Page 12 of The Scarred Duchess
The lady turned to her opposite-table neighbour. Bennet blinked. He suspected Mrs Harrington disapproved of Miss Gardiner, but to behave so rudely in the company of others was beyond good manners. He wondered if her censure stung Miss Gardiner and leant towards her, willing to offer solace if needed.
“I am gratified that your first impression of me is as favourable as mine is of you.”
Miss Gardiner’s eyes sparkled. “As am I.”
Bennet nodded and turned to his left. Mrs Goulding leant towards him. “I believe three months would be the proper duration to mourn your brother.”
Bennet gave her his full attention. “Madam?”
“The estate requires a mistress, does it not?” Her gaze was kind.
“Indeed, it does. It shall.” He sipped his wine as he considered her questions. He leant towards her. “You have an interest in the future Mrs Bennet?”
“I do.” She sipped her wine.
Bennet stared at her for a moment. “Does your interest have a name?”
“She does.”
Bennet inwardly chuckled. Mrs Goulding equalled General Foote when offering information. “Is she aware of your intentions?”
Mrs Goulding smiled. “She is not.” She then nodded once towards his right-side dining partner. He looked to his right and breathed deeply; Miss Gardiner was everything lovely.
Mrs Goulding turned to her dining partner to her left.Bennet nodded at Lord Haversham seated across from him and joined their conversation.
Two weeks later, Bennet bowed to Miss Gardiner upon entering the family parlour. He dined out often, unable to return his neighbours’ hospitality. He accepted the many invitations, noting that most, predictably, came from families with daughters of marriageable age.
In the parlour, Miss Gardiner displayed on the pianoforte. He sat rapt at the young lady’s talent. Shaking his head, he looked to Mr Gardiner, who was staring at him with a slight grin.
Time and tide wait for no man.Bennet prepared himself for a father’s interrogation. Once in his host’s study, Bennet wiped his forehead, which evoked a chuckle from Mr Gardiner, who stood up, walked to the sideboard, and poured two large whiskeys. Bennet lifted his eyebrows at the size of the drinks.
“Bennet, let us have a frank discussion. You are an eligible man, and you have an established estate. Although you are near long in the tooth, the Meryton matrons have not left you in peace.”
He laughed. “Aye, I am, and no, they have not.” He accepted his host’s offering.
Mr Gardiner sat in the chair opposite Bennet. “Why should you not have pleasurable companionship in your later years?”
“So, you would...approve if I were to spend time with Miss Gardiner?”
“I would. You two would rub along fairly well. Thoughshe was not raised to it, she is clever enough to learn to manage your estate, and though I say it myself, I daresay you would not find another lady as beautiful.”
Bennet leant back in his chair and took a long pull from his glass. He allowed the alcohol to burn down his throat, then spoke from his heart.
“Mr Gardiner, I know the number of years between us may raise eyebrows, but I consider Miss Gardiner as handsome as her accomplishments.”
“We would not want to generate gossip about the shallowness of men and their predilection to have their heads turned by a pretty face alone.”
“It would go poorly for anyone to demean mine, current or future, I assure you.” Bennet was aware of the bite in his tone.
Mr Gardiner’s eyes widened. Palms up, he continued. “Let me speak to Franny later this evening and garner her thoughts on the match.” He stood. “A pre-emptive toast to your future comfort in your dotage.”
Bennet sputtered, then laughed from his belly. When he regained his composure, the two men enjoyed canvassing several subjects without diving too deeply into the drink.
“My dearest girl, sit with your Papa. I want to discuss a matter that has recently come to my attention.”
Franny wrapped a shawl about her shoulders and sat in her favourite chair—the one facing the fiery hearth, with a view towards the window. She shucked off her slippers and curled into the large frame of the wingback.
“Did you enjoy this evening’s dinner? Bennet certainly did.”
