An Old Friend Read online

  AN OLD FRIEND

  JEMIMA SELKIRK

  An Old Friend © Jemima Selkirk

  Amazon Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved. No part of this story may be used, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the copyright holder, except in the case of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events or locations is purely coincidental.

  An Old Friendship is set in Regency England and as such uses British English throughout.

  The characters are all a product of the author’s imagination, apart from those characters and locations so famously bequeathed to us by Jane Austen.

  CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  1

  “Good morning, Miss Darcy. What a pleasure to see you again. It has been far too long.”

  Elizabeth Darcy stood back as Georgiana was welcomed by a tall man with the most flamboyant necktie she had ever seen. She surmised this was the manager of Conklin and Brightingley that Georgiana had told her about. It was the first time she had been to the famous establishment and in truth she was feeling a little nervous. They were there to buy some silk for Georgiana, who had been complaining she did not have enough gowns for the coming season.

  “Good morning, Mr. Gerard,” said Georgiana. “It is good to see you too. May I introduce my sister-in-law, Mrs. Darcy. Mrs. Darcy, this is Mr. Gerard.”

  Mr. Gerard gave such a deep bow, Elizabeth found herself biting her lip to stop herself from laughing. He did look rather foolish bent almost double. Even after two years of marriage she found the deference she was shown as Mr. Darcy’s wife rather strange.

  She was relieved when he stood up straight again, his dark eyes fixed firmly on her. “Mrs. Darcy, we are delighted to have you grace our establishment. Naturally Miss Darcy has been one of our favoured customers for some years.”

  “I have told Mrs. Darcy there is no one better in choosing fabric than you,” said Georgiana, bestowing on Mr. Gerard one of her sweetest smiles.

  Mr. Gerard looked delighted. “We do our best to ensure that all our ladies our satisfied,” he said. “Now if you would follow me.”

  The manager guided them over to his own counter which was set apart from the rest and partially shielded by a screen. It was here where only the most important customers sat and received his attention.

  “Mr. Gerard, I need something for the season, but I do not want any fabric that has been sold to anyone else,” said Georgiana as they sat down.

  Mr. Gerard looked shocked at such a suggestion as a vein throbbed furiously in his cheek. “Naturally you do not, Miss Darcy. When I received your note, I set aside three fabrics that I think you will like.”

  Georgiana’s eyes sparkled as Mr. Gerard clapped his hands and the assistant started to pull out some rolls of fabric, which were then spread out across the counter.

  Elizabeth was glad to see Georgiana so happy, but she couldn’t help thinking Fitzwilliam was being overindulgent with her. Georgiana already had four pretty gowns that no one had seen her in, and would do very nicely for the season, but Georgiana had been adamant they were not enough.

  “I have no intention of being shamed by not being the best-dressed woman in the room,” she had declared dramatically.

  Elizabeth, who thought she was being rather foolish and unnecessarily extravagant, had cautiously spoken to her husband about it, but he had merely laughed.

  “Let her be, Elizabeth. I am so relieved that Georgiana is showing such interest in the season, I am happy to buy her the fabric for two new dresses.”

  “If Georgiana has her way, it will be three,” she had muttered.

  “Two, three, it does not matter. Indeed, why don’t you buy fabric for yourself?”

  “Because I do not need it,” she had told him firmly and quickly changed the subject. She really had no need for any new gowns and she did not like spending money unnecessarily. Unlike Georgiana, she had not been raised in a household where their income had allowed them to indulge when the mood took them. She had developed an early habit of being very careful with money and it was not a habit she could easily break now.

  Georgiana was busy fingering a dark red fabric, which sparkled in the light as she moved it. “Look at this, Elizabeth. Is it not beautiful? What do you think?”

  “It certainly is a very striking …” said Elizabeth slowly, trying to temper her dislike of the vibrant colour. She didn’t want to hurt Georgiana, but she didn’t like it at all. She thought it was too bold for Georgiana’s slight figure.

