How the once-neglected Mary Bennet had become “our Miss” in Matlock House was a mystery to Elizabeth; yet the change was plain to see. Perhaps, like a rare bloom, her sister required only the proper soil in which to thrive.
“Forgive me, my lady,” Mary said with genuine confusion, “but there are so many treasures hidden on your shelves.”
Lady Matlock smiled. “Yes—‘hidden’ is well said. Lord Matlock long wished to engage a librarian, but it never came to pass. You, Miss Mary, may undertake whatever you think needful to render our library less a wilderness.”
“Perhaps you might follow the arrangement used at Pemberley,” Elizabeth suggested, glancing at Darcy.
And so the evening passed in pleasant discourse upon books and their ordering.
“This is the most agreeable evening I have known in some time,” Lady Matlock observed. “And most fitting in our present troubles—thank you.” Her gaze rested on Elizabeth. Such praise was intended not solely for the conversation but for the understanding shown by the young couple, who had postponed their marriage until her son was safe.
Lady Matlock rose. “I must beg to be excused. I need rest. This affair has worn me greatly. But pray, remain, and settle the details of your journey.”
Mrs Gardiner looked after her with concern; she seemed much altered from the cheerful, energetic lady she had known at Pemberley.
“Your aunt appears deeply affected. I think she should guard her health,” she said.
“Yes, she considers Richard her unfortunate child, because the title and estate descend only to the elder son.”
“We mean to treat all our children alike,” said Mr Gardiner. “One does not choose one’s place in a family, and it is unjust to those born later.”
Mr Darcy said nothing, but inclined his head; and in his eyes Elizabeth saw the reflection of their future children and the same principles by which they should be raised. This time, however, she was mistaken. His thoughts were not with their unborn offspring, but with her, and his desire that she should be his wife without further delay. The hours since his resolve had been taken seemed like a distant age; he was already weary of waiting.
“I thank you again for deciding to accompany us. I shall endeavour to persuade my uncle to remain behind. The journey to Southampton has already fatigued him. He will be in London by tomorrow night at the latest, and we shall set out for Eastbourne the morning after.”
Mr Gardiner bowed with marked respect, and his wife alone perceived the gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. If Mr Darcy became a member of their family, there was a prospect that his trade might gain the custom of a new circle.
∞∞∞
On the way home, Mr Gardiner found leisure to share a secret plan with his wife.
“I think it is time we moved to another part of Town,” he said.
“That is a serious step, my dear, and not an easy one.”
“I know; yet the new prospects in our nieces’ lives make it almost necessary.”
“I enjoy living in Gracechurch Street.”
“You know very well what I mean, but by removing, I might gain other clients, such as those who reside in these neighbourhoods.”
“We are plain people, and I do not esteem Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst for attempting to be more than they are.”
“Yes, but we might preserve our manner of living while changing our residence. It would be of advantage to my trade, and we should be near Lizzy and Jane.”
Mrs Gardiner was reluctant. She was attached to their house and garden; it was her home. Though she felt at ease with such persons as Lady Matlock, she doubted she should find friends in these parts of Town they now passed. He saw only the commercial benefit; she, as a woman, discerned another aspect. She delighted in going off in the morning to the market with the maid, meeting neighbours with like concerns and habits, and lingering to talk, or taking tea with a friend. She hoped that, once the colonel’s troubles were resolved, her husband might reconsider. While they would be welcome at the houses of Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley, he might secure as many clients as he wished without removing.
“Let us be content for the present on Elizabeth’s account,” she said in the darkness of the carriage. “After our return from Pemberley, I had no hope that Mr Darcy would ever renew his proposal. Imagine the stir at Longbourn now, with two daughters making such distinguished marriages.”
Chapter 17
They chose to wait for Lord Matlock, though it meant another day’s delay. His lordship carried the letter from Miss Henry’s mother, the papers from Mr Phillips, and might also hold other intelligence of consequence that could influence the colonel’s opinion of her family.
Besides being wise, the decision secretly pleased Darcy, for it gave him another day in Elizabeth’s company. He hoped they might find some moments alone, for Lady Matlock had lately kept to her rooms, and Mary was always in the library whenever her ladyship was absent.
Darcy arrived before breakfast, and, once the meal was done, they found themselves together, not venturing too close, since any person might enter, yet wholly content in one another’s presence.
Though he was happy, his joy was dimmed by the anger he felt in knowing that his dear cousin was in such danger. At times, his words betrayed this temper, most of all when Miss Henry was mentioned, and the least allusion was enough to bring them back to the peril in which he stood.
