A/N - Thank you all for the awesome feedback, guesses and speculations.
I also want to take this time to welcome new followers. I get giddy every time I see notification of a new follow or favorite!
Someone asked about their ages.
I altered their ages a tiny bit from canon to this: In 1811 the Bennet girls ages were: 22, 20, 18, 16, 15.
Georgiana's Ramsgate folly took place the year before in 1810, so she is only 4 years younger than Elizabeth. She and Darcy traveled for about a year and a half.
It is now 1814, so Jane is 25 and Elizabeth is 23.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Additions to both the Darcy and Gardiner households this chapter.
-Repost: Slight edits to the writing-
To guest reviewer: I can't tell if you are complaining or whinging. To answer though, I need to make sure the readers keep coming back ;)
Chapter 22
Jane hid another yawn, but her sister noticed how pale she still was. Catching her aunt's eye, she nodded in Jane's direction.
Mrs. Gardiner took Jane's hand and whispered in her ear. At first Jane shook her head, then nodded. She stood and curtseyed, "If you will forgive me. I am afraid the day's events have taken a toll on me." The men had stood when she did and now bowed, wishing her well and a swift recovery.
Elizabeth followed her out of the room, "Jane?"
"I am well, Lizzy, I just need to rest. You stay here and be a part of the discussions. It is too important. Either yours or Miss Darcy's safety is at stake."
Elizabeth reentered the drawing room hearing the same details being discussed again. They simply did not know enough.
Apparently, Mr. Darcy felt the same, for he stood on her return and bowed.
"I fear we shall not come to any conclusion this day, nor do we have the information with which to find answers. My first instinct is to take Georgiana back to Pemberley, but as you said, she may not be the one they are watching." He raised one brow at his sister, "and I do not doubt Georgiana would have much to say should I order her to go."
"Indeed, I would, brother," was Georgiana's primly sweet reply.
"I agree, Mr. Darcy." Mr. Gardiner had also risen to his feet. "May I suggest we meet again in a couple of days with fresh and calmer minds? I will hire an extra footman or two to patrol the perimeter of my home. Perhaps, we shall be fortunate and the man will be caught."
Elizabeth bid goodbye to Georgiana, while Darcy stared at her quite intensely. I can only imagine he is angry about his sister being placed in the path of some unknown danger. I hope he does not blame me for this negative attention.
~ / ~
Darcy House
That evening
Darcy paced his study. The thought of Georgiana being the target of some nefarious fiend set his blood boiling. Not to mention, with all the turmoil, his resolution to ask Elizabeth if he could call on her, was pushed from the forefront of his mind. He only recollected it when they were leaving and there was no time for a private word with her.
It will have to wait. Georgiana must be my first priority. Now will be the perfect time to speak with her about the idea I have long been contemplating.
Leaving his study, he was going to seek out his sister, but the sound of the pianoforte let him know where he might find her. He sent a request through a footman to send tea to the music room, before following the beautiful, moving notes. He stood in the doorway to watch her play, until she finished the piece.
"That was beautiful, Georgiana."
Her head whipped toward him startled. "Oh, I did not see you there."
"I imagine not." His lips lifted on one side into a half smile, "It is difficult to see when one's eyes are closed."
She shook her head and chuckled, but her cheeks pinked a little. "Did you need me for something?"
"Yes, I sought you out to discuss an idea with you. With everything we have learned today, I feel now is the perfect time to implement it."
When Georgiana rose from the piano bench, he offered his hand to guide her over to a set of chairs.
"Shall we order tea? Or will I get upset and storm out even before the tea has time to arrive."
"I should very much hope," he drawled in response, "even should you be upset, by now we are both mature enough to sit and discuss our differences of opinion like rational adults. Tea should be here shortly."
She giggled, "Very well, brother. Let us have tea and I will listen."
"I think the time has come to hire a companion for you."
"Oh." He watched her expression fall.
"Georgie. This is no comment on you or your comportment. I have been thinking about this for a while and the scene at the Gardiner's house today reaffirms it is the correct step."
