by Lauren King
“I am not certain. If she did, then she is another dreadful person, and they deserve to live in misery with each other. They will not be going to heaven for this,” responds Mr. Gardiner. He sighs heavily again then asks, “Lizzy how far have you gotten with both the Imports and Exports accounts?”
“I think he is lying about the amount that he stole from you, Uncle.” Elizabeth speaks candidly.
“I know, Lizzy. Well, let us just figure out the real amount as fast as possible because I plan to return to him and demand that he returns more of my money. I think he withheld some of the money. He would be stupid if he did not withhold some for his family to live on.”
“I am certain he kept some money for his family, especially now that he no longer has employment and may not even get well enough to be employed again.” Mrs. Gardiner speculates.
“If he is able to do this horrible deed, then I agree that he would certainly keep some money behind for his family to use.” Elizabeth expresses unsympathetically.
“I will confront him again once we figure out a number, but if you try to reassess the entire past year or four years then that will take too long. I want to approach him as soon as possible so that he does not have time to spend more of the remaining money.” Mr. Gardiner urges as his anger and angst builds against Mr. Clarke.
“Uncle, how about this; I will finish this last week for all your accounts, and then I will estimate a number and make it a little higher. You can confront him with that higher number. If he reacts with complete surprise and objects to the number, then we know that our number is too high. If he freely admits or gives up some more money, no matter how much, then we know that our number is lower than or is closer to what he actually stole. At that point, you have to decide how far you want to pursue this with him.” Elizabeth’s mind swiftly comes up with ideas to help her Uncle. This is a lot of money he may lose.
Elizabeth sighs then continues. “I also do not feel pity for him. That is your hard earned money for your family. You need it just as much as any working person. And what did he use it for? For gambling – how contemptible!”
Mr. Gardiner listens carefully and shakes his head in repugnance of this situation. “I think you have a good idea there, Lizzy. We will settle on that plan. I am sorry that you have had to work nonstop to help me. I do appreciate it more than you know.”
“I completely agree with your Uncle. We are grateful for all your help and your perceptive astuteness. You discovered this abominable deed and saved us a large amount of money.”
“Uncle, Aunt, I am more than glad that I can help you. We are family, and you both have always been the best Uncle and Aunt a niece could have. You both genuinely care about me, and I am grateful for that.”
The same evening Elizabeth receives a note from Miss Darcy:
October 20th, 1810
Dear Miss Bennet,
I was very happy to receive your note of kind words and advice. I want to thank you and Mrs. Gardiner, again, for all your help on Saturday. Mrs. Annesley and I are grateful. We are resting as much as we can so that we do not hinder our healing. I did get some scrapes and bruises on my shin but nothing too worrisome. I want to especially thank you for your willingness to assist total strangers. You are kind and special.
I hope you will not think me forward if I take this opportunity to invite you to have tea with me here at Darcy House on a day that is convenient for you and Mrs. Gardiner. I look forward to hearing from you soon. God bless you.
Best Regards,
Miss Georgiana Darcy
Darcy House, Mayfair
Miss Darcy’s note is very respectful, nice, and polite. Elizabeth shows it to her Aunt, and they both agree that Elizabeth will have tea with Miss Darcy on Friday if that is convenient for her.
On Tuesday morning, Elizabeth sends a note back in reply:
October 21st, 1810
Dear Miss Darcy,
I was especially glad to hear that you and Mrs. Annesley are resting to let your injuries heal. I hope that it will get better very soon. Thank you for inviting us to tea; my Aunt and I will be happy to have tea with you this Friday at two o’clock in the afternoon if that is convenient for you. If you are unavailable, please do not hesitate to let me know. I look forward to seeing you well, again. God bless you.
Best Regards,
Miss Elizabeth Bennet
1673 Grace Church Street, Cheapside
Tuesday evening, Elizabeth reads Miss Darcy’s reply saying that she will be happy to have them at Darcy House on Friday at two o’clock in the afternoon for tea. Elizabeth tells her Aunt, and they are looking forward to knowing Miss Darcy better.
