Ch. 11

The boy ran all the way to Bond Street. The exertion left him breathless as he entered the fashionable clothier's shop. "Madame" he bent over as he huffed to gain his breath. "Madame, they have come. I saw the Darcy carriage arrive!"

The Madame nodded while continuing her examination of new fashion plates. "Run along. Go tell Martha to be sure that some gowns are completed by the morning so they only need to be altered. You may also inform Madame Francine, so she can be ready as well. Then return to take over the counter so I may assist."

As the boy left with a spring in his step, proud of his important errand, the other occupant of the shop looked over to the couturier. The Lady had already concluded her business with the dressmaker and intended to linger only a moment before the boy entered. The Lady's interest was aroused, for it was in her best interest to keep abreast of gossip concerning the Darcy name. She knew that the Darcys preferred the quiet of the country during the summer months over the bustle and congestion of town. Why the interest in Darcy and what had brought the family to town?

"Madame Marguerite," the Lady inquired, "what was that about?"

Madame Marguerite was surprised by the inquiry from her frequent customer and looked up. She was known for her discreet business, but knowing the familial ties the Lady had to her large, urgent order, she felt compelled to reply earnestly. "Forgive me, Milady, for not being more judicious. I would not tell anyone of my business, but surely you are aware that your nephew has accompanied his betrothed to London. She has only lately arrived and I am creating a most exceptional wardrobe for her stay. Mr. Darcy has also commissioned several other gowns for the winter months to be delivered to Darcy House." The Lady's face was studiously blank. She raised her eyebrows to indicate that the Madame should continue. "Assurément, I am looking forward to fitting her tomorrow at her Uncle's home."

The Lady nodded once and smiled broadly. "Indeed. I was not aware that they were coming this day. I am most gratified for the intelligence. I will be sure to visit her as well. Pray, where is she staying?"

Madame Marguerite was thankful that her customer was not distressed. The Lady's smile eased the tension that had built in her shoulders and she replied easily, "Why, at the home of the Gardiners on Gracechurch Street. Miss Bennet's sister is also being outfitted by my friend, Francine. It is not a very fashionable area, but I am assured that Miss Bennet is everything Mr. Darcy wishes. I am honored that your family seeks my services."

The Lady pursed her lips and thanked her before taking her leave. As she walked to her carriage, her shoulders began to shake as she was overcome by mirth. At last, Darcy had been caught! She hoped that the mysterious Miss Bennet was deserving of him. She thought about sending a note to Darcy House to give her nephew a piece of her mind.

P&P

Mrs. Gardiner was ecstatic to receive her guests. She was in the front parlor engaged with correspondence while her oldest daughter practiced on the harpsichord, when the bell sounded. She jumped up and went to greet her nieces just as the door was opened. "Mrs. Bennet, you have at last arrived with my favorite nieces. My dears, I am so happy you are here!" Taking a hand from each of the girls, she squeezed them in greeting standing back to evaluate the happiness that radiated from them like an electrical field. After a short moment, Mrs. Gardiner released them and addressed her other guests. "Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, it is nice to see you again. How do you do?"

The gentleman smiled genuinely and bowed. Mr. Bingley had met the acquaintance of the Gardiners while they visited Derbyshire. Mr. Darcy had been more intimately associated with them since their visit to Pemberley due to his assistance with Lydia and Wickham, and had forged a friendship with the family during that troubling time.

Mrs. Gardiner inquired of their plans for dinner and was satisfied when they agreed to stay. Mrs. Gardiner turned to the housekeeper to order a late tea in the parlor and inform the cook of the additional plates for an early dinner.

Mrs. Bennet started talking as they followed Mrs. Gardiner into the parlor. "Sister, we have had such a nice trip in Mr. Darcy's carriage; although, Lizzy and Jane were content to just look out the window. I know they cannot wait to see the children and begin their shopping. You would not believe that they did not want to come at first, but you understand the importance of a nice wardrobe! Especially when they are marrying into families with wealth."

Mrs. Gardiner lifted her brows and tried not to blush at her sister-in-laws manners. "Ellie, you did very well today." Mrs. Gardiner turned to her daughter as she greeted her cousins and curtseyed to their fiancés. Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her behavior then told her to return to the nursery and to assure her siblings that Jane and Lizzy would visit them soon for stories. She then offered seats, "Mr. Gardiner will be along in the next hour or so. Lizzy, you have teased me unmercifully." She sent her niece a look that said I will insist on a full account later!

