A Lady’s Reputation Chapter 3

Lots of excitement this week! The ebook of my first book, The Best Part of Love is returned to Amazon and KU as of yesterday! And the cover reveal for A Lady’s Reputation is here next week. Hope to see you there! There just might be a giveaway!

Chapter Three

The Gardiners received the express from Mr Collins at approximately the same time as they received the subject of it. All were gathered in the drawing room when Elizabeth appeared, and if they were surprised by her arrival, they were kind enough to put it aside to see to her comfort.

It mortified Elizabeth that her impulse to provoke Lady Catherine resulted in an immediate expulsion from Hunsford. She had been sent home in disgrace, though she believed it unlikely anyone else would see it so. Upon entering the Gardiner home, she was eager to explain the absurdity of what had happened that morning, hoping the Gardiners and her dear sister would understand the vices and follies of all involved—and over the most patently untrue and ridiculous rumour ever told. 

Hugs and exclamations of greeting went all around while Elizabeth apologised for her precipitous appearance. “Has Mr Collins afforded you an explanation of the matter?”

Mr Gardiner said, “He did, and I must say—”

“Engaged to Mr Darcy! What a notion! Nevertheless, I should not have provoked Lady Catherine as I did. I would have done much better to tell her I was not engaged to Mr Darcy!” Elizabeth smiled her thanks at a servant who handed her a glass of wine. “This is all my fault.”

There was clear discomfort on Mr Gardiner’s face as he hesitantly enquired, “So, you are…not…engaged to Mr Darcy?”

“Of course not!” Elizabeth laughed. “Had I been accused of flying, it could hardly be less likely.”

Her aunt and uncle regarded her with a mixture of both puzzlement and uneasiness on their faces. Jane, at their side, twisted her hands anxiously. 

Clearing his throat, Mr Gardiner handed her a letter. “Read this letter from your father. We have reason to suspect its contents.”

Elizabeth took it from him and, after one last look at Jane, unfolded and read it.

My dear Lizzy, 

I was most curious several days ago to receive a request to call from none other than Mr Darcy, but my surprise was quickly made into utter astonishment when he informed me that he had come to request my permission to marry you. 

You did not tell me Mr Darcy was in Kent during your visit, and I wish now you had. I might then have been better prepared to address his assertions that you had furthered your acquaintance and have grown attached to one another. His sentiments were a far cry from his insult of you last autumn, and I could only accept his word on how his esteem of you had grown. I must assume yours did likewise.

In any case, I have given him my consent and my blessing. Indeed, he is the sort of man I would not like to refuse anything once he had condescended to ask for it. I applaud Mr Darcy for recognising in you the treasure he seeks.

With my best wishes and eagerness to see you returned home, 

T. Bennet

Elizabeth read the letter three times through before raising her eyes from the paper. She looked at Jane and said faintly, “This is a joke, I am sure. Papa is playing one of his silly tricks on me and will likely be awaiting my response with glee.”

“If it is a joke,” Mr Gardiner said, “then it is at my expense as well. Here is my letter.” 

Edward, 

It seems I am to lose a daughter, and my favourite no less. I was most surprised today to receive a request for Lizzy’s hand from Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, a very distinguished and wealthy gentleman from Derbyshire. Madeleine might know of his family from her days in that county. 

He is a good man and will treat her well. They did not begin their acquaintance on the best footing but apparently have resolved their differences. You may expect his call when Lizzy returns to London on Saturday. I am eager to hear your report of how he enjoys Gracechurch Street as, I daresay, it is a new experience for him to find himself so far from Mayfair. 

I am sure you can imagine your sister’s response to the news. There are one or two families in Hertfordshire who do not yet know of Lizzy’s impending greatness, but I am sure by the time this note reaches you, Fanny will have rectified that situation. 

T. Bennet

“I do not understand,” Elizabeth whispered. She touched a hand to her forehead. “I cannot imagine what induced Mr Darcy to go to Hertfordshire and speak to my father. Perhaps my father misunderstood or…” She was unable to summon any other likely explanation. 

“Well, you must have courted in Kent,” Jane said, with all of the optimism inherent to her character. “Perhaps you did not realise his intentions, but—”

“Are you saying I was courted without my knowledge? That will not do, not even for you.” Elizabeth laughed weakly, but it turned into an angry sound even as she did it. “This is ridiculous! We despise each other! There was no regard, no courting, not the slightest measure of esteem, and he decides to go to Hertfordshire and speak of marriage to my father? And my mother knows?”

