6. Chapter Six

Chapter Six

January 16, 1812 Gracechurch Street, London Elizabeth

E lizabeth eagerly broke the seal on her letter. Jane had written at last. There had been no word since just after Christmas, when she wrote Mrs. Bennet with news of her new home and Lady Catherine.

Dearest Lizzy,

I do apologize for not having written before now. Though Longbourn prepared me for running a household, I confess I had not realized how different it would be when I married. Hunsford Parsonage is not a large home, but I find there is much that needs my attention, despite having only a small staff.

The parsonage is lovely, even in the cold of winter. My home has a lovely garden in the front of the house and another more practical kitchen garden in the rear. The rectory is separated from Rosings Park by a lane and I can see the great house from the window of the front parlor. My husband has taken that room for his study, for he likes to look out the window and watch for Lady Catherine’s carriage to drive by. On those occasions when the great lady passes by our humble abode, Mr. Collins makes sure to leave the house to pay his respects.

I have made a few friends in the area. Rosings Park is the largest estate in our parish, and in consequence, my husband and I dine with Lady Catherine and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, twice a week. We are never permitted to walk home; her ladyship calls for one of her carriages when we depart.

Rosings Park is as grand as our cousin related. I imagine the formal gardens will be beautiful when the weather warms and the flowers bloom. Though I am very occupied with my life here, I am certain I shall find time to stroll the garden paths.

I am content with my new situation. Mr. Collins is not as objectionable as we thought. Indeed, he is attentive and kind, though his dedication to his patroness does give me pause.

Your last letter indicated you were to London with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. How do you find my cousins? Are they well? I was disappointed that I did not have more of an opportunity to visit with the Gardiners in December. I shall be glad to see them again this summer. Aunt Gardiner has promised to visit for a week or so.

Pray, tell me, will you return to Longbourn before journeying to Kent? I have written to Charlotte Lucas to include her in the invitation to visit. Papa will convey both of you to Hunsford. I anticipate your visit, for I miss you dearly!

I expect your arrival on the fifth of March, if that date is suitable to all parties involved. Give my London relations my love,

Sincerely,

Jane Collins

“Has Jane written at last, Lizzy?” Aunt Gardiner entered the room carrying her youngest, one-year-old Hattie.

“She has.” Elizabeth held up the missive. “She seems happy. I know my sister well enough to detect melancholy even in her letters. Am I to believe she has recovered her broken heart in so little time?”

“Not everyone requires years to heal from heartbreak, my dear,” Aunt Gardiner said soothingly.

“Jane may not show it, but she feels deeply. I am certain that her marriage to Mr. Collins was not what she wished.” Elizabeth refused to believe her sister would willingly go against her heart.

“You must respect your sister’s decision or risk driving her away.” Her aunt sat next to her on the settee and patted her hand. “You said Jane asked you to trust her judgment. Will you do so, or will you continue to protest a marriage that cannot now be undone?”

Elizabeth huffed. “You know I will accept Jane’s choice, little though I like it or approve of it. I will rest easier when I see her again. She seemed so sad and disconnected those last weeks before she married Mr. Collins. I wonder if she hoped, with each reading of the banns, that Mr. Bingley would appear and protest. I certainly did.”

“Jane has always been a private soul. She will share all with you when she is ready.” Aunt Gardiner stood. “I am off to Bond Street in search of a gift for your uncle’s birthday. Will you join me? We might go to Gunter’s for ices when we are finished.”

“And Hatchard’s?” Elizabeth smiled. A visit to her favorite bookshop was certain to cheer her.

Aunt laughed. “If you like. Now, run and fetch your things. The carriage has been called.”

Elizabeth did as she was bid and hurried from the room. Ten minutes later, they were aboard the carriage and traveling to the finer parts of town.

After browsing several shops, Aunt Gardiner and Elizabeth entered a watchmaker’s establishment. The display cases held several fashionable pieces suitable for a gentleman.

“Your uncle recently lost his watch to the Thames,” Aunt Gardiner confided. “It was pulled from his waistcoat when it snagged on one of the ship’s rails.” She bent over the display case, admiring the engraved front of a particularly fine silver watch. “This will do nicely. Mr. Gardiner prefers silver.”

“That is a wonderful choice, madam,” the proprietor said. “I engraved it myself.”

“What is the inspiration for the design?” Elizabeth asked curiously. The proprietor opened the case and withdrew the watch, placing it on a velvet cloth before Elizabeth and her aunt. Elizabeth noted immediately that the watch was engraved with intricate scrolling around the edges. There were vines and flowers woven throughout, twisting around an empty shield in the center.