Elizabeth laughed as she took a seat by Jane close to where Mr. Darcy stood. "I do promise that it was not intentionally done." She glanced up at Fitzwilliam with adoration shining in her eyes. When she returned her gaze to her relation, she said, "I have missed you, Aunt. I could not possibly have told you all in a letter."

Mrs. Gardiner smiled knowingly and tuned to Jane, "And how are you, Jane?

P&P

Lady Helen Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock, was assisted from the carriage by her footman. Once inside her home, she removed her hat, requested tea service, and began removing her gloves as she walked to the sitting room. Her attention was arrested by her youngest son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, as he descended the stairs reading a letter. His brow was creased in a frown and appeared startled when she called out to him. "Geoffrey, join me for tea. I would like to speak with you."

He followed and placed the letter in his jacket pocket. "What is it, Mother? I need to be leaving."

"This will not take long." In the middle of the room, she turned to address her son. "Are you aware that William is engaged?" She looked sternly at Geoffrey and took a seat in one graceful movement.

After he raised eyebrows and gave a good-natured nod, he said, "Indeed. I received a letter a few days ago. I think you shall like Miss Bennet."

"You have met her?" The Lady was astonished and not happy to be the last to meet the newest member of her family. The tea had been delivered and a cup was prepared for the Lady as her son answered.

"When I went with Darcy to Rosings at the end of March, she was visiting her friend at Hunsford. She has a very sharp mind. We accompanied her on walks and enjoyed her company at dinner on several occasions." He suddenly laughed. "At the time I did wonder if William had designs on her, the way he stared was not very romantic." Geoffrey declined a cup of tea. He had been reading the missives from Georgiana when his mother returned and felt compelled to go to her as soon as he could escape from his mother's questions.

She raised her brow and pursed her lips, "I had to find out from the dressmaker that they are in town! My own son and nephew have been keeping this news from me. Well, what have you to say for yourself?" She took a sip from her tea cup and waited for her son to reply.

He smiled incredulously, "Darcy is in town? Georgiana is in town… I must go, Mother. I am off to Darcy House."

"Do not bother telling the Darcys that I know. I think I will plan a dinner party and have a little fun."

The Colonel chuckled as he left his mother to her scheming. "Lord, help us."

When he arrived at the Darcy's home on Park Lane, Colonel Fitzwilliam was pleased to confirm that Georgiana had made the trip to London safely. Her answers to questions regarding her intentions confused him. He was a bachelor and not used to conforming to the whims of willful women—unless one counted his mother, who was a force of nature by her own rights.

In his mind, Georgiana was still a young girl in need of direction. By her manners and stubbornness, she had proven to him the need to reevaluate his perception.

"Geoffrey, I could not possibly have stayed at Pemberley twiddling my thumbs, waiting for you to come fetch me. I was quite capable of traveling with Mrs. Annesley and I traveled with an extra footman to ease your worry. The trip was rather uneventful. What I want to know is when you can leave London."

He could not help but tease her, "Leave? Why would I do that, dear cousin, when you are here?"

She gave him a stern look and narrowed her eyes. Georgiana was accustomed to Geoffrey's teasing nature but was not in the mood to be the brunt of his joke. "To go to Hertfordshire, of course! My brother would not be happy if I made the trip without you. I long to be with him and assist Miss Elizabeth with wedding preparations any way I can. I am most anxious to be there!"

Given the information he received earlier, he believed Darcy and Miss Elizabeth to be in London themselves. The Colonel sat with a blank expression and blinked at his young cousin's animation. "You are?"

"Indeed! Do not tease me."

It was obvious to Colonel Fitzwilliam that Georgiana was ignorant of her brother's location. He smiled thinking of the fun that will ensue when William returned home. "I would not dream of teasing you, my dear! I think I shall stay with you for the rest of the day since I have already taken care of my business with the war office this morning. Have you learned any new pieces? I would love to hear you play."

So it was that Georgiana spent the rest of the afternoon in the company of the Colonel. Her cousin alluded to the short journey to Hertfordshire, but was notably noncommittal and evasive to the timing of the trip Georgiana had her heart set on.

P&P

Darcy and Bingley took their leave of the Gardiners and Bennet ladies not long after dinner. It was a pleasant afternoon and evening. Darcy greatly enjoyed the society of Mr. Gardiner, whose conversation and easy manners made him a desirable future relation.

