Page 83 of The Matchmaker’s Mistake

“On the hour as always,” she said, not wishing to examine why she had told him their exact routine.

He did not react. When he spoke, it was about something else entirely.

“I hope I do not try your patience, but I did have another reason for seeking you out today. My sister asked whether you might come to visit on Thursday so that you might hear the sonata she has been practising.” He paused, then shook his head at some private jest. “I am to tell you the invitation is hers and that my only part in it is to carry the message.”

Miss Darcy had an excellent sense of humour. “You have discharged it faithfully. I should be delighted so long as my aunt can spare me.”

“You should all come. I suspect my mother will invite the family and perhaps a few other guests.”

They reached Aunt Gardiner before he could say anything further. All three of them strolled out to the Grosvenor gate just as the hour struck and her uncle's carriage came up the street.

“Mr. Gardiner,” Mr. Darcy said as her uncle exited his carriage. “Good morning.”

“Mr. Darcy.” Her uncle stepped down and shook his hand, his face high with colour from the cold. “A raw morning to be kept standing about in the park. I hope we have not detained you.”

“Not in the least. It has been my pleasure.”

Her uncle handed her aunt up into the carriage and saw her settled against the cushions. Then Mr. Darcy stepped forward. “Miss Elizabeth.” He held out his hand. “If you will allow me.”

Elizabeth told herself that she had given her hand to a great many gentlemen at the foot of a great many carriages. It was the smallest of courtesies and signified nothing. She laid her hand in his, and even through her glove she felt his strength.

“Mind the step,” he murmured. “It is slick this morning.”

She was seated before she had quite found her breath. By then he had released her.

“Good day.” Mr. Darcy bowed to them all, met her eyes once more, then strode off towards Upper Brook Street.

The house felt almost too warm after the cold outside. Elizabeth gave her gloves to the maid and had just untied her bonnet when Sally said, “Mr. Aldridge called, ma’am.”

Aunt Gardiner turned at once. “Did he? I did not expect him.”

“Yes, ma’am. He said he was in the neighbourhood on business, and he sat with Miss Bennet above half an hour. He was sorry to miss you and Miss Elizabeth and left his regards.”

“How very kind,” Aunt Gardiner said.

Elizabeth thought this over. It was a rather long visit for a man who had not found the woman he sought at home. Unless . . . “Is Jane still above?”

“Yes, miss, in the parlour.”

They found Jane by the fire embroidering a length of white muslin. “Where is my uncle?” she inquired.

“We left him at the warehouse,” Elizabeth said as she held out her hands to the fire.

“Jane,” Aunt Gardiner said, drawing off her shawl, “Mr. Aldridge was here?”

Jane bent to set another stitch. “Yes.”

“And stayed a little while?”

“About half an hour, I believe. He was in the area and wished to call, for he is leaving town for a few weeks to work on some business of his mother’s.”

“That was kind of him.”

“Yes,” Jane said. “Very civil. He is a kind and sensible man.”

Elizabeth waited, but Jane only smoothed the fabric with her hand and took up her needle again. There was colour in her cheeks, but she kept her eyes on her work.

“And did he speak of anything in particular?” Elizabeth asked.