Lady Matlock sat in her salon with her particular friend, Lady Hull. Her husband was also an earl, and she had been friends with Lady Matlock since their seasons in London.
“Margaret, what is it you wish for me to accomplish by befriending your nephew’s new wife? Do you not think she may suspect my intentions since we are known to be dear friends?”
Lady Matlock laughed. “Of course you may be suspected of spying, Lillian. I am certain they shall be most suspicious at Darcy House since my grandson was recently kidnapped.”
Lady Hull was shocked. “I had not heard such a thing in Town! You must be careful who you tell, my dear.”
Though they were friends, Lady Hull did not think Lady Matlock was very good about keeping confidences. Many times there had been discussions she held in private with Margaret Fitzwilliam that had become common knowledge amongst their circle.
“I would not care if the world knew except it may bring others to seek him out for a ransom from our family. I mention it to you so that you may be armed when first you meet Mrs. Darcy.”
Lady Hull was most uncomfortable with the request that she befriend Elizabeth Darcy in order to find what may be happening at Darcy House and at Pemberley. Lady Matlock was not welcome at either home.
“I will do my best, Margaret. However, if she begins to doubt me, I will not continue with the charade. I do not think she will welcome a new friendship since her husband is terribly ill. I heard he has the fever that killed several people in a town not far from London.”
Lady Matlock waved away this concern. “My nephew has fallen ill, that much is true, but it does not keep her at home. My servants have reported seeing her and my niece in Mayfair and in Hyde Park with the nanny, the old butler Harley, and my grandson. It is only gossip that my nephew is gravely ill.”
The butler entered the salon with Georgiana Darcy following behind. Lady Matlock rose to greet her niece. “I am pleased you came, Georgie. I was afraid you might hate me as your brother does.”
Georgiana greeted Lady Hull before addressing her aunt. “He does not hate you Aunt Margaret, but the two of you must talk when he is well again.”
“We will never see eye to eye where Richard is concerned so there is very little we might discuss. But that is not the purpose of today’s tea. Lady Hull and I wish to help with your trousseau since Elizabeth must be quite distracted with Darcy’s illness.”
“Yes, dear,” Lady Hull said with great enthusiasm, “it would be wonderful to be of assistance. I have known you since you were just a child. It is thrilling to think of you married to Stratham. He is most handsome!”
Georgiana was pleased to speak of her wedding. “It is a dream! Pemberley will be decorated for my wedding to reflect the season. William has instructed that no expense be spared. We will all return home before traveling becomes too difficult for Elizabeth. The babe must be born there.”
Lady Matlock’s teacup clattered in its saucer. “Elizabeth is increasing? They have only been married a few months. I suspect country chits are most fertile.”
Georgiana bit her bottom lip. She had not meant to share her brother and sister’s secret with her aunt. “I think it is wonderful that Richard will soon have a sister or brother. He will not be so lonely with a new babe in the nursery.”
“Surely he must keep busy with Harley and his cousins from Cheapside,” Lady Matlock exclaimed, “it is only a short time before he will meet the appropriate young men when he begins his schooling. Surely Darcy will see to it.”
Georgiana turned to Lady Hull to discuss the shops she must visit while assembling her trousseau. She did not wish to betray Elizabeth and William again by confirming any of her aunt’s suppositions regarding young Richard’s future.
Lady Hull listened intently and finally spoke when Georgiana grew silent again. “Why, we ought to go now! I saw the dearest lace just yesterday and we must have it. Come, dear, I will see you home after.”
Lady Matlock saw the calculation in this plan for Lady Hull to make Elizabeth’s acquaintance and encouraged her niece. “Yes, dear, you must go today. We would not like to miss such a treat and the best lace is essential for your trousseau.”
Georgiana stood and embraced her aunt. “Perhaps the next visit, Elizabeth will say that Richard may come. I will ask her as I know you are much too proud.”
