I suppose my status of mourning does not offend if they agreed to stay. Otherwise, they would have made their excuses.
Mr Gardiner had arrived home and been introduced to their guests, by the time Elizabeth rejoined them. 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 thanks.”
“It is my pleasure, sir. I pray I can find better answers for you.”
Dinner was a typical lively affair for the Gardiner residence. The Gardiner children were not shy and various topics of discussion were raised, including both Mr and Miss Darcy in the conversation to canvas their opinions. No one took offense if either’s responses 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 legal documents and Elizabeth and Jane informed Georgiana about their outing the next morning.
“I find dress shopping a dull and tiring event, and I will not stay out long as I must return to Alex, 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?”
“Oh, yes. I recently went shopping with my aunt and I amau currantwith the styles this season.” Her smile and giggle assured them of her happy desire to be included.
“We go to my uncle’s warehouses first to find fabric, then we shall visit my aunt’s modiste. We shall not be visiting Bond Street.”
“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 Darcys departed.
Elizabeth wished her family good night 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 did surprise 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 needing to return to Gracechurch Street before the rest of us. How will you travel back here?”
“I shall hire a hackney. It is not far.”
“A hackney!” Jane was aghast.
“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 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 be concerned, my dear. It is not far to travel from the modiste.”
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. All will be well.”
It was only a slightly mollified Jane who bid her sister good night.
~ /~
Matlock House
Darcy did not wish for more time to pass than necessary, so after seeing Georgiana home he continued on to Matlock House. The butler informed him that both 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 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 favour, 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?”