  Mr. Gerard seemed to sense the uncertainty in her voice and she saw him purse his lips disapprovingly. “It is more than striking, it is magnificent and will sit perfectly with Miss Darcy’s colouring.”

  Elizabeth ignored his irritation. The colour was magnificent, but it really would not do for Georgiana.

  Georgiana was looking at her anxiously. “Do you not like it, Elizabeth?”

  They were both staring at her waiting for an answer. Elizabeth swallowed hard. She found herself in a difficult position. Should she tell the truth or use a little subterfuge?

  “It is indeed a beautiful fabric, and no one would wear it any better than you,” she said slowly, praying that her cheeks would not redden, “but I do believe Lady Maddox wore a gown recently of the same hue. I remember there was a great deal of talk about it…”

  Georgiana immediately withdrew her hand, a frown marring her pretty features. “Then I do not want it. I cannot wear what has been seen elsewhere.”

  Mr. Gerard hastily pushed the offending fabric towards the hovering assistant. “Forgive me, Miss Darcy. I do not know how I could have made such an error. Lady Maddox, you say? I am unfamiliar with that name. I do not believe she is a customer of ours.”

  Georgiana held up her hand imperiously. “Please, say no more, Mr. Gerard. It is a mistake anyone could make. Now let me look at this one in gold.”

  The red fabric was removed, and Mr. Gerard hastily concentrated on the pale gold fabric which was embellished in a gold thread with tiny flowers.

  Georgiana looked at Elizabeth for her approval and she nodded, thankful that the awkward moment had passed. She felt a little guilty that she had told an untruth to deter Georgiana from buying the fabric and upset Mr. Gerard, but she felt she had no choice. The bright colour had reminded her of the colour often worn by Caroline Bingley, the sister of Mr. Bingley, her brother-in-law and Mr. Darcy’s best friend.

  Although affectionate towards Georgiana, Miss Bingley masked her dislike of Elizabeth behind an air of unwarranted superiority that she found extremely trying. She had always suspected that Miss Bingley harboured an affection for Mr. Darcy and considered Elizabeth a poor match for him. Since their marriage she had only met Miss Bingley on two occasions and she had not changed her view of her. Miss Bingley was unimportant in her life, but still, her dislike of her was such, she needed no reminder of her.

  The gold fabric was selected, and a white satin and then Mr. Gerard pulled out some pale blue silk that looked rather beautiful against Georgiana’s fair complexion, and was quickly added to the other two. Only when he was assured that Georgiana had finished with her shopping, did he turn to Elizabeth.

  “And is Mrs. Darcy not going to select some fabric?” he asked as an assistant tidied his counter.r />
  “Not today, thank you,” said Elizabeth firmly.

  Mr. Gerard looked disappointed, and Georgiana quickly intervened.

  “Elizabeth, you must. You cannot look unfashionable in London,” she whispered.

  “I have all the gowns I need,” she said quietly, thinking enough money had already been spent.

  Georgiana looked at her earnestly. “But you must. I spoke to Fitzwilliam before we left, and he said I should persuade you to buy some.”

  Mr. Gerard, who was pretending not to listen to their conversation, had turned his back and started to look for some other fabric.

  Elizabeth was adamant that she was not going to purchase any. “I do not need a new dress,” she hissed. “And I do not worry about being fashionable.”

  Georgiana flinched at the sharpness of her tone, though her gaze was steadfast. “At Pemberley, no… but here in London, you should…” Her voice trailed away and for a moment neither of them spoke.

  Elizabeth was beginning to wish she was back in Derbyshire. Since their marriage they had done little entertaining and rarely ventured away from Pemberley, their country home. Mr. Darcy had said it was because he wanted to keep her to himself and feeling surrounded by his love, she had never questioned it. Now she wondered. Had he told the truth or was he ashamed by her appearance?

  She did not share the beautiful features of her sister Jane, nor did she dress with the same elegance as Georgiana, but Mr. Darcy had always made it clear that he found her extremely attractive. Had she misunderstood? She had no wish to embarrass him, and yet she could not countenance such extravagance when she already had gowns in abundance. She really had no need for more.

