Reclamation - Chapter 29

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This chapter may arrive a bit early, but I’m sleepy and want to close my eyes. The heat here is still in the 90s most days, and it is keeping me in a constant state of lethargy. I’m wishing for ice cream, and I can’t have any because I banished it from the freezer as too tempting. Maybe I’ll make a chocolate smoothie. ;o)

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Chapter 29

June 27, 1812 – London, Darcy House

Darcy House was quiet in the early hours, the bustle of servants hushed out of deference to their master’s solemn mood. In his study, the tall windows stood open to admit a mild summer breeze, though Darcy scarcely felt it as he broke the seal on a letter just delivered by express.

Richard entered moments later, still in his riding clothes, brushing dust from his gloves. “You have news?”

Darcy held out the page. “From Mr. Jones. He will attend upon Anne tomorrow. He has assured me the interview will be private, with no third party admitted.”

Richard’s brows lifted. “So soon? Good. The fewer days Aunt Catherine has to stir herself against us, the better. My father will contrive to keep her occupied while Mr. Jones is in attendance. We need only stand ready to lend Anne courage.”

Darcy folded the letter carefully and set it aside. “Courage is what she has lacked longest. When Georgiana and I saw her, she clung to our presence as if afraid we might vanish. I think Elizabeth’s kindness in Kent gave her strength when little else did.”

Richard’s keen look did not miss the shift in his cousin’s tone. “Elizabeth again,” he said lightly, though not without sympathy. “She has borne the news well. And I daresay she looked upon you yesterday with something warmer than civility.”

Darcy gave him a measured glance, but his silence betrayed more than denial would have. Richard only smiled faintly. “Patience, cousin. Anne’s business must come first, but do not doubt yourself entirely.”

Before Darcy could answer, the butler appeared at the door to announce that the carriage was ready. Together, the cousins joined Georgiana, who awaited them in the foyer with quiet composure. They set out at once for Gracechurch Street.

The familiar bustle of Cheapside greeted them as the carriage turned into Gracechurch Street. Vendors’ calls and the rattle of wheels filled the warm air, yet within the Gardiners’ respectable home, all was order and anticipation.

Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner rose to greet their visitors. Elizabeth’s eyes sought Darcy’s at once, reading in his expression that the expected news had arrived.

“You have heard from the solicitor,” she said quietly.

Darcy inclined his head, producing the folded letter. “Yes. Mr. Jones has promised to attend Anne tomorrow. He has given his assurance that the interview shall be private and that Anne may speak without obstruction.”

Elizabeth’s shoulders eased, and she pressed her lips together before answering. “Then she is at last to have her voice. That is more than I dared hope.”

Jane, serene yet touched with compassion, added, “It will comfort her greatly to know she is supported.”

Mrs. Gardiner set aside her sewing. “Miss de Bourgh’s situation is pitiable, but this step may grant her a measure of peace in her final months. You and Colonel Fitzwilliam have done well.”

Richard, standing near Jane, gave a brisk nod. “My father will see that Lady Catherine is kept well away. Darcy and I will be with Anne beforehand, so she does not face meeting Mr. Jones alone. Once her wishes are written and witnessed, no one, however formidable, can undo them.”

Elizabeth’s eyes warmed at his words, then turned once more to Darcy. “She is fortunate indeed in her cousins’ fidelity.” There was an undertone in her voice that Darcy did not mistake, and for a fleeting instant, her gaze held his with a softness that unsettled his composure more than any reproach could have.

Georgiana, seated beside Jane, spoke with shy earnestness. “She smiled when Miss Elizabeth was mentioned during our conversation. It was as though the remembrance gave her courage.”

Elizabeth blushed faintly but did not look away. “We shall all do what we can for her.”

The parlor fell into thoughtful quiet, the noise of the street seeming far removed. The importance of Anne’s plight dampened their spirits. Yet, Jane’s calm attention to Richard, Georgiana’s growing ease with her companions, and Elizabeth’s quiet understanding of Darcy’s true character spoke of new bonds.

Mr. Gardiner entered then, greeting the visitors warmly. His keen gaze fell at once upon the letter in Darcy’s hand.

“The solicitor has answered?”

Darcy laid the letter upon the table. “He comes tomorrow. The arrangements are secure.”

Mr. Gardiner’s satisfaction was grave but steady. “Then let us be thankful. Miss de Bourgh’s voice shall not be stifled, and justice, however delayed, may yet be done.”

His words seemed to lift a measure of the heaviness in the room. Conversation turned, by gentle degrees, to lighter subjects. Georgiana laughed softly at something Jane observed, Richard drew a smile from Elizabeth with one of his military anecdotes, and Darcy, watching Elizabeth’s countenance brighten, felt for the first time in many weeks that hope might coexist with duty.

When at last the visitors rose to depart, Mrs. Gardiner pressed Georgiana’s hand kindly and urged her to visit again soon. The farewells were warm, yet underscored by the weight of the morrow’s expectation.

As the party moved toward the door, Mr. Gardiner drew Darcy aside for a moment’s quiet exchange.

“You go now to Matlock House?” he asked in a low voice.

Darcy inclined his head. “Yes. Richard and I must enlist my uncle’s cooperation. Lord Matlock’s presence will ensure that my aunt Catherine cannot intrude when Mr. Jones attends Anne. Without his sanction, the attempt might founder before it begins.”

Mr. Gardiner’s expression was thoughtful. “A wise precaution. If Miss de Bourgh is to be heard, she must be protected by those with authority higher than her mother’s.”

“Precisely,” Darcy replied. “My uncle has both the influence and the firmness to manage her. With his support, Anne may speak without fear.”

Mr. Gardiner laid a hand upon his arm, a gesture of quiet solidarity. “Then go with all speed. You and your cousin have chosen the surest course. I trust you will keep us informed. There are two young ladies whose future may be entwined with you and Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

Darcy bowed slightly. “You have my word, sir.”

With that, he joined Richard and Georgiana, and together they departed the house and stepped into the carriage waiting at the curb. As the horses drew them away from Gracechurch Street toward Grosvenor Square and Matlock House, Darcy felt the burden of responsibility heavy upon him, yet with a measure of hope for Anne, and for the future with Elizabeth that seemed, at last, within his reach.