He reddened a little, a sheen of perspiration on his brow despite the cool weather. “Why, I thought to attend your ladyship! When I returned to Hunsford and was notified your ladyship had set out, of course, I took it upon myself to… and when I called at Darcy House, I was told...”
“And I suppose you have no idea what that chit of a cousin of yours is up to all this while? I am surprised at you, Collins! You ought to have known your duty to the de Bourgh family!”
“Y-yes, my lady,” he bobbed his head, clutching his hat. “Of course, by all means, it is incumbent upon me to… forgive me, I have not the pleasure of understanding your ladyship,” he faltered at last.
“Insolent fool! Why, you must have seen your way to stop this charade, this stain upon my nephew’s account! That silly little minx is your kinswoman, is she not? You must have exerted your influence to impress upon her father what a foolish, insulting notion she had got into her head! To think my nephew could be imposed upon in such a fashion!”
“Naturally, your ladyship is quite correct,” he bowed his head, chastised. “Your ladyship must comprehend, however, that Miss Bennet’s father….”
“Is not worth my regard! If he cannot keep his daughters in check and their expectations confined within their own sphere, I have no sentiments to spare the man. We have stopped here long enough! Daniels! Drive on, and Collins, do you keep up. I shall require you to make the introductions at Longbourn.”
Caroline ground her teeth in irritation. Lady Catherine certainly made free enough with a carriage and a driver which were not her own! A start pricked her awareness. The noblewoman remembered everyone else’s name and every detail of every conversation with electrifying precision, but Caroline’s own name came out bungled every time.Is that how it is going to be?Her white hands clenched inside her muff. Caroline Bingley was nobody’s doormat.
“MrGardiner,Ithankyou for agreeing to speak with me.” Darcy took the offered seat in Mr Bennet’s study, carefully evaluating the other man’s manner.
“My niece informs me,” Gardiner eased himself into another chair, “that she will make my existence miserable should I fail to hear you out.”
Darcy’s eyes widened in mute surprise, triggering a sly chuckle from the older man. “Fear not, my dear sir, she did not put it quite so plainly! I know my niece, however, and have had cause in the past to regret when I did not put faith in her judgement. She told me you had something of rather great import to discuss.”
Darcy bit back a long sigh, straightening in his chair. “Indeed. Firstly, sir, I must again beg your forgiveness for the events of yesterday. I assure you, I do not make a habit of compromising young ladies.”
“Nor does Lizzy have a history of permitting such liberties. If it were one of the younger girls you had settled upon, we would be having a much more serious discussion, as I would be entertaining doubts about your good sense.”
“I understand, sir.” Darcy tried to contain a small twitch to the corner of his mouth. Perhaps Mr Gardiner would prove even more amiable than he had hoped. “My sister, as well, is apologizing to Miss Bennet as we speak. I hope you comprehend, sir, with what profound consternation I observed her behaviour to El… to Miss Bennet. She is exceedingly remorseful, I assure you.”
“That is as it should be, but I think it hardly necessary.” He paused, looking penetratingly at the humbled man before him. “I had a long talk with my niece, Mr Darcy, and she conveyed to me what she knew of Miss Darcy’s history. You may be assured that I shall keep this knowledge in strictest confidence, but Lizzy felt it necessary to the preservation of my sympathies toward your family.”
Darcy felt a wry expression growing. He found it ironic that to secure the good opinion of Elizabeth’s family, his own mistakes and secrets must be laid bare. In any other family, the opposite would have been the case. “I have confidence in your discretion, sir, as I have the utmost faith in Miss Bennet’s. The reason she spoke of such things to you is that I had hoped to secure the assistance of your family in repairing the damage to my sister’s reputation.”
Gardiner pinched between his eyes, a pained expression in evidence. “Lydia...” he muttered under his breath. “She is currently confined to her room. I shall be keeping a tight rein on my niece, for the time being, I assure you.”
“In truth, sir, I had rather hoped you would not.” Gardiner’s forehead puckered in interest as he listened to Darcy’s plan.
Georgianahadlookedforwardto the call with fear and trembling, but instead of the affronted and indignant family she had every right to expect, she found herself welcomed with open arms. Elizabeth had been the first to greet her with a warm embrace and a sincere smile. Jane and Mrs Gardiner had rapidly followed suit.
Mary Bennet, curiously, remained somewhat aloof but would not suffer herself to be very far parted from Georgiana. Though largely silent, she remained constantly nearby—a dispassionate bodyguard, as it were. Bingley immediately retired to a corner with Jane, and Georgiana quickly found herself once again at ease with the remaining family. Perhaps not all was lost, after all.
In some wonder, she glanced about the room after several minutes. “Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth, but is your mother unwell this morning?”
“You need not address me so formally, Georgiana,” Elizabeth winked. “However, Mama is quite well. She is very busy, I believe, with some personal matters.”
“Oh, I see.” Her brow furrowed. She did not see, in fact, but felt it rude to inquire further. It was, however, not long before she would receive her explanation.
The housekeeper appeared at the door of the sitting room, beckoning Mrs Gardiner. “Mrs Stewart requests your attendance, Ma’am.”
Georgiana shot Elizabeth a questioning glance as Mrs Gardiner excused herself.
“Aunt Gardiner thought it best to begin soliciting Mama’s advice on colours and lace,” Elizabeth supplied. “With Papa ill and so much to contrive, Aunt Gardiner suggested it might be in better taste that the dressmaker might come to Longbourn for the morning. It is indeed a distinction, for the last time Mrs Stewart made a house call was for the wedding of Miss Keston of Mayweather when she wed that wealthy gentleman worth eight thousand a year.
“Mama intends to spend a few hours at least looking over samples. Unhappily for me, she has no faith in my taste in fashion, so I expect I shall be consulted at some later date. I believe Mrs Hill’s kitchen has been entirely commandeered.” Another small wink accompanied these remarks, and Georgiana began to understand. Elizabeth and her aunt were geniuses of the first order.
Shortly thereafter, her brother appeared again in the sitting room, accompanied by Elizabeth’s uncle. Georgiana tensed involuntarily. The gentleman, however, came to her directly and offered a bow. “My sister, Georgiana,” William drew her forward. “Georgiana, may I present Mr Edward Gardiner.”
“Delighted, Miss Darcy,” Gardiner smiled with genuine affability.
She glanced quickly toward her brother. His intentionally light manner helped her to understand how to receive the man. “I am delighted as well, Mr Gardiner,” she answered humbly. “I thank you for your hospitality.”
“The pleasure is ours, Miss Darcy.” Gardiner cast a surreptitious eye toward Bingley, who had drawn close and was hovering with some anxiety, rather like a hopeful puppy. With a tightly hidden smile which was only perceived by Elizabeth, Darcy performed the introductions.
