A/N - Thank you for your responses after last week's post. I started posting this on AO3. Still catching up there, but when I do I will post a chapter every Friday, as I do here.
Chapter 17
That evening, the excited chatter of the children strongly peppered the dinner conversation. The joy of having their favorite cousins present was palpable. At the meal's conclusion, Elizabeth asked to speak to her uncle privately.
"What have you not yet told me about my situation? Now that I am here, pray, tell me all."
Mr. Gardiner sighed, "I asked a colleague to make inquiries. It has been confirmed - Gregory's father, the earl, attempted to make a grab for your inheritance." He met his niece's eye. "I do not think he has yet been successful, but the lawyers were still stonewalling before we traveled for the christening."
Biting her lips to keep the tears in her eyes from falling, Elizabeth cleared her throat. "How could he do this? How could he do so to his son's memory, but also, how is it possible to circumvent the law in such a manner."
"He is a peer. An unscrupulous one, it would seem. It is impossible to know what form of pressure he has pressed on the attorney. As for the law, it is no easy thing, which I believe explains why your situation is frozen in a stalemate."
Elizabeth sat tapping a finger against her lips. "Should I ask Mr. Darcy if he can assist?"
"It may come to that. However, let us go one last time tomorrow morning and see if together we might be given some answers. If nothing comes of it, then yes, I think you will need to request his help. We must clear up this matter as swiftly as possible. Any further delay may be risking your inheritance and financial security.
~ / ~
Darcy House
"She is here." Georgiana came skipping into Darcy's study after breakfast
"Who is here?"
"Elizabeth, she arrived in Town yesterday. Oh, I cannot wait to see her. Can we go?"
"Should you not give her some time to recover from the journey?"
"We shall not stay long. Do say we may go." The look she sent him was sly. "I believe she is hoping you shall accompany me."
Georgiana handed her brother Elizabeth's note.
April, 1814
Gardiner Residence
Gracechurch Street
Dear Georgiana,
I am sending this quick note to let you know we arrived in Town yesterday. I had an early errand with my uncle this morning, which unfortunately did not bear fruit.
Aside from shopping tomorrow morning, we are quite at our leisure and would be happy to see you at your convenience. Alex misses you most of all.
Might you inquire with your brother if he is available, as well? I find myself in need of his advice and hope he will not mind speaking to my uncle, Mr. Gardiner.
Yours,
EC
After reading the missive Darcy looked at his sister who was practically bouncing on her toes.
"If I say I cannot attend you just now, you will simply leap into the carriage and go by yourself. Hmm?"
"Brother!" The siblings shared a laugh, "but yes, indeed. I will not wait for you, so rearrange your afternoon. We are off to make a call."
~ / ~
Gracechurch street
The ladies of Gracechurch street, together with Alex were in the parlor having tea when a maid brought in Darcy's card.
Elizabeth was shocked at such a swift response to her note. Mrs. Gardiner asked the maid to show them in. Rising to greet the visitors, they shared looks while waiting for the Darcy's to arrive at the parlor door. Soon, the tall gentleman and young lady were entering, but before greetings were spoken, shocked words filled the silence.
"Miss Chambers!"
As all eyes turned on him, Darcy felt a rush of heat climb up his neck to suffuse his cheeks, turning them a bright red. "Forgive me, I…" He looked confused and immensely embarrassed.
"Mr. Darcy, Aunt, may I make the introductions?" Elizabeth spoke up less than a heartbeat later, to ease his discomfort and to his extreme gratitude.
"Aunt, this is Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. Sir, Georgiana, my aunt, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner," a twitch of her lips the only hint of her amusement. "Formerly of Lambton, Derbyshire, currently of London."
"Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, I would recognize you anywhere." Mrs. Gardiner smiled at them in welcome. "You are the very image of your parents. They were both excellent people."
Miss Darcy curtseyed, "Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner."
