Story so far
Mr. Gardiner receives Mr. Darcy in London after Darcy has already found Lydia and Wickham. Darcy explains the search, his sense of responsibility for Wickham's unchecked reputation, and his determination to secure a marriage. Gardiner is willing to settle the whole matter for his niece, but Darcy will yield neither the negotiations nor the expense.
They meet repeatedly to complete the legal and financial business; Darcy pays Wickham's debts, provides Lydia's additional settlement, and purchases the commission. Gardiner can only manage the formal arrangements and appear the benefactor to his relatives. The loss of the chance to help stings his generous nature, yet he recognizes the deeper reason Darcy will not be displaced. His household nevertheless gives Lydia protection and hosts Darcy around the wedding.
Appearance
He is an English London merchant and Elizabeth's uncle. His age, face, hair, complexion, build, and clothing are not described.
Role
He is the honest family intermediary through whom Darcy's secret rescue can be carried out without humiliating the Bennets.
Relationships
Mr. Darcy — Mr. Darcy overrides Gardiner's wish to pay for and direct the settlement, leaving him only the outward credit for the rescue.
Mr. Wickham — Mr. Wickham's financial demands and marriage are handled through the arrangements Darcy makes with Gardiner.
Sources — 8 recorded facts, by chapter
Chapter 25
- A sensible, gentlemanlike London tradesman whose home offers the eldest Bennets refuge from Longbourn's anxieties.
Chapter 40
- Elizabeth's intelligent London uncle leads the shortened Derbyshire tour after business makes the planned Lake journey impossible.
Chapter 41
- At Pemberley, Gardiner's easy intelligence earns Darcy's attention and makes Elizabeth proud to claim him as kin.
Chapter 44
- Gardiner abandons the Derbyshire holiday at once and promises the practical help Jane believes indispensable in the search for Lydia.
Chapter 45
- Gardiner reaches Longbourn, tempers panic with cautious hope, and prepares to join Mr. Bennet in a London search.
Chapter 46
- In London, Gardiner redirects the fruitless search, takes charge after Mr. Bennet's return, and asks Forster for any clue to Wickham.
Chapter 47
- Gardiner finds Lydia and Wickham in London and negotiates the settlement that will secure their immediate marriage.
Chapter 50
- Gardiner discovers that Darcy, not he, has funded and directed Lydia's rescue, and reluctantly accepts the appearance of credit.