~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Bennet was sitting in his study, trying to ignore the worsening symptoms which pointed to his impending end. He heard a knock on his door and called out,“Enter,” as he rubbed his chest.
Hill opened the door and proffered the salver which held a letter. Bennet waved the butler away with his thanks.
Identifying Gardiner’s writing, he broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
17 December 1791
23 Gracechurch Street
London
Bennet:
I should have written sooner, but I have been making sure all is in place for me to be away from the businesses for a few days.
I received a letter from a man I befriended when he and his family were visiting London a few months back. In it he invited me to spend as much of Christmastide with his family as possible. As Mr Lambert is also in trade, he knows I cannot leave my concern for an unlimited amount of time.
Even though winter in Derbyshire (they live in the town of Lambton) is far harsher than where we live, I have an ulterior motive for going.
The reason has a name: Miss Madeline Lambert. She is 19 and I believe that she and I are compatible in all ways. She is, I am sure, the lady who meets all of the criteria you laid out in your letter to me. I know if I do not go, I will regret it forever. As unlikely as it sounds, I knew almost from the instant I met her; she is the one for me.
That means I will not be with you for Christmastide at Longbourn. However, you may tell Lizzy, if she understands this, that I will arrive the Friday before her birthday and remain at Longbourn until Monday, the 6th day of February, the day after she turns 1.
You know I love my nieces too well to allow too much time to pass since I was last in their company. By then, I am sure I will also be able to meet my newest niece or nephew.
Rest assured that I stand ready to assume guardianship if, or in your words, when, the worst happens.
I pray that you are wrong and your end is far off.
Enjoy the Lord’s birthday and kiss my nieces for me. When I come, I will be bearing gifts, and I mean more than just for Lizzy’s birthday.
Regards,
Gardiner
As much as he appreciated his brother-in-law’s words about the longevity of his life, Bennet knew that Gardiner’s prayers would not be answered.
Bennet was pleased that Gardiner had discovered the partner of his future life. His silent wishes were for his friend and brother-in-law to find that which he was seeking and have what Bennet never would: a love match.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Gardiner arrived in Lambton on the Thursday before Christmas. He was welcomed with open arms to the Lamberts’ house. They did not live above the book emporium. Rather, they owned a house in the town not far from the village green—now covered in a layer of snow—and All Saint’s Church, across from the green.
Back in Meryton, the same day Gardiner reached Lambton, Phillips was at Netherfield Park on one knee before Miss Agatha Morris, proposing to her. He was very happily accepted.
The next day, before they set the date, an express arrived telling them that the uncle who ownedBeech Hill in Devonshirewas at death’s door and would be gone by the time the missive reached Netherfield Park. To honour the three months theMorrises would mourn, Agatha and Phillips set the date of the wedding for the penultimate day of March in 1792.
In Lambton, Gardiner and Maddie Lambert spent as much time in each other’s company as propriety allowed. On his final day in the town, Gardiner asked Maddie to walk with him. Patrick agreed to act as the chaperone. It was a cold day, but the weak sun was shining and the sky was clear.
They walked around the green, and then they reached the big chestnut tree—all stark and uncovered except for some snow—in the centre of the snow-covered green, Gardiner stopped and asked if they could stand under Maddie’s favourite tree. It was there he requested a courtship. Maddie replied in the affirmative, of course, pending her father’s approval. Lambert gave his blessing and permission, which included writing to each other.
It was a very happy man who began his journey back to London.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Fanny’s labours began close to midnight on the first day of January 1792. It was the shortest time she laboured; hence, before two in the morning of the second day of the new year, the midwife told Fanny to push.
