Page 73 of The Cheapside Runners
“I would be very pleased to join you, Gardiner. I apologise for appearing so early without notice.”
“Do not trouble yourself, you are always welcome. There are ladies visiting in the parlour, so what say you to joining me in my study until breakfast?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
The gentlemen retired to the study where a coffee service was already waiting and spent a few minutes with the social niceties.
Gardiner finally asked, “Have you a particular reason to visit? Anything related to last night’s excitement perchance? Mrs Black gave me the particulars, and you can be assured my man in the Navy will be having words about the security of their prisoners.”
“It is about last night, but not necessarily about Wickham. I am assured his next assignment will be far more secure, and noticeably less pleasant than the Navy would have been. The fool never knew when to leave well enough alone.”
“I understand he came close to compromising that poor girl.”
“He did. I am extraordinarily happy Mrs Duff was there.”
“I suppose it ended well enough, so I thank you for appraising me, and even having the kindness to do so before breakfast,” Gardiner replied with a twinkle in his eye.
“I actually have another topic to discuss, if you do not mind.”
“Pray, proceed.”
Darcy paused. “I wish to inform you that I have asked Miss Elizabeth for the privilege of courting her. She promises an answer today, which I hope will be positive.”
“Hope or expect?”
“If she planned to reject me out of hand, she probably wouldhave done so last night when I asked her, but I would consider it presumptuous to say Iexpectit.”
“Hmmm… What do you seek from me? Consent? Blessing?”
“I hope for both. I suspect Miss Elizabeth makes her own decisions for the most part, so I do not presume Ineedeither from you, but you are effectively her father, so I wish to pay you the respect you have earned.”
Gardiner chuckled heartily. “You will let me know if such an approach works when it is your sister’s turn.”
Darcy joined him in laughter. “You shall be the first to know.”
“Well, you are correct in your assumptions. I would be as likely to direct the wind as Lizzy, so she will do as she chooses. I will take whatever credit is due to me for her upbringing, but she has mostly driven her own fate these five years. That said, you have my blessing, and should you come to an understanding before her majority, I will help you beat some sense into her father.”
“I suspect she has had a club ready for her father for some time, so I am not worried. Her majority is only a few months away.”
Gardiner glanced at the clock. “It is time for breakfast. Pray, join us.”
The men left to join the family, but just before they reached the parlour, Gardiner pulled him aside. “Wait here about two minutes if you will so I can ensure the ladies are ready for company. They were deep in discussion when I made my escape. I shall call for you in a moment.”
Darcy wondered why he did not have his servants do that, but just suspected old habits died hard.
A minute or two later, Gardiner called him into the parlour, where he found Elizabeth alone.
~~~~~
“I thought my uncle was acting peculiar,” she said with alaugh. “Good morning, Mr Darcy.”
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I admit your presence is unexpected, but most welcome.”
“I suppose you came here to tell him about your request?” she asked somewhat sharply.
“Yes, but not necessarily for consent or blessings. I owe him the respect and courtesy of knowing what I am about. I would expect the same from any man who wanted to court Georgiana, and I would look with suspicion upon anyone who did not.”
She chuckled, “By that standard, you are either early or late… but be easy. I have given your request a good deal of consideration. If you are truly interested, I am willing to proceed. I admit that I find you intriguing, though I am unprepared to call it love, or even affection. I am curious to see where it goes, but I should like to be very quiet until we know what we are about.”
