Page 25 of Saving Jane
After moving back to the pianoforte, Georgiana bowed her head for a moment before answering, “I think the only maid she ever spoke to–other than my lady’s maid–was Millie Smith. The girl wants to be a lady’s maid and Mrs Young allowed Millie to help her dress each morning.”
Mrs Annesley looked up and added, “Mr Darcy, the girl has approached me several times about helping me with my gowns, but I have not made use of her services. And I have found her in the passageways behind the rooms more than once when I have gone to the kitchens.”
“Mrs Annesley, you do not have to use the servant staircase,” Darcy admonished his sister’s companion.
The lady smiled but nodded her head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, sir, but it is much easier to reach the kitchens fromthe servant stairs.”
Darcy stepped to the door and asked Mr and Mrs Jones into the room. The butler and housekeeper wore sombre expressions that caused Georgiana and Elizabeth to exchange worried glances.
“Miss Darcy and Mrs Annesley confirm your conclusion Mrs Jones,” Darcy told his staff. “It appears to be Millie who is telling tales to Mrs Young.”
“The girl has had many new ribbons and extra coins for sweets,” Mrs Jones replied. “What shall I do sir? Dismiss her?”
“No,” Mr Darcy said quickly. He paused in thought for a moment and then asked, “When is her next half day?”
“Tomorrow, sir. She leaves after luncheon and must be back before ten when the outside doors to the kitchen are locked.”
“I do not know the girl–I would not recognize her,” Darcy told the housekeeper. “What could I tell a man to find her on the street if he was to follow her?”
Mrs Jones thought for a moment before answering. “She wears a yellow shawl about her shoulders and her house cap out into the weather on her half days. If you want her followed, the man could find Millie on the street without fail.”
“Thank you, Mrs Jones.” Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and gave her half a smile before turning to his sister. “Georgie, you must not speak of this to your maid in any manner. Not a word.”
She glanced at Mrs Annesley and Elizabeth before nodding most solemnly.
“We shall speak of this to no one outside of this room,” Mrs Annesley confirmed.
“Miss Bennet, when it is time for you to return home, I wish to accompany you to Gracechurch Street–I shall speak to Mr Gardiner regarding the letter.”
“Certainly Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth agreed and rose to curtsey once again when he bowed and swept from the room, followed by Mr and Mrs Jones.
The three ladies were quiet for several long minutes until Elizabeth stood up. “Shall we attempt the duet again Georgiana? I believe I can rise to the challenge this afternoon.”
“Bravo, Miss Bennet,” Mrs Annesley said to encourage both young ladies and she helped Georgiana find the proper sheets of music.
~~}{~~
The footman and coachman stood before Mr Darcy’s desk as he asked them questions regarding other carriages on the street in frontof the house in recent days and any pedestrians that appeared on the street regularly.
“I do remember seeing a coach setting on the street several times last week–in front of Lord Grey’s house but the house is closed for the year. But it has not been there in the last three days.”
“Have you noticed any coaches or stragglers on the street around Miss Bennet’s home on Gracechurch Street?”
“The Gardiner footman always comes to the carriage to help Miss Bennet sir, and I have time to look up and down the street for pickpockets and beggars. There are not any beggars around the house, and I have not seen anyone, or any coach follow us when we make the trip.”
Darcy nodded. “I am glad to hear that you are paying attention to the streets when you travel with the family and our friends. Hereafter, when my sister and her companion are out, a second footman is to attend the carriage.”
The coachman remained silent but lifted his coat to display the loaded pistol he carried at all times. Darcy nodded again and added, “Carry a musket under the seat as well. I shall carry a pistol under my coat for the next few days.”
~~}{~~
When tea was delivered, Elizabeth joined Georgiana and Mrs Annesley at the table, but they did not wait on Mr Darcy.
“My brother must have more information than he shared with us,” Georgiana commented.
Mrs Annesley answered, “If he wanted us to know more, he would tell us.”
Elizabeth frowned for just a moment but then drank some tea to hide her mouth. She was not at home and her opinion was not asked or needed.