  Feeling troubled she glanced at Georgiana, who was still staring at her, nodding towards Mr. Gerard’s back. Elizabeth found her resistance crumbling. She was being foolish. Naturally her husband was not embarrassed by her. He loved her, she knew that. If it would please him that she had a new gown, she would purchase the fabric, and have it made up. She was determined though to have words with her husband when they got home. He should not have made an alliance with his sister to get her to overcome her resistance.

  “I will have one dress made,” she told Georgiana, who beamed delightedly. “Just one. Perhaps something in white?”

  “Not pure white,” said Mr. Gerard, placing several samples on the counter. “I have selected the palest of yellow for you. It is much more suitable for your colouring.”

  Elizabeth carefully touched the fabrics. Pale yellow. It was not a colour she was accustomed to wearing. “These are all beautiful, but I am not sure they are suitable.”

  Mr. Gerard seemed to grow in stature as he signalled to his assistants to find some other fabrics and Elizabeth realised she had upset him once again. She wondered if he treated all his customers’ opinions with such disdain. She stroked the fabrics again. They all felt beautiful, but …

  “I like this one,” said Georgiana stroking the palest of the three fabrics. “I believe it would suit you well.”

  “Miss Darcy has always had excellent taste,” said Mr. Gerard stiffly.

  Elizabeth quietly ignored his implied slight. “Indeed, she has, but these are not to my taste. Georgiana, I think when we have finished here we might call at Winterton and Lewis. Perhaps I can find something there.”

  Mr. Gerard looked as if he might fall to the floor in a dead faint. His cheeks began to wobble as he realised she was contemplating purchasing fabric from one of Conklin and Brightingley’s rivals.

  “I am sure that will not be necessary, Mrs. Darcy. The yellow is not to your taste? No, I can see I was mistaken. I will not let you go until I have personally found you the perfect fabric.”

  Elizabeth was amused to see Mr. Gerard lose his haughty manner as he spoke very quickly and ordered his assistants to find more fabric. The nerves she had felt when she had first entered the shop had almost disappeared. She refused to be cowed by him. If she was going to purchase fabric it would be something she chose herself and liked.

  2

  More fabrics were brought and spread across the counter and looking carefully at them, Elizabeth eventually chose two white fabrics that Mr. Gerard had been so disdainful of, one for the skirt of the dress and a heavier one which was embroidered for the bodice.

  “I am delighted with your choices,” said Mr. Gerard. “I shall have all the fabric cut and delivered later today.”

  Elizabeth was tempted to say that they would wait, but Georgiana had already warned her the fabric was always delivered. “Thank you, Mr. Gerard, and the price…”

  Mr. Darcy gave a disapproving sniff. “I will send the bill with the fabric, Mrs. Darcy.”

  Elizabeth looked at Georgiana for help, but Georgiana was talking to one of the assistants. Elizabeth said no more, though she was a little annoyed. When she had lived in Hertfordshire, she had been accustomed to purchasing fabric at Newman’s in the nearby town of Meryton, and she had often witnessed her mother haggling over the price until she received a suitable discount. She was disappointed there had been no discussion on the price and she could only hope the cost was not too great. She wished she had consulted with Mr. Darcy before their trip.

  “Mr. Gerard, may we have some samples? We are going to Waitland and Marsh for our buttons and lace,” said Elizabeth.

  Mr. Gerard nodded at his assistant. “Mr. Johns, please cut the samples. Now, Mrs. Darcy, I wonder if I could…” His words fell away and suddenly he was no longer looking at her, his mouth wide open.

  Elizabeth followed his gaze. He was looking past the screen and Elizabeth shifted slightly on the stool and craned her neck to see what had caught his attention. A tall, fair-haired woman, in an elegant purple bonnet trimmed with a single flower and a long matching coat, had entered the shop. She did not look around, but simply stood there very still as if to give everyone time to look at her. The shop had fallen almost silent and several of the other customers were openly staring at her and nudging each other. Elizabeth had never seen her before, but she surmised she was someone of importance. It was most strange.

