“Have you?”
“Yes, but for now we have decided against the idea. He does not wish to lose precious family time by travelling further to his warehouse and office. We have put off the idea until the children are a little older, which is not really that far off. Then where we reside will have a larger impact on the children’s prospects.”
Mrs Gardiner laid her hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Pray, be easy about the maids, and the dresses. We have not seen you since July, and you have been through so much. It is our pleasure to pamper you a little.”
“You are too kind, Aunt. Thank you.”
Jane entered, trailed by her two female cousins. She went to sit by her embroidery basket while Esther and Maggie, nine and seven years of age respectively, followed with their own embroidery projects.
“Jane, what do you think of asking Miss Darcy to visit the Royal Art Museum together?
“I would rather not go if you cannot join us.”
Elizabeth gave her sister a compassionate look. “Just because I am in mourning does not mean you should forgo interesting outings.”
Jane, the normally quiet Bennet sister raised one brow and smirked, “Does it follow I should find art interesting?”
Her performance, a fine copy of her younger sister’s general behaviour, evoked peals of laughter, and Elizabeth’s shocked expression. “For shame. Abominable tease. Very well then.” She sniffed. “You do not deserve to witness the fine art on display. Instead, you shall take our cousins to the park tomorrow. Aunt, should you mind if we disrupt their day a little bit?”
Excited squeals from the young girls met this suggestion, but a look from their mother quelled their exuberance.
“Eddie will need to work on his studies, but you two and little Walter can go. You will need to mind your studies when you return.”
“Yes, Mama,” two little voices echoed, but smiles adorned their little faces.
Now Elizabeth sighed. “I wish I could join you. I am sure it will be another fine day.”
~ / ~
Darcy House
The next morning an ebullient Lord Matlock showed up at Darcy House.
After exchanging greetings and a request for coffee was placed, the two men sat in comfortable chairs by the hearth.
“Darcy, I tell you this is the strangest situation. The Earl of Carrington started pressing for the funds soon after learning of his son’s death. Mr Haversham, the attorney, obviously aware of the laws of inheritance refused to comply. However, he was too scared to free the funds to Mrs Carrington as the earl kept sending ever more demanding and threatening letters. Vicious things they were, too. Never write a letter to an attorney, Darcy, unless you are prepared to back it up in court. He may be weak as a worm, but the man was clever enough to save every bit of correspondence the earl sent.”
The earl shook himself free from an unbid image of the vitriol spewed on those pages and continued. “The correspondenceceased suddenly about a month ago. But Haversham was still too scared to do anything in the widow’s favour.”
The interruption of coffee arriving wreaked havoc on Darcy’s fortitude. He took in a full breath and let it out slowly. His uncle was an accomplished orator; he would tell the story in his own way and time.
“Doing a little digging to find out what changed a month ago, I found out about the earl’s death. Some kind of accident on his estate. Goodness knows why that bit of news did not spread like wildfire via the gossips of theTon.
“Your widow should have no difficulty claiming her inheritance, but just in case, I made sure a flea was put in Haversham’s ear to let him know she had friends in high places. I personally shall be checking in to make sure it was all handled forthwith!”
“Dead.” Darcy repeated. “Unbelievable. I wonder at no mention of Lord Carrington’s death being mentioned in the papers. I should think the death of an earl would be considered newsworthy. Still, you have my gratitude, uncle. Making this effort to assist them will be a boon for Mrs Carrington and her son.”
“Well, yes… Well… It was my pleasure, Darcy. I was happy to help.”
They enjoyed coffee and spoke for a while longer. Both men were grateful the air between them had lightened. What little family they had now was too important and fragile to remain at odds.
“Uncle,” Darcy stopped, not knowing how to ask what he wished to or even if he should. “You know I am not contemplating remarrying at this time. This is Georgie’s time to shine. But, I have been giving thought to the kind of woman who might interest me…”
Lord Matlock’s eyes had a pinched look to them. “Yes…”
“I do not believe she will be of theTon, or first circles. I find those ladies lacking. Good Lord, they do not have an original idea in their heads. Not one of them can think beyond what they expect I wish for them to say. Can you imagine a vacuous woman like that trying to shoulder Pemberley’s demands? Are my mother’s shoesto be filled by a woman who cannot comprehend the many tenants she will need to foster?”
A quick glance at Lord Matlock showed his expression had altered to one of contemplation. “You do have a point, I admit. Still, it is not as though you have yet met every single lady of marriageable age. Do not be hasty, Darcy. Someone will present herself in due time.” He stood to leave, and Darcy accompanied him out to the foyer.