“I can engrave whatever you like in the shield.” The proprietor anticipated Elizabeth’s question.

“I believe Uncle will like it.” She turned to her aunt. “Perhaps we might select a new fob as well?”

“I agree.” Aunt Gardiner turned to the man assisting them. “We will take it. I would like a G engraved in the center. And that fob there will suit my husband nicely.” She gestured to a simple silver fob that matched the watch.

The man nodded and led Aunt Gardiner to the counter, where he carefully recorded the details of the order. “All will be ready in a week’s time,” he told her, wrapping the watch and fob in a soft cloth and pinning the order to the fabric.

“Thank you,” Aunt Gardiner replied. They took their leave and made their way to Hatchard’s, the bell to the shop jingling on the way out. A display in the window of a haberdashery caught Aunt Gardiner’s eye, and when she pointed it out, the pair moved in that direction.

They entered the shop, and Aunt Gardiner moved to the display. Elizabeth wandered further into the store, admiring the array of ribbons and selecting several for her younger sisters.

“Charles has not been the same since November, Caroline, and you know it.”

Elizabeth jumped as she recognized Louisa Hurst’s voice coming from somewhere in the store.

“Nonsense. Our brother is simply in need of diversion. We were successful in keeping him in London, and now he has gone to Scarborough until April. When he returns, we will encourage him to attend as many events of the season as possible. He will meet someone new and forget all about Jane Bennet.”

Caroline Bingley’s acidic tone soured Elizabeth’s stomach. Her words confirmed what Elizabeth had always thought—Mr. Bingley’s sisters had conspired to keep him from Jane.

No longer wishing to hear what the sisters were saying, Elizabeth moved away. She thought to confront them but did not feel equal to facing the conspirators responsible for destroying the happiness of her most beloved sister.

She met her aunt at the door to the shop and they departed without further comment. Hatchard’s served to distract Elizabeth for a time, the overheard conversation put aside in favor of browsing the treasures found in a bookshop. An hour later, the pair settled at a table in Gunter’s, sipping on their ices despite the frigid air outside.

“Miss Bennet!” Elizabeth heard her name and turned.

“Mr. Darcy.” Her tone held surprise, though she ought not to be so shocked at encountering him here. He had a house in town. It was not so unexpected to see him in London, especially at Gunter’s. Ices were popular amongst all classes.

There was a young lady on his arm. Her blond hair peeked out from beneath her bonnet, and she eyed Elizabeth and her aunt with interest.

“What an unexpected pleasure to find you here,” Mr. Darcy said, bowing. “Will you introduce me to your friend?”

Elizabeth nodded reluctantly. “This is my aunt, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner of Gracechurch Street.” She watched his expression, noting the slight tightening around his eyes. “Aunt, this is Mr. Darcy.”

“It is a pleasure to see you again, sir,” Aunt Gardiner said. “It has been many years. I believe your sister was but a child when last we met.” Aunt turned to the young lady.

“I did not think I had the pleasure of your acquaintance, madam,” Mr. Darcy said stiffly. The surprise in his eyes had turned to suspicion.

“It would be a great compliment if you remembered me, unlikely though it is.” Aunt Gardiner chuckled. “My father owned a small estate near Lambton. Cresswell Manor was my home.”

“Miss Turpin?” Mr. Darcy’s eyes widened. “But it has been—”

“A dozen years at least,” Aunt Gardiner finished. “My mother and I left Cresswell after my father’s passing.”

“The estate was entailed, if I recall.”

“It was. We relocated to London, living with my aunt and uncle. I met my husband, Mr. Gardiner, and married soon after.” Aunt smiled.

Elizabeth stared in confusion. She knew her aunt had lived in Lambton. She had hoped to introduce her to Mr. Wickham over the holidays, but the gentleman had instead spent the festive season with Miss King’s family.

“Miss Bennet, will you allow me to introduce my sister to you?” At her nod, he continued. “Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” He made the introduction smoothly, tugging his sister forward.

“Will you join us?” Aunt Gardiner gestured to the two empty seats at their table.

The Darcys accepted and settled themselves. Her aunt resumed her conversation with Mr. Darcy, speaking of their mutual acquaintances in Lambton and leaving Elizabeth and Miss Darcy to listen.

“I have heard you enjoy music, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said at length, “and that you play very well.”

Miss Darcy’s cheeks reddened. “I am fond of music, but I would not say I play very well.”

