Bennet frowned. “I regret that I consigned it to the fire in Goulding’s presence. I informed him that I yet lived and that Frances had not secured my consent to any such arrangement. I destroyed the letter to ensure that no proof remained.”
Gardiner nodded in approval. “That suffices. He possesses no written evidence of any agreement. The letter bore Frances’s signature, and under the law, she holds no authority to contract without her husband’s consent, as a woman has no separate legal identity from her husband. You have nothing to concern yourself over.”
Bennet released a long breath. “That is a comfort. Now I pray that he not speak of it to our neighbors. But I shall put that aside for now. I have one further anxiety, but it pertains to Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley’s intimate friend, a Mr. Darcy. Have you made his acquaintance?”
“I have not met him,” Gardiner replied, “though I am aware of him. He resides on Grosvenor Square and also has a considerable estate in Derbyshire. He is reputed to be extremely wealthy. What of him?”
“I am uneasy at the manner in which he regards Elizabeth. He watches her with an intensity that disquiets me. I fear for her.”
Gardiner’s expression grew attentive.
“I am aware,” Bennet continued, “that it is acceptable for a wealthy gentleman to entertain a mistress on a long-term basis, establishing the woman in a separate residence, providing for her. I cannot determine whether such is his design for Elizabeth. He has never spoken to her of marriage. Yet if you had observed him, Edward, I believe his conduct would have troubled you. There is something proprietary in it, as though he has claimed a right over her.”
“You have reason to believe he has behaved improperly?”
“No, I do not believe that anything has yet passed between them, for I observed Elizabeth closely as he assisted her with her outerwear, and she conducted herself as though he were no more to her than a father or a brother. And to say truth, I do not believe Elizabeth would accept an indecent proposal. Yet I do not wish her left alone in his company. I came prepared to escort her home myself should I observe anything untoward.”
“Maddie sent for me, asking that I return home early so that I might dine with my nieces. From her note, I understood that Lizzy traveled in company with Jane, his sister, the sister’s maid, and Mr. Bingley.”
“She did. Yet his manner remained possessive, as though she were already bound to him. It left me unsettled.”
“How long are they to remain in town?”
“Two weeks.”
“In that case,” Gardiner said, “you are most welcome to remain with us during that time and satisfy yourself as to his conduct. Let me summon Maddie and inquire what arrangements have been made for tomorrow.”
Madeline soon joined them in the study. She explained that Miss Darcy had invited herself to accompany the ladies, and that the young girl appeared to be much attached to Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley would not attend, as it was to be a ladies’ excursion to the shops.
“For tomorrow at least,” she concluded, “I believe Elizabeth is in no danger. If there is nothing further, I must dress for dinner, and I suggest that you gentlemen do the same.”
Chapter 37: Shopping for a Wedding Gown
The following day, Mr. Bennet sat in the drawing room with his two daughters, awaiting Mr. Darcy’s arrival. He had taken a seat in the corner with the newspaper in hand, though he listened with half an ear as Jane spoke of the purchases yet to be made.
“Lizzy, I know you dislike shopping, but I saw no slippers at Clara’s that pleased me, nor a bonnet suitable for the ceremony. I am considering a veil instead.”
Bennet lowered his paper and regarded Elizabeth. “My dear, you look as fatigued as I feel. I slept poorly and bear the marks of it. And you, Lizzy, wear an expression of decided discontent. I had believed all women delighted in shopping.”
Elizabeth turned toward her father, her lips pinched. “Not this woman, Papa. Were it not that I must be fitted this afternoon, I would remain at home with my new book.”
He laughed. “I intend to call at Hatchards while I am in London. Shall I collect you on my return? It would spare Jane and Maddie your countenance and allow them to shop in peace.”
Elizabeth considered. “If you would, sir, I should be very grateful. I confess I do not relish sitting in a corner of a shop, listening to endless discourse on the price of muslin or the weave of worsted.”
He smiled. “Very well. Do you suppose your fitting will be concluded by three?”
“I believe so, sir. Clara conducts her establishment with efficiency.”
“Then it is settled. I shall collect you on my way back from Hatchards.”
The Darcys arrived precisely at eleven. Georgiana, upon seeing Elizabeth, hastened to her side and began speaking excitedly. Mr. Darcy interposed.
“My dear Georgiana, we have not yet been announced.”
She cast him a look that suggested formalities were unnecessary among friends.
He entered and bowed. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.”
