Page 32 of The Gilded Masquerade

The tea arrived and the gentleman waited for him to remove his gloves and take a soothing sip. “Thank you, sir.” He smiled tightly. “It is a gift from a gentleman who prefers discretion.”

“It appears to be a book. Am I correct?”

“Nothing more than a book.”

“Your … friend … has refined sensibilities if he has set his sights on my spirited Lizzy. A book is an infallible way to secure her regard.”

“I mean no offense, but my employer is not at liberty to pursue the young lady for anything beyond an acquaintance. He sends the innocent parcel with the intention of kindness only.”

“Is there no card?”

“Only the book and the flowers.”

“And you say there is nothing untoward implied?”

“Rest assured, nothing at all, sir. Merely a book for the young lady’s enjoyment on the long journey home.”

Over a sip of tea, the man considered him for a moment longer, then set his cup aside. “You may leave the parcel with me.”

“I had hoped you would be so kind to agree.”

“Gifts are highly frowned upon. Can you be sure I’ll give it to her?” the American asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I believe you to be her uncle.” He placed the book on the small table between them. “Therefore, I trust it will reach her safely in your keeping.”

He sipped his tea, waiting for an answer.

“Indeed, it will be safe … and kept confidential. You have my word as a gentleman.”

Rising he nodded his head. “Then, I am indebted for the tea and your kindness, sir.”

“You are welcome for both.”

“Good day.” Hat replaced, he turned for the door, but the American spoke again.

“Oh, Mr. Grayson.” Just then the gentleman rose from his chair and walked toward him, reaching into his waistcoat pocket. “Perhaps, you may return the favor for delivery of the gift?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Take my card. Let us … correspond should need arise. I am not so unfeeling to ignore what is at the heart of this parcel and the young Mr. Darcy’s intent. My beautiful niece is a young lady in possession of an extraordinarily uncommon intellect, which pales only in comparison to her generous heart.”

“As I have been led to believe,” he said softly, taking the card. “My master is of the same temperament, but … his course has already been charted.”

“As has my niece’s, but in my business, one can never be sure of the wind’s direction. Many an alteration can happen in two years. Let’s endeavor to prudently remain in correspondence.”

“I should like that very much, sir, for there is nothing I wish more than the young man’s happiness.”

“Then, it appears, we are of the same mind.”

Mr. Darcy was not at Pemberley, and for that, Lizzy felt immense disappointment when calling on Lady Anne with Aunt Madeline. The visit was not long, but quite pleasant with Aunt’s promise to visit the Darcy London townhome with Mr. Gardiner during the summer social season. “Unfortunately, Eliza will be remaining in Switzerland to finish her studies,” saddened her heart. But it would sadden her more to see her masked gentleman with his new wife, especially knowing the uncertainty he felt about the union and his not-quite declaration when in the library a second time. There was no indication that her ladyship had witnessed her waltzing with Mr. Darcy. In fact, apart from mentioning that he regretted his inability to receive them due to an unexpected call to Lord Denman, she did not mention him or her daughter. It was all just as well. A deviation from her planned course would benefit no one and insult the generosity of her aunt and uncle. Jane’s plight remained the driving force behind it all.

The inn’s lady’s maid gently knocked on her door with a soft voice. “Miss, will you change for supper?”

“Please enter, Katie.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I will take supper in my room this evening. We are departing early in the morning, and I should like to rest before the long, cold journey to London.”