With a convulsive inhalation, my entire body grew rigid.Thisis why he estranged me from my uncle Gardiner? “How could you have been so arrogant—so selfish?”
“I am disgusted by your deception, Father.” Noah’s harsh inflexion drew my gaze. Fire raged in his brown eyes. “You have dissembled to all of us for years and deprived Lizzy of her uncle, all to preserve your inflated sense of pride!”
My uncle Barton lowered his head. “My conduct is indefensible, so I understand why you all must be disappointed in me. Instead of honouring my dear wife’s wishes, I acted to preserve my own comfort and ensure no one would challenge my decision.” He sent me a brief look. “I withheld Mr.Gardiner’s letters to you for the same reason. I did not want you to press me for permission to see him.”
My hands curled into tight balls. “You had no right to keep those letters from me!”
“No, I did not. I am heartily sorry.” Uncle Barton glanced at Noah and Mr. Hayward. “Over the years, I have felt enormous guilt over these falsehoods. I wanted to reverse my mistake and yet…” He blinked, his eyes shiny. “The truth is, I lacked the courage. But it is a relief to dispense with this mendacity. My apology extends to you all.” His sight shifted to my uncle Gardiner. “And most especially to you, Mr. Gardiner.”
Seconds elapsed, and the harsh glint in Uncle Gardiner’s irises dissipated.
With his crumpled posture and the slight quiver that affected his hands, Uncle Barton appeared defeated. The stark and wretched nature of his confession eroded my energy—along with the majority of my ire for him. Despite his abhorrent actions, I could not bring myself to view him with contempt. This man had taught me how to ride and shoot, encouraged me to read and learn a variety of subjects, and allowed me to pursue the activities that interested me. Despite everything, I loved him.
With a cough, I found my voice. “As a child, I often wished for someone who could tell me about my mother, father, and sister. This past week, my uncle Gardiner has patiently answered my many questions, providing a description of their natures I never had before.” My sight veered briefly to the others present. “I am grateful to Mr. Darcy and to Mr. and Mrs. Hayward for the steps they took to allow me this time with the Gardiners, and I have accepted my aunt Gardiner’s invitation to stay at their home in town and meet my young cousins. I have not yet decided whether I shall travel to London with them or go there at a later date.”
With my vision fixed upon Uncle Barton, I steadied my attitude. “Now that the truth has been revealed, I hope we may all begin anew and put this unpleasantness behind us.”
Uncle Barton raised his eyes to me. “That is most gracious of you, Lizzy.” A quaver hindered his words. He beheld my aunt and uncle. “Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, I want to extend an invitation to you both. On this or any future visit to the area, you are welcome to be guests at Knight’s Manor.”
Aunt Gardiner placed a hand on Uncle Gardiner’s arm. “Thank you for the offer, Mr. Barton.”
For a long moment, my uncle Gardiner stared at Uncle Barton as though pondering an enigma. Then he drew in a slow breath. “My niece is correct. There would be no benefit in holding on to rancour, and my priority has always been to act in her best interest. I am willing to disregard the past.”
“I thank you.” Uncle Barton reposed in his chair. “How long do you plan to remain in the area?”
“We must return to town on Tuesday.”
Uncle Barton rested his folded hands upon his chin. “It is a shame you will depart so soon. With your approval, I should like to hold a party at Knight’s Manor tomorrow in your honour. I shall inform my neighbours that my former opinion of you was faulty.”
“Thank you.” Uncle Gardiner spoke in a measured cadence. “My wife and I should be pleased to attend.”
“That is splendid.”
With the tension in the room abated, Mrs. Hayward asked Uncle Gardiner whether he and his wife had seen the latest production at the Covent Garden Theatre. A general conversation ensued on the merits and weaknesses of several popular actors and actresses. I followed the good-natured discussion until Mr. Darcy lowered his head near mine, and a pleasant shiver distracted me.
“I hope today’s discussion has unfolded to your satisfaction.”
“Indeed, I could not have foreseen a better conclusion.” I moved to fully face him. “I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to make my reunion with my uncle Gardiner possible.” When he grimaced, my abdomen tensed. How had I displeased him? “Pray tell me, what is wrong?”
“I should do anything in my power to assist you, for any service I may render you is a rewarding endeavour. Yet the last thing I want is for you to feel an obligation to me. No matter what you may decide with regard to us, you owe me nothing.”
His intent gaze stole my focus, delaying my response. “Very well. I shall keep that in mind.”
“Furthermore, I should not want Lily to influence your decision in any way. Once you reach your majority, you will have the funds to purchase her.”
“Yes, I shall be able to afford the one thousand pounds in May.”
“No, I shall sell her to you for a more reasonable sum—forty guineas will be sufficient.”
Forty guineas?My eyebrow arched. “That would be a most regrettable investment for you. Buying high and selling low is not a sound way to conduct business.” I used a soft tone lest he take offence at my little gibe.
“In general, that is true, but not in this instance, for I have received more than my money’s worth with Lily. She has allowed me to spend many priceless hours in your company.”
Under his ardent gaze, my first instinct—to protest his statement—faded away, and a rush of warmth flooded my person. “That is the finest compliment I have ever received.”
His lips raised at the corners, diminishing the fervour in his expression whilst increasing his allure. “Since I lack the talent and eloquence to impress you with fine speeches or pretty verses, I am well gratified.”
Chapter 11: A Most Memorable Party
