Yours, with fond regards, etc.
Elizabeth
~ / ~
Gardiner was intrigued by Darcy’s vague request for a meeting. He sent back word to arrive an hour after the evening meal.
Supper that evening in the Gardiners home was a lively affair. The children were permitted to join the adults, since no guests had been invited.
After the upheaval of the last few days Mr and Mrs Gardiner wished to give the children their attention. To return a steady routine to the household, something which had been somewhat lacking of late.
“Papa, how can a baby be an earl?” Silence met the question from his eldest son, Edward, but all the children were looking at Mr Gardiner, awaiting an answer. His eyes rested briefly on Elizabeth, but she was looking to him for an explanation to the children as well. He cast a quick look to his wife, at her nod Gardiner laid down his cutlery and folded his hands in front of him.
“What have you heard?”
Their voices bubbled over one another, but the end result was gossip they heard from the servants about little Alex, after the important people visited.
He met his wife’s eye again and saw her lips were pinched. The servants downstairs were to receive a harsh talking to before the evening was over. They should not have spoken so openly where the children might overhear, and they certainly should not be spreading tales outside the Gardiner home.
“Indeed, Alex is an earl now,” Gardiner began explaining, “But he is still just a baby. We all want what is best for him, is this not so?”
The children all nodded, even the youngest, although he probably did not understand what he was agreeing to.
“Just so. For a little baby this means him being cared for and loved and kept safe and happy.”
“And played with, when he gets bigger?” chirped Walter.
“Exactly, treating him the same way we, and your cousins, have always treated you.”
“He is our cousin, just like Jane and Lizzy.” Soft laughter met this comment, and it released some of the tension in the room.
“Very good. I have one command.” He waited to make sure he had all his children’s attention. “We do not speak of this outside this house and with no one who is not family.”
The children’s eyes were wide in their faces, but nods greeted Gardiner’s command, to his satisfaction. “Excellent,” He smiled, “Now, who would like dessert?”
When supper was over, and the children returned upstairs, a nervous Jane and Elizabeth sat with their aunt and uncle.
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Uncle, to go back to dinner discussion…” She lost her nerve and brought up a different topic of discussion first. “I heard back from Mr Graham. He says I can freely sell off any items purchased recently. Are you acquainted with someone who may handle it for me?”
Gardiner took a moment to contemplate and began nodding. “I believe so. I shall contact him tomorrow and inquire into his recommendation of how to proceed.”
Realising she could no longer procrastinate, Elizabeth shot a look at her sister and began again. “There is one more matter I -we,” she gestured to Jane, “Wish to inform you of.” She took a breath and let it out with a rush of words. “Jane, Alex and I will be moving to Carrington House tomorrow.”
“Lizzy, no.” “But, why?” Mr and Mrs Gardiner exclaimed, as they spoke over one another.
Elizabeth and Jane clasped hands. “We are very grateful for all your loving support, but my presence with Alex puts you at risk and…”
“And I wish to be with Elizabeth.”
“Jane, Lizzy, we can keep you safe. You need not leave so precipitously.” Mrs Gardiner’s hands were clasped tightly in her lap. A worried expression on her face.
Elizabeth was already shaking her head. “The k- killer,” she stumbled over the word, “Is unknown and I could not live with myself should something happen to you or your children because of us. Please understand, our decision is final.”
A knock sounded at the front door and Gardiner stood, his expression determined. “That will be my meeting. This discussion is not over.” He began to walk out of the room and turned back, “Elizabeth, I imagine you will be included in the meeting. Mr Darcy asked if you would be available.”
“Very well, Uncle.”
Jane stood, too, “I shall go up and begin packing. Pray excuse me.”
