He knocked on the door himself.
It was opened by a portly older man, with wireframe glasses and spidery wisps of grey hair poking out at odd angles from his skull.
Darcy hesitated. “Mr Gardiner, I presume?”
“Oh!” The man adjusted his glasses. “Dear me, no. Mr Haskins, at your service, sir.” He stared hard at Darcy, then his eyes lit with some recognition on the young lady. “Miss Bennet! I am afraid your uncle has gone out.”
“Gone out? That is unfortunate. I had counted on finding him here.”
“He was, until only a few moments ago. It was a matter with his solicitor which required his immediate attention—something to do with import documents for one of the ships in port. I believe he expected to be several hours.”
“Hours!” the lady lamented. She looked up to him apologetically, pearly white teeth nipping her lip. “I am afraid I am no longer of any help to you, sir.”
“That is not strictly true.”
“Did you not require a statement to clear your character? Will not matters become rather inconvenient for you if you do not have it soon?”
Darcy was chewing thoughtfully on his own inner lip. “Perhaps. But I do not wish to importune you any further, madam. It is not your problem.”
“I feel badly on your behalf, sir, for I know something, or at least I think I know something, of the circumstances you face. I am not without genuine sympathy in the matter.”
“I thank you for that. Unfortunately, sympathy will do very little toward solving my predicament. I may apply to your uncle again, but I am afraid for today, I must seek another alternative.”
“Perhaps if you have nothing better in mind, we could go together to seek out my uncle in town?” she suggested.
He looked down suspiciously. “Why would you trouble yourself so? You owe me nothing. Ought you not to return to your home?”
“As it happens,” she permitted a guilty smile, “there is another guest at my uncle’s residence I wish to avoid. I find it preferable to enjoy the sights of London since I am not often afforded the opportunity. And who could object, as my safety has been secured by a proper footman?”
“I see. Well then, madam,” he bowed gallantly and gestured for her to precede him back down the stairs. “Allow me to escort you.”
Chapter twelve
“Why, Aunt Catherine, such a pleasure to see you again.” Richard gave a short, very proper bow before his aunt. “I came to call on Darcy, as I had intended. Is he at home?”
Lady Catherine looked him up and down suspiciously. “You still do not know his whereabouts? I have not seen him.”
“The blighter! Oh, do forgive me, Aunt. I did not intend to speak so callously. I am merely affronted on my cousin Anne’s behalf, and I fear my feelings overcame me.”
“Richard Fitzwilliam, I believe you have been corrupted by your years in service,” she accused.
“Alas, I fear that even General Wellington himself, the most gallant gentleman alive, is not quite so mannerly when he has just returned from a campaign. Pray, forgive my faux pas.”
“I shall forgive a great deal if you can discover Darcy’s whereabouts, so that I might have a word with him. Have you seen him at all?”
“Darcy? Why, the last time I saw him was… yes, I believe we had taken a carriage ride… to a part of Town I did not know well. But that was some time ago, of course. I have not seen him since.”
“It matters little,” sniffed the lady, “unless he has become indisposed or injured somewhere. Naturally, we aremostconcerned for his safety, but I think such a calamity unlikely. I am terribly distressed that he has not returned, for he must do his duty by Anne! Much must be planned, and he ought to consider his bride’s sentiments before slighting her publicly as he has done.”
“Of course! That was another reason for my call. I had hoped, dear Aunt, to express my very fondest congratulations to my cousin. Is she receiving callers?”
“She is in the blue drawing room, for it is warmer. She must be very careful of her health, after all. I shall attend you.”
She led the way, commending her daughter’s fine qualities and expressing her satisfaction that at last the dearest wishes of her departed sister were to be answered. He nodded politely as the door was opened to them.
“Anne, my dear, your cousin has called to offer his congratulations.” Lady Catherine gestured what he was to do, and Richard did not dare disappoint. Anne rose, wrapping herself in a thick woollen shawl as she did so.
Richard squared his shoulders and pasted a courtly smile on his face. “Greetings, fair Cousin. How do you do?”
