Mr. Gardiner bowed and said “I am Edwin Gardiner. Mr. Darcy you wish to see me? I assume it is in regards to the painting.”
Darcy bowed in return and said “It is, and I wish to express my gratitude for your sending it to me. I am aware of how it came to be in your possession but I would like to know how you knew to send it to me.”
“Please have a seat sir. May I offer you some refreshments?”
Darcy declined and sat in one of the comfortable leather chairs that was positioned in front of Gardiner’s desk. Mr. Gardiner sat and clasped his hands together on the desk.
“You are aware of the business that I engage in so I shall not prevaricate. My wife amuses herself by perusing the various items that debtors, especially the ton, will use as collateral. When she saw the portrait, she knew immediately it was Lady Anne and begged me not to sell it and send it to you. My wife grew up in the village of Lambton and has very fond remembrances of the Darcy family, especially Lady Anne.”
“Mr. Gardiner, what was your wife’s maiden name?”
“Smyth. Madeline Smyth. Her parents owned the dry goods store but her brother runs it now.”
“Of course, I remember the family well.”
Darcy stood and bowed to Mr. Gardiner “Please be so kind as to extend my deepest gratitude to your good wife. Without Mrs. Gardiner’s recognition of the subject, my mother’s picture would have been lost to me. I thank you sir for your time.”
Mr. Gardiner bowed and replied “Think nothing of it sir. The honor was all mine.”
After Darcy left, he could not stop ruminating over Edwin Gardiner. He was certainly not what he expected. He was obviously educated, well-spoken and well dressed. If Darcy did not know that he was a tradesman, he would have taken him for a gentleman.
Chapter 5
Lizzie stepped out of the front door of her Aunt’s home and took a deep breath.
Ahhh she thought, how invigorating!
The weather was cold but she did not intend to walk far, only to the park across the street from the Gardiner’s home. The Gardiner’s footmen followed at a discrete distance. Her Aunt insisted on a footman or maid accompanying Lizzie very time she ventured outdoors. Lizzie loved her Aunt dearly and complied with her request although she did prefer to ramble on her own.
She entered the park and was surprised to see two men conversing on a bench. Another man sat opposite them reading a newspaper. She rarely encountered anyone in the park this early in the morning.
As she passed the two men, her ears perked up. They were speaking Prussian, a language Lizzie knew well. Lizzie never had the opportunity to speak Prussian with anyone, except for her father. She walked to the end of the path and turned around, heading back from where she came with the footman trailing a few feet behind.
She could not resist the urge to eavesdrop on their conversation and sat down on the far end of the bench from the man reading the newspaper. She could hear very clearly as both men made no attempt to lower their voices.
Hmmmm, Lizzie thought they are confident that no one can understand what they are speaking, especial a country Miss such as herself. She opened her retiucle and removed her book of sonnets. She lowered her head and pretended to read as she listened.
Suddenly she gasped at what she heard and was grateful that the men paid her no mind. For what she heard was truly shocking. The men stood and exited the park and when she was certain that they were out of sight, she stood and approached the man reading the newspaper.
Lizzie did not hesitate and felt that good sense in a situation such as this took precedence over propriety.
“Colonel? It is colonel is it not?” she asked.
The man lowered his newspaper and stood. “Colonel Fitzwilliam of his Majesty’s Horse Guards at your service.”
Lizzie and curtsied and introduced herself “I am Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Please forgive my lack of decorum sir, but I must inform you of the words spoken by those two men who were sitting on the bench opposite.”
The colonel was taken somewhat by surprise. “They were speaking German. Do you mean to say that you understand German?”
“Yes” Lizzie replied. “And several other languages but they were not speaking German, but Prussian, a northern dialect if I am not mistaken. There was a certain infliction in some of their words that led me to assume so. But that is beside the point sir. I wish to inform you that they were planning to dispose of you and not in a pleasant manner.”
The Colonel stared at this pretty, diminutive women standing in front of him. Her eyes spoke of intelligence.
“I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet, but please satisfy the curiously of this old solder. How many languages do you speak and how is it you acquired this education?”
Lizzie replied “I speak seven fluently and read and write Latin and Greek. My father is a scholar of languages and taught me as if I was a son.”
The Colonel bowed again to Lizzie and said “I am very impressed Miss Bennet. I assume that you do not make your home in London.”
“No sir, I am visiting with my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner who reside across from the park.”
“It was a pleasure making your acquaintance. I do not believe I have ever met a more accomplished lady.”
Lizzie blushed and said “I thank you for the compliment, however I have been advised that I am truly not accomplished as I do not play the pianoforte well, knit purses or embroider.”
“Indeed?” replied the Colonel. “I can assure whoever told you such is wrong.”
“Thank you Colonel” Lizzie said as she curtsied. “But what of the danger to your life? Do you not wish to know of the harm they wish to do you?”
“It is not of importance at this time Miss Bennet. But I thank you all the same. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Lizzie curtsied, turned and made her way to the Gardiner’s home.
Colonel Fitzwilliam made haste to visit his superior officer. Not known to anyone, excluding his cousin Darcy, Fitzwilliam worked for the war office leading covert operations to unmask traitors and spies that supported the French in defeating England in the Napoleonic war.
