“Lizzy, is all well with Alex?” Jane gave her a soft smile.
“Yes, he is fed, and the nurse is with him now.”
“That is good,” Mrs Gardiner leant forward in her seat. “I must admit to being somewhat curious about the townhouse.” Her smile was a bit embarrassed.
“As am I,” Jane was quick to second her.
“Should I go? I would not give my new neighbours more to gossip about, showing up there in my widow’s weeds.”
“It is perfectly reasonable to visit your new home to check on its habitability. I shall ask your uncle for use of the carriage.” Mrs Gardiner got up and hurried out of the room, excitement hurrying her steps.
~ / ~
An address in Mayfair
“Oh, Lizzy, it is so near Hyde Park. How wonderful for you and for Alex.” Jane was craning her neck to see more out the window.
Mrs Gardiner, seated across from Elizabeth, pierced her niece with a stern glare. “Lizzy, you must not walk out alone.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
“No.” Her aunt leant forward on the bench, “Pray listen to me. Your life has changed from what you knew. I do not only refer to the unknown threat, but also to your now being a young widow of means which may make you a target for men seeking easy fortunes.
“You owe it to Alex to live in a way which maintains his safety and yours. At present you are fairly anonymous, but someone is watching.” She shuddered and reached for Elizabeth’s hand, clutching it tightly. “You are too important to us.”
Elizabeth reassured her aunt and sister, “I promise to take care. I will do all in my power to safeguard our wellbeing.” Elizabeth felt as though she was making a vow to herself, as well.
Shaky breaths emitted from all the ladies which made them chuckle, as the carriage came to a stop.
“Well, shall we tour Lizzy’s new home?”
The coach had pulled up in front of a rather imposing, but dingy property. The two Darcy footmen stepped down to the curb and looked around before setting down the step and opening the carriage door. The other two footmen remained at the Gardiners to watch over Alex.
"Ma’am, may I suggest you remain in the carriage until the door is opened? Then we migh’ escort you immediately inside.
Elizabeth accepted the suggestion, and they waited, watching through the window as one footman ascended the outside steps and banged on the door, as no knocker was out.
It took a few minutes, but the door was finally opened by a tall man, with a full head of white hair. Words were exchanged and the footman retraced his steps and opened the carriage door. With his assistance all three stepped down and were attended up to the entrance. As soon as everyone was inside, a young footman of the house stepped out to instruct the driver where to go with the carriage.
Elizabeth, Jane and Mrs Gardiner looked around taking in as much as possible in the dim light.
The older man who answered the door, bowed. “Mrs Carrington, it is an honour to meet you. I am Mr Pikewell.”
Mrs Gardiner pushed Elizabeth forward a bit, so she stepped in front of the group. “Thank you. I understand from Mr Graham you have been informed of the situation?”
“Yes, madam. Mrs Fletcher is on her way. I sent word you were here.”
“Very good. Would it be possible to have some more light? Open the curtains perhaps or light some candles?”
"I shall have a maid accompany you to open the curtains of each room you are in. Forgive me, madam, I regret there is a shortage of candles. We have been using tallow for some time now.”
“I understand. It may take time, but I intend to make the earldom something both Captain Carrington and my son may be proud of.” She smiled at him, “Mr Pikewell, how many years have you been with the family?”
“I started as a footman many decades ago, Mrs Carrington. I was an under-butler during the time of the young master’s grandfather.”
“A treasure trove of information, then. Excellent. I should dearly love to hear stories of Gregory’s childhood. Perhaps, you might even write them down for my son for when he is older?”
The butler’s brows shot up for an instant and then his features smoothed again. He offered another bow, “Any way I may be of service, ma’am.”
