Mr Bennet cleared his throat and lifted his chin in triumph. “It is quite simple, really. Adam Smith is a Scottish economist and philosopher. I have several of his books, you know. Anyway, in his economic philosophy, he states that ‘Man is an animal that makes bargains: no other animal does this — no dog exchanges bones with another.’ Or something to that effect — likely my quotation is not exact.” Mr Bennet smiled broadly at his daughter. “Adam Smith’s animal that does not make bargains, therefore, was a dog. I found the key fastened to Bruce’s collar.”
Darcy was impressed by how quickly his competitor had solved the mystery. But he could not be upset about it. Obviously, Mr Bennet had a keen intellect that had been honed with extensive reading.
Mr Campbell went to stand by the hearth, placing his hand on the mantel. “I underestimated you, Mr Bennet. In the future, I will not make the same mistake again. I shall have to work harder to make the next clues more challenging.”
Darcy shook his head, feeling utterly done for. If he could not even solve a riddle that was deemed too easy for Mr Bennet, how could he possibly solve the next two puzzles before his rival? He would undoubtedly have to try harder next time.
“Give me the remainder of the day to come up with the next clue, if you will,” Mr Campbell said. He held out his hand for the cellar key, which Mr Bennet had found on Bruce’s collar, and stuck it in his pocket. “I shall give the next clue at teatime tomorrow.” He excused himself and was soon gone, no doubt to cook up the next riddle.
Darcy glanced at the window and, seeing the sunshine flowing over the distant mountains, suggested that they take a walk outside to enjoy the fresh air.
“I will not go, I think. I have some letters that need my attention,” Mr Bennet said. He kissed his daughter on the cheek and departed.
“Will you join us, Miss Bennet?” Georgiana asked. Her voice was filled with such hope that Darcy smiled. It did his heart good to see her opening up to someone other than himself. It had been difficult to see her withdraw into shyness and self-doubt. Much of the light and passion for life had gone out of her since the disillusionment of Ramsgate. Perhaps there washope that she could once again be the spirited and lovely young woman he had grown up with.
Thankfully, Miss Bennet accepted the offer. “Yes, I would appreciate some fresh air, not to mention the chance to see more of the grounds.”
Darcy opened the door that led out onto the stone terrace, allowing the ladies to walk in front of him until they reached the green. The grass was wet with the rain that had fallen steadily throughout the night. Mist was still resting over the expanse of the loch, dissipating slowly in the cooler temperatures, making the distant mountains seem as if they floated above the ground.
“It is breathtaking, isn’t it? I had always heard of the allure of Scotland, but I never dreamt it would be so magical,” Miss Bennet breathed.
“It is beautiful,” Georgiana said simply. “I think it is almost as beautiful as Pemberley.”
“It must be quite a treasure, your home,” Miss Bennet went on, kindly engaging his sister in something familiar. Darcy looked at her, impressed. Georgiana had chosen her mentor well. Miss Bennet was indeed adept at conversation and making the other person feel seen and heard.
Georgiana’s face brightened. “It is. My brother has worked very hard over the last few years, making improvements and repairs. It fell a little into disrepair when my father fell ill.” She turned her face away, looking at the loch.
“I am sorry. You must miss him very much,” Miss Bennet said gently. “There is nothing so bad as losing someone you love.”
Darcy wondered if there had been someone close to her that she had lost. As far as he knew, both her parents were still living. Still, the sentiment was appreciated.
“Papa was a good man. But my brother is also a good man, as evidenced by his care of me.” Georgiana linked arms with him and leant against him as they walked. “He detests public praise,” she teased.
“I do not think I deserve praise for doing my duty,” he said, sending her a warning look to change the subject.
“There is a difference between doing one’s duty and taking care of someone out of true affection and brotherly love,” said Miss Bennet. “I have been fortunate to be so close to my four sisters. How dreadful it would be to have a family full of strife! I can hardly imagine it. What a terrible loss that would be, for nothing in this world can be of greater value than the loving relationships we build. At least, that is what I believe.”
Darcy nodded, impressed by her wisdom. “I agree.”
She met his gaze, and the slightest touch of pink spread over her cheeks. She looked away and quickly changed the subject to something more mundane. “Do you ride, Miss Darcy?”
The ladies continued to chat, and after about half an hour, Darcy excused himself, for he too had some letters to see to. A letter had arrived from Bingley, forwarded from his London townhouse.
∞∞∞
Dear Darcy,
I received your letter and am at once sad that I cannot receive you, but delighted at the prospect of an inheritance for you. Not that you need the money — but a bit of adventure in the Scottish Highlands will be good for you. I am always telling Caroline that you work too hard.
We have enjoyed our stay here at Netherfield so far. We have met so many charming people, so open and welcoming. There is a particular lady who has captured my special attention. She is an angel, I tell you, with golden hair and the most beautiful blue eyes… Well, I will not bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, we met at the public assembly in Meryton shortly after our arrival, and I have seen her several times since. She is lovelier than any woman I have met in London.
Caroline sends her best and wishes you to tell Miss Darcy that she longs to see her. We hope you will both come and see us as soon as you are back in England and have settled all the paperwork with the estate manager. Hurry home, Darcy, for I can hardly wait to show you Netherfield Park.
Bingley
∞∞∞
Darcy folded the letter and set it aside, a little concerned for his friend. Bingley was happily infatuated with his angel, but while Darcy could be pleased for his happiness, he doubted the prudence of the relationship. That was Bingley all over — always falling in love without thinking twice. Much of the happiness of his future life might depend on whether he chanced to fall in love with a woman of real worth when he finally married.
