Page 7 of Missing

"Our mother knows nothing of managing a house in the city, Lizzy.

Charles' solicitor is searching for a mansion here in London, and soon I shall have a large and luxurious house.

I must be prepared to be a proper hostess.

I hope you understand; I only want what is best for me and my future husband. "

"I suppose you are right. Do not worry about aunt Gardiner; I am sure she will understand.

" Elizabeth preferred not to say more. Jane was changing more with each passing day, and she could sense the influence of Caroline and Louisa upon her.

Although it saddened her, Elizabeth knew her sister was deeply in love with her future husband and desired to be worthy of his affection.

The following morning, the Bingleys' carriage arrived after breakfast to collect Jane. Elizabeth and the Gardiners did not see her again until they returned to Hertfordshire.

◆◆◆

After breakfast, Elizabeth went to her uncle's warehouse, for Mr. Gardiner had told her that a shipment of new fabrics had arrived.

He wished his favourite niece to choose some pieces to send as gifts to Mrs. Bennet and her daughters at Longbourn.

Mrs. Gardiner had intended to accompany her, but little Matthew had passed a restless night and required her care.

Moreover, her cousins Luke and Emily were to spend much of the morning studying with their governess, and Elizabeth had promised to take them to the park that afternoon.

Thus, she walked the four blocks alone, planning to return before noon.

Elizabeth felt sorrow that Jane had entirely forgotten her.

A week had passed since her dear sister had gone to the Hursts', and she had not written even a single note.

Yet Elizabeth understood that Jane was experiencing many new circumstances, and she did not wish to intrude upon her sister's new life.

William had risen early that day, intending to speak with Mr. Gardiner's warehouse manager. Mr. Lewis was one of the most knowledgeable men in the trade, and William desired to converse with him before the bustle of work began.

"The most important thing, Mr. Dalton, is to establish good contacts at the port, and you must have loyal men who look after your interests there.

Fortunately, Mr. Gardiner knows many people and is well regarded, so with his support, it will be far easier to form connections," explained Mr. Lewis.

He liked his master's young nephew, for he was serious and industrious—qualities seldom found in a young man of considerable fortune.

"Thank you, Mr. Lewis, for taking the time to explain these matters to me," William said sincerely. But as he was about to shake the manager's hand, two German shepherd dogs leapt upon him.

Mr. Lewis was alarmed at first, believing the dogs were attacking Mr. Dalton. They were the warehouse's guardian and performed their duty faithfully.

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Dalton, they should not be here at this hour," Mr. Lewis said, astonished to see how delighted Hercules and Samson were in William's company.

"Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Lewis. I love animals, and these dogs are most friendly," William replied, stroking their heads. Having been a lonely child, he had always sought companionship in pets.

"You must feel honoured, Mr. Dalton. Hercules and Samson do not readily befriend strangers," Mr. Lewis remarked.

"I am glad to hear it," William answered. Then, changing the subject, he asked, "Mr. Lewis, could you arrange an introduction for me with one of your acquaintances at the port?"

"Certainly, Mr. Dalton. If you are free the day after tomorrow, we may go in the afternoon and invite them to take a drink at one of the taverns there. Offer them good brandy or whiskey, and they will soon be your friends—just like Hercules and Samson."

William and Mr. Lewis fixed the time and place for their next meeting when suddenly Hercules and Samson ran barking towards the warehouse's front door.

Elizabeth could not help laughing, for her uncle's guard dogs would not allow her to walk.

She had known them since they were puppies, and they had never forgotten how she had played with them in their youth.

"You are so large and handsome now, my dear friends," Elizabeth said, embracing them affectionately.

Mr. Lewis bade farewell to William and hurried after the dogs, who still would not allow Elizabeth to pass. "I am sorry, Miss Lizzy, but Hercules and Samson forget that they are no longer the little puppies you used to play with."

"Do not worry, Mr. Lewis. I do not mind their affection. I only hope they are not so amiable with thieves," Elizabeth said with a smile.

"They are not, my dear Miss Lizzy. Believe me when I tell you that many fear these two dogs who are so gentle with you."

While Mr. Lewis spoke to Elizabeth, William could not take his eyes from her.

He could not recall seeing a lady so lovely in a long while.

Her kind and warm smile, together with her striking dark-green eyes, captivated him.

