Heavy silence hung in the air for a few moments, and then she cleared her throat.
“How dreadful for you both,” Elizabeth said. “To lose one’s parents so young must have been devastating. I cannot imagine. Pray, how did you come to be in Lord Matlock’s employ?”
“Lady Anne, the mistress of Pemberley, is Lord Matlock’s sister. She ensured Georgiana and I received proper education and training. Their steward, Mr Wickham, became like a second father to me. He taught me everything I know about estate management, even before I came to work under Mr Jones. When Lady Anne and Mr Havisham passed away and Pemberley was sold, Lord Matlock brought my sister, myself, and Mr Wickham to Matlock. Lady Anne’s wish.”
Elizabeth felt her earlier irritation dissolving entirely. Here was a man who had lost everything as a child yet had managed to build a respectable life through the kindness of others and his own determination. She set down her basket and touched his arm briefly. “You have been fortunate in your guardians.”
“More than I can ever repay,” he agreed. “Which is why I am perhaps overly conscious of maintaining proper standards. I owe it to their memory to succeed in this position.”
“I understand. I cannot imagine what my life would have been like if I had lost my parents so young. Quite different, I imagine. You have done well for yourself. And you sister?”
“Still at Matlock. She will be a lady’s maid one day. Lady Matlock has extended her every kindness,” he said.
“You must miss her.”
He smiled, looking out over the orchard.
“More than I thought possible.” He licked his lips, then met her eyes.
“Should I escort you back to the house?” he asked. “These grounds are rather extensive for a lady to walk alone.”
“I often walk these parts unaccompanied,” Elizabeth replied. “Have done so since childhood.”
“But is that quite safe? You never know what manner of person might be wandering about.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at his protective tone. “I am uncertain what sort of people you encountered at Matlock but I assure you, the inhabitants of Meryton are entirely respectable.
“Forgive me,” Darcy interrupted. “I suppose I am rather protective of young ladies, having grown up responsible for my sister’s welfare. It becomes habit.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I assure you these grounds are perfectly safe. I know every path, every tree, every hiding place from my childhood adventures.” She smiled slightly. “Besides, I am trying to escape our houseguest, Mr Collins. The fresh air provides necessary respite from his… extensive observations on proper conduct.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed with concern. “A houseguest? I was not made aware of additional household requirements. Should I speak with Mrs Jenkins about provisions, additional staff—”
“Oh, no need for alarm,” Elizabeth assured him quickly. “It is only Mr Collins, my father’s heir to the title and the original Longbourn house. He has come to ingratiate himself with the family and has set his cap at whichever sister might accept his suit.”
“Ah. And I take it none of you are particularly enthusiastic about this prospect?”
“He is both arrogant and remarkably foolish—a rather unfortunate combination. He speaks constantly of his patroness and seems to believe inherited consequence grants him superior wisdom on all subjects.”
“His patroness?”
“Lady Catherine de Bourgh of Rosings Park. He is rector at Hunsford.” Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Perhaps you know of her? I believe she is some relation of Lord Matlock’s.”
“His other sister. Lady Anne and Lady Catherine were Lord Matlock’s younger sisters. I have met her on several occasions,” he said and she smiled at the dread in his voice.
“How extraordinary! Then you must have heard all manner of tales about our formidable Lady Catherine.”
“A few,” Darcy admitted, his mouth twitching with suppressed amusement. “Your Mr Collins’s version may differ somewhat from reality.”
Elizabeth laughed outright. “Oh, you must tell me! Collins speaks of her as if she were some sort of benevolent deity, dispensing wisdom and largesse to her grateful subjects.”
“Well,” Darcy said, “she certainly has opinions on a great many subjects. And she is not… hesitant to share them.”
“Is it true she redesigned the village school according to her own specifications?”
“Complete with new desks arranged precisely to her measurements, yes. Facing towards Rosings, to inspire, if I remember correctly.”
“And that she personally interviews every housemaid in her employ to ensure proper standards? I hear she even makes the menus, nothing escapes her eye, according to Mr Collins.” She grinned as she recalled the man’s enthusiastic descriptions.
