by Leenie Brown
“We like to spoil her, too.” Lizzy grinned at her aunt.
“I like to think of it as paying me back for all the troubles you caused as a youngster, Lizzy,” her aunt teased.
“So, Miss Elizabeth was the only one to cause troubles, was she, Miss Bennet?” quizzed Richard.
“Usually,” said Jane. “Still does to some degree. That is why Andrew loves her so. She is his favourite cousin. He even says he is going to marry her someday.”
“But,” Elizabeth added, “he is only five, and I will be old and haggard by the time he is old enough.”
“I doubt you will ever be old and haggard, Elizabeth,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “And he will love you just as well then as he does now.” She patted her niece’s hand affectionately. “They really do have a special bond.”
Elizabeth coloured slightly. “He is my favourite, but you mustn’t tell Michael, Amelia or Margaret.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam pretended to lock his lips and throw away the key. “We military men are good at keeping secrets.”
“Most of the time,” muttered Darcy.
“Darcy, I was eight. I was not in the military yet, so I cannot be held accountable for telling on you.”
“Well, if that were the only time, I suppose it could be overlooked, but then there was the time when we were twelve, and when we were sixteen—you shall remain in my debt for some time for that one—and then when we were in Italy and just last week you told Georgiana…”
Richard held up his hands in defense. “You have made your point, Darcy. I am a terrible secret keeper when it comes to you. Must your memory be so good?”
“Yes, I think it must.” A slight smile pulled at the corners of his mouth.
Elizabeth watched the interaction between the gentlemen with interest. It clashed with the image she held of the dour Mr. Darcy. This Mr. Darcy was likeable, and that smile was adorable. Elizabeth took a final sip of her chocolate and studied his face.
“Miss Elizabeth? Do you have a question?” Darcy was a little unnerved by the intense scrutiny.
“No, Mr. Darcy. I am still merely trying to take a sketch of your character. Every time I think I have it taken, you change. Colonel Fitzwilliam, is he always this frustrating?”
“Usually,” said Richard.
“Well, gentlemen,” Mrs. Gardiner placed her empty cup on the table, “we must take our leave of you if we are to finish our shopping before dinner. It has been a pleasure to meet you both and finally put a face to the name, so to speak.” She stood. “Mr. Gardiner and I would welcome you to call on us anytime. Jane and Elizabeth will be with us until Christmastime.”
“Or until Mama forgives me,” muttered Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth!” hissed Jane.
Darcy ignored the exchange though he could not help but wonder why Elizabeth’s mother was angry with her.
“Could we impose upon you tomorrow when you go to the park with the children, ladies? I would very much like to meet the gentleman who has stolen Miss Elizabeth’s heart,” said Richard. Both he and Jane looked to Mrs. Gardiner for her consent.
Mrs. Gardiner nodded her approval of the scheme and Jane said as she fastened her wrap, “That would be lovely. Shall we say one o’clock?”
“And perhaps you could return with the girls to take tea with me?” asked Mrs. Gardiner. “I shall be quite desirous of the company after an afternoon of solitude.”
The gentlemen agreed and bowed as the ladies took their leave.
Chapter 2
As soon as the ladies had exited the building, Richard rounded on his cousin, “Would you care to enlighten me on your relationship with Miss Elizabeth?”
“I have no relationship with the Bennets beyond a passing acquaintance,” said Darcy defensively. “I met Miss Elizabeth and her sister when I was in Hertfordshire with Bingley.”
“Bingley…” Richard tapped his lip with his finger while he studied his cousin. There was a slight red tinge to Darcy’s ears–a sign he had often relied on to know when his cousin was holding back information and giving him only the barest of truths. There was one way to piece together the information he sought. He snapped his fingers as if he had just had a brilliant idea, and though he doubted it to be true, he announced, “She is Bingley’s angel.”
“Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy’s eyes grew wide in astonishment. “No, Bingley’s angel is Miss Bennet.”
