Chapter Text
As the hired carriage carrying Lydia and Wickham trundled away, its wheels clattering over the uneven London streets, Mr. Gardiner stood silently beside Darcy, watching until it disappeared around the corner. A tense silence lingered between them, weighted with unspoken thoughts and shared relief.
Gardiner cleared his throat, turning to face Darcy fully. "Mr. Darcy," he began, his tone resolute, "I cannot allow this day to pass without expressing my deepest gratitude for all you have done."
Darcy shifted slightly, his expression unreadable. "I assure you, there is no need for thanks, Mr. Gardiner," he replied evenly. "It was necessary."
Gardiner shook his head firmly. "Necessary or not, sir, it was an act of extraordinary generosity. You have saved my niece from utter ruin and preserved my sister's family from disgrace. I must insist that you allow me to offer you at least a token of our appreciation."
Darcy looked at him, the edges of his gaze softening, though his posture remained upright and controlled. "Your words are thanks enough," he replied politely.
Gardiner, however, was not so easily dissuaded. "That may be, but I would still like to do more," he pressed, his voice steady. "I was hoping you might join me for luncheon today, Mr. Darcy. Please, join me at Gracechurch street. It would be my honor to share a meal with you."
Darcy blinked, clearly taken aback by the invitation. He hesitated for a moment, and finally, he inclined his head. "Very well, Mr. Gardiner. It's with a great pleasure that I accept your invitation."
Gardiner's face broke into a genuine smile. "Excellent. Shall we say one o'clock?"
"One o'clock," Darcy affirmed.
Gardiner extended his hand, which Darcy took firmly. "Until then, Mr. Darcy," Gardiner said with a nod, his eyes glimmering with respect and appreciation. He departed with measured steps, leaving Darcy alone on the pavement, the morning sun casting long shadows around him.
Darcy watched him disappear down the bustling street before exhaling slowly. Luncheon with Mr. Gardiner. A most curious turn of events, he mused, before turning back toward his carriage. The coachman opened the door, and Darcy climbed inside, settling back against the leather seat with a thoughtful expression.
The bustling streets of London unfolded outside the carriage window as Darcy made his way to Gracechurch Street. He had not been to the Gardiners' townhouse before, but it is certainly a well-kept, respectable residence. For reasons he did not entirely wish to examine, the thought of entering the home where Elizabeth often stayed stirred something almost like anticipation within him.
When the carriage pulled to a stop, Darcy stepped out onto the cobblestones, taking in the modest yet elegant façade of the townhouse. The door opened before he could reach for the knocker, and Mr. Gardiner himself greeted him with a warm smile.
"Mr. Darcy, welcome," Gardiner said, stepping aside to let him in. "You are most punctual. Please, come through to the dining room."
"I thank you sir" Darcy replied, removing his hat and gloves and handed them to the waiting servant and followed Gardiner through a narrow but well-appointed hallway, lined with tasteful prints and polished wood accents.
They entered a modest and yet elegant dining room, its large window allowing sunlight to pour in, casting a warm glow over the room. The table was set simply but with great care—fresh linens, polished silver, and a bouquet of flowers that lent a touch of brightness to the setting.
"Please," Gardiner gestured to the chair opposite his own as they settled at the table. "It is a humble affair, I assure you, but I cannot leave to Longbourn without offering at least some measure of hospitality after all you have done."
Darcy inclined his head graciously. "I am honored by your invitation, Mr. Gardiner," he said sincerely. "You have a very fine home."
Gardiner smiled. "My wife takes great pride in it, I must confess." He poured them each a glass of claret as the maid brought in the first course poached salmon with fresh greens. "Now," Gardiner continued, settling back in his chair, "I must insist you allow me to express my thanks once more. I can see that you are a man who dislikes praise, but sir, you must indulge me this time."
Darcy inclined his head but did not interrupt.
Gardiner's expression grew earnest. "The arrangements you made, the discretion you showed... I cannot tell you what it means to my family. To think of what might have happened had you not intervened..." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "You have preserved their dignity, Mr. Darcy, and for that, you have my eternal gratitude, and if my brother in law was still with us, well..."
Darcy's gaze flickered downward. "I only did what I believed was right," he replied quietly. "Your family did not deserve to suffer for Wickham's failings. If only i had exposed him long ago to all the Hertfotshire... surely nothing of this would have happened.»
Gardiner nodded thoughtfully. "I must ask, though," he said after a moment of silence, his tone careful, "why did you not reveal your involvement? Surely, it would have brought you credit."
Darcy's eyes grew distant for a moment. "Credit is of no consequence to me," he replied firmly. "The matter was delicate enough without attaching my name to it. Miss Bennet's reputation and that of her sisters was at stake. That was the only concern."
Gardiner observed him keenly, as if weighing his words. He seemed on the verge of saying something more, suspecting something, but then simply nodded. "I see," he replied, his voice warm with respect. "I see indeed."
The meal continued with pleasant conversation. The two men, so different in station but equal in integrity, found themselves at ease in each other's company.
As the last of the dishes were cleared away, Mr. Gardiner leaned back in his chair, the lines of fatigue evident on his face. Darcy, ever composed, set down his glass and regarded his companion with measured calm.
Gardiner exhaled slowly, folding his hands together. "I will be leaving for Longbourn this afternoon to bring the news to my sister and her daughters. I only hope I can deliver it with the care and grace it deserves."
Darcy inclined his head, his expression softening. "Mr. Gardiner," he said after a measured pause, his voice firm but gentle, «Should there be... any assistance I can provide whether in practical matters or otherwise you need only ask."
Gardiner looked genuinely touched by the gesture. "Your kindness has been far greater than we could have ever expected.»
Darcy's gaze grew distant for a moment, the shadows of regret and something deeper passing over his features. "The family has suffered a great blow," he murmured. "If there is anything to be done to ease their burdens, I would consider it my duty to assist."
Gardiner studied him for a long moment before nodding. "I will keep that in mind, sir,".
Darcy's expression grew almost imperceptibly more rigid, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion, as Elizabeth came to his mind, "Thank you, Mr. Gardiner," he said quietly, rising from his seat. Gardiner led him back to the front hall, where Darcy collected his hat and gloves. As they shook hands, Gardiner's grip was firm. "You have proven yourself a true friend of the family, Mr. Darcy," he said sincerely. "I hope you know that you have my deepest gratitude," he said firmly. "And please know you are always welcome at Gracechurch Street."
Darcy shook his hand. "I appreciate that, Mr. Gardiner," he replied, his voice steady. "And I wish you safe travels to Longbourn."
Darcy merely nodded. "Safe travels, Mr. Gardiner," he replied. "My thoughts will be with you and your family."
Gardiner gave him one last look of gratitude before the door closed behind him, leaving Darcy standing on the bustling streets of Gracechurch. He inhaled deeply, straightened his coat, and made his way back to his waiting carriage. His next appointment awaited him at Darcy House a conversation long overdue with his cousin, the Colonel Fitzwilliam.