***
A few minutes later, the two men shared a carriage that trundled toward Cheapside. “I appreciate this, Mr. Bingley,” Harvey said for at least the third time. “I surely do.”
“You are most welcome,” Bingley replied. Harvey might linger in the kitchen until he was needed.
“Yes, sir.”
“Do not importune Miss Coates with too many questions about Miss Bennet. She might grow suspicious.”
Harvey rolled his eyes. “I can be discreet. I am a gentleman’s valet after all.”
“Of course.” Bingley said nothing more but continued to fret nonetheless.
When they appeared on the Gardiners’ doorstep, Harvey was whisked away to the kitchen, where Bingley heard a female voice exclaim, “Joseph!” Was that his valet’s given name?
When Bingley entered the drawing room, he was delighted to make the acquaintance of Mrs. Gardiner. However, Jane colored deeply and looked away, no doubt embarrassed about the events of the previous day. Bingley saw no need; her anger at Caroline had been completely justified.
If only he could allay her anxiety! Unfortunately, there was no simple way to raise the subject in Mrs. Gardiner’s presence. He considered suggesting another walk, but the older woman might offer to accompany them…
Then the perfect solution occurred to him.
Before seating himself, Bingley addressed Jane. “Miss Bennet, during a conversation in Hertfordshire you once expressed an interest in seeing St. Paul’s Cathedral. Today is a beautiful day, and the view from the dome would be magnificent. Would you like me to call for the carriage?”
Jane’s entire countenance lightened, as if the thought of the cathedral had helped to alleviate some of her mortification. “That would be lovely.” She turned to her aunt. “Would you like to accompany us?” Bingley said a quick prayer that the woman would be occupied.
Mrs. Gardiner sighed. “It would be most pleasant, but Phillip has a cold and he always wants me nearby when he is sick. Perhaps Maggie could go.”
Jane clapped her hands together. “Just the thing! I am sure she has never visited St. Paul’s either!”
Mrs. Gardiner rang for Maggie, who appeared after a long pause. Her clothing was a little disheveled, and wisps of hair escaped from beneath her cap. What had she been up to with Harvey? Bingley considered whether he should give the young man a lecture.
Maggie vibrated with excitement at news of the expedition. “Oh, I’ve heard the cathedral is very grand! What a treat.”
Now to employ the rest of Bingley’s scheme. “I suppose I should have Harvey wait here for our return,” he mused.
Maggie’s face fell, and Jane was quick to notice. “Perhaps Harvey would like to see the cathedral as well?”
Maggie smiled. “I’m sure he would, miss!”
“Very well, you may tell Harvey he is invited too,” Bingley said, managing to keep a neutral tone.
With a quick curtsey, Maggie hurried out of the door. Bingley chanced a look at Mrs. Gardiner, hoping she was not scandalized that he was facilitating his valet’s courtship. But the older woman’s lips were pursed as if she held back laughter. Did she suspect Bingley was serving his own purposes?
Then he noticed Jane’s open and excited expression and decided it did not matter.
***
Jane gasped when she stepped under the dome at St. Paul’s. Never before had she experienced such a vast indoor space; the cathedral stretched forever in all directions. Nor had she imagined that such a beautiful place could possibly exist. Gilt glistened in the sunshine streaming through the clerestory windows, making the entire dome glow like a jewel box. Such a testament to the work of humans and the glory of God. It could not possibly inspire any emotion other than awe.
The cathedral was at once grand and startlingly simple. Westminster Abbey was impressive as well, but it was dark and dim—full of Gothic ornamentation and crowded with a bewildering number of tombs. It had conveyed a sense of history and age but never caused Jane’s mouth to fall open in wonder.
By contrast, St. Paul’s flowed. A series of white marble arches led back to the nave and forward to the choir. Without dark stained-glass windows, the cathedral was illuminated by windows both high and low.
“I take it you approve?” Mr. Bingley asked.
Only then was Jane aware how long she had been gaping. “Yes,” she breathed. “It is beyond words! I did not know anything so magnificent existed in the world.”
He gave her a pleased smile, as if they shared a secret. “This is perhaps my favorite place in London—nay, in all of England. I am happy and honored to share it with you.”