As the brow was put into place, Andrew felt the anticipation building. He had already made sure that his valet had more than enough coins to rent a cart to bring himself and their trunks to Hilldale House. He thanked the Captain, some of his officers, and a few crewmen who were not busy with other tasks and practically ran down the brow. If he had not thought it would make an embarrassing spectacle, Andrew would have dropped to his knees and kissed his native soil. He saw a few hackney cabs waiting just past the quay.
He jumped into the first one, handed the driver a half-crown, and told him to convey him to Matlock House onGrosvenor Square. Andrew told the driver there would be a bonus half-crown if he got him there as speedily as possible.
The driver earned his bonus, and Andrew jumped down and ran up the stairs, lifted the knocker, and allowed it to fall. When the butler opened the door, he did his best not to smile when Master Andrew pulled him into a hug. He was not completely successful, as the corners of his mouth were decidedly pointing up.
“My mother and father?” Andrew enquired.
“The Master is in the study with Master Richard, and your mother is in the morning room. Welcome home, Master Andrew,” the butler replied, his stoic look back in place.
The only thing which stopped him from running down the hall and up the stairs to the morning room was his mother’s admonition from years ago playing in his head, ordering her sons to never run in the house. Arriving at the morning room as speedily as his legs could carry him without running, Andrew pushed the door open and startled his mother as it swung open with force.
“Andrew!” Lady Elaine exclaimed as she pushed herself up and opened her arms to receive her eldest son’s hug and return her own. “When did the ship dock?”
“Within the last hour,” Andrew responded. “Mother, I am so happy to be home.”
“I am sure you would rather be another twenty miles from London, would you not?” Lady Elaine smiled slyly after she kissed each of her son’s cheeks. “How I have missed you. I have forbidden your father from ever again sending either of you away for so long.”
“I was happy to act as the family’s representative, and besides, I found a perfect sapphire which had been extractedfrom our mine, and had it turned into a ring for Jane.” Andrew withdrew a pouch from his pocket to show his mother. He did not mention he had brought a ruby home for Rich in case he ever needed it.
Lady Elaine opened the drawstring and allowed the ring to fall into her palm. “Oh Andy, it is perfect for Jane.”
“I thought I heard some noise from here. Welcome home, my boy,” Matlock boomed. “As much as I wish I had not needed to send you all the way to India, I am very thankful for the work you did while you were there.” The earl pulled his heir into a hug and slapped him on the back.
“It seems that the prodigal son has returned,” Richard jested as he gifted his brother a bear hug.
“Andrew, I am sure you want nothing more than to jump into your carriage and hie for Longbourn, and believe me, we all understand your desire to see Jane,” Lady Elaine told her eldest. “If you will spend the rest of the day with us, you may join us in the morning as we are all travelling to Longbourn.”
“As much as I would like to go before Jane on bended knee this very day, I will travel with you in the morning,” Andrew agreed. He turned to his brother. “Rich, I thank you for keeping an eye on Hilldale House. I suppose I should go there and change and allow my staff and servants to see that I am returned. Will you join me in travelling to Portman Square?”
“It was my pleasure to assist you, Andy, and yes, I will join you,” Richard decided.
“Not before you join us for nuncheon,” Lady Elaine commanded. “I have just regained my eldest son, so I am not ready to surrender you just yet. Your house will still be there in two hours.”
Until the butler informed them the midday meal was ready, Andrew regaled his family with stories of his two-year odyssey.
In the coach on the way to Portman Square, Andrew presented his brother with the ruby. Richard was very grateful. He decided he would have it cut and made part of a ring as soon as may be. He went to the jewellers that very afternoon and ordered what he envisioned.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“Charles, this is unacceptable. You have not seen Miss Bennet since the assembly, and you have done nothing to promote my friendship with the Bennet sisters. I care not what Mr Darcy said; we are calling on the Bennets this morning,” Miss Bingley stated stridently.
“But Caroline, we cannot do so before the Bennet ladies call on us, so we may return the call,” Bingley responded weakly. “Surely you do not want to anger the family of a duke?”
“How can receiving a call from one such as me, who will help them in London society, anger them? Mr Darcy gave us the wrong information for some nefarious reason of his own. I have ordered the coach; weareleaving in ten minutes!” Miss Bingley commanded.
Knowing it would do no good to oppose his sister, Bingley was in the coach as his younger sister had instructed. The three-mile trip went by very fast, and by the time they arrived at Longbourn, he had not thought of a plausible reason for the call.
“You were not exaggerating!” Miss Bingley crowed. “Look at the size of their mansion. Even without her connections, Miss Bennet is the wife for you.”
As their coach came to a halt under the portico next to the entrance to the house, the two Bingleys were not aware they were being observed by unfriendly eyes.
“I am sure the shrew demanded Bingley bring her here. I have seen her frustration that she has not been able to have contact with any of you since the assembly.” Darcy shook his head. “I tried to warn him, but now I wash my hands of Bingley; he will have to learn the hard way.”
Becca turned to her parents, sister, and brother. “I think you and your families should all go up to the family sitting room. Let us see what they want before we send them off with fleas in their ears. If I need you to put an end to her pretentions I will have Hill summon you.” There were nods, and the Cavendishes and Smythes headed for the grand staircase and made their way up to the first floor.
Once their titled family members were upstairs, Bennet nodded to Hill to answer the door.
Chapter 20
