Knowing she had lost the battle, the Countess finally gave in. “Safe travels, Darcy. Do write to me on occasion, will you?”
“I will, of course.” He bowed to her, and then took the stairs two at a time to his bedroom to give orders to his valet.
If Miss Bennet was ready to return home, then her relationship with Mr. Stanford had quite evidently run aground.
***
“What do you mean, you are going home with Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Gardiner frowned at her niece, hands on her hips.
“I sent him a message.”
“You sent a message to Matlock House?” Her aunt was scandalised.
“Yes.”
“So improper! I cannot believe it of you, Jane!”
“I know, but you have told me more than once that Susan is to be trusted.”
“And you used my own maid! What if she had been seen?”
“But she was not, and I just received a reply.” Jane reached into her skirt pocket and gave her aunt a small piece of folded paper.
I am ready to assist you, Miss Bennet. I shall be at your relatives’ house at eight o’clock in the morning. My valet will ride on top of the coach, and I will take my own horse, so the carriage will be entirely yours.
F. Darcy
“Well, at least he has considered the proprieties of the situation,” Mrs. Gardiner grumbled.
“I am sorry, Aunt, truly; but I could not wait, knowing that my sister is in such turmoil.”
“I understand, my dear. Oh, how I wish things had worked out differently with Mr. Stanford!”
“I have no regrets on that point at all, Aunt, so I beg you to have none, either. I am everything grateful to you and Uncle for hosting me these many weeks. And I suppose I should add that I am also grateful that you have been so generous with my family in the past.”
“I wish we could do more…”
“No, Aunt. It is time for the Bennets to stand or fall on their own.” Jane spoke firmly, but she was a-quiver inside. What would it mean, if the Bennets could not find the three thousand pounds that were evidently so desperately needed? Would the estate be leased out? Where would the Bennets go?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The next morning, an elegant carriage pulled up in front of the Gardiner’s home on Gracechurch Street. Mr. Darcy leaped out of the carriage and directed a footman to accompany him.
Going to the front door, he found it opened by Miss Bennet herself. “Mr. Darcy, how can I ever thank you?”
“I was more than ready to leave London and lacked only sufficient motivation to make the effort; believe me, it is I who should be thanking you.”
Jane presented Mr. Darcy to her aunt and uncle, who were both standing behind her, frowning.
“Mr. Darcy, I cannot feel comfortable with this arrangement,” Mr. Gardiner declared. “I had every intention of bringing my niece to Meryton on Saturday.”
“Mr. Gardiner, I completely understand your concerns, but be assured that Miss Bennet is completely safe with me. You can see my horse, now tied behind the carriage, just there. I will ride him, so Miss Bennet will not be seen traveling with a gentleman.”
Indeed, a fine-looking black stallion, tethered to the carriage, pawed restlessly at the ground.
“Nonetheless…”
“Uncle, I think it is time that we be off,” Jane declared, firmly. “Aunt, Uncle, I look forward to seeing you both at Longbourn at Christmas!” She hugged and kissed them both, and determinedly set off down the front walk, Mr. Darcy beside her.
