“You stay and rest. The next few days will be tiring, indeed.” With a final brush of her fingers on Alex’s head Mrs Gardiner exited the room to see about reassigning a maid.
~ / ~
The Darcy coach pulled up in front of Matlock House at half past ten. Once a footman had placed the step and opened the door, Darcy stepped out and handed down Georgiana. He used his cane to knock on the door.
The Matlock butler opened the door within seconds and welcomed them in. A maid and footman helped divest them of their hat, bonnet and outer garments. “Lady Matlock is expecting you in the morning room, sir.”
“Thank you, Woods.” With Georgiana’s hand in the crook of Darcy’s elbow, the taps of their steps were a soft accompaniment to meet their aunt.
A few paces into the room Darcy bowed and Georgiana curtseyed. “Good morning, Aunt.”
“Good morning, Fitzwilliam, Georgiana. How lovely to see you today.” The tinkle of a little bell in Lady Matlock’s hand was a signal for tea to be brought in. “Pray be seated.”
Darcy seated his sister and himself on the nearest settee. Seeing no reason to draw the reason for this visit out, Darcy stated, “Aunt,Georgiana and I have discussed it, and we feel it is time to hire a companion to support her through the season.”
“Someone I feel comfortable spending a great deal of time with.” His sister wished to make her preferences known.
“Wonderful. I know just the lady.”
The siblings shared a look. Darcy demurred, “We were hoping to interview several candidates.”
“That will not be necessary, Mrs Annesley is just what you are looking for. She is a genteel lady, now widowed and works to supplement her yearly stipend. She has excellent references. I personally know a number of the families who hired her over the years. You are fortunate her latest charge is recently married.”
“We wish to meet with her first. It will be our decision to hire her or not.” A slight frown appeared between Georgiana’s brows.
“Perhaps she is no longer available?” Ever the planner, Darcy considered alternate prospects.
“As of last week, she was. I shall send her a note and invite her to meet you at Darcy House. This afternoon, perhaps? You will not wish to tarry. I have no doubt Mrs Annesley will be snatched up in no time.”
Sharing another look, Darcy gave an imperceptible shrug. If she was not acceptable, they could always appeal to Lady Matlock again.
Tea was brought in and a pleasant half hour passed discussing the upcoming events they were to attend together.
~ / ~
The following three days were long and tiring ones for Elizabeth. Jane and Mrs Gardiner tried to assist where they could, but during most of his awake moments, Alex wanted to be in his mother’s arms.
Alex slowly recuperated, and Elizabeth attempted to catch up on her rest. Mrs Gardiner was good to her word, and she sent out requests for the nurse position. Applicants were interviewed by her and Elizabeth, and from the many applications seeking the position two were chosen to meet Alex.
One, an older woman, with a vast amount of experience, whilst the other was a woman only ten years older than Elizabeth herself. Both had an instant rapport with Alex, but in the end, Elizabeth chose the younger woman, Dorothy Harris, hoping the woman’s younger years would enable her to be as active with Alex as Elizabeth wished.
~ / ~
May 1814
Gardiner Residence
Gracechurch Street
Dear Kitty and Papa,
I am pleased to write of Alex’s recovery. We were fortunate his fever never rose very high, but it was consistent. He never developed much of a cough, though his nose and breathing did cause him discomfort.
Please thank Mrs Hill for the suggestion of adding eucalyptus tincture to the steaming water. I daresay made a difference rather quickly.
Poor Lizzy is exhausted. I fear she walked the floorboards of her room nearly every night Alex was ill. Aunt Gardiner and I, and Maggie the maid, tried to be of help as much as we could. However, Alex really only wanted his Mama.
Kitty, I am so pleased you are feeling more comfortable with the tenants. I did not doubt you would rise to the occasion. How wonderful for you to be in Mariah Lucas’s company again.
