Page 36 of A Different Impression

Elizabeth grimaced slightly, uncertain what her father had intended for her shopping. She was nearly certain that she could not afford Miss Darcy’s modiste, but neither did she wish to decline Georgiana’s generous offer.

“I will speak to Mr Gardiner this evening to discover what arrangements your father may have made,” William continued. “If the sum he has provided is insufficient, I will gladly supply whatever funds are needed.”

This did not entirely ease Elizabeth’s mind. Perhaps she could persuade Uncle Gardiner to release some of the funds she had invested with him for her trousseau.

Darcy soon discovered that his concerns about the funds available for Elizabeth’s shopping had been unfounded. Mr Gardiner had proved every bit as judicious in matters concerning his nieces as he was in business. He explained that his warehouses would provide the material for Elizabeth’s new clothing and that Mrs Gardiner had contacted her modiste the previous evening to arrange an appointment for later that morning. The ladies invited Georgiana to accompany them, leaving Darcy alone with Mr Gardiner.

Although Darcy would have preferred to remain with his betrothed, he could not, so the gentlemen removed to Mr Gardiner’s study, where they discussed the marriage settlement and other arrangements.

Knowing Mr Bennet’s desire to increase the portions of his other daughters, Darcy elected to refuse Elizabeth’s, leaving those funds for her sisters. Elizabeth had previously mentioned investing small amounts of her allowance with her uncle, but she had never told Darcy how much the fund contained. Mr Gardiner now informed him that it amounted to a little over a thousand pounds. He explained that Elizabeth had faithfully saved small sums over the years and that he had occasionally added to the fund himself. Darcy was impressed by her prudence and intended to include provisions in the marriage settlement ensuring that the money remained under her control.

During the month between requesting a courtship and finally proposing, Darcy had written to his solicitor with instructions to prepare the marriage articles. The document now required only a few adjustments based upon what he had since learnt of the Bennets’ circumstances.

As Mr Gardiner reviewed the articles, he paused more than once over their provisions.

“These are exceedingly generous, Darcy,” he said at last, looking up from the document.

“I wish Elizabeth to be secure, whatever may happen to me.”

Darcy had made provisions for their future children, both sons and daughters, as well as for Elizabeth should he predecease her. Thirty thousand pounds would be settled upon her, in addition to her personal income and a quarterly allowance for clothing. Those sums would remain entirely separate from the funds required to manage the several households over which she would eventually preside.

“Before I present the articles to Mr Bennet, I should like Elizabeth to review them herself,” Darcy continued. “The provisions will govern her future as much as mine. She ought to understand them fully and have the opportunity to suggest any changes she considers necessary.”

Mr Gardiner looked at him with surprise. “Many gentlemen would consider such a discussion with their future wife unnecessary.”

“I do not.”

Mr Gardiner studied him for a moment before nodding his approval. “Then I have no objection. Indeed, I believe my niece will value the consideration.”

Once the marriage settlement was reviewed, the conversation drifted to business and the success of the investments Darcy had already made with the man. From there, the conversation moved along to the changes in the Bennet household. Elizabeth had told of these in her letters to her aunt, and they had discussed them the previous night after dinner, but Darcy had a different perspective on the situation, not being a member of the family.

“Quite frankly, sir,” Gardiner said, “I am amazed at my brother doing anything about his family, and I wonder what, if anything, will aid my sister. Bennet would have done well had he attempted these measures twenty years ago, but my sister’s behaviour is ingrained. Sending Lydia to a school will at least keep her away from embarrassing the family so readily, and I am amazed at the changes I see in Kitty already. It seems all she needed was a separation from Lydia and some time and attention from someone with sense. I am glad she will be joining your sister and receiving some lessons from an art master. I have offered for years to bring her to London for just that, but Bennet has always refused my request.”

“Mary is much improved as well, or so Elizabeth says,” Darcy added. “I am not certain what she was like before, but Elizabeth seems to think that separating her from Fordyce has significantly improved her.” He laughed as he and Elizabeth had discussed that particular author and what they both thought about his strictures several times. Whilst not all the man said was bad, some of his lessons on how “proper young ladies should behave” were ridiculous. Elizabeth preferred to discuss Wollstonecraft and her Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which was far more in line with her thinking and, to be honest, with his.

Darcy remained in Mr Gardiner’s study until the ladies returned several hours later. He was surprised to discover how much time had passed, and Mr Gardiner appeared equally astonished.

“I did not know you intended to remain all afternoon, sir,” Elizabeth said archly after greeting him.

“It was not my intention,” he replied, standing quickly and walking towards her at the door of the study. “Your uncle and I began conversing and apparently both lost track of time.”

She smiled at him. “I have often had the same happen to me, most often in your presence,” she said softly.

He smiled back. “I am glad to have seen you again,” he replied near her ear, causing her to shiver slightly as his breath caressed it.

“You will see me at dinner tonight, sir, at your home, even,” she teased.

Darcy took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “Soon to be our home, dearest,” he whispered.

The sound of a throat clearing reminded them they were not alone. “We should join the others for tea. I do not doubt that my wife will have ordered it almost as soon as she arrived home,” Gardiner said to the couple. “After tea, Mr Darcy, you may meet briefly with Lizzy to discuss the settlement unless you prefer to wait.”

“Elizabeth, it is up to you if you would like to review it now or later. I would like you to review it before I present it to your father upon our return to Hertfordshire,” he told her.

“I am not in need of refreshment, Uncle,” Elizabeth said. “Might we stay here and begin?”

Gardiner looked between the pair before nodding. “I will leave the door open and will be back to check on you after I have had my own tea,” he said. He left the room, leaving the door cracked open behind him.

The moment they were alone, Elizabeth stepped into his arms, and Darcy held her close.