His Uncle's Favorite (24 page)

“I look forward to having dinner together,” Lady Selina said to Elizabeth. “You know, my mother-in-law asks about you constantly. She will be very pleased to see you again, too.”

“Oh, Lady Brightmore will be there, too? I truly miss her,” said Elizabeth.

“The entire family will be there,” the earl replied. “We are happy to have you as our guests before you leave.”

“Though I am sure we will all meet again very soon,” Lady Selina added.

“I would be happy to have you all at Netherfield,” Mr. Bingley hurried to assure them, and everybody laughed while Lord Matlock rolled his eyes in exasperation once more.

A few minutes later, Elizabeth took another cup of tea and noticed the earl alone in a corner, watching the others. She approached him hesitantly, and he greeted her with a smile.

“I am glad to see you better, Miss Elizabeth. You will be missed when you return to Longbourn, you know. Your presence here was most beneficial to your aunt and a pleasant addition for the rest of us.”

“Your lordship is too kind. We shall miss you all dearly. We cannot say how grateful we are for the generous friendship you and your family have shown us during our time here.”

“My niece Georgiana is uncommonly close to you. She rarely attaches herself to a stranger.”

“It was a joy and a privilege for me to spend time with Lady Selina and Miss Darcy. And I have to say I was surprised to see how many things Miss Darcy and I have in common—including our preference for music and for winter.” Elizabeth tried to smile.

“Well, I hope your acquaintance with Selina and Georgiana will not end when you leave town. We hope to receive news of you from time to time.”

“And so you shall, your lordship.” She paused for a moment, watching the earl closely, and she suddenly changed the subject to the one that was most interesting to her.

“Have you seen Mr. Wickham lately? Did I mention he paid us a visit a few days ago?”

“No, you did not. So…I hope his visit was a pleasant one?”

“Mr. Wickham is always a pleasant conversationalist. But I have to say, there is something that intrigued me. A day before Mr. Wickham’s call, we met in town—and I was quite pleased to see him—but he departed immediately when he saw Lady Selina and Miss Darcy. They seemed displeased to see him, and he seemed uncomfortable to meet them.”

“Yes, I can understand your puzzlement. If you remember, I mentioned to you that my sons and even my daughter are not on friendly terms with Wickham—and Darcy even less so.”

“I can understand that, but considering their old acquaintance, I would expect that Mr. Wickham would at least greet Lady Selina and Miss Darcy briefly but civilly. Considering how well behaved and polite both ladies are, I am sure they would have responded to him with the same politeness despite their like or dislike of him. But he left quite hastily.”

“You are right, of course. Wickham was rude, I might say. Perhaps he did not want to put you in an uncomfortable situation…”

“Please forgive my impertinence, but do you not find it strange that Mr. Darcy—who you confessed to be your favourite nephew and whose character I have heard you praise many times—and your sons and your daughter and even your favourite niece are all so completely against Mr. Wickham? And he avoided meeting any of them? Can a mere dislike explain this? At the same time, Mr. Wickham has the benefit of your friendship, and you even favour him with secret meetings while you mentioned to me long ago that I should not trust everything he told me? I confess I do not know what to think of all these—”

The earl’s countenance changed as Elizabeth spoke. He stared silently for a few moments, and though Elizabeth tried to smile, his expression remained stern.

“It does sound strange, Miss Elizabeth, now that you put it that way. I have been accustomed to our family’s history for years, but the situation might appear difficult to explain for someone outside the family. There is not much I can explain, though…”

“I do not expect an explanation; I was merely wondering. Someone told me once that I have a quick mind and hasty judgement—so I am trying to correct this fault.”

The earl smiled. “I surely enjoy your quick mind, Miss Elizabeth.”

Less than an hour later, the servant announced a new visitor, and a most surprising and welcome appearance broke their conversation, entering with a breeze of fresh, cold air.

“I shall never again struggle against my common sense and venture myself on the road in such horrible weather. Well, well, I hope I am not interrupting you!”

