With a straight face, he continued. “I play the bagpipes.”
Miss Elizabeth’s laughter was joined by his only to be interrupted by the butler. “Mr. James Hamilton of Ashby Park to see you, sir.”
Miss Elizabeth gasped, then schooled her expression.
“Please, show him into the study.”
The younger girls quickly looked at Miss Elizabeth only to be met by a hint of a smile from the older girl. “Let us leave Mr. Darcy to his business, girls.”
“Do you not wish to greet Mr. Hamilton, Lizzy?”
“Of course, Kitty. But we must not be late for Georgiana’s appointment. Besides, last night he stated he would be calling at my aunt Gardiner’s soon.” Turning her attention to Darcy, she said, “Good day, sir. We look forward to your arrival this evening.”
“As do I, Miss Bennet. Good day.”
After she exited the drawing room, Darcy heard the greeting in the hall between Miss Elizabeth and her almost betrothed. He waited until he heard the ladies depart, then counted to fifty before joining that gentleman in his study. “Good day, Hamilton. What brings you to Darcy House?” he asked, entering the room.
Standing to shake his hand, Hamilton replied, “I am come to ask about Ashby Park. If you have time, might I seek your advice?”
“Yes, of course. Might I also compliment you on your excellent staff from when I was caught there unprepared two weeks past? They are a credit to you, James. Now, can I offer you something to drink?”
“No, thank you. But I am grateful to hear my staff responded well to your unexpected arrival.”
“Now, what can I help you with?” Motioning for Hamilton to take a chair, Darcy sat behind his large mahogany desk and asked, “Is there a crisis?”
“No, no crisis. Only a piece of business. With your expertise, I was hoping you could offer me proper guidance.”
Darcy smiled. “How can I be of service, old friend?”
“Well, as you know, I am planning on offering for Miss Elizabeth Bennet shortly…”
“Yes,” Darcy replied, digging his nails into the palm of his hand. “You informed me as much when we met in Hertfordshire. I cannot offer you any advice in that field, my friend. But I am surprised you have let it go this long.”
Hamilton chuckled. “That I know. As I said then, I am hoping to tie this business up. A small piece of land abutting mine has become available, and I am inclined to purchase it.”
Darcy nodded as the man continued. “There is a stream, forty acres of farmland, and a small working mill. I have not seen it myself, but my steward has recommended the transaction.”
“Well, if your steward recommends it, you need to ask yourself if you trust your steward. If the answer is yes, then you must follow his counsel. Surely, he would not lead you astray.”
Hamilton nodded. “You are right. I should—”
Both men turned as the door swung open and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered the room unannounced.
“Darcy, what a lovely sight I just beheld departing Darcy House. I see Miss Bennet took Georgiana up on her offer and remained last evening?”
Hamilton shot a look at Darcy and both men stood.
“Miss Bennet? My Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
“Yes, of course. You saw her leave the house just now. She is a friend of Georgiana and the Bennet sisters were her guests last evening.”
“Last evening, after I saw you with her at the theatre?”
“Yes.”
“I imagined she had just met your sister for an early day of shopping.” He stood and began pacing. “Do you know—” Hamilton snapped “—what it would do to her reputation if it were discovered she had slept at the home of an unmarried man?”
Darcy bristled at the insolence. “Sir, I have lived with the eyes of thetonon me since birth. I am well aware of the dangers of tittle-tattle amongst theton. If I had any qualms…the Bennet sisters would not have been permitted to stay. I have my own sister’s reputation to protect. Everything was done well within propriety.”
