“What sort of policies?” Lady Hartford enquired.
“He wishes to evict the Farmington family for arrears, despite their long history on the estate and their willingness to make arrangements for repayment.”
Lord Hartford frowned. “The Farmingtons have been with us for thirty years. This is not the first time they have been in trouble. You were only steward for two months, Darcy, so perhaps you do not know this. In any case, if the steward believes they cannot recover, perhaps—”
“Percival worked with them in the past and they recovered. I discussed the matter with him. And while I have not worked here long, I have many years of experience in estate management. I am certain they are entirely capable of recovery as they have been in the past,” Darcy interrupted, then caught himself.
“It is no longer your concern,” Lady Hartford said with a sniff, still upset over Lydia’s banishment. “You are a gentleman now, not a steward.”
Elizabeth straightened in her chair. “But surely it is his concern. He knows these families, understands their circumstances better than a stranger newly arrived. Should we not care about people as well as income? If anyone at this table has experience managing estates successfully, it is Mr Darcy.”
Her defence of him was fierce and uncompromising, and Darcy felt something crack open in his chest.
“Elizabeth makes an excellent point,” Lord Hartford said approvingly. “Perhaps we should discuss this matter privately in my study after dinner, Darcy.”
Darcy met Elizabeth’s eyes across the table, seeing pride and affection in her gaze. The knowledge that he was falling in love with her struck him.
And she was falling too, he could see it in the way she looked at him, in her passionate defence of his character. In the way she’d sought to kiss him.
How could he build a life with her on such a foundation of lies? How long before the truth destroyed whatever fragile affection was growing between them?
As the second course arrived and conversation gradually resumed, Darcy sat in tormented silence, acutely aware of the woman beside him and the secret that would surely destroy any chance of happiness they might have found together.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Elizabeth
“Icannot thank you enough for what you said tonight.” Darcy’s voice carried warmth as they walked the moonlit path back to Longbourn.
“Nor I you,” she replied. “Lydia was quite dreadful. I fear she grows more impudent by the day.”
“Your defence of my position regarding the tenants was most generous. I confess, I was not certain how your father would receive my concerns.”
Elizabeth glanced at his profile in the pale moonlight. “What did Papa say when you spoke privately?”
“He has agreed to allow the Farmingtons to remain, provided I accept personal responsibility for their account. Should they fail to meet the new payment arrangement, the debt becomes mine.”
“That is wonderful news! Elizabeth’s step grew lighter. “I believe you should continue advocating for such families. You have a passion for estate management that goes beyond mere profit, and you have been seeking meaningful occupation since giving up your steward duties.”
“I had not realised you were so observant of my restlessness.”
“You are my husband. Of course I notice when you seem at loose ends. Though I suspect hunting and fishing provide some diversion, even if they cannot occupy all your time.Although I do know how time consuming fishing is now, I cannot say the same for hunting, as I have never been. Though I wish to.”
“You wish to hunt?” he asked, sounding surprised.
“My mother never thought it proper for ladies to show interest in such pursuits, but I have always been curious. Papa used to take me along secretly when I was younger, though I never actually participated.”
“Well, it need no longer be secret,” Darcy said with growing enthusiasm. “I shall take you appropriately equipped and we can make a proper expedition of it. Perhaps Jane and Bingley might join us, if—” he paused, his expression growing speculative. “Speaking of Bingley, your sister appeared uncommonly radiant this evening. I suspect he may have finally made his proposal.”
Elizabeth could not suppress a smile. “You suspect correctly. Jane confided the news whilst you were closeted with Papa. Mr Bingley proposed this afternoon and plans to speak with my father tomorrow.”
“Capital! I am delighted for them both. Bingley has been quite beside himself with anxiety about the proper timing.”
They resumed walking, the shared happiness over Jane’s engagement creating a comfortable intimacy between them. Elizabeth marvelled at how natural conversation had become with Darcy, how easily they fell into discussion of shared concerns and mutual interests, despite her overstepping that morning and his odd reaction. She had thought him stepping back from the kiss meant he did not care for her, but now she wondered if she was mistaken.
As they approached Longbourn the sight that greeted them drove all other thoughts from Elizabeth’s mind. A young woman sat upon the front steps, a small portmanteau beside her, her fair hair gleaming silver in the moonlight. She appeared to be perhaps eighteen years old, tall and slender, with an air of nervous energy about her posture.
“Who on earth—” Elizabeth began, but before she could complete her question, the stranger leaped to her feet and rushed towards them.
