The gift Mr. Ellis had bestowed upon her was unbelievable. Not only would her own family be safe, but she would also have the means to help others that she had lacked when she was simply a daughter of Longbourn. She did not need to consider the bequest. She was entirely willing, even eager, to comply with the terms of the inheritance.
She only hoped she could do justice to Mr. Ellis’s faith in her.
Later, as the Bennets entered the dining room, they were greeted by a large vase of fresh, fragrant flowers and the warm smiles of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs.
The butler and housekeeper were a striking pair who carried themselves with an innate dignity—trim, neatly attired, posture ramrod straight. His greying hair was kept short and neat; her light brown hair was coiled and pinned up.
“These are beautiful.” Elizabeth cupped one large blossom with her hand and leaned down to smell it.
The housekeeper’s kindly face beamed. “Freshly cut from the greenhouse, Miss Bennet.”
The small table was set with fine china and gleaming silverware, and the room was filled with an inviting aroma from a tureen sitting in the centre. It was a bit informal, but they were a small party, and Elizabeth liked it.
“Welcome, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet.” Mr. Riggs bowed. “We thought you might enjoy some of Mr. Ellis’s favourite dishes after your long journey from Hertfordshire.”
“We would indeed.” Papa took an appreciative sniff. “The inns do what they are able, but it is not the same as having one’s own cook.”
“It smells delightful!” Mamma exclaimed as Papa held out her chair.
“I agree.” Elizabeth smiled as Mr. Riggs moved to hold her chair. “This is a lovely welcome.”
When they were left alone to eat, Elizabeth said, “Papa, Mamma, we shall have to see to hiring more servants directly, for even with only the three of us, there is too much work here for the servants in residence.”
“That is a good thought,” Mamma said. “Particularly once we begin making changes, for there is nothing worse for stirring up dust, and we shall need the maids to clean every evening. We shall also need to pack away anything fragile.”
Papa lifted a spoon of the soup to his mouth and closed his eyes. “You will want to keep this cook.”
Elizabeth and Mamma laughed.
“You always think first with your stomach, Thomas.” Mamma shook her head at him. “But we shall require more than help in the kitchen.”
“Mrs. Riggs has a list,” Elizabeth reminded her mother, who nodded.
Papa seemed deep in contemplation as he ate. “We shall have to hire workmen as well, and I believe that should fall to me, Lizzy. I shall speak with the steward tomorrow and make a tour of the farms this week. Once you and your mother have remedied any issues here, we can speak about the tenants and the crops. I will be your representative with the steward, but you should be aware of the estate workings and meet with us too.”
It was a great deal to do, but they had time. She hoped. “How long will you stay, Papa?”
“Three weeks or a bit more, depending on what there is to be done. You shall be able to rely on your Aunt Gardiner’s friends should you need anything. I am grateful she and her family were so well thought of here.”
“And Lizzy too. She travelled with them on all the Gardiners’ trips north,” her mother said.
“Yes.” Papa touched his napkin to his lips. “Clearly Elizabeth was also well thought of here.”
Elizabeth knew she had been sent with the Gardiners in part because her mother, her nerves badly frayed with so many young children in the house, had asked them to take her. Elizabeth had never minded—she had looked forward to the trips, for Uncle and Aunt Gardiner were endlessly patient with all her questions, something that had wearied Mamma no end. The Gardiners had expected her to make herself useful too, which Elizabeth had enjoyed just as much.
Her father continued to speak. “Mr. and Mrs. Riggs ought to be able to help us hire a few more footmen to keep watch once I am gone.” He would have to return home to oversee some estate business for Longbourn he had left undone to travel with Elizabeth. “The Gardiners might be willing to come north for Christmas this year, given the circumstances.”
Mamma nodded. “It is a shame that Mrs. Wright did not live to see Lizzy the mistress of Hollydale. She would have enjoyed joining us for the festive season.”
“She would have.” Elizabeth recalled how proud Mrs. Wright had been of Aunt Gardiner. To have a connection to Hollydale House would have pleased her no end.
“If the Gardiners can attend us, they might travel with me and the rest of the girls. What say you, Lizzy?” Papa’s question broke through her musing.
“Yes, it would be wonderful to have everyone here,” Elizabeth replied. “I suppose our decision is made as to whether to open the house, then. We shall have to spend the autumn preparing it to receive guests.”
Her father nodded. “I must say I believe that to be the best course. The house requires attention, and I would not like to let it go too much longer.”
Elizabeth had never seen her father as enthusiastic about Longbourn’s upkeep, but then, their current home was entailed away to a distant relation of the family whose father he had not liked. He was apparently more willing to exert himself since Hollydale would remain in the family.
