Chapter 26 - New Beginnings
AN: I want to thank everyone who has kept with me. I'm not sure where the time goes. I look around and Sunday has become Wednesday, my chapter is not re proof read but I need to keep up the publishing schedule (at which I am sorely not proficient). There seems to be a great disparity between opinions of Elizabeth and Darcy's actions over the last few chapters. I have read every review. I hope answering them in this format is acceptable, giving me more time to write. Anyway, on with the show.
Mr. Darcy's town carriage pulled up before a well-kept home on Gracechruch Street in Cheapside the very next day. Visiting hours commenced only a few moments ago. Determined to be first to call, Darcy hoped the Mr. Franken's had no cause to visit today, or any other. Jealously burned through him at the thought but he controlled it predictably well. Surprisingly, Georgiana seem to be in every bit as much of a hurry as her brother. Sixteen year old Miss Darcy resolutely gave her sibling advice on courting a woman from the minute they'd climbed into the carriage. Darcy couldn't help smiling at what she considered appropriate for Miss Elizabeth to hear from her suitor the entire journey.
"Although I do not know what we can do for her attire," Georgiana finally turned her attention to fashion.
"I believe," Darcy chuckled now, "once Mr. Gardiner discovers the circles that his niece will be travelling, that will not be an issue. Leave it now, Georgiana, I understand you concern and will endeavour to address the situation in good time."
Escorting his sister to the door, Darcy felt his heart start to hammer in his chest. One look at the hopeful expression on Georgiana's upturned face forced him to gather is courage. The butler came quickly to the summons, accepting Darcy's card and inviting them to wait in the entry. Returning hastily, Darcy pushed his sister toward the parlour where the ladies waited.
"I shall join you very soon, sister," he offered with the slightest smile. "I have business that must be discussed with Mr. Gardiner before he attends his warehouse."
"Do not get distracted," Georgiana replied with a scowl. "I am sure the Miss Bennet's will wish to greet you."
"I am sure they will," Darcy couldn't help the upturning of his lips. At least I hope one of them will react positively to me even though I have been gone from her side for five days.
"Mr. Darcy," Edward Gardiner sounded shocked as his butler announced the gentleman. "What brings you to my humble abode?"
"My sister, Miss Darcy wished to further her acquaintance with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth," Darcy stated. He could not give his true intentions before speaking to Elizabeth even though he knew his sister considered this The Application to Elizabeth's guardian. That, he knew, would have to wait until he spoke with Mr. Bennet. "Georgiana is returning the ladies call. My sister wishes to invite your family to dine with us on Thursday."
"I am sure my wife will accept," Gardiner smiled happily. This acquaintance could only elevate his position in society. Not that Edward really cared, but he liked the younger man and believed they could be friends if allowed to come to know each other. "Madeline enjoyed speaking of her family home with Miss Darcy. We are to travel into that part of the country soon."
"So am I lead to believe," Darcy stated, falling into silence as was his usual wont with new acquaintances. Looking around he tried, very hard to find another topic of conversation and overcome his sometimes debilitating shyness in new company. He needed to practice as Elizabeth had suggested.
"I came to your town house on Saturday, Mr. Darcy, to offer my thanks for escorting Elizabeth and Miss Lucas from Kent. It was very kind and most unexpected of you to offer your protection and carriage. I'm afraid," Edward continued, giving himself time to watch the younger man's reactions, "we were rather distracted and I quite forgot."
"Happily so," Darcy announced with a slight smirk, "I hope. You seemed astonished to learn the identity of your silent partner. However, I am glad the meeting occurred as it did. I despise the need to use Mr. Gillam as my proxy. It goes against my every principle to hide my patronage of such projects."
"I had not thought a man such as yourself, would link his name with trade," Gardiner responded with a raised eyebrow which reminded Darcy of his niece.
"That," he replied, "is why I employ Mr. Gillam. Those in my circle would be horrified at the extent of my involvement in many and varied industries."
"While you are not?" questioned Edward.
"I most certainly am horrified," Darcy spat, unable to hold in his temper he stood and paced the small room, "horrified by the living conditions of the working class in general. As you stated, we have a responsibility to our fellow man. Profit alone is not enough of an incentive to attract my patronage. The projects I support must be well thought out, above reproach and lift the living standards of all those involved with them. While our English Lace factory may turn more of a profit should we follow the current vogue in tramping down our employees, it is not, nor will it ever be my way of doing business."
