“You needn’t worry on that score,” Elizabeth replied with great seriousness. “Although Mrs. Gardiner is the very best of aunts, an accomplished lady and a fine example for us to follow among other things, I have long been acquainted with her ...” Here, she paused and leaned ever so slightly towards Mr. Darcy. “Occasionally unorthodox behaviour.” Though she wanted to, Elizabeth couldn’t quite bring herself to wink at the older gentleman.
“Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner exclaimed, without any real censure in her voice. Mr. Darcy laughed quietly, regarding Elizabeth with a curious gaze.
“Well then,” he said, “I shall have no scruples about sharing with you the whole story.” And he did, pausing only briefly to praise the scones as he finished his.
It turned out the tale involved a somewhat mischievous eight-year-old Madeline Barlow, a great deal of mud and a recalcitrant donkey. The ladies were all laughing by the time he finished.
“I do not believe my man was ever able to get my coat clean,” he said, reaching for another scone. “However, it was well worth it.”
“How so?” Elizabeth asked.
“Though she remained in the carriage, the future Mrs. Darcy was with me,” his voice grew wistful. “She later told me that the way I behaved that day decided her for me.”
“She thought a man who wrestles small children and animals in the mud was a worthy match?” Elizabeth asked with genuine curiosity. Although Jane gasped and Mrs. Gardiner rushed to admonish her niece and apologise to their guest, Mr. Darcy quickly assured her all was well.
“To be quite honest, I asked a very similar question when she told me, which was not until many years later,” he confessed. “She said she could easily imagine growing old with a man so willing to dirty himself for the sake of others.” Mr. Darcy paused and seemed gripped by a deep sadness which Elizabeth desperately wanted to alleviate. However, even her brashness would not allow her to speak into what seemed to be a very heavy and private silence. After a moment, he continued. “Mrs. Darcy was a very singular woman who had grown up as the daughter of an earl with all of the expectations that brought. It was a fairly stifling existence. Apparently, a lifetime of mud and donkeys was quite appealing after all that.”
“She must have been very special,” Jane said with gentle conviction.
“She was indeed,” Mr. Darcy confirmed, then seeming to collect himself, he added, “and now it is I who must apologise. It is well past the time when a polite guest would have left you ladies to yourselves.”
“You may be right,” Mrs. Gardiner responded with a smile, rising as Mr. Darcy did so. “I suppose that means we must consider you a friend from now on.”
Mr. Darcy looked a little surprised at this, but not unhappy with what could have been considered presumption. “That seems like a fine resolution,” he said, then turning toElizabeth, he told her, “I am afraid I have been somewhat remiss as well in offering thanks to you for the service you did Miss Darcy last week.”
Though she had been anxious to hear of Mr. and Miss Darcy, Elizabeth was now more fearful than relieved. She had not disclosed to her family anything about Miss Darcy’s intentions nor that Mr. Darcy walked her home alone. Unsure if Mr. Darcy himself knew any of this, she was at a loss as to how to beg him not to reveal any of these details he might be privy to. With few options, she simply turned to where Mrs. Gardiner and Jane stood and then, looking Mr. Darcy in the eye, shook her head slightly. Hoping the small nod he offered in return meant he understood, Elizabeth said, “I was so glad Miss Darcy and I happened upon one another. She is a sweet girl.”
“That she is. I am glad to know you have some fondness for her as she has taken quite a fancy to you. I have heard little but stories of your goodness, kindness and beauty.”
Elizabeth blushed at this, but rushed to apologise. “She is too kind. I am sorry you have been subject to tall tales. It is no doubt her sweet nature and natural enthusiasm that have led her to speak so highly of me.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I did not mean to imply that her excitement has been unwelcome. Quite the opposite. It has been delightful to see her so animated, and from all I have heard and seen, my daughter has not exaggerated at all.”
“Thank you,” was all Elizabeth could manage in response.
“It is I who am meant to thank you. Although it was some of my own curiosity that led me to seek you out, I have also been charged by both my children to express their gratitude. And as a token of their gratitude, I was tasked with bestowing a small gift.” He then turned to Mrs. Gardiner, who, beside Jane, had been silently observing the exchange with unconcealed fascination. “With your aunt’s permission.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Gardiner answered with a nod and smile.
Mr. Darcy then removed a small book from his jacket pocket.
“I am told you have a great interest in character studies,” he told her, “and so it was believed this might interest you.” He tilted the title to Mrs. Gardiner, who nodded once again before presenting it to Elizabeth.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said again as he placed the book in her hands. She glanced at the titleLeviathanby Thomas Hobbes. Wanting very much to have something to say about either the book or its author, she could not comment, having never heard of either.
“It is the English translation, of course,” Mr. Darcy said, and as Elizabeth had not known that this work was not originally an English one, she simply nodded.
“I hope I have not offended,” Mr. Darcy said quickly. “Fitzwilliam seemed certain this would be a better gift than a bouquet or trinket. Perhaps I should not have listened. What do young men know of the preferences of girls.”
“No, of course not, it is perfect,” Elizabeth assured him, having finally found her voice. Mr. Darcy had just succeeded in making this unknown book not only her most treasured possession but also a task she would set herself to with unequalled vigour. When next they met, Elizabeth would show Fitzwilliam Darcy she was a master of whatever it was this Mr. Hobbes had to say about humanity.
The next moments saw the foursome make their way to the foyer, where Simms waited with Mr. Darcy’s things. He thanked his hostess and offered his farewells to the girls. Before he went through the door which the butler held open for him, he said, “I hope you will forgive Miss Darcy for not attending you herself. She and her brother went off to her aunt and uncle’s home in Matlock not two days after you met. Although she was eager to go, she has lamented the trip’s preventing her from furthering your acquaintance, as she has already sent not one but two letters reminding me of this. As I understand, you are only here for the summer and we will have to look to next year for the happy reunion.”
“Yes, thank you. I look forward to that very much,” Elizabeth said.
“And do let me know what you think of the book,” he requested before offering one final bow and leaving.
Chapter Four
