Page 31 of Compromise & Consequence
“True, but you did not expect to see me here today, that muchwas very clear when you first arrived. I suspect you thought we were on our way to Derbyshire. Carry on with whatever you had planned. I have much to do before I face my husband again.”
“You are correct in that I did not expect to see you here. I popped in to break my fast with Georgiana. I am quite glad he changed his mind. Do you know when he will return?”
“Once again, Colonel, that would require conversation. I have no idea at all, where he might have gone, or what his habits are. You have a much better chance of guessing his intentions than I do.”
“True,” he cast a quick glance toward the door. “Were you given any idea as towhenmy cousin Georgiana will come down to eat?”
“As far as I know, Miss Darcy is not in residence. More than likely Mr. Darcy removed his innocent sister from his house so that she is not tainted by associating with me.”
Although surprised the colonel was not aware of the whereabouts of his cousins, Elizabeth did not ask further questions. That could lead to the very alert colonel asking his own and she was not ready to dodge any further intrusions into her private life.
They finished eating and the colonel took his leave. Elizabeth went upstairs to grab the letter she’d written late last night, then slipped outside and hailed a hansom cab, paying the driver to take it to Mr. Gardiner’s house on Gracechurch Street. She promised the driver a guinea on the completion of his task to ensure he did her bidding. She then waited on tenterhooks by the upstairs window for his return. A little over an hour later, she spied him and once again slipped out of the house.
As she paid him the remainder of his fee, he handed her a note from her aunt, and she hurried into the house and went straightto her room to read the sealed reply from her aunt.
Mrs. Darcy,
Thank you for your inquiry into my husband’s business. Gardiner Emporium has the best materials for any undertaking you are considering. I would be pleased to meet you at the place and time suggested.
Yours,
Mrs. Edward Gardiner
She knew Aunt Madeline had couched the letter in such a manner on the off-chance Mr. Darcy discovered what she had done and demanded to read the note. She then rang the bell and asked the maid to have Mrs. Whittaker attend to her in the main drawing room. It was time to begin her duties as Mrs. Darcy and take a tour of the house.
***
Darcy shook out the paper he had been trying to read for the past half hour in a feeble attempt to pass the time after fleeing his house that morning. A quick check of the society pages revealed nothing had appeared in print – yet – about his ill-timed wedding. He had just started reading about the unrest in the north when Bingley arrived. He felt a measure of happiness at the sight of his friend alongside a measure of dread over telling him about marrying Elizabeth.
He had planned on giving his friend the news, just not at this juncture. His embarrassment over Georgiana’s righteous anger was still fresh. Also, he did not want to give Bingley a reason to return to Hertfordshire and continue his pursuit of Miss Jane Bennet. Darcy may be shackled to a fortune hunter, but his good friend did not need to be saddled with one as well. To that end, he decided to say nothing.
“Darcy, I say, this is a pleasant surprise. I was underthe impression you and Miss Darcy might have repaired to Pemberley for Christmas.”
“No, Georgiana has asked if she could stay with my aunt and uncle for the next little while.”
“Still angry with you, eh?”
“She will get over it.”
“I do not know about that, Darcy. My sister holds a grudge like it is her best friend. She brings it along with her to every function and family meal.”
“That is your sister, Bingley. Georgiana does not have a rancorous bone in her body.”
“True, but I must say, I was quite impressed with the way she stood up to all of us the last time we attended Darcy House.”
“I should apologize in her stead. It was ill-done on her part.”
“Oh no! I should apologize for my sister, bringing up all that dreadful business in the first place. I see nothing wrong with how your sister reacted. It reminded me of how charming she truly is, to defend someone she had never met.”
“Thank you, Bingley.”
“I say, what are you doing this evening? Would you care to join us for dinner so that you do not have to rattle about that big house all by yourself?”
Thoughts of Elizabeth eating alone jumped into his consciousness. They had only been married for two days. Just as quickly, he shrugged off the image. She would have to learn how their marriage was going to proceed. He would not curtail his activities because of their marriage and would do as he saw fit.
“I will join you, Bingley.”
“Capital.” Bingley stood. “We shall see you around seven then?”