"I am glad to hear it," Edward Gardiner stated with a wide smile. He liked the sentiment Darcy openly displayed. It spoke well of his principles. "I believe you are a man ahead of your time, Mr. Darcy. Now let us speak of pleasanter things. I am afraid you have caught me before I must go to my warehouses. Business, as I believe you know, waits for no man."
"Indeed, I must return to my estate in Derbyshire," Darcy stated slowly, "very soon. I have been away too long. However, I understood from your niece and the information your wife imparted to my sister, that you are to travel to Lambton this summer?"
"Yes," Gardiner allowed his brow to furrow, wondering at his companion's intention.
"I will be in residence at Pemberley and wish to extend an invitation to stay with my sister and I while in that part of the county," Darcy offered. "My sister is to come out next year and I wish for her to test her hosting skills on acquaintances who will forgive the odd oversight before Georgiana is to face the ladies of the town."
"While I am tempted to accept your generous offer, I must discuss this with my wife before I can supply you with an answer," Edward watched the young man with a shrewd glare. He knew more occurred behind those deep brown eyes than Darcy stated. "Shall we join the ladies?"
"I would be delighted," Darcy bowed, allowing the older man to precede him into the parlour.
Nervous, he needed to see Elizabeth's expression as he entered the room. It would set the tone for this first meeting since their secret betrothal. A secret he hoped would not be required much longer. A full foot taller than Mr. Gardiner, Darcy could not hide behind that gentleman.
"Mr. Darcy," Lizzy gasped as he appeared at the door. When Georgiana arrived, she had given no indication if her brother accompanied her. The look of astonishment soon turned into acute embarrassment. Elizabeth had called attention to the man and herself with the familiar greeting.
"Miss Elizabeth," he bowed deeply, "Miss Bennet," Darcy added the only other woman he knew in the room.
"Brother, may I introduce Mrs. Gardiner," Georgiana reacted to the awkward moment with aplomb. She'd learnt much under the gentle guidance of Mrs. Annesley.
"Delighted," Darcy offered, not wanting to take his eyes from his betrothed. He could see Elizabeth trying to communicate with him but could not read her expression well enough to understand. An enlightened moment occurred. Miss Elizabeth had been correct in her cautions acceptance of his proposal. They barely knew each other and needed time before entering into marriage so they might become better acquainted.
"Mr. Darcy," Lizzy asked when the initial conversation waned and Mr. Gardiner excused himself on the pretext of business, "have you heard from your cousin since arriving in town? How are the Fitzwilliam's?"
Unable to take a seat near enough for a private conversation, Darcy made do with standing behind his sister's chair. It was as close as he could reasonably be without drawing attention. "I expect a letter this week," he supplied.
"I hope," Lizzy looked down at her hands, trying to keep her countenance, "you will do us the very great honour of sharing any news."
"Perhaps," Darcy commented, looking to his sister for conformation she had made the offer of dinning, "when your party joins us at Leighwood House on Thursday, I will have more news to share."
"I hope so," Lizzy, understanding the hidden meaning, allowed her courage to rise to the occasion. Suddenly she couldn't stop the impertinent question, "is there a cause for bringing us together?"
"I should like to know you and your family better, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy offered, his tone softening with the words. Lizzy drew in her breath as she appreciated his hidden meaning. Yet the infernal man drew his attention away from her almost immediately. "I understand you enjoyed the theatre, Miss Bennet?" Directing the question at Jane, Fitzwilliam Darcy knew he had the answer to the request he did not wish to ask aloud.
"Yes," Jane, confused by the undercurrents she felt but could not recognise, glared at her sister. After uncovering Elizabeth's secret engagement, a wild stab in the dark designed to force Lizzy to tell the truth, they had spoken of everything that happened into the small hours of the morning.
"Then I hope you, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and your sister will join me in my box for an evening of entertainment," Darcy suggested.
"I would be delighted," Jane demurred, looking to her aunt. Nodding at the acceptance, Miss Bennet added, "we have no fixed engagements, Sir."
Lizzy took the opportunity to jump in. "I believe, Much Ado About Nothing is currently playing," she forced her gaze to hold that of Mr. Darcy, trying to give him a silent message.
"I understand you have a preference to laughter rather than sadness, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy refused to take his eyes away. He wondered if she hinted at the similarity between their situation and that of the lead characters in the play. "It is the perfect choice, do you not agree, Georgiana."
Smiling, the younger woman found it difficult to hold the mirth. "Indeed, I could not have suggested anything more fitting."
"Then it is settled," finally tearing his eyes away, Darcy faced Mrs. Gardiner. "Perhaps you and your husband can offer the evening most conducive to your plans."
