Beginning, Section IV, Next Section

Chapter Eighteen -- A Visit to the Gardiner's Warehouse

Posted on Friday, 29 June 2007,

Having arranged to escort the Miss Bennets and the children for an outing in the park, Bingley and Darcy arrived at their house promptly at eleven o'clock. The servant showed them into the parlor informing him that the mistress would attend them shortly. Darcy frowned at no mention of either Miss Bennets ready to join them. Bingley gazed about the room unperturbed by the delay, and Darcy, trying not to over suspect the servant's meaning as being a postponement of the outing, was just acquainting himself with a rather rare book on the table when the door opened to reveal the lady of the house.

"Good day to you, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley," Mrs. Gardiner greeted with a slight curtsey.

Each bowed in turn, returning her greeting, "And to you, Mrs. Gardiner." Darcy added, "I realize this might be short notice, but my sister and I wish to extend an invitation to you both and your nieces to dine with us on Thursday evening. Georgiana is to be hostess to a dinner party that will include my aunt and uncle, and Bingley and his family." He added, "Her wish to include you, I think stems from the hope of your kind support. I hope you can attend."

"Thursday, you say? I will have to look at our schedule, but I do not recall any fixed engagements on that evening, Mr. Darcy. My husband and I would love to come as would my nieces, I am sure."

"I will relay that to my sister, Mrs. Gardiner. She will be most pleased." After a pause when he noted the lady gazing at the door, he asked, "I trust all your family is well."

At his meaning the children, she laughed. "They are well enough, Mr. Darcy, if not precisely all put together at the moment, and have been relegated to the nursery for a time, but I thank you for asking."

Now Mr. Bingley did appear confused. "I understood that we were to escort the children on a park outing. Have the plans been changed?"

"Yes, in a manner of speaking, sir. You and my nieces are to take the children, but not to the park this day. Rather you are all to accompany Mr. Gardiner who will be down directly while the children are being readied."

When both men stared at her in silent anticipation, Mrs. Gardiner continued her explanation. "You see, once a year Mr. Gardiner allows his children into his warehouse where for several months he has amassed an array of items that could be of interest to members of the household, and for a reasonable price could be purchased as gifts during this season. Since my husband normally is so little available to them, it is one of the few times he can truly enjoy his children in a setting of complete joviality. It is a tradition begun at the outset of our marriage and after the birth of our first child, and one that we would like to continue as long as possible for the children's sake."

Both men remained confused, but it was Bingley who ventured the question, "But Mrs. Gardiner, with such a uniquely personal tradition, why do you wish to have us intrude upon so intimate a family outing?"

At this the lady sighed. "Under normal circumstances, I would not dream of including those not related to our family. However, with Elizabeth and Jane in residence at present, and an engagement which I have committed myself to on the one day Mr. Gardiner is at leisure during this busy time of year, I felt both of you could be of service in observing the reaction of the children toward certain items. It might help my nieces make suggestions for their family members as well, especially their younger sisters."

Bingley teased, "You wish us to be spies?"

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. "Well, I would not precisely give it that term, Mr. Bingley, though perhaps that is the best description of what I am asking of you. I do hope it does not offend the adherence of either of you gentlemen's moral code in order that I have some insight into the minds of my quickly growing children and my nieces and their family."

Darcy seemed still somewhat reluctant to be called upon to spy.

Bingley had no such qualms, being rather enthusiastic, he offered, "This could be diverting, Darcy. Why, I recall my own grandfather had a similar notion when Caroline and I were still quite young-"

"Yes, Bingley," Darcy interrupted. "Of course, Mrs. Gardiner, we would happy to be of use to you and Mr. Gardiner. You shall have our judicious report when we return."

Clearly relieved that she had not given either man reason to be affronted by so clandestine an assignment, she nodded. "I thank you for taking time out of your day to accommodate myself and my husband. You are both too kind."

"Not at all," Darcy remarked in a most chivalrous tone though venturing into a dusty warehouse for several hours had not the same appeal to him that he was sure it had for Bingley with a family from trade. He thought on how he decided upon gifts for Georgiana. When finding an item and thinking she would care for it, he would merely buy it without ever bothering to ask Mrs. Annesley or any of the staff whether it would be something she would like. Her unassuming manner would forbid her ever saying anything other than how much she appreciated his gifts.

But is that the same as truly wanting it?

Again, thinking that both Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner seemed loving parents who wanted their children and relations to be given gifts that would reflect their attitudes at the time, but also wished for them to be surprised on Christmas morning when they opened them, which would necessitate the stratagem of deception in order to know their wishes.

I wonder if this sort of subterfuge is a necessary part of the dynamics of a larger family than two orphaned siblings to gather information? Do my own uncle and aunt resort to similar tactics for the four siblings in their family and all their cousins?

Of course, as one of those cousins, he would not be privy to the ruse to keep the gifts a surprise. Thinking back, he remembered being in awe on several occasions at how his Uncle Matlock seemed to know what he had wished for in certain years growing up, but since Darcy's mind never bent in that direction, he never suspected anything untoward, and was not sure he would be completely comfortable using tactics needed to illicit such information.

Darcy was still in this frame of mind when the door opened. Much to their surprise, it was not the gentleman in question but one of his nieces. Darcy bowed, his humor returning in fine form at his spying several delicate ribbon bows, the color of a warm fire, wound tightly in Elizabeth's dark curls.

"Miss Bennet, good day."

Bingley added, "Miss Elizabeth, it is good to see you again."

"Good day to you both."

Elizabeth curtseyed, trying without success to keep from smirking, and as she neared the settee to sit next to her aunt. Mrs. Gardiner put aside her embroidery, noting the ribbons and remarking, "That color becomes you, Lizzy."

Darcy had to agree. Unlike another lady who often wore a more garish shade that clashed with her sallow skin, this softer tone blended well with Elizabeth's creamy complexion. When he drew near, he could not keep his eyes from resting upon her curls.

Her Aunt asked, "Whatever made your think to wear it?"

"Thank you, Aunt, but the complement rightly goes to your maid. When I told her my intention of wearing my light green frock, she asked permission to borrow Jenny's ribbons, fashioning them into my hair, to complete the ensemble. You are always saying how much a treasure is Bessie's ability to make your girls presentable. I have inadvertently given her another challenge to do likewise with the contrivance of the ribbons."

"And she has succeeded," Mrs. Gardiner agreed, adding as she rose, "Now let me see what is keeping your uncle and Jane. I shall return shortly."

This news of Jane's being on her way placated Bingley, a smile spreading across his face as he continued to fidget with his hat and gaze about the room to keep from eyeing the door for the next arrival.

As the door closed, Elizabeth sat down on the couch holding her bonnet and spencer, gazed up at Darcy, and teased, "You see I have tried to settle my forfeit today, though on such short notice I could not obtain a more glaring shade to completely satisfy our bet. Are you content with Jenny's ribbons?"

When she turned her head to allow him to view the full effect of the intertwining of the orange fabric around her delicate curls, he noticed how his hand itched to take hold of it to pull it free to watch her chestnut colored tresses cascade down her back. He shook his head to have the image vanish from his mind.

"It is perhaps a good thing I lost the wager," she added, "to give Bessie the challenge of making me presentable."

"That was no great challenge, I am sure."

At this she smiled and continued to tease. "Thank you, sir, yet I wonder what Miss Bingley would say of Bessie's handiwork."

Barely refraining from rolling his eyes, Darcy thought Bingley's sister would have nothing good to say of anything to do with Miss Bennet. Before he could make a reply the door opened upon a rather harried Mr. Gardiner entering with a note clutched in his hand.

Darcy rose, asking, "Good morning, Mr. Gardiner. Your wife has informed us as to the change in our plans."

"Good day to you, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley." They heard the children nosily descending the stairs as their father added, "Yes, yes, the children are to attend me at the warehouse for a time. You are of an understanding as to the nature of this outing?"

"Quite," was all Darcy would say.

When they all noticed Mr. Gardiner's agitated expression while glancing at the paper in his hand, he explained, "I would beg an additional favor of you sir, that of keeping my children occupied while I meet with a gentleman from the Americas whose father I have long dealt with for many years and now has come wishing to acquaint himself with me. He and I have been attempting without success to manage an introduction for the past three weeks while he remains in town, and he is to depart for New York City in a few days. If we do not meet this day, I fear the delay might give him the impression that I am ambivalent about continuing the association with his company, an attitude, which of course, is not the case at all. Lizzy, would you mind the added burden while I deal with Mr. Caruthers?"

"Not at all, Uncle, I am sure Jane and I can find many items of interest to keep the children busy. Do you not agree, gentlemen?"

"Of course," was Bingley's quick reply, his enthusiasm growing from memories flooding back from his own childhood. Darcy nodded, but remained ill at ease with the subterfuge they were about to perpetrate on the children and the Miss Bennets.

"Good, good, then let us be off." Mr. Gardiner led the way out.

When the servants helped them into their coats, and Mrs. Gardiner bid them all a good day, the four adults and little Ellie departed the door of Darcy's carriage while Bingley and Jane aided the three children into the Gardiner's carriage. When both coaches were ready, they clamored down the street, turned several corners and were on their way across town to the warehouse district.

With Ellie's insisting on being in her father's lap over the nursery maid's protests, Elizabeth began speaking to her uncle of his business appointment. She seemed as content as Ellie at being in his company. Darcy, sitting beside the maid, remembered earlier years when he and his father rode in a carriage conversing on various aspects of the running of Pemberley with its many ventures to the benefit of all concerned including the tenants, the elder sharing suggestions with the younger, advice that would be of aid later in life. This was just what Mr. Gardiner was doing with his niece while those dark ringlets quivered, peeking out from under her bonnet, adorned in orange ribbons.

It was true that both Jane and Elizabeth were happy to be of use to either of her relations, whether to tend to the children or to accompany their uncle to his office, offering their services for any appropriate jobs around the warehouse, usually one that occupied being in their uncle's office. Mr. Gardiner, seeing that Elizabeth excelled in her figures, allowed her to check his sums on several of his accounts and go over some of the inventory books. She had been about his warehouse since childhood and knew the intricacies of his methods. Had he thought her serious about such a vocation, and had it been proper, he would have considered allowing her to help him run the warehouse before the time came for his son to take over the business.

