Page 35 of Compromise & Consequence
Miss Bingley glanced toward the young girl, still seated.
“My lady, in no way did I infer your niece was deficient. I am speaking of this trollop, Eliza Bennet, whom I know is a fallen woman.”
“Miss Bingley – it is Miss Bingley, correct?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Pray, stay silent on this matter as you are in grave danger of making a fool of yourself, more than you have done already.”
“Excuse me?”
The older woman turned her attention to Elizabeth.
“Forgive me for not seeing you when I entered the shop, dearest Elizabeth. I must have been so entranced with what your sister Georgiana was saying about her new music master, that I did not even look around when we came in.”
Two things shot through Elizabeth’s mind like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the scene with perfect clarity. One, the lady in front of her had to be Lady Matlock and two, the girl with her was none other than Miss Georgiana Darcy. Elizabeth now realized why the young girl seemed familiar. She had seen her portrait during the tour with Mrs. Whittaker. A third thought began to germinate and that was, Darcy’s aunt was aware she and her nephew were married, most likely via her son, the colonel.
She rose to her feet and decided to let Lady Matlock carry the conversation.
“Thank you, my lady. I was so vested in my conversation with Mrs. Gardiner, that I also did not notice your entry.”
Not for the life of her would she divulge Mrs. Gardiner was her cousin’s aunt in front of Caroline Bingley. Through all this,Miss Bingley’s color rose and her mouth had thinned to the point of almost disappearing. Mrs. Hurst began to edge toward the exit.
“Mr. Darcy marriedyou?”
“Yes, Miss Bingley.”
“When!”
“Am I given to understand my husband did not inform you of his joining the name Darcy to Bennet?” Elizabeth could not help but dig at her nemesis with a turn of her own phrase. “Such a shame. And here I thought you were all such great friends.”
Before Miss Bingley could speak, Lady Matlock deliberately stared her down and Caroline’s mouth clamped shut.
“Elizabeth, would you introduce me to your companion?”
“I would be honored. Mrs. Edward Gardiner, I present to you, Lady Matlock.”
“Is that Gardiner of Gardiner Emporium?”
Aunt Madeline had also risen to her feet and deliberately stood in front of Miss Bingley, effectively making her stare at her back. Elizabeth struggled not to smile.
“It is, my lady,” Aunt Maddy said with a polite curtsy.
“I have been to your husband’s warehouse. He has the most delightful products.”
“We are both very proud of his business, my lady.”
“And for good reason.” Lady Matlock turned to the owner of the shop, who stood mouth agape. “Would you please add two more chairs to my table? Mrs. Darcy and her companion will join me and Miss Darcy.”
It was at this time the countess gave Caroline her undivided attention, and even though she leaned into the younger woman and spoke low, Elizabeth heard every word.
“Heed my words, Miss Bingley. Never,ever, denigrate a member of my family. Do not even whisper the vitriol you feel splashing about your tongue. Swallow it and move back into the shadows where you so rightly belong. Do I make myself clear?”
All color had leached from Miss Bingley’s face during this exchange. She audibly swallowed and gave a slight nod. Lady Matlock pivoted on her heel and without even acknowledging Miss Bingley or her sister further, returned to her table. After a glance at Aunt Madeline, Elizabeth followed and they took their seats. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst stood completely motionless, staring at one another before they exited the shop. The four ladies sat without saying a word until fresh tea had been provided and a vast array of treats were piled on the table.
“Lady Matlock,” Elizabeth decided to break the awkward silence. “This was not how I envisioned meeting my husband’s family, nor his sister. I am so sorry it happened this way.”
“You are not responsible for that vile woman’s outlandish behavior.”
