Chapter 3 #2
“Lady Anne,” Mrs Gardiner inquired, “might I make introductions?” At that lady’s nod she continued, “This is Mrs Susan Carter. She and I met at a charitable evening to raise money for families of injured soldiers returning from the war. Mrs Carter, this is Lady Anne Darcy, from Derbyshire. Their estate is but five miles from Lambton, the village where I spent some of my girlhood.”
Mr Gardiner brought young Carter over. “This young man wishes to be introduced to my niece. Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Frank Carter. He just completed his studies at Cambridge and is set to embark on his tour in a few weeks.”
Frank Carter grinned at everyone. “Sadly, an abbreviated one. We travel only to the north, specifically Scotland and Ireland. Due to the current situation, it is the best we can do. Rather disappointing as I very much wished to visit Greece and Italy.”
Elizabeth’s eyes lit up, “You have an interest in those countries?”
“Yes, I was a history student and spent many hours poring over books and any information I could find on their ancient architecture, sculptures and paintings. I hope to one day be able to walk through the Parthenon or look up and see the Sistine Chapel. Not to mention Michelangelo’s David.”
“A worthy aspiration, sir. I hope one day you manage to travel there.”
He gave her an appraising look, “If I am not mistaken it seems you might wish to take such a trip.”
Elizabeth raised one eyebrow, “And what has given you that idea?”
“Ahh… you patiently listened as I droned on. So, either you are excessively polite, or you are fascinated by the topic yourself.”
She laughed and applauded his deduction. “Very well, yes. If I should be so fortunate, those are places I dream of visiting, too.”
He sighed, “In the meantime I am left with the prosaic destinations of our own United Kingdom.”
“I am sure there will be many enviable sights to see. It is my understanding there are talented artists in the north painting vistas of the Peaks and Lake country. That will be something to see, indeed. Works in progress of the future artists of England.”
His eyes brightened, “Aye, and have not Keats or even Byron been staying in the area?”
“Perhaps.” It was all Elizabeth had time to say before supper was announced. Mr Frank Carter offered her his arm to escort her into the dining room.
Elizabeth was seated between young Mr Carter and Mr George Darcy. The meal was delicious and, alternating with the removes, conversation was shared between her two companions.
Mr Carter and Elizabeth spoke more on art and the ancient histories of Europe. On the other hand, her conversation with Mr Darcy left Elizabeth bemused.
“I understand from my wife that you are a great reader, Miss Bennet.”
“I do enjoy reading, Mr Darcy. Though I am not sure I may claim the title of ‘great reader’.” Her happy expression proved her comment a tease.
Mr Darcy gave a little smirk, making a dimple appear briefly on one cheek. “She also warned me to guard my speech, as you would have me tied up in knots with your wit.”
“Oh dear, this is a wretched beginning to my introduction to London Society. People will learn not to believe a word I say.”
A sound erupted from the man sitting next to her, which may have been a cough covering a laugh.
“Forgive me. Miss Bennet. I would not wish to give you the wrong impression. My wife is quite taken with you.” Mr Darcy continued under his breath, yet still loud enough for Elizabeth to hear, “Indeed, she may, in fact, be a genius.”
Luckily, Mr Carter picked up their conversation on her other side once more and they continued their conversation about his future travels.
When the meal ended, the ladies separated, leaving the men to their port and cigars.
“Gardiner, your niece is a gem. My wife and I look forward to getting to know her better.” Mr Darcy raised his glass in salute.
“Maddie and I are very fond of Lizzy. My sister, bless her, has a difficult time comprehending her second born, but we think she is incomparable. It will be difficult to find a match well suited to her, or someone clever enough to keep up with her intelligence.” Mr Gardiner’s pride was very clear to see.
“She is very pretty.” Young Mr Carter inserted loudly, then blushed as all eyes turned to him and the men laughed.
His father clapped him on the back. “Nothing wrong with looking, son. You are young yet, anything serious will wait some years. I have a feeling Miss Bennet will be snapped up before the end of the season.”
Mr Gardiner raised his glass, “That is our intention. To Miss Elizabeth Bennet!” They all drank and the conversation turned to the weightier subject of the war.
