Holiday Machinations: A Pride & Prejudice Novelette by Adams Elizabeth

Author:Adams, Elizabeth
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-10T00:00:00+00:00

6

Realizations

When Bingley rang the bell at number twelve Gracechurch Street, Darcy stood back, wondering how he had gotten himself into this mess. He was supposed to be forgetting about Elizabeth Bennet, not calling on her at her uncle’s house.

Soon they were being shown into a comfortable room where the lady of the house sat next to Miss Bennet in a pair of chairs by the fire. Bingley performed the introductions, Darcy did not pay attention. All he noticed was that Miss Elizabeth was missing.

He greeted the ladies, he sat, he participated minimally in the conversation. Yes, it was uncomfortably cold out. No, he had not seen that particular play. He allowed his mind to wander. He must have told Mrs. Gardiner how he liked his tea for he found himself sipping a perfectly prepared cup.

“Thank you,” he said belatedly, wondering how long he had sat there silently (and rudely). “This is perfectly prepared,” he added. He was supposed to be making up for his swift departure from Hertfordshire and helping Bingley restore his reputation with his neighbors. Not offending even more people.

“It is the way your father always took his tea, so I have had practice,” said Mrs. Gardiner with a smile.

Darcy stared at her. “You knew my father?”

She looked at him quizzically. “Yes.” She refrained from saying that Bingley had mentioned she hailed from Derbyshire and had known his parents when they were introduced. “My father was a vicar in Lambton.”

Darcy was all attention. “What was your father’s name?”

“His name is Albert Madison. He received a living in Wiltshire ten years ago and he gave up the Lambton living so that his curate might take it on.”

Darcy’s brow lifted. “I am surprised. Many would keep both and have a curate manage one. Though I remember Mr. Madison being a man of exacting ethics.”

She smiled knowingly. “He considered it, but in the end, he did not think it was right. I must say I agree with him. And he was very fond of his curate. Taking on the living allowed him to marry and begin his own family.”

“And your father is still living, you said?”

“Yes. He is quite happy in his little village.”

“Please send him my regards when next you write. I am pleased to hear he is well.”

“I will.” She hesitated for a moment. “I know it has been some years, but please accept my condolences on the death of your father. He was a good man.”

Darcy smiled sadly. “That he was.”

There was a commotion at the door and soon Elizabeth entered the room, a man Darcy recognized behind her.

“It is prodigiously cold out!” she cried. “Forgive me, I did not realize we had guests.”

Bingley hardly looked up, so wrapped up in Miss Bennet was he.

Mrs. Gardiner greeted the newcomers, then said, “Have you met my brother, Mr. Darcy?”

“Yes, Miss Elizabeth introduced us when we met at the bookstore.”

Mr. Madison joined them with a smile. “Is the tea still hot, Maggie?”

Mrs. Gardiner shot him a look and Madison winked at his sister.

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