Chapter Three
WE MEET AGAIN
The Darcy Carriage
Monday, The Following Week
It had been a long morning, since William was up well before dawn in order to leave Kent at first light.
Thankfully, the two days he stayed at Rosings Park were productive.
Not only did he spend time with Anna, but he assisted Lady Catherine with several estate matters which needed his attention.
While he had discussed his concerns about Mrs. Younge with his aunt, he was still somewhat uneasy with keeping her on.
“Nephew, I assure you Mrs. Younge’s references are solid. Why, the woman comes highly recommended by one of my closest friends. I am sure it is only a matter of insisting that Georgiana be better supervised throughout the day.”
“I hope you are correct.”
“Trust me, I am.”
Even though Georgiana had been attending school during much of the past year, she would not be sixteen until the middle of August, and in William’s mind she was yet very young.
He understood the need for a little independence, yet it was difficult for him not to worry.
After all, worry was what he did best. That had been his life ever since his mother died twelve years ago and even more so since inheriting and marrying Anne de Bourgh shortly thereafter.
For the most part, William’s daily routine had become rather oppressive. With all of the responsibilities he had taken on, at times his worries made him feel like an old man. In truth, if it were not for Anna and Georgiana, he would have had very little to look forward to.
Because his marriage had not been a happy one, William longed to share his life with a woman he could love in the truest sense of the word.
With such a woman he might feel revitalised and embrace new purpose.
He would be twenty-eight in September, and even though he was seeking a marriage of convenience, he prayed in earnest that his next marriage would not disappoint.
Elizabeth Bennet intrigued him, and he hoped seeing her this afternoon would provide him with yet another chance to properly assess her suitability.
Cheapside
Cheapside was known for its commerce and this district of the community was teaming with activity.
Consequently, the well-travelled streets were congested, overflowing with patrons and vendors.
Pulling off of the busy avenue and onto Gracechurch Street, William was relieved to see a more residential area emerge.
The homes were kept better than he anticipated, and thankfully the noise level and quality of air was significantly better being away from the main road.
As his driver pulled up in front of number six, William was surprised to see the lot was larger than most and that the house was rather impressive.
Gardiner mentioned that he chose this residence in order to be close to his warehouses along the docks.
William could see a small park at the end of the block which he imagined would provide some entertainment for the Gardiner children.
In his estimation, it was never easy for children to live in the city, and he was grateful that he and his sister had been raised in the country.
Needless to say, he wanted the same for his daughter and looked forward to the day when his family would be back in residence at Pemberley.
The Gardiners’ Residence
Having surprised her with his conversation during dinner, Elizabeth was looking forward to seeing William again.
While he had made a point of coming to her and complimenting her singing, they did not have another opportunity to continue on in conversation as the evening progressed.
To her amusement, however, on occasion she often caught him looking at her even though he was supposedly interacting with other guests.
For the past two days Elizabeth had tried to puzzle out William’s character.
Though she had much yet to discover, they did have one thing in common, and that was their love of literature.
His offer to take her and her aunt to Ballards was perfect, and while she would be looking at books, she would do her best to take his measure.
After all, other than her father, it was a rare man who understood her passion for books.
Elizabeth had been watching for William’s carriage from the parlour window, and when she saw it come to a halt, she happily rushed through the front door and out onto the portico to greet him. “Mr. Darcy.” She waved as the footman let down the steps and opened the door.
“Miss Elizabeth, ‘tis a pleasant afternoon,” he said, noting how pretty she looked in her yellow dress as he strode up the walkway and joined her at the top of the stairs.
“Yes, it is. If you please, would you mind joining me in the parlour for a bit? My aunt has been detained. One of our maids cut her finger and it required stitches. She will not be long. Moreover, it will give me the opportunity to introduce you to my young cousins while we wait.”
“I should be delighted.”