Mr. Darcy bowed, "They were. I thank you, madam." Darcy's cheeks and ears still bore the color of his embarrassment. "It is a pleasure to see you again. I remember you and your parents very well. Your patience with a rambunctious boy of not yet four and ten has obviously stayed with me." He smiled shyly.
The slightly older woman laughed, "Not at all, you were an earnest young man. Pray, be seated, I shall order fresh tea." Mrs. Gardiner nodded at the maid still standing just inside the door.
Georgiana rushed to her friend, with outstretched hands to grab Elizabeth's. "Elizabeth! How glad I am to see you. I was thrilled to receive your note informing me you were in town." A tug on her hand dragged Elizabeth over to a smaller sofa and then pulled her down to sit beside a beaming Georgiana.
"I admit to being surprised at seeing you so soon." Caught between shock and trying not to laugh, Elizabeth was pleased to see her friend.
"Oh I could not wait. I had to see Alex."
"You are in luck, as he is here with us."
A gasp had the excitable young lady up on her feet again. "Where?"
Elizabeth stood and guided Georgiana over to the bassinet.
"Oh my, how he has grown, after being so tiny. Look, Brother."
Darcy had not yet taken a seat and gave a shallow bow to Mrs. Gardiner and Jane, walking over to stand beside his sister.
"I see. He is a remarkably handsome boy."
Elizabeth smiled up at him. "Remarkably, sir? Because his mother is such a plain woman?"
"Well… I…" Darcy felt his face would never cool again.
Elizabeth laughed, "I tease, sir. Pray, forgive me."
"It is well." But Darcy could not remove his eyes from her bright expression. The Mrs. Carrington before him was a far cry from the pale woman he and Georgianna had met and rescued but a month ago. She seemed practically effervescent by comparison, her fine eyes no longer dull, but shone.
Georgina was still cooing over the bassinet and catching her aunt's eye, Elizabeth led Darcy over to chairs away from everyone.
"I see Georgiana still continues to be enamored of my son. In truth, so is my sister, Jane. I recall having an errant thought, of leaving his care to the two of them. It would save me a world of bother." Her eyes sparkled with mirth.
Darcy could not help but be drawn into her joyful energy. "I doubt these are your true sentiments. Do you take delight in shocking your audience whenever possible?"
She gave a sly side look, "Not whenever possible, sir, only now and then." Biting her lip, she seemed to fold in on herself, and her eyes lowered to her lap.
Darcy could not imagine what caused the shift. The lady before him liked to tease in a lighthearted manner. She was so different from the ladies of the Ton who could only simpler and flatter. This lady drew him in, the others made him ill.
His gaze still rested on Mrs. Carrington, so he discerned when she sat taller and raised her chin.
"Mr. Darcy, I regret to importune you on another matter so soon after I placed you in a difficult situation not long ago. However, despite my uncle's many attempts we were unable to get any answers concerning my husband's legacy."
"What has been done?"
"Just this morning we went to the lawyers' doors insisting on speaking with Mr. Haversham. With little politeness or discourse we were summarily dismissed, merely given the excuse of Mr. Haversham not being in. This is the last of many times my uncle has tried to see him."
"What information do you have at present?"
"Mr. Gardiner will be able to provide more details as he holds the documentation, but it is now conclusive. My husband's father, Lord Carrington, is attempting to lay claim to the funds."
Outrage froze Darcy, morphing his expression into one of disdain. "That is outrageous."
With a quick look over to see if others were still occupied, Elizabeth continued, "It is most distressing. Gregory would want those funds for his son. At this time, we do not know if he was successful in obtaining them. I am embarrassed to request this, but do you think you might be able to assist us?"
"Indeed. I am not without my own pull in this city."
"Thank you, sir. I am truly grateful. My uncle will be home soon. He will be happy to show you the papers."
They stood, pulling the notice of the others in the room.
"Mr. Darcy." Two heads turned simultaneously toward Mrs. Gardiner. "I was just inquiring with Miss Darcy if you might be interested in staying for dinner? It will be an informal family meal and you are more than welcome, if you have no other obligations."
