“But Mr Darcy, in this instance, I can only thank you, as nothing is more important to me than my Alex.” Her voice resonated with sincerity, as did her deep brown eyes.
“Allow me to add my thanks for your, ah, presumptive action.” Gardiner drew close, wearing a dark expression. “I fear the man who murdered the earl and viscount is not finished.”
“I fear the same, sir.” Darcy turned to face Elizabeth and took her hand to bow over. “Mr Graham should be pushed to continue seeking answers. If he cannot find them, perhaps you and your uncle may hire your own investigators.”Or perhaps I shall look into it myself. Blast.Darcy sighed.I shall ask Elizabeth her thoughts on the idea.He has been his own master for years and answered to no one. The need to confer with someone else would indeed take some getting used to.
“We shall be in the townhouse tomorrow. Pray let Georgiana know she is welcome at any time. It perhaps goes against propriety, but she has become very dear to me and to my sister.” Elizabeth curtseyed.
Darcy raised her hand nearly to his mouth before recollecting himself. “She feels the same, I am sure. We shall both see you soon. Good night, Mr Gardiner.” It took self-control for Darcy to release her warm, soft hand. With a final caress of his thumb, he let her hand go and left without looking back.
Silence filled Gardiner’s office after Darcy’s exit. He shuffled on his feet for a few moments and then sighed. “Lizzy, it does not please me to see you leave us, I am however, greatly relieved to know you shall be so well protected.”
“Thank you, Uncle. I do believe it is for the best. May I see the paper Dumfries handed you?” She held out her hand.
After a hesitation Gardiner passed it to her. A sharp intake of breath was her reaction to the numbers written. “I have said it before and will repeat myself- ‘not the way I imagined spending my husband’s legacy.’”
“Lizzy-”
“No, Uncle,” she cut him off. “This is my responsibility. If Gregory were here, he would not hesitate to safeguard his family. I shall not cavil as he would not have.” She chewed on her lower lip. “Kindly place Alex’s ten thousand in a trust as soon as possible. Even in the four percent it should be over twenty thousand by the time he comes of age.”
Gardiner nodded his agreement, and Elizabeth smiled at him. “Pray, excuse me. I must see to packing my trunks if we are to be ready to depart tomorrow morning.” She kissed her uncle’s cheek and wished him a good night.
Gardiner remained alone in his office thinking of the unseen dangers he could not protect his nieces and great-nephew from. Hopefully, Mr Darcy and his growing attachment to Elizabeth, would be enough to keep them all safe.
~ / ~
Elizabeth woke early the next morning as was her wont and set to finish her packing after writing a note to send to Carrington House. The servants there needed to be informed of their pending arrival.
She made a mental list in her head of all the tasks to accomplish that day, both in Gracechurch Street and in their new establishment.
Breakfast was a bittersweet affair. Mr and Mrs Gardiner offered assurances of their support and entreaties to the sisters not to hesitate should they require anything. “You must not be strangers. This is not a permanent separation.”
“Indeed it is not.” Elizabeth’s spirits portrayed a cheerfulness she did not necessarily feel. “You must promise to come for an evening meal soon.”
“Please say you will,” Jane may have advocated for this move, but her eyes were shiny with emotion.
“Never you fear, girls. We shall come just as soon as you invite us.” Gardiner put on a jovial act, to hide his conflicting emotions.
“Aunt, will you kindly forward any letters for us? I am sure Kitty shall respond soon, even if Papa does not.”
“I shall do better. I shall bring them myself. We will visit over a cup of tea and you girls will show me what improvements you have made to Carrington House.” Her voice wobbled, “Oh, I shall miss you both, and little Alex.”
“Remind the children I have not forgotten about our outing to the park. If you do not mind bringing them, we might have a picnic in Hyde Park one morning.”
“I shall remind them, Jane dear.” Mrs Gardiner gave Jane’s hand a pat. “I am sure the children shall be very happy to.”
“And you shall stay for tea,” Elizabeth concluded, smiling brightly. “Oh, Aunt, I nearly forgot. I wish to order half mourning gowns from Mrs Bean. She has my measurements and knows my preferences. A couple of morning and walking dresses, perhaps several simple evening gowns.” Elizabeth nodded once to herself as if confirming a task completed. “I must make sure Dorothy has Alex’s things in hand and ready for our departure.” She stood from the table. “Pray excuse me.”
“Lizzy,” Mrs Gardiner called after her. “I believe Lady Matlock had her own ideas about ordering gowns for your half mourning.”
“Perhaps she does, Aunt, but we all know Mrs Bean is a marvel and our choice of fabrics do not compare.” Elizabeth sent a wink to her uncle. “I can always order a few evening gowns and a ball gown or two from the Bond Streetmodiste.” She chuckled ruefully. “With the expenditure for Dumfries services, the savings from purchasing gowns from Mrs Bean is perfectly reasonable.” With a wriggle of her fingers, Elizabeth walked out of the breakfast room.
“That girl. I do not think the Countess knows what she is getting herself into.”
A knock sounded on the front door. Jane excused herself to complete her own packing when deep male voices drifted into the dining room. Gardiner went to meet and welcome the guards.
~ / ~
Carrington House
