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“That seems like a sound plan.” Mr. Gardiner nodded approvingly as he sipped his port.
“I will notify you immediately of any progress,” Darcy started to rise, thinking of Elizabeth, distressed and alone in the other room. However, Mr. Gardiner cleared his throat to speak, so Darcy stayed his movement.
“Mr. Darcy, I cannot tell you how grateful we are that you returned Elizabeth to us safely.” Elizabeth’s uncle would not meet Darcy’s eyes.
“It was my pleasure, sir. I would never have forgiven myself if I had left her alone and unprotected.”
“I would imagine that you had to lay out quite a bit of money to make good your escape. Doctor’s bills, hiring a boat, not to mention carriages. However, I suspect you would not accept if I offered to reimburse you for those expenses.”
“No sir.”
Mr. Gardiner shook his head, unsurprised by the response. “One other thing. I understand the necessity of fleeing Paris as you did – alone and unchaperoned – and the days you spent with her in your friend’s house. Not to mention returning to England just the two of you.” Darcy winced inwardly at this description of the continuous impropriety of their situation. “But not everyone would be so understanding. I know you are a man of good character and Elizabeth seems to hold you in high regard—”
“I assure you sir that nothing improper took place,” Darcy thought of this as a sin of omission rather than an outright lie. After all, what could be more proper than marriage? However, he was well aware that Mr. Gardiner might not see it in that light.
Elizabeth’s uncle waved the assurance away. “I am sure. If my niece had felt herself wronged in any way, she has methods of making it known.”
Darcy chuckled a little. “Yes, I believe so.”
Mr. Gardiner gave the younger man a wry smile. “All I am asking is that you do not make the circumstances of your escape from France widely known. I am thinking of her reputation.”
“Yes sir. I had already come to that conclusion on my own. I would be loathe to be the instrument of injuring Eliz—Miss Bennet in any way. Rest assured I plan to conceal it entirely – except perhaps from my sister.”
Mr. Gardiner’s eyebrows had risen when Darcy used Elizabeth’s given name, but he did not comment. “Good, good. Especially in light of Lydia’s behavior, the Bennet family hardly needs more gossip circulating.”
“I could not agree more.”
Mr. Gardiner paused as if hoping that Darcy would say more – perhaps a declaration of his intention to court Elizabeth. However, Darcy could not bring himself to take the deception that far.
The other man stood. “Well, let us rejoin the ladies.”
After another half hour of conversation in the drawing room, Darcy reluctantly concluded that he needed to depart. In addition to informing Georgiana of his arrival, he had to set the wheels in motion to find Wickham and Lydia. Elizabeth escorted him out to the carriage to say goodbye, but he was well aware that anyone could be watching them from the house. Darcy wished he could kiss her…caress her…and take her back to his house and….Well, there was no use in wishing; he would just have to be patient.
He confined himself to a kiss on her hand. “I believe your uncle is wondering what my intentions toward you are.”
Elizabeth laughed a little. “I am sure he is. We will just have to leave him in suspense.”
Darcy regarded her seriously. “I am afraid that the news about Lydia makes concealing our marriage even more imperative.”
She nodded. “That had occurred to me. I would not want to give my father two unwelcome surprises in such a short time.” She bit her lip. “I cannot help comparing my behavior to Lydia’s. I am almost as bad as she – acting impulsively without thinking about my family—”
“No!” he said vehemently. “I will not allow you to disparage yourself in this way! We did the honorable thing in marrying. It cannot be compared to living without the benefit of matrimony for weeks. Lydia and Wickham have given no thought to the effect on your family – we have made every attempt at discretion.”
“Yes, but I still picture how disappointed my father will be at the circumstances of our marriage.” Her head was bowed as she gazed down at her hands.
“But just think how pleased your mother will be.” Elizabeth gave him a sour look. “And I would like to think I have more to offer to your family than Wickham.”
She smiled mischievously at this sally. “I suppose Pemberley is a bigger advantage than Wickham’s gambling debts.”
Darcy gazed into her eyes for a moment. “I am afraid must leave. I am sure Georgiana has been worried about me.”
“Yes.” He kissed her hand again. They said a lingering goodbye and he stepped into the coach and left.
The carriage pulled up in front of Lord Matlock’s house fifteen minutes later. Although Darcy missed Elizabeth with an almost physical pain, he was eager to see Georgiana. Despite the letters he had sent, he knew she would be worrying about him.
The butler admitted him and sent a footman to find Georgiana. Within a minute she was flying down the stairs with a huge smile on her face and embracing her brother with all the strength her slight frame could produce.
“Brother! I am so relieved to see you. I was so worried!”
