Chapter 40 – English Lace II
AN: Short but I wanted to get something out to you. It's been a rough couple of weeks with an unwell child.
"Sir," Morton offered the letter on a silver platter as the party entered Gracechurch Street.
"When did this come?" Edward Gardiner requested in a sharp tone.
Exchanging his top hat for the missive, concern laced his expression. The hand in which it had been written belonged to his brother-in-law, Mr Octavius Bennet. The ladies had not the time to remove their outerwear before he indicated Darcy should follow him to the office.
Believing the note to be about their impromptu visit to the English Lace project, Madeline Gardiner held Lizzy back. It had been an eye-opening tour of the factories, facilities and homes. The workers greeted Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner with well wishes and respect. Many came from other mills and factories, displaced by the increasing machination of their prior workplaces. Surprised by the care taken for their safety and welfare, they were happy to chat about the differences. The ladies had been no less impressed after driving through the streets on the outskirts of London. The disparity had been enlightening.
"Come," Madeline instructed the three young women under her care, "we shall wash away the dirt as best we can, before the gentlemen join us for supper. I am sure Mr and Miss Darcy are eager to return home and find their beds after such an enlightening, but exhausting day."
Morton watched his mistress guide the young women above stairs while attending the gentlemen. A signal and the nearest footman scurried towards the kitchen. Both the cook and housekeeper would need to delay supper yet another half hour.
"A quarter after noon," the Morton Sr. stated, collecting Gardner's great coat as the master struggled out of it, still holding the precious letter. "The express rider did not wait and no response had been requested. We did not know when to expect you."
Nodding, Gardiner pointed to the seat across from his desk. Darcy took it without a word and waited for the older man to read. After completing one read through, Edward sighed before returning to the top. This time he read more slowly and sank into his chair.
"Thank you, Morton, I shall not need to reply," he dismissed the servant. "Oh, we shall join the ladies shortly."
"Supper will be ready in half an hour," Morton bowed before closing the door behind him.
Shaking his head, the Butler wondered what caused Mr Bennet to move from his usual disinclination for letter writing. The express alarmed to the point of attempting to locate his master. The effort proved hopeless, for they'd left in the Darcy carriage without a word of their destination.
The Bennets were expected on Tuesday evening and would remain a week. The servants were busy rearranging the household to accommodate another six people. Although a large property for the area, the Gardiner residence would be bursting, and place pressure on the current staff. Secretly, Morton hoped the Bennet's might delay their arrival until the day before Miss Elizabeth's wedding. The younger girls and mother caused much disruption to his household, it quite took his breath away.
"I shall not keep you in suspense," Gardiner handed the note to Darcy with a grim expression covering his countenance.
Reading it quickly, Darcy wondered why Bennet went to the expense of sending it express. Had the man penned a not earlier, it might have been sent by regular mail, not causing such excitement. Had he waited, an express would have been appropriate. It showed a lack of respect towards his family, in many ways.
"I see what you are thinking," Edwards smirked. "Should my brother have thought on informing us, he would never have put quill to paper and we would be none the wiser until the carriage did not arrive on time."
"That," Darcy concluded, "would have upset the ladies."
"Indeed," Gardiner agreed. "But that is my brother's way. He thinks little about the consequence, should it get in the way of completing his latest book. I believe you have witnessed the very great changes occurring at Longbourn. It seems Mrs Woodward takes on the master as much as the mistress and younger girls. I believe this to be her work."
"I knew of Captain Benjamin Woodward, though my cousin Fitzwilliam," Darcy stated. "Mrs Woodward is a formidable and capable woman. The family she serves is much altered in this last year. Mrs Bennet," pausing to find the words, Gardiner waited the younger man out. "It is more than the calming influence of Mrs Woodward. I believe the youngest, Miss Lydia, has been away from home under harsh conditions."
"Bringing illness into the house with her return. Lydia recovered quickly, before my sister suffered a similar fate," Edward stated. "However, my sister's convalescence has not proceeded so well. It seemed Franny is not up to travelling. Bennet has delayed the family's arrival in London until Thursday at the earliest."
"That is but two days before the wedding," Darcy stood, pacing the small room. "Elizabeth will be upset and Miss Bennet hardly less so. I convinced them all would be well after seeing Mrs Bennet on my last visit to Netherfield. I convinced them not to rush home…"
"You," Gardiner also stood and with an authoritative voice stated, "did no such thing. Jane and Lizzy have minds of their own. Should they have truly wished to return to Longbourn to see their mother, do you think you would have stopped them?"
"I do not," Darcy confessed with a pained expression.
"Really, you take too much on, Sir," Edward made a dismayed sound. "I understand your motivation to keep those under your dominion safe, but have you learnt nothing?"
"It would appear not," Darcy shook his head. He wished only to protect his family. "Change of one's character does not come easily, or quickly. I though myself conquered of this affliction, but see it remains in times of uneasiness."
