Page 13 of Saving Jane
A small smile came to Georgiana’s face, and she nodded her head. “I have heard some of the maids and ladies back home say he is...”
“Tell me, where is home?”
Now the tears ceased, and the young lady answered, “Derbyshire–our family is from Derbyshire.”
“A county to the north I believe,” Elizabeth said attempting to draw out the young girl. “I have never been to Derbyshire. My aunt who lives in town was born in Derbyshire in a small town named Lambton.”
Brightening at the familiar subject, Georgiana explained, “Lambton is only a few miles from our home. My brother and I attend Sunday services there when the weather is fine.”
Now Elizabeth noticed her uncle and aunt walking toward her and she drew Georgiana to her feet. “Come, my family approaches and my uncle will return you to your home.”
As Elizabeth rose from the bench, Uncle Gardiner asked, “Lizzy, have you had enough time for reflection?”
“Thank you, I believe I have. And I have met this young lady who needs our assistance. Her companion deserted her here in the park and she needs to return home to her brother.”
“Deserted you in the park?” her aunt asked before approaching the girl on the bench and taking her hand as her two oldest children followed. “All will be well my dear! I am certain of it. My name is Mrs Edward Gardiner, and my husband will return you to your family.”
“What is your name child?” Uncle Gardiner asked kindly.
“Georgiana Darcy, sir.”
“Are you related to the Darcy family of Pemberley in Derbyshire?”
“Yes sir, my brother is FitzwilliamDarcy,”
“Then I know your brother–I act as his factor selling Pemberley wool each year. We are investing together in mills to spin the wool into yarn and then into cloth in nearby Derby.”
“Mr Gardiner, please!” fussed Mrs Gardiner. “Miss Darcy is distressed and must be returned to her brother. She cares little for factories or yarn.”
“Where is your home, Miss Darcy?” asked Elizabeth.
“In Mayfair,” Miss Darcy replied.
“That is almost two miles from here,” Uncle Gardiner announced. He glanced at his niece and said, “While that is a suitable distance for you Lizzy, none of the rest of us can walk four miles. I shall hire a cab so that you and I can return Miss Darcy to her home.”
The man turned to his wife and asked, “Mrs Gardiner, are you agreeable to returning home with Nanny and the footman to escort you and the children?”
“Certainly, Mr Gardiner,” his wife replied with a smile. “Children say goodbye to the young lady. When we return home, there will be biscuits and hot cider.”
Mr Gardiner watched his wife surrounded by his children and their servants begin the short walk back to their home before he turned to his niece and the young lady.
“Miss Darcy, shall we walk to the street?” he asked offering his arm. “I shall hail a carriage and return you to your brother.”
With the young girl on one arm and his niece on the other, Edward Gardiner navigated the pathway to the entrance to the park and when they came to the street, he was able to flag down a for-hire carriage quickly.
He waved for the driver to remain on his seat and asked the young lady for the direction to her home that he then relayed to the driver. Then Mr Gardiner opened the door and handed first his niece and then Miss Darcy inside. When he climbed inside himself and everyone was settled on the seats, he knocked on the roof of the carriage and the driver flicked the reins to set the horses to walking again.
After almost thirty minutes of traffic on London’s streets, the driver halted the team in front of a large, four-story brick house. Mr Gardiner stepped down from the carriage and reached in to help Miss Darcy down. Before Miss Darcy was on the street, the front door of the house flew open and a tall, dark-haired man rushed down the stairs to the girl’s side, taking her in his arms for a moment.
“Georgiana, where have you been? Where is Mrs Young? You were to be home an hour ago!”
When the older brother released the young woman, he turned to Elizabeth’s uncle who tipped his hat, bowed and said, “Mr Darcy, my niece found Miss Darcy deserted in the park and after calming her, brought her to me and I immediately brought her to your home.”
Darcy frowned. “I imagine you expect a reward...”
Having joined the others on the sidewalk Elizabeth was silent at the man’s words. Uncle Gardiner frowned only so slightly but replied, “Mr Darcy sir, I am your business partner, Edward Gardiner.”
“And is this some scheme to draw my favour for your proposals?”