Mrs. Gardiner cried in surprise while Elizabeth and Jane ran to embrace him.

“Papa, what a lovely surprise! What are you doing here? You are so cold; come in! Oh, I am so happy to see you!”

“Well, girls, step away and let me enter,” Mr. Bennet demanded with a brief kiss on their cheeks while Mrs. Gardiner hurried to invite him in and performed the introductions.

***

After a brief introduction, Mr. Bennet retired to the guest room to change after his long ride. Mrs. Gardiner, along with Elizabeth and Jane could not contain their joy at his arrival as they speculated about the reason for such an unexpected trip. He was well known for rarely leaving his home and never in the midst of such unfriendly weather.

Lady Selina had to return home, and her brother offered to accompany her as he had another engagement. Miss Darcy, Lord Matlock and Mr. Bingley continued their conversation until, half an hour later, the newly arrived guest joined them.

Mr. Bennet declared he was hungry, so plates with food were brought for everyone.

“Brother, I am so happy to see you! We did not expect you to come—not for the world!”

“Well, you know I like to make my appearance when I am least expected! Lizzy dearest, may I have a glass of brandy, please?”

“Of course, Papa. I am happy to see you; I truly missed you! But what enticed you to come so unexpectedly? Did you come to take us home? So good of you!”

“I missed you and Jane, too, my child. You have been cruel to leave me alone for so long, you know! I have barely had a rational conversation since the two of you left. And yes, you may say I have come to take you home; it pleased your mother very much. She demanded I bring you home immediately.”

“Will you leave tomorrow?” Bingley asked, worry mixed with panic.

“No, we will not, Mr. Bingley, but soon. Did you have some plans that I ruined?” Mr. Bennet asked while Mr. Bingley and Jane turned equally crimson. The earl laughed.

“No sir… I mean…I shall return to Netherfield too, and I thought… I…”

“I am not quite certain about the exact day of our return as there are things I must take care of. Tomorrow I have some urgent business with my solicitor. Unfortunately, he could not leave town, so I had to come here. Such bad timing; it is so cold, and the roads are so bad…”

“Urgent businesses can be annoying,” the earl said. “I hope you have a good solicitor. It is so difficult to find someone trustworthy and knowledgeable in business affairs.”

“I could not agree more, Lord Matlock. Since my brother Gardiner left us, my business has become a nightmare. My solicitor is Mr. Gordon; my brother used to work with him…”

“I know Mr. Gordon. He is trustworthy, but he is nothing compared to Mr. Gardiner; I can testify to that. In fact, I do not believe there are many people in town to compare to Mr. Gardiner. He is impossible to replace—as an adviser and as a friend.”

Elizabeth saw her aunt turning pale, but Mrs. Gardiner’s gentle smile assured her she was fine. As always, any remarks about Mr. Gardiner brought painful memories, but she seemed to bear them better than before.

“I am glad we share the same opinion, Lord Matlock. I have to say—I am quite honoured I have made your acquaintance.”

“The pleasure is mine, I assure you, Mr. Bennet. And the moment could not be more perfect. I am hosting a dinner party, and I would be delighted to have you as my guest.”“I thank you. Let us hope tomorrow will be a good day. I hope Mr. Gordon’s advice will be helpful… I truly need good advice…”

“Papa, did something bad happen? Are there any troubles at home?”

“Oh, do not worry, Lizzy—usual estate business, nothing for you to trouble about. You have known for years that your father is not the best landlord. I have always admitted that Longbourn could have been more successful with another master, but…well, what can we do? Maybe after I pass away and my cousin Mr. Collins inherits, things will improve.” Mr. Bennet laughed, taking another gulp of brandy.

“Papa!” Elizabeth cried, obviously reproachful and upset. “Please never say that again; it is not something to joke about!”

“Come, Lizzy, do not take be so serious! I have great hopes I will own Longbourn and manage it very ill for many years. So, how did you lovely ladies spend time in London? Miss Darcy, such a pleasant surprise to make your acquaintance! So, Lord Matlock, you are related to Mr. Darcy? Well, well, this is a small world indeed. By the way, how is Mr. Darcy? He is in good health, I hope. Is he in town?”