It was decided that the gentlemen would spend the morning attending to business affairs and call on the ladies in the early afternoon. Smiles and bows were exchanged before they mounted their horses and rode toward Darcy House on Park Lane in the Mayfair district.

Bingley was ready with conversation, "This has been a capital afternoon! I am so excited to take Jane to see the sites. Where shall we go first?"

Fitzwilliam smiled, his friend's eagerness reminded him of a child on Christmas morning. "Do not fear, there is time to 'see the sites' as you say. I am more concerned with finishing our business matters, and we must wait for Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to be arrayed before we serve them to the wolves."

"Posh. Their clothing matters not at all to me. What –"

"That is only because society will not scrutinize your betrothed to the same extent; forgive me for saying so, Charles." Fitzwilliam Darcy was a modest man, his displeasure in voicing the chasm between their social standing was apparent, though his expression did not alter. He was not upset at his friend. However, he did worry over Elizabeth's wellbeing, he fervently desired her to feel secure in higher society and her future role. He knew that his disquiet was probably for naught, though he could not help himself.

"Well, I am sure you are correct. I am content to leave most of the talk of dresses and lace to Caroline. I was going to ask you of what business matters will you see to in the morning?"

"You and I will both write to the papers. I also have to set an appointment with my solicitor; do you not have the same errand?"

Charles sighed dramatically. "Indeed." He was not a lover of business and had very little patience for the daily activities of a mature individual, such as correspondence and figures. He found himself in a lucky position as the son of a wealthy trader, since the trade business he inherited was largely handled by those under his employ, allowing him to live a life of leisure. Darcy regularly hinted that he should be more involved because his livelihood was dependent so much by decisions—decisions he allowed others to make in blind trust.

When they reached their destination, two grooms stepped forward to assist with the horses and lead them to the stable behind the house. The front door was opened just as they reached the top step and three other servants appeared when they crossed the threshold; two to assist the Master with his great coat, hat and gloves, and one for the Master's guest.

"Bingley, join me in the study." When the servants were through with his outer clothing, he turned to the large door on the right hearing his friend chuckle.

"More business tonight, Darcy; or are you going to offer me some libation?" Regardless of his friend's answer, he followed faithfully and innocently opened his eyes larger when Darcy raised an eyebrow.

Fitzwilliam sighed grandly and shook his head in mock exasperation, "I suppose—" He was unable to complete his thought—but not due to an interruption on Bingley's part. The rest of the exchange was forgotten in a moment and Fitzwilliam's face portrayed his sudden confusion. He believed that no one besides himself and Charles were in the grand house (except for the servants, of course), but the loud guffawing that reached his ears suggested otherwise. It was unthinkable that the sound was made by a footman. Darcy composed himself and walked back out the door to inquire about the occurrence from the nearest man servant.

"Sir, Colonel Fitzwilliam is visiting in the music room."

Darcy nodded and made his way past the stairs to the music room with a hurried stride, barely registering that Bingley followed behind. Why on earth would Geoffrey be here? Although Darcy had intended to meet with his cousin, he had not sent word to the Fitzwilliam residence of his intention to travel to town.

The scene that greeted him in the music room was nothing he expected. The seating had been moved off the rug in a scattered array. His cousin lounged on a chair, hooting and holding his paunch as if attempting to reign himself in, while his sister sat across from him with her eyes closed, giggling into her cupped hands. Mrs. Annesley sat with her needlepoint in a corner with a slight smile turning her lips. They were completely oblivious to his presence.

Colonel Fitzwilliam continued to laugh as he wiped the inside of his eyes where moisture was gathering, "Georgie, I do not believe I have ever had this much fun. Where have you been hiding your forwardness and wit? I daresay no good shall come of it."

Georgiana opened her eyes and lowered her hands to reply with a challenge when she spotted her brother in the doorway. Her buoyant mood fled in astonishment and she stood, "Brother! I did not expect you."

The Colonel turned in his seat to better see his cousin as Darcy stared at first his sister and then his cousin. "I see." Was all Darcy said before he entered the room and waited for an explanation.

