My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book One]

by Lauren King

  CHAPTER 6

  ***************

  SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd

  After church services, Elizabeth asks if Mr. Gardiner will be going to his office because she wants to finish as much of the accounting as possible.

  “Lizzy, why do you not rest today, all right? You can start tomorrow.” Mr. Gardiner states considerately. “I already have a tight watch on Mr. Clarke’s residence. If he tries to leave or move, then he will be followed, and I will be notified immediately. “

  “Uncle, I would prefer to stay busy, right now.” Elizabeth explains softly. She does not want to have free time to think about Mr. Darcy and what they could have been together. It will never be, so she cannot keep crying every hour. She keeps seeing his dejected, handsome face; her heart and insides twist each time. She cried all last night when she told Jane everything. Jane was a dear and slept in Elizabeth’s bed with her to listen to all her self-pity.

  Mrs. Gardiner understands Elizabeth’s request. “Maybe it will be better for Lizzy to keep busy right now, Edward. Jane, will you mind the children, and I can go with Lizzy to organize the paperwork so that it is easier and faster for her to finish?”

  “Of course, Aunt. Please, do not worry; I will be here for the children if they need anything.” Jane eagerly volunteers her aid; she is worried for Elizabeth, but, hopefully, Elizabeth will pull out of this with minimal problems.

  Elizabeth is determined to finish all the accounting this week so her Uncle will have a more solid number of what was stolen from him. As they are having their tea, the warehouse manager stops by to ask Mr. Gardiner if he spoke to the man that was asking about him.

  “I am not aware of anyone asking for me, Mr. Jennings. Who was asking for me?” Mr. Gardiner asks with much curiosity.

  “A man was looking around here asking if you worked today or if you would be coming to your office today. He said that he wanted to talk to you. He said he was acquainted with you, but he would not give his name or say when he would be back. I did not give out any information, Mr. Gardiner.” Mr. Jennings explains.

  “Thank you, Mr. Jennings. If you ever see him again, please let me know, discreetly. And you did the right thing by not giving out any information about me. I do not know of anyone that would not leave their name behind. If they are decent, they will give their name.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Gardiner. Good day to you, sir, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet.”

  Mr. Gardiner sits in quiet contemplation with suspicion and alarm building. None of his friends or true associates would be so mysterious.

  “What are you thinking, Edward?” Mrs. Gardiner asks curiously.

  “I do not like that someone is snooping around asking about me like that. I wonder what all that was about. There is always a chance for drifters to ask around for employment with the warehouses and the docks. However, there are thieves who watch a business for a while and then rob the business once they know more about it. I do not like the fact that they came around today when proprietors usually do not work. We will have to be more careful about strangers lurking around. I will have to see about more men securing our warehouse at night. Let me go and talk to Mr. Jennings about it. You ladies keep this door locked. I have a key to open it. You have a key too, Madeline?”

  “Yes, I do. We should leave before dark, Edward.” Mrs. Gardiner states with some concern.

  “Yes, we will. I will be back as soon as possible.” Mr. Gardiner rushes off into his warehouse.

  At supper, Elizabeth tries to be cheerful, but she is not successful; thoughts of Mr. Darcy are pushed to the forefront of her mind, but she pushes them back to its recesses. After supper, Elizabeth excuses herself to her chambers; Jane follows to console her. They chat about everything like they used to do back in Longbourn. Except, now, the chatting is filled with disappointment and sadness.

  Christmas is coming, and Elizabeth remembers that Mr. Allston’s ball is on Friday the 23rd. How can she face anyone, now? She will not be considered by any decent gentleman after what Lydia did. She is going to be a spinster – a poor one for that matter – never to have her own husband, children, or home. Oh Lord – what a horrible life that will be.

  MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH

  Monday morning Elizabeth sends Georgiana a thank you note.

  November 24th, 1810

  Dear Georgiana,

  I hope you are faring well. I want to thank you and Mr. Darcy, again, for luncheon this past Saturday. My Uncle, Aunt, and I enjoyed ourselves very much. The food and company were wonderful as usual. I will contact you later in the week about our outing to the museum if you remain interested in visiting it. I hope you have an outstanding day. God bless you and Mr. Darcy.

