Chapter 35 #3
“She did credit all I told her that night, after I visited you. I think she was quite ready to believe it by then, as she had been thinking unendingly about the situation since she spoke with you at the ball.”
“But Bingley told me she did not believe him.”
“Not fully.” Mr. Gardiner sighed. “I know you were friendly with Lizzy years ago and then had some sort of falling out, but I do not know the details. I am unsure whether she would wish me to speak of her feelings with you.”
“I understand. I have not always been the best of friends to her. I…I am hoping to rectify that situation. After all, we may in company once Bingley and Miss Bennet wed. Part of our falling out, as you called it, was a misunderstanding. Part of it was my own stupidity. I hope I was able to make a beginning at healing our breach when we spoke at the ball, but I know I have more work to do.”
“May I be blunt?”
Darcy swallowed. “Of course.”
“My wife liked you when she met you at the Royal Menagerie. We had been concerned about your reasons for arranging an excursion with a girl so young, but she said she detected nothing improper in your manner.”
Darcy felt his cheeks warm, and he nodded. He was relieved Mr. Gardiner had not seen him dance with Elizabeth a year later.
“You were nothing but friends at that time, correct?”
“Yes. Absolutely. We conversed on a wide range of topics, as her education was extensive even then.”
Mr. Gardiner grinned. “It was. My wife and I were at a loss as to how to keep her engaged. Her uncle in Hertfordshire is well-educated and passed on his love of learning to her, but it was difficult for us when she came to London. We appreciated your friendship for her almost as much as Lizzy did.”
Darcy was both gratified and guilt-ridden. Once again, he questioned how he could have given up his friendship with Elizabeth. It had simply been too painful to be around her and not be more to her.
“I do not know whether she is still in need of such a friendship, but it is my goal to once again offer it to her. She may not be ready yet, but I wonder…do you know whether she will partake of the Season? Am I likely to encounter her anywhere?” Darcy looked down, embarrassed, but he needed to see Mr. Gardiner’s face to know what the man thought, so he looked up at him again.
“Tempted as I am to invite you to dine with my family, I cannot. I fear Lizzy is unsure of herself at present, and I must discover whether she is willing to see you again.”
“I understand.” Darcy was disappointed, but even more, he worried about Elizabeth.
“Wickham is a master at his game, sir. Perhaps if she were to understand that he has had much success…no, that would likely not be helpful. It is not her fault, however, for having been taken in by him. If you can help her understand that, it will surely help her. When I have spoken to other girls who were victimized by Wickham, they have been comforted to know this. It does not make their pain disappear, and—”
“Mr. Darcy, you look as though you have seen a ghost.”
“It is not my business, only…please tell me he did not impose upon her…that is, was she always protected? You mentioned she has a dedicated footman. Was she never left alone with Wickham?”
“I can assure you she is safe on that score and always was. Her footman and maid both accompanied her whenever feasible and her footman refused to leave her sight unless my wife or I was with her. He never trusted Wickham.”
“Thank goodness.”
Mr. Gardiner looked at him thoughtfully, and Darcy wondered again whether he had given too much away. Any decent gentleman would be concerned. They likely would have had the presence of mind to restrain such an inappropriate question, however.
“I understand what you mean about telling Lizzy of Wickham’s craftiness.
I met him only once, as he called so few times and always while I was away.
If I had not already spoken with you, I believe I may have been deceived by his declarations of love for her when he called a few days ago.
Yes, I will certainly tell her what you have said. ”
“A few days ago? And you were there when he called? He is still calling almost a fortnight after we spoke?”
“I was summoned, and he was dismissed. Lizzy had no wish to see him and did not. That was the first time he had called since the ball. Lizzy said he told her he had business in Bath.”
“I see. Forgive me. Thank you for explaining.”
“My wife tells me Lizzy is already spending more time with our family since Wickham’s last call. We had not realized it, but she seemed to be worried about having to see him so had been hiding upstairs.”
Darcy nodded. Perhaps she was beginning to recover, then. Not having any reason to stay, despite a strange desire to continue speaking with this cheerful, understanding man, Darcy stood.
“Thank you for your time.”
Mr. Gardiner again shook his hand and looked him in the eye.
“Stop by any time, Mr. Darcy. I have appreciated our conversation. I will ask Lizzy about her plans for the Season, and I will try to discover whether she thinks she could be friends with you again.”
Darcy smiled genuinely. That had been unexpected.