WITH GEORGIANA AT MATLOCK House, Darcy drove Elizabeth to Cheapside in his curricle. The sunlight was waning when they reached the Gardiner home on Gracechurch Street. The neighbourhood was more respectable—and the house more impressive—than Darcy had expected.
A woman of about forty opened the door. Wearing a mobcap and a maid’s uniform, she smiled at the sight of Elizabeth. “Why Miss Bennet, how good to see you! We were not expecting you, were we?” She ushered them inside.
“No, I made an unplanned trip to London, so I thought to inquire after my uncle’s health.”
“Oh, he is much better. The fever is gone, though he still has a cough. Do wait in the parlour while I let your aunt know you’re here. And who is the gentleman?”
“Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy,” Elizabeth replied.
The maid’s mouth f