  Your Friend Always,

  Elizabeth Bennet

  1673 Grace Church Street, Cheapside

  Monday evening, Elizabeth receives a note sent from Georgiana.

  November 24th, 1810

  Dear Elizabeth,

  I hope this note finds you well. I, very much, enjoyed our luncheon together and talking with your Uncle and Aunt, too; they are such nice and kind people. I am very glad everything was to your liking. I look forward to a convenient time for you to venture to the museum with me. God bless you and your family.

  Your Friend Always,

  Georgiana Darcy

  Darcy House, Mayfair

  Days go by and Elizabeth steadfastly concentrates on the accounting so her brain will not have time to think of…Mr. Darcy. She tightly locks the pain of Mr. Darcy away. She must conquer this or else suffer more throughout her days here. Perhaps, she should go back to Longbourn so she will not be in close vicinity to Mr. Darcy and be continuously tormented. No, she does not want to go back to Longbourn; she will feel even more hopeless. At least being in London, she will feel useful to her Uncle, and she will not have to endure any curiosity and gossip from their neighbors. She can keep her anonymity in London.

  Elizabeth remembers that she has to reply to Georgiana about going to the museum. Perhaps, she and Jane can try to ease their tired and miserable heart and mind for a short while with this outing. Elizabeth sends a note to Georgiana about going to the museum on Friday afternoon at two o’clock. Georgiana responds that she will be happy to go to the museum with Elizabeth and her sister, Jane.

  FRIDAY – AT THE MUSEUM

  Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley cheerfully meet Elizabeth and Jane inside Darcy House. All the introductions and greetings are conveyed and everyone happily leaves for the museum in one of the Darcy carriages.

  The three young ladies cheerfully talk about the art that they each like. Georgiana observes that Elizabeth is not her cheery self. She smiles, but the sparkle that has always been there is now missing. Georgiana knows this has something to do with William. William was also sad and dejected all week ever since their Saturday luncheon.

  When Georgiana asked William if he was feeling well, he forlornly said that he was well; he had a lot of business on his mind. She could tell that he was not well, but he would not elucidate. They had silent suppers together. Georgiana would play her piano forte for him, but he seemed pensive and very quiet, staring off somewhere else. She knew it had to do with Elizabeth, but she was afraid to ask William about it. Did they have a disagreement? Did William do something to upset or offend Elizabeth like last time with the pocket watch?

  Georgiana hopes that William will be able to fix this with Elizabeth. Georgiana knows that he admires and likes Elizabeth very much. She has never known him to volunteer to go anywhere with her and her friends for hours like he did with Elizabeth. He has never invited any ladies over for luncheon at their home. He has never been happy and smiling as much as he has been with Elizabeth. Georgiana may be naïve, but she can see the difference in her brother ever since Elizabeth became her friend. Georgiana is delighted that William and Elizabeth like each; she hopes that it will lead to her getting a wonderful sister. However, it does not seem like the two will talk to each other anymore. She must find out what is
wrong. Georgiana will ask Elizabeth; she cannot bear it any longer.

  As the three young ladies walk arm in arm around the museum, they happily enjoy each other’s company. Georgiana notices that Jane is kind and considerate just like Elizabeth. She is truly caring of Elizabeth and Georgiana. The three of them joyfully talk to each other like they have been long-time friends. As they get to the new Italian statue displays, Georgiana sees William along with Richard, Mr. Bingley, and two young ladies; thank goodness, the young ladies are not Miss Winters and Miss Henderson. William does not see Georgiana’s group yet. They come closer, and finally, Mr. Bingley and Richard sees Georgiana’s group, and they cheerily make their way towards her.

  Elizabeth is happy to be out with Jane and Georgiana today, but Mr. Darcy is still on her mind. She cannot seem to banish thoughts of him; he is always there. As Elizabeth looks across the room, she sees none other than Mr. Darcy along with Richard, Mr. Bingley, and two new young ladies. All three men look at her and her group. Elizabeth freezes in her steps. Both Jane and Georgiana notice her halt; hence, they stop too.

  “Are you well, Lizzy?” Jane asks with slight concern.

