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B ack at Gracechurch Street, Osborne settled into the comfortable chair, a fine blend of coffee in front of him. Opposite, Gardiner also drank coffee, while his wife had a tea service. It was strange, but he often felt more at ease here than in the better salons in town.

“So you are going to acknowledge your estate and become openly a gentleman? It is about time.”

“Yes.” Gardiner nodded. “It will be a pity in one way; we have been happy here. But we want young Edward to be able to go to school as the son of a gentleman, and so it is the right time, now Lizzy no longer needs us.”

“I am indebted to you for remaining here for so many years for her — and me.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “I think you are disturbed by what you found at Longbourn.”

“Certainly. I know you advised me what the family had become, but of course we had no idea about it when Elizabeth was first placed there. Their only daughter then was but three years old, and we did not know how Mrs. Bennet would behave when she realised they were not to be blessed with a son.” He sighed.

“I am happy you decided not to move Lady Elizabeth then.” Gardiner was quite relaxed in his company, and Osborne valued his honesty.

“It would have been very difficult for her to keep secrets, and a new home at the age of ten or so — well, the neighbourhood would have known of her arrival. At least most of Meryton had forgotten.”

“And I wasn’t ready then to take her back with me,” Osborne admitted. “She might have lost her joyful and cheerful nature. But your influence in her life has made all the difference. Longbourn might have made her unfit to take her place in society without intensive work. As it is, she is perfect.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled at the pride in his voice. “You can indeed be very proud of her.”

He smiled before sitting forward and becoming serious. “However, I was very disturbed by the atmosphere at Longbourn. While I would be happy for her to stay at Netherfield, I cannot countenance any longer the same for Longbourn. Perhaps we can discuss the matter.”

Gardiner grimaced. “It is a pity my brother-in-law has not troubled himself to control the worst excesses of his daughters. I know you mentioned before that you might consider persuading my sister as to the merits of an education for the youngest two. Are you thinking this is a necessary thing?”

“I am. I was hoping you would assist me in making it seem an advantageous thing to be doing.”

Mrs. Gardiner laughed. “If you want someone to be persuasive, Elizabeth is the best person. But then, you know that already.”

Osborne smiled ruefully. “I do indeed. But I think even her talents might need some support.”

Gardiner nodded thoughtfully. “Does Thomas know of the money you have put aside to augment the sisters’ fortunes should it prove to be necessary?”

Osborne shook his head. “No, and I do not intend it to become known. While Elizabeth will inherit all my estate and wealth, I do not wish her to be importuned by fortune hunters who may have married the sisters to get what they think is a healthy inheritance.”

“Then one might hope that whoever she marries will be able to control her most generous impulses,” Gardiner commented.

“Hmm.” Osborne suddenly thought of Lord Robert. He’d been concerned whether the young man could manage the Cheddleton estate, but he certainly could not manage that in addition to the enormous Lancaster holdings together as well as fend off fortune hunters.

He was disturbed to find his mind comparing the youth with Darcy. Pemberley was a fine and well-managed estate from all that he had heard. The man had done well, inheriting so young — he’d impressed all with his sense of duty and fairness to his tenants and staff.

No. He could not countenance Elizabeth marrying a Darcy. There would be other suitable men, and she’d be better married to a man from an aristocratic family. She ought to have a title. Her mother had been his duchess; Elizabeth should have no less.

He sat quietly, mulling over the unwed men in society at present, but it seemed there were a dearth of suitable suitors. He must cast his eye over Who’s Who when he got home.

He became aware that the Gardiners were sitting quietly, waiting for him to finish with the direction of his thoughts.

“I’m sorry, I was distracted.”

“It is no matter,” Mrs. Gardiner’s smile was serene. “If it pleases you, I could go to Longbourn for a few days, and observe what happens before and during the time Elizabeth is permitted to go to stay with her sister.”

“Oh, that would be very helpful indeed.” Osborne was relieved. “I would like to get more of a feel for the place and whether Elizabeth is entirely safe to call there now her new identity is known.”

He smiled wryly. “Bennet is not the sort of man who would jump to my suggestions, though I am a duke.”

Gardiner laughed comfortably. “That is very true. Thomas has made a good life for himself, and part of that is doing only what he feels will increase his own comfort. It is a pity he did not decide that a better-behaved family would make his whole home a more comfortable place.”

Osborne nodded. “It would be no concern of mine, of course. But I know Elizabeth has a fierce loyalty. She will not give them up, so I must make sure the place is not only safe for her, but will not bring scandal upon her.”

Gardiner’s wry smile must echo his own. “In that case, the sooner Kitty and Lydia go to school and the officers are discouraged from calling, the better. But my sister will not like it.”

“All right. I’ll make arrangements to visit Hertfordshire in the next few days, apparently unconnected with these events.” Mrs. Gardiner reached for her teacup.

“I would be very grateful, madam.” Osborne dipped his head at her. “I have had to agree to Elizabeth’s urgent entreaty that she be allowed to stay at Netherfield at the end of this week — just for a few days, as she wishes to be back for the next round of balls.”