by Pamela Lynne
“Mr. Gardiner is brother to Mrs. Bennet.”
Bingley’s eyes grew wide. “Of course, forgive me for not making the connection sooner. Your relations spoke fondly of you while visiting us at Netherfield. How are the Bennets? Are all your nieces still at Longbourn?” Bingley asked hopefully.
“I believe so, Mr. Bingley. All but one. Elizabeth is currently living with us at Gracechurch Street.”
Bingley sighed in relief. If Jane was still at Longbourn, then he still had hope. If he could just be rid of Caroline, then he would return to Netherfield to pursue her properly.
“Were you aware of this, Darcy? Have you called on Miss Elizabeth during her stay?”
“Yes, I have had the privilege of seeing her every day this week.”
“Capital! I shall come round as well. I have missed all my friends in Hertfordshire. Perhaps Miss Elizabeth can share news of them all.”
“It is doubtful; she has not been at Longbourn for many weeks. I must say, Bingley, I am rather surprised that you are in town. In our last encounter, you seemed quite desperate to stay near Longbourn yourself.” Darcy looked harshly in Bingley’s direction.
Bingley looked down at his feet while he responded sadly. “I would like to have stayed at Netherfield indefinitely, but Caroline wanted to return to town.”
“Of course you must always follow the whims of your sister.” Darcy looked up and saw Mr. Gardiner’s curious glare and realized he was succumbing to his anger.
“Mr. Gardiner, I just saw the ladies off on their expedition. I hoped you could humor me until the time for their return and tell me about your business.”
Mr. Gardiner leaned back in his chair, entwined his fingers over his chest, and laughed.
“Mr. Darcy, if I did not know better, I would say you are disappointed not to have gone with them. You have a look of abandonment about you, as if your best friend has deserted you.”
“She has. But I am not pouting, sir. I have a genuine interest in what you do and wish to hear how you have managed your success,” Darcy said with an amused smile.
“I could question this genuine interest, but I shall refrain at this time and humor you as you asked. That is, if we would not bore Mr. Bingley here.”
Bingley, who had become distracted by a shiny object on a shelf behind Mr. Gardiner’s desk, startled when he heard his name. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Mr. Gardiner is going to tell us about his business, Bingley.”
“Ah yes. Our friend did not mention what you sell, just that you are the man to speak to about profitable investments.”
“That is because I do not sell or manufacture any product, Mr. Bingley. I am primarily a landlord. I own several buildings here in Cheapside that house different shops. I have investments in many of those businesses as well.”
“You are young to have acquired the means for such investments,” Darcy observed.
Mr. Gardiner nodded. “I inherited much of those means from the man I apprenticed under as a lad. He had no family, so he left me his buildings as well his interest in a shipping company that imports goods from the Orient and West Indies. Everything I have has grown from there. I have recently been approached by a group of men looking for investors in their gas company, which is why you were sent to me, Mr. Bingley.”
Darcy turned toward Bingley to see he had fallen asleep with his head leaned back against his chair his mouth wide open. Darcy let out an annoyed sigh as Mr. Gardiner studied the slumbering man quizzically.
“He looks like a boy sleeping after a bedtime story.”
“‘Boy’ is certainly an appropriate word.”
“You do not think highly of your friend. Should I be concerned about doing business with him?”
Darcy shook his head. “No, no. Bingley is not necessarily a bad man, just not a trustworthy friend. He has no confidence and has a feeble character. If he attaches himself to you, you will never be rid of him.”
Mr. Gardiner nodded. Darcy studied him for a moment, wondering at his success as well as the need for bodyguards.
“Sir, I mean no disrespect by asking, but I wonder why an investor would need a team of burly armed footman surrounding him. Collecting rent in Cheapside cannot pose much danger.”
Mr. Gardiner observed him in the same way he did when he asked for permission to court Elizabeth, as if he were trying to sketch his character with just a glance. After long moments of silence in which Darcy did not nervously squirm as he did previously, Mr. Gardiner rose from his chair.
