Chapter Twenty-Eight
The next morning, an elegant carriage pulled up in front of the Gardiner’s home on Gracechurch Street. Mr. Darcy leaped out of the carriage and directed a footman to accompany him.
Going to the front door, he found it opened by Miss Bennet herself. “Mr. Darcy, how can I ever thank you?”
“I was more than ready to leave London and lacked only sufficient motivation to make the effort; believe me, it is I who should be thanking you.”
Jane presented Mr. Darcy to her aunt and uncle, who were both standing behind her, frowning.
“Mr. Darcy, I cannot feel comfortable with this arrangement,” Mr. Gardiner declared. “I had every intention of bringing my niece to Meryton on Saturday.”
“Mr. Gardiner, I completely understand your concerns, but be assured that Miss Bennet is completely safe with me. You can see my horse, now tied behind the carriage, just there. I will ride him, so Miss Bennet will not be seen traveling with a gentleman.”
Indeed, a fine-looking black stallion, tethered to the carriage, pawed restlessly at the ground.
“Nonetheless…”
“Uncle, I think it is time that we be off,” Jane declared, firmly. “Aunt, Uncle, I look forward to seeing you both at Longbourn at Christmas!” She hugged and kissed them both, and determinedly set off down the front walk, Mr. Darcy beside her.
“I swear to you on my life that you will be safe with me,” he said, firmly.
“I never doubted it, Mr. Darcy,” Jane replied.
The footman carried her trunk and tied it to the back of the carriage. Mr. Darcy handed her in. The upholstery was new and plush, and there were a number of blankets folded neatly on the bench.
Indicating a basket on the floor, he said, smiling, “My aunt’s cook always makes certain that I have enough food for several days, despite knowing that this journey is only thirty miles.
I suppose she thinks I may be kidnapped by brigands, or something!
In any case, please do help yourself.” With that, he closed the carriage door.
Jane could hear words spoken, instructions doubtless being given to the coachman, though she could not make them out. And in short order, the carriage was moving and she was on her way home.