  “If you will excuse me a moment, Mrs. Darcy.” Mr. Gerard’s voice sounded a little odd, strained, as he hurried around the counter towards the woman, signalling for one of his assistants to follow him.

  Whatever he said must have been very brief, because he was soon back with them apologising for keeping them waiting. Elizabeth was curious and tempted to ask who she was, but knew she could not.

  The samples were brought, and Mr. Gerard said what an honour it had been to serve them both. “I hope we will have the pleasure of your custom again very soon.”

  “I am sure we will visit before the end of the season,” said Georgiana confidently.

  Elizabeth did not contradict her, though she could not imagine they would have any reason to return for at least a year.

  Following Mr. Gerard, they were almost at the door when the woman who had made such an entrance and was now being served at one of the general counters suddenly turned and walked towards Georgiana, calling out to her. “Georgiana. Georgiana Darcy. It is you, isn’t it? It has to be.”

  Georgiana stopped where she was, startled at the sudden confrontation. “Yes…I’m sorry… do we know each other?” Her cheeks were bright red as she started to stutter.

  “It’s Miss Dearborn,” said the woman. “Adeline Dearborn. Perhaps you don’t remember me. It is some years since we met.”

  Georgiana suddenly relaxed and she broke into a smile. “Forgive me, Miss Dearborn. I did not recognise you. What a pleasant surprise.”

  “Why would you? You were merely a child when we last saw each other. Tell me, how is Darcy?”

  Elizabeth flinched. Darcy? Who was this glamorous woman who spoke so casually of her husband? Adeline Dearborn was not a name she had heard before.

  “He is in rude health, thank you,” said Georgiana. “Let me introduce his wife. This is my sister-in-law, Mrs. Darcy.”

  A pair of bright blue eyes
were turned on her and Elizabeth was immediately struck by the warmth in them. “So, you are Darcy’s wife. This is a surprise, but a most pleasant one. I am an old friend of your husband’s.”

  Elizabeth’s jaw felt stiff as she tried to smile. She was feeling unnerved by the informality of this elegant stranger. To address him simply as Darcy and no title was most impertinent of her. “I am always delighted to meet a friend of Mr. Darcy’s.”

  She knew she didn’t sound delighted at all, but Miss Dearborn gave no indication she was unsettled by her cold tone.

  “I am glad,” said Miss Dearborn smiling at her. “I am sure you and I are destined to become good friends.”

  Elizabeth’s eyebrows shot upwards. Friends? She had rarely met anyone so impertinent. They would not become friends. She knew nothing of this woman, nor did she wish to. She was relieved when Mr. Gerard gave a discreet cough.

  “We really must be going,” said Elizabeth.

  Miss Dearborn ignored him. “Mrs. Darcy, I cannot let you go. It is so exciting to meet you. Perhaps you and Georgiana could join me later for tea. I am staying at Mivart’s.”

  Elizabeth glanced quickly at Georgiana, but her eyes were fixed on the floor. Elizabeth wondered what she was thinking. “I’m afraid that will not be possible,” she said firmly. “Miss Darcy and I have several other places to call, and have plans for later.”

  Miss Dearborn took the rejection well. “That is disappointing, but I do understand. Mrs. Darcy, it has been a delight to make your acquaintance and lovely to see you, Georgiana. Please send my good wishes to Darcy.”

  “We will. Good day, Miss Dearborn.” Elizabeth turned away and Mr. Gerard guided them the short distance to the front door, which was swiftly opened by the doorman. It still took several minutes for them to depart as Mr. Gerard once again told them what an honour it was to see them. Both felt relieved when they finally took their leave of him and the door closed behind them.

  Thomas, their coachman, was waiting outside, and as he helped them into their carriage, Elizabeth’s mind was swirling with questions as she thought about their short encounter with Miss Dearborn. Even in the few moments they had spent in Miss Dearborn’s company it had been impossible to ignore her beauty.