“Darcy … I, for once you have caught me off guard.”
William smiled at his admission, saying, “I thought as much before I made the offer.”
“You do realise I know little to nothing about estate management.”
“That will cause me no worry. You have a good head on your shoulders and are certainly experienced assessing matters and giving orders in your chosen profession. Moreover, you were raised on a large estate and must have had a certain amount of training from your father in the event that something should happen to your older brother.”
“That is true, but I never took his instruction seriously. My brother has always been healthy, and once he and his wife produce an heir, all will be settled on that score.”
“Nevertheless, you are familiar with Rosings Park and have accompanied me every spring to assist Aunt Catherine. I have often shared my concerns over the management of the estate with you, and you have willingly given me your valuable opinions. Should you decide favourably, you will have the aid of my very able steward, and I will of course advise you in areas where you are lacking. Not to mention, Rosings Park generates a very respectable income and as an active occupant, you would be entitled to a percentage of the profits.”
“‘Tis a generous proposition. If you do not mind, Darcy, I should like to think on your offer and perhaps speak with Father about the possibility.”
“I would hope so. Your father is excellent at estate management and was very helpful to me after my father died.”
Following a few more shots and some banter about Richard’s potential as master of an estate, Richard turned the conversation to Mr. Bennet. “May I ask how your father-in-law is faring? It must have been difficult for him, knowing his daughter and Anna were taken.”
“According to a letter Elizabeth received from Miss Mary, he is pretty much the same. Even with all that happened, he did not have a relapse, for which we are grateful.”
“I am glad to hear it. I liked the man very much. ‘Tis a shame about his heart, though.”
“I know. He and Elizabeth are close, and it will be hard on her when he dies.”
“Thankfully, she will have you.”
“I will do everything I can. Still….”
“I understand.”
“Before we left Longbourn, I spoke to Bennet about allowing me to assist him. He agreed, and I have contacted one of my agents who will serve as a temporary land steward during the harvest and making periodic visits throughout the year. Elizabeth says her father has done little since his initial collapse, so it appears my assistance is much needed.
“My man, Wallace, will travel to Longbourn at the beginning of next week to survey the estate. After consulting with Bennet, he will send me his report and begin making changes per my approval. In addition, I have asked Wallace to meet with Sir William Lucas in order to gather information about what properties are available in the neighbourhood, should I choose to look at anything for Mrs. Bennet before going on to Pemberley. Based on Mitchell’s prediction, Bennet may not last through the winter. Hopefully that will not be the case.”
“I did not realise he had so little time left.”
“For Elizabeth’s sake, I prefer to think more positively and pray he will live much longer.”
“I hope so, too. Bennet is fortunate to have you as a son-in-law. He need not worry about his family from that respect. Considering all you have been through since your marriage, I am impressed with your resilience in these matters.”
“You need not be. Everything I do with regard to the Bennets, I do for Elizabeth and her alone. Without her, I am but a shell of a man.”
Richard gave Darcy a brotherly hug. “You, Cousin, are a deserving man, and I am very happy for you, for all of you.”
The Music Room
Later that evening
Following a lovely dinner with delightful conversation, the Darcys and Richard removed to the Music Room for dessert and some relaxation. To conclude their little family celebration, Elizabeth and Anna had presented Georgiana with the music box from the Meryton woodcarver’s shop. Saddened that Wickham had taken her jewellery while at Ramsgate, William gifted his sister with a necklace he had chosen from Lady Anne’s collection. The necklace, a lovely pearl pendant simply set with a few small diamonds and on a gold chain, held a special meaning for him.
“As a youth, I remember Mama often wore this necklace. Here, allow me to help you put it on.”
“William, it is perfect,” Georgiana said reverently placing her hand on the pendant after he fastened the clasp. Trying to hold back her tears, she continued, “And because it belonged to Mama, I love it all the more.”
“Aunt Georgie, Mama Elizabeth had a present for me, too,” said Anna unknowingly breaking the emotional tension. She proudly pointed to her garnet cross. “My necklace was Mama’s,and it came from our Grandmamma Elizabeth Rose. Mama says it is good to share.”
“Your necklace is quite lovely, Anna. I had no idea it once belonged to Mama Elizabeth. I agree, sharing is a very good thing, and all of you have made me very happy tonight with your generosity.”
“We love you, Aunt Georgie,” the child said giving her aunt a loving embrace.