When they arrived in the district and the carriages made their way down the narrow alley toward the warehouse, a less pristine area of town, the air was filled with a lees than savory aroma, but also with an excitement of men already busy loading and unloading wagons and carts amid noisy shouts and nervous animals adding to the cacophony. The coaches stopped at the address given by Mr. Gardiner. One of Darcy's men jumped from his perch to open the door and unfold the step. They began alighting from the carriage to enter the undistinguished doors of a large building that housed Gardiner's Import/Export Emporium, the bustle of men moving boxes and cartons under the supervision of several overseers added to the noise of the district and the excitement of the children gathered around with wide eyes at being allowed at their father's place of work.

After warning his brood to stay with their cousins and not touch anything, Mr. Gardiner stopped to converse with one of his clerks, he asked, "Where is Johnson?"

To this the man named Carter replied that when Mr. Gardiner had failed to arrive at the warehouse, the first clerk felt it necessary to proceed to the dock to supervise the arrival of several crates delivered in a shipment from the Americas. He also motioned to a small room nearby where he had ushered in a client whose appointment Mr. Gardiner assumed was the one he was wont to keep and nodded his appreciation to the man.

Promising to give Bingley and Darcy a tour of the facilities, Mr. Gardiner steered the group toward his office, handing Ellie to Jane. Reminding both his nieces of the whereabouts of the collection he had amassed over the previous months, Mr. Gardiner asked Carter to escort them where it resided in the cavern that was the warehouse.

As Elizabeth neared him, her uncle touched her arm, asking, "Seeing that Johnson is not yet returned, might I ask you to remain in the office to handle any clients that may wish to conduct business in my absence?"

"Of course, Uncle," was Elizabeth's quick reply.

Noting the ease in which she acquiesced, as though this was a task requested by her uncle on numerous occasions, Darcy was nevertheless discomforted with leaving her unattended in the office and offered, "I shall remain with Miss Elizabeth, sir," adding, "and when your business meeting is concluded, we can all proceed to where Bingley and Miss Bennet are gathered with the children."

"That is most kind, sir. I thank you," agreed Mr. Gardiner before leaving them at the office door.

Before Carter could be prevailed upon to usher the group of children and two adults further into the vast expanse of the warehouse, Bingley patted his vest pockets before he asked Darcy, "Darcy, I seem to have gone away without even a single sheet. Do you have some pages that I can make notes on," lowering his voice as he continued, "to later give to Mr. Gardiner?"

Darcy removed a thin gold case wherein there were neat little note pages along with a sharp pencil tipped with a gold cap to keep the lead from breaking or tearing through the lining of his pocket. Handing it to his friend, he half teased, "Perhaps you should allow Miss Bennet to do the writing, or else I will have to decipher your hieroglyphics to the man."

Blushing, Bingley replied, "As you know, my penmanship is passable with a pencil due to the lack of ink to blotch," adding in a whisper, "and what would be the point for Miss Bennet to write suggestions for herself?" Noticing Jane questioning look at his delay, he finished in a normal voice, "No, I am quite up to the task, Darcy."

Noting his change of topic, Darcy did not miss a beat before replying, "Just try to keep the children out of mischief, Bingley, until Miss Elizabeth and I can join you. The boys especially are quite excitable being in such a large place with so many items of interest to view and touch."

At this Bingley's face brightened with nostalgia. "I know, Darcy. Why, I remember being the same whenever my father took me to my grandfather's business. My hands nearly itched to explore and discover treasures in packing crates and boxes. Miss Bennet and I will do our best to keep the children occupied, but do not be long in joining us."

Darcy nodded his head, and with that the two men separated, Darcy turning again toward the glass door of the office. The din of workers only died down after his firmly closing the door. The windows of the office giving a complete view of the goings on within the warehouse, but were unable to deaden the noise completely.

Seeing the little party round a corner and disappear behind a stack of crates, Darcy asked, "Do you think it wise that we have left Bingley and your sister in charge of all four children?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Oh, I think together they can handle the lion's share of attending them at present. Jenny is very well behaved and the admonishment my uncle gave the boys beforehand should keep them in line. Ellie will be no problem while she remains in Jane's arms." Elizabeth's face lit up, adding, "I wonder what trinkets my uncle has collected this year. He is very astute as to what each of his children are interested in over the years," smiling as she concluded, "due for the most part to my aunt's useful information on excursions such as this. Now that task falls to Jane and me to select from the array of potential gifts."

Here Darcy scoffed, "How difficult can it be? Do not their interests lie in those most common to all children?"

Frowning at his lack of understanding at so fundamental an idea as viewing each as individuals, Elizabeth asked, "When you shop for your sister, do you not observe her to know where her interests lie?"

"Of course, but she is...well, in recent years she has undergone some changes to those items she favored when she was a child, and at this point I..."

Elizabeth waited him struggle to finish his sentence, her brow arching when he could not, so she did. "Do you find shopping for a younger sister who is now a young lady becoming rather troublesome without any idea of what she thinks or feels?"

Blushing, he nodded sheepishly. "Actually, that thought had just occurred to me recently."

She nodded, asking, "And would it not be to your benefit to have some companion or cousin be privy to her current desires and interests?"

"Perhaps," was all Darcy would agree to for the moment following her logic.

"Humph," was her only comment as thinking she was the victor in their war of worlds this time.

Looking around, Darcy sniffed at the sights and smells of laborers toiling for their daily wage, preferring the quiet of his study to concentrate on his estate business. Elizabeth, on the other hand, seemed quite at home, ignoring the bustle as she seated herself behind her uncle's cluttered desk and began to pour over invoices and accounts sheet littering the top. Taking a much used pencil, she quickly added the figures in a long column, correcting a minor addition error and then placing her initials beside the correction to allow her uncle to know she had made the adjustment.

"Do you often correct your uncle's arithmetic?" Darcy wondered if the clerk would resent such a blow to his abilities to calculate correctly.

Without looking up from the next column of number and circling an item for later perusal, Elizabeth remarked, "Yes, even as a child he realized my knack for figures and has, over the years, given me the liberty to check some of his accounts. Usually, I find only small errors, but after a time, the amount of loss could add to a considerable sum if not caught early. He appreciates my diligence to detail." She circled another item for her uncle's attention, and then placed the sheet in a wire bin on the corner of the desk, and took another up from the stack.

Darcy's attitude was a combination of two divergences. One was revulsion at a gentleman of his stature being in the midst of a tradesman's office, barely refrained from running his glove over dusty shelves in distain for the lack of housekeeping done to the place. This was coupled with a natural fascination at all of the workers' activities that buzzed with the excitement of the thriving business.

Both attitudes were not lost on Elizabeth who could not decide whether to be incensed or amused by the man's ambiguity.

Before either realized they had been left alone, an elderly business associate of Mr. Gardiner's entered, asking Elizabeth if she could give Mr. Gardiner's clerk his bank check to settle his current account. He looked around nervously at not seeing Mr. Johnson.

"Of course, Mr Granger, let me write you a receipt." Elizabeth's pleasant smile and manner immediately put the man at ease as he recognized her as the owner's niece.

"Oh, yes, very well, Miss Elizabeth, isn't it? I remember you often in this office when you were a child. Look at you, all grown up." He thought of his business dealings and added, "If your uncle is to be long, I could pen a note for him concerning my next order."

"Of course, Mr. Granger."

Both she and Darcy saw that the man's hands shook badly from feebleness brought on by his age. Before she could say more, it was Darcy who helped him to a chair, offering his services, to have Mr. Granger dictate his letter to him for Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth busied herself with the notation of the payment on the Granger account page while surreptitiously watching Darcy patiently repeat several phrases the man spoke so as not to miss any words. Elizabeth got the distinct impression that he had often done so in the past, and wondered why.

Perhaps there was a time when Mr. Darcy's ailing father relied on his son to relate some important missive to one of his business partners.

Soon Mr. Granger had concluded his business and exited the office, leaning heavily on his walking cane, the tapping slowly decreasing in volume until it was drowned out by the warehouse noise.

In the lull Elizabeth resumed adding sums. Darcy looked around, becoming intrigued with several of the open boxes of items strew about the office space, carefully placed out of the walkway to ensure they remained undamaged but accessible to the proprietor's view. "May I?" He asked Elizabeth if he be allowed to handle one such item that caught his eye.

She glanced up, saw what interested him, and silently nodded before her eye returned to the column of figures. She had no fear of his mishandling any item.

Darcy pushed back the packing materiel to fully reveal several oriental boxes, their black lacquer finish gleaming in the sun rays from the overhead skylight. Being careful to its security, he retrieved one the size of a shoe box and placed it on the desk to view it fully. Turning the small key in the lock, he opened the lid to reveal the interior lined with soft, red velvet, and a small box mounted in the corner.

"It is a jewelry box that plays music," Elizabeth informed him when she glanced up. "There should be a key on the bottom to wind it and a catch inside to activate the mechanism."

Gently closing the lid, Darcy held the box aloft, and turned the key to wind up the musical cylinder within the box. Placing it again on the desk, he opened the top to hear the tin sounding notes of one of Mozart's sonatas. Listening to the familiar music, Darcy smiled. "That is lovely." Closing the lid, he inspected the construction and decoration of the music box, impressed with the fine craftsmanship that went into its creation.

"This is exquisite, and quite fashionably designed, a wonderful seasonal gift that could be used for years to come."

Elizabeth glanced at the box again as she placed another account sheet on the stack in the wire bin. "When Jane and I were younger, Uncle Gardiner gifted us with ones similar, which I cherish. As my other sisters grew, he gave them each a musical box for their various ribbons and earbob collections. My father is grateful for his kindness to all his nieces over the years."

That answered Darcy's wondering if Elizabeth had such a box for what little jewelry she possessed. Again admiring the box, he carefully returned it to the shipping crate thinking of his sister's wishing to have a similar case for storing her bracelets and necklaces.

Opening another case, Darcy gasped, "Oh my," at the sight.

There before him was a rapier of the highest quality, the hilt lavish with engraving and encrusted with what appeared to be rubies and emeralds. Reverently lifting it from its crate prison and pulling the sword from its sheath to have the blade shine brightly against the daylight streaming in from above, the engraved artwork clearly visible in the light. Darcy was held in such awe that it caught Elizabeth's notice.

Pausing in her sums to view his altered demeanor that was usually masked by a façade of disdainful indifference for much of what surrounded him, to see Mr. Darcy completely enamored with such a weapon left Elizabeth wondering if he was admiring it for its beauty or for the efficiency of design to make it so lethal. She watched as he carefully to back up to a safe distance before whipping the blade several times about the large office in so expert a fashion, she thought the answer to her query seemed to be the latter. That is until he spoke to give her added insight into the man's character.