By Wednesday, Elizabeth finishes the accounting for August. Mr. Clarke embezzled approximately 160 pounds in August. That same afternoon, Mr. Gardiner confronts Mr. Clarke with the made up sum of 3,000 pounds to try to trap him into telling them the truth.
Mr. Clarke adamantly objects that he took 3,000 pounds; the numbers have been miscalculated. He only took a total of 2,000 pounds. Mr. Gardiner insists that Mr. Clarke still has some of his money. He demands that Mr. Clarke hand over all of it. Mr. Clarke hesitates and maintains that he does not have anymore. After Mr. Gardiner’s threatens to expose Mr. Clarke and bring shame to his entire family including his children, Mr. Clarke is speechless and is tremendously fearful of the consequences.
Mr. Clarke finally returns another 700 pounds. He declares that he will not have any money left for medicine or for supporting his family now. Mr. Gardiner sternly glares at Mr. Clarke and says that Mr. Clarke brought all this upon himself; no one is to blame except himself.
“You need to sell whatever worthy possessions you have in order to pay me back up to the amount that you stole from me or else I will report this to the authorities. I said that I would not report you if you gave me back what you stole from me and since this is not the full amount, then I expect to be fully compensated. Trust me; you will not be able to hide from me. I will recalculate the numbers and find out if you have stolen more money from me. I trusted you and thought you were an honest, honorable, and respectable man, but I was entirely wrong. You are a disgrace, and you disgust me thoroughly!” Mr. Gardiner leaves the Clarke residence brusquely.
Mr. Gardiner explains what was said at his second meeting with Mr. Clarke to Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth. They all are glad that more money was retrievable but still loathe the entire situation, especially Mr. Clarke.
Mr. Gardiner continues to keep track of Mr. Clarke’s activities while Elizabeth continues to audit the accounting books. Mr. Gardiner’s investigator reported that they saw some furniture being discreetly carried out of the house onto a wagon, and they were not returned. The wagon that picked up the furniture is a business that buys used furniture. Mr. Gardiner needs to retrieve the money as fast as possible before Mr. Clarke sells all of his belongings and uses it instead of paying her Mr. Gardiner back. He may lose over 500 pounds!
CHAPTER 2
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23rd – DARCY HOUSE
“Brother, were you able to get your business done yesterday?” Georgiana warmly asks her elder brother – Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
“Yes, I was. What do you have planned for today, Georgie?”
“I plan on visiting Aunt and Uncle. Is Richard in town, William?”
“I believe he is, but he has not come over here yet, which is surprising. If you do not mind, I will go with you to visit with Uncle and Aunt, too.”
“I do not mind, brother.” Georgiana answers happily.
Georgiana is glad that William does not seem to be disappointed with her anymore about her awful mistake this past summer. She was so stupid and naïve. She almost ruined her own life and adversely affected all of her family, especially her brother. She desperately hopes that no one else finds out about it and will mistakenly think of her as a ruined girl. The thought of her foolishness distresses her to this day. Georgiana does not think that she will ever be able to
forget her ridiculous, stupid folly.
Georgiana remembers how he spoke so kindly to her and made her think that she was in love with him. He tricked her. She could not believe just how conniving he was. He spoke all lies. Thank God, William saved her and told her the truth. It hurt badly at first because she genuinely thought that he loved her, and she loved him. Thank God, she knows the truth about him, now. After that blow up between William and him, Georgiana was able to evaluate, retrospectively and saw that he easily deceived her. She was too inexperienced to be able to see at that time. Even her companion, Mrs. Younge was in on the deception from the beginning. They must have laughed, heartily, at her stupidity behind her back. Georgiana could have brought so much shame to the Darcy family and ruin her own life in the process. Thank God, William saved her!
