The anger within him ebbed, giving way to remorse. He prayed that Elizabeth might one day forgive him.
He resumed his seat and finished his letter to the Collinses. In his heart, he resolved to do better by the three daughters that yet remained under his protection.
Chapter 36: Gracechurch Street
Two hours after departing Longbourn, the Bingley carriage drew up before the Gardiners’ residence in Gracechurch Street.
When Mr. Darcy had handed down his sister, she turned to him. “Brother, Miss Elizabeth has invited me to go shopping this afternoon. She means to order her gown for the wedding.”
Mr. Darcy regarded his sister with an indulgent smile before turning to Elizabeth. “Is that so, Miss Elizabeth? Have you truly agreed to keep this magpie in your company for the entire afternoon?”
Georgiana colored, but Elizabeth answered before the young girl could protest. “I have, sir. She has kept us laughing with her antics, and for that I am grateful.”
She lifted her chin with playful dignity. “You ought to thank your lucky stars, sir, that she accompanies us in the selection of my gown rather than presenting herself at the menagerie in search of another creature to adopt.”
This caused him to laugh as he extended his arm to escort them into the house.
“Indeed, Miss Elizabeth. We already possess three dogs and two parrots. I cannot conceive what other creature my sister might wish to impose upon me.”
Jane and Elizabeth both laughed.
He bowed. “Very well. At what hour shall I return to collect her?”
Elizabeth glanced toward Jane before replying, “Today will be a long day with the modiste, but I am hopeful that we will return by five o’clock, sir.”
“Five o’clock it shall be. Conduct yourself properly, Georgie.”
She pressed his hand. “Thank you, brother.”
Then she turned and entered the house with Elizabeth and Jane.
The front doors stood open, and Mrs. Gardiner awaited them within. “Pray, come in.” She took Georgiana’s hand in her own and said, “I am very pleased to see you again, Miss Darcy.”
“I am delighted to be here, Mrs. Gardiner, for I am to accompany your two nieces in their shopping, and I expect it will be exceedingly diverting.”
After they had removed their outer garments, they were conducted to the drawing room.
“I shall have tea brought,” Mrs. Gardiner said, “and you must explain this expedition to the shops to which Miss Darcy has alluded.”
Jane replied, “Aunt, once again, we descend upon you with very little notice. Lizzy and I will share a chamber to lessen the burden upon your servants.”
Then she stepped forward and embraced her aunt, her arms about her neck. “I forbade Papa to make any announcement in his express, for I wished to share my happy news in person. Aunt Maddie! Mr. Bingley has made me an offer of marriage, and I have accepted him.”
Mrs. Gardiner held her close. “Jane, this is the most joyful news. I had not known that Mr. Bingley had renewed his attentions. You must acquaint me with all the particulars, though thisevening will be soon enough. I imagine you have come to procure a wedding gown?”
“Yes, it is a most gratifying account, Aunt. And yes, I have come for a wedding gown, though I shall purchase nothing more, as I must remain in black until October. Afterward, I may wear white, grey, or lavender, which I find quite distasteful; therefore, I shall manage with as few white gowns as possible until the mourning period is over.”
“A prudent decision, my dear. And you, Lizzy? You are to stand as witness for your sister?”
“Yes, Aunt. I am. Neither of us could have foreseen so happy an end to so grievous a year.”
Mrs. Gardiner embraced her younger niece. “Yes, it has been so. Yet each sorrow has, in time, yielded some good, and Jane’s engagement to a most agreeable gentleman is among them.”
“We hope to call upon your modiste today, that we may be measured and select patterns and fabrics. We shall remain in town for only two weeks before returning home.”
“I understand,” Mrs. Gardiner replied. “Time presses. Has Mr. Bingley secured a residence?”
“He has purchased Netherfield Park and undertaken numerous improvements, including a new roof.”