Mrs Gardiner began to make some sort of soothing remark, but Elizabeth scarcely heard her. 

“And clearly his family knows something of it as well!” Elizabeth’s provocation gained momentum with each word spoken, her cheeks feeling heated and flushed. “Lady Catherine received a letter from her brother, the Earl of Matlock, after which she came to the parsonage to berate me! How well I understand her distress now, though it must pale in comparison to my own.”

“Lizzy, calm yourself.” Her aunt, ever the voice of reason, rose to place her hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “I am certain there is a reasonable explanation.”

“But what?” Elizabeth protested. “How can this possibly be explained? And what does it mean? Shall I be forced marry Mr Darcy?”

“No, no,” Mr Gardiner said. “I am certain it will not go so far as that.”

“If only I could tell you how odious a creature he is! Proud, arrogant, and disdaining of all who are beneath him, which in his estimation is nearly everyone!” Elizabeth began to pace and wring her hands. “I could never marry such a man!”

“We must speak to him directly,” Mr Gardiner said. “I shall send a man to find his direction and meet with him.”

“Should we not wait for his call?” Mrs Gardiner asked. 

Elizabeth objected immediately. “I cannot allow this to remain unanswered until he calls on Saturday. No, my uncle is right.”

“But Lizzy,” said Jane, “what of your reputation? Papa’s letter says Mama has been very industrious in setting the news abroad. You would not wish to be known as a jilt, I think.”

“I would rather be a jilt and a spinster than married to such a man!” Elizabeth cried. 

“Lizzy,” her aunt interjected, her tone worried, “the Darcy family has always been known for an attentiveness to duty, honour, and fairness, and I simply cannot imagine the son would be so far away from these principles.”

“I have told you what he has done to poor Mr Wickham—does that seem like a man of honour?” Elizabeth demanded.

“We do not know his part in that story,” Mrs Gardiner admonished.

“Yes, but nevertheless, it cannot be denied that he—”

“Lizzy,” Mr Gardiner said calmly. “His dealings with Mr Wickham aside, we must concern ourselves with our own interests for now. We shall call on him tomorrow.”

***

Thursday, 16 April 1812, London

Darcy enjoyed a busy and productive morning, beginning with a visit to his solicitor followed by the jewellers, where he purchased a beautiful pearl necklace for Elizabeth in honour of their engagement. 

He next went to his tailor. He did not truly need new clothing and did not intend to settle on anything; nevertheless, an hour and a half later, he exited the tailor’s shop having commissioned a new coat in the latest style, using a very fine fabric the man assured him would be just the thing for his wedding suit. 

Darcy entered his club and saw his uncle already at a table with several gentlemen of his acquaintance. His uncle was in the midst of relating some tale of boyhood mischief and had the men doubled over with laughter. 

“…so then Bennet sees our headmaster is soon to be upon us and calls out for me to climb over the wall, but I misunderstood and instead went into the hall!” The table erupted with boisterous laughter.

“Lord Matlock.” Darcy greeted his uncle with an uneasy look at the men present. 

“There’s my boy,” the earl said fondly as his friends began to congratulate Darcy on his forthcoming nuptials. Darcy said nothing, acknowledging each of them with a mere smile and a tip of his head as they rose one by one, excusing themselves to other conversations and discussions. 

“What are you doing?” Darcy hissed at his uncle as soon as they were alone.

Lord Matlock picked up a newspaper and replied blandly, “Reading the news.”

“Not that! Why are you speaking of my engagement? Need I remind you it is not yet settled?”

“I told you I would put about some mention of my friendship with Mr Bennet.” He lowered the paper, looking rather put upon. “If you wish for my help, Darcy, you should allow me to do as I must.”

Through clenched teeth, Darcy reminded him, “I have not yet offered for her, and here I am at my club receiving a table full of congratulations.”

Lord Matlock shrugged. “These old badgers will forget they even heard it by the time the next drink is poured. All is as it should be—when they hear of your engagement through the proper channels, they will not truly recall what was said, only that they know of the name Bennet.” 

“If she says yes!” 

“As if any lady would refuse you.” Lord Matlock chuckled as he folded his paper. “You worry too much. Trust me, I have been among society for many years now. I know just how these things must be done.” He rose. “Your aunt wishes the future Mrs Darcy to call upon her. When shall I tell her to expect the call?”

Darcy stared at his uncle in disbelief. “Perhaps I shall propose first and then speak to her about calling on my relations—what say you to that?”