"This sword is several hundreds years old, Miss Bennet, a true work of art, though as a weapon, it is forged for balance to strike a fatal blow with the barest of technique." Again he whipped the blade expertly in several fencing moves to have the very air cut through. The sound left Elizabeth shivering with both fear and excitement at witnessing the weapon being wielded by such an expert.

It seems that Mr. Darcy's rapture is contagious.

"Who has purchased such a blade? Or is this some of the specialty items for which your uncle spoke of during our ride here? Is it for sale?"

Coming to her senses, Elizabeth leafed through several of the invoices atop the desk to find the proper one, listing the items within that particular crate. She sighed, "I fear it was a particular request of the Marquis Defoe from a seller in Italy, and he has been waiting for a very long time for it to be delivered."

"I can understand why," Darcy remarked, whipping the blade one last time before returning it reverently back into its sheath and then, approaching the crate, gingerly laying it upon the packing material from wince it came.

He was about to ask her if she thought Mr. Gardiner would be along soon when the door opened and each turned their eyes, expecting to see him. Instead, there was a young man, well dressed and with a harried expression on his face.

He began, "This is the most vexing city I have ever been to, all sorts of lanes and alleys going every which way. I liked to have never found the place, Mr. Gar-" His voice faltered at seeing in Mr. Gardiner's place behind the desk a lovely young lady, her expression one of expectant curiosity. He smiled broadly, touching his hat. "I say, I do hope you are in some way associated with Mr. Edward Gardiner or I am truly turned all around." He failed to notice Darcy's glare, and Darcy did not offer his hand.

"Yes, sir," Elizabeth stood with a curtsey. Glancing through the window to the small conference room, she realized that the elderly client presently in with her uncle was not the young man from America whom he wished most fervently to meet. "I am his niece, Miss Bennet, and you must be...Mr. Caruthers?"

At this he bowed and removed his hat and gloves. "I am indeed, come to finally make the acquaintance of a man my family has been doing business with for many years. Is your uncle about?"

"I expect him momentarily, Mr. Caruthers. Would you care for some refreshment? Tea perhaps?"

To the suggestion of tea she saw him cringe before hiding that reaction, waving his hand, stating, "No, please, I need nothing at the moment but your uncle." Taking out his pocket watch to check the time, it was clear that he was in a hurry and already frowning again at being made to bide his time.

Knowing her uncle's failed attempts to meet with Mr. Caruthers on several previous occasions, and how much it meant to have this time be successful, she determined to have the man stay, asking, "You are from America, Mr. Caruthers?"

"Yes, our family is from the New York area where we have several factories, and have been fortunate in the textile industry."

"Of which my uncle imports many of your finished goods for resale here and on the Continent."

"Just so, Miss." Gazing at his watch again, he added somewhat exasperated, "Look here, if this is not a convenient time for him, perhaps I could make arrangements to meet him when I am next in England."

Trying to deter him, Elizabeth asked, "I wonder if you have any interest in some of the more exotic imports my uncle has managed to acquire, Mr. Caruthers? Mr. Darcy here can show several pieces he has just now discovered in those crates."

Darcy's head snapped up to gaze steadily at her from his place beside the window, hoping to be ignored for the duration of the man's visit. He had made a bad impression as far as Darcy was concerned.

Mr. Caruthers glanced at the other man, sniffed the way the rich do when in the presence of one lower in station to themselves. Giving the taller man a perusal up and down to note his fine dress not withstanding, deemed him an underling, and replied in a voice barely above contempt and distain. "Your man can interest me in some unusual pieces of bric-a-brac in the interim?"

At this Darcy inwardly seethed at the designation, and it was only his years of schooling his expression to indifference that kept the younger man from gleaning what unruly thoughts raced through the mind of the taller one. Another glance toward Elizabeth told him two things. Her eyes implored him to try to detain the gentleman due to her uncle wishing the interview. He also noted that her brow arched in company with her bearing the merest hint of a smile, a signal to issue him one of their unspoken challenges. He sighed aloud in resignation.

"Right then,govnor," Darcy replied in his best imitation of one of his grooms that sent Elizabeth turning her head to the side to keep her countenance, requiring her to cover her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing aloud at the ruse.

Sitting again behind the desk, she took up another account sheet, recovering enough to casually state, "I am sure Mr. Darcy will show you several pieces from the Orient that will pique your interest, sir." Her eyes lowered to the page of figures, but her mind was too full of Mr. Darcy's display to concentrate on the sums.

With a flourish of hand motions, Darcy again pushed aside the bating around one of the exquisite, lacquer music boxes, pointing out the fine craftsmanship, making a show of where the winding key was located on the bottom, and opening the lid to allow the mechanism to activate. Mr. Caruthers smiled politely but failed to disguise his lack of interest that had not been piqued in the slightest until, like Darcy, his eyes fell upon the other object in the second crate.

"I say, what have we here?" Seizing the sword, he had it unsheathed and was whipping it about without care for the safety of the others, the sound in the air being sliced was closely followed by the men hearing Elizabeth gasp. Both turned to see the top of the invoices she held had been sliced neatly in two with the pages fluttering through the air. The two younger people seemed frozen in place while in a flash Darcy's hand lunged, gripped Mr. Caruthers' wrist so tightly that the young man barely had strength enough to keep from dropping the sword.

Indignantly, he began, "How dare you lay a hand on me-" His words died in his throat at the sight of Darcy's fierce visage, eyes blazing with an inner wrath that would brook no disobedience to his silent command.

Dropping all pretense of being other than his true self, Darcy calmly warned, "I doubt the Marquis would look kindly if anything were damaged in his shipment before he even had a chance to view it."

Mr. Caruthers was a young man blessed with intelligence and normally good sense. Realizing that he had stupidly frighten the young lady, almost harming her with his recklessness, and then to have this tall man suddenly drop his accent in his apparent rage at so careless an act was too much for Mr. Caruthers to comprehend exactly what was going on. Silently he nodded, allowing Darcy to relieve him of the sword before releasing the man's hand that Caruthers needed to massage to restore feeling to it. Gazing from the young lady to the tall, distinguished man, Caruthers knew all was not what he had previously assumed.

Removing his flask, and offering it to Elizabeth, he began his apology. "I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet for giving you such a fright. Having begun fencing lessons recently, when I saw so beautiful a weapon all common sense left me. Is there anything I can bring you for your present relief?" His tone and expression clearly spoke to his sincerity and remorse.

Elizabeth waved off the flask, and dabbed her handkerchief at her throat, slowly recovering from so harrowing an experience. "Truly, sir, I am well." Seeing her ashen pallor, neither man believed her avowal, but could offer her no form of comfort. When Darcy handed her a glass of water, he noticed that her hands trembled.

Gazing again at this tall man, obviously a close friend to the lady, Mr. Caruthers narrowed his eyed, deep in thought.

Where have I heard that name before?

Just then the tardy Mr. Gardiner entered onto the threesome, apologizing profusely when his words died in his throat as each set of eyes relayed that something untoward had occurred in his absence. "Lizzy, gentlemen, is everything all right?"

"Fine, Uncle," professed Elizabeth, more breathless than she intended.

"Mr. Gardiner," was all Darcy had to say with his bow.

Smiling, but obviously curious, Mr. Gardiner offer his hand. "Mr. Caruthers, I presume?"

"Quite so, Mr. Gardiner," the man sighed, relieved to have a safer topic to discuss. "Thomas Caruthers. You have dealt with my father, John."

Elizabeth's uncle nodded. "A good man, son, I am heartily sorry to hear of his demise. You have my condolences."

"Thank you, sir. I admit he casts a large shadow for me to follow. My only hope is to not disappoint his memory with my less than stellar efforts thus far." Here he ventured a gaze at the still scowling Darcy.

Trying to encourage the young man, Mr. Gardiner stated, "Time and experience is all you need, son." Gazing around the office, he added, "I hope my niece and Mr. Darcy have kept you entertained in my stead?"

"Yes, yes," Mr. Caruthers quickly acknowledged, his cheeks blushing at a loss to think of another subject. "They...have been showing me the shipment you have procured for the Marquis."

"Ah," Mr. Gardiner sighed, "The sword. Is it not exquisite? It has taken me seven years to acquire it for him."

"It is indeed a splendid work of art and craftsmanship, but one that must be wielded by a better swordsman than myself." His gaze fell again on Darcy who did not acknowledge him.

Oblivious to what had taken place, Mr. Gardiner nodded. "You are a master fencer, are you not, Mr. Darcy?"

Folding his arms behind his back before avowing, Darcy admitted, "I make it a habit of daily practice when I am able," adding, "If Mr. Caruthers is so inclined I could introduce him to several excellent instructors while he remains in town."

To Mr. Caruthers this was proof beyond doubt that Mr. Darcy was indeed a gentleman of high social standing rather than one of Mr. Gardiner's employees, though the younger man could not reason out why Mr. Darcy had pretended it be so. Thinking back several hours previous, he said, "I have heard the name Darcy mentioned by my solicitors several days ago."

"Of that I have no doubt if you are with the firm of Haggerston's," acknowledged Darcy. "Mr. Hytherford Kershaw has been our family attorney for years."

"Derbyshire," Mr. Caruthers' eyes brightened as he made the connection. "You are Darcy of Pemberley. We are in negotiations with your steward to procure several shipments of wool for our textile mills, and here you stand before me. I am happy to make the acquaintance, sir."

Begrudgingly, Darcy took the extended hand. "I hope we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement."

"And on that note," Mr. Gardiner chimed in, "Mr. Caruthers, perhaps you and I can finalize our contract before your departure." Turning to his desk, he noted the damaged invoices and, arching his brows, gave his niece a look of renewed curiosity.

Elizabeth in quiet nonchalance, struggled to find the one he required, casually handing the two halves to her uncle, her own brows arching. Her smile reassured him that she was unaffected by whatever had occurred in his absence. He mouthed the word, "Later," to have her know he would insist on being informed completely on the happening at a future date. Her slight nod placated him for the time being.

Turning again to his young client, Mr. Gardiner ushered him into a nearby anteroom, closing the door on his niece and Mr. Darcy with the promise that his business would not take long in concluding.

Silence ensued for a long while as each tried to find words to explain how such an innocent challenge could have gone so awry. With each venturing a stare, she smiled while he continued to scowl, only glad that the danger had passed without anyone being injured.

Finally she began to giggle, followed closely by, "Come, come, Mr. Darcy, you must see the humor in the situation else I will never be able to relate it to my uncle."

She saw him shrug before she had finished her sentence. She added, "I am truly sorry to have instigated such-"

Darcy interrupted, "No, the fault was not yours, but it only serves to show why disguise of any sort is my abhorrence by proving myself such a poor one as to its execution."

