“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.
Gardiner Residence
Gracechurch Street
Dear Georgiana,
This is to let you know we arrived at Gracechurch Street 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 shall 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 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 right 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 you must rearrange your afternoon. We are off to visit.”
Gardiner Residence
The ladies, together with Alex, were in the front parlour 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 waiting for the Darcys to enter.
Soon, the tall gentleman and young lady appeared, but before greetings could be spoken, Darcy exclaimed, “Miss Chambers?” in puzzlement.
To his consternation all eyes turned to him and Darcy felt a rush of heat turning him a bright red. “Forgive me, I…” He looked about, immensely embarrassed.
“Aunt, may I introduce my friends?” Elizabeth spoke up less than a heartbeat later, in an effort to ease his discomfort. “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 recognise 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 ears and cheeks were still quite flushed. “It is a pleasure to see you again. I remember you and your parents very well. Your patience with a rambunctious 13-year-old has obviously stayed with me.” He smiled shyly.
The slightly older woman laughed, “Not at all, you were an earnest young man. Please be seated, I shall order fresh tea.” Mrs Gardiner nodded at the maid still standing just inside the door.
“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 confess I am surprised to see you so soon.”
“Oh, I could not wait. I had to see Alex.”
“Then 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 her over to the bassinet.
“Oh my, how he has grown, after being so tiny. Look, Brother.”