"Would Saturday evening be too much to ask?" Mrs. Gardiner requested, not sure what occurred in her living room. From the glances between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, she could guess. When Edward arrived home, they would have to speak of new gowns for their niece if she were to be seen on the arm of Mr. Darcy. Before commissioning such an expensive wardrobe, she needed to get the young woman alone and find out exactly what occurred in Kent for the gentleman to offer his protection on the carriage ride home and now his company in town.
"I will send my man to make the arrangements," Darcy bowed, "and speak with Mr. Gardiner on Thursday."
Before either Darcy or Elizabeth, even with the help of Jane and Georgiana, could find a moment to talk privately, their time ended. Sighing with regret, Miss Darcy needed to create an opportunity to tell Elizabeth of her brother's plans. To that end, as they said their goodbyes, she took a leaf from her future sister's book.
"I hope to have your company for tea tomorrow," Georgiana requested in a roundabout way. "My brother is to be gone all day on business and I shall be quite desolate without him. I do not understand why Fitzwilliam must ride to Hertfordshire and return in a single day."
Shocked at this news, Lizzy's eyes sought Mr. Darcy's. The pleasure shining from his orbs indicated his true intentions while in that county. However, Jane shuddered at her side. Elizabeth could only guess at the thoughts running through her sister's mind. In that instant, she cursed Georgiana who could not know the pain she caused with her words.
"Are you to visit Netherfield, Sir," Jane asked in a strangled tone. "I had thought Mr. Bingley would quit the place if he is not disposed to return. The entire town is talking of it."
"I shall be stopping briefly at that estate," Darcy frowned. Suddenly he saw the very great change in Miss Bennet. If Charles wished to win the young lady back, it would take all his courage to do so. He could do little to help his friend. "Mr. Bingley has requested I instruct his steward."
"Oh," Jane appeared to lose all colour.
Lizzy, at her side, supported Jane and sent Darcy a quelling glare. Something in his eyes hinted at more to this story. Could he be mistaken as to Mr. Bingley's intentions towards my sister, Elizabeth wondered, her confusion reaching her soft brown stare. Is that what he is attempting to communicate? This would be a fine mess if Mr. Bingley actually loves Jane. Yet, in every transaction I have had with my betrothed, he has never told me a falsehood. Could Mr. Darcy have been deceived himself? Is that even possible? I must make time to speak with him alone. We have so much to discuss.
"We shall be delighted to join you for the afternoon, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth responded, attempting to draw attention away from her sister's reaction.
Embarrassed, Georgiana looked to her brother with curiosity. She did not know what she had said to create such animosity. He shook his head slightly in warning. They would speak in the quiet and solitude of their carriage.
"Until Thursday," Darcy took his leave, offering an arm to his sister.
Elizabeth only allowed one brow to rise. "I hope your business in Hertfordshire is concluded quickly and to your satisfaction, Mr. Darcy," she uttered, barely loud enough for him to hear. The sudden and completely unexpected joy on his face told Lizzy he'd not only heard, but understood.
"That," Lizzy muttered under her breath as she fell into her chair after the Darcy's exited the room, "did not go as expected."
"I am sorry," Jane lowered herself onto the sofa with a soft cry of despair. "I have spoiled this for you. I should not have reacted to the news of Netherfield. There can be no hope in that quarter."
"No, Jane," Lizzy quickly turned to comfort her sister. "I know what we have been told, yet I still cannot believe Mr. Bingley to be so fickle in love. I am to take a lesson in hope from you. There must be some misunderstanding between what we know and what has occurred."
"Lizzy, do not tease me so," Jane wailed.
"Do you remember the night we discussed Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy in your room," Lizzy reminded. At her sister's nod, she continued, "then I will give you the same advice you gave me. It is difficult, indeed, it is distressing. One does not know what to think. Jane, do not make my mistake and ignore the advice of a most beloved sister."
"Mr. Darcy goes to see Papa," Jane lamented, "but you did not have time to speak alone before he travels to Longbourn. That is what distresses me. Had I more courage and forgot Mr. Bingley, especially as Mr. Henry Franklin has payed me so much attention, you might have had a moment with him."
"Of what," Mrs. Gardiner glared at the girls while she demanded, "do you speak?"
"It is not the secret you believe, Lizzy," Jane spoke quietly. Glancing between her sister and aunt, she announced, "Miss Darcy knows your secret, I am sure. As you could not hide the truth from me, Mr. Darcy would not want to keep it from his sister."
"Aunt," Lizzy took in a fortifying breath and faced her relative. "I am engaged to Mr. Darcy."
It took the rest of the morning to impart the events leading up to her betrothal.