Lord Matlock scowled. “Monday, then.” He rose and departed, passing Bingley on his way in. 

Bingley had an unusual, worried look on his face. Spotting Darcy immediately, he went to him and asked to sit. Darcy agreed with a tired wave of his hand at the seat beside him.

“Darcy you cannot imagine the tales I have heard of late! There is a report in circulation that you are engaged to be married.”

“What? But who—?”

“Oh, Caroline told me all about it. Rather, Caroline ranted all about it to the Hursts and her maid, and I overheard her and demanded to know the details.”

Darcy felt dazed, wondering how on earth Bingley could know so much of what was not yet a story and reeling from the implications of Caroline Bingley knowing…knowing what? What did she know? 

“And what…what did your sister tell you? Where did she hear such a thing?”

“I do not know where she heard it initially, but she confirmed it with Miss Darcy, so—”

“My sister! Miss Bingley spoke of this with my sister?” 

“So it is true?”

“Ah…well…” Darcy realised he must get to his sister and find out what she knew and more importantly, what the rest of the ton knew. “Bingley, excuse me, I believe I must go speak to Georgiana.”

***

Thursday, 16 April 1812, London

As the Gardiners’ carriage pulled to the front of an exceedingly grand and imposing house in the exclusive Mayfair district, Mr Gardiner leaned towards Elizabeth. 

“Let me to do the talking. I know you are upset, but it is important to learn all the facts of the matter. It would not do for you to lose your temper here.”

“I know. I would enjoy nothing more than to reprimand him severely, if indeed it was he who spread these falsehoods. But no. I know Mr Darcy dislikes me as much as I do him. Someone else has spread lies about us, for what purpose I cannot begin to guess. It will anger him even more than it does me. My dearest hope is that we can come to some reasonable resolution to the problem that will importune us both to the least extent possible.”

They sat quietly while the coachman went to the door and presented their cards. Both were surprised when the coachman returned and informed them, “Mr Darcy is away from home, but Miss Darcy wishes to receive you.”

“Oh!” Mr Gardiner and Elizabeth looked at each other uncertainly. Finally, Elizabeth responded, “We can hardly refuse, can we?”

“Are you acquainted with Miss Darcy?”

“No.” Elizabeth shook her head. “She is not yet out, and I am surprised she would receive her brother’s callers, but I fear we must oblige her. Perhaps she can tell us when Mr Darcy is expected back.”

They stepped out of the carriage and entered the stately home, following the butler to a beautifully appointed drawing room wherein sat a young girl and a middle-aged woman. The ladies rose when their guests entered. 

Miss Darcy was tall and resembled her brother, though less handsome than he. Her figure was well formed for a girl of her age, and like her brother, pride was evident in her countenance. She looked at Elizabeth with an intent gaze that also brought her brother to mind. 

There was a grave silence for a moment while the occupants of the room regarded one another. Then without further thought, word, or deed, Miss Darcy broke into a wide, beaming smile, all evidence of pride disappearing in a trice. She crossed the floor in two quick paces, pulling Elizabeth into an enthusiastic embrace, kissing her cheek, and gasping out eagerly, “A sister! I have always wanted a sister! We shall be the best of friends, I know it! I can scarcely wait!”

They had not been long in the Darcy home before Elizabeth reached two firm conclusions. The first was that Miss Georgiana Darcy had heard from an outside source—not her brother—that Elizabeth would marry Mr Darcy and then had confirmed this ‘fact’ with her cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. Elizabeth chose not to correct her. 

The second conclusion was that Mr Wickham could not have been more incorrect in calling Miss Darcy proud, for by Elizabeth’s estimation, she was as delightful a creature as could be imagined. She had no scruple in leaping to call her Elizabeth and insisted immediately that Elizabeth call her Georgiana, and she received Mr Gardiner with eager welcome, evidently unknowing or uncaring of his status as a man of trade. 

They did not remain long with Georgiana. Elizabeth suspected Mr Darcy would not have agreed with his sister’s decision to receive his callers. Moreover, she felt that the longer they remained, the more likely she was to reveal something of her true feelings for Mr Darcy. 

“Pray, do not go! I know Brother must be very eager to see you! Would you like me to show you the house? Oh, but no, that would surely be a pleasure reserved for him. Forgive me. Perhaps just your bedchamber? No, no, I must not presume such a privilege. Would you like to see my bedchamber? I am just so elated!”

