Page 26 of Saving Jane
‘I would want to know all,’ she decided. ‘Just because I am a woman, does not mean that I cannot deal with the world and the failings of other people.’
Lifting her eyes from the table in front of her, Elizabeth caught Mrs Annesley’s expression–one of admonition to protect Miss Darcy. Inclining her head in acceptance, Elizabeth turned to Georgiana and asked, “What is your choice for the next Mr Shakespeare’s works to read and discuss?”
“I should like to read the sonnets,” the young lady replied.
“I do not have a copy of the sonnets here in London. I shall have to visit the booksellerto find a copy.”
“Would you rather read another of the plays?” Georgiana asked.
Now Elizabeth grinned. “Indeed not. This will be an excuse to attend the bookseller and find any new books in addition to a copy of the sonnets.”
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When it was time to depart, Elizabeth hugged Georgiana and exchanged curtsies with Mrs Annesley. She made her way to the front door to find the door to Mr Darcy’s office standing open and the gentleman giving final instructions to his secretary before going out. His coat and hat were in the hands of the footman following him around and Elizabeth grinned.‘If he takes one step backwards, he will land a top the footman and mash his hat.’
Mr Jones stood with Elizabeth’s pelisse and bonnet. She took the bonnet and after slipping it over her hair, she tied the ribbon under her chin.
“Miss Bennet, I see you are ready to depart,” said Mr Darcy as he approached with his coat on by this time.
“Yes Mr Darcy. Georgiana and I completed the duet to Mrs Annesley’s satisfaction this afternoon. We can perform for you at any time in the future.”
Standing at her side, Darcy took the pelisse from Mr Roberts and helped Elizabeth into the garment. Then he put his hat upon his head and offered his arm. Surprised, Elizabeth took the proffered limb, and they stepped through the front door, down the steps and up to a single Darcy carriage. An unknown maid sat in the carriage to provide the chaperone for the two to travel together.
“Mr Darcy, it is not necessary for you to escort me home,” she whispered as they approached the carriage.
He answered quietly, “I needed to see your uncle concerning business matters this afternoon. I shall visit with him at his warehouse after delivering you to your door.”
“That is very kind of you, sir,” she replied. “Thank you.”
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Immediately upon her return to Grace Church Street, Elizabeth was drafted to help Emily with a rip in her small gown while Mrs Gardiner and Nanny were dealing with the baby who was colicky.
“Lizzy, my gown tore!” Emily cried and her older cousin immediately comforted her and then led the little girl into the parlour where she pulled out the mending basket. She solicited Emily’s help to match the thread to the material of the small garment.
By the time Emily was engrossed watching Elizabeth thread the needle with blue thread, the tears were forgotten, and the rip was soon repaired with Emily helping to pull the needle through some of the stitches.
“We must always be careful with the needle Emily,” Elizabeth repeatedly told the child. “It sticks little girls just as easily as it sticks into cloth.”
As she finished the mending and put the basket with needles and thread away, Elizabeth heard the front door open and the voices of her uncle and Mr Darcy filled the foyer.
“I must interview Elizabeth and advise my wife,” Uncle Gardiner said. “They must know of the contents of the letter.”
Taking Emily by the hand, Elizabeth walked to the parlour door where her cousin shouted excitedly, “Papa! Papa!”
The little girl slipped from Elizabeth’s grasp and hugged her father around the leg. Mr Gardiner bent over and picked up his daughter to hug her.
“Emily, where is your mother this afternoon?”
“Mamma is upstairs with Nanny and baby. Henry not feeling good.”
Mr Gardiner glanced at his niece who expanded upon her cousin’s explanation. “Henry is colicky this afternoon. Aunt Gardiner is seeing to him with Nanny’s assistance while Emily and I mended a tear in her gown.”
“I believe my daughter takes after you Elizabeth with this tendency to scrape her knees and tear her dresses,” Mr Gardiner told his niece. He turned to his guest and further embarrassed Elizabeth by telling of torn dresses and scuffed shoes as recently as the previous summer.
“Of course, Elizabeth was only trying to teach Edward how to climb the tree faster but they both ended up with dirty clothes and displeased Mammas.”
Mr Darcy smiled. “Just this past summer?”
