Chapter Twenty-Four
January 4, 1812
Netherfield Park
Darcy
Mattersofbusinessdetainedthe gentlemen at Netherfield through the morning, the drawing room transformed into a temporary study. Papers lay stacked upon the sideboard, maps unfurled, and a fire blazed cheerily in the hearth. Bingley, seated near the writing desk, held a letter in one hand and frowned over a sheet of parchment.
“Darcy,” he said, setting the papers aside, “I have resolved to make one more alteration to the marriage articles before the final draft is prepared. Only a small clarification regarding the jointure."
Darcy nodded with approval. “Prudent. ’Tis best to have everything set forth clearly now.”
“I have also received a packet of correspondence from an agent in the North; he sends word of five estates, all within fifty miles of Pemberley. I thought I might settle nearer to you.”
Darcy regarded Bingley with interest. Such a choice would certainly aid his own cause with Elizabeth; being so near her dearest sister must prove highly agreeable. “Let us look at them.”
Bingley spread the papers, and Darcy read each aloud:
Ashbrook Hall — Located in Cheshire, this estate comprises a modest manor set on 520 acres, with twelve tenant farms and a gently sloping park. The house is in fair repair, though the dower house requires renovation. The nearby village provides both a school and a church.
Windmere Grange — Set in Derbyshire, only twenty-five miles from Pemberley, Windmere Grange offers 700 acres, fifteen tenant farms, and a late Tudor manor with substantial stables. The estate includes a well-kept dower house and excellent roads. The library is reputed to be impressive.
Netherby Downs — In Nottinghamshire, this estate encompasses 470 acres with ten tenant farms, and a rather grand Queen Anne manor. The house is beautifully maintained and boasts a small ornamental lake. There is no dower house, though a detached guest cottage might be converted.
Highmere Park — Near Bakewell, also in Derbyshire, Highmere consists of 610 acres, thirteen tenant farms, and a weathered but dignified manor house dating from the reign of Charles II. The estate includes a mill, and the dower house has been recently reroofed.
Rosegate Manor — Situated in southern Cheshire, Rosegate features a modern Palladian-style house, 450 acres, eight tenant farms, and extensive flower gardens. The house is in excellent repair, but the estate lacks woodland and has no dower house.
Darcy studied each summary carefully. “Windmere Grange and Highmere Park are both strong candidates. Ashbrook has promise, but the work required may not justify the cost.”
Bingley tapped his fingers. “I agree. And Rosegate is charming, but lacks substance. It has too many gardens, and too few fields."
“Then let us set aside Ashbrook, Rosegate, and Netherby Downs. I shall accompany you in touring Windmere and Highmere, and together we can determine which suits you best.”
Bingley gave a grateful smile. “Your help means more than I can say.”
Just then, the butler entered with a tray. “A letter for you, sir,” he said, presenting it to Darcy.
Darcy recognized the hand at once. “From Georgiana,” He excused himself and withdrew to his chamber. There, he sat by the window and broke the seal.
Dearest William,
It has been far too long since I have written you anything of length, and I am determined to amend that now. Mrs. Annesley encouraged me to sit and take my time, and so I do, with her smiling at me from across the room as I begin this letter.
My days have been quite regular, though not unpleasant. Aunt Matlock has been most attentive, taking me to visit acquaintances and lending me books from her library. I am presently studying Italian with renewed interest and have even begun composing short pieces anew.
I have been practicing some particularly challenging works—Dussek’sGrand Sonata in F-sharp minorhas tested my patience, and Haydn’sAndante with Variationscontinues to elude perfect execution. But Mrs. Annesley says she sees progress, and I must trust her ear.
My companion has been wonderfully patient. I cannot express enough gratitude for her guidance. She knows how to lift my spirits without flattery, and though I still struggle with moments of melancholy, they are fewer now.
Aunt has also expressed her approval of my diligence, and last week she brought me a folio of sonatas by Clementi. They are light and pleasant, and I find them a welcome contrast to the more demanding pieces. I played one for her yesterday, and she declared I had improved since Michaelmas.
The household here is kind and orderly. Evenings are spent in reading or music. I have begun copying passages from Richardson into my commonplace book. As Aunt says, it will improve my penmanship as well as my moral sensibilities. I believe she means it affectionately.
The garden is dull this time of year, but I have taken to walking the gravel paths after breakfast. The hellebores have begun to open in the south corner—such brave blooms.
I am eager to hear more from you, dear brother. Your last letter was so short that I feared you were unwell or troubled. Please tell me what occupies you. I long to know how your days are spent, and whether you are happy.
