Chapter 8 Mr. Notley’s Report #3
“I appreciate this very much. I shall prepare a document for her with a summary of the current value of her portion to include with my letter. I hope she will find satisfaction in the knowledge she need not depend upon anyone else for her livelihood. Notwithstanding, I shall extend an invitation for her to reside here with my family. My wife would welcome her, and my four children would take delight in meeting their cousin.”
Mr. Barton had a great deal for which to answer. In any event, the sooner Elizabeth left his care and became my wife, the better.
At the sound of a soft pair of knocks upon the door, Mr. Gardiner stood. “Come in.”
Hayward and I rose as an attractive brown-haired lady entered the room.
She gave us a cursory glance and approached Mr. Gardiner. “Forgive my intrusion, Edward. Will your guests be joining us for dinner?”
“They are both welcome to stay.” Mr. Gardiner eyed us in turn. Hayward and I shared a look; I gave my friend a subtle nod, and he accepted for us.
Mr. Gardiner took his wife by the arm and introduced Hayward and me to her.
After she offered pleasantries to us, Mrs. Gardiner’s sight lingered upon me. “I spent my youth in Lambton. Perhaps you knew my father, Mr. Fletcher. He was the local attorney.” A touch of the Derbyshire dialect marked her pronunciation.
“Yes, I have met Mr. Fletcher. My late father respected him as a knowledgeable and competent man.”
A grin lifted her cheeks. “That is kind of you to say.” She removed a neatly folded piece of fabric from her pocket.
“When our butler informed me who had called, I retrieved this.” She opened the cloth, revealing a handkerchief with a pattern of bluebells embroidered on each corner.
“As a child, I had a memorable encounter with Lady Anne Darcy, when she came upon my mother and me on the high street. She greeted my mother and asked me my name. As much as I desired to speak to her, I was tongue-tied. I had never seen a lady so regal and beautiful before. My behaviour mortified my mother, and she answered for me. Lady Anne seemed to understand my plight and did not take offence.”
Her brown eyes shone. “I grew so embarrassed at my faux pas, I began to sob. Lady Anne took out this handkerchief and dabbed at my tears. She declared me to be too pretty to cry. Then she tucked the silk cloth into my hand and told me keep it with her compliments. I could not even utter the words to thank her, but I have treasured this ever since. Now, though, I should be honoured to return it to you. Perhaps you would like to give it to your sister.” She offered the handkerchief to me.
I held my palm up. “No, thank you. My mother gave the handkerchief to you and would want you to keep it. Georgiana and I have plenty of mementos of our mother.”
She lowered her hand. “Well, if you are certain…”
“Yes, without a doubt.”
Hayward and I enjoyed a sumptuous meal with the Gardiners.
Our conversations with Mr. Gardiner revealed his thorough knowledge on a myriad of subjects, including agriculture and husbandry.
He shared his intention of purchasing an estate within the next year or so.
Mrs. Gardiner asked after the postmaster in Lambton, and my response led to us sharing memories of the area and of several prominent citizens.
I left Gracechurch Street with the conviction that I should be pleased to acknowledge the Gardiners as my friends—and eventually my relations.
Friday, 11 October
London
Darcy
Hayward glanced out of the coach window when the distinct clanks of the horses’ hooves upon the cobble-stoned surface changed to a softer, duller sound, marking the vehicle’s transition to the dirt road.
He settled back against the squabs, giving me an intent look.
“I am still struggling with my disappointment in Barton. I find his treatment of Mr. Gardiner to be grievous. Others might defend some of Barton’s actions, but I cannot conceive of any way to justify his pretending Miss Bennet is penniless.
This does not fit the opinion of my friend that I have formed over the years. ”
“I can understand how you feel. I have been disappointed in the past by a man I once viewed as a close friend.” I frowned at the memories of Wickham that came to mind.
“How do you intend to proceed?”
“At my first opportunity, I shall propose marriage to Miss Bennet. Afterwards, I shall relate what we learnt from Mr. Gardiner and give her his letter. We shall discuss the best time and place to confront Mr. Barton with his lies.”
“Ah, I see.” After a beat, Hayward inched closer. “Are you certain she will accept your offer?”
My brows shot up. How could he think otherwise?
“Yes, of course.” No other alternative made sense.
Although I could not state with certainty that Elizabeth loved me, I did not doubt that she liked me.
And she clearly adored my sister. Regardless of the funds that had been kept hidden from her, she could not expect to receive an offer from a superior suitor.
For pity’s sake, I owned her beloved horse!
He cocked his head. “If you would like my support when you demand answers from Barton, I am at your service.”
“Thank you, that may be helpful.”
His fingers rapped upon the seat cushion. “In addition, I shall speak to Susan about the Gardiners. If she has no objection, I shall write to Mr. Gardiner, extending an invitation for him and his wife to stay at Springvale. It is high time Miss Bennet reunited with her mother’s relations.”
“I appreciate that. No doubt once she learns the truth, she will be keen to meet them.”
We fell into an easy silence. Thoughts of Elizabeth fed my spirits. Soon, I should make her mine.