Darcy had not yet taken a seat and gave a shallow bow to Mrs Gardiner and Jane, “Pray excuse me,” and walked over to join 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. This Mrs Carrington was a far cry from the pale woman he and Georgiana had met and rescued but a month ago. She seemed practically effervescent by comparison. Her fine eyes were bright and captivating.
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 enamoured 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.” 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. He liked this about her; it drew him in. Far different from the tedious ladies of theTonwho only simpered and flattered.
He had not removed his gaze from Mrs Carrington, so he discerned when she straightened 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 unsuccessful in releasing my husband’s legacy.”
“What has been done?”
“Just this morning we went to the lawyers’ office 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 latest 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 Lord Carrington has indeed attempted to claim the funds.”
Outrage froze Darcy, his expression morphing into one of disdain. “That is disgraceful.”
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. We have no knowledge if Lord Carrington was successful. I am embarrassed to request this, but do you think you might be able to assist?”
“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.”
“Mr Darcy.” Two heads turned simultaneously towards Mrs Gardiner. “I was just inquiring with Miss Darcy if you might prevail upon you to stay for dinner? It will be an informal family meal, but 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 able to meet Mrs Gardiner’s, Darcy’s form was stiff and upright.
Elizabeth’s recollections of him were foggy from the time of her ordeal at the inn, but the 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 the back parlour. Nursing her son, she contemplated with astonishment and mortification over Georgiana and Mr Darcy’s presence in her aunt’s home.
Elizabeth focused on holding Alex so as not to curl into a ball of shame.What wicked streak possessed me? I am a widow in full mourning. I teased and flirted with him as if we were attending a ball and I hoped to solicit him for a dance! What must he think of me?Her face flamed in embarrassment.And now they will stay for dinner, so I must endeavour to compose myself and pretend it never happened.
Heaving a sigh, Elizabeth raised Alex to her shoulder and gently patted his back. When a burp of air escaped his little body, she moved him down to her other side. The sight of her son eating still mesmerized, and she spoke to him sometimes during the meal. “I cannot even claim missing a man in my life, with my husband leaving so soon after we wed. I suppose the dreams of a happy marriage with a man I could love and respect remain. Perhaps I mourn the loss of them most, in the aftermath of Gregory’s death.”
Remaining in the parlour after Alex had finished and fallen asleep, Elizabeth took advantage of her solitude to collect herselfbefore returning to the drawing room. A maid would sit with Alex during the evening meal.