"I disagree, Mr. Darcy. Your cockney was enough to fool Mr. Caruthers."

He snorted, "An American? That is no great test of skill, Miss Bennet. I doubt I could have fooled even my stable boys."

With that both their laughter erupted to relieve their tensions. "Regardless, clearly you won the wager, Mr. Darcy. You intrigued the client enough to remain on the premises until my uncle could join us. I owe you a forfeit."

Saying emphatically, "You most certainly do, Miss Bennet!" He paused before adding, "And I will have to think long and hard on something adequate to redeem for such a win."

She smiled. "I await your decision with relish, Mr. Darcy, and-"

Before she could finish her thought there was a knock upon the door and the return of Mr. Johnson, her uncle's clerk from the docks. "Oh, Miss Bennet, is your uncle not about? I wanted to give him my report regarding the shipment at the docks."

"Mr. Johnson, he is in with a client, but promised not to be long."

"Very good, Miss." Glancing around to see Darcy ignoring him, Mr. Johnson turned his attentions back to the young lady. "May I offer you some refreshments while you wait, Miss Bennet?"

Her smiled brightened the office. "Tea would be lovely, Mr. Johnson. Would it not, Mr. Darcy?"

Softening his expression, he nodded to the clerk. "Yes, thank you, Johnson. I think Miss Bennet...and I would be grateful for a cup."

Bowing, the elder man left to go about its preparation.

Mr. Gardiner was true to his word, had concluded his business with Mr. Caruthers within the span of a quarter hour, saying his good-byes to the young man who was more amiable at being charmed by the elder one, thus assuring his continued service of the family mills in America.
After saying his farewells to a much sublime Mr. Caruthers, Mr. Gardiner returned to his office to find Elizabeth and Darcy enjoying tea while showing Mr. Johnson the notations she had made in Mr. Granger's accounts to go along with check for payment, and the letter dictated to Mr. Darcy for the next shipment. Seeing that her uncle had joined them, she handed him both documents to see his reaction.
"What shenanigans is this?" Being impressed by a man's neat penmanship that he recognized as neither Johnson's nor Elizabeth's, he guessed the author, quipping, "You, Mr. Darcy, have written up an order?" Having his niece relate their joint venture towards Mr. Grangers, Mr. Gardiner was equally impressed with their skill at teamwork, an idea he had until now not thought either of them capable, knowing his niece to be competent and Mr. Darcy being so staid and imperial.
With his niece's renewed humor and color to her cheeks, Mr. Gardiner was assured that whatever happened during his absence appeared to have no lasting effects on her, and hoped it would be a humorous antidote to relate to both himself and Mrs. Gardiner once sufficient time had passed for Lizzy to be able to laugh at it.

Gazing again at the letter, he teased, "Well, I must say, Mr. Darcy, you do have a fine, even hand. I doubt, however, that I could enlist your for dictation in the future."

"I fear my time would not allow it, sir."

"In the meantime," Mr. Gardiner offered, "do allow me to show you around the extensive building, in hopes, I trust, of discovering the whereabouts of my family."

As they set out with Mr. Gardiner's again mentioning the rarest item in his possession being the antique sword, thus beginning a discussion of what Darcy would require in a personal rapier, Elizabeth remained silent during their discussion, giving Darcy the distinct impression that she was still unsettled at how near she came to being injured. Her mood did not lift until they came upon Bingley, Jane and the children in the rear most part of the warehouse who were gathered around a sleek black carriage that a customer had ordered with Mr. Gardiner providing his services in outfitting the interior requested by the customer for his comforts.

Darcy was impressed by all the added accoutrements that this particular client had been interested, especially the hidden cupboard located behind cushions in the wall below the driver's seat where several carafes and glasses could be stored as fortification on long trips. "My cousin would think this added feature a necessity over requiring him to prop his bottle of brandy between the seat cushion lest it spill." Seeing Elizabeth's interest, Darcy asked, "Do you approve such finery inside a carriage, Miss Bennet?"

With her uncle's assistance, she had just discovered another hidden compartment wherein lay several brick, the purpose of which was to have them heated and placed under feet on cold journeys. "This hold would also serve for placing any valuables should there be the threat of highwaymen about." Caressing the exquisite upholstery on the cushions, she sighed, "Yes, Mr. Darcy, I must say this is a coach fit for royalty." Glancing at her uncle, she asked, "Would you tell me if it were for the king?"

"I would not," replied her uncle in a voice that was jovial in its unequivocal denial.

While all were in rapt attention inside the carriage, with Carter giving his employer a quick report of where they had already ventured, Mr. Gardiner gave the man leave to return to his usual duties, and took over the ushering of his children around to the other designated area where he had stored possible gifts.

Meanwhile, Bingley nonchalantly handed Darcy his note case minus a few pages he had used to scribble his list. Without a pause Darcy pocketed the case, giving his full attention to the items amassed in crates and boxes in the corner of the warehouse. There were wooden toys, dolls, tin soldiers, shawls fashioned from the finest silk from the orient in delicate designs of tranquil scenes, picture books, ribbons, perfume from Paris, scented soaps and candles, candied, nuts, oranges, cinnamon and peppermint sticks, tea tins, sugarplums, statues from some far away Romanian country, decorative bowls, wines from choice vineyards. There were also a number of hard to find first editions, which caught his eye, a reaction not missed by the proprietor of the establishment who exchanged a knowing look at his niece.

"Oh my," Elizabeth whispered at viewing a large painted scene divider unfolded in the back of the pile, its Japanese motif distinctive in its lacquer painted wood and colorful scene of geishas dancing across from one side to the other. She proceeded to give him a short version of the ladies in the scene, their function in the culture of Japan, and the intricacies of the workmanship of this particular screen.

Her interest in such an item caught his attention, causing him to ask, "These selections from the orient are unusual and quite unique to our country. How is it that you know such a great deal about their history, Miss Bennet?"

Elizabeth blushed as she stated, "Due to my uncle's business of importing specialties items from all over the world and with my own accessibility and natural curiosity to such a large part of it while growing up, he has taken the time over the years to educate me to the culture, history and uses of some of the acquired imports." Here she took a set of chopsticks, demonstrating how they are used to pick up objects. "Believe it or not, this is their form of eating utensils." As he tried and awkwardly failed in his initial attempt, they both laughed, but with Darcy being impressed with her knowledge of larger world than that of her sheltered little village of Meryton.

With such exposure to countries beyond England, I wonder if she would be interested in seeing the collections housed in the museum while she is in town.

He also wondered if she rather than he would be the one to receive an education on certain aspects of what was displayed there.

Their eyes turning again to the lovely room divider standing directly behind Elizabeth to have Darcy formulate his own decision.

Georgiana would love to had such an addition to her room.

Here he faltered at his thinking after the discussion forwarded by Elizabeth.

Perhaps a confirmation with Mrs. Annesley would assure me of my assumption that Georgiana would truly adore such an item.

It was clear to him that Elizabeth was enamored with such an object, and made a mental note to relate his discovery to her uncle.

As to the children, he picked up a porcelain doll with delicate pantaloons peeking out under a richly decorated silk pinafore and dress ensemble, gazing at Elizabeth as if silently stating that such a doll would be perfect for the older Gardiner girl. Elizabeth shook her head, reaching for another object, a small reticule with tiny embroidered flowers on the outside. Jenny's "ooh" was proof enough that Elizabeth was correct in her assessment of her cousin's preference. Elizabeth's arched brow was enough to tell him he had lost another wager and owed her a forfeit.

He shrugged, smiling at how easily they could communicate without the need for words, not thinking beyond to realize that many married couples required years to accomplish the same feat. It was not within either of their conscious minds to think on that aspect of their complacency.

Due to the growing rowdiness of the two boys, it became clear that the children had seen enough of what their father had taken the time to accumulate and were all eager for some change of scene. Darcy hoped that Miss Bennet and Bingley had been attentive to what captured their interest and that Bingley had written it legibly enough for Mr. Gardiner to decipher.

The carriages were sent for, and the party soon returned to Cheapside where tea and cakes were waiting. Darcy and Bingley enjoyed an additional hour before they took their leave, Bingley having delivered his promised notes. Darcy exchanged some cryptic sentences to Mr. Gardiner to let him know of Elizabeth preference before the two men departed, again reminding them of the dinner party later in the week.

Chapter Nineteen -- Dinner party at Darcy House

Posted on Tuesday, 7 August 2007

Darcy's invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner for dinner at Darcy House, slated for three days hence, had extended to include Jane and Elizabeth, all of whom managed to arrive precisely on time. After such a lovely time at the theatre they were excited for the opportunity to again meet Lord and Lady Matlock. Their arrival commenced with servants busily aiding them out of their coats and gloves while the butler waited patiently to escort them into the parlor where the rest of the party had already gathered.

The Bingleys and the Hursts, at Caroline's insistence, were already in attendance, a fact that she did not fail to mention in an aside to young Georgiana, harping on the continued habit of the Bennet relations to arrive fashionably late to social occasions. Whispering loud enough to be heard by the Earl and the Countess, Miss Bingley further criticized, "I cannot understand how they seem to have no regard for the kind of decorum that should be afforded your Aunt and Uncle as members of the peerage."

Georgiana tried, in her gentle way, to defend the last arrivals who had, in truth, not arrived the least bit late. "The Gardiners have four children that must keep them very busy most days. I am sure they wanted to ensure that each was well looked after and accepting of their parents going out for the evening."

Caroline sniffed, "If you ask me four is far too many for such a family, for any family for that matter. Perhaps two or even one would be more sufficient for any woman to be required to tend."

Flanked on her other side by Mrs. Annesley, at this Georgiana opened her mouth but was speechless at Miss Bingley. Sharing so sensitive an opinion seemed inappropriate in the presence of Lady Matlock who had given birth to four of her own, now all quite grown and with one of her sons was standing near Darcy greeting his newest guests. At Mrs. Annesley's hand touching her arm in gentle support, Georgiana lifted her eyes, venturing a glance toward her aunt seated in a chair by the fire. By the flare of her nostrils and her pretense to brush nonexistent lint from her frock, it was clear that she, too, had overheard the insipid woman's remarks but was feigning deafness to so insular an opinion out of deference to her nephew.

Emboldened now by the lack of any contradictions, Caroline concluded her disparaging the Gardiners with a voice dripping with disdain as she whispered, "whatever the reason, my dear, I think it atrocious behavior that the Earl should not long tolerate by these people."

