Page 8 of Painted with Love

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Elizabeth expected that Mr Darcy might call on them — unless he changed his mind — in the next few days. Secretly, she hoped Mr Bingley would join him, but she did not mention it to Jane.

Therefore, she was utterly bewildered when Mr Gardiner returned home a few hours later in the company of Mr Darcy himself. So affected was she by the gentleman’s sudden appearance that Elizabeth needed a moment to steady herself.

“My dear, look who was so kind as to visit me at my office and accompany me home! I can hardly believe it! Allow me the privilege of introducing Mr Darcy to you,” Mr Gardiner said. Elizabeth noticed that her aunt and her sister were also anxious, though for different reasons. Mrs Gardiner — always calm and composed — looked exceedingly nervous.

“Mr Darcy, this is my wife, Mrs Madeleine Gardiner. You already know my nieces.”

The guest bowed elegantly. “Mrs Gardiner, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I am delighted to see you again,” he said in a friendly voice. Elizabeth noticed he was not perfectly composed when their eyes met briefly.

“Mr Darcy, I am truly honoured to have you in my home,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I am not sure whether my husband mentioned it, but I grew up in Lambton, only five miles from Pemberley, and I have always held your family in the highest esteem.”

“In Lambton? I did not know! What a wonderful coincidence, Mrs Gardiner,” he said, finally sitting down.

“Truly wonderful. Till this day, Pemberley is still the most beautiful place I have ever seen.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I believe the same, but of course, I am biased. Did you leave Lambton long ago?”

“About ten years ago. My father owned a shop in the town, and when he moved his business to London, we all came with him.”

“I see. If you happen to visit Lambton, please know you are welcome to visit Pemberley too.”

“That is very generous and kind of you, Mr Darcy, thank you.”

“Not at all. It would be my pleasure to host you,” he said politely. Then he paused a moment and finally turned towards Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, I cannot go further without thanking you for your keen observation and wise decision. Recovering the watch was of great importance to me and my family.”

“You have already thanked me, Mr Darcy. I assure you there is no need for more. I am glad I could be of some help. It was the least I could do to compensate for my foolishness in trusting Mr Wickham.”

“It was my fault that I did not expose Wickham as he deserved and allowed him to deceive more honourable people. This is another error I shall immediately correct.”

“Mr Darcy, I hope you do not mind — I told my sister and my uncle and aunt about your financial dealings with Mr Wickham. About how he demanded compensation for the living and then continued to ask for more.”

“Oh…no, of course, I do not mind.”

“Apparently, Mr Wickham’s deceptive character was no surprise to my uncle or aunt. I was the only fool,” Elizabeth continued.

“Stop blaming yourself, Lizzy,” Mr Gardiner said. “The whole of Meryton was charmed by that man, so you may take some comfort in knowing you were not alone in your foolishness.”

Elizabeth laughed nervously. “That is comfort indeed. I am sure Papa will mock me on this subject for a few months at least.”

“You may depend on that,” Mr Gardiner replied with a laugh. Mr Darcy seemed slightly confused by their teasing exchange.

Mrs Gardiner ordered refreshments, while Mr Darcy continued, “Since you so generously helped me, I owe you a few more details. That watch belonged to my grandfather. It was one of only a limited number of similar pieces made in England. The young woman whose portrait is inside the watch is not my sister but my grandmother. Her name was Georgina, and my grandfather’s name was George, the same as my father.”

“Oh dear,” Elizabeth whispered. That was certainly an unexpected turn of events.

“The watch was in my sister’s possession last summer, in Ramsgate. She is very fond of a few family heirlooms, and she carries them with her. They are never taken out in public, of course, but held privately, and nobody outside the family knows about them. I have told her many times that it is not wise and that travelling with such valuables could expose her to danger, but they are hers, after all, and I cannot forbid her. She discovered the watch was missing last August, but she did not mention it to me until yesterday, when I asked about it.”

As he spoke, he looked troubled, struggling for words and hardly meeting their eyes. Elizabeth could not help but wonder whether the story was true or simply an attempt to disguise the truth and protect his sister’s reputation.

“This is shocking! It is theft, nothing less. Such a thief belongs in prison,” Mr Gardiner said.

“He does. I shall take care of that. The watch’s monetary value is high, but much more important is its sentimental value. It is irreplaceable.”

“I apologise for my bold question,” Mrs Gardiner interjected, “but I wonder how Mr Wickham was able to steal the watch from your sister? He declared he had not seen you or her in several years.”

The enquiry clearly took Mr Darcy by surprise. Disconcerted, he paused for a moment, looked at Elizabeth, then said, “Wickham lies with every breath. He saw my sister last summer in Ramsgate. My sister’s companion, Mrs Younge, was seemingly a close friend of Wickham’s, and their acquaintance continued even after I forbade Wickham from having anything to do with my family. As soon as I found out, I dismissed her, but she had caused enough damage already. I have no proof yet, but Mrs Younge must have been involved in the theft.”