She had been informed that Mr Gardiner was in trade but admitted to herself that she would never have guessed it based on his elegance, sophistication, and comportment. Mrs Gardiner was equally as genteel.
Earlier in the day when she had observed Jane’s interrogation, no matter how gently done, it had been an interrogation, Lady Henrietta had been astonished by the poise of the young woman. She was certain that Jane had answered honestly, and yet her serenity had seemed unflappable. She would do nicely as the next duchess and Lady Henrietta had no qualms about recommending her for a private presentation.
Now she shamelessly eavesdropped on Elizabeth’s conversation with Darcy. She appreciated Elizabeth’s subtle prevarication about her comfortable independence.
Deveril had informed his mother of the level of Jane’s fortune and even Lady Henrietta was awestruck at the wealth those girls possessed. Yet none of them even mentioned that they were wealthy. She was fully aware that many young ladies used the size of their dowries to attract suitors. Yet these sisters kept quiet because they had a greater interest in less tangible assets. But then again, they could afford to.
~T~
Jane Bennet and Mr Gardiner entered Gunter’s where they were to meet Mrs Gardiner, Elizabeth, and Mary. Those ladies had prevailed on the gentleman to keep Jane busy while they shopped for engagement presents.
Caroline Bingley was having tea with her dear friend Miss Grantly and noticed the newcomers.
Keeping her expression neutral but internally dancing with glee, she said in a whisper meant to be overheard, particularly by a lady at the next table whom Miss Bingley recognised as Lady Sefton, ‘Well, I never expected that hussy to be so brazen as to be seen in public with her paramour.’
Miss Grantly, always interested in gossip, asked, ‘Do you mean that stunning blond with that handsome man? Who is she?’
‘That is the woman who had her cap set on my brother when we were in Hertfordshire. Do you not remember, I told you before that it seems she followed my brother to town but in the meantime has found herself a more lucrative protector.’
‘You cannot mean…’
‘Indeed, I can. That is the man with whom I saw her enter a private residence without a chaperone. Considering that his house is just around the corner from Grosvenor Square, there cannot be any doubt as to the reason why she picked him.’
~T~
While the two friends sniggered, Lady Sefton and her companion at the next table had overheard their comments and glanced towards Jane and Gardiner.
The lady who had been sitting with her back towards Miss Bingley turned towards the entrance, smiled, and waved.
As they reached the table, Gardiner bowed and said, ‘Lady Matlock, what an unexpected pleasure to see you here.’ He turned to the second occupant of the table. ‘And you too, Lady Sefton.’
At the next table Miss Bingley gave her companion a significant look as if to say, ‘See, not only is he wealthy but well connected.’
The ladies returned the greeting and welcomed Jane as well.
Lady Sefton asked, ‘My dear Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to see you again. Did you and your sisters enjoy yourselves at our ball at Almack’s?’
Jane smiled serenely as she strove to answer truthfully. ‘I thank you, Lady Sefton. I thought it the most extraordinary experience in my life. I am all gratitude for your kindness and also to our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner,’ she nodded at her companion, ‘for making the time to chaperone us so that we could experience it.’
Lady Sefton smiled with satisfaction. ‘I am pleased to hear you say so. Mr Gardiner, I have to confess that you and your wife also made quite a pretty pair on the dance floor. It must be most agreeable for your nieces to have relations who can perform with such exquisite grace.’
Nieces? Caroline’s eyes widened and she turned green. Part of her reaction was envy since she had never been able to get even a single voucher for Almack’s. The major reason was that she realised she might have misjudged the situation and publicly maligned that chit... in front of one of a patroness of Almack’s no less.
How could those insignificant Bennet chits be the nieces of this man with a house at a most fashionable address and who was friends with the countesses. That the man was married was irrelevant to Miss Bingley. After all, most men who kept mistresses were married. Many of them even pretended that those women were their nieces. But three nieces, who were all known to the countesses, must mean that they really were his blood-relations.
Gardiner bowed at the compliment. ‘Since all our nieces were dancing it seemed that joining in the exercise would allow Mrs Gardiner and myself to keep a closer eye on them,’ he explained with a mischievous smile, causing the lady to quietly chuckle.
‘Indeed. A most ingenious solution. I hope that you will all grace us with your presence again soon.’ Lady Sefton rose to her feet and suggested, ‘Since Lady Matlock and I must depart, you are welcome to use our table.’
They made their farewells, but before she turned to leave, Lady Matlock addressed Caroline in ringing tones, ‘Miss Bingley, I suggest that you do not slander my family or our dear friends… ever again. If you consider it improper for Miss Bennet and her sisters to reside with their married aunt and uncle, it is surprising that you would think nothing of it to live with an unmarried man…even if he is your brother,’ before she turned her back on the friends and walked away with great dignity.
Caroline blushed in mortification as all eyes turned to her and most expressions hinted at barely suppressed sniggers.
~T~
26Progress
Lady Matlock had barely left the establishment when Caroline Bingley recalled an appointment and hurriedly departed, leaving Miss Grantly to remain and observe the occupants of the next table.
