Elizabeth surprised herself with her sharp, instinctive reply. “Of course he will not!”
Georgiana, not quite content, said, “Do not be timid. He will be most cross if we have not done all that is proper for a manof his consequence. Spend freely. We would not wish to appear miserly, would we?”
Elizabeth enjoyed the small smile Miss Darcy added to that last bit of impertinence; the young lady might be recovering from her shock. She turned to Mr Breton, who nodded vigorously.
“Very well, Mr Breton. Let us set to work. Send some wagons to the village… ah… Lambton, I suppose?”
He nodded again.
“Assume the villagers will have nothing. Get bedding: as much as you can, of any quality available. Have you straw to lay down?”
He nodded.
“Very well, then sheets and blankets. If one of your men can bring a wife or mother, have them fetch the other necessities. Nightclothes for adults and children, but only what is available quickly. Any ready-made gowns or trousers you can find. Perhaps some bolts of cloth and sewing materials so they can make what is lacking. Some simple medicines from the apothecary, especially for coughs and burns.”
“Easily done, Miss Bennet. My mother is quite sensible, and lives in Lambton.”
“Food, then. Get a side of beef or a hog, unless you can butcher one from the home farm. Some grain for porridge. Flour and sugar. Speak with Mrs Lovel and get what she needs. I believe all of us except those nursing can eat with the villagers. I recommend simple food, and plenty of it, and the cooking must begin soon.”
“I can make a list for your man, Robert,” Mrs Lovel said. “Give me a quarter of an hour.”
“With your permission, Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth added, “perhaps some treats. Sweetmeats for the children. A few inexpensive toys or books. Wine, brandy, and tobacco for theadults. Fresh bread. Bring whatever the baker has left and bid him deliver more each day.”
Georgiana nodded enthusiastically. “Do not stint, Mr Breton. Let us be generous.”
Elizabeth raised her voice.
“One final matter. You know the invalids. The disease can be hidden for up to a week, so if you have been near anyone sick in the last week, you mustnotcome into contact with the villagers. Do not work in the kitchen or get within two paces of them.Is that understood?”
Everyone nodded or murmured assent. They had done all they could.
“Shall we inspect your ballroom, Miss Darcy?”
Ballroom
“Miss Bennet, I must apologise.”
Elizabeth regarded Mrs Annesley with perplexity as they walked toward the ballroom, having separated from the others to converse discreetly.
“I cannot imagine what for.”
“I feel I have forced you to do my job. Miss Darcy was not equal to the surprise of your arrival, nor was I, but that is a weak excuse. It should not fall to a visitor to assume household cares. I ought to have done better upon your arrival.”
“I see,” Elizabeth said. “And how long have you been companion to Miss Darcy?”
“Six months. Her last companion was unbelievably bad, so Mr Darcy sought someone he could trust to aid her recovery, rather than to teach the duties of a mistress.”
Elizabeth stared. Which fact was the more shocking—that Mrs Annesley confided in her, or that Mr Darcy had hired a poor companion? Then again, why be shocked at any hint of incompetence? But she could not dwell on that.
“I see why you are embarrassed. In a whole six months, you did not manage to teach a girl of sixteen how to improve in five minutes what took me, a lady five years her senior withconsiderablymore experience, two hours to work out. Yes, it is obvious why you are chagrined.”
Mrs Annesley chuckled, much to Elizabeth’s delight. “You have an impertinent streak. I hope I am not being too bold when I tell you it reminds me very much of Mr Darcy.”
“Mr Darcy? You mean the master of this estate? Tall, very handsome—are you certain?”
“Only when he is among those he knows best. When it is just his sister and the colonel, talk like that could go on all night, even before the brandy comes out.”
Elizabeth laughed softly and decided she liked Mrs Annesley very much.
