Page 14 of An Interrupted Proposal
A laugh escaped Darcy as he bowed. “I have promised your son that I will return at that time, so I would look forward to speaking with you then.”
Mr. Gardiner’s eyes widened. “My son? Thomas or Alexander?”
“I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Master Alexander. Mr. Bingley and I encountered Miss Bennet on her way to the park with Master Thomas and Miss Rose Gardiner.”
“Mr. Bingley?” The man’s countenance was not quite as welcoming.
“I ask you not to judge my friend too harshly, sir. His greatest sin has been an overdependence on his friend’s opinion.” Darcy blushed. “A friend who was not as impartial as he believed himself to be.”
Mr. Gardiner studied him, but eventually nodded. “I assume his friend has learnt his lesson regarding advising others on matters of the heart?”
“I have, sir.”
“Well then, may my wife and I expect you and your friend for dinner on Saturday?” Mr. Gardiner held out his hand and Darcy readily accepted it.
“If that is not too soon after Miss Elizabeth’s return. Is she not arriving that day?”
The man nodded as his eyes lit up. “She is, she is, but I believe she will enjoy seeing her sister and Mr. Bingley reconciled.Perhaps she will be as anxious to see you as young Tom no doubt will be.”
Darcy’s heart lurched in his chest, and he was unable to suppress the grin which spread across his lips. “One can only hope.”
With that, Darcy repeated his thanks to Mr. Gardiner for his assistance and left to collect his friend. The couple had not become engaged prior to his return to the Gardiners’ home, but their lack of attention to anyone else boded well for such an occurrence in the near future.
***********
Darcy and Philip slowed their steeds as they approached a crossroads a short distance from Meryton.
“Lucas Lodge, the home of Sir William Lucas, lays a mile down this road to the right and Meryton is directly ahead. Will you accompany me or seek out Colonel Forster?” Darcy asked his cousin.
The colonel stroked his chin. “Perchance I will stop in the tavern and see if I stumble across our old friend.”
“My only request is that you do not cause him to act in desperation.” Darcy held him in a firm gaze. “We do not want him to cause any further harm.”
“Agreed,” Philip responded with a nod. “Are there any urchins about that might maintain an eye upon him?”
Darcy frowned. “I fear I do not know. Certainly, there are children in every town who might enjoy earning a coin or two, but I had no need to notice during my previous stay in the area.”
“Which speaks well of the town. There are no beggars on the main street, so the poor must be well cared for.”
Having not given any notice previously, Darcy now had to agree with his cousin. Though mostly confined to larger cities,he had seen children begging outside many an inn during his travels throughout England, but not in Meryton.
The cousins parted ways, and Darcy followed the road leading to Lucas Lodge. Sir William himself opened the door as Darcy approached. “Mr. Darcy! What a pleasant surprise.”
“Sir William,” Darcy said with a bow. “I was hoping to have a moment of your time.”
“Of course, of course.” After Darcy handed his horse off to a stable-boy, the gentleman led Darcy down a short hall to his study and ordered tea to be delivered at once. Upon motioning to a chair, Sir William addressed his guest. “How may I be of assistance, sir?”
“I was recently in company with Miss Elizabeth Bennet during her visit to your daughter’s home.”
A smile spread across the gentleman’s features. “Ah, Miss Eliza. Delightful lady.” He cocked his eyebrow. “As is her sister, Miss Jane Bennet. Your friend’s departure from the area last autumn was a surprise.”
Darcy fought the urge to tug at his neckcloth. “Mr. Bingley and I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Bennet in London yesterday. I believe he was to take tea with her and her aunt this afternoon.”
After a fleeting look of surprise, Sir William’s smile grew. “Capital! Capital!” He leant forwards. “Mrs. Bennet will be pleased to hear of it.”
Darcy grimaced. He had not considered the possibility of his words reaching the Bennet household. He cleared his throat. “I am certain her daughter will alert her should there be any newsworthy developments.”
“Quite right, quite right. Mustn’t raise hopes again if there is no guarantee of their fruition.” Sir William sat back in his seat and appeared about to speak when there was a knock at the door. “Enter.”
