Of Memories and Men: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jae George

Author:Jae George [George, Jae]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2022-11-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Having received Mrs. Darcy’s approval to take the carriage, accompanied by Mrs. Annesley and a footman, to Gardiner Imports to acquire a cape like the ‘darling’ one that Elizabeth Bennet had worn to the theatre, Georgiana sent an invitation to her friend to accompany her on her shopping trip on Monday. Of course, Mrs. Gardiner is welcome to join us, but be assured that we will be well chaperoned by Mrs. Annesley and protected by a footman, the note had read.

Lizzy accepted with alacrity. One more outing with Georgie will be wonderful and also offer the perfect opportunity to return the Colonel’s letter.

She heard the sound of the carriage arriving and rose to don her bonnet and gloves before heading to the door to join her friend. When the maid answered the knock, Lizzy was astonished to find Fitzwilliam Darcy standing on the steps.

“Miss Elizabeth, are you ready to join us? Is Mrs. Gardiner also accompanying you today?”

“No. No,” she stuttered, “her younger son Richard is unwell this morning, so she will not be joining us.” Elizabeth peeked around Mr. Darcy to see Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley watching from the carriage.

“I am sorry to hear that your cousin is unwell, but as you see, you will be thoroughly chaperoned in her absence. Shall we go?” he said, proffering his arm.

She made the mistake of looking up into his deep blue eyes and could only manage a nod in response to his question. One corner of his mouth lifted slightly at her reaction to his presence as he assisted her into the coach. He then mounted his horse and followed the vehicle to the Gardiner warehouses.

Elizabeth greeted Georgie and Mrs. Annesley while wondering if Mr. Darcy would stay with them while they shopped. When they arrived at their destination, Mr. Darcy again assisted the ladies from the carriage and escorted them into the fabric warehouse, one of many on the row of connecting buildings near the dock.

When Mr. Gardiner came out of an office near the entrance, he was also surprised by Mr. Darcy’s presence. “I felt I should accompany my sister this morning, Mr. Gardiner.” He patted his chest over his breast pocket and added, “It seemed a wise decision to protect my purse.” The two gentlemen chuckled at the jest.

“Well, sir, as you can see by the abundant choices available, it is not likely to be a short foray into the domain of fabrics and fashion today. If, or rather when, you tire of following your sister about, you are welcome to join me in my office,” he gestured to the enclosure on his left, “where I can supply you with coffee, tea, or something stronger if needed.” Mr. Gardiner led the ladies to the section where the capes were located before he withdrew.

“Oh my, Lizzy! These are lovely. How will I ever decide on just one?” Georgiana leaned around her friend to give her brother a mischievous look. His nod, as she had expected, told her that her excursion here today was not limited.

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