"What has this to do with today? From what Elizabeth explained they seem to be interested in her. Although, it brings me no comfort to think such."
"In truth, I have been thinking of this since you have entered Society. You could be attending many more events with Lord and Lady Matlock, but I do not wish to accompany you. And I would not feel comfortable if there was no one to truly watch out for you. Our uncle and aunt have their own interests, and cannot always be expected to be attentive. A companion, one who's position it is to always care for your safety, seems to me to be the perfect answer."
"But after Mrs. Y-"
"I take full responsibility for that debacle. We shall ask Lady Matlock for recommendations of only the highest references."
"Very well." Georgiana remained quiet looking down at her hands folded in her lap. Then she raised her head, "I would like to sit in on the interviews."
His brows shot up.
"I shall be the one spending time with her. I wish to make sure we will be comfortable together."
His lips twitched, attempting to hide a smile. "Agreed. But no matter the companion, you will always leave the house or go anywhere with two footmen as well. Understood?"
"Yes, Brother."
"Good." He checked his time piece. "Why do I not send a note to Lady Matlock and see if she will see us before calling hours tomorrow morning?" He grinned at Georgiana's roll of her eyes.
~ / ~
Elizabeth woke that night to her son's cries as usual. However, this time when she picked him up to cradle, he was noticeably warm. She placed a hand on his head, then ran it around to his back. He was decidedly warm. No, more than warm, he was hot.
His little cries turned to whimpers when he began to eat, but she noticed he stopped often to break off and breathe a little. "Poor dear. I pray your fever does not worsen."
Elizabeth was unsure what to do. Should she wake her aunt, or call for a maid? When Alex finished with her first side, she picked him up to her shoulder and stood to walk over to her pitcher. Oh, thank goodness. It still contains some water.
She picked up one of the clean toweling squares she uses for Alex, and dunked the end into the pitcher. Lifting it back up, she did her best to squeeze out the excess water with her one free hand. Sitting back down with him, she placed the cool, wet end on his head, dabbing it there and on the back of his neck. Once he expelled air, she held Alex to her other side. While he fed, she dabbed the cold damp cloth on his forehead, cheeks and hands.
The night was a long one for Elizabeth. Alex did not cry as long as he was in her arms, but once she attempted to lay him back down his wailing rose in volume. The hours passed with mother and son treading the length of the room and back, Alex being gently bounced or swayed. At length, she slept with him on the bed next to her, with him nursing from her more for comfort, than for food.
When Elizabeth and Alex did not show downstairs at their usual time, Mrs. Gardiner came to find them. Elizabeth's eyes shot blearily open as soon as she heard her aunt enter the room.
Seeing the scene on the bed, the older woman approached it and rested her hand on Alex. "Oh, Lizzy. Were you up much with him last night? Why did you not call for me?"
With a shake of her head, tears flooded Elizabeth's eyes, "I did not want to wake you. Is his fever very high, do you think?"
"He is warm, but not dangerously so. Is he still eating well?"
"Yes. There is nothing wrong with his appetite. His breathing seems a bit distressed."
"I recall when my children were this tiny. It is scary, but with cold compresses, perhaps a mustard pack, if he should begin coughing, and steam to help with his breathing, we shall make him well in no time. The main point is to keep the fever from rising too high." With a tsk, Mrs. Gardiner continued, "We should have hired a nurse as you wished to. She would have been of great service to you now. Meanwhile, I shall assign a maid to assist you."
"Perhaps we can send out word today? Seeing how a nurse is with a sick child is the best way to assess/evaluate their capabilities." Elizabeth yawned. "Forgive me, Aunt. I truly slept very ill last night."
"You stay and rest. The next few days will be tiring, indeed." With a final brush of her fingers on Alex's head Mrs. Gardiner quietly exited the room.
~ / ~
The Darcy coach pulled up in front of Matlock House at half past ten. Once a footman had placed the step and opened the door, Darcy stepped out and turned to hand down Georgiana. Together, brother and sister ascended the stairs and Darcy used the knocker.