“Ah, that makes more sense,” said Richard, pleased that his tactics seemed to be working. “So, Miss Elizabeth is the lady Miss Bingley spoke of who appeared at Netherfield in a state of wildness having walked an unladylike distance. ”
“Yes, Miss Bingley does like to speak ill of Miss Elizabeth.”
“So, you like Miss Elizabeth.” Richard leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest in a satisfied fashion.
“How do you figure?”
“Miss Bingley disapproves of Miss Elizabeth, and you could not keep your eyes off of her while we spoke. There is only one logical conclusion. Miss Bingley is jealous, and you are smitten.”
Unwilling to carry that particular conversation any further, Darcy shrugged and ordered another coffee as Bingley walked in.
“Bingley, my good man,” said Richard. “I just met your angel and her sister.”
Darcy rolled his eyes and shook his head. He knew what his cousin was about.
“Miss Bennet is here in London?” Bingley looked about the room as if he expected to see her.
“Yes, and Miss Elizabeth, too,” said Darcy.
“Seems their uncle is Mr. Edward Gardiner, and they are staying with him until Christmastime,” said Richard.
“Or until Miss Elizabeth’s mother forgives her for something,” added Darcy.
“You heard that too? That is one of the reasons I wanted to meet with them tomorrow. I need to know what she has done.”
“You are far too curious for your own good, Richard,” said Darcy flatly.
Bingley’s cup halted in the air and slowly returned to the table. “Mr. Edward Gardiner is Miss Bennet’s uncle?”Bingley was incredulous. “My father’s former business partner—the one who bought him out?”
“The same,” said Darcy. “Lives near Cheapside, it seems.”
“Yes, I know. I have been to his house on many occasions. In fact, I am to join the Gardiners for dinner tonight.” Bingley smirked at Darcy. “Are Miss Bennet’s connections still too low?”
Richard’s eyes grew wide. “You told him Miss Bennet’s connections were too low?”
Darcy nodded.
“A gentleman’s daughter…”
“With ties to trade,” added Darcy.
“Ah, yes, trade. One would not wish to keep company with someone connected to trade.” Richard scoffed.
Darcy cast a sidelong glance at Bingley. “I am not speaking of merely keeping company with someone connected with trade, Richard.”
“Marriage?” Richard looked first to Bingley, who gave him a nod and then leaned in to study his cousin’s face. “Worried that Bingley would be connected to trade or that you would be?”
Bingley snorted.
Darcy narrowed his eyes and glared at his all-too-perceptive cousin. “You have not met the rest of her family.”
“Derbyshire is near Hertfordshire?”
“You know it is not.”
“But, apparently, you have forgotten.”
Bingley sighed loudly, putting an end to the discussion that threatened to become heated. “What do I do?”
“About what?” asked Richard.
“About dinner tonight at the Gardiner’s?”
“You eat,” said Richard. Then, seeing the glares of both men, he held up his hands in defense and returned to his coffee.
“Does your sister know you dine in Cheapside?” asked Darcy.
“No, she only knows I dine with Father’s former partner.”
“It might be best if you keep it that way,” cautioned Darcy and the three gentlemen laughed.
; “If she only knew that a relative of the Bennets is responsible for our rise from trade,” said Bingley. “I do not know what she would do. If she becomes too annoying, I may have to tell her.”
“Please, let us be there if you do,” pleaded Richard.
“Richard,” hissed Darcy.
“You know you would like to see it too, Darcy,” said Bingley. “It would be quite the spectacle. However, for now, she will not know of it or the Bennets being in town. I do not think I can take any more of her diatribes about Miss Elizabeth and her family.”
“He likes her, you know.” Richard inclined his head towards Darcy.
“Yes, I know. The only people unaware of that fact are Darcy and Miss Elizabeth,” laughed Bingley.
Darcy glowered at his friend. He drummed his fingers on the table as he often did when contemplating something of great importance. Finally, he spoke in a resigned tone. “She heard me, Bingley.”
“Oh, Darcy! When will you learn to hold your tongue?”
