Page 34 of Miss Gardiner
“The plan to make a secret of my identity was not yours Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied. “My uncle and I thought to prevent any scandal or rumour attaching to your name or my name.”
He nodded and said clearly, “The subterfuge was complete and hidden from the people who might have made much of it. But I do assure you that scandal is quickly forgotten in London. The newspapers move onto the next rumour and yesterday’s scandal is regulated to the fireplace to burn away.”
Darcy noticed that his last comment left Miss Bennet confused but he did not press for explanation. Instead, he turned to Mr Gardiner and asked, “Sir, may I tell your wife about the ruin a member of my own family attempted to press upon me?”
“Your own family?” asked Mrs Gardiner as though she had never heard the story.
Mr Gardiner agreed to the request saying, “Please sir if it does not cause you too much pain.”
“The need for money last summer was part of a scheme by a relative and it was revealed by my attorneys–former attorneys, now. My aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, forged my father’s signature on mortgage documents for properties she owned in Gravesend, a town in Kent.”
“For five years, she made none of the payments and allowed the mortgages to go into foreclosure. The bankers and lawyers conspired with her to devalue the properties.”
Mr Gardiner nodded, “They forced you to pay the debt in good coin rather than seize the properties.”
“Fortunately, I had some funds available and your business connexions through the warehouses helped me to raise the balance. The bankers were surprized when my secretary and new attorney appeared at their establishment before Christmas with the balance in full. And they were forced to hand over the deeds to the properties as well. My aunt has written several letters ‘demanding the return of her property’ but my new attorneys have addressed her concerns.”
Darcy glanced at Miss Bennet and said, “But there are good members of my family.”
Elizabeth nodded, “Mr Darcy, every family has good and…questionable people in them.”
They were silent for a moment and then Elizabeth asked, “How is Miss Darcy this winter?”
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On Mr Darcy’s fourth visit to Gracechurch Street in two weeks, the subject of the conversation with Charles and Caroline Bingley at MrDarcy’s home arose.
Mrs Gardiner sat with her needlework near the door where she could hear the servants, Nanny or Cook while Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte while she played a new piece of music as Mr Darcy stood beside the instrument to listen while they continued to talk.
“My hands are not quite large enough for this fingering,” she complained.
“Where mine are entirely too large for a keyboard,” Darcy answered.
She smiled and began playing a simple tune as a background before saying, “I saw an article in the newspaper that stated you are building a mill with Lord Hastings in Kent.”
He nodded and replied, “The flour mill will be complete this summer, and it will grind different grains into flour for bakeries in Kent. The only mill in the area burned last year and the owner did not have funds to rebuild.”
“Why are you building it with Lord Hastings instead of just building it yourself?”
Darcy nodded, “An interesting question Miss Bennet.”
She waited patiently and he explained, “Sharing the risk reduces my exposure if the mill fails as a business. And Lord Hastings seeks additional sources of revenue. His estate in Kent produces many different fruits that are sold here in London but if the growing season is dry, his income is decreased.”
Elizabeth nodded and added, “My uncle always seeks partners in different ships that sail for the different markets. His company holds shares in ships bringing spices from India and silks from China. And there are other ships that sail to the Spanish colonies with goods for sale.”
This reply began an animated discussion of trade, investment and ship schedules that left Mrs Gardiner smirking; Mr Darcy would not force her niece to retreat from a discussion of real matters.
“Miss Bennet, I am impressed with your knowledge once again,” the man stated.
“Will you permit me an indulgence Mr Darcy?” she asked.
“Certainly…if possible,” he quickly qualified the guarantee, and she smiled.
“The same article mentioned that your usual business partner, Charles Bingley, was not included in this business venture. May I ask why?”
Darcy stood straight and placed both hands behind his back before he answered. “While at university, I met Charles Bingley, and webecame friends. Afterwards, we worked together on some business deals, and I made an effort to introduce him to people in my circle of acquaintance. But last fall, his behaviour toward your sister revealed an unpleasant flaw in his character.”
“And he is not in your company now?”