Leading William into the foyer, Elizabeth motioned for Daniels to take his hat and gloves. She was very curious to see how he would interact with the children. Thus far, he had mentioned very little of his daughter.
On entering, the Gardiner children suddenly became quiet and politely rose from where they were sitting. Margaret and Grace had been embroidering handkerchiefs, while Edward and Matthew were working on a project at the table.
“Mr. Darcy, these are my cousins: Miss Margaret Gardiner, Miss Grace, and Masters Edward and Matthew Gardiner. Children, this is Mr. Darcy.”
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you.” William offered a slight bow as the boys did the same and the girls curtseyed.
“Mr. Darcy, would you like to see what we are working on?” Matthew, the younger boy, asked unreservedly.
“Very much so,” William replied, seeing a variety of tarnished watch parts and gears spread over an oilcloth.
“Last week, Papa brought home this box of timepieces that were either broken or taken apart, and he challenged us to see what we could make of them,” Edward, the elder, boasted. “Mama said we could work here this afternoon where the light is better.”
“I see; may I join you while we are waiting for your mother?”
“Please,” Edward enthusiastically answered, offering William a chair next to his own.
“My, this is quite an assortment,” he said in amusement.
“I would say, with so many parts at your disposal, you are going to be busy for many weeks to come.” He began looking through the box until he found a lightly tarnished gold casing with matching crowns and a wind lever.
“These seem to be rather serviceable,” he said, putting the items down on the cloth. ”
“Cousin Lizzy, look what Mr. Darcy has found!” Matthew exclaimed, holding up the casing. “The crown and lever fit perfectly.”
“That they do,” she answered, taking the old casing in hand and admiring the craftsmanship. Reaching for a small cloth, she began polishing the dull edges. “There appears to be a flower embossed on the cover. I think it will look quite lovely after it is thoroughly cleaned.”
Examining a main spring and several parts of a barrel, William added, “I wonder if any of these pieces might fit together.”
“May I try?” asked Matthew.
“Certainly.”
After manoeuvring the pieces for a few seconds, Matthew was able to snap them in place. Edward immediately produced some tiny screws and a small pen knife to secure the unit.
“Excellent!” William complimented the boys, who beamed with pride.
Looking at Elizabeth, William gave her a broad smile. “It seems your cousins are very ingenious. I have no doubt they will be successful assembling at least one watch from this extensive offering.”
She smiled in return saying, “I have no doubt of that.”
“Cousin Lizzy, Papa will be surprised when he comes home,” Matthew said, clapping his hands together. “Mr. Darcy, would you not prefer to stay here this afternoon and help us?” His look was hopeful. “I think it would be far more interesting than going to the bookshop.”
“Hmmm, a tempting prospect, but I fear I have made a commitment to the ladies of the house.” He could see the disappointment on their faces. “If it is not too late when we return, perhaps I can take another look and evaluate what progress you have made before I take my leave.”
The boys were pleased and began conversing with one another about how to proceed, not taking notice of their mother, who now entered the room.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I see my sons have commandeered your attention while I was detained.”
“That they have,” he said, immediately rising. “Your husband has provided them with an admirable undertaking.”
“Mama,” said Matthew with enthusiasm, “Mr. Darcy said he would check our work after you return from the bookshop.”
“We shall see,” Mrs. Gardiner said giving her sons a knowing look. “Mr. Darcy is very generous with his time, but he may have other things to attend to today, and we must not impose upon him if that is the case.”
“Yes, Mama,” the boys obediently said.
“Mrs. Gardiner, it would be no trouble, I assure you.”
“Very well.” She could see her sons were happy with the prospect. “In that case, I believe we should take our leave. Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Aunt.”
Goodbyes were said to the children and the three left the house for Ballards bookshop.
The Carriage
The ride to Ballards was proving to be quite enjoyable, with Mrs. Gardiner relating stories about her precocious sons and Elizabeth adding her own amusing commentary. Pleasantly, these tales reminded William of his youth.