“Would you like to take a stroll in Hyde Park afterwards?” Darcy wants to spend some time with his sister who he has not seen for several weeks, now.
“Would you mind if I did not go to Hyde Park, William. I want to rest my feet. Oh! I did not tell you what happened to me and Mrs. Annesley last Saturday. It was embarrassing, but luckily, I met someone that was so very thoughtful and kind.” Georgiana explains eagerly and remembers how kind her new acquaintances are.
“What happened and who did you meet, Georgie?” Darcy’s alarm rises. He hopes that Mrs. Annesley did not approve for his sister to meet some disreputable person that could deceive and hurt her, again.
“She and her Aunt are wonderful, kind people, brother – Mrs. Gardiner and her niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. They are the nicest people that I have ever met. Miss Bennet was willing to ruin her dress and shoes to help me and Mrs. Annesley when we fell into the pond at Hyde Park.” Georgiana goes on to tell her brother what all occurred that day.
“You look well; so you were not hurt?” Darcy asks sincerely.
“No, I was not hurt – thanks to Miss Bennet. I have some bruises; otherwise, I am well.”
“You say that Mrs. Annesley spoke to these ladies?” He is very curious.
“Yes. I took the liberty of asking them over for tea tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock. Mrs. Annesley will join me too. Would you like to meet the ladies, William?” Georgiana asks nicely.
“I will see. Do they live around here, Georgie?” He hopes that these ladies are no less than gentlewomen.
“No, they live on Grace Church Street in Cheapside. Is that a very bad problem, brother? They are very genteel ladies. Even Mrs. Annesley said so. Maybe that is their place of business.” Georgiana states hopefully.
Georgiana realizes now that William and others may frown upon people who do not live in their vicinity. She understands about their standing in the first circles, but she would hate not to be able to be friends with Miss Bennet merely because she is not in the first circles. Miss Bennet is very kind and nice – so genteel in her manners and speech – Mrs. Gardiner, too. Is Georgiana being too naïve, again? Georgiana hopes very much that Miss Bennet is a good person so that William will approve of her further socializing with Miss Bennet.
Instantly, Darcy’s alertness is at its peak. Cheapside is not a residence for anyone in the first circles. There may be wealthy people that live there, but, nevertheless, they are tradesmen. Darcy will speak personally with Mrs. Annesley to get her assessment on these two ladies. His sister allowed them to come into their home. If they are disreputable, then they surely know where Georgiana lives now and may prey upon her. He will be in attendance when they come tomorrow for tea so that there is no mistake that the Darcys will allow any ruse or sham to take place with their family.
“That area is not a place for people of your status, Georgie. You should not ever venture out that way. You are smart enough to understand the differences in class, so I will not emphasize it. I am not saying that there are only bad people over there, but people are brought up differently. You were brought up very differently from people who live in that area. You may not understand all the nuances of life, thus I hope you will trust me to guide you. I only ever have your best interests at heart. You are my younger sister; we only have each other as immediate family now; therefore, I will protect you no matter what, Georgie.” Darcy is candid and forthright about what he wants for his sister. He is apprehensive that she may be deceived again, and he will not be able to save her.
“Thank you, brother. I trust you completely. I know I made a huge mistake in the summer, and I will have to live with that for the rest of my life. I will learn from it and be a better person. I hope you are not upset at me for inviting Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Bennet to tea tomorrow. I can give some excuse and cancel the visit if you think that is best.” Georgiana says most tenderly and understandingly but with clear disappointment and sadness. Nonetheless, she does not want to do anything to trouble William again.
“I think it will be fine for you to have tea with them this time. Richard and I will be here to meet them so they know you are well protected. This will be a good learning experience for you, Georgie. They may be genteel ladies, so you thanking them for their assistance in your accident is perfectly acceptable.” Darcy explains clearly. He wants her to have some knowledge of how to read people, how to act around others whether they are higher or lower class, and for her to develop confidence in dealing with people. However, that does not mean she has to deal with disreputable people.