"Just as your uncle believes his distaste for those below his station can be conquered?" Gardiner teased. Watching Darcy's expression change at the slight, Edward held up his hand, forestalling a response. "Oh, do not mistake me. I am glad of his interference in obtaining a knighthood, for it has increased my business opportunities tenfold. However, it was not necessary, for any but himself. It is for his own ends, to feel his connections to my family are worthy. Lord Matlock displayed his character last Wednesday. I found myself shocked at the change. It shows we are not ourselves, or at least the people we wish to be when burdened."
Sighing, Darcy took his seat and indicated the cognac bottle. Only after the men settled with a small glass did he inform Gardiner of the gravity caused by the King's madness. The intrigue allowing the knighthood would signal a change in the Crown and the Empire. The meeting behind closed doors to make the Regency Act come about was needed if the parliament were to continue in the new year. "They are sitting tonight and again tomorrow, to ensure the bill is passed. I am afraid you will not have the pleasure of my uncles' company until the wedding."
"And your aunt's ball?" Gardiner questioned. "Is it still to go ahead on Wednesday evening?"
Snorting, Darcy stated, "do you think anything would stop Aunt Susan from hosting my engagement ball at Honeymead?"
"The loss of your future in-laws for the night must be regrettable," Mr Gardiner couldn't hold back his humour.
"I believe even Elizabeth will be relieved. Although she has not been in company with her mother for many months, neither Mrs Woodward's influence nor Miss Bennet at her side would be enough to stop the woman from opening herself to ridicule." Closing his eyes, Darcy knew this could not have come at a better time. Yet, he understood the attachment his future wife held for her family. They would never completely escape the acquaintance, not that he'd expected to after their recent discussions. "If it were possible, I would wish my parents lived still. I am learning to treasure those that are still here, no matter how they may vex me."
Letting out a hearty chuckle, Edward Gardiner indicated they should seek out the ladies and inform them of the events occurring at Longbourn. Over supper, Lizzy and Jane took the news better than expected. The pair waited until above stairs to discuss the situation at length.
"There is little we can do now," Jane attempted to calm her sister. "Papa stated they would be here for the wedding, Lizzy. Surely it is better Mama rest and saves her strength."
"We should have gone home," Elizabeth responded.
"Mrs Woodward has been a faithful correspondent," Jane stopped her sister's pacing. Laying a calming hand on her forearm, she looked into Lizzy's hazel eyes. "She has informed us of Mama's illness and progress. She believes our mother will live many years, with many more good days than bad. The apothecary agrees. Mama does not take to her bed as often, joining the family for dinner. It is only longer journeying that taxes our mother's strength. Perhaps, Papa is finally protecting his wife."
"Oh, Jane," at this statement, Elizabeth found humour. "Once again, there is the sister I know and love. The one that only finds good in everything. I thought she had disappeared completely."
Giving a sigh of frustration, Jane offered, "and what is so terrible about this? Truly, Lizzy, you have been worried about your debut in society, and how it will affect Mr Darcy and his connections. Our mother, who we both know to be vexing, can no longer influence your reputation in London if she is not known to society. Our younger sisters will not be unleashed in public and even Papa's disinterest will remain a family secret. Is that not the reason you have remained in London, so you may be left alone during your engagement? I say again, what is not to dislike in this situation?"
"Have I truly been so wicked?" Elizabeth demanded, seeing her actions from Jane's point of view. It pained her to realize her sister might think badly of her.
"No," Jane pulled her sister to sit at her side. "I should have enjoyed the same advantages, were it I. We are setting out on our own paths. Marriage, for you, is a fork in the road. You have chosen your path, one you must make with your intended."
"One," Lizzy's eyebrows rose in question, "you are now ready to travel, perhaps."
"Perhaps," Jane smiled. "I have promised to remain at my sisters' side until she is happily situation at Pemberley. Both Lord Henley and Mr Bingley will visit this summer. I have decided to stand them beside each other and take their likeness. Perhaps then my heart will be able to choose."
"Jane," Lizzy warned, "be careful."
"Watching you today, with Mr Darcy, made me realise something." Lost in thought, Miss Bennet's mind recounted the hours her sister spent in whispered conversation with her betrothed. They seemed of one accord while walking down the dirty streets between houses while touring the English Lace Project. An aura surrounded them, similar to the one surrounding Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. "I wish for the same. Mr Bingley and Lord Henley will have to be the best of men to touch my heart. I do not intend to give it away without respect and affection. As you say, Lizzy, a man may ask, but a woman as the power to say no."
"And what of Lady Susan?" Elizabeth requested.
Posture straightening further, Jane answered in the most determined tone Lizzy had ever heard. Appearing an inch taller, Miss Bennet announced, "to hell with Lady Susan. I am my own woman and shall not be influenced by anyone else. You may tell Mr Darcy I have ordered the dresses she requested returned. I will not be brought."
Shocked beyond words, Elizabeth watched her sister ready for bed. She would wait for the opening to canvases Jane's thoughts at a more opportune time. It seemed touring the English Lace Project had affected her dearest sister more than anyone considered possible.