Georgiana found herself frozen in place, her earlier forwardness and wit forgotten as she thought frantically for words to fill the silence. When she caught a glimpse of Mr. Bingley she decided to take a different conversational route. "Mr. Bingley," she smiled sweetly and curtseyed, "it is so good to see you. I understand that you are to be congratulated. Do join us. I am afraid that Geoffrey and I were indulging in frivolities, so the furniture is somewhat out-of-sorts, but still useful." As a gracious hostess does, she gestured for Bingley to have a seat before reclaiming her chair.

Mr. Bingley had to walk around Darcy who stood with his hands behind his back in displeasure. "Thank you very much, Miss Darcy. I am indeed a fortunate man to be engaged to Miss Bennet. I am sure you will like her very much." He sat by Geoffrey and nodded to him, "Colonel, it has been a long time. How do you do?"

The Colonel smiled with his usual easy manners and addressed Bingley while still keeping his cousin in his peripheral vision. "I am well. We thought you were both in Hertfordshire, when did you arrive in town?"

When Bingley was about to answer, Darcy stepped around an ottoman to sit between Bingley and Georgiana in the odd semicircle of furniture. "We arrived just after tea to deliver Miss Bingley to the Hursts and escort the Bennets to the Gardiner's home. When did you arrive, dear sister?"

His regard made Georgiana bite her lip with unease before she straightened her spine and replied with false bravado, "What a coincidence! I arrived just past the noon hour. It has been a busy day for us all. In fact, I do believe it is time for me to retire for the night." She stood abruptly, "please keep your seats. I hope you gentlemen will excuse me until the morrow." She quickly dipped into a courtesy and left the room with a fast stride that did not falter until she was behind her bedroom door. She leaned against the door and let out short laugh at the irony.

In the music room, Bingley silently waited for his friend to say something. Darcy leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees listening to Georgiana's retreating footsteps and then those of Mrs. Annesley. Darcy inhaled thinking of what reasoning Georgiana would have to move from Pemberley—certain that his recent letter from her was dispatched from the estate. He turned a questioning gaze to his cousin, "Geoffrey, what is this about? I was under the impression that you were not able to retrieve Georgiana from Pemberley for another week or so. Do not tell me that you allowed her to travel alone."

The Colonel considered his words. Although he was glad that he had been a witness to Darcy's arrival, he was not altogether pleased to be giving the explanations. "Alright, I will not. Let us go to your study or the sitting room for a brandy so your staff can put the room to rights. I am parched and need the fire to get me home."

"There have been far too many subject changes in the past quarter hour."

Charles stood and ignored Darcy's comment, "A capital idea. Let us go enjoy each other's company with a draught."

Darcy agreed and led the way back to his study which possessed a rich masculine environment very different than Georgiana's music room. The room was warm by the fire and a tray had been set on a low table with three crystal glasses. Darcy played the part of a gracious host while eying his cousin.

Geoff was not unaware of Darcy's consideration; he enjoyed vexing his cousin too much to give in to his questioning stare. Once they all were again seated Darcy could wait no more. "Cousin, now that you are quite comfortably sitting with a drink in another room, please tell me what has happened."

Geoff smiled, "Alright, William, I can see that you have exercised all your patience. However, I must disappoint you for there is nothing to tell. I received a letter from Georgie early this morning saying that she was going to attend to me if I could not come for her sooner, and then this afternoon I was given a note saying she was here. She will have to explain herself to you. All I could gather was that her excitement over your betrothal has caused her to lose her senses."

"Has it?"

"Indeed. That is the only explanation. I understand that she did take precautions to travel with another footman." When Fitzwilliam nodded but did not reply, Geoffrey continued. "She was planning on waiting here while my business is completed so that I could accompany her to Hertfordshire."

Fitzwilliam's laugh sounded more like a snort. "Of course, if I had not come, then I would be none the wiser. She has been taking lessons from your mother, I see."

"There is no use worrying over it. The deed is done." He stood and smoothed his waistcoat, "I will be sure to tell Mother about your little comment. It was good to see you again, Bingley. I really must take my leave. I will see you tomorrow?"

Bingley and Darcy both stood. Bingley bowed with his usual smile and said, "You too, Colonel. I will be staying with Darcy so I am sure to see you again soon."

Darcy was a little more subdued when he replied, "Indeed. We will be riding to the Gardiner's in the afternoon."

AN: Thanks for your patience. I am afraid it is taking me longer to wrap my head around the London situation with so many characters and other factors to consider. I am having fun writing this. Any comments and suggestions are welcome… what role do you think Lady Matlock will play?