Georgiana could not think of any response to give to Miss Bingley's second statement, and so, dropping her eyes to her own hands resting in her lap, she remained quiet amid the jovial greetings of the four additions standing beside Richard and Darcy. Encouraged, Caroline began another barrage of abuse, but before she could get out her remark, Georgiana rallied courage enough to stand up and walk the distance of the room to join the new arrivals. Mrs. Annesley smiled with pride at her charge.

Cautiously approaching her cousin, Georgiana overheard Richard asking Elizabeth, "Have you had the opportunity of any more kite flying since I saw you last, Miss Bennet?"

She giggled, shaking her head. "I fear, Colonel, that the weather had turned rather uncooperative for that particular pastime, leaving us to devise others to wile away our time."

Richard smiled knowingly. "Ones in which I hope you found an equal amount of pleasure."

"Of course, Colonel, else why should we bother with the endeavor?"

Georgiana's eyes widened at how comfortable Miss Bennet was with her cousin and guardian and wondered if she could garner some of that same pluck. Taking a deep breath, the shy young woman greeted her guests with a curtsey and a warm smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, we are so happy you could join us on such short notice."

Taking Georgiana's hands in hers, Mrs. Gardiner returned the genuine welcome with her own. "You are both very kind to think of including us, Miss Darcy. When we told the children where we were off to, they expressed such excitement at our seeing you again, James especially. Nurse was hard pressed to put them down for the night."

At this continued show of affection by the youngest boy, Georgiana blushed. "Oh, I do hope that my acquaintance did not cause any misbehavior, for if so, I am truly sorry."

Mr. Gardiner stepped in with his own assurances. "My dear, you need not fear for anything you have done. It would seem that my children have taken quite a liking to you, similarly to the way they have to their own cousins, the result being that they are eager to keep your acquaintance."

His warm smile carried the day to put Georgiana an ease. "That is very sweet of them to feel for me in such a manner. You may tell them the feeling is mutual."

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled, nodding as Darcy motioned for them to move nearer the fire, saying, "Shall we join the rest of the party?"

After greeting the Earl and Lady Matlock, everyone found seats with both Elizabeth and Jane sitting near Georgiana to give the young lady encouragement to join in any discussions as they began talking of how they enjoyed the night at the theatre and of how much shopping was accomplished in the interim.

Elizabeth relayed, "to give Mary an alternative to that of Reverend Fordyce, I have lately had success in procuring a copy of Dr. Johnson's earlier essays of The Rambler, and am still attempting to acquire one of final works, The Lives of the English Poets for my father."

Lady Matlock asked, "Is Dr. Johnson one of your father's interests, Miss Bennet?"

She smiled, admitting, "I have the feeling that what he truly wishes for is an earlier copy of his A Dictionary of the English Language or perhaps some of Mr. Johnson's later political essays in which he rails against the injustice of the world."

Darcy asked, "such as The Patriot or Taxation No Tyranny?*

Her eyes brightened at his knowing several of the works of which she suggested. "Precisely, although I doubt my father would knowingly allow me to read such dissident thoughts for fear I will become another stanch supporter of rebellious ideals." Her brow arched, letting him know she was teasing.

Caroline sniffed in reply, "Some of his earlier works were required reading during my years in seminary. He had some insight to be sure, but for the most part I found him too plebian for my taste."

"Really? I found him quite thought provoking," said her brother who, in adding his opinion seemed to be craning toward the group, which Lady Matlock found amusing, his clear intention to remain close to Miss Bennet.

Hurst brought himself into the discussion, opining, "Dr. Johnson allowed his readers to assimilate his works on several levels that each could come away with what we would to his thoughts, such an accomplishment for one so gifted."

"Quite so, Hurst," cheered on Bingley at his brother's perceptiveness, but beaming toward Jane who smiled and nodded.

"He sounds so intriguing. Elizabeth, perhaps Papa will allow me to view one or two of Dr. Johnson's works, although, I am sure I have not the mind to digest all in entirety."

"If you show an interest, I am certain Papa will do his utmost to explain further if need be."

Richard stood apart while taking in the scene, amused by the young man's obvious attraction to the lady. Glancing to his own cousin, Richard tried to notice if the same attraction held true for him and the other sister, but as usual, Darcy was a mask of complacency, giving no indication of anything other than an enjoyment of the company of welcomed guests.

Lady Matlock turned then towards Mrs. Gardiner and asked about the children with her natural desire to know how little Ellie faired during the excitement of the season. To this both the Gardiners related how all their children enjoyed making and buying little gifts to give to their family and friends.

Her ladyship reminisced with similar tales about her own offspring when younger to have the adult Richard blush at his antics being talked of while he was in the room. Darcy chuckled at his cousin being on display for a change instead of himself.

The Earl remained reticent, content to listen to all that was talked of without being required to give any response. He had not failed to overhear the conversation that had transpired between Miss Bingley and his niece, and was still ill at ease on whether to approve his niece or nephew's obvious interest in the family of man in trade, but felt it necessary to appear gracious for the sake of the host

There would be time enough later for a discussion over even Georgiana's being allowed to continue any acquaintance where alack of respect was to be expected from such inferior people toward those of rank.

Lord Matlock noted that the woman and her equally insipid sister remained gratefully silent through the exchange in reminisce of family antics of young children for they had nothing whatsoever to add to the conversation. Before she could insinuate herself again, the suggestion was made to tour Darcy House while they waited dinner, and the entire party was led by Darcy to the upper floors while he spoke to some of the history of the ancient structure.

The group diligently followed close behind with the earl still observing them for any signs that his acting as though they expected Darcy's continued interest to go further than friendship to think themselves entitled to a higher place in society.

All the guests seemed impressed by the opulence but understated elegance of the wall coverings and furnishings, but it was Mrs. Hurst who made mention of their veritable cost, a sign of her vulgarity due to her former position as a member of trade.

For her credit, Mrs. Gardiner found her interest laid more in the images of ancestors, whose portraits lined the gallery walls, giving remarks on several who struck her fancy. Darcy dutifully told of each one's history, some of which were colorful to put it mildly.

When her husband chuckled, remarking on the dated costumes in the family portraits, Richard agreed, noting, "The uniforms of the old soldiers in many of the paintings are little altered in all these years from that of the present day."

This brought Mr. Gardiner to nod and Elizabeth to remark, "Colonel, it should give you comfort knowing that you would fit right in to any scene we have witnessed in these ancient paintings without much question. Then there is the saving of your expenditure at not requiring a complete change of clothing as do we women to ever changing fashions."

To this they all laughed in agreement as they strode further down the hallway, the Gardiners and the Earl following behind to form their own grouping.

Seeing the Gardiners as genteel and cultured people lessened Lord Matlock's concerns of them contriving to usurp an undeserving advantage. With this easing of his mind into a more relaxed state, he found himself enjoying their company to the point that he interjected an anecdote or two into some of the history of the house and the family to enlighten and amuse Darcy's guests.

Shortly thereafter, a servant interrupted to announce, "Sir, dinner is served."

Lord and Lady Matlock led the party to the dining parlor followed closely by Darcy and Miss Bingley who latched onto his arm before he could object. This left Richard to offer an arm to his cousin and his other to Miss Elizabeth. Bingley happily escorted Miss Jane Bennet leaving Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to follow. They all found their seats, attempting to continue their discussions as the dinner commenced.

Elizabeth began to speak of the excursion they had all experienced into Uncle Gardiner's warehouse, retelling in her teasing manner of Darcy's own excitement at discovering an ancient sword purchased by the Marquis Defoe. This tale encouraged Richard to remark on the ability of Mr. Gardiner to acquire such a novelty to which the elder man admitted his determination had extended over several years until its final acquisition.

The narrative brought a whispered remark from Caroline to Mrs. Hurst, disparaging his constant attempts through machinations as, "I am sure he must have had offered one of his children as payment for such a relic," followed by twittering from the two.

Elizabeth managed to deflect the comment with the kindly response, "The Marquis was very appreciative that his funds were used wisely to acquire the ancient weapon as was his right as an established member of the peer."

She had not, however, failed to keep her brow from arching to suggest how the unkind remark rankled, a fact not lost on either Hurst or Darcy.

Thereafter, Hurst observed the young lady over the rim of his wine glass for the remainder of the dinner. He could barely keep his countenance at the contorted way Elizabeth fashioned the phrasing of her remarks so as not to give offence when perhaps only he and Darcy would understand their true meaning as being an insult in distinguishing Miss Bingley's new wealth from that of the true elite of society. At the very least Hearst knew what Elizabeth must be feeling by not taking Caroline to task in showing the disdain for her uncle's efforts toward the wishes of one of his clients, and wondered at her own brother's seeming obliviousness to his sister's continued barrage.

Darcy, too, wondered if he had missed some indication that they were involved in yet another wager, a forfeit at foot whereby Miss Elizabeth was being required to endure this renewed form of insult displayed by Miss Bingley to show her petty jealousy towards anyone attracting Darcy's attention.

After several conversations regarding the latest publications of which many at the table were well aware with the exception of Miss Bingley, a lull fell over the party during the second and third courses, in which time Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst began to speak of the latest fashions to come from the Continent. In the interim Darcy glanced down the table to Elizabeth, seated some distance away by another's design no doubt. The blush to her cheeks spoke of her embarrassment at Miss Bingley's former discourse, but she did not appear to be in such distress that he was required to intervene.

Sensing she was being watched, her eyes darted to the head of the table to rest steadily on his face. He saw her release what he thought was a sigh of resignation at having to endure such abuse to her family, but then he saw her twinkling eyes which told him that Miss Bingley was in no danger of reprisal by her. Elizabeth could well endure such insincerity with aplomb...for the moment. He gave he a slight nod and turned his attentions to the remarks of which his cousin was speaking.

Remaining quiet for the time being, the Earl had taken note that it was not the Gardiners expressing all that he had come to expect of the lower classes, but the Bingley sisters, who were wishing to establish themselves into a higher realm of society than they deserved. With all their refinements of elite schools and fine clothes that were available to the newly rich, each felt an entitlement to the most elite circles. It seemed that due to their newly acquired wealth they rendered themselves more worthy to associate with noble families over those members of the poorer gentry as were the Bennets with their glaring lack of true connections. To the Earl it was telling that both the Miss Bennets and their relations, who had the least connections to the elite of high society, were not the ones striving heighten of their status that was the obvious aim of Bingley's family. To this Lord Matlock found both interesting and amusing as witnessing the juxtaposition.