In the drawing room, the ladies were sitting quietly with their tea. Lady Anne mentioned she had heard of a musicale from her sister, the Countess of Matlock, set for a week hence.
“Madeline, I thought perhaps you might be interested in attending the evening.”
“It sounds lovely, my lady. Elizabeth and I were discussing upcoming events, and I had hoped to hear of a concert. My husband will be also checking what is playing at the theatre, as Elizabeth most particularly wishes to see a play.”
“Perhaps we can make an evening of it, if you, your husband and Miss Bennet will join us in our box?”
“You are very kind. I shall discuss it with my husband and let you know.”
Lady Anne nodded her agreement to Mrs Gardiner and excused herself. Approaching Elizabeth, Lady Anne took a seat beside her. “Miss Bennet, my daughter expressed an interest in meeting you. Do you think you might visit Darcy House one day for tea?”
The request surprised Elizabeth, “I thank you, my lady. I will need to check with Aunt Gardiner regarding our schedule, but I should be pleased to make your daughter’s acquaintance.
” Elizabeth hesitated, “I understand Miss Darcy is a bit older than my cousins, however, we occasionally go to the park for fresh air and exercise. If I do not presume too much, might your daughter wish to join us?”
Lady Anne smiled, “I believe she would like to. Perhaps you will get the chance to invite her during our afternoon tea.”
She changed the subject, “Are you ready for the dizzying scene of London’s Season?”
“As ready as I shall ever be. I promised my mother I would make an effort to meet eligible men, but I intend to marry only for the deepest of affections. So, I shall enjoy myself and anticipate meeting all kinds of people–the handsome, the admirable, and the ridiculous, and all their follies in between.” Elizabeth’s cheeks bunched in a wide cheeky grin.
The older woman’s eyes gleamed as she smiled back. “Elizabeth, you shall take the Ton by storm. They will not know what to do with you.”
“We cannot have that. They would package me up and deliver me back to Hertfordshire, express.” Her expression sobered, “I understand the pace can be exhausting with so many late evenings. My commitment to the orphanage is important.”
“That is commendable…” She stared at Elizabeth for a long moment then leaned over, “Pray excuse my impertinence, but what is your age?”
Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose, yet she replied, “I am not yet eighteen. My birthday will be celebrated this summer.”
“That is a good age, Elizabeth. All the expectations of blossoming adulthood, yet old enough to temper over-exuberance.”
“Forgive me, my lady. I think that form of maturity depends on the individual.” She could not help but think of her mother.
“Perhaps you are correct. I do hope we get to spend time with you during the Season. I shall enjoy introducing you to some of our friends, and their sons and daughters,” she finished with a kind smile.
“I look forward to it, my lady.”
The men entered as Mrs Gardiner was busily preparing the tea.
Lady Anne gestured to her husband. “I was just offering Miss Bennet our assistance in introducing her to our friends and acquaintances.” She widened her eyes at him for a moment.
Mrs Gardiner handed Mr Darcy his tea, “That is most kind of you, Lady Anne.”
“Nonsense, Madeline. We are old friends, and your niece is delightful.”
“Steady on the old,” Mr Gardiner had come to join them, his comment prompting chuckles from those nearby.
“You know how highly Mr Darcy and I think of you and your husband. It shall be my pleasure. I am sure Miss Bennet will meet someone wonderful and make her mother very happy.”
In response, laughter again rose from the other guests, though Elizabeth, perhaps, found a little less humour in it.
~ / ~
Later that night, after retiring to their sitting room, Lady Anne and Mr Darcy were reclining together, with her back against his chest. He played with her loose hair, weaving a section between his fingers and letting it go, only to repeat the action.
She was trying to decide the best way to introduce Elizabeth to her son. “We should have them meet at a social event. With other people around there should be less pressure, and we can watch for his reaction to her. She is quite a pretty girl.”
“And if he is insulting?”
She sighed, “He may very well be. But Miss Bennet does not appear to be the type of lady to let an insult slide. It will be good for our son to be on the receiving end of a scolding.”
“Oh, my beautiful, wise one, how exactly do you plan to bring her to his attention?”
She turned in his embrace and placed her hands on his cheeks. Leaning in closer until their lips were almost touching, she whispered, “Leave that to me.”
No more was said about their wayward son for the remainder of the night.