“Yes, my brother is in town, thank you, sir. I am very happy I made your acquaintance, Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth has told me so many things about you,” Miss Darcy said with a smile.

The earl stroked his chin. “You know, Mr. Bennet, speaking about Darcy—he is the one who could surely help you with business advice. That boy has managed Pemberley flawlessly since he was a pup. He has people who take care of the estate, but all decisions belong to him, and none of them have proved to be wrong.”

“Oh, I am sure Mr. Darcy does everything perfectly, but I doubt he would take the trouble to advise me—that is, if I ever dared bother him with my insignificant problems.” Mr. Bennet replied with such obvious irony that Elizabeth felt equally ashamed at her father’s tone and embarrassed at the possibility of his talking to Mr. Darcy.

“I know my nephew does not possess the most charming manners, and he might appear unapproachable, but I assure you: there is no one more trustworthy or reliable. I shall send him a note. Perhaps we can all meet tomorrow at my house?”

“I would not want Mr. Darcy to alter his plans for my business. Is your lordship certain that Mr. Darcy could meet us?” Mr. Bennet glanced at Elizabeth, amused by the hilarious prospect of Mr. Darcy offering advice about how to manage Longbourn.

“I am sure my brother will be happy to speak to you on any subject you wish, Mr. Bennet,” said a confident Miss Darcy.

“Well then—be it as you say. I am grateful for any help.”

Elizabeth was unable to say a word, her head spinning painfully. Mr. Darcy was to be asked to advise her father and be part of the problems at Longbourn? After everything that had happened—after the letter he wrote her when she was not even convinced that he would want to see her again? A worse situation could not be imagined!

***

Dinner at Grosvenor Square was pleasant, and Georgiana Darcy could not hide her enjoyment at having her brother’s company again. They were relishing the dishes in relative silence until he asked about her day.

“Oh, I had a wonderful time visiting Mrs. Gardiner! They asked about you, quite insistently, you know.”

“I somehow doubt that.” He laughed. “I dare say I am little missed on such visits as I am the least reliable at entertaining people.”

“I speak the truth! Mrs. Gardiner asked about you, and I told them what you said…to excuse you…”

He suddenly became serious. “May I ask exactly how you excused me?”

“I said you did not wish to intrude when nobody expected you…” Miss Darcy replied then returned her attention to her plate. After another moment of silence, he continued.

“And? What did they say?”

“Uncle said you are troubling about business too much. Mrs. Gardiner said you would be welcome anytime, and Elizabeth said…let me remember her exact words… she said, ‘We understand his reason and appreciate his restraint. If…when he considers the time acceptable, we hope to meet him again…sometime soon. We would not wish to intrude on his plans, however…’”

“Those were Miss Elizabeth’s words? Are you certain?” he inquired impatiently.

“I am certain. Elizabeth seemed quite serious when she said it.”

“Truly?” He said nothing for some time, and his sister continued to watch him closely.

“Was Miss Bennet well, I hope? And Miss Elizabeth…”

“Yes, they were. When do you believe it will be ‘soon’?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“When do you believe it will be soon enough to call on Mrs. Gardiner? It is obvious you would not intrude. They leave town soon, you know.”

“I am aware they will leave soon, but I cannot answer you this instant.”

“The day after tomorrow, Uncle will host a dinner. We will attend the dinner, I hope?”

“Yes…yes… I do not believe we have any reason to decline.”

“No indeed! I look forward to that dinner. Oh and I have another extraordinary piece of news: Mr. Bennet just arrived in town!”

“Mr. Bennet? That is indeed a surprise.”

“Yes…apparently he has some business.”

“Business? Nothing urgent, I hope?”

“Some estate problems, I guess…and quite urgent, I understand. Brother, may I ask… Are you and Mr. Bennet well acquainted?”