Page 28 of Miss Gardiner
Darcy’s face remained frozen, but he bowed formally to the uncle and niece before motioning one of the footmen to help Mr Gardiner to help Miss Gardiner to the street and into the carriage.
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Upon his return to the parlour, he signalled Banks to collect and remove the tea service. Caroline’s face grew sour as she relinquished her cup and plate of untouched biscuits. When Charles and Caroline did not rise to leave, Mr Darcy said, “I must return to my work.”
Then he arched an eyebrow before Bingley sighed and rose from his seat.
“Come along, Caroline. We have over-stayed our welcome,” Bingley told his sister.
“Charles, ask him about the theatre box,” she whispered. “I want to be seen in town this week.”
Darcy ignored the whispered request, turned to Banks and said, “See the Mr Bingley and his sister to the door. Then remove the knocker; I shall receive no other guests until after the first of the year.”
Just a few minutes later as their carriage headed toward the Hurst home, Caroline fussed, “It was rude of Mr Darcy to pretend he did not hear my hint about the theatre box.”
“Sister, we have been dismissed from Darcy’s company for a time,”
“What do you mean?”
“He asked us to leave and then stated that there was to be no company again before the first of the year. He was all politeness, but there was no mistaking his message.”
“But he did not mean you…me…why would he do that?” she wailed.
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Chapter 8.Miss Elizabeth’s Plan
At first, the passengers were silent as the carriage slipped through busy London traffic toward Gracechurch Street. Then Mr Gardiner said, “Lizzy, you must not tell Jane the revelations we heard today. We shall discuss them with your aunt, but no one else can be told.”
“What do you mean? Why?” asked Elizabeth.
“In my opinion, the Bingley family is the worst sort of people,” Uncle Gardiner continued. “They have a great deal of money but few good morals.”
“Nouveau riche,” Elizabeth said bitterly. “They rise and mimic the gentry’s fashions and houses, while forcing their way into a society they do not understand.”
After another moment of silence, Uncle Edward said, “If Jane heard what Miss Bingley said and what Mr Bingley did not say, it would break her heart.”
“I must go home…I must go to Longbourn this afternoon.”
“Tomorrow morning,” Uncle Gardiner argued. “You must clear your head and know what you want to accomplish when you arrive at Longbourn before the carriage leaves the house in the morning. If you arrive without any idea what you want to do, then you can only react to what your father says and plans.”
“Father?” Elizabeth asked. “Why my father?”
“At Longbourn, Thomas Bennet is master, and he determines Jane’s future. If there is scandal attached to the expectation of a marriage between Jane and Bingley, your father might arrange for your sister to leave Longbourn. In any case, there are none who can gainsay him.”
“He can order me…”
Uncle Gardiner frowned and said, “I have authority for you now. You have lived under my roof for most of the past three years. And your father has not contributed any funds for your food, clothing, and education.”
“I…”
“Lizzy, your aunt and I hold you in our hearts as a daughter. You are a blessing in our lives,” Edward said. “At one point, I felt guilty for ‘stealing’ you away from Frances and Thomas, but they have given no indication of wanting you back.”
Now Elizabeth Bennet felt her tears falling freely as her uncle held her close. At Gracechurch Street, they climbed downfrom the carriage and hurried into the house, where Aunt Madeline welcomed them but quickly moved them into the parlour and ordered tea once she noticed their faces.
After sharing the stories from their morning, Madeline Darcy said, “We must bring Jane here. No one in our circle knows the connexion to Hertfordshire and she can build a new life here.”
“Thank you!” Elizabeth cried in relief.
