“That is wonderful. I know Noah and Uncle Barton will be delighted as well.” Despite this pleasing news, a degree of tension remained in my shoulders. One day soon, my uncle would have to answer for his falsehoods; once that occurred, my association with the Bartons could become fractured, perhaps forever.
Wednesday, 23 October
Springvale
Elizabeth
I fidgeted in my seat for most of the ride to the Haywards’ estate. At long last, I should see my uncle Gardiner again and meet his wife! To my disappointment, they did not bring their children on this visit; according to the express Uncle Gardiner sent me via Mr. Hayward, he and his wife had not wanted to burden Dame Hayward. Due to his business obligations, their stay would be limited to one se’nnight.
Earlier, I had fibbed to Noah, telling him that I had been bound for the circulating library. So, I breathed a bit easier when the carriage entered the avenue without passing anyone on the road who might remark upon having seen me. When we neared Springvale House, I caught sight of Mr. Darcy striding towards the vehicle.
Since his proposal ten days ago, we had continued our morning rides and dined together each evening, either at Knight’s Manor or at Springvale. My love for him could no longer be questioned. I could not contemplate a future that did not include him.
The door opened to reveal Mr. Darcy, every bit as handsome as the image that so often dominated my thoughts. “Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you, Mr. Darcy.” I clasped his proffered hand, and he assisted me to the ground. I took his arm, an act that had become second nature to me.
He bent his head near mine. “Are you nervous? You appear a little pale.”
“Yes, I suppose I am.”
“You have no reason to be. All will be well.”
His soothing baritone lent me a new burst of confidence, and I straightened my posture.
“The Gardiners have made a fine impression upon Mrs. Hayward, my sister, and Mrs. Annesley, and they are eager to see you.”
“The feeling is mutual.” When we reached an area that afforded a modicum of privacy, I tugged on his arm, halted, and moved to face him. “I have felicitous news. Although for now, you must keep this information to yourself.”
“Very well. I shall take part in your intrigue.” His playful reply inspired my grin.
“As of yesterday, my cousin Cassie is engaged to Mr. Stephen Ware.” Following a great deal of pleading on Cassie’s part, Uncle Barton had relented his former resolve that she wait until her next birthday to become betrothed. He acknowledged that the two of them had endured enough strife, and Aunt Barton would have approved of the match.
“That is splendid. I am happy for them.”
“As am I. They truly belong together.” Tonight, the Haywards, the Wares, the Darcys, and Mrs. Annesley would dine at Knight’s Manor.
In the drawing-room, I exchanged salutations with Mr. and Mrs. Hayward, Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Annesley. All the while, though, my attention strayed to my uncle Gardiner and the attractive lady at his side; with their elegant attire and graceful presence, the pair manifested refinement. The two of them came towards me.
Dame Hayward indicated the couple before she addressed me. “Miss Bennet, I believe you may remember Mr. Edward Gardiner.” As I held still and stared, a clear image of him as a younger man superimposed upon his more mature features. Although he had grown stouter and his hair arched higher over his forehead, he wore the same amicable, unaffected visage he had back then.
I took a step closer to him and offered my hand. “It is a great pleasure to see you again, Uncle Gardiner.”
He took my hand and covered it with his other palm. “Elizabeth, if I may use so familiar a term, I have anticipated this moment for many years now. You have grown to be a beautiful lady.”
My gaze lowered, and no doubt my face reddened. “You are too kind, Uncle.”
“I assure you, I am only being honest.”
“You are welcome to call me Elizabeth or Lizzy.”
His smile widened. He released me to touch his wife’s hand. “Mrs. Gardiner, I am delighted to introduce my niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Mrs. Gardiner grinned at me, her brown eyes crinkling. “Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Her cordial air and dulcet voice put me at ease.
“I am happy to meet you, Mrs. Gardiner.”
At Dame Hayward’s urging, we all took seats, and she served the tea. Uncle Gardiner asked after my favourite interests, my association with my cousins, and my opinion of the Wiltshire area. Based upon his cheerful demeanour, my replies pleased him.
