“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, I believe you know my parents, Lord and Lady Matlock,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said.
“Yes, we do,” replied Uncle Edward. “I just realized a few moments ago who you are. How are your parents?”
“They are well, thank you.”
“Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, I also knew your parents,” Aunt Madeleine said. “My family moved to Lambton years ago, somewhere around the time of my come-out. Your mother and father were very kind and welcoming to us.”
“It is nice to meet an old acquaintance of theirs,” Mr. Darcy said, smiling. “My aunt mentioned that Mr. Greer was your father.”
As her aunt responded to Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth could hardly attend to the conversation she was so surprised. Aunt Madeleine had explained the day before how she knew Mr. Darcy’s parents, but now it seemed she and Uncle Edward knew the earl and countess as well!
“Mr. Darcy, I must thank you for assisting my nieces before and after the storm. They were quite on their own with their father here in London,” Uncle Edward said.
“Not at all,” Mr. Darcy said graciously.
“Whirlwinds seem to happen more frequently these days,” Uncle Edward said.
“Yes, they do,” Mr. Darcy replied. “It would be interesting to learn what the scientific reason is behind it. Perhaps one day we will know the answer. Speaking of science, there is a new exhibit here in town.”
“Oh, really?” Elizabeth asked.
Mr. Darcy looked at her, but his sister spoke before he could.
“Yes, Elizabeth! We have heard it is quite spectacular!” Georgiana said enthusiastically.
“We could all go view it tomorrow if that is convenient,” Mr. Darcy suggested, looking first at Elizabeth and then at her aunt and uncle. “It is being hosted at Rutherford House.”
“Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Darcy,” Aunt Madeleine replied. “That does sound very nice, however, we have plans in the evening. I believe this excursion would probably last into the afternoon, not leaving much time in between to rest and preparefor that evening’s engagement. Could we do it the next day instead? Of course, we will require a later start since we will have been out late the night before.”
Mr. Darcy turned to his cousin. “Our schedule is free, Fitz. What about yours?”
“Yes, that works for me as well,” his cousin replied. “Do you mind my asking what event you will be attending?”
“Not at all,” Uncle Edward said. “It is Sir Anthony Stanholdt’s ball.”
“How fortunate! We shall also be in attendance,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said.
“It will be nice to have some familiar faces there,” Mary said, looking at her sisters.
“Indeed!” Jane agreed.
“Miss Elizabeth, may I request the first set and the supper set?” Mr. Darcy asked.
Elizabeth’s stomach dropped. She felt herself beginning to blush. “Yes, you may. Thank you.”
“Thank you,” he said with a smile.
Mr. Darcy then turned to Mary. “Miss Mary, may I have your second set?”
“Yes, thank you,” Mary replied, smiling.
“Thank you, Miss Mary.”
“Miss Bennet, is your first set available?” Mr. Fitzwilliam asked jovially.
“Yes, it is,” Jane replied.
“And your supper set?”
