I regret I cannot get away today. Contact Dumfries, his information is on the back. He is a retired captain I fought with in many skirmishes. He is a bright fellow who built up a reputation for providing top notch security services. Most of the men under his employ are former servicemen of some sort. All are highly capable and trustworthy.
I will be in contact as soon as I have leave.
R
“Will he join us?” There was still a nervous quality to Georgiana’s voice, and Darcy was quick to reassure her.
“He cannot get away but has provided a suggestion. Why do younot prepare for our outing? I must send a note before we go.”
He ushered the ladies out and sat by his desk pulling fresh foolscap out of a side drawer and a fresh pen. The brevity of his note did not counter the seriousness of the situation. As a footnote he added no expense would be spared on this assignment. Darcy sanded the paper and folded it, sealing it with his signet ring.
He hurried out to the hallway searching for a footman to arrange for the note to be delivered at once.
Feeling he had done what he could for the moment, Darcy went to prepare for the challenging meeting ahead. Introducing Lady Matlock to Mrs Carrington in Gracechurch Street.
~ / ~
Gardiner Residence
Lady Matlock’s entrance was without fanfare. The imposing woman stepped briskly into the drawing room, her eyes roaming, taking in as much as she could before settling her gaze on the three women standing before her. Darcy and Georgiana stood to the side and at her nod Darcy made the introductions.
Mrs Gardiner, Jane and Elizabeth all curtseyed. “It is an honour to welcome you to my home, Your Ladyship.” Mrs Gardiner caught the maid’s eye and motioned for fresh tea to be brought.
Darcy escorted his aunt to a chair facing the settee, as Georgiana approached Elizabeth and Jane giving them quick hugs.
“Thank you, Mrs Gardiner. Let us allow the young ladies to sit together. I wish to know a little more of you before I speak with Mrs Carrington and meet her son.”
Apprehension had crawled up Darcy’s back during the ride to this meeting between his aunt and the wife of a tradesman. However, aside from her distant manners, she was quite cordial to Mrs Gardiner, asking about her children and which charities she volunteered with, if any.
He stood to attention between the two groups, torn between duty and hope. He wished to speak with Mrs Carrington, but duty forced him to keep his attention on Lady Matlock. He could not becertain her manners would remain polite.
Once tea had arrived and been given courteous attention, Lady Matlock addressed Elizabeth directly.
“Mrs Carrington, might I meet your son?”
“Of course, your Ladyship. I shall bring him here.”
“No need,” The Countess rose from her seat. “If he is nearby, I shall accompany you.” Seeing her nephew made a move to follow, she stopped him. “Stand down, Darcy. I am perfectly capable of meeting an infant without you towering over us.”
He flushed, but remained, eventually walking over to stand staring out the window.
Feeling the consequence of the Countess of Matlock following her down the hall to meet her son, Elizabeth struggled to calm her nerves.
“Is Alex still sleeping, Dorothy?”
“He recently woke, ma’am, but he seems content for the moment.” At the end of nurse Dorothy’s comment, little whimpers began rising from the little crib.
“The little one heard your voice, it seems, and wants his mama.” The countess was smiling softly and waved her hands at Elizabeth, encouraging her to pick her son up.
Lifting Alex into her arms, Elizabeth felt like she held the most precious treasure in the world, each and every time. She turned to face Lady Matlock, “Your Ladyship, may I present my son, Master Gregory Alexander Carrington.”
Lady Matlock reached out a hand to touch one of Alex’s balled up little fists. “He is a handsome little boy. Gregory Alexander?”
“My husband’s name and,” Elizabeth indicated they should sit, to put some distance between herself and the countess, “Alexander for Mr Darcy. He and Miss Darcy were my saviours that day at the inn. It was my small way of honouring a good man’s kindness.”
Lady Matlock took a seat and the look she bestowed on Elizabeth was... intense. Elizabeth feared she had angered her until a small smile appeared together with a glint of humour in her eyes.
“Indeed, Mrs Carrington, my nephew and niece are both kind and generous people. I imagine the news you received lately cameas quite a shock. It is not every day an infant is raised from near obscurity to such a lofty position.”
