Page 25 of Miss Gardiner
Uncle Edward continued describing the scene, “Mr Darcy was very surprized to see Mr Bingley. Darcy asked his friend, ‘I thought you had an important task to complete in Hertfordshire this week?’And Bingley replied, ‘My sisters have convinced me to reconsider the matter from here in London.’Then Bingley sat in a chair without being invited to do so.”
Uncle Edward continued, “Mr Darcy frowned but he was unable to speak freely with my presence, and I made my excuses to leave. But before I could walk across the room, the office door opened once again and this time it was a woman who charged into the room.”
“Mr Darcy attempted to make the introduction but Mr Bingley’s sister…I believe her name is Carolina, castigated Mr Darcy for having a ‘tradesman’ in his home at that time of day,” Uncle Gardiner explained while shaking his head with disappointment. “Mr Bingley did not correct her behaviour, and I bade Mr Darcy farewell and departed.”
“Caroline… her name is Caroline Bingley and the whole of London knows she has a dowry of twenty thousand and she intends to marry Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth said.
Aunt Madeline asked, “Are they engaged?”
“Who do you mean?” asked Elizabeth aghast at the notion.
“Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley; why would she invite herself into a gentleman’s office in the late afternoon if they are not engaged to be married?”
Elizabeth shook her head and explained, “They are not engaged, but Miss Darcy confided to me that Miss Bingley desires the union. Last spring, whenever Mr Bingley called on Mr Darcy, Miss Bingley camewith her brother, and she would follow the man from room to room in his home. She spoke plainly with Miss Darcy and said she would make Mr Darcy an excellent wife.”
“The lady aspires to joining the first circles even though her brother is the first ‘gentleman’ in the family,” scoffed Aunt Madeline. “The Bingley family has been in trade and manufacture in Scarborough for many generations.”
“I must write Jane,” Elizabeth declared.
Uncle Edward shook his head and said, “I do not think that is wise. If you reveal that we know Mr Bingley is here in London, Jane may write him and mention your letter.”
“Miss Gardiner has become a millstone around my neck!” declared Elizabeth with a frown as Madeline and Edward exchanged glances.
“May I return to Longbourn? I know we planned for me to remain until we all went for Christmas, but I want to be with Jane.”
“We shall arrange for your return the day after tomorrow,” Uncle Edward promised. “Tomorrow, we must attend Mr Darcy at his home to collect payment.”
“Do you wish me to accompany you?” asked Elizabeth.
“Of course, my dear,” Mr Gardiner replied. “I wish for you to witness our moment of reward. You have laboured much more than I in this endeavour.”
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In Mr Darcy’s office the next morning, the gentleman was surprized to see Miss Gardiner with her uncle. Mr Clemmons and an attorney were present to act as witnesses and sign documents that proved Mr Gardiner was paid in full.
“Miss Gardiner, I had not thought to see you again…” Mr Darcy said. “But your presence is welcome. I am glad you came today.”
“Thank you, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied. “I have been made welcome in your home and have been glad to aid my uncle’s efforts to assist you.”
“Do you remember the jewellery chest you found in the ballroom?”
Elizabeth replied, “Yes sir, of course.”
“The housekeeper at Pemberley held the key and we opened the chest to find several Darcy heirlooms we feared to be lost. There were diamond necklaces, ruby earrings…a fortune was recovered that day.”
Smiling, Elizabeth merely curtsied as Mr Darcy bowed before her.
“Now, Mr Gardiner, your commission for all the work and sales is five hundred pounds,” Mr Darcy said as he handed over a bank draft, and then a large purse. “And as a bonus for yourworkmen, distribute these funds equally among the men who laboured here at the house each day.”
“Thank you, Mr Darcy,” Uncle Edward replied. “They will be most appreciative.”
“May I offer refreshments?” Darcy asked as Mr Clemmons and the attorney left the room to file papers. “My secretary and attorney are to visit Crown Prince Bank this morning and pay off the debt that my aunt forced upon me.”
In a small parlour, Mr Banks supervised the delivery of trays bearing a tea service, biscuits, tarts and small cakes.
“Miss Gardiner, if you would play hostess, I would be obliged,” Mr Darcy said. Elizabeth quickly fixed and served tea to the two men before fixing her own cup and then selecting a plate with treats.
“Have you heard from Miss Darcy?” she asked when the two gentlemen appeared to have little left to say. As Mr Darcy shared the news from his sister who was visiting with their aunt at the Matlock estate in Derbyshire, Mr Banks was called from the room but quickly returned.