“Come with me, Mr. Darcy.” They left the room and approached a footman. “If Mr. Bingley wakes from his nap, point him in our direction.”
They descended the stairs into the warehouse as Mr. Gardiner began explaining.
“One of the reasons the shops in this neighborhood have been successful is that they do not cater to gentlemen. As I am sure you are aware, Mr. Darcy, members of the upper classes are not always inclined to settle their debts to tradesmen. Gambling debts must be settled, of course, or the gentleman runs the risk of being called out. There is very little recourse for shopkeepers to collect what they are owed. Our businesses will only extend credit so far, and it is not uncommon for a proprietor to need help in calming an angry customer who has been denied further services. There is another aspect of my business that requires the assistance of those burly footmen.”
Mr. Gardiner led Darcy into a room guarded by two more men, and what he saw there was bewildering. The walls were covered with exquisite paintings and tapestries. Tables lined the room, holding fine crystal and boxes that he could only assume contained jewels.
“The man I apprenticed for taught me many valuable lessons, one of which is that there is much profit to be made off the vices of the aristocracy. At the time, he meant brandy and silks, but the Prince Regent has set such an excellent example of debauchery that the first circles are finding it hard to afford to stay in fashion.”
Darcy continued his perusal of the room. When his eyes landed on the man in front of him, he nodded in understanding.
“You are a pawnbroker. You make high-interest loans so gentlemen can maintain their lifestyle of excess. The treasure before us is their collateral.”
“That’s about the size of it, Mr. Darcy. When they cannot pay, their treasures go to auction so that men such as myself or Mr. Bingley can buy a piece of nobility at a reasonable price.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.
“You do not think highly of gentlemen in general, do you, sir?” Darcy was defensive. He did not want to be categorized with the same men whose lost riches now surrounded them.
“I know better than to group all men of a certain class into the same category. I have seen enough of the world to know it is our actions, not our place in society, that make us who we are. I prefer to see the man, not the title.”
Darcy’s eyes again trailed across the room as he took in Mr. Gardiner’s words. What he saw hanging on the far wall caused his feet to move toward it, seemingly of their own volition. He stopped in front of a painting, beautifully done, that showed his own eyes staring back at him.
“Is that Miss Darcy?” Bingley had made his way to them after awakening to an empty office, his sleepy voice resonated behind them.
Darcy shook his head. “It is my mother. How much does my uncle owe you?” Darcy asked with his pleading eyes full of embarrassment.
Mr. Gardiner placed his hand on Darcy’s shoulder and shook his head. “That is between the two of us, son. You need not involve yourself.”
“I will not allow my mother’s portrait or any other Matlock heirlooms to go to the auction house. I will settle his debts, sir.”
“You cannot take on all of the earl’s debts, Mr. Darcy; it would make it far too easy for him to collect new ones. Unless you convince him to change his lifestyle, you will not do much good at all. You will not lose your heirlooms. I promise to let you know if he fails to pay.”
Darcy nodded as he bit his lower lip in thought. “Thank you, sir.”<
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Mr. Gardiner took out his watch. “Well, I do not believe the ladies will have returned by now. Let us return to the office. I will pour us all a brandy and tell you stories of my travels to the West Indies.”
Bingley accepted the offer and asked with wide-eyed glee, “Did you see any pirates, sir?”
Mr. Gardiner chuckled and said, “Listen and see, my boy.”
********
Darcy and Mr. Gardiner parted with Bingley outside the warehouse and walked to Gracechurch Street, discussing the gas company Mr. Gardiner brought up before.
“We are having a dinner next week for potential investors. You should come. Bingley will be there as well, and Lizzy will be helping her aunt with the hostess duties.”
Darcy was not eager to see more of Bingley, but the idea of spending an evening with Elizabeth was too tempting.