The Matlock butler opened the door within seconds and welcomed them in. A maid and footman helped divest them of their hat, bonnet and outer garments. "Lady Matlock is expecting you in the morning room, sir."
"Thank you, Woods." With Georgiana's hand in the crook of Darcy's elbow, the steps of both pairs of shoes was a soft accompaniment to meet their aunt.
A few paces into the room Darcy bowed and Georgiana curtseyed. "Good morning, Lady Matlock.
"Good morning, Fitzwilliam, Georgiana. How lovely to see you today." The tinkle of a little bell in Lady Matlock's hand was a signal for tea to be brought in. "Pray, be seated."
Darcy seated his sister and himself on the nearest settee. Seeing no reason to draw the reason for this visit out, Darcy stated, "Aunt, Georgiana and I have discussed it, and we feel it is time to hire her a companion to support her through the season."
"Not just anyone, but someone I feel comfortable spending a great deal of time with." His sister wished to make her preferences known.
"Wonderful. I know just the lady."
Sharing a look with Georgiana, Darcy began, "We were hoping to interview several candidates."
"That will not be necessary, Mrs. Annesley is just what you are looking for. She is a genteel lady, now widowed and works to supplement her yearly stipend. She has excellent references. I personally know several of the families who have hired her over the years, and you are fortunate her latest charge is recently married."
"We wish to meet with her first. It will be our decision to hire her or not." A slight frown appeared between Georgiana's brows.
"Perhaps she is no longer available?" Ever the planner, Darcy wished to consider alternative options.
"As of last week, she was. I shall send her a note and invite her to meet you at Darcy House. Mmm… This afternoon, perhaps? You will not wish to tarry. Her reputation is impeccable and I have no doubt Mrs. Annesley will be snatched up in no time."
Sharing another look, Darcy gave a little shrug. If they did not like her they can always appeal to Lady Matlock again.
Tea was brought in and a pleasant half hour passed discussing the upcoming events they were to attend together.
~ / ~
The following three days were long and tiring ones for Elizabeth. Jane and Mrs. Gardiner tried to assist where they could, but during most of his awake moments, Alex wanted to be in his mother's arms.
Alex slowly recuperated, and Elizabeth was attempting to catch up on her rest, but Mrs. Gardiner was good to her word, and she sent out requests for the nurse position. Applicants were interviewed by her and Elizabeth, and from the many applications seeking the position two were chosen to meet Alex.
One, an older woman, with a vast amount of experience, while the other was a woman about ten years older than Elizabeth herself. Both had an instant rapport with Alex, but in the end Elizabeth chose the younger woman, Dorothy Harris, hoping the woman's younger years would enable her to be as active with Alex as Elizabeth wished.
~ / ~
April 1814
Gardiner Residence
Gracechurch Street
Dear Kitty and Papa,
I am pleased to let you know Alex is faring so much better. We are fortunate his fever never rose very high, but it was consistent. He never even developed much of a cough, though his nose and breathing did cause him discomfort.
Please thank Mrs. Hill for the suggestion of Eucalyptus in the steaming water. I daresay it did make a difference rather quickly.
Poor Lizzy is exhausted. I fear she walked the floorboards of her room nearly every night Alex was ill. Aunt Gardiner and I, and Maggie the maid, tried to be of help as much as we could. However, Alex really only wanted his Mama's arms.
Kitty, I am so pleased you are feeling more and more comfortable with the tenants. I had no doubt you would be able to rise to the occasion. It is wonderful to know you are enjoying spending time with Mariah. You two were always good friends.
Mary and her husband are busy with his flock and we have not managed a visit with them since we came to town. I am sure we shall meet with them soon.
With much love,
Jane
As Alex was now on the mend, Mr. Gardiner felt the time was right to discuss the strange happenings with Mr. Darcy again. Therefore, he asked his wife to send an invitation for afternoon tea to Mr. and Miss Darcy.
On their arrival and entrance into the Gardiner drawing room, an unknown woman entered with them.
"Pray, allow me to introduce Miss Darcy's new companion." At Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's nods, Darcy then made the introductions between Mrs. Annesley and the Gardiners and Jane. Looking around, he did not see Elizabeth.