Georgiana saw them out, keeping up a steady stream of dear effusions from her thoughts on when the wedding should be held (as soon as possible) to information about Pemberley (the finest place in all the world, though she was sure Hertfordshire was charming as well) and questions about Elizabeth’s likes and dislikes (all of which she agreed with emphatically). Elizabeth had to laugh as she and Mr Gardiner gently removed themselves. 

“Georgiana, you have indeed been a surprise and a pleasure.” She gave the girl a quick embrace. 

“A surprise? Oh, you likely imagined I would be quiet like my brother. To speak so much is not my custom, but I am just so happy! I feel so easy with you, as though it was fated to be for us to be sisters!”

Elizabeth laughed again, and after giving Georgiana another quick embrace, she and her uncle departed. 

***

When Miss Elizabeth and Mr Gardiner had gone, Georgiana took her exceedingly high-spirited self into the music room, determined to work on a piece of music to honour her new sister at the wedding breakfast. However, once she got there, she realised her spirits were as yet too high to focus as she needed to, and instead, she began to play a light-hearted little song she knew well. During this song, her brother arrived home, looking somewhat wild. After a perfunctory greeting, he bade her to sit with him. 

Georgiana was relieved. She did not wish to confess that she already knew about his engagement, yet their butler would likely have informed him of their recent visitors. She gave him a beaming smile as she moved to sit with him. 

“Georgiana, I learnt today that you recently became aware of…of my attachment to a Miss—”

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet!” Georgiana could no longer stand the suspense. “Oh, Brother, I am so sorry! Richard believed it best that I wait for you to tell me, but then she came to the house today, and I just love her! She is just as I imagined from your description, and I am very, very eager to—”

“Here?” Darcy cried out. “What do you mean she was here?”

“She called on me! Well, not specifically on me, she called for you—but I was here! I received her! She and her uncle, I do not know—”

“Her uncle!” 

“A very pleasant man and so understanding of the fact that I rattled away like a madwoman! I am sure he left his card, did he not?”

“I do not know.” Darcy leaned forward, putting his head into his hands. “Did she…was Elizabeth upset in any way? Did she seem angry or…unsettled?”

“Angry? No, not at all.” Georgiana shook her head. It dawned on her that something was wrong. Her brother seemed distressed about something more than missing Miss Bennet’s call. “She was very amiable.”

Darcy made an odd little strangled sound.

Uncomfortable, Georgiana added, “They were surprised that I received them. Mr Gardiner asked for you, but when I heard who it was, I insisted they see me.”

Her brother raised his head, forcing an odd strained smile through the anxious lines of his countenance. “I am sure they were delighted with you. However, I must know who told you of this news.”

Georgiana felt a rising sense of worry about her brother’s questions and could only hope she had not erred in some way. “Miss Bingley. She was dismayed by the news and came to ask whether it were true.”

“And you said?”

Georgiana chewed on the corner of her lip. “I simply could not bear to say I did not know. She treats me as if I need her guidance, and I just could not…I felt like a ninny! I could not admit that I did not know of your engagement.”

Darcy winced. “So you told her what?”

“I confirmed you had spent some weeks in Kent with Miss Elizabeth. I did not confirm the rumours she heard, but neither did I deny them.”

“I see.” 

Feeling increasingly as though she had made a significant blunder, Georgiana said, “I am very sorry if I have—”

“No, no. You have done nothing wrong, nothing at all. I only hope that I did not—” He stopped, shaking his head. “Everything is well, perfectly well.”

Georgiana added, “I should probably tell you…”

“Yes?”

She swallowed before answering. “I told Mrs Hobbs that it might be a good idea to begin to clean the mistress’s bedchamber. It might have been a bit hasty, I grant you, but I did not want the room to look dusty and closed up when Miss Bennet was here.” 

She paused a few moments and then added, “There is a newer coverlet I asked to be put on the bed as well. I am not fond of the one in there—it is a bit old and grey from too many washings. The newer coverlet has yellow daisies on it. I asked Miss Elizabeth, and she does indeed like daisies—and yellow.”

Darcy sighed and closed his eyes. “Did you show her the house while she was here?”

“No, I knew that was best left to you.”

“And does anyone else in the house know of…of my, uh…um, my engagement?”

For a moment, Georgiana could not speak. “I was just so happy and…well…rather loud in my exclamations. Several of the upstairs maids heard me and…and likely told the others as soon as they could.”

Darcy inhaled deeply, rubbing his hand across his forehead. “Excuse me, I believe I shall go look for that card. I must pay a call to Mr Gardiner.”