Edited by nanciellen
April 1813 - November 1813
Days turned to weeks, and weeks to months at Pemberley. By the end of June, Darcy had fully resumed his activities. Fortunately, he had no sequelae from the accident. Every month he received a letter from Lady Matlock and another one from Lady Catherine who wrote very little and nothing of consequence.
He was aware that Georgiana was to make her debut in society that year, and therefore he had to pretend to be on very good terms with the Matlocks. The last thing he wanted was a scandal that would tarnish his sister's prospects.
In early November the Darcys returned to London and started preparations for Georgiana's coming-out ball. Lady Matlock went at once to visit them and finally persuaded Darcy of the desirability of having the ball at her house.
Within a week of being in London, and after some serious thought, he decided to go to the Gardiners to talk to Elizabeth. It had been over a year since they had last seen each other, and he still had hope of having a future with her. Georgiana was already 18 years old, and if she did not get married before, they only had to wait 3 more years for Georgiana to be of age.
Very surprised to see Mr. Darcy, Mr. Gardiner invited him to his office as he figured that the man wanted to talk about Elizabeth...
"...Mr. Darcy, presently my niece is not in London, and I do not know when she will return."
"Is she at Longbourn?"
Mr. Gardiner, after hesitating for a few moments, replied, "Yes; she is at Longbourn, Mr. Darcy. But the family is in mourning."
"Who died?" he was filled with alarm.
"My sister passed away giving birth to Longbourn's heir." He sighed. "Fortunately, the child was born well and he is growing up healthy."
"I am so sorry, Mr. Gardiner."
Mr. Gardiner nodded. "As for Elizabeth, I would appreciate it if you would not go to Longbourn to see her and just leave everything as it is now. It has been over a year, and my niece is moving on with her life, you should also do the same."
"Mr. Gardiner, I would just like to see her for a few minutes and talk to her."
"For what reason? Has anything changed since the last time we met?"
Darcy nodded. "Yes; my sister will enter society next month and in three years she will be of legal age. I am hoping she will meet a suitable gentleman and get married sooner."
Mr. Gardiner frowned. "So, do you expect my niece to spend the next three years waiting for you? Why should she do that?"
"It could be less time, maybe Georgiana will get married sooner." He responded anxiously.
Mr. Gardiner shook his head. "Mr. Darcy, forgive me for being skeptical, but you may change your mind at any time and marry another lady from high society; and my niece in the interim wasted the best years of her life waiting for you." He took a deep breath, "What you are asking is very selfish of you and I will not allow you to see my niece in my house."
Darcy took a deep breath. "I understand your position Mr. Gardiner, but I give you my word as a gentleman..."
Mr. Gardiner gestured. "Forgive me, Mr. Darcy, but I am a businessman and I know very well that words are swiftly carried away by the wind." He added determinedly, "When you are free, and if Elizabeth is still single, maybe you can be together, but in the meantime please do not look for my niece again."
Darcy reluctantly vowed not to go to Longbourn to see Elizabeth, and to let time pass. His priority now had to be his sister's coming out ball.