Elizabeth heard Alex crying for her as soon as she entered the Gardiner home. His needs swept the unusual incident from her mind, and it was some time before the memory resurfaced.
~ / ~
Darcy House
Darcy was in his study focusing on correspondence when he heard his sister return. Eager to know how her day went, he rose and went out to the entryway to greet a beaming Georgiana.
“From your smile, I take it you enjoyed yourself?”
“Indeed, I had ever so much fun.” Georgiana had removed her outerwear and approached Darcy.
He signalled for refreshments to the butler and guided his sister to their favourite parlour, which was a smaller room compared to the one used for visiting guests, but the decor still maintained the warm and inviting feel from when their mother, Lady Anne, had decorated it.
Darcy seated his sister then took a seat nearby. He inquired if it had been a successful trip and if she found something to her liking.
“It was wonderful. Mr Gardiner’s warehouse had a vast selection of fabrics, but Mrs Gardiner knew exactly what she was searching for. As my colouring is similar to Miss Bennet’s I chose a couple of fabrics she did, though our designs will be very different, of course.”
“Of course,” Darcy solemnly replied.
“They are such kind, and joyful ladies. Nothing like the affected ladies of theTon. Do you not think Miss Jane Bennet is beautiful?”
A quick intake of breath stuck in Darcy’s throat, and he had to cough to clear it before he could speak.
“She… is a handsome woman.” He began tentatively, yet it was the image of dark brown eyes and curls which burgeoned in his mind. “I beg you not to foster thoughts of matchmaking. Both you and I have expressed a desire to make our own choice.” His stern look eliminated any daydreams she might have in that direction.
Refreshments arrived at that moment, and Darcy allowed her chattering to wash over him as they shared the tea and cakes.
The sound of Elizabeth’s name being mentioned brought him out of his woolgathering. “What is this about Mrs Carrington?”
“Lizzy had to return to Gracechurch Street earlier than the rest of us because of Alex.” A pink stain coloured her cheeks, “She returned to the Gardiner’s by hackney. She and Mrs Gardiner were aware of her time constraints, so she was measured first and her two dresses discussed before she left.”
“She took a hackney? Alone?”
“It was not very far. Miss Bennet assured me Lizzy was used to being independent from her time living in Plymouth. Even before her marriage she walked by herself all over her father’s estate.”
Georgiana watched her brother’s lips tighten and wondered if perhaps she should not have mentioned it to him. “I am sure she encountered no difficulties.”
Darcy forced himself to relax, crossing one long leg over the other. “I am grateful for the reprieve of a quiet night with just the two of us. Do you recall where we are invited to tomorrow, Georgie?”
“I do not. I shall check the invitation before going up to rest.” She sighed. “It is a shame Lizzy is in mourning, I should enjoy attending events if she were by my side. And Miss Bennet too of course, though she is as reticent as I.”
“I doubt society would be kind to either woman, seeing as they are not from the first circles.” Privately, Darcy agreed with her. A small smile hovered on his lips as he imagined entering events with Mrs Carrington on his arm. Then it disappeared. Mrs Carrington and her sister would not be accepted for afternoon tea, let alone an evening gala.
“We must find events or occasions we can all go to. Perhaps a lecture or visit to the museum?”
“Georgie, they have only just arrived. Let us give them time to work out their own plans and schedule. After all, Mrs Carrington has not yet entered her half mourning.”
With a sigh, Georgiana agreed. Tea was finished in silence, each occupied with their own ruminations.
~ /~
Gardiner Residence
After her morning excursion for new dresses Elizabeth was happy to be back with Alex and resting. When she joined the family again in the afternoon, she apologised to her aunt.
“I beg your forgiveness for taking your maid away from her work to watch over Alex. The first thing I will do when I receive the inheritance is hire a nurse for Alex.”
“It is well, Lizzy. We all understand this is temporary. I beg you not to be uneasy. Your uncle’s business is doing very well. We have even discussed the idea of moving to a more refined location.”
