Page 13 of Unwillingly Mrs. Darcy
“If what I was told is correct, she was as fond of you as you of her, and if that is so, I must surmise she still cares for you. In any case, we need to find out. If she is at her uncle’s home, you can talk to her and if not, at least we can find out the current status of the Bennet family.”
Bingley rose, but then paused. “I know why I care so much, but what of you, old friend? What is your stake in all of this? Simply guilt over your role?”
Darcy pondered telling his friend the truth, but he decided against it. He did not need to know about this humiliating turn of events. Instead he cleared his throat and managed to conjure up something akin to the truth.
“I got to know Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her sister Miss Catherine when they stayed at Rosings Park and I wish to know how they fare,” he said.
This appeared to satisfy Bingley who then rang the bell for his man who swiftly brought around their coats and top hats.
***
Arriving at the Gardiners’ house, Darcy and Bingley were greeted by a cheerful maid who showed them to the parlour and then disappeared to fetch Mrs Gardiner.
As they were settled into the chairs in the parlour, the clamour of Cheapside receded, though faint echoes of its bustling life seeped in through the closed windows.
Darcy had not been to this part of town in some years. The neighbourhood bore a character of industrious vigour, with its narrow cobblestone streets flanked by buildings of varying quality. Modest shops displayed goods in crowded windows, from ribbons and silks to cheeses and bread, while hawkers called out their wares.
It was not a setting Darcy frequently traversed, its earthy vitality a stark contrast to the rarefied order of Mayfair or Grosvenor Square. Yet, he found himself taking note of it now,reflecting on the proximity of such lively commerce to Elizabeth Bennet’s relatives. It felt odd to think of her here, in this home, to think that she had been in this space he now occupied, perhaps even sat on this same chair.
For a brief moment, he imagined her in this very parlour, laughing with her sisters, and a smile flashed across his face.
Why was he smiling? She’d turned him down in a most rude fashion. Yes, she’d had her reasons and she had been misled by Wickham, but still… She’d told him how little she cared for him and yet here he was, looking to find out how her family—and by extension she—was faring.
When Mrs Gardiner finally entered, her wearied face betrayed sleepless nights and unrelenting care. As she entered the parlour, her expression lightened with polite curiosity. Upon seeing the two gentlemen rise to greet her, she inclined her head in a measured but warm gesture.
“Mr Bingley,” she began, her voice steady but kind. “It is good to see you again.”
Darcy frowned for he had not been aware that the two had crossed paths before. Bingley, likewise, appeared puzzled but Mrs Gardiner quickly reminded him.
“We met one afternoon at Longbourn. You and my niece were about to leave for a walk when my husband and I arrived. I do not blame you for not remembering, it was but a brief interaction.”
“Of course, Bingley said in his most affable tone. “I do recall. Your children were with you. Jane spoke of them on our walk. She much adores them.”
“As they do her,” she said with a smile before turning to Darcy.
“I do not think we have had the pleasure, Mr Darcy,” she said. “Although of course I would recognise you anywhere. You look so much like your father it is uncanny.”
“You knew my father?” he asked, surprised to hear this. He did not know much about the Gardiners, other than what Elizabeth and her sister had shared while at Rosings and the bits and pieces he’d picked up during his time at Netherfield.
“My father was rector at Lambton many years ago, and your parents were always exceedingly generous to us.”
“Are you Mr Whitby’s daughter?”
She smiled broadly. “Indeed, Marjory Whitby is my maiden name.”
Darcy’s posture straightened, his guarded expression softening slightly. “I recall my father speaking highly of your father, Mrs Gardiner,” he replied. “Your family’s connection to Lambton is well known to me. My mother often mentioned your father’s diligence and wisdom in his work, and she considered his guidance invaluable to the community.”
A faint, fond smile flickered across Mrs Gardiner’s face. “I always held your mother in the highest regard. Lady Anne’s kindness was unmatched, and she set a standard of hospitality and grace that I have never forgotten. Pemberley was—indeed, I am sure, still is—a place of exceptional character under your care, Mr Darcy.”
Darcy inclined his head, feeling both humbled and uneasy at the mention of his late parents. “Thank you, Mrs Gardiner. Their legacy has always been my highest responsibility.”
Mrs Gardiner looked at him with quiet approval, the shared remembrance bringing a moment of thoughtful silence. “I confess,” she continued, “it is rather remarkable to find myself meeting you here, so many years later and so far from Derbyshire. But some connections, I suppose, endure across time and distance. Now, pray, what brings you here?”
Darcy looked at Bingley who had his hands curled into fists.
“We came to enquire after Mr Bennet’s health and the family in general. We were under the impression his eldest daughter, Miss Bennet, was here. Is she still?”
Her smile faltered. “Jane has already returned to Longbourn. It has been some weeks now, although she writes as does Elizabeth. I am afraid Mr Bennet is gravely ill. The physicians have done what they can, but…”
