsed in the chair her uncle had recently vacated.
"Jane, what on earth?" asked Mrs. Gardiner in astonishment.
Jane began to laugh as the stress of the day caught up with her. Her hilarity only caused more confusion in her aunt, who waited patiently for the girl to calm herself. Once she was able to speak, Jane related the entirety of the day's events, including her encounter with Mr. Cartwright.
At the end of her recitation, Mrs. Gardiner said, "My goodness! Who would have thought a simple excursion to Hyde Park would result in the eldest son of an earl in my home!" She sobered and asked, "But Jane, dear, are you quite all right? Your meeting with Mr. Cartwright sounded more than just unpleasant, but rather dangerous."
Jane sighed. "If I did not know of his history, I would feel more calm about the events. Knowing his vicious nature, however, I cannot help but worry."
Mrs. Gardiner looked at her in concern. "What do you mean, his vicious nature?"
Jane took a deep breath and thought for a moment. Lizzy had told her in confidence, and that was only due to her history with Mr. Cartwright. It would not do to betray that confidence. On the other hand, Mr. Cartwright posed a very real danger. Finally, she settled on saying, "Mr. Cartwright is the former steward of Netherfield. He inherited some property in Derbyshire and is a landowner there, now. He once thought himself in love with me, when I was but fifteen years old. After he left Netherfield, a close friend shared with me a first-hand account where he was abusing a young tenant girl in unspeakable ways. He is not a good man."
Jane's aunt looked at her in astonishment. "Upon my word, Jane!" she exclaimed. "This is very serious news indeed." She looked troubled. "Did you share any of this with the viscount?"
"Certainly not!" Jane exclaimed. "He did, however, witness Mr. Cartwright treating me roughly." Jane had forgotten about the pain in light of the enjoyment of her company. She pushed back the sleeve of her arm and both women gasped at the dark bruises that were clearly a man's handprint.
"Good God!" a man cried out in anger.
The two women looked up to see Lord Melbourne staring at Jane's arm in horror. Blushing in embarrassment, Jane hastily lowered her sleeve to preserve her modesty. Behind him stood Mr. Gardiner, anger darkening his face.
"Jane, you are forbidden to leave this house without my escort or the presence of two footmen," Mr. Gardiner said sternly.
"Of course, Uncle," Jane said obediently. She had little desire to meet Mr. Cartwright again. "I would also like to tell the servants that I am not at home to Mr. Cartwright."
"Do you think he will call on you?" gasped Mrs. Gardiner, covering her mouth.
"He told me that he was not finished with me, and he remembered your names and that you lived on Gracechurch Street," Jane informed her.
Mr. Gardiner's face darkened even more. "I will hire two more footmen tomorrow," he said firmly. "For tonight, I will remain awake myself."
"If you don't mind, sir," interrupted Lord Melbourne, "I could send over two of my footmen tonight. They can stay for as long as Miss Bennet resides here or until you find men you can trust to hire. It would not be wise to hire strangers, as they could be bought with coin."
Jane looked at Lord Melbourne in astonishment. What can he mean, doing so much?
Sighing, Mr. Gardiner said, "I do not like it, but I do not see how I can object. The added protection would do much to ease my mind."
The viscount bowed and looked at Jane directly in her eyes, "Then I will depart immediately so as to not delay their arrival. I will see you all again in a few days when I call to check on Miss Bennet's welfare."
Jane blushed but made herself hold his gaze. The moment was broken by an amused cough from Mrs. Gardiner. Jane blushed further, but the viscount merely bowed and took his leave.
Once alone with her aunt and uncle, Jane was subjected to all manner of questions. Jane answered them as best as she could. The interrogation only ended when the housekeeper entered to say that all was in readiness for their evening meal.
"Well, Jane," said Mr. Gardiner as he led his niece and wife into the dining room, "as your mother always says, we knew you could not be so beautiful for nothing. What a handsome son-in-law he will make for my sister."
Jane blushed deeply, but she was unable to hide her pleasure at her uncle's words. "He is a very kind man," she demurred.
"A kind man who is a Peer," her aunt pointed out.
"And who has asked permission to call on you," Mr. Gardiner informed them. "Would you like that, Jane?"
Mrs. Gardiner let out a gasp of surprised, and Jane blushed even further. "I would be happy to become better acquainted with him," she said cautiously, "but I also wish I know him further before any commitment is made."
Mr. Gardiner nodded in agreement. "I will put out some inquiries about Lord Melbourne in the morning," he said.
The remainder of the evening passed in quiet contemplation of the day's events. I could never have anticipated such a happy outcome to another London visit, Jane thought with pleasure. Let us hope he proves to be as genuine as he seems.