After dinner, the separation of the sexes was accomplished with the ladies removing to the music room to set up card tables and call for coffee. This gave the gentlemen time to gather in Darcy's study where they could all enjoy port and a favored Havana. Cigars were such a rarity, requiring the best to be purchased at great cost, and as such were usually reserved for celebratory occasions. Lady Matlock had to allow her husband this harmless vice lest he be off at every opportunity to indulge in the pastime, forever to reek of smoke upon his return.

Being the last of the ladies to depart, her stern expression silently told her husband not to overstay with his indulgence. The door closed on a few of the gentlemen lighting up the lengthy tobacco rolled to perfect.

As the aromatic smoke filled the room, there was a collective sigh that issued forth from the contented group of those inhaling the flavor of an exotic island. "I get these from a little shop on Market Street. They import the tobacco and roll them in the back room."

Mr. Gardiner took a long puff, let the smoke fill his olfactory senses before he blew it out into perfect circles to amuse the younger men. Smiling knowingly, he asked, "Market Street, you say? I wonder where they get their tobacco."

"I hesitate to say, but my suspicions are that it must be from one of the islands in the Caribbean still held by Spain."

Bingley nearly choked. "You mean to say that these are contraband?"

"Not as such, but I never asked from where the primary ingredients came. Sometimes, it is best not to know."

"Enjoy them while you may. If war does break out, there will definitely be an interruption in shipping."

"There are already some embargoes in anticipation of Napoleon gearing his navy for combat. I suppose a Colonel in His Horse guards would not know of such inklings?"

Richard, even without looking, knew all eyes had turned to him. He remained calm and continued to enjoy puffing his overlarge cigar, finally remarking casually, "Even if I knew of what headquarters had planned for any upcoming campaign against Boney, I would be duty bound to hold my own counsel lest I be arrested for treason against the Crown. You are free, however, to speculate all you wish."

"Whenever the future brings the talk of war, it can be certain that commerce will be disrupted with embargoes and blockades, ships and their cargo seized, and the unscrupulous become wealthy with smuggling and the black market of contraband."

"Unfortunately, war does bring out profiteers out of the woodwork to vie against those honest, reputable tradesmen."

"And the dwindling of profit from the sale of crops due to the Crown's need to feed and clothe its forces."

"Still, we cannot allow a despot to have a free hand to take over all of Europe."

"No, that can never be."

They all nodded in agreement.

"Napoleon cannot go unchallenged lest we have him declare himself an emperor and pull us all down with him."

The Earl sighed, knowing his younger son would soon be embroiled in the fighting though the father was loath to allow him to risk himself. Taking note of the assembly of gentlemen this evening, the Earl came to a begrudging respect of the tradesman Gardiner upon listening to his shared views on many subjects. He seemed a man well versed in literature and politics, remarkably intelligent for being without so formal an education as is available to the elite of society, and the Earl realized how his nephew could be drawn to the man, especially with their shared love of chess.

When asked of his abilities against a formidable opponent, Mr. Gardiner did not shy away from the challenge, boasting, "I have been able to carry my own weight even with those who claim to be masters, Your Grace, although I have yet to play against Mr. Darcy who is refuted to be one of great skill."

Lord Matlock noted that young Bingley rolled his eyes when the subject was mentioned, nodding in agreement to Mr. Gardiner's statement. Having played his nephew on numerous occasions, he knew well of Darcy's abilities and wished for another of equal skill to divert him.

Before the topic of chess was exhausted, the Earl suggested, "Our club is going to have an open house in a few days. I offered to escort my wife to the gathering, but of course she declined, vowing she took no interest in such goings on. I wonder...would you like to join me for a friendly game or two, Mr. Gardiner?"

Darcy eyes widened as he saw this as an opportunity to make good one of Elizabeth's forfeits.

How to coax the two into allowing her to join them would be tricky. Playing against a few of the members would dumbfound the Earl and displease Lady Matlock when she heard of it.

Amazed at an invitation from one so noted as the Earl of Matlock, Mr. Gardiner greatly wished to oblige him, but had to ask, "On which day is your open house, sir?"

"Saturday, we could meet in the late morning for a tour, and luncheon after which we could compete through the afternoon."

Mr. Gardiner mentally made note of which business appointments he would be required to re-schedule from that day, offering, "I could join you after luncheon if your offer still stands. There are several appointments that I need to keep in the morning."

The earl nodded, sighing in disapproval at the man's enthusiasm for his life in trade.

Again with the business appointments!

Puffing several times to fill his lungs with the aromatic blend, he held it in as long as he was able before allowing it to escape from his mouth in an expert fashion to form a perfect circle of smoke.

Still, to have another worthy opponent would be amusing.

"That will be acceptable, Mr. Gardiner. I look forward to our meeting, pausing before adding, "Since this is an open house, the invitation is of course extended to any other persons you feel might enjoy accompanying you. You must join us, Darcy with your friend, Mr. Bingley, and you as well, Richard, if your commander can spare you until then."

Hearing this Darcy gazed at Richard and his friend to see both eagerly nod, giving Darcy added reason to agree to the diversion. He suppressed a smile at the thought that Elizabeth might be allowed to enter the gentlemen's club with impunity along with any of her other family members

Better and better.

Upon rejoining the ladies sitting in the music room, the gentlemen were amused to find the ladies already well involved in card. Miss Bingley who had managed to gain a seat beside an apprehensive Georgiana was not, however, able to seat herself at the table with Lady Matlock, curtailing her from monopolizing the entire conversation.

Hurst quipped as he handed a cup of coffee to Bingley from the servant at the cart, "Well, gentlemen, I can see that we are late in gaining the upper hand at whist."

Caroline threw her last card down that was smugly taken up by her sly sister who took the round with a trump and the game. "You need not worry, sirs, for Louisa has had all before her in the way of luck the whole of the evening!"

Louisa, being partnered with Jane, could not fail to show a shy smirk at their triumph over her sister, stating, "Luck and skill, Caroline are together with Jane and I tonight."

Caroline's own partner, poor Georgiana, thought herself quite to blame for playing so poorly. "I am sorry not to have given you more help, Miss Bingley. I suppose my mind is not suited for cards."

"Nonsense, my dear," came a gentle admonishment from her aunt. "You have sense enough for music, which is too complex an accomplishment for others of equal wit who cannot play a tune."

"Indeed, Georgiana, you are quite the model of an accomplished lady," agreed Caroline, her tone sequacious, trying to curry favor with Lady Matlock. "I am sure your aunt won her game as well."

"Actually," admitted the lady, "My partner and I won by only a fraction of points. Our opponents formed their strategy quite early in the game and were formidable, if I may say so."

Both Elizabeth and Mrs. Annesley smiled at the complement.

Caroline was heard to say, "They did not allow Her Ladyship the win? What nerve!"

Handing the deck to Mrs. Gardiner, Lady Matlock replied, "Contrary to popular belief, I have not the need to be coddled, Miss Bingley. My ability allows me to win on my own merit."

Asked the Earl, "Then, are we to continue with cards?"

His wife sighed, "No, I think now that the men are returned, perhaps we can find a more amusing pastime to while away the remainder of the evening. Do I dare ask on what subjects you have been opining?"

"Nothing of great import, my dear, just politics, economics and-"

"Men and their politics," chided Lady Matlock.

Richard offered, "We did begin on a loftier note with literature I believe. Is that not so, Darcy?"

Sipping from his cup, Darcy replied, "There was a brief discussion of the works of Cowper before we digressed."

"One of Lizzy's favorite authors," Mrs. Gardiner chimed in.

Her husband nodded, saying, "As I pointed out to the group. Of course, his works lead us to his stint in Olney and his subsequent association to Mr. Newton, and of their collaboration on several hymns-"

Mrs. Annesley broke in, "Are the gentlemen going to regale us with one of their renditions?" There were several chuckles as the men declined the invitation to sing.

The Earl added to the conversation with, "That discussion directed us to another association of which politics came into the foreground-"

"Mr. Wilberforce," Elizabeth correctly guessed.

The Earl gasped. "Yes, Miss Bennet, you know of the man?"

"I have read the newspaper accounts of his struggles in Parliament, Your Grace."

"Do you agree with his politics regarding the abolition of slave trade in England?"

"I do, sir. It is in opposition for all this country stands for and should not be allowed to continue."

"You are very decided for one so young, Miss Bennet," said Lady Matlock, her eyes narrowing.

"Yes," agreed Caroline, wishing to align herself with the Earl and his lady. "Perhaps politics is not the realm of which ladies should delve."

Not the least bit intimidated by either the elite or the insipid of society, Elizabeth raised her chin and replied in a logical fashion, "I find it difficult not to hold to the opinion of that of my own country's views on freedom, and feel if men of good standing will not see how such a practice will hamper our future, then perhaps it is time for the women of this country to speak out against such abuse. We have laws that protect animals. Why are not people given the same protection?"

Mr. Gardiner then voiced, "Lizzy, we came to agree that to have the policy rescinded overnight might be detrimental to the overall economy-"

"You are perhaps correct in that assessment, Uncle, but to become so dependant on such a practice that is so abhorrent would put the country at odds with much of the world. Would it not be to our benefit to lead the way to reform as we have always done in the past rather than become a follower? Our great country would remain a vanguard in a changing global society of the industrial age."

"I think she may be right in that," piped in Hurst, who had not thought much of how the country would be viewed in later years if some remedy to the slave trade were not fixed upon in the short term.

The Earl nodded, sipping his coffee in quiet reflection of the young woman before him. He began to agree with both her uncle and his own nephew about the lady's wit and awareness of the world outside that normally known to women.

Richard could not leave the discussion on so heavy a note and chuckled to his mother, "Then father and the rest talked of the possibility of war and the resulting decline of family members."

This brought Lady Matlock to say, "Oh, let us not have any talk of war for Richard's sake, husband, nor politics so near the holiday of Christ's birth." Richard was ready to reply that he would be duty bound to go should there be a war whether it be a holiday or not or that any mother of a soldier would wish it, but Lady Matlock changed the subject by turning to Georgiana and asking, "My dear, how are the preparations coming for the celebration at Pemberley?"

Taken aback by being thrust into the center of attention, Georgiana swallowed loudly in reply, "Um, well, we have made the final arrangements of decorations to the main house with holly and garland displayed in a glorious array as in keeping with years past, and," she thought a moment, then continued, "And Mrs. Reynolds and I have completed our list of which gifts to present to all the servants, and-"

"You gift your servants during the holiday? Singular," replied Mr. Hurst.

