His Uncle's Favorite Read online

  Also by LORY LILIAN

  RAINY DAYS

  REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  HIS UNCLE’S FAVORITE

  Copyright © 2013 by Lory Lilian

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any format whatsoever. For information: P.O. Box 34, Oysterville WA 98641

  ISBN: 978-1-9360-0925-1

  Graphic design by Ellen Pickels

  Acknowledgments

  Special thanks to Margaret Fransen and Ellen Pickels

  for their support and assistance in publishing this book.

  Chapter 1

  The journey to London was a challenge; it was exceedingly cold, and the horses plodded cautiously on the frozen road.

  Inside the carriage, however, Elizabeth was cheerful as she entertained her little cousins. Opposite her, Jane remained in complete silence, her attention drawn outside, while Mrs. Gardiner observed her children with loving looks.

  Elizabeth quickly glanced at her dear aunt. It was Christmas time, the most heart-wrenching month for Mrs. Gardiner two years after her husband’s tragic death.

  There was little Elizabeth could do to comfort her beloved aunt. All of them missed Edward Gardiner exceedingly, and they would never forget him. He had been an excellent husband and father―and a dear uncle and brother for the Bennets. Mrs. Gardiner was desperately trying to overcome her pain for the benefit of her two children. Eleanor was six and Edward, seven. They were so young when the tragedy occurred that they never understood why their mother cried every time their father was mentioned.

  A lady in her late thirties, Mrs. Gardiner was as amiable and intelligent as she was beautiful and elegant, despite her deep mourning. She looked at her favourite nieces with an affectionate and understanding smile, pleased that she enticed them to accompany her to London. Both girls needed a diversion: an escape from the fresh memory of Mr. Bingley for Jane and from Mr. Wickham’s presence for Elizabeth.

  During a short stay at Longbourn, Mrs. Gardiner had seen Mr. Wickham a few times and enjoyed sharing pleasant conversations with him. They had a subject of mutual interest: Derbyshire and, more precisely, Pemberley. There Mr. Wickham had grown up, and it was only five miles from the little town where Mrs. Gardiner had spent the first years of her life.

  Mrs. Gardiner became reticent when Mr. Wickham explained to her―in great detail―the present Mr. Darcy’s mistreatment of him. Mrs. Gardiner did not feel comfortable with Mr. Wickham’s ease in discussing such an intimate story with a new acquaintance; that was not expected of a proper gentleman.

  Even less easy was Mrs. Gardiner with Elizabeth’s high opinion of Mr. Wickham. That fact determined her narrowly to observe them both. Without supposing them, from what she saw, to have a serious inclination, their preference for each other was plain enough to make her a little uneasy; at the first opportunity, she spoke to Elizabeth on the subject and represented to her the imprudence of encouraging such an attachment. Mrs. Gardiner was pleased to receive a light, teasing reply from Elizabeth and her assurance that she was not―at present―in love with Mr. Wickham.

  However, Elizabeth did admit that Mr. Wickham was, beyond all comparison, the most agreeable man she had ever met. If not for the abominable Mr. Darcy leaving him in poverty, she might have become attached to him.

  When Elizabeth accepted the invitation to spend the next month in London with Jane, Mrs. Gardiner was relieved. Surely, Elizabeth’s heart was not seriously touched by Mr. Wickham; she felt no disappointment in being separated from him for a time.

  As for Mr. Bingley’s departure, Mrs. Gardiner knew these things often happened, and she told Elizabeth as much when the two of them had discussed the matter privately.

  “My dear, a young man, such as you described Mr. Bingley, so easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few weeks, and when accident separates them, so easily forgets her that these sorts of inconstancies are very common.”

  However, Elizabeth did not blame Mr. Bingley as much as she blamed his sisters and his friend Mr. Darcy. “It was not an accident, Aunt,” Elizabeth had replied. “It was a premeditated and malicious scheme of his sisters and his friend to separate him from Jane!”

