27. Chapter 27
T hey were moments away from arriving at Darcy House.
Elizabeth laughed privately to herself as she thought of her aunt's excitement for their outing.
Earlier, when Elizabeth and her sisters descended the stairs, Aunt Madeleine had stood at the bottom, looking each one of them over as they came down.
She followed them to the drawing room, where they came to a standstill and obediently awaited further inspection.
They were to go riding in Hyde Park and were wearing their new riding habits—Jane in royal blue, Elizabeth in emerald green, and Mary in teal blue.
They also sported jaunty new hats to match.
Aunt Madeleine had circled each of them with a close eye before bestowing her seal of approval.
“You three will look absolutely lovely riding in Hyde Park! Do me proud, girls!” Aunt Madeleine said enthusiastically.
When Uncle Edward—who had been watching the entire scene—shook his head and walked outside, they all laughed. Then Elizabeth and her sisters told their aunt goodbye and followed their uncle out to the carriage.
The carriage came to a stop in front of Darcy House. Now, seeing Fitzwilliam and the others standing with the horses, Elizabeth's own excitement for their outing began to build.
“Gentlemen, you will ensure the safety of my nieces and their reputations,” Gardiner said, a serious expression on his face.
“Of course,” Whit said.
“You may depend upon it,” Darcy added as Fitz nodded next to him.
Darcy led Elizabeth over to a chestnut gelding. “May I assist you?”
“Yes, thank you,” she replied.
He lifted her onto the horse, keeping his hands at her waist until she was steady. He then assisted Georgiana. After making sure both Elizabeth and Georgiana were secure in their saddles, he mounted his own horse. Fitz and Whit helped her sisters mount, and soon their group was ready to set off.
“Enjoy your ride. I shall see you all later,” Gardiner said, then boarded his carriage.
Elizabeth and her sisters waved goodbye to their uncle.
Darcy nodded to his cousin. Fitz then announced it was time to ride and led the group towards Hyde Park.
Darcy and Elizabeth were at the back of their party.
He smiled at her. “Ready?”
She returned his smile and nodded. They both urged their mounts forward until they caught up with the others.
Even though autumn was not the time of year most people went riding in Hyde Park, the weather was mild, and it was the fashionable hour.
It seemed half of London was out strolling, riding, or being driven.
This meant Darcy, Fitz, and Whit were repeatedly stopped by various acquaintances.
A few of whom mentioned how fortunate the three of them were to have the company of such beautiful women for a ride in the park.
As their group moved through the crowds, Darcy did not miss the frowns and disappointed looks aimed in their direction from several debutantes and their mothers.
Eventually, Fitz managed to lead their group away from the promenading so they could ride once again.
After riding a while, they slowed the horses down. Darcy walked his horse between Elizabeth’s and Georgiana’s horses. Miss Mary and Whit trailed behind them in deep discussion, while Fitz and Miss Bennet were bringing up the rear.
“I am so glad we were able to do this today!” Elizabeth said, her face glowing from the exercise and the fresh air.
Georgiana grinned. “Me, too!”
Darcy was about to respond as well when he heard his name called.
He looked to his right and saw two acquaintances approaching them on horseback.
It was not long before a few others joined them—all wanting introductions to Elizabeth and her sisters.
Eventually, they were able to extricate themselves from the group.
They made a circuit of the park once more, then Fitz led them back to Darcy House.
Darcy helped Georgiana dismount, then went to Elizabeth. She smiled at him as he approached her. Darcy had not seen her wear this riding habit before. The color and style were very becoming to her.
“I neglected to tell you how lovely you look today,” he said.
Her smile widened as she looked down at him. “Thank you very much . . . and thank you for such a wonderful afternoon. You even made sure the weather cooperated!”
He chuckled. “I do what I can.”
Elizabeth’s smile grew wider still at his response, and her eyes sparkled into his.
Darcy’s own smile grew as well. She was irresistible!
Ever since he first met her, she had been slowly reeling him in.
Now, he was caught, but never was there a more willing captive.
Darcy wrapped his hands around her waist as she placed her own hands on his upper arms. He lifted her down, never taking his eyes from hers. His feelings for her ran so deeply—
A slap on the shoulder from Fitz broke the connection. Darcy realized he had not removed his hands from her waist and did so immediately. He then looked at Fitz.
“After you, cousin!” Fitz gestured ahead, a knowing grin on his face.
Noting the others were waiting on him to enter the house and that Fitz would escort his sister, Darcy smiled at Elizabeth and offered her his arm. Together, they led the way into the house.
