Mary and her husband are busy with his flock, and we have not managed a visit with them since our arrival to town. I am sure we shall meet with them soon.
With much love,
Jane
As Alex was now on the mend, Mr Gardiner felt it was time to discuss the strange happenings with Mr Darcy again. Therefore, he asked his wife to send an invitation for afternoon tea to Mr and Miss Darcy.
On their arrival and entrance into the Gardiner drawing room, an unknown woman entered with them.
“Allow me to introduce Miss Darcy’s new companion.” At Mr and Mrs Gardiner’s nods, Darcy then made the introductions between Mrs Annesley and the Gardiners and Jane. His eyes sought out Elizabeth.
Jane noticed his canvass of the room. “My sister will be with us presently. She is settling Alex.”
Everyone made themselves comfortable, and Mrs Gardiner and Jane distributed tea.
Darcy explained Mrs Annesley’s presence. “Since she will be with Georgiana wherever she goes, I felt Mrs Annesley should be aware of the situation. It is clear something is afoot, and I will not take any chances with my sister’s safety.” His expression was stern, but there was no mistaking the care Darcy took for his only remaining family.
“In truth, we were most fortunate.” Georgiana smiled at her companion. “Mrs Annesley was in between positions when we asked my aunt for advice.”
“I assure you, I feel most fortunate myself.” Mrs Annesley’s voice was soft and cultured. “Miss Darcy and Mr Darcy have been very welcoming.”
“And we welcome you, as well. Elizabeth will join us as soon as Alex is settled with the new nurse, Dorothy. She is a true find, though we could have used her several days ago.” At the looks of curiosity from the guests, she expounded, “Alex was unwell for some days.”
The sound of footsteps outside the drawing room drew the attention and eyes of Darcy and Georgiana.
“Lizzy!” Georgiana rose to greet her.
Darcy, too, stood at Elizabeth’s entrance. He could see evidence of Alex’s recent ordeal. She had lost a bit of weight and there weredark shadows under her eyes. Her smile shone no less brightly as she welcomed his sister.
When she turned her fine eyes on him, he felt the tension drain from his shoulders. He bowed, “Mrs Carrington.”
“Mr Darcy,” she curtseyed, and her eyes twinkled up at him. “It is good to see you both.”
“Lizzy, may I introduce my new companion to you?” Georgiana remained at her side.
“Of course.”
“Mrs Carrington, this is Mrs Annesley. Mrs Annesley, this is my dear friend, Mrs Elizabeth Carrington.” Both women curtseyed.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. You must let me know if your charge gives you too much trouble. I have found she can be quite impertinent.” Elizabeth shot a wink at Georgiana.
Georgiana giggled, “Oh, Lizzy.”
“I have yet to see it myself but shall be vigilant.” Mrs Annesley’s face was void of expression, but her eyes held a glint of humour.
Mr Gardiner had also risen and now called for everyone’s attention. “Let us repeat the fine points of our discussion for Mrs Annesley’s sake.” He counted each point off on his fingers. “On two separate occasions Elizabeth and then Jane noticed a man staring, paying distinct attention to the group of ladies. Miss Darcy,” he acknowledged with a nod of his head, “was present both times. A third incident was brought to our attention by letter. A sister to Jane and Elizabeth wrote of two men asking after ‘Mrs Carrington and her child’ in their hometown of Meryton.
“So, three separate incidents,” confirmed Mr Darcy.
“That we are aware of,” was Elizabeth’s quick reply.
“Indeed. I posted footmen outside as I said I would, and they have not witnessed anything unusual. Whether that is because the man is gone, or was scared off, we cannot know.” Mr Gardiner rasped, “Or perhaps he has become more cunning.”
“I, too, placed extra footmen around the perimeter of Darcy House. They have reported no strange men loitering or walking past too many times for normal behaviour.”
Jane’s voice was timid. She had not yet forgotten her anxiety from the day in the park. “Is it possible he has given up? Seeing how we are now all aware of his… interest?”
“I suppose it is possible, but,” Elizabeth bit her lip, “I am not sure I wish to hang my hopes on it.” She turned to both her uncle and Mr Darcy. “Should we hire an investigator, without much to go on, how could they even begin to solve this mystery?”