“I believe I shall. Thank you.”
The men returned to the Gardiners’ home just in time to help the ladies from the carriage. Darcy’s smile reached all the way to his eyes when he saw Elizabeth, and when she placed her hand in his, all the distress he felt that afternoon disappeared. For that brief moment, there was no debt or betrayal, only a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman and the great pleasure they could bestow.
Chapter Ten
* * *
Darcy awoke earlier than usual in anticipation of the day ahead. He looked to the window and saw that cold rain fell on the city once again, but it did not matter. It was going to be a beautiful day because Elizabeth was coming home, at least for a little while. She and her aunt were to have tea with Georgiana that afternoon. It would be the first time she would see their home, and he was more excited than he could ever remember being before.
He and Georgiana called at Gracechurch Street together several days in a row. Though he was becoming increasingly anxious to have Elizabeth’s attention focused solely on him, he enjoyed seeing Georgiana interact with Elizabeth and the Gardiners. For the first time in her life, she witnessed a true family. As much as he loved and doted on her, until now, he had never been able to give her what she needed: the warmth and companionship of a sister and mother. Elizabeth brought many good things to his life, and he hoped with all his being that he would make her happy.
He rolled over on his side and slid his hand lightly over the space next to him. He sighed as he imagined her lying there with him, her eyes closed in sleep and her hair splayed across the pillow. He smiled as his imagination took him further to see her bright eyes laughing at him and her delicate fingers running through his hair. They would spend the most intimate moments of their lives there, sharing and creating life, enjoying the feel of each other and telling their innermost thoughts.
He moved onto his back and stared at the canopy, remembering their goodbye the previous evening. He had to keep the encounter chaste since Georgiana was with them. He hoped that when his eyes met hers as he kissed her hand, she could read in them how much he desired to take her in his arms and kiss her properly. It was unlikely he would have the opportunity to do so today, either, as his sister and her aunt would be with them constantly. He would not dwell on those thoughts, though. He could not touch her as he wished, but he could speak to her, hear her laugh, and watch her graceful figure glide through the room. Feeling it was wise not to dwell on that last thought too long, he rose and began his day.
********
Breakfast was a noisy affair as Darcy listened to his sister enthusiastically describe her time with Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner and her anticipation of spending another afternoon in their company.
“They are so open and friendly, Fitzwilliam. I feel none of the awkwardness I usually do when in company. They tease affectionately, and Mrs. Gardiner is loving in her advice. It is always as I imagined a family would be,” she said somewhat wistfully.
“You have always been part of a family, dearest. I know Richard and I have not been perfect, but we have always tried to do what was best.”
“I know you have, Fitzwilliam, and truly you and Richard are excellent guardians. But I have always longed for female companionship, to have a sister and a mother to go shopping with and tell secrets to and just be silly with. I have that for the first time, and I always feel I might cry when it is time for us to leave.”
“I know that feeling all too well. Were you able to set a date for dinner?”
“Oh yes. They have a dinner planned for Monday but are free the rest of the week. I thought the sooner the better and asked them for Tuesday. I will send a note to Lady Susan today.”
“Do not bother. I will call on them this morning and ask them personally. I have some business to discuss with Uncle Henry. I will go around to Gracechurch Street when I am done to collect Elizabeth and her aunt.”
“Very well, Brother. But do not be late in collecting them. I want them here as soon as possible.”
“I had better get going then. The meeting with Uncle Henry could prove to be a long one.” With that, he kissed his sister on the cheek and strolled out the door.
********
The three Fitzwilliams had just finished breakfast and were lounging in a drawing room when Darcy was announced. They always had a good number of morning callers, but Darcy was never one of them. At least two of those present were anxious about his arrival. Lady Susan hoped and Sebastian feared he was there to discuss Georgiana.
He entered the room, tall and imposing, his dark figure in stark contrast to the fair-haired group that was standing to meet him. Darcy bowed.
