Page 40 of The Difference of a Darcy
Not disapproving. Surprised.
Elizabeth held her head high and rang the bell. A maid opened the door and showed them into the sitting room. They walked into the room, and there stood her aunt. Not changed in the slightest—still with that smooth, elegant brow, the composed smile, the gentle manner of speech that had always soothed Elizabeth as a child.
“May I help you?” Mrs. Gardiner asked, polite but reserved, her gaze taking them in with a flicker of curiosity.
Elizabeth’s throat closed.She does not recognize me, either.
Darcy stepped forward. “Pardon the intrusion, madam, especially on Christmas day. We are William and Beth Smith, traveling north. We hoped to stop briefly and pay our respects. Your niece—Mrs. Collins—spoke warmly of you when last we saw her.”
Elizabeth could have kissed him for the ease with which he delivered the lie.
Mrs. Gardiner blinked, her expression warming just slightly. “Mrs.Collins? Oh… yes, of course. Lizzy. Do come in and be seated, please.”
Elizabeth stepped in from the hall and immediately felt a wave of memories rush over her—the scent of lavender polish, the familiar creak in the stair, the tall cabinet filled with Aunt Gardiner’s china. It was all the same.
Except that no one knew her.
The awareness settled heavily on her shoulders.
Darcy’s expression was unreadable, but she could see him glancing around with restrained interest—at the clean lines of the entryway, the quality of the drapes, the quiet elegance of the Gardiner home. He had clearly not expected such genteel refinement in Cheapside.
Elizabeth felt a flicker of grim satisfaction as she settled onto a comfortable chair near the fire.
Mr. Gardiner came into the room behind them, and introductions were repeated. Mrs. Gardiner rang for tea, and a plate of buttered biscuits accompanied the warm drink.
“You say you met Lizzy? How is my niece?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.
Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged glances. “She seems to be settling,” Elizabeth replied cautiously. “Of course, we only just became acquainted with her…”
Her voice trailed off as she realized the awkwardness of having to describe herself as a stranger would. Darcy, clearly sensing her disquiet, quickly said, “She seems to be very kind, and I think the parish will flourish under her care.”
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner beamed. “You say you are heading north, though, did you not?” Mrs. Gardiner asked. “What part, if I may ask?”
“Derbyshire,” Darcy replied. “A small town called Lambton—you may not have heard of it.”
“Why, I certainly have!” Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed. “I am from Lambton, you see, though I have not been there in many years.”
“Oh?” Elizabeth’s voice was noncommittal. “My husband’s sister lives there. It is my first time to travel this far, and I hear it is quite lovely.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s expression softened at that. “It is. I spent much of my youth there. I am sorry to say it has changed considerably, though.”
Elizabeth’s hand tightened around her teacup.
“Oh?” Darcy asked, his tone light but attentive.
Mrs. Gardiner leaned slightly forward. “It used to be so peaceful—a good school, a thriving village. But in recent years… well. The estate passed to Miss Georgiana Darcy, you know, but her uncle managed it for her. Then she eloped with the steward’s son—Wickham, I believe his name was.”
Elizabeth’s heart stopped. She glanced quickly at Darcy. He had gone very still.
Mrs. Gardiner went on. “They say he was charming, at first. The whole county thought him delightful—handsome, well-mannered, quick with compliments. But after the wedding, the truth emerged. Selfish. A gambler. He has nearly drained Pemberley dry. Many of the tenants have left. And Lambton itself… we had thought to visit again this summer, perhaps even go walking in the Peaks, but it is no longer the sort of place I would bring my children.”
Elizabeth forced a smile. “That is… very sad to hear.”
Darcy’s hands were folded tightly in his lap, and she knew without looking that his jaw was clenched. She cleared her throat. “Thank you for the tea. We should let you get back to your day. We have not yet secured lodging for the night.”
“Oh, but do stay,” Mrs. Gardiner said at once. “Surely you are not setting off again without dinner? And… and if it is not too bold of me—well, we have a guest room. You are very welcome to it.”
Elizabeth hesitated, her heart caught between gratitude and ache.
