Chapter 15 #2
Mr Gardiner's expression hardened. "And one more thing."
"If you intend to blame my sister for what happened, think very carefully before you do."
His voice was calm but unmistakably firm.
"Remember that you owe me a considerable sum of money. If I discover that you have tried to make Fanny bear the responsibility for your own actions, I shall not remain silent."
Mr Bennet's jaw tightened.
"Do not concern yourself. I have no intention of doing any such thing."
He picked up the book lying on his desk.
"I am rather tired now, Edward, and I should like to return to my reading."
Though he deeply resented his brother-in-law's warning, he knew it was wiser not to provoke him further.
As Edward rose to leave, he said,
"Please send word as soon as you have told Eleanor the truth. If I do not hear from you, Madeline and I shall tell her ourselves."
"I shall," Mr Bennet replied curtly.
Without another word, he opened his book and began to read.
After his conversation with Mr Bennet, Mr Gardiner bade his sister and niece farewell and returned to London.
◆◆◆
Eleanor was ill for several days. She had a fever and had eaten very little, so she was frail.
Lord Westcliff spoke with his son-in-law, Dr Randall, who had been taking care of her.
The diagnosis was that Lady Campbell had been working hard for a long time and that the lack of rest had affected her health.
She just needed to be calm and, above all, to rest.
Eleanor knew very well what was wrong with her.
She was sad and troubled. When she travelled to Canada, she did it to forget.
But now, that past had returned, and the only man she had ever loved was alive and still loved her.
She was scared to confront that new reality.
She knew that if she managed to put her life back together with the man she loved and dispel all her doubts regarding her daughter, she would be the happiest woman in the world.
But what if everything went wrong? If Marcus saw the consequences of the accident on her leg and no longer felt attracted to her?
She knew she had to face her doubts at some point, but she needed time to rest and gain strength.
"What do you think, Mary? Do you believe Aunt Eleanor will recover soon?" Kitty asked her sister, concerned.
"Aunt Eleanor is strong, Kitty. In a few days, she will be well. What I know is that I shall never leave her. I will stay to take care of her until she feels better."
"I shall not abandon her either, Mary. You and I shall take care of Aunt Eleanor and make her feel better." For the first time in her life, Kitty felt valued, and she knew that her aunt needed her.
Eleanor was excited to see how her nieces dedicated themselves to caring for and protecting her.
She would have loved for Elizabeth to be there with her, but she understood that she had to find out some things for herself.
She trusted that after observing and reflecting, Elizabeth would finally understand how her father abused her trust and used her for his own benefit.
◆◆◆
His conversation with Eleanor deeply saddened Marcus. Yet after several days of reflection, he came to understand that her reluctance to renew their relationship was only natural.
They had been separated for more than twenty years. During that time, Eleanor had believed him dead and had built an entirely different life, even marrying another man.
Marcus knew that the only woman with whom he could ever truly be happy was Ella.
If he wished to win her back, however, he would have to court her all over again and start anew. Whatever relationship they built from that moment onward would be an entirely new one.
Neither of them was the impulsive young man or woman they had once been.
Now they had the opportunity to build something stronger, founded on trust, honesty, and maturity. He was determined to win Eleanor's heart once more. And when he had done so, he would settle matters with Thomas Bennet.
He was convinced there were still secrets waiting to be uncovered, but he also knew that they would have to face them together, supporting and protecting one another.
Resolved to change the course of his life, Marcus called at his brother's house to speak with his niece.
"Good morning, my dear Claire. I have come to ask a favour of you."
He found Claire in the drawing room with her mother.
Claire disliked speaking with her uncle while Lady Emma was present. Her mother invariably interrupted with some inappropriate remark. So she uttered the one sentence she knew would guarantee them a few moments alone.
"Uncle, I am so pleased to see you. I have been longing to tell you about the book I am reading."
The plan worked perfectly.
Lady Emma promptly excused herself, leaving the room with little attempt to conceal her lack of interest in the subject.
"Very cleverly done, Claire," Marcus said with an amused smile, kissing his niece affectionately on the forehead. "Your mother has no desire to hear about your books."
After exchanging a few pleasantries and talking of inconsequential matters for several minutes, Marcus finally explained the purpose of his visit.
