Chapter 2
The Gardiner family had settled into their new home and it was very near to running according to Mrs Gardiner’s wishes. The excitement of Elizabeth’s arrival dissipated now that she had been integrated into the household.
Elizabeth and her aunt were together, one quiet afternoon, enjoying hot cups of tea. Appreciating the rich blend for several sips Mrs Gardiner set down her cup and saucer. “Lizzy, your mother wrote to me with instructions for you to take the Season and husband hunting in earnest.”
“Aunt–”
“To that effect,” Mrs Gardiner spoke over her, “your father provided a sum of money for you to purchase new gowns. Furthermore, your uncle has been generous in offering to match those funds. Before the appointment with my modiste, Mrs Bean, you and I shall visit his warehouses to choose fabrics. She may not have a shop on Bond Street, but her gowns are of excellent quality.”
“Thank you, Aunt. Uncle is too kind. I do not know what to say.”
“Then say nothing, my dear. Only promise me you will take advantage of the opportunities the Season brings. We wish for you to enjoy yourself. I know it was not easy growing up at Longbourn. Your parents… Well, I shall not speak on that. But just know, Lizzy, with the right partner, marriage can be a harmonious and loving union. Allow your heart to open to the possibilities which may cross your path.”
Heat flooded Elizabeth’s neck and cheeks.
“I understand, Aunt. Your and uncle’s marriage has always been the one I aspire to.
” Elizabeth’s gaze grew unfocused, thoughts of her parents’ home filling her mind.
“I… I am not sure I shall be as successful as Jane. She has always been the beauty of the Bennet family.”
Mrs Gardiner removed Elizabeth’s cup from her hand and placed it beside hers. She then took Elizabeth’s hands in her own, “Lizzy.”
Elizabeth met her aunt’s gaze.
“You are every bit as beautiful as Jane. Your colouring and personalities are not similar, but that does not make you any less, it merely makes you different. You, my dear, are beautiful, lively, intelligent and caring, and very precious to us. You are worthy to meet a good and kind gentleman.” Mrs Gardiner only released Elizabeth’s hands once she had nodded in acknowledgement.
“Good. Now then,” the older woman grew serious, “We shall need several evening dresses and at least two ball gowns, perhaps a couple of delightful day dresses…”
~ / ~
Mr Edward Gardiner had a few connections in the first circles, though he had more from the lower echelons of London’s society. His reputation was excellent, respected by the gentlemen and a few peers, who chose to invest and do business with him.
Due to these successes the Gardiners were able to move from their former home near Cheapside to Davies Street, only a little way from Grosvenor Square. Gentry and a number of successful tradesmen, rising in the world, were now amongst their neighbours.
As the second week came and went, Elizabeth took the children to nearby Hyde Park.
The sun shone bright in the sky and Elizabeth convinced her aunt to allow an outing for all the children, including the youngest. Accompanied by the nurse, a footman, and a maid, Mrs Gardiner waved the whole group off to expel their youthful energy.
Once inside the park, Elizabeth sought out a section of grass shaded by trees where they could spread out a blanket for the servants and little Janey.
Soon, the two elder Gardiner children, Eddie and Maggie were running around, playing with a ball, and laughing as they spun around in circles till they were dizzy.
Darcy, following another joust at Angelo’s, cut through Hyde Park on his way home. He found his attention caught by the melodic sounds of feminine laughter. Searching for its source, he spied a young lady laughing in near abandon with a couple of children.
She was of petite stature, with perfect feminine curves. Her hair was a dark brown, yet in the sunlight it blazed with glints of burnished gold and copper. Her smile, as she joined in the children’s play, shined more brilliantly than the sun.
Darcy’s pace slowed till he, unknowingly, came to a halt. He was immediately taken with her vibrancy and joie de vivre.
Tearing his eyes away from the stunning beauty, he searched for identifying details as to the family.
The quality of clothing worn by children and servants alike struck Darcy with a pang of disappointment.
By all indications they were not of his sphere.
His bearing was a little less upright when he resumed his walk home.
He heaved a deep breath. A young lady finally caught his interest and of course she was of lower standing. Still, her smiling image haunted his thoughts for some time.
~ / ~
During breakfast, a few days later, the Gardiners informed Elizabeth they had extended an invitation to friends for tea that afternoon.