  “Umm…yes, Jane. I am well.” Elizabeth looks at Jane and quietly says, “Jane, I see Mr. Bingley across the room there with Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and two young ladies. Are you going to be all right?” Elizabeth asks considerately.

  Jane softly says, “I will be fine, Lizzy. Will you, sweetie?”

  “Yes, I have to be, Jane.” Elizabeth turns to squeeze Georgiana’s hand and tells her who she sees across the room.

  “I see them too, Elizabeth. Are you well?” Georgiana asks thoughtfully. Now, she is certain that there is some disagreement between William and Elizabeth; otherwise, Elizabeth will not act like this. Usually, she would be jovial and lively to see these gentlemen. Is it due to the two young ladies? Are those young ladies with Mr. Bingley or Richard or…William – no!

  “Elizabeth, Georgie, how nice to see you here.” Richard says smiling widely; he is genuinely happy to see Elizabeth. Darcy told Richard what happened between them, and Richard is concerned for them. Tactfully, he will find out what has occurred with Elizabeth to have triggered such a sad result. Richard notices the very pretty, blond, young lady next to Elizabeth. Is she a family member or a friend? Richard would definitely like to know.

  All the introductions and courtesies are made, and once again, the new two ladies are only talkative towards Georgiana while Elizabeth and Jane shyly look at each other with polite smiles. Darcy discreetly gazes at Elizabeth; Mr. Bingley and Richard happily gaze at Jane.

  Elizabeth has figured out that either one of these young ladies or both of these ladies are interested in Mr. Darcy. That is why they only want to talk with Georgiana (just like the last two young ladies), especially when they find out that Georgiana is Mr. Darcy’s younger sister. They will do all they can to establish a friendship with Georgiana to appeal to Mr. Darcy. That is logical and clever.

  Well, well, well; Mr. Darcy is out and about with others already; that is his right. Elizabeth is the one that refused a courtship with him. Certainly, he is not going to sit at home and pine over her. He is a handsome and a very eligible gentleman of the first circles. What young lady would not jump at an opportunity to know him better and be in a relationship with him? Obviously, she is the ONLY absurd young lady who turned him down. Goodness, how awful her life has become. Now, she has to stand here and be cheerful in front of these young ladies who are vying for his attention.

  Richard comes to stand next to Elizabeth to chat as Darcy stands back slightly and Bingley tentatively approaches Jane. Bingley amiably asks how long Jane has been in London.

  “I have been here a week, sir.” Jane replies courteously without giving away her emotions. Definitely, she does not want Mr. Bingley to know that she was affected by his departure from Hertfordshire last month. Jane knows that he was attracted to her, too. However, after speaking with Elizabeth, Jane knows that it must have been due to their Mother that scared Mr. Bingley away. Now, there is an even greater deterrent – Lydia’s shame. She has accepted that Mr. Bingley would not be a suitor when he left Hertfordshire; therefore, she will not think on it anymore. She has felt the sting of rejection; she does not want to experience it again.

  “How do you like London in the autumn, Miss Bennet?” Bingley asks genially with a warm smile. He wonders if he did the right thing in not pursuing Miss Bennet. She is still as pretty as ever. Her Mother is just so…unappealing to everyone. Caroline was so vocal and set against the Bennet family that she would not leave him alone until he said he recognized the Bennet family’s low connections and extremely poor manners – except Miss Bennet’s. Caroline pointed out that Mrs. Bennet is mercenary and will lead all her daughters to the same. Furthermore, Miss Bennet would burden him with the care of all the other unmarried sisters should Mr. Bennet pass because Caroline doubts that the daughters have a decent dowry to their name. Caroline had a list of the Bennet’s bad qualities. Moreover, Darcy agreed that with an uncouth mother-in-law such as Mrs. Bennet, it would adversely affect his reputation that he has been trying to improve for so long.

  “It is fine, sir.” Jane is determined not to be touched by Mr. Bingley’s amiability. He is with some other young lady, now. Jane behaves towards him like any other acquaintance that she knows.