  “Poor Jane! I am sorry for her because, with her disposition, she may not get over it immediately. It had better have happened to you, Lizzy; you would have laughed yourself out of it sooner. But do you think Mr. Bingley to be truly so blameless? How is it possible that he trusted his heart and his wishes so little? That is not a good sign to me. Surely, he would be able to stand up for himself against his sisters and against his friend.”

  Elizabeth could not contradict her aunt. In her opinion, Mr. Bingley was indeed lacking the determination and self-confidence of a true gentleman. Nevertheless, she was inclined to blame Mr. Darcy for the turn of events. A gentleman who had so grossly mistreated his long-time friend Mr. Wickham surely would have a harmful influence upon the young and inexperienced Mr. Bingley.

  Jane declared that Mr. Bingley was no longer in her thoughts. She hoped that, by Caroline Bingley’s not living in the same house with her brother, she might occasionally spend a morning with her friend without any danger of seeing him.

  Elizabeth’s thoughts, however, were different. On closer examination, she did not consider the situation entirely hopeless. It was possible, even probable, that they would meet Mr. Bingley in London, either during a call to his sisters or on some other occasion.

  The Gardiners were accustomed to being out in society frequently before Mr. Gardiner’s tragic death. They had many influential acquaintances among the ton, as Mr. Gardiner had been very successful in business during his last years. His skills, knowledge, and intelligence had increased his fortune while Mrs. Gardiner’s perfect manners, elegant taste, and amiable disposition secured his position among his acquaintances―some of them illustrious members of society.

  Consequently, the number of invitations grew from one year to the next, and parties in the Gardiners’ house―an impressive building purchased three years before his death―were always well attended and much appreciated by their guests.

  Of course, Mrs. Gardiner knew that most of their ‘high class’ friends never overlooked that the Gardiners’ fortune was from trade. However, Mrs. Gardiner cared little about such talk and bore any unpleasant remarks or looks with humour and wisdom. She felt content with her situation, her two beautiful children, and the company of a loving, caring husband. She would not change her position for an entire earldom and considered herself the most fortunate woman―until fate decreed otherwise.

  Mr. Gardiner’s wisdom in business assured his family a comfortable situation. In fact, his legacy, besides the wonderful memories, was a considerable fortune, so neither his wife nor his children had any reason to worry for their future security.

  That year, in an attempt to offer her nieces some diversion and to return to a sense of normalcy, Mrs. Gardiner promised her nieces that she would accept invitations to a few parties or small balls from those she still considered family friends. That would be a very good thing, both for my aunt and for Jane, Elizabeth thought, hoping all of them would manage to traverse the Christmas season with a modicum of good humour.

  With these considerations in mind, Elizabeth’s confidence in a chance meeting between Jane and Mr. Bingley was strong. And if it were to happen, Elizabeth was certain his affection might be reanimated and the influence of his friends successfully combated by the more natural influence of Jane’s attractions. If only Mr. Bingley were a
llowed to do anything without the custody of Mr. Darcy!

  “Dear girls, I am happy to tell you that we have a dinner invitation to honour three days from now on Christmas evening and at least a ball to attend in a fortnight.”

  “I am not in need of balls and entertainments. Your company is enough for me, Aunt.”

  “Jane dearest, we already discussed that we will attend a few events. Will you do this for me? I confess I want to surprise everybody by introducing them to my beautiful nieces.”

  Jane tried to smile for her aunt’s sake, and Elizabeth decided to support Mrs. Gardiner.

  “I promise I will do my best to look beautiful, but I must warn you, I may not be as successful as you hope; it is well known that I am not anywhere near as pretty as Jane, nor do I have as happy a disposition as Lydia. Mama can testify to that.”

  “Oh, I have no fear that you will do just fine, Lizzy. If only you would not scare young gentlemen with your sharp teasing. Few gentlemen are fond of a bright lady.”

  “Thank you, dear Aunt, though I wonder whether that was a compliment.” Elizabeth laughed.

  “You are most welcome! Now, about that dinner invitation on Christmas evening: Lizzy, you will adore the earl; I am sure of it. He possesses your father’s love of books but is more inclined to enjoy the amusements of the world outside his library. However, I have to warn you: the earl takes great delight in teasing and vexing those around him, and he has a peculiar sense of humour. As his daughter, Lady Selina, frequently says, ‘I am afraid he enjoys himself a little too much at times.’”

