“I shall pay you one thousand pounds for Lily.”
A choking sound escaped Mr. Barton. He leaned forwards. “Is this some sort of jest? That is a ridiculous price for any steed, except perhaps a champion race-horse.”
“My offer is serious. Will you part with her for one thousand pounds?”
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I cannot refuse this opportunity. I accept your offer.”
I heaved a deep breath. Perhaps Lily would be the key to lifting Georgiana from her depressed state.
Chapter 4: Distressing News
Knight’s Manor
Elizabeth
Ihad reached the most difficult section of Herr Beethoven’s ‘Andante Favori’ when our butler, Oliver, entered the music-room. I halted with my fingers aloft and met his gaze.
“Pardon me, Miss Bennet, but the master wishes to see you in his study.”
“Thank you, Oliver.” I went to the study door and knocked, entering at my uncle’s invitation.
Noah rose from one of the chairs opposite Uncle’s desk; he gave me a quick glance without meeting my eyes. Uncle Barton wore a grave expression.
I took cautious steps inside as Oliver closed the door behind me. “What has happened?”
My uncle indicated the open chair. “Pray have a seat, Lizzy.”
I obeyed and tried in vain to catch Noah’s gaze. How odd; why did he refuse to look at me?
Uncle Barton presented a weak smile. “Today, I made a business agreement. Like many decisions in life, I did not arrive at this one easily. Nevertheless, I believe I took the most prudent course. As a result, I intend to settle a jointure upon you of one thousand pounds.”
One thousand pounds?“I do not understand. How is this possible?” In the past, both my uncle and Noah had remarked on the estate’s financial setbacks in the last several years. How, then, could my uncle afford to bestow so much money upon me?
“An unexpected opportunity arose today, one which I could not overlook. I am delighted to be able to do this for you.”
“I do not know what to say. This is incredibly generous of you. And yet…” I swallowed. “I do not know whether I can accept this gift.”
A crimson hue tinted Uncle Barton’s complexion. “But you must!”
The force of his response made me shrink back in my seat.
“Pardon me.” My uncle’s voice resumed a moderate volume. “The money will make a significant difference in your life. The principal funds will accrue interest, providing you at least forty pounds each year, and you will have a better chance of making a match with an eligible gentleman.”
I took a quick look at my cousin, who kept his head down. Why did he appear out of sorts? Did he object to Uncle Barton giving me this money? No, Noah would never begrudge me anything. “If you insist, then yes, thank you very much.”
“You are quite welcome.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Yes.” He brushed his hand over his chin. “I once made you a promise, and I should never have broken my word without a powerful incentive. I hope you will not allow your emotion to overrule your reason.”
My teeth closed upon my lower lip. What promise did he mean?
Uncle’s gaze drifted lower. “I have sold Lily for the sum of one thousand pounds, an amount which far exceeds her actual value.”
No, not Lily.He could not mean this! I shook my head, and hints of nausea caused my stomach to spasm.
“You must be reasonable and accept that I could not, in good conscience, refuse such a remarkable offer. In any case, my decision has been made, and the matter is settled.”
