Chapter 5 #2
Darcy’s brows furrowed in puzzlement as he processed Gardiner’s implications. “You believe Miss Elizabeth and I will … what?” His voice trailed off, a mixture of realisation and disbelief dawning in his eyes.
Gardiner nodded, his expression warm and reassuring. “Indeed, my friend, I have every reason to believe your courtship has been swift and sincere. I would not be surprised if you find yourselves exchanging vows sooner than later.”
A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of Darcy’s lips, a blend of emotions swirling within him.
While he had been accustomed to maintaining an air of composure in various situations, he found himself somewhat disarmed by Gardiner’s straightforward assessment.
The idea of marrying Elizabeth, sooner than expected, both exhilarated and unnerved him.
Gardiner continued, his tone light but earnest. “Considering the circumstances, you may want to contemplate a marriage by licence rather than waiting for the banns to be read. You see, Lizzy has not been in London long enough to qualify as a resident. Having the banns announced in Hertfordshire might invite a level of commotion best avoided.”
Darcy’s brow quirked in curiosity, prompting Gardiner to elaborate with a playful glint in his eye.
“Ah, well, my sister is quite particular about her second eldest daughter. She might not be overly thrilled if Lizzy were to become the first among her sisters to wed. Although,” he added with an affectionate grin, “I have no doubt she would be equally unenthused if Lizzy were to marry a man who was ‘only a barrister’.”
His lips curled into a wry smile, and Darcy’s gaze met Gardiner’s with gratitude and amusement.
“While I may not hold a grand estate, I possess some status as both the second son of a gentleman and in my role as a barrister. And, of course, your partnership has been instrumental in making me fairly wealthy.”
Gardiner acknowledged the truth of that statement.
“I wonder how long you will wait before you propose, Darcy. Speak to your mother and make plans to introduce her to my girl, and then we will talk about the settlement. My girl will come to you with more than even she realises, thanks to the generosity of her grandmother and my success with investments. I have ensured Lizzy will come with a far more significant dowry than anyone in her family knows.”
“I did not … I had not considered her dowry and assumed it to be small, based on her comments. I am no fortune hunter,” Darcy protested.
Gardiner’s response was reassuring. “Rest assured, Darcy, I am well aware of your character. That is precisely why I brought this to your attention now. I wanted to hint at what is to come, especially since Lizzy is unaware of her grandmother’s gift.”
Darcy’s curiosity was piqued, leading him to ask, “Has the sum grown substantially, then?” His realisation of the impropriety of his question led to a quick apology, and he lowered his gaze in mild embarrassment. “Forgive me, that was a most improper question.”
Gardiner’s calm demeanour put Darcy at ease.
“No need for such concern, Darcy. I have observed your actions and intentions and understand you had no prior knowledge of this matter. If you prefer, I can withhold the exact sum until we discuss the marriage settlement in full detail. However, I want you to know her dowry will exceed expectations.”
Darcy’s gratitude was evident as he replied, “Thank you, Mr. Gardiner. Knowing she will possess her own fortune, ensuring her security and that of any future children, brings me great comfort. Whatever funds she brings to our marriage will be hers.”
A thoughtful pause followed before Darcy spoke again, his words laced with an air of caution. “However, sir, I must inquire, are we not perhaps rushing ahead of ourselves? It is one thing to assume I will make an offer, but are we not overlooking the possibility she might decline?”
Gardiner’s laughter held a warmth that radiated through the room.
“Darcy, I believe we are well past the stage of assumption. You would have halted me by now if your intentions were not already leaning in that direction. From my vantage point, it has been evident you have been contemplating a future with my niece since the moment you met her. And do not think my wife and I are unaware of how frequently you and Lizzy share brief touches, and we have noted how frequently the two of you have breached propriety and held hands despite you only ‘calling’ upon my niece. I do not think Lizzy would have allowed even those small liberties if she did not feel something for you.”
Although Darcy flushed at the implication, Gardiner’s words did seem to echo the truth growing within Darcy’s heart.
He met Gardiner’s gaze with a mixture of resolution and vulnerability.
“You are astute, Gardiner. I cannot deny meeting your niece has profoundly impacted me. Her beauty immediately captured me, but her wit, intelligence, and independence have drawn me in since the first moment. Those touches have been a lifeline to a drowning man at times, which seems foolish, but a… need drives me to reach out and touch her hands occasionally.”
Gardiner’s smile was a testament to the trust he had in Darcy.
“And I believe she has also been equally captivated by you, Darcy. Her esteem for you has grown steadily despite the short duration, and I dare say she has been charmed in ways she might not readily admit. My wife and I have allowed you more time with her than we might have in other circumstances because we have seen your affection growing, and I know you to be honourable.”
Darcy’s lips curved into a gentle smile, the thought of Elizabeth’s regard warming his heart. “I would not wish for her to feel any pressure or obligation. If I were to propose, or perhaps I should say when I propose, it would be based on my growing affection and esteem for her.”
Gardiner’s expression softened, conveying a sense of shared understanding. “Darcy, I appreciate your sentiment. I have every confidence that Lizzy’s feelings are sincere as well. She has always been forthright and candid, making her a remarkable young woman.”
“That she is, sir,” Darcy acknowledged. “She attributes much of that to the influence of you and your wife and of her grandmother. I almost hesitate to ask, but what are her parents like? Why did her father surrender her care to you so entirely at such a young age? How can they assume she is in town to act as a governess to your children and not to value her for the wonderful woman she is?”
Sighing, Gardiner shook his head. “That is a long story, Darcy, and you mentioned you have dinner plans tonight with your mother. Come by my office in the morning, and we will speak more about the situation, as you should know the details before you make your offer. It is nothing scandalous, though it will help you understand Lizzy. And I doubt she would ever tell you the exact circumstances, partly because I am not certain she truly understands the entire picture.” Gardiner leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his features.
“Darcy, go and speak with your mother tonight. We can discuss the rest later, and I trust you will still want to marry my niece once I have told you her story.”
Darcy nodded, a sense of determination emanating from him.
“I will speak to my mother without delay, and we shall arrange the introduction. I have little doubt my mother and sister will both love Elizabeth. I cannot imagine anything would change my opinion of your niece despite the short time we have known each other. I will see you in the morning to talk in greater detail.”
Darcy took his leave from his mentor and friend with a firm handshake. One day soon, he would be his uncle, and Darcy was beginning to think of this as a foregone conclusion.