Page 46
Chapter 20
“Pardon me, ma’am. The Master wishes to know whether you will be dining downstairs, or if you would like a tray sent up. I am to sit with Master Ben, along with the nurse, should you wish to take your meal downstairs. I will be able to fetch you at once should you be needed.”
Elizabeth did not respond straightaway, even though she looked intently at the timid young girl who barely spoke above a whisper. Everyone in Mr. Darcy’s household had regarded her with such deference since the frightful incident involving her son began.
“I suppose I might join my host for breakfast. Do you know whether Mr. Darcy and I will be dining alone?” she asked, wondering if his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam might be joining them, as well.
“No ma’am. You will be dining with Mr. Darcy and his sister, Miss Darcy.”
Elizabeth brushed her fingers through her unkempt hair. In the aftermath of the excitement of the previous day, she had given precious little thought to her appearance. Moving her hands to smooth her dress, she suddenly realised she wore the same clothes she had worn when she had arrived at Mr. Darcy’s town-house the day previous. Her appearance was utterly lacking. It would not do to meet his sister in such a state, yet she had nothing more than the clothing on her back.
“What is your name?” Elizabeth thought to ask.
“I am Agatha, ma’am.”
“Agatha, please tell Mr. Darcy I shall be delighted to join him for breakfast. I only require a half-hour or so.” Elizabeth surmised it would take at least as long to attend to light toiletries and to freshen her attire.
“Certainly, ma’am, my Master figured you would be wishing for some time. I am to show you to your apartment.”
Thinking the room he had arranged for Ben was more than adequate accommodation for the two of them for whatever time they would remain there, Elizabeth interjected, “My apartment?”
“Yes, ma’am, if you will follow me.”
Elizabeth lightly placed her hand on Ben’s shoulder and brushed a gentle kiss atop his head. The child did not stir. A reassuring nod from the nurse sent Elizabeth comfortably on her way.
Upon entering the grand apartment across the hall, two doors up, Elizabeth was convinced there had been some sort of mistake. After opening the door and quickly stepping aside to allow Elizabeth to pass, Agatha bid a hasty retreat down the long hallway. Decidedly feminine, the room was bright and airy, pleasingly decorated in a medley of soft pastels. Warm fragrances of spring filled the air. She noticed the large bouquet of freshly cut flowers in the vase on a beautiful mahogany vanity table.
“Pardon me, I fear I am in the wrong room,” said Elizabeth to the young woman who busily arranged gowns in the wardrobe. Noticing them to be her very own, she said in surprise, “Are those my belongings?”
Caught unawares by her presence, the young woman immediately ceased her activities and rushed to greet Elizabeth at the doorway, where she had remained standing.
“Yes, ma’am,” she eagerly spoke whilst bobbing politely. “It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Hannah. I am to be your new maid.”
Incredulous, Elizabeth repeated, “My new maid?”
“Yes, ma’am, I have taken the liberty of preparing your bath and laying your clothes out for this morning.”
“Thank you Hannah, but you need not go to the trouble. I am able to fend for myself.”
“It is no trouble at all, ma’am. It is my job as well as my pleasure to attend you.”
Downstairs in the breakfast room, Darcy, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley, were enjoying coffee and hot tea whilst waiting for Elizabeth to join them.
“You must allow me to thank you once again, dear Georgiana, for agreeing to stay here in my home and act as my hostess whilst Mrs. Carlton and her young son are in residence.”
“I am delighted to be of service to you,” Georgiana affirmed with good humour for the third time since her arrival that morning.
“So, how did you find Mrs. Carlton’s relatives when you arrived to retrieve some of our guests’ belongings?”
“I must say the Gardiners seemed a bit taken aback by the lateness of the hour and our cousin’s take charge manner. On the whole, I believe they found my presence somewhat reassuring. Above all, they were delighted to know Ben had come to no severe harm, and both he and his mother were safe.”
“At the risk of being crass, how would you describe the Gardiners? What of their home, their living conditions? Does it seem an ideal situation for the Carltons?”
“Brother, I am afraid you raise questions which I am quite unprepared to address. I have yet to meet the Carltons! Mrs. Gardiner did speak of their four small children and how they were all distressed over the news of Ben’s disappearance. Oh, I met Miss Bennet, also. She resides with the Gardiners, as well.”
“It must be very crowded. Would you say the Gardiners’ home in Cheapside is suitable for four adults, five children, and who knows how many servants?”
“I can hardly say, Brother. I suspect you would rather suffer anything than to see the Carltons return to Cheapside when it comes time for them to leave here.” Georgiana looked up at him as she sipped her tea, her brows arching. “How would you feel about their being invited as extended guests in my home?”