  Jane looked at her with alarm while Elizabeth laughed.

  “Do not worry, Jane. I am sure your beauty will charm the earl, and he will find no reason to tease you at all! You have no faults about which to laugh! As for me, I will be more than pleased to be the recipient of his interest in that regard.”

  “Is his wife like him in disposition?” inquired Jane.

  “Unfortunately, the earl’s wife passed away a decade ago. But he has two sons—both unmarried—besides his daughter. Lady Selina has been happily married for four years now.”

  “Oh, so the earl must be older than my uncle,” continued Jane, puzzled, and a moment later she frowned and turned pale. “I am sorry, Aunt; I should realise that—”

  “Jane dearest, do not reproach yourself. It is time to speak about Edward openly no matter how painful it is. You are correct; the earl is your father’s age, so he was ten years older than Edward. Despite his superior situation in life and the difference in age, he was a kind and reliable friend to Edward―and our entire family.”

  “I am sorry I have not had the chance to meet him until now,” said Elizabeth. “I am curious about him and his daughter. I can hardly believe such titled people can be pleasant company. Mr. Darcy was not titled at all, and he barely spoke to or looked at anyone in Hertfordshire. How fortunate not all members of the ton are as disagreeable as he is.”

  “Lizzy, let us try to forgive Mr. Darcy’s faults for at least a few days, shall we? So, it is settled then; we shall have dinner at Lord Matlock’s.”

  “Certainly, whatever you wish, Aunt. You say the earl is very much like Papa in disposition and his love of books. Too bad he is not younger as he seems like my ideal sort of gentleman; I am sure I would easily fall in love with him.” Elizabeth laughed while her aunt smiled.

  Jane looked at them with reproach. “Lizzy, you cannot speak like that about an earl who is our father’s age! Falling in love is not a subject for jest.” She averted her eyes towards the carriage’s window.

  Mrs. Gardiner affectionately patted Jane’s arm and then turned to her other niece. “You know, dearest, the earl has two sons, and I can easily say the younger is the most charming gentleman I have seen in quite a while. He is a colonel in His Majesty’s army.”

  “An earl’s son―and a colonel! It is fortunate you did not mention him at Longbourn, or I am certain other members of our family would have insisted on joining us in London.” Elizabeth laughed, feeling somehow guilty for her cheerful disposition.

  “Oh, it is so beautiful,” Jane cried rapturously, suddenly animated, and all looked out to observe the sight that aroused her attention.

  The winter night was cold, and a light snowfall was adorning the trees, houses, and roads in a white gown that sparkled under the moonlight.

  “It is like a fairy tale,” Jane whispered, and Elizabeth smiled.

  Yes, it was like a fairy tale, and she had a very good feeling about it!

  ***

  It was the second day of their arrival in Town, and Jane’s spirits fell even lower. That morning, she had accompanied Mrs. Gardiner in her quest to purchase accessories for their new dresses. The opportunity took her to that part of Town where Caroline Bingley resided in her sister’s house; so Jane called on them, confident they had received the letter she sent before they left Hertfordshire.

  Later that day, Mrs. Gardiner told Elizabeth how poorly Mr. Bingley’s sisters had treated them.

  “I hate to speak ill, but they were so ridiculously pleased with themselves that they appeared foolish to me! I could not care less about their pretence to greatness, but Jane—”

  “Oh, dear Aunt! Was it truly so bad? Poor Jane!”

  “Well, judge for yourself. First, they were reluctant to invite us in, and seemed amazed that we were there. Then they spoke and looked at us with obvious disdain; they even had the nerve to reproach Jane for not sending them notice of her coming to London, though I am certain they got her letter. And even more, Jane inquired of Mr. Bingley, and they answered that he was well but so much engaged with Mr. Darcy and his sister that they scarcely saw him! Poor Jane turned pale, and I was afraid she would faint.”

  “How horrible,” Elizabeth cried. “Poor, sweet Jane!” She hurried from the room so quickly that Mrs. Gardiner was forced to call her three times before she heard and returned.