Mrs Gardiner smiled at Elizabeth. “With some of your dresses complete, we shall begin your foray into Society. But our morning remains free to visit Foundling House. You expressed an interest in joining me at the orphanage the next time I was to go.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you, Aunt. Aside from being here with you for the Season, I wish to be of use. I should become short tempered with little to occupy my time.”
“Lizzy, you have been a tremendous help to us. Keeping the children occupied permits me to deal with the remaining details of making this house our home.” She rose and moved to Elizabeth, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, “You are a good girl, my dear, with a big heart. I shall introduce you to Mrs Johnson, the matron. Perhaps she shall have a suitable task for you to engage in.”
Waiting for Mrs Gardiner to complete her household tasks, Elizabeth wrote a letter to Jane.
April, 1808, Gardiner residence, London
Dearest Jane,
I trust married life is treating you well and your husband is still as dear to you as ever.
Please accept my apologies for not writing sooner, although I am sure you have been far too busy to notice my negligence.
Uncle and Aunt Gardiner are well, as are the children. Everyone here sends their love. We have settled into their new abode quite comfortably. Aunt Gardiner has completed the decorations of many of the rooms and they look very fine.
It seems she now has enough leisure to decorate my own person.
We have now spent many days at the modiste much to my dismay.
My admiration for you has grown by leaps and bounds, dearest Sister.
If you were submitted to the same strenuous wardrobe shopping regime I have undergone, you have my sympathies.
Though, you never complain, so I doubt you found it as challenging as I.
This morning we are to visit one of the charities Aunt is involved with–Foundling House. You know I am not one to do needlework and gossip all day and I hope to be found suitable for a worthy occupation. Volunteering there should prove to be a fulfilling enterprise to fill my days.
Our uncle and aunt’s first official guests are expected to arrive for tea this afternoon. I look forward to wearing one of my new dresses. (No lace!)
I must go now but pray know I miss you dearly.
With much affection to you, and to my new brother, I remain,
Your affectionate sister,
Lizzy
~ / ~
That afternoon the Gardiners and Elizabeth awaited the guests in the drawing room.
“And was it a successful morning, Lizzy?” Mr Gardiner inquired.
“Aye. The matron was most helpful indeed. She grew quite excited over my desire to spend a couple of mornings a week there with the girls. It seems they do not get many young ladies interested in fraternizing with the orphans.”
“I look forward to hearing about it at supper. Now, before our guests arrive, let me say how lovely both my ladies appear in your new finery.” He smiled and raised his wife’s hand to bestow a kiss.
Mrs Gardiner flushed becomingly as Elizabeth looked down, hiding a smile.
She adored the little gestures of affection she witnessed between her aunt and uncle.
It was further evidence of their kind and loving marriage.
A distinguished couple was announced by the butler. “Mr George and Lady Anne Darcy.”
Mr and Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth all stood. The gentlemen bowed, whilst the ladies curtseyed. “Mr Darcy, Lady Anne, welcome to our new home.” Mr Gardiner walked forward and shook Mr Darcy’s hand.
“Congratulations, Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner. We could not be happier to see you reap the rewards of your successes.”
George and Lady Anne Darcy were some fifteen years older than the Gardiners. Tall and good looking, they made a striking couple. He had dark colouring, whilst she was a statuesque blonde, and both had traces of grey in their hair, though Mr Darcy’s were more pronounced.
Noticing the young lady standing beside Mrs Gardiner, Mr Darcy requested an introduction.
“With pleasure,” Gardiner replied. “Mr Darcy, my lady, may I acquaint you with my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy, this is Mr George Darcy and his wife, Lady Anne Darcy.”
Elizabeth offered a graceful curtsey. “It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
Mr Darcy led his wife to the sofa and sat her near Mrs Gardiner, then he and Gardiner sat in chairs off to the side.
Mrs Gardiner turned to Lady Anne, “My lady, I believe you may have met my niece a few years ago.”
Elizabeth sat in a chair beside the sofa.
“I remember you, Miss Bennet. You were such a sweet child. With many questions, if memory serves.”
Mrs Gardiner laughed and Elizabeth responded, “My mother might claim I have lost all the sweetness, though I do hope such is not the case. Though, I believe I have tempered the constant questioning. Even my father lost patience with me on occasion.”
Lady Anne joined in their laughter. “You have grown into a beautiful and poised young lady.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
“We are very proud of our Lizzy. I introduced her to Mrs Johnson this very morning.”
“Did you?” Lady Anne turned a questioning gaze on Elizabeth.