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They stood together and went into the house. When they entered, they found Mrs. Gardiner inspecting a pile of bandboxes. “These just arrived for you, dearest,” she said to Elizabeth. “I will ask the servants to take them up to your room.”

“I am mystified, Aunt. I brought nothing with me but what Mrs. Peterson packed.”

“I will own up to it, Elizabeth,” added Darcy.

“I realized your predicament and wrote to Mrs. Peterson early this morning. She has been to the dressmaker favored by Georgiana, and together they have selected articles of clothing and necessities for you, and she has chosen gowns from Georgiana’s closet.

The only articles we were not able to purchase were a bonnet and shoes. ”

“I know not how to thank you, Fitzwilliam,” said Elizabeth with a smile. “You have seen to every detail of my comfort.”

“Lizzy,” said her aunt. “After you have unpacked, let us select a bonnet from among my own. I will make my sewing-basket available to you, and you may trim it as you please. Surely you have some of Lydia’s talent for renewing bonnets.”

“I am afraid she got the lion’s share, Aunt. But that is very kind, and I will work on it as soon as I have unpacked. I shall be quite respectable.”

As the footman began carrying the boxes upstairs, Mrs. Gardiner continued. “There are a number of other letters and parcels here for both of you,” she said. “Mr. Darcy, this parcel and these notes were delivered for you. And, Lizzy, this parcel came for you.”

Darcy pocketed his parcel, but Lizzy tore into hers with great interest. “It includes a note from Sergeant Parker,” she began.

“He writes, ‘This was recovered today from the house in Audley Street. I have been told that it is yours.’” She opened the small box to reveal a simple cross pendant set with topazes.

“I never thought I would see it again,” she went on quietly, fastening it about her neck.

“I wonder who gave it to him. Ruth knew about it.”

Darcy had been scanning his letters, one of which was also from Parker.

“Sergeant Parker writes that the club in Audley Street is closed, Mrs. Younge has fled, and fifteen young women, together with the servants, remain in the residence.” His face darkened into a scowl.

“Five young children, not yet in their teens, were rescued and placed in the care of the parish. They appear to have been untouched and uninjured. Parker has enlisted the aid of Mrs. Oliver to supervise the young women in the house, and he has told them that they are free to leave at any time but that the house will henceforth be a decent, orderly place. None of them has elected to go. The windows are unsealed, and he writes that there is an abundant supply of food and other necessities. Some decisions will have to be made.”

Elizabeth grew silent. Mrs. Gardiner took a moment and swallowed hard and said, “Sergeant Parker was here himself a short time ago,” she finally managed.

“I invited him to dine with us. My husband suggested inviting Mr. Hurst as well. He felt you might all have need of an opportunity for discussion.”

“Thank you. Would you ladies do me the honor of joining me in the sitting room for a few minutes before you go upstairs? There are some items that require our attention.” When they were all seated, he took out one of his letters.

“ This is from Mr. Winters, my attorney. He has forwarded the license secured for us this morning. And he has been in touch with the church. The marriage can take place tomorrow morning at eleven.” He paused and looked intently at Elizabeth.

“That is, if you wish it, Elizabeth. All must be arranged according to your wishes.”

She smiled at him, looking very much like the familiar, happy Elizabeth. “I do wish it, Fitzwilliam. I wish it with all my heart.”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled her sweet smile and took each of them by the hand. “I will confess I had my suspicions, my dears. My husband told me this morning we might expect this news. Whom will you invite?”

Darcy and Elizabeth looked at one another. “I have to say, Aunt, that my guest list will consist of you and my uncle, and the children. I hope that Uncle will give me in marriage and that you will be my witness. Perhaps the girls will be bridesmaids.”

Darcy smiled. “I am in much the same situation. None of my family is in town at the moment. I shall invite Hurst and Parker, and Mr. Winters has agreed to attend. He and my father were at school together, and he is an old friend. We will have a wedding breakfast after the ceremony at my house—our house, if that suits you, Elizabeth.”

“I think it will be lovely. And now I have further incentive to trim a bonnet. ”

Darcy turned to Mrs. Gardiner. “I must write several letters, Mrs. Gardiner. Is there a convenient place for me to do that?”

“My writing-desk is in the corner. Please make use of it at any time while you are with us. You should find everything you require in terms of paper, ink, seals, and the like.”

“I thank you.” He raised Elizabeth’s chin and kissed her gently. Then he turned to his letters while Elizabeth and her aunt went upstairs to unpack.