Mrs. Gardiner, Jane and Georgiana were all seated on one long sofa. His sister's pleading look made it evident she wished to remain. "If it is not too much of an inconvenience we should be happy to stay. You have our thanks."
Tea was poured, and Mrs. Gardiner shared a few anecdotes with the Darcy siblings of her memories of their parents.
"I beg your pardon, madam for my earlier outburst. I recall your parents very well. You have my sympathies for their passing." With his eyes barely meeting Mrs. Gardiner's, Darcy's form was stiff and upright.
Elizabeth's recollections of him were foggy during her troubling time at the inn, but the few memories she had of him were ones of kindness, both to her and his servants. Although, that one evening meal when Wickham was mentioned revealed a harsher side to the man. Perhaps, this stiffness was an indication of the Darcy shyness Georgiana occasionally mentioned.
Alex became fussy and Elizabeth was only too happy to excuse herself to remove to the back parlor. While nursing her son, she contemplated with astonishment and mortification over Georgiana and Mr. Darcy's presence in her aunt's parlor.
Elizabeth focused on holding Alex so as not to curl into a ball of shame. What wicked streak possessed me? I am a widow still in full mourning, as is he, and I sat there teasing and flirting with him as if we were attending a ball and I was tempting him to solicit me for a dance? Heat suffused her face in remembrance. And now they are to stay for dinner.
Alex fell asleep during his nursing. Staring at her infant son's features was a mesmerizing pastime. Almost hypnotic. Nothing else could compose her as much as she required, before facing Mr. Darcy again.
Georgiana is as she had been when we first met, perhaps even a bit more confident. She seems happy. I imagine their time in London has been enjoyable thus far.
Heaving a sigh, Elizabeth raised Alex to her shoulder and gently patted his back. Asleep he may be, but she would not wish him stomach pains. When a burp of air escaped his little body and seeing he had awoken, Elizabeth moved him down to her other side. The sight of her son eating was a wonder, her aunt implied it may also create a stronger connection between mother and child. Elizabeth often spoke to him during his meals. "I am grateful for you my precious, though I do regret you grow up without a father. I apologize for not having stronger regrets for myself, but with my husband having gone so soon after we wed, I barely had time to rely on him. I suppose, in the aftermath of it, I do mourn the death of my dreams; for a happy marriage with a man I could respect and trust to care for his family." A little sigh escaped her and silence filled the room.
Elizabeth hid in the parlor even after Alex had finished and fallen asleep. Eventually, she called for a maid to watch Alex during the evening meal.
It is perhaps, not strictly appropriate for me to attend dinner with guests, being in mourning, but it is an informal meal, just the family. I am sure if they were uncomfortable they would have made their excuses.
Mr. Gardiner was home from his warehouse and had been introduced to their guests, before Elizabeth rejoined them. Mrs. Gardiner was seeing to her children, Jane was speaking to Georgiana, and Darcy was discussing the topic of Elizabeth's situation with Mr. Gardiner.
"We certainly appreciate your assistance. I will give you the documents after we dine. I was at a loss for what I could do for Lizzy. You have my gratitude."
"It is my pleasure, sir. I pray I can find better answers for you."
Dinner was a typical lively affair for the Gardiner residence. Their children were not shy and various topics of discussion were raised, involving both Mr. and Miss Darcy to canvas their opinions. No one took offense if brother and sister's replies were short and soft spoken.
Mrs. Gardiner shooed her children back up the stairs at the end of the meal. Mr. Gardiner took Darcy to his study to hand over the Carrington documents and Elizabeth and Jane informed Georgiana they would be ordering dresses the next morning.
"I find dress shopping a dull and tiring event, and I will not stay out long as Alex will have need of me, but Jane has a mission to order a number of gowns."
"Lizzy…" The tiniest of frowns hovered on Jane's visage before disappearing.