“When you stop pestering me to do something when I do not wish to do it.”
“What did she hear?” asked Richard.
“How do you know?” asked Bingley.
“Something she said today when talking to Richard about flattery. She looked me in the eye and said ladies like to be flattered,” replied Darcy, ignoring his cousin’s question.
“What did she hear?” Richard’s patience was waning.
“She definitely heard you.” Bingley also ignored Richard’s question. “I suppose both of us should apologize for that.”
“What. did. she. hear?” Richard spoke through clenched teeth.
“You know if we do not tell him, he will just ask her,” commented Bingley.
“I know, but can we not ignore him for a bit longer?” asked Darcy.
“I am right here. I can hear you. Now one of you tell me what she said, or I will find the bookseller’s shop.” Richard moved to get up.
“Sit down, Richard, I shall tell you. Darcy here was unhappy to be at an assembly with me in Meryton. A royal grump, he was that night. I suggested he dance.”
“He insisted I should dance and then suggested partners for me,” grumbled Darcy.
“I suggested Miss Bennet’s sister, Miss Elizabeth. Without looking to see who she was or what she looked like and without noticing she was standing quite near, he announced she was tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt him. Of course, he spent the rest of the night staring at her.” Bingley rolled his eyes, and Richard laughed.
“That sounds like my cousin when he is in a mood. I suppose he scowled all night, too?”
“Indeed, he did.”
“I am sitting right here; I can hear you.”
“We know,” said Richard with a wink. “So how should we go about arranging the match, Bingley?”
“I do not think Bingley is in a favourable position presently either, Richard.”
“No, I left the neighbourhood rather abruptly due to legitimate business in town, but then your cousin, my sisters, and Mr. Hurst left, too. And according to Hurst ─ he hears much while he sleeps.” Both Darcy and Richard chuckled for they had witnessed Hurst’s escape from female conversation by feigning sleep on many occasions. “Caroline sent a letter to Miss Bennet telling her I was not coming back and insinuating I was reserved for Georgiana.” Bingley looked at Richard levelly.
“Georgiana?” asked Richard.
“Yes, that is what Caroline said,” replied Bingley. “Absurd is it not. Lovely as she is, Georgiana is like a younger sister to me, not a marriage candidate.”
“Are you certain you do not wish to tell your sister about the Bennets’ connection to your family?” queried Richard.
“It is tempting,” said Bingley. “But I think I will hold on to that information a bit longer. Now, back to my question, what do I do about tonight’s dinner?”
“Go, be Bingley,” said Darcy, “Perhaps you will get a chance to explain yourself, but I am going to caution you. Jane and Elizabeth are favourite nieces of the Gardiners.”
“Of course they are. Why would life be easy?” Bingley threw his hands up in exasperation.
“If anyone can come through something like this, Bingley, it is you,” encouraged Richard. “Your task is not as difficult as Darcy’s. You only need to apologize for a meddling sister while Darcy has to apologize for being—Darcy in a bad mood.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
“I do not understand why you have spoken so ill of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth. He is a fine gentleman. I did not see anything overly proud about his demeanor today, and he is a favourite with your uncle. Mr. Gardiner only bestows his favour on the truly worthy, you know.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brows in confusion. “The Mr. Darcy today was completely different from the Mr. Darcy I met in Hertfordshire.” Indeed, today’s Mr. Darcy was most agreeable.
“I did not find him different,” said Jane. “But, I am not the one whose pride got wounded by a hasty comment.”
“What comment was that?” asked Mrs. Gardiner.
“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me,” quoted Elizabeth.
“It was at an assembly, Aunt. Mr. Bingley was attempting to persuade Mr. Darcy to dance. Mr. Darcy was in a foul mood and spoke in haste, I am sure of it since he could not keep his eyes off Lizzy for the rest of the night. I would say he finds her more than tolerable.”
“So, you are holding a grudge over a remark made without a moment’s forethought? That hardly seems very fair.”Mrs. Gardiner chided Elizabeth as they entered the book shop.
