Seeing Darcy still bemused by her reaction she expanded, “I imagine you wish for my assistance in coaching and introducing her to Society. Thatiswhy you have come to me this morning, is it not?”
“Yes, Aunt. It is.”
“Very well. Bring her to meet me.” Her chin rose a bit, and her hands slowly smoothed the skirts of her gown over her lap.
“As to that…”
She turned a gimlet eye on him.
“She is still in deep mourning and will not make calls until she reaches half mourning.”
“And when is that to be?”
He looked to Georgiana who shrugged her lack of knowledge. “I am not sure.”
“And where is this young woman staying again?”
“Mrs Carrington.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“She is Mrs Carrington, mother to Lord Carrington, the earl.”
She stared at him, “You are enjoying this a bit too much, nephew.”
“I acknowledge I am.” Darcy’s face was expressionless, aside from tiny crinkles beside his eyes.
“Very well. Where is Mrs Carrington residing at present?”
“She is with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, on Gracechurch Street.”
She slowly closed her eyes and took in a long breath through her nose, exhaling calmly. Reopening them, she smiled serenely casting her eyes to the ceiling. “No one understands the sacrifices I endure for my family.”
Darcy’s lips twitched and he refused to meet his sister’s eye. “Indeed, madam.”
“Very well. Pick me up tomorrow morning in your carriage. The Matlock carriage will not make its presence known in such alocation.” Lady Matlock brushed her hands together like wiping off the grime of Cheapside. “She will have much to learn. Oh, and Fitzwilliam…”
“Madam?”
“Not a word to your uncle. You had your fun; allow me mine.”
“Unless he asks a direct question, I shall not say a word.”
Georgiana was all smiles. “You will like her, and her sister, Jane. Oh, all of them are such pleasant people, and Lizzy’s son is just the sweetest baby.”
Lady Matlock permitted a small smile of her own to see her niece so excited. However, all she replied was, “We shall see.”
As they readied themselves to leave Darcy faced his aunt once more.
“Lady Matlock, you may wish to inform the earl sooner, rather than later. I believe Lord Carrington will require a guardian with standing in theTon. One who has a very firm hold on his own position in Society and Parliament?” Darcy tilted his head hiding a smug expression. He could see the trail of her thoughts as she processed this new information.
Lady Matlock nodded, “Perhaps we will both be introduced to the young widow soon.”
Chapter 23
The meeting with the solicitors lasted for hours. Details of the Carrington estate, a few minor properties and a nearly depleted bank account were not encouraging.
“I would have assumed the earl left a will with specific bequests and instructions. How can so much be left for my son to inherit?”
