Chapter 45

His nieces had arrived only that morning. Elizabeth's misery was evident in the expressiveness of her eyes; Jane's concern for her sister pierced the glow of joy that embellished her beauty upon being newly engaged. Mr. Gardiner was at a loss, his wife assured him of Mr. Darcy's goodness, Jane assured him it was all a misunderstanding and that her sister was simply too loyal. As she had excused herself claiming exhaustion from the journey, he had not yet spoken to Elizabeth, though it was evident that her fatigue was born of despair.

"Perhaps it would be best if you spoke with Mr. Darcy prior to Elizabeth," said Mrs. Gardiner to her husband. Jane left them to refresh herself after having shared the tale and her concerns with her aunt and uncle. "I think it would be best if she understood his intentions before they meet again. I would hate to inspire hopefulness in her if he only means to explain himself, or awkwardness if neither understands the other's wishes when the next meet, which could be quite public, given Jane's engagement. I also cannot help but say that it would be good for Lizzy to think clearly and carefully before they next meet. Her mind must be cluttered with all manner of thoughts and I wish for her to make her decisions based on what is accurate, not speculations born of insecurities."

Mr. Gardiner, in accord with his wife's counsel, departed for Darcy house, curious at the summons that had arrived last evening and the reception that he would receive. He rapped on the door, half expecting that the man had later thought better of his scheme and would send him away.

Upon learning of Mr. Gardiner's arrival, Darcy dismissed his man of business and had Elizabeth's uncle immediately shown into his study.

"Thank you for coming sir, I'm grateful for your call," said Mr. Darcy, the relief evident on his face. They proceeded to introduce themselves then Mr. Gardiner inquired, "How may I be of assistance, sir?"

Darcy saw the cleverness in the tactic, but could hardly appreciate the pressure now upon himself. "I know not if you are aware sir, but there's a misunderstanding between myself and your niece, I pray for the opportunity to apologize and explain myself," sighed Darcy, deciding to rely on humility and not risk offending the man. Upon reflection on Richard's words, he knew that he could not meet Elizabeth's uncle with his master of Pemberley facade. It wouldn't do to give offense to Elizabeth's uncle, especially not when he could prevent the conversation that he hoped to have with Elizabeth.

"I am aware sir, my wife tells me that she knew you to be an honest man and that your reputation continues to be excellent in Lambton. She assures me that you are deserving of being heard."

Darcy could not recall an acquaintance with a Mrs. Gardiner, and thus said, "Sir, I apologize but I cannot recall your wife at present."

"I would imagine not, she knew you as the Vickers daughter, at Kympton, before her father passed away."

"He was an excellent man," declared Darcy, suddenly aware of how wrong he was to judge Elizabeth's relations prior to meeting them. His heart was pierced with guilt, Madaline Austen had comforted him after his mother died, imparting wisdom well beyond her years, as she was just a few years his elder. After his mother drew her last breath he ran, right to the chapel. Miss Austen was there that day, preventing bitterness towards his sister and comforting him in his grief. At just three and 10 years of age, he could not understand being presented to a sister as he was torn from his mother's side.

Miss Austen sat with him for hours, helping him to understand it was not the little girl's fault and that the last thing he could do for his mother was to be very good to her daughter. To this day he often reflected on her words, especially when he felt at a loss. This was the woman he had unjustly included when he thought of Elizabeth's vulgar relations, merely because her husband was in trade. As Mr. Gardiner sat before him now, it was clear that he was a sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to his sister, in both nature and education.

"I'm sorry that I did not make the connection. I must say, sir, your wife's counsel has carried me through times of grief throughout the years. Please tell her that I'm grateful for her words the day my mother died. I can see her influence with Miss Elizabeth, I've seen their reproofs better than I have anyone else's, save perhaps my father," he said with a sad smile.

Mr. Gardiner chuckled, knowing well what he meant, "I must say, Elizabeth does not know that I'm here, I dare say you've caused her enough agony. Though my wife and niece think Elizabeth may have lashed out in anger before knowing all the facts. I am here to evaluate the hope for the two of you. If you are just and generous, as my wife appraises you, you'll carefully reflect on my words and determine whether or not to pursue her. I daresay I don't know whether I ought to ask you to leave her alone or to pursue her and set a course to earn her favor. Believing you to be an honest man, based on my wife's testimony, I thought I would hear your story, tell you what I know of my niece, and leave it to you if I believed you in earnest and the two of you seemed to suit well." said Mr. Gardner

"I cannot hope to believe that any effect on her spirit had anything to do with me?," Mr. Darcy replied, looking quite shocked.

"Has it occurred to you sir, that if she felt nothing for you, could not have provoked her thus?" replied Gardner, rather surprised at the grown man's ignorance. "I heard no account of her giving Mr. Collins such a reaction. Is it possible it's naught but a misunderstanding between the two of you? Why, might I ask, did you leave without giving her an explanation?"

Darcy began to explain, the best he could, the sting of the rejection, the rather public nature of his declaration, his misunderstanding and believing Elizabeth engaged, and the concern he felt at the thought of her being forced to marry him.

Mr. Gardiner, imagining his sister's reaction to such goings-on and the likely uproar at Longbourn, now understood the man's flight. Jane, for all her honesty, was too kind to properly relay the whole of the scene. He inquired after what had led to the misunderstanding in the first place, and Darcy, careful to point out his later efforts to correct the matter, explained the effect of Mrs. Bennet's visit to Netherfield while declaring he meant no offense, and only misunderstood her motives at the time, concerned they may extend to her daughters, though he was now ashamed to admit it. Mr. Gardiner assured him, though he loved his sister, and knew she meant well, that he could well understand the caution she would provoke in a suitor.

"Perhaps you would allow me to write to her, to put my thoughts into words, leaving less room for misunderstanding, then inquire if she is willing to see me?" said Mr. Darcy

"Write to an unmarried woman, Mr. Darcy?" replied Mr. Gardiner, rather alarmed. "It is unheard of, sir. You must know it is not proper."

"I would give Elizabeth the benefit of my perspective without imposing my company upon her. I would leave it your care sir, unaddressed and unsealed, though I must beg your discretion. With your permission, I will call a few days later and inquire if she wishes to see me. If she refuses, I will not impose my company on her again. I think this must be the only way, as I often struggle to find words in her presence and further incite her pique, but when we are in agreement, I daresay there is no more true meeting of the minds.

I tell you truly, I have no desire to harm her reputation and force her into marriage, though the letter will contain a renewal of my offer, I will withdraw it, sir, if I believe she's accepted it under duress. I would rather bear the brunt of society's shame than have a life forced upon her that she did not choose. "

Mr. Gardiner carefully considered, then finally said "I believe you have the right of it sir, your intentions are correct not to compel her. I must beg of you to handle it with care though, as her very reputation will be at stake, with a letter in her possession."

"I can assure you, as will my reputation be in her hands. I must enlighten her to Wickham's lies. I'm still in her debt, an explanation if she will hear it. As I know that I can count on her discretion, there will be information in the disclosure that could ruin those closest to me in my family. I can only count on your trustworthiness as well."

Mr. Gardiner nodded, knowing his niece was better off having time to think through his explanations. It would be well in order, he thought, for himself and his wife to speak to them both about resolving arguments before they were wed. Two people so prone to jumping to conclusions, and of such a passionate nature were likely to have their ups and downs.

Thanks for your patience. Life has been a little hectic but I'm determined to finish this one and write the next one. Please follow me as an author I'd you would like an alert when I launch my next story.