“No, he is not from the Highlands, but from England, like yourselves. There is not much I can tell, I am afraid. His letter was sent before yours, so I expect him any day, or a letter explaining that he does not intend to come.”
“What happens if the other gentleman refuses to come?” Elizabeth asked.
“Then the right to inherit would fall directly to your father. But there is nothing that can be done until he comes or sends word. It is fortunate you could gather the papers in time, really. You were discovered to be a potential heir at the last moment. I had already sent off the first letter, so he will not know he is one of two potential heirs.” Mr Campbell shook his head. “I would not be surprised if the gentleman is upset.”
“Well, I am sure you will handle everything with discretion and poise,” Elizabeth replied.
“I thank you.” He looked round the drawing room and sighed. “I wanted to avoid embroiling the house in a long, drawn-out claims case. By having you both here to explain the situation, I hope to avoid the courts.”
Her father would feel much the same, Elizabeth knew. The thought of a long, drawn-out battle before a judge would be abhorrent to him. But if it meant the difference between her daughter being well provided for and being thrown into the hedgerow when Mr Collins inherited after her father’s death, he might have no further choice than to fight for his rights to inherit Strathalt House.
Mr Bennet was nodding. “I assure you, I have no wish for this to descend into acrimony, Mr Campbell. I shall do my very best to work towards a fair and peaceful solution.”
“After meeting you and your charming daughter, I have no doubt of it.” He sighed again. “Now, there is only the question of the other gentleman. I hope he will be as congenial as you and that we may all get this straightened out as quickly and smoothly as possible.”
Her father and Mr Campbell continued to visit, while Elizabeth was content to sip at her tea and listen, enjoying her dessert. All the while, she wondered what the other gentleman might be like. Was it wicked to hope that he would not appear at all, so that the Bennets might inherit Strathalt House? While she certainly wished the unknown man no harm, it was difficult to believe he could need the windfall as badly as they did. One day, hopefully many years in the future, Mr Bennet would surely pass away. And when he did, they would lose Longbourn forever. Strathalt House could be the difference between continuing their comfortable lives as gentlewomen and sinking into penury and despair.
Chapter 4
Darcy looked at Strathalt House with relief. Georgiana had been brave and patient during the journey, never complaining once. But he knew it had been difficult for her. They had stopped at an inn late the night before. Exhausted, Georgiana had not woken until nearly ten o’clock. Still, they had pressed onward in the late morning.
“I’ll request the housekeeper take you to a room so you can rest,” Darcy said as the carriage stopped. He opened the carriage door and climbed down, then offered his hand to Georgiana. She took it and jumped down, attempting to seem as lively as ever, but stumbled and nearly fell.
Darcy caught her just in time. “Georgiana! The journey was too much for you, I knew it. I should not have pushed you so hard. You shall have your rest soon, I promise you.”
Georgiana rolled her eyes heavenward. “I know you are worried about me, brother, but I am fine. It was a long journey, but that full night’s sleep has done me a world of good. I would very much like to see the house and meet Mr Campbell.” Georgiana beamed up at him, then looked at the stone house, taking in a quick, awed breath. “It is beautiful, is it not? Better than I imagined.”
“Yes, it is quite handsome, isn’t it?” Darcy asked. It was not Pemberley, but it had a charm all its own. The stones had a rugged grace, speaking of many long years of protecting the family within. The grounds were wild, untamed, and he liked them all the better for it. It was perfect, somehow — exactly what he had thought a Scottish house should look like. “Well, let us not stand out here on the stoop all morning.” He offered his sister his arm, and they walked up the steps together.
A servant opened the door, and Darcy stepped forward. “Good morning. My name is Darcy — Fitzwilliam Darcy. I received a letter from Mr Campbell to come and see him about the house. Is he in?”
“Yes, sir. Mr Campbell is out inspecting the property at the moment. But I will alert Mrs Graham, the housekeeper, of your arrival. Will you follow me to the drawing room? The other footmen and I will see to your luggage.”
“Thank you,” Darcy said. They were shown into a comfortable room, not too large. Given the rugged stone of which the structure was constructed, that might be for the best. It would be a chore to heat all the rooms in this grand house. Thankfully, there was already a fire burning in the hearth.
“I will send Mrs Graham to you directly,” the servant said. He bowed and left the room.
Darcy sat down beside his sister, who did her best to cover a yawn. He took her hand. “Are you certain you are well? I can ring for the servant and ask that you be shown to your room right away. I can see Mr Campbell on my own.”
“No, I am well. Only a little tired,” Georgiana said. Darcy frowned. It was obvious she was putting on a brave front for hisbenefit. “I am very intrigued by this house and its keeper. Is it not beautiful?” she exclaimed.
“It is,” Darcy replied. He looked about the room, then let his eyes rove toward the window and the impossibly green landscape beyond. “I like that it is so near Loch Ness. It will make for a beautiful stroll.”
“Yes, I quite agree,” Georgiana said. She covered another yawn. Despite her claims that she had rested well the night before, Darcy was inclined to think she had fibbed a little. It would be like her to attempt to spare him concern. Georgiana had been stalwart in bearing up under the hardships the journey had wrought. And they would have been here sooner if they had not run into trouble with the carriage wheel. Thankfully, it had only delayed them a day, and the coachman had realised its sorry state before anything dire had taken place. But he knew she would be thankful for a hot bath and a good rest that evening.
Many minutes passed without the arrival of Mrs Graham. When the clock struck noon. Darcy stood and began to pace. It was not a propitious introduction to the household. Had they been forgotten entirely? As he watched Georgiana trying to keep her eyes open, his ire rose. Despite her best efforts, his poor, tired sister was nodding off on the settee. “What is taking them so long?” Darcy muttered. Surely the servant would not have been so remiss as to forget to alert the housekeeper that they had arrived?
“It is a large house, Fitz. Do not be too hard on them.”
“It is not even half the size of Pemberley. And the servant mentioned he is not the only footman. They ought to have unloaded the carriage, taken our luggage to our rooms, and even unhitched the team by now.” He walked to the window to see ifthere was anyone about — a gardener or some kitchen boy that passed by. Anyone — if only they would remind the housekeeper that they were waiting.
“Come and sit down. Tell me what you will do with the house if you are to inherit.” Georgiana patted the settee beside her, and Darcy reluctantly came to her side.
He sat down, though shifting restlessly. “I have not really thought much on the subject. I do not see why we would not inherit. Perhaps it would make a good hunting lodge. How would you like that? I have always wondered what it would be like to hunt stag,” he replied. “And perhaps one year we could come here for Christmas?”
“Oh, that is a lovely idea,” Georgiana said, giving a small smile. She seemed too tired to do anything else. “I am eager to see the rest of the house and grounds. It is nearly too good to be true, more of a fable than reality.”
“I am glad you like the house,” Darcy replied with a small smile. “Perhaps I will make a wedding present of it to you when the time comes. Would you like that?”