"Now, now, Jane. You know Aunt will insist." Seeing the expression on her friend's face, Elizabeth inquired, "Georgiana, might you wish to join us and assist Jane with her selections?"
"I should like to, very much. I recently went shopping with my aunt and I am au currant with the styles this season." Her smile and giggle assured them of her happy desire to be included.
"A word of warning, we shall not be shopping on Bond Street. We go to my uncle's warehouses first, to find fabric, then we shall visit my aunt's dressmaker."
"It is well. In fact, I am curious to see his stock and may even find something I like."
Plans were arranged for Georgiana to pick them up in her carriage the next morning. Shortly afterwards the Darcy's departed.
Elizabeth wished her family goodnight and took Alex with her up to the nursery floor.
She readied her son and herself for sleep, but heard a soft knock on the door before she could climb into bed. Not wishing to wake Alex, she walked over to the door to see who it was.
Unsurprisingly, Jane was standing in the hallway. What was surprising was her worried countenance.
Elizabeth opened the door wider to let her sister in. "Jane," she said softly, "Are you well?"
"I am. It is only… you mentioned will need to return to Gracechurch Street before us tomorrow, but we are going in one carriage. How will you travel back here?"
"I shall hire a hackney. It is not far."
"A hackney!" Jane was aghast. "But, Lizzy."
"Hush, Jane. Let us not wake Alex." Elizabeth pulled her sister over to the bed and they sat down, side by side. Then, in a quiet voice Elizabeth assured her sister. "Jane, I am a widow, and lived on my own for several months with only one live-in maid. I assure you, going out on errands on my own is not a new experience for me."
Seeing her sister's face pink in consternation, Elizabeth took Jane's hand in hers. "The expected proprieties of a married lady, and indeed a widow is very different from those of an unwed maiden. Do not let it concern you, my dear. And I promise, I will be circumspect when I must. We are not going far, so returning shall be uneventful." Elizabeth hugged Jane tightly. "Your only obligation tomorrow is to enjoy yourself. I am not concerned about returning on my own, and neither should you be. All will be well."
It was only a slightly mollified Jane who bid her sister good night.
~ / ~
Matlock Residence
Darcy did not wish for more time to pass than necessary, so after dropping Georgiana off at home he continued on to Matlock House in the carriage. It was not many houses over, but it was getting late and even in their upstanding neighborhood it was not always safe to walk alone at night.
The butler informed him his uncle and aunt were home, but he would see if Lord Matlock was available.
Within a few minutes Darcy was being shown into his uncle's study. "Darcy, what brings you here this evening?" Lord Matlock's voice lacked his usual exuberance. They had not been much in each other's company since the volatile scene in Darcy's study.
Darcy sat down in a chair in front of the desk after waving off his uncle's offer of a drink. "Uncle," he was here to ask a favor, so Darcy felt it best to be conciliatory, "If you may recall, Georgiana and I helped a young widow during a difficult time. It was during our journey to Town."
"Yes, yes, a Mrs. Carrington, married the earl's youngest. What of it?"
"I mentioned to you she was experiencing difficulties with her inheritance. It seems the earl is attempting to steal the funds."
Lord Matlock's hands clapped on his thighs, "Blast! It is good you came to me with this. I told you we cannot have our soldiers and sailors afraid for their loved ones once they leave for the front lines." His frown was fierce. "Stealing from widows and orphans. Bah! It just is not done. I shall gladly look into the matter."
It would seem even Lord Matlock had lines he would not cross. Darcy chastised himself. That is unfair. My uncle, while a politician with tunnel vision, was still a good man at heart.
"I thank you, uncle." Darcy stood and offered a brief bow, placing the documents on the desk before him. "It will be a great service to her and her very young son to get this rightly resolved."
Lord Matlock waved a hand, "Leave it with me, m- Darcy. We shall have this settled in no time."
A/N - To guest reviewer- mwaahahahha - That is the beauty of 'Variation'. I suggest you reread P&P if you want to read strictly canon.