Free Longbourn to London by Linda Beutler Page A

arrival. You and I have ever been Lizzy’s allies against the silliest elements of the Bennet household, and it will be, more than ever, thus from now until the wedding day. I am certain her mother will blame her for the current situation, when in truth, if Mrs. Bennet at least—there is no accounting for her sister—had been truthful and sensible with the girls about their expectations of living with a gentleman, this entire debacle could have been greatly diminished, if not avoided entirely.
    This letter comes to you as something of a warning. I know Lizzy will apply to you for the comfort and honesty she will find in short supply from her mother. The men who love her best, and Jane and her Bingley, too, look to you for help and guidance.
    Gratefully,
T. Bennet
    Mr. Bennet carefully folded and sealed the letter, and stepped to the hall to call for Mrs. Hill. As it happened, she was bustling past him to answer the front door. The two gentlemen from Netherfield had arrived. Mrs. Hill took the letter and noted the address with wonder.
    Mr. Bennet slipped into the drawing room to receive the betrotheds of his two eldest daughters, but they only had time to nod to each other in complete understanding before Mrs. Bennet entered, her haughty countenance looking as if her behaviour had never been censured in the whole of her life. Her actions were, however, somewhat changed for the better, and she showed an unusual deference for her husband that grew more pronounced once her two eldest daughters entered the room. This was much remarked upon by the gentlemen after their departure later that evening, and also by Jane and Elizabeth. Even Mr. Bennet told his wife he was proud of her before lodging himself in his own bedchamber for the night.

Chapter 7
    Aunt Gardiner Saves the Day
“Pause awhile, And let my counsel sway you.”
William Shakespeare
Much Ado about Nothing
    Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner was surprised to receive an express from Mr. Darcy. It arrived while the children were enjoying an outing in the park with their nursemaid; therefore, she had the opportunity to address its contents immediately. The topic—Elizabeth’s newly awakened curiosity about the particulars of marital relations—was disturbing to be sure, but Mrs. Gardiner also regarded Darcy’s unrest with amusement. Men! Darcy’s letter did not require a response, so she sat in wait for Elizabeth’s, and pondered whether to share this unlooked-for development with her husband.
    When Elizabeth’s letter appeared a day later, accompanied by letters from both her parents, Mrs. Gardiner was alarmed until all the missives had been read, then she found herself highly diverted indeed. Before responding to any, she gathered them all and proceeded to her husband’s study.
    “What in the world is happening in Hertfordshire, my dear?” Mr. Gardiner asked with a laugh after reading them.
    His wife smiled. “I wanted you to be apprised of the circumstances surrounding our arrival on Saturday. Who knows what questions may be directed at you , by the gentlemen.”
    “At me! Oh no, the men do not need help. I think you are the designated font of marital wisdom. If you can keep me out of it, I should be quite grateful.”
    “You seem to have the reputation of keeping a sensible wife happy. You will just have to put up with it.”
    “How little they know!” Mr. Gardiner was laughing as his wife deposited herself in his lap.
    He patted his wife’s newly noticeable belly. They were content with the symmetry of their family—two girls followed by two boys— and had not looked for further blessings. After four conceptions and four unremarkable deliveries, Mrs. Gardiner thought she knew the counting of her months forward and backward; her tendency to fertility was greater midway between one course and the next. However, love had been in the air—and between the sheets— during their short stay at Lambton, and Mrs. Gardiner had simply lost track of time. To have been