“When you came in this afternoon, we were discussing what it might mean, and if the ladies were in any danger.” Darcy concluded, his jaw clenched. “Initially, I was concerned for mysister, as she has been a target of unscrupulous men before. It is quite obvious now where his real interest lies.”
Mr Graham cast a look at Mr Seymour, who shook his head in a barely perceptive manner. “While it is possible, and you certainly should not discount it for Miss Darcy’s safety, I would wish to err on the side of caution for Mrs Carrington and her son. Their safety is of utmost importance.” Mr Graham’s reedy voice was calm. He bowed slightly to Miss Darcy, “Begging your pardon. This is no reflection on Miss Darcy’s importance, or lack of it.”
Elizabeth felt her time away from Alex was growing short and he would soon be crying for her attention and sustenance. “Uncle, Mr Darcy, gentlemen,” she nodded at the two solicitors, “I shall need to excuse myself shortly. It seems little will be resolved today and there is much yet to discuss, perhaps we should meet again.” She shot her uncle a look, "Tomorrow morning?”
Mr Gardiner nodded. “Indeed.”
“Good.” Elizabeth stood up, “Pray forgive me, but Alex will need me.” Everyone stood, and Elizabeth turned to Georgiana, “I shall see you soon.”
Georgiana curtseyed, and replied “Elizabeth,” adding, “mother to an earl,” causing Elizabeth’s jaw to drop.
She grabbed Georgiana’s hands, “Faith! A part of me wishes he were not.”
“One step at a time, Lizzy,” Georgiana winked.
Elizabeth huffed out a short laugh and rolled her eyes. “You have been far too much in company with my aunt.”
As she had grown quite fond of Mrs Gardiner and admired her, Georgiana blushed at what she took for a compliment.
Elizabeth turned to the rest of the room. “Gentlemen. Mr Darcy,” she bit her lip and glanced up into his face, fearing she knew not what. His expression was shuttered, but he did take her hand and bow over it, “Mrs Carrington.”
Elizabeth blinked up at him. “Loath as I am to importune you yet again, Sir, I have a feeling the solicitors were correct.”
Darcy glimpsed a twinkle in her eyes, and it pleased him to see her undaunted by the shocking revelations. “Madam?”
“Your advice will be very much required and greatly appreciated.” Her expression shifted and he saw apprehension there now.
“Whatever you need, Madam. I- we are happy to assist.”
Darcy watched her walk away, knowing much was going to change and rapidly. He prayed she was strong enough to face the coming storm.
With Elizabeth gone, the two men forwent remaining and informed Mrs Gardiner to expect them at ten of the clock the next day.
Thus, only five remained, the sudden hush disconcerting after the tumultuous scene that afternoon.
Mrs Gardiner sat beside Jane on the settee, taking the empty space left by Elizabeth. “Poor Lizzy. What a shock. How can one prepare for such a change of circumstance?”
“Our Lizzy is a strong woman.” Re-entering the room, Mr Gardiner had heard the tail end of his wife’s comment. “I am sure she will rise to the occasion.”
“We will do whatever we can to assist. Will we not, Brother?” The look Georgiana raised up to her brother was full of trust. Darcy felt both pride and unease, praying he never let her down again.
“Indeed. Mr Gardiner, however much I am loath to step on your toes, first and foremost is Mrs Carrington’s safety. With your permission I would like to offer four Darcy footmen to be her security team. Until you can make arrangements of your own, of course.”
“That is very generous of you, sir. As long as you allow us to pay their wages.”
Darcy lips thinned but allowed the stricture. The safety of Mrs Carrington and Alex was all that mattered. “Sir, I thank you for your forbearance in permitting us to remain and for so long. We really must be going now.”
Darcy finished the remnant of his drink and set the glass down.
Mrs Gardiner’s words kept echoing around in his head. ‘How can one prepare for such a change of circumstance?’
A solution came to him, but the woman he might make the request of shall not be pleased.Well, she shall have to accept it. Darcy snorted, then chuckled, at length he erupted into a full body laugh, his bellows of mirth bouncing off the walls. He could not wait to see his aunt’s face when she learned the ‘nobody widow’ was now Mrs Carrington, mother to the Earl of Carrington, Viscount Wendover.
~ / ~
The next morning did not find Elizabeth any less agitated. She barely touched her plate at breakfast and was now pacing in the small back parlour. The swish of her skirts accompanied the sharp treads of her feet on the floor.
Aunt Gardiner and Jane watched and occasionally caught the other’s eye. At one point one would open her mouth as though to speak, then the other would.