  “Are you enjoying the exhibits here, Miss Bennet?” Bingley cannot help but be drawn into Miss Bennet’s beauty and goodness. She does not look resentful or upset; she behaves decorously just as he remembers.

  “Yes, many of them are very interesting, especially the Italian and French displays.” Jane is determined to be civil and impervious.

  “I like them too. Did you like the one with all the angels and the little cherubs?” Bingley asks affably hoping to extend their time together. He just wants to gaze at her and hear her voice.

  Bingley is determined to converse with Miss Bennet to find out if she still has any inclination towards him. He has been thinking about her ever since he left Hertfordshire, but he is worried by Mrs. Bennet’s behavior and comportment. Another aspect that Caroline is so entirely set against the Bennets is that they have family in trade. Bingley has reminded Caroline that they are also from trade; therefore, she should be careful with what she says to people. Caroline did not say anything after that, but she was adamant that he not ruin her chances at marrying a wealthy gentleman befitting of her wealth by aligning himself with a young lady from trade. Additionally, since Caroline met Miss Elizabeth and saw how Darcy seemed to have favored Miss Elizabeth, she is even more set against Bingley progressing with Miss Bennet. If Bingley advances his intentions with Miss Bennet, then he will not purchase Netherfield Park; consequently, they will be able to stay away from Mrs. Bennet as much as possible. Yes, that could work; he just has to get Miss Bennet to agree to live away from Longbourn.

  “Yes, that is one of my favorite ones. It is adorable. The artist made it into an elaborate scene. Each of the statues in that scene was immaculately done.” Jane replies good-naturedly.

  “Miss Bennet, are you staying with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner?”

  “Yes, I am.” Jane responds composedly.

  “May I call upon you and your family, Miss Bennet? I would dearly like to see Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner again. They are such pleasant people. I very much enjoyed meeting them with Miss Elizabeth the last few times.”

  “Oh…I do not know my Uncle’s and Aunt’s engagement calendar, sir. Perchance, Lizzy may know. I will ask my sister.” Jane says nicely and then turns to Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth senses that Jane wants to ask her something; hence, she turns towards Jane.

  “Lizzy, do you know Uncle’s and Aunt’s engagement calendar for this week? Mr. Bingley would like to make a call upon them.” Jane asks comfortably. She will not get her hopes up with Mr. Bingley; this may only be a cordial visit.

  “I know that Aunt will be available for calls in the mornings. What day are you t
hinking of, Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth states welcomingly to Mr. Bingley. She figures that Mr. Bingley would like to call upon Jane – not so much her Aunt and Uncle.

  “Any day that is convenient for all of you will be fine with me, Miss Elizabeth.” Bingley smiles widely hoping that Miss Bennet still is inclined towards him.

  “I know ten o’clock is my Aunt’s usual morning time for calls, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth responds genially. Elizabeth is glad that Mr. Bingley still seems enamored of Jane. However, Jane is going to end up having the same problem as Elizabeth did with Mr. Darcy. At least, this call is under the guise of calling on their family too.

  “That will be fine, Miss Elizabeth. Will ten o’clock on Monday be acceptable; do you think?”

  “I will let my Uncle and Aunt know, Mr. Bingley. I warn you, though; if my Aunt and Uncle are unavailable then you will have to visit with just me and Jane.” Elizabeth smiles playfully as Mr. Bingley chuckles and then merrily continues to talk with Jane.

  Richard says teasingly. “I would like to call upon my friend here, too. Will tomorrow at eleven o’clock be all right, Elizabeth?”

  Elizabeth smiles kindly and then says, “Richard, I am fine, truly. You do not have to worry about me.”

  “Well, can I not visit my friend? I thought friends visit each other.” Richard continues to tease Elizabeth.

  “Yes, Richard, you can visit me and my family at eleven tomorrow.” Richard’s teasing slightly eases her spirit.

  Richard is a good and understanding friend. Elizabeth knows that he wants to know what has happened between her and Mr. Darcy. She cannot tell Richard the truth either; otherwise, she will also lose his respect. He is the second son to the Earl of Matlock; he has to uphold his reputation. He cannot be known for having friends who are shameful. Elizabeth will tell him that she is not at liberty to tell him because it involves other people which is true.