Page 43 of Saving Jane
After handing Georgiana into the carriage, Mr Bennet turned to Mr Darcy and said, “You have very good horse’s sir. I believe you can make Shrewsbury Inn in Buckinghamshire before dark with that team. Our weather has been dry, and the roads hereabout are passable for this time of year.”
“Thank you, Mr Bennet,” Darcy replied before he turned to Elizabeth and took her hand. Glancing once at Mr Bennet who smiled and nodded with permission, Mr Darcy brought Elizabeth’s hand to his lips for a moment. “I hope to see you in town in the spring, Miss Elizabeth. Please write to my sister as often as you wish.”
Mr Bennet took his daughter’s hand and placed it on his arm as they stood and watched the gentleman climb into the carriage. Then the coachman set the horses in motion and when the coach reached the road to turn north, Mr Bennet turned his daughter around and led her back into the house.
“Well Lizzy, shall I place your hand on his arm in a more permanent fashion next year?” Mr Bennet whispered to his daughter who smiled but did not speak. “Nonetheless, let us not tell your mother too much. She would bankrupt Longbourn with lace and material for a thousand gowns.”
“Yes, Papa,” Elizabeth agreed though her eyes were still seeing Mr Darcy’s face.
~~}{~~
In the carriage, Georgiana snuggled close to her brother for warmth.
“Thank you, William.”
“For what are you thanking me, my dear?”
“For allowing me to wish Happy Christmas to my friend.”
“It was no great effort,” he replied, a smile on his face. “And I was glad to wish the Gardiners Happy Christmas and to meet Miss Elizabeth’s father and sisters.”
“I like Miss Elizabeth a great deal,” Georgiana said in a tone that would not brook argument. When her brother did not respond in any manner, the sister prodded his side. “Do you not think it very fortunate that your sister enjoys the company of Miss Elizabeth and can keep you apprised of all her comings and goings this winter?”
“Where is my shy, respectful sister?” Darcy asked with a severe mask on his face that slid away in mirth as the good feelings from the afternoon filled his heart.
Laughing Georgiana answered, “Miss Elizabeth has taught me to speak up.”
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Following the departure of their guests, Mr Bennet gathered Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Jane, Elizabeth and Mary in the parlour.
“Well, girls your Mamma will certainly regret missing this visit. What shall we tell her?”
“There is nothing of a particular nature to tell, Papa,” Elizabeth replied shyly. “My good friend Georgiana Darcy stopped to call on her way north for Christmas with her family.”
Mr Bennet laughed. “Miss Darcy? I believe it was her tall, handsome brother who desired this call to meet your family.”
Mr Gardiner looked at his wife, “And my dear wife who suggested that Mrs Bennet take Kitty to call on Mrs Phillips to show off the new bonnets and gowns we brought them for Christmas.”
“And it was Mr Gardiner who convinced Mr Collins that his place was with his parishioners in Hunsford and shared with him the best places to change coaches in crossing London,” Mrs Gardiner added.
Mr Bennet laughed. “I did not see this plotting around me. Mrs Bennet has met her match, Mrs Gardiner.”
~~}{~~
“Where did this fruit come from Lizzy?” asked Mrs Bennet late in the afternoon. She had arrived home an hour earlier and spent the time telling Mrs Gardiner how Mrs Phillips admired the gowns and bonnets before noticing that the curtains in the parlour were thrown open and the chairs were not in the desired arrangement.
“My friend Georgiana Darcy stopped at Longbourn to refresh herself on her journey north for Christmas and she brought the fruit as well as gifts for my cousinsand my sisters.”
“She must be very rich to purchase gifts for so many people,” Mrs Bennet observed.
Mrs Gardiner joined the conversation at that point, “I would say that the Darcy family is comfortable–Mr Gardiner does a great deal of trade with Mr Darcy.”
“Do you refer to her father?” Mrs Bennet asked innocently while examining the pretty boxes that Jane and Kitty each received.
“Sister,” Mrs Gardiner gently admonished. “Mr Darcy is a pleasant enough young man though he can glower most effectively when he needs.”
“But is he single and in possession of a fortune?” Mrs Bennet insisted.
