They had been shopping for more than an hour when a lady walked up, “Mrs. Russell? I saw your nephew in the men’s section when I came by, I thought I would look for you.”
“Mrs. Gardiner! So good to see you again. Your husband’s warehouse is truly spectacular! This young man has been most helpful. We shall hardly need anything made by your modiste, if she can make time for us. Is Miss Bennet with you?”
“She is not. Jane returned to Hertfordshire this morning. One of her sisters will be joining us in a few weeks.”
Elizabeth heard Mamie talking and strolled over with a bolt of fabric. “Did I hear you say Hertfordshire? I will be visiting there soon.”
“Yes, you heard right. Would you mind introducing us Mrs. Russell?”
“Of course. Mrs. Gardiner, this is Miss Elizabeth Darcy, Miss Darcy, Madeline Gardiner.”
Both ladies were stunned for just a moment. “Are you Aunt Maddie?! Are Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, and Lydia your nieces?”
“Yes! And you must be their cousin from America! I did not make the connection yesterday when I met Mrs. Russell, and Jane was being inattentive. She will be so sorry she missed you! Will you go to Hertfordshire soon?”
“It is undecided. I would like to meet the Darcys first if they are in town.”
“I recently read in the paper that Mr. Darcy was seen at the opera. There is a good chance you will meet him soon.”
“That will be wonderful. I need to send him a note this afternoon. We just wanted to refresh our wardrobes before meeting anyone.America is several years out of fashion, I have heard, and I need half mourning clothes.”
“I am so sorry. Elizabeth…my niece...your cousin…this is awkward your having the same Christian name.”
“Oh! Please call me Beth. That’s what my father always called me. My brother has many names for me…some not so nice.” The ladies all chuckled.
“Alright Beth, you may call me Aunt Maddie too. Anyway, I was so sorry to hear of your father. Elizabeth has kept me up on what you have written. I hope you do not mind. She paints such vivid pictures from your letters, we all feel like we have visited America. I have lost both of my parents too. It can be quite difficult.”
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
“Umm…thank you…Aunt Maddie. Elizabeth writes her letters with the most vivid descriptions. I feel like I already know this side of the family very well! Jane and Mary occasionally write, but it is Lizzy who is a regular correspondent. I receive a letter from her at least once a month! I am looking forward to finally meeting my Bennet family in person.”
“Have you written to her that you have arrived? Do you mind if I mention it in the next letter I send her?”
“I had intended to write her this evening also, but I do not mind if you tell her I spent a prodigious amount of money at your husband’s warehouse!” Once again, the tension was broken and the three ladies laughed.
“Come! Let me show you where my husband keeps the best of the fabrics, then, if you would like, I will take you to meet my modiste. I am sure she will make time to fill your orders. If your nephew would like, Edward can take him to his tailor. I am sure he will get the family discount.”
And there was the tension again. “Ummm…Aunt Maddie…John is not Mamie’s nephew. Just as I am not her niece. We thought it would be safest if we traveled as family. John is a good friend of my brother. I have known him my whole life. When we travel, he is my brother and Mamie is my aunt. With family, John is my…umm…man of business, or footman, or bodyguard. Whatever role he needs to play. Mamie was my governess and is my companion. No relation.”
“Oh. Well, that is very practical. I can see why you would do that. Would you prefer to be introduced as siblings and your aunt while in London then?”
“We would, with anyone but close family. We will not prevaricate with relations, of course.”
“Of course. I will let Edward know, but I see no reason why anyone else should. Come! Let us shop!”
The tension was completely broken, and they had a wonderful day of shopping. Right around mid-day, Mr. Gardiner came seeking his wife and introductions were made. John was given into his care, and the ladies continued to more shops and the modiste. Dinner plans were made for the next evening.
Chapter Five
“Well, that went better than I expected! We shopped for nearly everything we need, and I met some family already! Family by marriage, but family none the less. I’ve heard so much about Aunt Maddie and Uncle Edward, and their children, I feel like I already know them! I really must send notes out to let the rest of the family know I have arrived.” Elizabeth skipped off to her room to do just that.
Dear Lizzy,
I’m writing to let you know I have arrived in London with my party, and you will never guess, I have already met your Aunt Maddie and Uncle Edward! Mamie and John went to a tearoom yesterday while I was resting and met your aunt. Mamie was not sure the Mrs. Gardiner she met was the same as your aunt, so nothing was said. What serendipity! When we went to the warehouse she had suggested today, all was revealed. She helped us pick out our new wardrobes and took us to her modiste, while your uncle took John to his tailor. John is rather large, if I’ve never mentioned it, so there was little in the ready-made thatwould fit him. Apparently, we just missed Jane by a few hours. Bad luck there.
I’m not sure when we shall go to Hertfordshire. I hope to meet Mr. Darcy while he is in town. I think he is in town. Aunt Maddie said the paper reported he went to the opera last week. Anyway, the address where we are currently residing is on the front. I will let you know if we move to another location. Please give everyone my regards, and I am looking forward to finally seeing you all in person.
Love,