Colonel Fitzwilliam stood in front of the gentleman who was in charge of covert operations at the war office.
“But sir,” he pleaded. “Miss Bennet would be vital to our operation. As it stands right now, we have no one who speaks multiple languages. By the time a missive is obtained, it is usually outdated and the miscreants long gone before we have an opportunity to translate its contents.”
His superior sighed and said “Very well colonel, but I do not like it, not one jot. She is a young country Miss unaware of the evils in this world. I am placing her directly under your protection and will hold you responsible if any harm comes to her.”
The Colonel thanked the man and took his leave.
Chapter 6
The following morning, the Colonel called upon the Gardiner residence and presented his card to the butler requesting to see Mr. Gardiner.
After a few minutes wait, he was escorted into the man’s study. The two men spoke for some time, and then Mr. Gardiner rang for his butler and requested his niece’s presence in the study.
Both men stood at Lizzie’s entrance and the Colonel bowed.
“Good morning Miss Bennet. I am pleased to see you again.”
Lizzie curtsied and replied “Good Morning Colonel. I am pleased to see you but am surprised as well.”
“Please be seated Lizzie” her Uncle requested. “The Colonel and I have just concluded a conversation which directly concerns you. I will allow him to explain.”
Lizzie raised her eyebrows at this statement.
“Miss Bennet, as I previously informed you I am a Colonel in His Majesty’s Horse Guards. But I work exclusively for the war office tracking down traitors to the Crown.”
“You are a spy sir?” Lizzie blurted.
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled “I prefer covert operator but essentially I
am a spy. The Crown seeks your expertise and assistance.”
Lizzie wore an astonished look. “Me sir? I cannot fathom in what manner I could be of help.”
The Colonel continued “We often intercept missives and communiques from the enemy. They are then translated and acted upon. However, they are often written in languages that our own people cannot readily decipher. And more often than not, when the contents are learned it is too late to act upon them and the miscreants long gone. I would like to offer you employment in the war office translating such documents. You would have to reside at the Needleham Hotel as a missive can be received at any time during the day or night and time is of the essence. You will be provided a chaperone and maid and will be under my personal protection. You will also receive a generous compensation for your efforts. I believe your contribution will be invaluable to our operation. What say you Miss Bennet?”
Lizzie was stunned and could not immediately reply. “You pay me a great compliment Colonel and I thank you but I would like to defer my reply until after I have spoken with my Uncle.”
“Of course Miss Bennet. Will tomorrow suffice?”
“Yes Colonel it would and I thank you”
“Then I shall take my leave and please keep what I have related in the strictest of confidence.”
“You have my word Colonel and thank you again.”
“Till Tomorrow Miss Bennet.”
Mr. Gardiner chuckled to himself as he observed his niece sitting silently and perfectly still.
Lizzie was astonished at this turn of events, but pleased and excited at the prospect of putting her language skills to good use by assisting in the war effort against the French.
“Well Lizzie, I have never seen you at a loss for words.”
“I am all astonishment Uncle at the Colonel’s offer.”
“I know you have made your decision. What shall it be Lizzie?” Lizzie smiled and nodded her head yes.
Chapter 7
The Colonel went directly to Darcy house when he left the Gardiner home.
The two cousins greeted each other warmly and Darcy asked “Cousin where have you been keeping yourself? It has been an age since I was last in your company.”
“Oh Darcy, you know the war office keeps me quite busy. They simply cannot do without me.”
Darcy snorted at this comment.
“What is this urgent matter? It is not that wastrel Wickham again, is it?”
“No, something else entirely.”
Darcy then directed his cousin to the picture propped up against the side wall.
“Is that not Lady Anne’s coming out portrait?”
“Yes it is” replied Darcy. “And the last time I saw it was at Matlock House.”
“How did it come to be in your possession Darcy?”
“A Mr. Gardiner sent it to me with a note stating that it rightfully belonged to me. His wife grew up in Lambton and was acquainted with my mother. You are aware of Gardiner’s other business? Mrs. Gardiner persuaded him to send the picture to me.”
The Colonel was silent for several moments. Darcy eyed him carefully. They grew up together, more like brothers then cousins and could tell what the other was thinking by merely observing their facial expressions.
“You are aware of what your brother has done” Darcy said more as a statement then an accusation.
The Colonel stood and paced in front of the fireplace.
“Yes, I am” replied the Colonel. “Rupert has lost heavily at cards. His creditors sold his vowels to Gardiner. To satisfy the debt, the entire contents of Matlock house was given over to Gardiner. He also owns the townhouse but will not claim ownership until Rupert has passed.”
Darcy raised his brow at this discloser. The Colonel continued “Rupert is dying, wasting away from the French disease.”
“Where is he?” asked Darcy.
“He is being tended to in a home outside of London by a physician.”
“Shall I go to see him?” inquired Darcy.
“No Darcy, there is no need to. His mind is addled from the disease and he no longer recognizes anyone. The physician tells me it is just a matter of time till he passes.”
“Does your mother know about her eldest?”