"Oh, yes," Georgiana smiled with enthusiasm. "My father continued the tradition he said had been in place since he was very young, handed down from generations of Darcys. My mother also put her mark on the tradition by delivering baskets of food to all our tenant families." Her eyes glowed as she concluded, "You should see the faces of the children when they see our carriage approach."

Lady Matlock nodded. "We also give our loyal servants and tenants something extra in their wages during this time of year."

Mr. Gardiner agreed. "I have likewise made it my task to give bonuses to all my employees during this season of giving to let them know how much I appreciate their efforts on my behalf."

The Earl replied, "It is a good practice to reward loyal service. It instills in one's staff the notion of diligent stewardship for the future."

Richard found it amusing how much alike were the views of his father and Mr. Gardiner.

Bingley seemed astonished that he had not thought of such a practice with his own staff other than the few servants that had been with him for years and so had come to treat with greater kindness than those newly acquired at his leased estate. "I say, that is a wonderful tradition to begin at Netherfield, is it not, Caroline?"

Caroline and Louisa both frowned in confusion at such a notion of giving additional money to servants and tenants other than their due, which seemed ludicrous. Caroline's own parents had taught her to think meanly of those below her station, an attitude she continued into adulthood. Thinking servants were about the house strictly to perform their duties with efficiency so she need not reprimand them, they in turn did not go beyond their duties to one so unfeeling towards them. As far as Caroline could see, none of the servants did more than their job adequately and were therefore anonymous to her. Unless some inefficiency brought one or more of them to her attention, she saw no reason to show them more consideration by sharing her wealth.

Still, with her brother asking her pointedly for her opinion, she found herself replying in the affirmative. "Yes, Charles, if you think it a good idea, especially since it comes from the Darcy family traditions, I would have to agree with it." Her thoughts ran counter to her words.

When I become the next mistress of that great estate, there will certainly be some changes to such quaint traditions.

When that subject waned, Mr. Hurst was the one to bring up books by inquiring, "Has anyone read the newest efforts of Mrs. Barbauld*?"

Elizabeth and Darcy turned to the man with Darcy saying, "I have seen the galley copy of her latest poem at my friend's publishing house. The publication is due out in a few days."

"And is it rightly as exciting as it is purported to be?"

Darcy remained calm in his assessment of the lady's work, casually remarking, "For what I have seen, I think the public will be quite excitable whether one agrees with her opinion or not."

"I knew it! They will no doubt be a rush to the bookshops in a week's time to have all the advance copies purchased."

"My order is already in, but I can send a note to add one more if you truly wish a copy."

"Thank you, Darcy. Yes, I would."

Lady Matlock gazed from her son to her nephew, from experience knowing that they had already discussed what had yet to published, and more sensed that her usually easy going son had a look of disapproval in his eye, and requested, "As would I, nephew," to which Darcy nodded that he would do what she asked.

"You must, since we have last visited, have quite the extensive library at Pemberley," Lady Matlock said.

"Oh yes," chimed in Caroline, wishing to inject herself into the conversation. "I dare say that the Pemberley library is beyond compare. Charles, did you not say as much when we were there last?"

Bingley laughed. "I think what I said was that I would be hard pressed to have the rest of my life to read all the books that are shelved there."

Chuckles erupted from several with Caroline replying, "I doubt there is another person with quite the delight and means to acquire such a collection."

After viewing Darcy's library during the tour, she knew that her own father's extensive book room that he had painstakingly added to over the years was well beyond that of Darcy house and would have said as much but for her aunt hastening to say, "I think there are a great many readers amongst our company, Miss Bingley, who have acquired an equal selection of books. My brother Bennet is one of whom I could always look to for certain rare and wonderful finds."

"That is so, my dear," Mr. Gardiner said in her support. "Brother Bennet is often requesting my aid in acquiring new and vintage selections of interest."

Having never been afforded the privilege of entering Mr. Bennet's study, Caroline could not imagine that such a small estate as Longbourn would afford as great a collection of books as that of Darcy House, and only managing to say, "Well, I am sure it would not compare to the one at Pemberley. Mr. Darcy, you did once tell us of it being the work of many generations?"

Darcy acknowledged, "Yes, I am proud to say that in the two hundred year history of the estate, there has always been a master willing to take an interest in extending knowledge through the printed word."

Bingley concluded his friend's statement with, "I would say that Darcy and perhaps Miss Elizabeth are the ablest of my generation represented in this room to take on the task of reading all the books in Pemberley's library. It is likely that Darcy has already read a goodly portion of what is installed there."

"I have read but a small amount compared to all that is accumulated there," Darcy admitted, his cheeks blushing as he concluded, "It is a great collection."

Lord and Lady Matlock both nodded at which Elizabeth smiled. "Then, I envy you, sir, as would my father should he ever be able to view such a glorious sight as you describe."

Caroline sneered at the likelihood of such an occurrence. Glancing toward her sister's sluggard of a husband, her thoughts wandered.

That is as likely to happen as Mr. Hurst to give up food and drink!

Still, she could not stop herself from droning on about the wonderful suggestion Darcy had made to the benefit of Netherfield's library when the he was last invited, and how she, of course, was in total agreement. Even the Earl had to refrain from rolling his eyes in disgust at the woman's undisguised coquetry at hoping to curry his nephew's favor.

I wonder at her bothering with all the effort should she know how useless it all was? My nephew would never stoop to marry anyone below a peer at least.

Richard's broad smile showed his amusement at Miss Bingley's fawning, the likes of which he had only seen displayed in town by less sensible, more effusive ladies foolish enough to think they had a chance with Darcy. Such behavior Richard knew would not move his cousin in any instance but especially not in this one.

Mr. Hurst, though likewise amused with the futility of his sister-in-law's constant attempts, patiently waited for Caroline to give way to another topic of interest brought forward even by the likes of his own wife's sharp retorts.

Lady Matlock, Jane and Mr. Bingley had deferred to Mrs. Hurst finally beginning to speak on a related subject, that of the recent publication they had a common interest that was available in the bookshops. This discussion Darcy was wont to join had he not been required to respond to Miss Bingley by reason of his sitting directly next to her and who had directly asked him about his plans for Christmas. Having received his answer, she then regaled the group with their own plans that ran in accordance with his.

While others tried in vain to persuade Caroline from her current subject of which balls they were to attend in common, and whether dear Georgiana would be allowed to attend at least one though she was not officially out, and how much leeway would be needed for him to plan his departure to Netherfield afterwards, and if there were any task he might be availed upon to ask of her, she would be more than happy to oblige. Elizabeth, for her part, was determined to keep her tongue after learning so hard a lesson from the night in the theatre, and fought her growing ennui. Seeing her struggles, Mr. Hurst chuckled in quiet amusement while draining his glass, wondering what else Miss Bennet would be required to do short of strangling his sister-in-law.

Why is Bingley putting up with all this bather?

Glancing at his brother-in-law's own fawning over the sweet, smiling Miss Bennet was the only proof Hurst needed that Bingley was oblivious to all else. He shook his head speculating on when the news of an engagement would be announced.

At Caroline's refusal to give way to another discussion, Elizabeth turned her head to the side so none would see, and did the only thing acceptable in her position to retain her sanity. She actually crossed her eyes in response to such drivel over Miss Bingley's continued opining. It was then that Elizabeth heard a sound erupt from the Earl that was covered by him clearing his throat.

Elizabeth straightened, only then venturing a glance his way. His raised brows, and the slightest upturn at the corners of his mouth indicated that he had witnessed her little critique of Miss Bingley's continued unstinting praise of Mr. Darcy who, by the look of him, was growing equally uncomfortable with all the attention enough to finally interject his own will into a change of topic.

Sucking in her bottom lip to keep her smile from broadening, Elizabeth was unsure if the Earl was about to expose her. His focused stare and twinkling eyes so similar to her father's, seemed to assure Elizabeth of his fidelity to keep his counsel. At their implied understanding her smile did broadened. Clearly, there was some bonding on his part as each acknowledged their boredom with the conversation of their present society.

Turning once more to the still opining Caroline, the Earl interrupted all her blather with the suggestion, "I say, I would very much enjoy some music to occupy the remainder of our time." His eyes then gazed to his young niece as he added, "Georgiana, Darcy tells me you have been practicing a lovely new concerto. Please do us the honor of playing it."

Georgiana opened her mouth to protest, but her uncle would brook no denial. Taking her hand and leading her to the pianoforte, he only released her hand when he had seated her on the bench. Her eyes remained on the keys, fearful of gazing at all eyes upon her.

Before she knew it, Elizabeth was at her side with a gentle smile. Opening the sheet music for her, Elizabeth gave an encouraging whisper of, "there now, shall I be of more use to you by turning the papers so you will have no need to glance about?"

Georgiana was grateful for so willing a conspirator to aid her with the fright that gripped her at performing in front of strangers. Her fearfulness seemed abate. Nodding and taking a much needed deep breath, Georgiana placed her hands in position over the keys. The next moment a wonderful Haydn concerto was flowing from her fingertips through the instrument and out into the room to entertain everyone including the ones at the piano.

Music had always been the vehicle to transcend Georgiana's emotions, giving her a peace from within while listening to the strains of Mr. Haydn's work. Each page seemed to fly by as she flawlessly executed the piece to the delight of all. As the last notes echoed throughout the room, each listener gave their approval with enthusiastic clapping.

Blushing anew, Georgiana leaned over to her companion on the bench. "Thank you for offering to turn pages before Miss Bingley thought to do the same, Miss Bennet." With her face growing more crimson, she admitted more boldly, "I have had quite my fill of her this evening."

Elizabeth giggled, teasing softly that only she could hear, "Why Miss Darcy. That is the most daring remark I think you have ever uttered!"

Not knowing well Elizabeth's teasing manner, Georgiana grew upset that her newest acquaintance was put out at her statement, asking in true sincerity, "Please do not think that I...oh...does my very unkind outburst put me on less friendly terms in your eyes, Miss Bennet?"

Again Elizabeth giggled, taking the young girl's hand to reassure her. "Not at all, Miss Darcy, though we all must contend that Jane's goodness is unsurpassed by all others, I can truthfully say that you come in a strong second to her, so there can be no consequence should you feel inclined to speak your mind on occasion." She concluded her statement waggling her eyebrows the way her uncle did when amused.

Georgiana could do no less than smile at such kindness so foreign in her family except for her guardians, that she did not know how to accept it without becoming shy once more. Elizabeth would have none of that, however, and turning several additional pages of music, asked, "Now, what else can we select with which to exhibit?"