Elizabeth carefully studied the floor in front of her feet. It did seem foolish to hold onto one slight for so long.
“I can remember some of your uncle’s stories about Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy, and I can assure you it is not the first time Mr. Darcy has been annoyed into saying something he regretted.” Mrs. Gardiner slipped her arm through Elizabeth’s and pulled her close to her side. “From what I hear, the Colonel enjoys tormenting his cousin at times. While I found Colonel Fitzwilliam most entertaining, I could see how his jovial nature might annoy a reserved person like Mr. Darcy. Can you see that?”
Elizabeth nodded. “I can see that.”
“Then, I suggest you give Mr. Darcy a fresh start,” counselled her aunt.
Elizabeth sighed and nodded slowly. She knew her aunt was right. She had allowed her injured pride to prejudice her against Mr. Darcy. “I will forget what he said that night.”
“And what of Mr. Wickham’s stories? Will you also forget them?” asked Jane.
Mrs. Gardiner who had pulled a book from the shelf nearly dropped it upon hearing Jane’s comment. “George Wickham?”
“Yes,” said both of her nieces.
“Do not under any circumstance believe that man,” said Mrs. Gardiner severely. “I cannot tell you why, but you must believe me. He is not to be trusted.” The uncharacteristic firmness in her voice startled her nieces.
Jane looked at Elizabeth and then at her aunt’s grave expression. “You might ask Uncle to write Papa then, Aunt. Mr. Wickham is stationed in Meryton at present, and you know Kitty and Lydia when it comes to officers.”
“I will have him write to your father directly,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Many have suffered at the hands of that man.” She lowered her voice. “Mr. Darcy is one of them, and his suffering has been of a long duration—since they were children growing up in Derbyshire.”
Elizabeth gasped. “You know, Aunt, he was showing particular attention to me, so I am glad you have told me.”
Mrs. Gardiner clutched Jane’s arm as if she needed it for support. “Jane, from your observations in Hertfordshire, would you have said Mr. Darcy admires Elizabeth?”
Jane nodded, her aunt’s intensity was unsettling. “I believe he is half in love with her if not completely so.”
“Is there any chance Mr. Wickham would have noticed Mr. Darcy’s admiration for Elizabeth?” Panic filled her voice.
“No,
I do not believe there is. They were not in company much.”
“Good.” Mrs. Gardiner sighed in relief and then, refocusing on the task at hand, she held up two books. “Now, which of these books do you wish to read to the children?”
Parcel in hand, they left the bookshop and headed to the sweets shop.
“Do you think we should pick out some treats for when we are at the park tomorrow?” asked Elizabeth. “It might be a good thing to have for the way home.”
“I have found bribery works well with my children. I would take some along if I were you. And throw in a few extra for the big boys that are planning to meet you as well,” said Mrs. Gardiner with a laugh. “Now, we are having company for dinner this evening, so we should get home to prepare.”
“Who is coming?” asked Elizabeth.
“The son of your uncle’s former business partner, Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Gardiner.
“Mr. Bingley? A Mr. Charles Bingley is coming to dinner?” Elizabeth nearly shouted while Jane stood stock still.
“Yes, do you know him?” asked their aunt.
“Aunt, he has let Netherfield,” said Elizabeth.
Shock suffused Mrs. Gardiner’s face. “Oh, your uncle said he was just back from his home in the country to meet with him on business, but I did not realize his country home was Netherfield!”
“You said he truly came to town for business?” asked Jane.
“Yes, he had an important meeting with your uncle last week. I think the details were being finalized this morning. My understanding was that he was coming to dinner tonight and leaving for the country again on the morrow.”
“He was returning to Netherfield?” asked Elizabeth incredulously.
“That is my understanding.”
“But, Miss Bingley said he was not returning, You saw her letter, Lizzy. I did not misread it, did I?”
“You cannot misread he will not be returning until spring if at all. That is pretty clear to me. So, it is Miss Bingley, not Mr. Bingley, who jilted you!”