  “Lizzy, wait a moment, child. Let us sit and talk because I, too, am concerned about Jane.”

  “What is it, Aunt? I have to go to Jane and speak to her; she needs me. Unfortunately, no matter how worried we might be, there is nothing we can do―”

  “Oh, but there is. No lady who dares humiliate my niece will be unrewarded for such manners,” Mrs. Gardiner said sharply, and Elizabeth looked at her in complete puzzlement. “If only… Elizabeth, are you certain you were correct in your judgment of Mr. Bingley’s feelings about Jane?”

  “What can I say, Aunt? Apparently, I have been utterly incorrect, considering Mr. Bingley is now so engaged with Miss Darcy! I am sure she is equally as unpleasant and annoying as Mr. Darcy. She must be since Miss Bingley is so fond of her!”

  “Wait a moment; let us not be hasty in disapproving the entire Darcy family so easily. Miss Bingley said many things, and none of them seemed true to me. She was obviously attempting to deceive Jane and make her abandon any hope of Mr. Bingley. So I would not be surprised if the story about Miss Darcy was a pure fabrication.”

  “I told Jane the same thing when she got the first letter from Miss Bingley in Hertfordshire. But I do not know what to believe now. Should we encourage Jane’s hopes? What if Miss Bingley is correct? How will Jane bear even more disappointment?”

  “Dearest, there are only two ways to settle the matter. Mr. Bingley either is the worthy gentleman you believed him to be and was deeply enamoured of Jane―in which case he could not possibly be interested in another young lady after only three weeks of separation―or his infatuation was without substance, and he showed no consideration for the hopes he had fostered in Jane. In the latter case, he is unworthy of her affection, and we both will help Jane to see that and to understand she has lost nothing of value.”

  Elizabeth stared at her aunt. Animated, her eyes brightened by anger, her lips pursed together, Mrs. Gardiner looked even more beautiful than usual, much younger―and a little frightening. Elizabeth laughed, trying to control her emotions.

  “Dear Aunt, your self-confidenc
e is contagious! I agree with you, utterly and completely, and I will do everything to help Jane see reason. But I am at a loss as to how you plan to discover the truth about Mr. Bingley’s worthiness and his true feelings for Jane.”

  “Niece, I am certain, absolutely certain, that we will have a chance to meet Mr. Bingley. And if an opportunity does not arise by itself, we must use our intuition and skills to create one. After all, Mr. Gardiner did not choose a smart woman as a wife for nothing!” Mrs. Gardiner gave Elizabeth a playful wink. “Now, go and comfort Jane, and I will supervise dinner preparations.”

  ***

  A couple of hours later, Elizabeth’s efforts seemed rewarded as Jane looked more tranquil, and her face had regained some colour. She was still affected, and she barely gathered herself enough to speak, but at least she agreed to dress herself for dinner instead of retiring to the seclusion of her own room as she intended earlier.

  They both expected a pleasant, informal family supper and entered the dining room together; but the sound of voices stopped them in the doorway, and they needed a moment before Elizabeth finally stepped forward, pulling her sister by the hand.

  In the middle of the room were two guests: an older gentleman and a beautiful lady, younger than Mrs. Gardiner. The gentleman’s figure was impressive and intimidating; he was speaking animatedly with their aunt, his tone so insistent that it seemed to admit no contradiction. The lady only smiled at the others in a friendly way.

  Their conversation stopped, and Mrs. Gardiner smiled at the girls, inviting them to enter. They obeyed hesitantly, Jane’s eyes seeking those of her aunt as if begging for support; Elizabeth gazed at the guests with curiosity. With each step, she was more certain she had never seen the gentleman before in her life, yet his features appeared curiously familiar to her.

  She felt him watching her with equal interest, and when their eyes finally met, she attempted a polite smile, awaiting the introductions.

  The gentleman came near, and his voice thundered unceremoniously: “You must be Miss Elizabeth Bennet! And you, beautiful as a goddess and shy as a little lamb, must be Miss Jane Bennet.”