Again Georgiana began to protest until Elizabeth offered, "Would you mind joining me on this duet? I know I am a poor substitute for one as talented as you, but together you will make me sound all the better." Her eyes brightened with a warmth that Georgiana could not resist. Smiling, she nodded, and the two made ready for their combined effort.

The room was veritably filled with the mirth that permeated the music, giving rise to the listeners envisioning water sprites and wood nymphs bounding from every corner and behind all the furniture, coming alive from out of the paintings. As four hands ran up and down the keyboard in syncopated rhythm, within the notes all manner of woodland creatures cavorted and soared throughout the room. All too soon the final movement gave the impression of dawn fast approaching signaling to all the fairies and elves that the time had come to return to their respective homes. With a final flourish, both ended the piece in a quick press of the keys, hugging one another with the delight at so enjoying themselves that they barely heard their audience applauding.

Swiftly Bingley was on his feet flailing his hands so enthusiastically, one would have thought he was going to take flight, the two young ladies rose and bowed to their audience, even Elizabeth's cheeks were pink with all the attention.

"And on that note," Mr. Gardiner began, "I think it is time to say a fond farewell to you all."

"Must you go so soon?" Georgiana was now at Mrs. Gardiner's side.

Taking the young lady's hand, Mrs. Gardiner acknowledged, "I am afraid so, my dear, but the evening was wonderful, one I shall remember for a long time. I thank you again for thinking of us." With a hug, the two separated.

Mr. Gardiner shook the Earl's hand. "As always, it is an honor, Your Grace. I look forward to our next meeting."

Caroline narrowed her eyes, wondering at his meaning only to be shocked at the Earl's reply.

"As do I," conceded the Earl.

Turning to Lady Matlock, he bowed. "As always, it is an honor, Countess."

"Yes, Lady Matlock," repeated Jane with a curtsey followed closely by one from Elizabeth who stated, "We had a marvelous time, Countess. I am grateful Mr. Darcy thought to include us."

The Earl allowed, "My nephew was correct in that the evening was more entertaining with the addition."

Lady Matlock nodded at his complement, turning to Mrs. Gardiner, adding, "Tell your children I missed them. Perhaps we can remedy that sometime in the future."

To this gracious statement, Mrs. Gardiner smiled. "They will look forward to that, Lady Matlock."

Offering the Bingley family the same complements, the party gravitated toward the doors to collect their wraps and coats while Darcy had the servant call for the Gardiner's carriage to be brought around to the front entrance.

"Let me walk you out to your carriage." Darcy offered.

"As will I," remarked Richard, taking Georgiana's arm to do likewise.

When the group had exited the music room, Caroline, who seemed incapable of keeping her opinion to herself, sighed, "Oh, it is so pleasant to finally have one's house to one's self again," to have both Lord and Lady Matlock blanch at the audacity of this usurper to feel that Darcy House was already her own.

Without the elder Miss Bennet to distract him, even Bingley noticed the breach of etiquette by such a statement, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. "Yes, well, we should also be going, Caroline, to give Darcy and his family some peace and quiet."

"But...I thought we could stay on for a little while longer...that we could," Caroline saw all eyes on her in lack of sympathy and retreated from her statement to add, "Yes, I suppose you are correct, Charles. We should be leaving as well."

Mrs. Hurst made their good-byes with a grace and dignity that her younger sister lacked. As Louisa turned Caroline by the elbow toward the door, only as an after thought, did she give a very superficial curtsey to Lord and Lady Matlock.

The Earl shook his head, asking Mr. Hurst, "How do you do it, sir?"

Hurst, who knew exactly the Earl's meaning, shrugged. "Upon my marriage, my elder brother gifted me with a case of rather excellent brandy accompanied by a note that read, ‘No doubt you will need this more than I.' As a confirmed bachelor you see, never having the need or the inclination for constant companionship, he thought himself a keen observer of human nature and therefore correct in his assumption. Henceforth, no matter the cost, he has made it his duty each year to habitually bless me with the same gift, ensuring that quality spirits always be available to me. He has also required me to imbibe for the purpose of retaining my ability to converse with him in a rational manner, especially after dining with my...uhm...extended family."

The Earl nodded his agreement with Hurst's assessment of the situation in which he found himself, pursing his lips to keep from laughing aloud at the man's acceptance of his plight and resourcefulness to sanity. "I wish your brother never waiver in his care of you, sir."

Hurst chuckled. "As do I, Your Grace." Bowing then, he offered, "Good evening, My Lady," and then exited to rejoin his wife and the rest of her family.

The Earl handed his wife a glass of sherry as she sat on the settee nearest the fire, the warmth from within and without taking the chill from her. She sighed. "There is a marked difference in attitude from families of trade, are there not, my dear?"

"Most definitely," he agreed, taking up a chair beside her while stretching out his long legs toward the blazing logs. He reflected on the fact that one newly moneyed family was rightly ashamed where such wealth had sprung while the head of the other was almost proud of how he acquired his newfound affluence, not exactly smug but pleased with his accomplishments in crafting his import/export emporium so that many in London will wish to utilize his services, keeping it quite in demand to have his business thrive.

The effect on those acquiring such new prosperity was marked by difference too, he noted. The Gardiners remained genteel and cultured in their own sphere, given the means to continue in becoming more refined and knowledgeable about books and music with their added resources to bestow such wisdom on their offspring. The other family seemed to lack the same allusive quality garnered by the integrity that bound the Gardiners to their moral code of propriety and decorum. The younger Miss Bingley, especially seemed to be under the delusion that wealth was all that was needed to acquire status in society, mimicking the righteous disdain for those now below her station, unlike Darcy who constantly recognizes that quality in the people he surrounds himself and not in their possessions.

Lady Matlock offered, "Our nephew seems to share Mr. Gardiner's work ethic for which, I am sure is to the benefit of Pemberley."

At this the Earl agreed, sipping his brandy, still reflecting, "After the death of his father, Fitzwilliam was fair young to be shouldering the entire management of so large an estate."

"For which he has done admirably," finished her Ladyship.

The Earl nodded.

She added, "But it was not only the estate of which took up a great deal of his time. There was also the near sole responsibility of raising Georgiana. I understand why Robert left her care to the younger generation in the form of Richard and Fitzwilliam, but-"

Lord Matlock seemed to agree with her thought when he interrupted, "Yes, I sometimes wonder of his state of mind at giving over her upbringing to a pair of young bucks. Then with Richard joining the army, our nephew had to take on Georgiana's education and rearing, a man who had no real experience with children."

Her Ladyship shook her head in dismay at her brother-in-law's wisdom in the matter, wishing instead he had left Georgiana's care to her. She doubted whether Fitzwilliam was capable of preparing his sister for the rigors of her début into high society in a year's time. With only his example as her guide, that of being averse to society functions, Lady Matlock wondered at her nephew's ability to enable the girl to speak more than two words to any young man that her wealth and beauty would attract without cowering behind one of her two guardians.

Sipping the last of her sherry, Lady Matlock inquired, "Since her being in company with the Gardiners and the Miss Bennets, have you not noticed a discernible change in her demeanor, one that infers a greater confidence in her own abilities?"

The Earl reflected on the evening's events and how his niece had, if not boldly, but with Miss Elizabeth's Bennet's gentle chiding support, agreed to play for a room filled with people, a feat even he could not remember ever occurring.

"She does seem to enjoy their company over that of the Bingley family. I cannot say that I do not feel a similar inclination."

At this statement, Lady Matlock knowingly asked, "Do you still miss Horace Ellerwood?"

"Yes," the Earl sighed, sipping his brandy. "He was very old and feeble, but his mind was sharp as a tack right up to the end. Had you any idea that Mr. Gardiner knew him? Apparently he was a faithful client who was supplied with cigars on a monthly basis for the last ten years."

"Is that why you invited Mr. Gardiner to your club for the open house? Are you trying to find another to take Horace's place at the seat across from you at chess?"

"No one can replace Ellerwood, I fear, though it might be diverting to have someone of equal ability again."

"Just the same as our nephew and niece find the Miss Bennets and the young Gardiner children an amusing diversion?"

The Earl relaxed. "Fitzwilliam does not appear to feel for them with anything more than friendship, so it seems a harmless association that is mutually beneficial."

"Then we will say no more against their continuing the acquaintance?"

Lord Matlock contemplated his wife's question, finally nodded in agreement. "Yes, for now. I see no harm in it, but the moment I see any connivance on their part towards Fitzwilliam or Richard the way that Miss Bingley acts, I will demand my nephew put an end to the relationship for both their sakes"

"Do you really see that occurring, Henry?"

He shook his head. "No, although when Fitzwilliam first introduced them, I did worry that he had been infatuated with the younger Miss Bennet. Now that I know them better, I find they are quite reasonable people who know their place and will use the association much the same as my nephew, as an entertaining distraction in lieu of the fawning ladies of the ton."

"Quite so, my dear," Lady Matlock nodded. Each sipped from their refilled glasses, content in their decision to keep up the association with the Gardiners and the Miss Bennets.

*http://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=5425

After donning their coats and glove, the party exited the front door and down the steps. Nearing the carriage with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner in the lead and Richard, Georgiana and Jane following close behind saying their good nights, Darcy slowed his and Elizabeth's progress, hurriedly asking, "Did Mr. Gardiner speak to you of his invitation from my uncle to join him at his club's open house on Saturday?"

"He did make mention of it when he relayed such to my aunt. Why do you ask?"

"It is of concern to you as well."

"What has it to do with me?"

"They are to meet with the express purpose of playing chess." Darcy's eyes brightened at his implied suggestion.

"You are also to attend?"

"My uncle has requested my presence if I am available. Will you join Mr. Gardiner to have us satisfy another of our forfeits?"

"He has yet to ask that I accompany him, Mr. Darcy, and even if he should, I am not sure if my aunt can spare me." When Darcy frowned at the thought of her not being present at Whites, she continued, "There is also the fact that even if I do come, I would be allowed only to observe rather than participate. As it is so public a setting, my uncle might refuse allowing me to exhibit in such a manner where he deem it as inappropriate for his niece."

Darcy shook his head, smiling. "But would you like the opportunity all the same, Miss Bennet?"

She closed her eyes, nodding her head, whispering her admission so only he could hear, "Yes."

"Then say you will come, and I will handle the rest."

He gazed at her, awaiting a reply.

He has always been a gentleman, wishing to safeguard my reputation in all our previous forfeits.

Again she nodded in agreement to whatever plan he had in mind.

"Until Saturday then," he bowed, handing her over to his uncle's arm to enter the carriage.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Johnson

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