After Darcy speaks to Mrs. Annesley personally, he is somewhat easier that Georgiana’s interpretation of these two ladies is not wrong. Nevertheless, he is still worried. He was entirely wrong about Mrs. Younge and look what happened to Georgiana several months ago. He will not allow anything like that to occur again, whether it involves men or women. Darcy sends a note to Matlock House to ask Richard to visit Darcy House tomorrow afternoon so they can meet with Georgiana’s acquaintances at two o’clock.
Richard responds that he will be at Darcy House by one o’clock tomorrow. Richard wants to tell Darcy about the beautiful young ladies that he saw at the ball last week.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24th
By Friday morning, Elizabeth decides that she will cancel her tea time with Miss Darcy; helping her Uncle and Aunt is much more important right now. She sends an apology note to Miss Darcy.
October 24th, 1810
Dear Miss Darcy,
Please, allow me to apologize that my Aunt and I will not be able to come and have tea with you this afternoon. A very important family situation has arisen which prevents me from having the pleasure of your company. I hope that we will be able to have tea another time so I can see that you are truly well. Please, continue to rest so you can stay in good health. God bless you.
Best Regards,
Miss Elizabeth Bennet
1673 Grace Church Street, Cheapside
FRIDAY – DARCY HOUSE
“William, I just received a note from Miss Bennet. She apologizes that she and her Aunt will not be able to come have tea with me today. Some very important family situation has arisen.” Georgiana holds Miss Bennet’s note in her hands when she tells William about the canceled tea visit. “I was so looking forward to visiting with Miss Bennet. She was so kind and nice.” Georgiana is truly disappointed.
Darcy sees that Georgiana is rather disappointed to miss the visit with this Miss Bennet. “Maybe you can invite them for another time, Georgie. Do not be too disappointed. It looks like they really made a good impression upon you.”
“You should have seen how genuine and considerate they were to us, William. I do not think I misread their sincere concern for us. I really like Miss Bennet. She was well spoken, intelligent, caring, thoughtful, considerate, and practical; everything that is important for a nice young lady.”
“Alright, Georgie; you can respond to Miss Bennet’s letter and invite her for another day. I will be here with you.” Darcy wants to cheer his sister up. She seems to really like Miss Bennet. Darcy hopes that she is an honest, good person. “How about we go to the Petite Pastry shop, and I will buy us all the pastries we desire?”
Brother and sister happily visit with Richard when he comes, and then they all go to the Petite Pastry shop. At the pastry shop, Georgiana sees a friend, so she talks with her while William and Richard converse.
“Some of these young ladies are very cute and pretty, Darcy.” Both cousins chuckle. “I will be going to another ball tomorrow night. Are you attending any events?”
“No, I have chosen not to; I will spend some time with Georgie. I have several invitations for the next few weeks. I may go to one or two of them; I have not decided which ones yet. You enjoy yourself, Richard.”
“I always do, Darcy.” Both cousins chortle again.
Darcy knows that Richard enjoys seeing all the young ladies that are paraded every season. He is a very fun and joyous person – easy to get along with. Many of the young ladies seem to be impressed with Richard’s military rank and his titled family, but they also know that he is a second son. Therefore, all the very wealthy young ladies become pickier about not getting a title if they settle for him. Richard does not seem to be upset about being a second son. He is not jealous, envious, or bitter at his elder brother Andrew, Viscount Somerset – heir to Matlock. Richard is a genuinely good person.
FRIDAY – GARDINER RESIDENCE
That evening, Elizabeth reads the note that came earlier from Miss Darcy:
October 24th, 1810
Dear Miss Bennet,
I am sorry to hear that you and Mrs. Gardiner will not be able to join me for tea this afternoon. I hope your family situation is not anything too dire and that it will be resolved to your liking. We can have tea next week at your convenience if that is suitable for you. Please, take care of yourself, and I look forward to meeting with you soon. God bless you.