"My dear, I need your assistance. You have often scolded me for wearing old clothes and neglecting my appearance."
He smiled.
"I have decided it is time to take your advice. I should be grateful if you would accompany me to the tailor. I wish to order a new wardrobe."
Claire's eyes widened with delight.
"Uncle, that is wonderful! You know Father always has his clothes made by the finest tailor in London. His assistant calls at the house regularly and knows me well. Father must be one of his best customers. If I introduce you, I am certain he will be delighted to attend to you."
She studied her uncle with growing curiosity.
"This remarkable change has something to do with a lady... does it not?"
Marcus could not suppress his smile.
"Yes," he replied softly. "It has everything to do with the most wonderful lady I have ever known."
"Uncle, are you in love?" Claire asked, laughing as she threw her arms around Marcus.
With a knowing smile, she added, "It is Lady Campbell, is it not?"
"Yes, Eleanor." Marcus smiled.
"Before you begin asking me a hundred questions, let me simply tell you that we knew one another many years ago. Seeing her again has made me realise that I must try to win her heart."
He looked at his niece with mock seriousness.
"But first, I must acquire a respectable wardrobe. Once my new clothes are ready, I want you to accompany me when I call upon her."
He smiled again.
"I shall need your help."
"You shall have it!" Claire replied enthusiastically. "Lady Campbell seems both kind and beautiful. You may count on me, Uncle."
"Not a word to anyone," Marcus said. "This must remain our secret. I shall tell your father when the time is right."
"You have my word."
Marcus and Claire spent most of the morning at the tailor's.
Claire delighted in helping her uncle choose fabrics, colours, and patterns. Afterwards, she insisted on visiting several shops to purchase gloves, hats, cravats, canes, and every other accessory she considered indispensable to the wardrobe of a gentleman determined to make a favourable impression.
Their final stop was the bootmaker's, where Marcus ordered several pairs of boots and shoes.
By the end of the morning, they had spent a small fortune. Marcus, however, scarcely noticed.
He had accumulated considerable wealth over the years and had spent very little upon himself beyond what necessity required. Most of his fortune was invested in successful enterprises that yielded generous returns.
When they finally returned to Lord Rockwell's house, thoroughly exhausted, Claire persuaded her uncle to stay for tea.
Unfortunately, as soon as they entered the drawing room, they discovered Lady Emma entertaining two visitors—Lady Helen and Lady Samantha.
"I have not seen your nephew, Mr Darcy, these past few days, my dear Lady Helen," Lady Emma observed.
"He left for Pemberley yesterday," Lady Helen replied. "He is an exceedingly conscientious young man, and there was a great deal of business on his estate requiring his attention."
Lady Emma could not conceal her disappointment.
The gentleman she had hoped would marry her daughter had already departed for Derbyshire, and, in her opinion, foolish Claire had once again failed to capture the attention of a man worthy of her.
The moment Lady Samantha noticed that the general had accompanied his niece home, she seized the opportunity to draw him into the conversation.
"My dear Lady Emma," she said pleasantly, "what did you think of Lady Westcliff's ball?"
"It was quite successful," Lady Emma replied with affected graciousness. "Considering Lady Westcliff's origins, I must admit she has improved remarkably over the years."
"Indeed, on that point we are entirely agreed, my dear Lady Emma."
Lady Samantha had noticed the way Marcus had watched Lady Campbell throughout the entire ball.
She felt no genuine affection for the general.
What attracted her was his handsome appearance, his distinguished reputation, and his considerable fortune.
Having decided that she would marry him, she had no intention of allowing another woman—least of all a wealthy newcomer like Lady Campbell—to stand in her way.
"I enjoyed the ball immensely as well," she continued. "Though I could not help feeling sorry for poor Lady Campbell. There was such sadness in her eyes."
She sighed theatrically.
"I know Lord and Lady Westcliff are doing everything in their power to help her settle happily back in England, but it is perfectly obvious that she still grieves deeply for her late husband."
"It is only natural, after so many years of marriage," added Lady Helen.
Then, Lady Samantha glanced briefly at Marcus before adding, "Lord Campbell must have been the great love of her life—the sort of love that time can never erase."
She could not help noticing the effect her words had upon the general.