As if that were not enough, she seemed to possess a natural bond with animals.

He had always dreamed of meeting a woman who loved them as much as he did.

Mr. Lewis led Hercules and Samson away, and Elizabeth adjusted her dress and smoothed her hair.

Suddenly, she felt the weight of someone's gaze, and when she turned, her eyes met those of a tall, well-dressed gentleman.

He was the most handsome man she had seen in a long time, and she could not help but blush slightly under his admiring look.

William realised he was troubling the young lady, and, not wishing to appear like an impetuous schoolboy, he left as quickly as he could.

Elizabeth felt slightly bewildered, but supposed the gentleman to be a customer.

She then went upstairs to her uncle's office and passed a most pleasant morning with him.

◆◆◆

"I am glad you made the time to spend this evening with us, son. I know I have told you many times that you work too much, and I wish you would devote yourself a little more to other activities," Violet said to her son.

"Mother, I shall always find time for uncle and aunt Gardiner, and I am happy you invited them to dine with us," William replied sincerely.

"You know, they are such a charming couple. Ah, but they are not coming alone. I also invited Lizzy. Do you remember her? She is Edward's niece, who lives in Hertfordshire."

"No, Mother, I do not recall her, I am sorry."

"The last time you saw her, you were fifteen, and she was seven or eight. She and her sister Jane spent several months with the Gardiners when your father came to conduct business with Mr. Webb."

"Now that you mention it, I do remember them. I was on holiday from school and accompanied you. I recall one was a slightly shy blonde girl, and the other a rather energetic brunette."

"The blonde girl is Jane, and she is to be married very soon. Lizzy is the brunette, and she has come with her sister to London to help her purchase her trousseau. Son, Lizzy is a delightful young lady, as well as pretty and intelligent."

William remembered a thin girl who asked countless questions. He knew his mother was attempting to awaken his interest in the young lady, so he preferred to remain silent. Otherwise, she would insist upon inviting her daily and contrive opportunities for them to be together.

Since his father's passing, William believed his mother had grown more determined to see him married and acted as a matchmaker whenever the chance presented itself.

The Daltons' house was on the same block as the Gardiners', so despite the cold, they walked there.

Elizabeth had spent part of the afternoon with Mrs. Dalton and had found her to be a most agreeable lady.

Her aunt Gardiner had told her that Mrs. Dalton's son William was handsome and hardworking, and that they had met many years ago.

Elizabeth remembered William as a tall, thin young man who always seemed out of humour. She supposed, however, that he had changed over the years, as indeed she had.

"Thank you for coming; please, come to the fireplace. I imagine you must be frozen, even though you only had to walk half a block," Violet said.

"This year, the cold has come early. These temperatures are more fitting for Christmas," Mr. Gardiner remarked.

"My dear, in the north it is much colder than here. I think aunt Violet is the least affected by such weather," Mrs. Gardiner added, as she greeted her aunt affectionately.

Elizabeth also greeted her hostess warmly, removed her gloves, and went to the fireplace to warm her hands.

Just then, William entered the room to greet the Gardiners.

"Aunt, Uncle Gardiner, it is a pleasure to welcome you to our home. Thank you very much for coming. And aunt Gardiner, thank you for keeping my mother company. As you know, I am often occupied, and I dislike her always being so alone."

"It is a pleasure to spend time with my dear aunt, William," Mrs. Gardiner replied, greeting her nephew.

"Lizzy, allow me to introduce you to my dear son," Violet said.

"Of course, Aunt," Elizabeth answered. Fortunately, she had managed to warm her hands by the fire and felt much more at ease.

"Son, this is Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy, this is my son, William Dalton," Violet said brightly.

William felt as though he could not breathe. The beautiful woman from the warehouse was his uncle's niece, and she was now in his house, looking at him exactly as she had that morning.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet."

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Dalton," Elizabeth replied nervously.

The handsome man she had seen that morning was none other than Violet Dalton's son. He was certainly no longer the tall, thin boy she remembered.

After the introductions, Violet invited them to sit, and she and the Gardiners soon began to converse animatedly. Neither Elizabeth nor William, however, dared utter a word.

Elizabeth felt that William's eyes were upon her, yet she could not meet his gaze for fear of blushing.

Meanwhile, William tried to appear indifferent, but he could not keep himself from looking at her. He found something about her both fascinating and dangerous.