Page 39 of An Interrupted Proposal
Mrs. Gardiner accepted her cup and took a seat beside her step-daughter, son-by-law, and Mrs. Annesley, waving for Elizabeth to join her fiancé. He had been speaking with Mr. Bennet when Elizabeth entered the room but now appeared to have lost all interest in the conversation.
“So, tell me, Thomas, what are your thoughts on the young men who mean to remove your eldest daughters from your home?”
“I would not have parted with them to anyone less worthy, I assure you, Madam. Though I initially feared that Bingley and our Jane are so complying, that nothing would ever be resolved on; so easy, that every servant would cheat them; and so generous, that they would always exceed their income. However, the gentleman has assured me that they are of one mind to maintain their peace and happiness, and have quite determinedly rebuffed any helpful ideas that are not to their liking.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded as she joined the conversation. “That is true, Mother. Mr. Bingley is quite determined not to allow anyone but Jane to have the running of their home.”
“And Mr. Darcy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked before taking a sip of her tea.
The trio turned to look at the gentleman who had just glanced their direction. A soft flush covered his countenance, but Elizabeth was seen to pat his arm and draw his attention back to herself.
“Lizzy will be the making of the man.” Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Not that he was overly lacking, but she assists him in social settings where he is most uncomfortable.”
“Poor man,” Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “I never considered that a gentleman with such advantages might not be amiableand sanguine. But he has lost so much in his life and is far too serious. Lizzy has taught him to laugh, and he worships her for it.”
Mrs. Gardiner looked at her hostess and smiled. “Why, Fannie, that is a most insightful observation.”
Her step-daughter blushed. “Perhaps it is the assurance the gentlemen have provided that our futures are settled, or it could be Mrs. Annesley’s presence and the lessons she has been giving to the girls, but I feel much more at ease and able to see things that I neglected in the past.”
“I can see how both of those could provide a sense of security that might have been lacking before. I am pleased to see you so at ease, my child.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled at the acceptance she had never received from her mother before. “Cook has made your favourite tarts, Mother.” She motioned for Kitty to bring the plate.
“What a dear. But Kitty need not come here. I believe I will circulate and see how my granddaughters have been improving themselves.”
Mrs. Gardiner rose from her seat and made her way to the tea table where she spent an enjoyable time with her youngest kin and their guest before moving towards Elizabeth and her beau. “I believe it is rather warm inside. Would you like to show me about the garden? I am certain there have been changes since I was last here.”
The couple agreed and Mr. Darcy led them from the room. After stopping in the hall to gather the ladies’ bonnets and his hat, they made their way out to the garden, Mr. Darcy with a lady on each arm.
“I am certain you have no interest in the garden, Grandmamma, so Fitzwilliam may lead us to the benches under the oak.” Elizabeth looked up at him with an impish smile as the elder lady chuckled her agreement.
“How do you find Mamma, Grandmamma?” Elizabeth asked as she took her seat.
“I am ashamed to admit that I had never considered how a sense of security might improve my daughter’s conversation. Have hernervestruly been put to sleep?”
Elizabeth considered the question. “I suppose we will know for certain as the wedding nears, but she rarely flutters her handkerchief, and I cannot remember the last time she called for her salts.”
“I believe that was the day your father announced our engagement. I only just caught her before she hit the floor.” A blush covered Darcy’s cheeks, giving him a youthful appearance.
Mrs. Gardiner chuckled. “That might have been the first time she truly swooned. I am sorry to have missed it.”
She turned her attention to the young man. “I understand there is a story to be told.” She looked at Elizabeth and then back at Darcy. “Which of you will begin?”
With much humour and a bit of embarrassment on both sides, the couple revealed their rocky history to Mrs. Gardiner. Once finished, she took them both by the hand and joined their hands together. “Your misunderstandings have made you more aware of one another. I am certain you will not make similar mistakes in the future. Do not misunderstand me: you will make mistakes, but I sincerely doubt they will be the same ones. It seems to me that you have learnt to clarify your beliefs before reacting, and to laugh at your own foolishness. These lessons will pave your way to a happy life and sensible children. That is all I have ever wanted for you,” she said as she caressed Elizabeth’s cheek. “Now, let us return inside to see if the there are any more raspberry tarts.”
“Only after we have your promise that you will accompany your son and his wife when they visit Pemberley this summer,” Darcy said as he pressed her hand. “Elizabeth will secure thereceipt for the tarts, if she does not already have it, in the event you do not like our cook’s.”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed and agreed. “I had hoped to spend some time with my other grandchildren but doubted they would attend the wedding. Will they be travelling with us?”
“Oh yes! Thomas would be most displeased if he was not included. Mr. Darcy is soon to be his favourite cousin,” Elizabeth took her fiancé’s arm. “I have been replaced.” She stuck out her lip in a playful pout.
Darcy tapped her lip and she giggled. “Only because you do not ride. We will remedy that once we arrive at Pemberley.”
Mrs. Gardiner walked alongside the couple, enjoying their banter as they returned to the house.
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Three days before the wedding, the Longbourn party journeyed to Netherfield for a family dinner in both the Bennet carriage and Mrs. Gardiner’s barouche. The youngest girls rode with the widow and, though their youthful giggles filled the equipage, they remained sensible throughout the trip. Mrs. Gardiner considered the ladies and began making plans for them to visit her in Bath in the autumn. Allowing them to test their newly learnt skills would certainly be welcomed, and it would give her a chance to know them better.
