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Authors: Regina Jeffers
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imagined Gardiner’s sister brought the man more than one regret. “What of your first proposal, Mr. Darcy?”
“In Kent, I declared my regard for your niece, but Miss Elizabeth took me to task for my participation in separating Miss Bennet from Mr. Bingley, as well as the skewed history of our relationship, which Mr. Wickham provided her. In truth, her charges brought me to a better understanding of my nature, and I found her criticism apropos. I have since made pronounced changes in my dealings, including confessing my perfidy to Mr. Bingley. My friend returned to Netherfield and Miss Bennet.”
Gardiner regarded Darcy with mild amusement.
“Then you will be pleased to know that Lizzy recently described you as the one person she most trusted.”
* * *
A note from Mrs. Younge came late on the first day, and after Darcy confirmed the accuracy of the information, he dispatched a payment to the woman. He suspected Mrs. Younge did not want her particular friend to realize she betrayed him to Darcy. Keeping Darcy away from Edward Street would be to Mrs. Younge’s advantage for she catered to those on the fringe of disrespectability. Her boarders would not want a light shone on their activities.
“Miss Elizabeth.” The maid showed Darcy into the morning room when he called upon the Gardiner household.
She glanced up from her tea.
“Mr. Darcy.” For a brief second Elizabeth presented him the most welcoming smile Darcy ever experienced, and his heart leapt with hope. “You are earlier than I expected, Sir.” She gestured to a chair across from her. “Join me. Uncle called in at his warehouse, something about a late shipment. I fear you must be content with my company.” Gardiner’s servant poured Darcy a cup of tea. “The gentleman prefers milk, but no sugar,” Elizabeth instructed, and he thought it ironic Miss Elizabeth took note of his preferences. “Did you hear from Mrs. Younge?’
Darcy shot a quick glance to Gardiner’s waiting servants, and Elizabeth perceptively excused them. When they were alone, he explained, “Mrs. Younge supplied the directions to a tavern with let rooms above in St. Clement’s parish.”
“Then Tobias Dungle had the right of it.”
“Yes, your uncle would likely have learned something of Mr. Wickham without my assistance,” Darcy allowed.
Elizabeth ignored Darcy’s graciousness.
“But not with such speed of purpose,” she countered. “How may my family thank you?’
Darcy shook off her suggestion.
“There is no need.” Across the breakfast table was not the setting he wished to renew his proposal. “I mean to call upon Mr. Wickham this morning. Your uncle gave me permission to negotiate in behalf of your family.”
A shudder of what appeared to be dread shook Elizabeth’s shoulders . Would this be the moment she would admit her perfidy?
“You will act with honor, will you not, Mr. Darcy? I could not bear it if you and Mr. Wickham came to blows.”
Tears misted her eyes, and Darcy could not stifle the question rising to his lips.
“Do you fear for my well being or that of Mr. Wickham?”
A single tear escaped before Elizabeth wiped it away.
“It would grieve me if this matter brought either of you to harm.” Her diplomacy gave Darcy no comfort. He wanted Elizabeth to claim affection for him.
Darcy stood to announce his departure.
“I mean to call upon Mr. Wickham. As you hold a vested interest in what transpires, I thought you should accompany me. I would not wish to come to an understanding of which you did not approve.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose in challenge.
“You thought of my company without my harassing you into serving as my escort?”
“Allow me credit, Woman, for making the effort,” Darcy teased.
Elizabeth placed her serviette upon the table.
“I am proud of your progress, Sir.” Her easy taunt almost made Darcy forget Elizabeth must soon speak of her purposeful deception. That conversation would determine whether they
“In Kent, I declared my regard for your niece, but Miss Elizabeth took me to task for my participation in separating Miss Bennet from Mr. Bingley, as well as the skewed history of our relationship, which Mr. Wickham provided her. In truth, her charges brought me to a better understanding of my nature, and I found her criticism apropos. I have since made pronounced changes in my dealings, including confessing my perfidy to Mr. Bingley. My friend returned to Netherfield and Miss Bennet.”
Gardiner regarded Darcy with mild amusement.
“Then you will be pleased to know that Lizzy recently described you as the one person she most trusted.”
* * *
A note from Mrs. Younge came late on the first day, and after Darcy confirmed the accuracy of the information, he dispatched a payment to the woman. He suspected Mrs. Younge did not want her particular friend to realize she betrayed him to Darcy. Keeping Darcy away from Edward Street would be to Mrs. Younge’s advantage for she catered to those on the fringe of disrespectability. Her boarders would not want a light shone on their activities.
“Miss Elizabeth.” The maid showed Darcy into the morning room when he called upon the Gardiner household.
She glanced up from her tea.
“Mr. Darcy.” For a brief second Elizabeth presented him the most welcoming smile Darcy ever experienced, and his heart leapt with hope. “You are earlier than I expected, Sir.” She gestured to a chair across from her. “Join me. Uncle called in at his warehouse, something about a late shipment. I fear you must be content with my company.” Gardiner’s servant poured Darcy a cup of tea. “The gentleman prefers milk, but no sugar,” Elizabeth instructed, and he thought it ironic Miss Elizabeth took note of his preferences. “Did you hear from Mrs. Younge?’
Darcy shot a quick glance to Gardiner’s waiting servants, and Elizabeth perceptively excused them. When they were alone, he explained, “Mrs. Younge supplied the directions to a tavern with let rooms above in St. Clement’s parish.”
“Then Tobias Dungle had the right of it.”
“Yes, your uncle would likely have learned something of Mr. Wickham without my assistance,” Darcy allowed.
Elizabeth ignored Darcy’s graciousness.
“But not with such speed of purpose,” she countered. “How may my family thank you?’
Darcy shook off her suggestion.
“There is no need.” Across the breakfast table was not the setting he wished to renew his proposal. “I mean to call upon Mr. Wickham this morning. Your uncle gave me permission to negotiate in behalf of your family.”
A shudder of what appeared to be dread shook Elizabeth’s shoulders . Would this be the moment she would admit her perfidy?
“You will act with honor, will you not, Mr. Darcy? I could not bear it if you and Mr. Wickham came to blows.”
Tears misted her eyes, and Darcy could not stifle the question rising to his lips.
“Do you fear for my well being or that of Mr. Wickham?”
A single tear escaped before Elizabeth wiped it away.
“It would grieve me if this matter brought either of you to harm.” Her diplomacy gave Darcy no comfort. He wanted Elizabeth to claim affection for him.
Darcy stood to announce his departure.
“I mean to call upon Mr. Wickham. As you hold a vested interest in what transpires, I thought you should accompany me. I would not wish to come to an understanding of which you did not approve.”
Elizabeth’s eyebrow rose in challenge.
“You thought of my company without my harassing you into serving as my escort?”
“Allow me credit, Woman, for making the effort,” Darcy teased.
Elizabeth placed her serviette upon the table.
“I am proud of your progress, Sir.” Her easy taunt almost made Darcy forget Elizabeth must soon speak of her purposeful deception. That conversation would determine whether they