“Good evening, sir.”
“Good evening, Brandon.”
“I trust your afternoon in Hyde Park was enjoyable?”
“It was indeed, thank you. Is everything in order?”
“Yes, sir, everything is in perfect order. Also, Mr. Gardiner is in the library.”
“Thank you, Brandon.”
The Gardiners had invited the entire party to dine at Gracechurch Street this evening.
Darcy had suggested that everyone bring their evening attire to Darcy House.
He arranged for his guests to have bedchambers so they might bathe and dress for dinner following the afternoon in Hyde Park.
Gardiner had returned to travel with the party to escort his nieces.
Darcy saw his housekeeper waiting to address him.
“Mr. Darcy, I can show the ladies to their bedchambers whenever they are ready.”
Darcy nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Taylor.”
They all headed upstairs.
When they reached the third floor, Elizabeth asked, “May we say a quick ‘hello’ to Uncle?”
“Of course,” Darcy replied.
He and Elizabeth led the group into the library. Gardiner was browsing through the titles on a shelf and also held a book in his hand.
“It is difficult to choose just one, is it not, Uncle?” Elizabeth teased.
“Indeed!” he said, turning to her with a smile. “How was your ride?”
“We had a lovely time!” Miss Mary replied.
“Yes, we just wanted to let you know we were back,” Elizabeth said.
“We will get ready as quickly as we can, Uncle,” Miss Bennet added.
“Very good,” Gardiner replied.
Elizabeth smiled at Darcy, then left the library with Georgiana and her sisters.
“Everything went smoothly then, gentlemen?” Gardiner asked, looking at each one of them.
“Yes, quite smoothly,” Fitz assured him.
Gardiner nodded. “I am glad to hear it.”
“Gardiner, I wonder if I might have a word with you?” Whit asked.
Gardiner smiled. “Of course, Whit!”
“Darcy and I will leave you both to it then,” Fitz said with a grin.
Darcy grinned as well. He and Fitz clearly had the same suspicions regarding Whit’s reasons for a private word with Gardiner. Darcy nodded to the gentlemen, then he and Fitz left the library.
Elizabeth was almost finished getting ready. Mary had come to her room, and they were chatting as Elizabeth prepared for the evening. There was a knock at the door, and Mary went to answer it.
“Mary, there you are!” Uncle Edward said. “I have been looking for you. Whit has asked for a private audience with you. Are you inclined to grant him one?”
For a moment, Mary was speechless. She quickly recovered and said, “Yes, Uncle, I am.”
He smiled. “Very well, then, my dear. Come with me.”
Mary looked back at Elizabeth with a stunned but delighted expression on her face. Elizabeth was thrilled for her sister! She gave Mary an excited grin, then her sister left the room with Uncle Edward.
It was not long before they left Darcy House.
Elizabeth hummed with excitement all the way to Gracechurch Street.
When they reached her uncle’s house, she went to Mary, linked her arm through her sister’s, and squeezed.
They shared a grin as they walked inside.
Aunt Madeleine welcomed everyone into the drawing room.
As soon as all were seated, Uncle Edward spoke.
“I have an announcement to make. Mary and Whit are now courting!”
“What wonderful news!” Aunt Madeleine exclaimed.
Everyone expressed their agreement. Mary and Mr. Hadley both looked very happy. Elizabeth was ecstatic for her younger sister. She deserved every happiness.
Later, after they had dressed for bed, Elizabeth and her sisters met in Jane’s bedchamber.
“Can you believe it?” Jane asked. “All three of us are being courted by such honorable gentlemen!”
“I know!” Elizabeth said. “And is it not ironic that we initially met each of them in Hertfordshire?”
“You are right, Lizzy,” Mary replied. “That is ironic! Fortunately, though, we were able to further our acquaintance with the gentlemen away from Hertfordshire.”
“Yes!" Elizabeth said. "Aunt Madeleine recommended as much, did she not?”
"She did indeed," Jane agreed. "And, as we have so often found with Aunt Madeleine, she was right!"
The next morning, Darcy, Fitz, and Whit rode together to the Gardiners'. They had made plans with the ladies to come after breakfast and spend the day.
When they arrived, they were surprised to find Elizabeth and her sisters playing with the children.
Greetings were exchanged, and then the ladies introduced the children.
Darcy, Fitz, and Whit joined in, and they all played a few games together to the children’s delight.
After about an hour, the nurse and governess came to take the children back to the nursery.