Lady Matlock walked with them to the entry and called for Lady Hull’s carriage. “You are most kind my Georgie. I would dearly love to see him again.”
Georgiana entered Darcy House with Lady Hull. A footman who followed behind carried several bags from their shopping trip. Mr. Harley took them and asked Thomas to see they were placed in Miss Darcy’s rooms before he escorted the ladies to the salon.
“Mrs. Darcy is there with Master Richard. I am certain she will be happy to have company for a time.”
Elizabeth stood when Mr. Harley entered the room. Georgiana had come home and seemed to have brought a guest. She would have liked to know they would have company with Richard asleep on one of the sofas by the fireplace. He missed Mr. Darcy’s attention terribly and Elizabeth had indulged his need for her company.
She met them before they might seat themselves near the boy. “Let us go into the parlor. Harley, will you have Nanny come down and sit with Richard?”
Lady Hull was introduced and after greeting Elizabeth, she peered over her shoulder for a glimpse of Richard. “He is an angel, Mrs. Darcy, but why would he take his nap here instead of the nursery?”
Elizabeth did not appreciate the question but as they walked down the hallway to the parlor, she answered. “He misses my husband desperately since we have not allowed him in Mr. Darcy’s rooms. Though no one else has fallen ill since our return to London, I would not risk Richard’s health.”
Lady Hull seemed sympathetic. “But of course, it is only natural. He is so young yet. To indulge him so should not cause problems later.”
Elizabeth sent for tea once they were seated in the parlor. “How is it you know the Fitzwilliams? I do not recall making your acquaintance when last I was in London at Lady Matlock’s soirees.”
Georgiana spoke up before Lady Hull might. “She is a dear friend of Aunt Margaret. She was abroad this summer with her husband and has only returned to London recently. She insisted we shop for my trousseau today. You must see the things we found in Mayfair!”
Elizabeth smiled. “How lovely! It is wonderful to have another lady to help my sister in her wedding preparations. I have been unable to do as much as I would like with William ill and Richard out of sorts.”
“I would be honored if you might call upon me as you have need, Mrs. Darcy. It is my great pleasure to know that Mr. Darcy has married such a dutiful wife and mother. In your condition, it cannot be easy to find yourself so taxed.” Lady Hull smiled sweetly, hoping Elizabeth might warm to her presence.
Georgiana blushed a bright pink and stammered to Elizabeth. “I am so sorry. I slipped at Aunt Margaret’s and mentioned we must return to Pemberley in time for the babe to be born. Please forgive me Elizabeth.”
Biting the inside of her cheek, Elizabeth forced a smile. “There is no need for forgiveness, Georgie. It is not a scandal nor a particular secret that we shall welcome our first child.”
Lady Hull agreed. “Children are the blessing of marriage. Your first child happened to become the heir to the Matlock title and your next will be the firstborn of Fitzwilliam Darcy. My, how fortunate!”
Elizabeth found she did not think very much of Lady Hull. The woman alternated between compliments and snide remarks disguised as compliments. How suitable that she was great friends with Lady Matlock!
Nanny peeked into the parlor and Elizabeth called for her to enter. “Come in, how is Richard?”
The boy came from behind Nanny’s skirts and rushed into Elizabeth’s arms. “Mother, it was a terrible dream!”
Elizabeth turned and excused herself from her company. “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Hull. You must come again soon.”
She turned and quit the parlor with Richard and Nanny. Georgiana thanked her aunt’s friend for her time. “I enjoyed our afternoon together, Lady Hull. Please forgive Elizabeth, she is concerned for Richard since the kidnapping and my brother’s illness. It is all very difficult for him, you know.”
Lady Hull made note of the boy’s behavior. She was pleased to have something to report to Lady Matlock from her very first visit with Mrs. Darcy.
“I would not think highly of her if she did not place the well-being of her son above her guests, dear. A mother’s care is ever the cure for her child’s ailments.”