Page 68 of Miss Gardiner
Elizabeth turned to her aunt with questions on her face that Mrs Gardiner explained, “Most likely, Mr Darcy is sought out by notable gentlemen to discuss matters on every occasion.”
“As well as every mother with an eligible daughter,” Georgiana interjected. “Just because the paper announced your betrothal does not mean the truly desperate ones will not attack.”
“Georgie! You are reading too many novels again,” said Mr Darcy who frowned but secretly agreed with his sister.
Elizabeth reached out a hand to take Mr Darcy’s hand and said, “I hope I am not causing trouble for you.”
Georgiana said, “Once Fitzwilliam is married, the mommas will move on to the next rich bachelor. Men wanting to discuss business or politics will always be a problem.”
During the interval, Caroline Bingley deserted Mr Robinson and told Mr Belmont, “Take me to halls. We must find Mr Darcy and allow him to invite me for family dinner.”
“Miss Bingley, I am enjoying company with Miss Hobbs this evening,” Albert replied. “You can call on him later in the week.”
He looked around and asked, “Where did Mr Robinson go?”
From beside Mr Belmont, Miss Hobbs spoke, “Mr Robinson attempted to take Caroline for punch, but she refused. I believe he recognized some friends and went to speak to friendly faces.”
Caroline gave the other woman a nasty glance to which Miss Hobbs merely smiled generously. She recognized Miss Bingley as the social climber and had no wish to compete with her. Mr Belmont was handsome, but he pressed for favours she had no wish to grant anyone but her husband.
At that moment, Mr Robinson returned with cups punch for both ladies and Miss Hobbs graced that gentleman with her best smile.
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At the Hurst home the following morning, Caroline barely restrained herself from grabbing the paper from Mr Hurst when she arrived in the small dining room. Caroline wasnot subtle by any description and both husband and wife noticed her anxiousness to see the paper. Louisa rose from her seat and moved to stand beside Geoffrey and asked, “Might we look at the gossip columns?”
“Gossip, my dear?”
“The society news as your mother likes to call it,” she murmured in his ear.
Hurst turned to those pages, not dropping the paper to the tabletop where Caroline might snatch it from under his gaze.
“Was there anything of interest at the theatre last night, Caroline?” asked Geoffrey. “We were unable to join you and Mr Robinson. I hope Belmont and his escort were pleasant.”
“No,” she answered immediately. “Mr Robinson was a bore and cared more for Mr Belmont’s escort than he did for me.”
Geoffrey glanced up and though he refrained from saying anything, Caroline imagined him saying something about Robinson preferring a ‘younger’ woman.
Read the newspaper, Geoffrey said. “Here it is.‘At last night’s performance of Mr Handel’s latest work, the audience was granted their first glance at the young woman shortly to become Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy. Miss Elizabeth B, living in the home of her uncle, Edward Gardiner of Gracechurch Street, was present with Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Mr and Mrs Gardiner for the entire performance. The betrothed couple did not step out of the box during the interval and exited the theatre before the curtain calls.’”
“Mr Darcy’s appearance in society would certainly have been memorable,” Louisa agreed. “Miss B… she must be the missing sister… the one that Jane…”
Louisa felt tears gather in her eyes while Caroline rose and left the dining room without another word while Geoffrey comforted his wife.
“My dear, will you write Miss Bennet a note of congratulations?” he asked. “Or shall I seek out Darcy at our club and offer my congratulations?”
“No, I will not write to Miss Bennet,” Louisa replied. “We have never been introduced to her and our names would only bring up painful memories.”
The next evening at his club, Mr Hurst sought out Mr Darcy to offer his congratulations on the match. He also shared news of Bingley’s departure from England and while Mr Darcy acknowledged the news, he never mentioned Charles Bingley again.
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Chapter 16.Epilogue
The wedding of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy was celebrated at the Gardiner family church. When the Gardiner’s carriage arrived, the bride and her uncle visited the graveyard with a bundle of flowers appropriate for a maid of honour to carry in the service. After a moment beside Jane’s gravestone, Mr Gardiner turned Elizabeth toward the church, and they joined Mrs Gardiner at the door; the flowers remained behind with Jane as Elizabeth took her place beside Fitzwilliam Darcy at the altar.
As planned, the couple remained in London until April and then travelled north to Pemberley where they remained until September.
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