Seeing his searching gaze, Jane informed him, "My sister will be with us presently. She is settling Alex with his new nurse."
While everyone made themselves comfortable sitting down, Mrs. Gardiner and Jane passed around tea and pleasantries were shared.
"Since she will be with Georgiana wherever she goes, I felt Mrs. Annesley should be aware of the situation. It is clear something is afoot, and I will not be taking any chances with my sister's safety." His expression was stern, but there was no mistaking the care and concern Darcy took for his only remaining family.
"In truth, we were most fortunate." Georgianna smiled at her companion. "Mrs. Annesley was in between positions, seeking one herself when we asked my aunt for advice."
"I assure you, I feel most fortunate myself." Mrs. Annesley's voice was soft and cultured. "I was in a position to wait for a new situation which felt appropriate. Miss Darcy and Mr. Darcy have been very welcoming."
"And we welcome you, as well. Elizabeth will join us as soon as Alex is settled with Nurse Dorothy. She is a true find, though we could have used her several days ago." At the looks of curiosity from the guests, she expounded, "Alex was unwell for some days."
The sound of footsteps outside the drawing room drew the attention and eyes of Darcy and Georgiana.
"Lizzy!" Georgiana leapt up.
Darcy, too, stood at Elizabeth's entrance. He could see the vestiges from Alex's ordeal on her. She had lost a bit of weight and there were dark shadows under her eyes, but her smile was bright as she greeted his sister.
Then she turned her fine eyes on him and all the tension drained from his shoulders. He bowed, "Mrs. Carrington."
"Mr. Darcy." she curtseyed and twinkled up at him. "It is good to see you both."
"Lizzy, may I introduce my new companion to you?"
"Of course."
"Mrs. Carrington, this is Mrs. Annesley. Mrs. Annesley, this is my dear friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Carrington." Both women curtseyed.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. You must let me know if your charge gives you too much trouble. I have found she can be quite impertinent." Elizabeth shot a wink at Georgiana.
Georgiana giggled, "Oh, Lizzy."
"I have yet to see it myself, but will surely remain attentive." Mrs. Annesley's face was void of expression, but her eyes held a glint of humor.
Mr. Gardiner had also risen and now called for everyone's attention. "Let us repeat the fine points of our discussion for Mrs. Annesley's sake." He counted each point off on his fingers. "On two separate occasions Elizabeth and then Jane noticed a man staring, paying distinct attention to the group of ladies. Miss Darcy," he acknowledged with a nod of his head, "was present both times. A third incident was brought to our attention by letter. A sister to Jane and Elizabeth wrote about two men asking after Mrs. Carrington and her baby around their hometown of Meryton.
"So, three separate incidents." confirmed Mr. Darcy.
"That we are aware of," was Elizabeth's quick reply.
"Indeed. I did post footmen outside as I said I would, and they have not witnessed anything unusual. Whether that is because the man is gone, or was scared off, we cannot know." Mr. Gardiner rasped, "Or perhaps he has gotten wilier."
"I, too, placed extra footmen around the perimeter of Darcy House. They have reported no strange men loitering or walking past too many times for normal behavior."
Jane's voice was timid. She had not yet forgotten her anxiety from the day in the park. "Is it possible he has given up? Seeing how we are now all aware of his… interest?"
"I suppose it is possible, but" Elizabeth bit her lip, "I am not sure I wish to hang my hopes on it." She turned to both her uncle and Mr. Darcy. "Should we hire an investigator, without much to go on, how could they even begin to solve this mystery?"
The men exchanged a look and Darcy answered. "I guess it would depend on how much money one was willing to invest in the problem. An investigator with unlimited funds to hire many eyes and ears, might see success."
This line of discussion was canvassed for several minutes and only cut short by a knock on the drawing room door.
"Come." Mr. Gardiner called out.
A maid entered and handed a card to Mr. Gardiner. She curtseyed. "Please, sir, they are asking for Mrs. Carrington."
Stay tuned for next week: The big reveal! Thank you again for reading and commenting!