Chapter 7

Elizabeth was placed between young Mr. Carter and Mr. George Darcy. The meal was delicious and her conversation was shared between her two companions, alternating with the removes.

Mr. Carter and she spoke more on art and the ancient histories of Europe. On the other hand her conversation with Mr. Darcy left Elizabeth bemused.

"I understand from my wife you are a great reader, Miss Bennet."

"I do enjoy reading, Mr. Darcy. I am not sure I could claim a title for great reader." Her impish smile made the tease apparent.

Mr. Darcy gave a little smirk, making a dimple appear briefly on one cheek. "She also warned me to guard my speech, as you would have me tied up in knots with your wit."

"Oh dear, this is a wretched beginning of my introduction to London society. People will learn to not believe a word I say."

A sound erupted from the man sitting next to her, which may have been a cough covering a laugh.

"Forgive me. Miss Bennet. I would not wish to give you the wrong impression. My wife was quite taken with you." He continued under his breath, but not softly enough, for Elizabeth still heard, "Indeed, she may in fact be a genius."

Luckily, Frank picked up their conversation on her other side once more.

-hbr-

When the meal ended, the ladies left, leaving the men to their port and cigars.

"Gardiner, your niece is a gem. My wife and I look forward to getting to know her better." Mr. Darcy raised his glass in salute.

"Maddie and I are very fond of Lizzy. My sister, bless her, has a difficult time comprehending her second born, but we think she is incomparable. It will be difficult to find a match well suited for her, or clever enough to keep up with her wit." Gardiners pride clearly showed in his expression.

"She is a beautiful young lady." Frank inserted loudly, then blushed as all eyes turned to him and the men laughed. His father clapped him on the back. "Nothing wrong with looking, Son. You are young though, anything serious will wait some years. I have a feeling Miss Bennet will be snapped up before the end of the season."

Gardiner raised his glass, "That is our intention. To Elizabeth!" They all drank and the conversation turned to the weightier subject of the war.

In the drawing room, the ladies were sitting quietly with their tea. Lady Anne brought up a musicale evening. She learned from her sister, Lady Matlock, one was set a week from then.

"Madeline, I thought perhaps you might be interested in attending the evening.

"That sounds lovely, Lady Anne. Elizabeth and I were discussing upcoming events, and I had hoped to hear of a concert. My husband will be also checking what is playing at the theater, as Elizabeth most particularly wishes to attend."

"Perhaps we can make an evening of it, if you, your husband and Miss Bennet will join us in our box?"

"That sounds wonderful. I will discuss it with Edward and let you know."

Lady Anne nodded her agreement to Mrs. Gardiner and stood, walking over to where Elizabeth was seated. She chose a chair quite near her and away from the other two ladies.

"Miss Bennet, Georgiana expressed an interest in meeting you. Do you think you might visit Darcy house one day for tea?"

"My Lady, please call me Elizabeth. I would be happy to. I will need to check with Aunt Gardiner regarding our schedule, but it will be a pleasure to meet your daughter. I understand she is a bit older than my older cousins. However, we occasionally go to the park for fresh air and exercise. Might Miss Darcy wish to join us?"

Lady Anne smiled, "Perhaps you will get the chance to invite her during our afternoon tea."

She changed the subject, "Are you ready for the dizzying scene of London's season?"

"As ready as I shall ever be. I promised my aunt to make an effort, but I am not actively looking for a husband. I wish to marry for love and affection. I refuse to marry where there is no respect in the relationship. So, I intend to enjoy myself, wearing all the lovely gowns we purchased, and I anticipate meeting all kinds of people - the handsome, the admirable, and the ridiculous and all their follies in between." She grinned cheekily at Lady Anne.

Lady Anne's eyes gleamed as she took in the young woman. "Elizabeth, you truly will take the Ton by storm. They will not know what to do with you."

"We cannot have that. They will package me up and send me back to Hertfordshire." Her expression sobered, "I do not wish to lose myself in the season. Keeping my commitment to Foundling House is important to me. I understand the pace can be exhausting with so many late evenings, and it is a concern of mine.

That is commendable…" She stared at Elizabeth for a long moment then leaned closer, "Excuse my impertinence, but pray, how old are you now?"

Elizabeth's eyebrows rose, yet she replied, "I am not yet eight and ten. My birthday shall be celebrated next month."

"That is a good age, Elizabeth. All the expectations of blossoming adulthood, yet old enough to temper extraneous exuberance.

"Forgive me, Lady Anne. I think that kind of maturity depends on the individual." She could not help but think of her mother.

"Perhaps you are correct. I do hope we get to spend much time with you during the season. It will be wonderful to introduce you to some of our friends, and their sons and daughters." She finished with a sly smile.

"I shall look forward to it, My Lady."

The men entered and Mrs. Gardiner was busy preparing the tea.

Lady Anne gestures to her husband. "I was just telling Miss Bennet we would be happy to introduce her to our friends and acquaintances." She widened her eyes at him for a moment.

Mrs. Gardiner handed Mr Darcy his tea, "Oh that is most kind of you, Lady Anne."

"Nonsense, Madeline. We are old friends, and your niece is a delight."

"Pray, Lady Anne, steady on the old." Everyone chuckled.

"You know how highly George and I think of you and your husband. It will be a pleasure. I am sure Miss Bennet will meet someone wonderful and make her mother very happy."

At that, there was laughter again, though Elizabeth perhaps found a little less humor in it than the others.

-hbr-

Later that night, after retiring to their sitting room, Anne and George were reclining together, her back braced against his chest. He played with her loose hair. A habit he had picked up from the earliest days of their marriage, and one he would never tire of.

She was trying to decide the best way to introduce Elizabeth to her son. "We should have them meet at a social event. Surely at a public event there will be less pressure and we can watch for his reaction to her. She is such a pretty girl."

"And if he insults her? He has done so before, from what we have heard."

"Even better, he will have to then work even harder to win her regard."

"Oh my beautiful, wise one, how exactly do you plan to turn his attention on her?"

She turned in his embrace and placed her hands on his cheeks. Leaning in closer until their lips were almost touching, she whispered. "Leave that to me."

No more was said about their wayward son for the remainder of the night.