Elizabeth’s lips turned down in confusion. She had expected the girl to accept the praise and maybe even brag a little. Mr. Wickham painted Georgiana Darcy as proud, and Elizabeth had long since imagined her to be a younger Miss Bingley.

“Perhaps I shall hear you play someday,” she said, pushing her misgivings aside. “Miss Bingley declared you to be most accomplished when last we were in company.”

She turned to Mr. Darcy, whose attention had turned her direction upon the mention of his friend’s sister. “Have you had the pleasure of Mr. Bingley’s company of late, Mr. Darcy? His departure from Meryton was very sudden. I do hope nothing urgent drew him away. His incivility could be easily overlooked if some tragedy prevented his return.”

“I have not had the pleasure of late. Mr. Bingley is not in Town at this time. In fact, I have not seen him since before Twelfth Night.”

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes slightly, searching for something more in Mr. Darcy’s expression. He looked slightly uncomfortable, as if the topic of Mr. Bingley made him nervous.

“He did not understate his capricious and impulsive nature, then,” she murmured. Pressure on her foot caused her to pause and she caught her aunt’s warning look before turning the subject. She directed her next question at Miss Darcy. “Did you remain in London for the festive season?”

Miss Darcy appeared flustered and stuttered as she answered. “I—that is, we— my brother and I remained here. My aunt and uncle stayed in Town, too, and we celebrated with them.”

“Town certainly has a myriad of delights, especially during the festive season,” Elizabeth replied. “I prefer the country, myself, though I do take delight in seeing more of England. Is the winter much different in Derbyshire?”

Each question drew Miss Darcy out a little more and Elizabeth might have thoroughly enjoyed her afternoon if not for Mr. Darcy’s pressing presence at his sister’s side. Despite Aunt Gardiner keeping him occupied, she felt his gaze on her and she wondered anew what disapproving thoughts he entertained in his head.

“I am afraid we must depart,” Mr. Darcy said after a time, standing and extending his hand to his sister. “We have an engagement with our aunt.”

Miss Darcy’s face fell, but she made no argument.

“I hope we meet again soon, Miss Bennet,” she said softly. Elizabeth returned the sentiment. It did not go unnoticed that neither Miss Darcy nor Mr. Darcy extended the offer for Elizabeth and her aunt to call. They could not have a tradesman’s wife sullying their home.

They turned to leave, but Miss Darcy paused, tugging at her reticule and retrieving something from inside. She extended her hand, offering Elizabeth her card. “I would welcome your call, should you choose to visit,” she said hurriedly, countering part of Elizabeth’s previous observation.

Elizabeth accepted the card automatically, noting the tightening of Mr. Darcy’s expression and reading the disapproval in his eyes.

She nodded and thanked Miss Darcy, watching closely as the pair left the shop.

“Mr. Darcy is not at all what you painted him to be,” Aunt Gardiner said once they had gone. “I found him to be friendly and an engaging conversationalist.”

“No doubt his manner changed when he learned who you were,” Elizabeth reasoned. “He did not approve of me while he stayed in Hertfordshire. Perhaps your identity has made me slightly less objectionable.”

“I did not detect disapproval.” Her aunt raised an eyebrow. “I thought he seemed rather preoccupied with you . ”

“Your imagination is very vivid, Aunt. I can assure you that Mr. Darcy has no good feelings for me.” Elizabeth took a bite of her ice.

“Will you accept Miss Darcy’s offer and call upon her?”

She considered her words carefully. “I do not know what to do, especially since I easily noted her brother’s disapproval. Surely, he will not be pleased with my calling upon his sister.” She held up the card. “Their house is in Mayfair—I dare not pollute their home.”

“Miss Darcy seemed eager to continue your acquaintance. It would be a shame to disappoint her. She is so very shy.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I confess, Mr. Wickham’s description of the young lady was all wrong. He said she was proud. I detected nothing of the kind.”

“It would not hurt to call once or twice. I can send you in the carriage with a maid.”

“If you think it best.” Elizabeth agreed with reluctance. Her aunt was right; calling upon Miss Darcy once or twice would do no harm. She would send a note to Darcy House later that week, arranging everything.

Mrs. Gardiner stood. “Let us return home. The children are likely awake after their rest. They will be missing me.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Hattie, especially. She is particularly attached to you!”

Aunt Gardiner laughed with her. “More so than any of my other children. She prefers her mama to all others.”

They linked arms as they left the shop and strode down the street. The carriage waited a few minutes’ walk away, and soon they were safely inside and on their way back to Gracechurch Street.