My uncle cleared his throat and glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Hayward before his attention returned to me. “If you are willing, Elizabeth, I thought you, Mrs. Gardiner, and I should remove to the garden. The weather is ideal, and I noticed a lovely area with benches where we could sit and talk.”
“Yes, by all means.”
The three of us quit the drawing-room for the garden, and I sat opposite the couple.
Uncle Gardiner shifted closer to the edge of the bench. “Based on what you have told me, I should presume you have had an agreeable upbringing. Is that correct?”
“Yes, I should say so. With the exception of the months that followed my aunt Barton’s death, my life at Knight’s Manor has been content.”
“I doubt that I could ever forgive Mr. Barton for causing our estrangement over these past fifteen years.” He shifted into a taut position. “However, if you have been happy, then he must have been a tolerable guardian to you.”
“Yes, that is the case.”
Mrs. Gardiner rested her hand on Uncle Gardiner’s wrist. “We are very much relieved to hear your assurances.”
“Indeed.” The rigidity in my uncle’s shoulders abated. “I regret that our time here is limited. My hope is that, by the time we leave, you will be comfortable enough in our company to stay at our home in town. Perhaps you will decide to travel back to London with us when we leave. Or if that is too soon for you, we should be happy to have you at any later time.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked from her husband to me. “We should love to show you the delights of London—the gardens, museums, shops, concerts, operas, and plays.”
“That is generous of you. Everything you mentioned sounds wonderful.”
My uncle held me in his view. “Last night, Mr. Darcy told us about your morning rides. If you do not mind, I should like to join the three of you during my stay.”
“Yes, I should like that.” An image of Uncle Barton intruded upon me; he would be dismayed to learn about this meeting. “Do you anticipate encountering my uncle Barton before you leave the area?”
“With your agreement, yes. He has much for which to answer. Mr. Darcy, the Haywards, and I have discussed how this ought to be accomplished. We thought Sunday would be best, two days before we must depart for town. Mrs. Hayward would invite your household to tea.”
How might this confrontation unfold? The conversation would almost certainly become heated. “With Cassie and Noah present, my uncle may be less apt to make a scene.”
“Yes, and I imagine Mr. Hayward, due to his long friendship with your uncle, will help ensure the situation remains as civil as possible.”
“Did you discuss who would query my uncle Barton?”
“No, we did not.”
“I think it might be best if I questioned him.”
Uncle Gardiner gave me a long look. “If you are up to the task, I should not deny you the opportunity. And Mr. Barton is certain to take less offence from you than he would from me or even Mr. Hayward.”
“Yes, I fancy that is correct.” It occurred to me that he and Mrs. Gardiner would be left alone tonight. “I…um…regret that I cannot invite you both to Knight’s Manor this evening.”
Mrs. Gardiner moved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “You need not be concerned.” She shared a tender look with my uncle. “We are very happy for this opportunity to see you.”
My uncle nodded. “Yes, and we are content to have a quiet dinner on our own.”
At my request, Mrs. Gardiner provided a recital of how she and my uncle Gardiner had met. When my queries moved on to the subject of my young cousins, both she and my uncle described their four children, providing their likes, dislikes, and personalities. In turn, Uncle Gardiner, who shared my affinity for horses, queried me for the training methods I had employed with Lily.
When it became time for me to depart, we returned to the house, and I took my leave.
Mr. Darcy walked me towards my carriage. His chocolate-coloured eyes scrutinised me. “I take it you and your aunt and uncle had a pleasant talk in the garden.”
“Indeed, yes.” I recounted a summary of our conversation.
“I shall ensure that Mrs. Annesley keeps Georgiana busy elsewhere when this discussion with Mr. Barton takes place.”
“Yes, there is no reason for her to be involved, especially since the encounter could become hostile.”
“If you decide to stay with the Gardiners, I shall return to town as well and call upon you there.” He paused, taking a hard swallow. “Unless, of course, you would rather I did not.”