“Yes, I told her all. You will recall her propensity for always knowing if we lie to her, even when we were children. She is secure at Matlock and runs the estate as fierce as a general. You know she had no attachment to Matlock house, especially after my father installed his mistress in the countess’ rooms.”
“Richard why did you not tell me? I could have offered my help.”
“That is exactly why I did not tell you. You have always felt a responsibility for those you care for. The matter is settled and settled for the best. This is not your burden to bear, but I am truly sorry about Lady Anne’s picture. The truth is I simply forgot that it hung in Matlock house. Please forgive me cousin.”
Darcy stood and approached Richard, placing his hand on his cousin’s shoulder.
“There is nothing to forgive cousin. Will you join me for breakfast?”
Before the Colonel could reply, there was a knock at the door.
“Enter” Darcy called out. His Butler entered with a letter on a silver salver.
“This letter has just arrived by express rider.”
Darcy took the letter and said “Thank you Bradley. That will be all.”
The butler bowed and exited the room closing the door behind him.
Darcy broke the seal and began to frown as he read the missive.
“Bad tidings Darcy?” inquired his cousin.
“It is from our Aunt Catherine. She writes of the situation being urgent but does not state what it is and that I should come to Rosings as quickly as possible.”
“Oh?” responded the Colonel with a smirk on his face. “Did the pigs escape from their pen? Or perhaps the goat trampled her flower garden? What could that old dragon possibly want now?”
“I do not know,” sighed Darcy. “But I will have to go and request that you accompany me Richard, as she is your Aunt as well.”
Richard groaned, “Very well, but I cannot leave tomorrow. It will have to be the day after.”
“Come for dinner tomorrow and stay the night. We can make an early start and be back in town within a day or two at the most.”
After Richard left, Darcy sat at his desk and pondered all that he had learned. It was a sad business with Rupert, but as Richard informed him, there was nothing to be done. He also wondered at what his Aunt wanted.
Chapter 8
The Colonel arrived early the following morning at the Gardiner residence. He was very self-assured and had no doubt that Miss Bennet would accept his offer of employment. He was a shrewd judge of character and believed that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was in want of an adventure. An adventure he would supply.
When he gained admittance to the house, he took note of the trunks in the entryway. He smiled and thought to himself the lady is anxious.
Lizzie and her Aunt came into the entryway to greet him.
“Can I safely assume you have accepted my offer Miss Bennet?” he asked.
“You certainly may Colonel,” Lizzie beamed. “As you see, I am packed and only awaited your arrival.”
“I will have your trunks strapped to my carriage and we shall be on our way.”
Her Aunt reminded Lizzie of her promise to dine with them on Sunday. Lizzie assured her that she would and took the arm that Colonel Fitzwilliam offered. He handed her into the carriage and took the seat opposite.
“Well Miss Bennet are you ready to embark on an interesting journey?”
Lizzie smiled and said “I do believe I am Colonel.”
When they reached the hotel there was a middle aged women waiting for them in the lobby.
“Miss Bennet, may I introduce you to your new companion Mrs. Mcglinty. She will escort you to your rooms and I shall be along shortly after you settle in.”
Lizzie was impressed with t
he spacious bedroom she was given. In addition to the large four poster bed, there was a desk, a large armoire to hold her clothes, a table with two chairs, and a small settee in front of the fireplace. It was the largest bedroom she had ever stayed in.
The walls were covered in pale yellow wallpaper dotted with small bouquets of bluebells. The two tall windows filled the room with sunlight and the floor was covered in thick carpeting in hues of blue.
“Is the room to your liking Miss Bennet?” asked Mrs. Mcglinty.
“It is a very pleasant room and I assure you I shall be quite comfortable. Thank you” replied Lizzie.
“Allow me to show you the sitting room. It is through this door and my own bedroom has a connecting door on the other side.”
Lizzie stepped into the room that was larger than the bedroom she would occupy. In addition to the several comfortable chairs and settees, the center of the room held a large round mahogany table with chairs. Against one wall was several bookcases but they were empty of books. The drapes were drawn back and sunlight flooded the room. There were also many side tables and a writing desk. Lizzie was amazed at all she saw.
There was a knock at the door and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered followed by a maid with a tea tray and another gentleman.
“Miss Bennet, may I introduce you to your maid Sarah. Sarah this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
The maid curtsied and Lizzie smiled at her. “It is a pleasure to meet you Sarah. I hope I am not too much of a bother for you.”
“Not at all Miss. It will be a pleasure to serve you. If you will excuse me, I will unpack your trunks.”
The Colonel turned to the other man and said “Allow me to introduce you to my batman Sergeant Chessup. Let us be seated and have our tea as I have much to impart to you Miss Bennet. I will be away from town for a day or two but Sergeant Chessup will begin your training on the morrow. He will be teaching you some basic self-defense.”
Lizzie raised her eyebrows at this statement. “Is that necessary Colonel?”
“You will probably never have an occasion to demonstrate those skills, but all of our agents are prepared for any eventuality. I also wish to impress upon you the need for secrecy. We do not speak of war office business outside of this room. One never knows who might be eavesdropping on our conversation.”
Lizzie Bennet Agent for the Crown Page 2