“Uncle Henry, Lady Susan, Sebastian, good morning.”
“Darcy, what a delightful surprise. I trust everything is well?” Lady Susan extended her hand.
He bowed and kissed it as was expected and, with cold civility, replied to her inquiry.
“Yes, Lady Susan, all is well. I have come to issue an invitation to dine at Darcy House Tuesday evening, if you are free.”
“Yes, of course, we would be delighted to attend. I am pleased to see you have decided to remember you have a family. It has been some time. Will Georgiana be joining us?”
Lady Susan had a way of speaking that made one feel very small. Though it was still morning, she was dressed as if she were ready for an audience with the queen, and the room she was sitting in would be fit for that same queen with its ornate design and pretentious air. Darcy much preferred the Gardiners’ parlor and Mrs. Gardiner’s welcoming smile and genuine concern.
“Yes, she will be serving as hostess. I agree, madam, that it has been far too long since I have concerned myself with my Fitzwilliam relations. That is something I intend to correct.”
With this statement, he looked directly at his uncle, who looked very much the part of a gentleman of leisure. He was an aging dandy, and his stature and demeanor pointed to the fact that he never said no to any indulgence.
Lord Matlock seemed taken aback by Darcy’s declaration, but before he could speak, Sebastian asked, “And to what do we owe the honor of this invitation? Have we forgotten a birthday? Are we celebrating anything in particular?” Like you growing a personality.
“Yes, actually,” you arrogant twit, “I will have the honor that night of introducing you to my intended and her family.”
The three stood dumbfounded for a moment until the earl finally found his tongue.
“Congratulation, Darcy! I had not heard you were courting any young lady.”
“Thank you, Uncle. It is a recent development. We are not yet engaged, but I believe we will be ready to make an announcement by Tuesday.”
“This truly is excellent news, Darcy,” Sebastian added. “I never thought you would be the first to marry. I am sure she is lovely, and I greatly look forward to meeting her.” God, she is probably as dull as Darcy and about as attractive as his hunting hounds.
“Thank you, Cousin, I am sure you will agree when you meet her that she is indeed the loveliest creature in all of England.” And if you so much as take her hand, I will tie you behind my horse and dra
g you all over London.
“We would not expect any less of you, Darcy. Who is she, and how did you meet her? You have not been out in society this season at all as far as I could tell.” Lady Susan’s voice was syrupy sweet as she spoke, but her eyes told of her greed. With all of Darcy’s wealth, he was sure to bring a valuable connection into their society.
“Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. I met her while visiting Hertfordshire last autumn. Her father owns an estate there. She is currently living with her uncle here in town.”
“Bennet? I do not know of any Bennets. Who is her uncle? Do we know him?”
“The Bennets are not much for town. As far as her uncle, it is not for me to say if you know him,” Darcy stated casually, but looking sternly at his uncle, he added, “He is Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street.”
Lord Matlock returned Darcy’s glare with a look of complete mortification. He rose from his seat and walked to the window when his wife began blathering.
“Gracechurch Street? In Cheapside? He is in trade?” Her sweet voice was replaced with one of disgust as she contemplated the connection. She looked to Darcy to dispute her assumption, but he merely nodded.
Matlock gathered his composure and walked toward Darcy, looking at him carefully.
“He is no mere tradesman.” He spoke softly. “He owns at least half of Cheapside. You should be careful there, Darcy. If you cross him, he is likely to display your bollocks on his desk for all the world to see.”
“I am well aware of that, sir. It is fortunate, then, that I do not find myself in the position of owing him money. From what I have seen, he not only owns half of Cheapside, but a good deal of Mayfair as well.”
Darcy glanced at Sebastian, who had to grace to at least look guilty for the position he had put his family in. Looking back at his uncle, Darcy said in a voice that would brook no opposition, “I trust you will welcome Miss Bennet into the family and show your support of her in society as well.”