“May I?” he asked, nodding at it. Darcy nodded tersely, and Slant took his time filling a glass. “Can I pour one for you, sir?”
“No, thank you.” Darcy finally found his tongue, “Are you likely to prevaricate more, sir?”
“Not at all. It is vital that I attend to your sister’s care as soon as possible. First, though, we must speak. I do not think you should allow me into your home without an explanation, and an apology.”
“I did not even want you to cross the threshold, sir.” the other man growled, “Mrs. Reynolds convinced me otherwise. It is your years of service which I respect sir. As for your judgement…”
“Yes, that is where I must apologise. From the depths of my soul, I apologise for sending that wicked woman into your home.”
In a few more sentences, Slant described his introduction to Miss Crocker, and the false promises of the estimable doctor who had recommended her. For the first time his self-assured approach failed him, and he shook his head.
“Like yourself, sir, I placed great trust in the word of another. I later discovered that Miss Crocker was Acon’s niece. She had not been able to find employment in the city, so he had sent her to me.”
“That is a red flag if ever I heard one!”
“Yes, sir, but by the time I discovered the truth of her past, she had been working at Pemberley for over a month. Since I heardno complaints about her work, I decided to let the past lie. It was a grievous error, sir, and I apologise. I must add that, whenever I visited Miss Darcy, she seemed very well cared for. Miss Crocker was most attentive to her in my presence."
“She was the same whenever I was in the room. It was only when she thought herself unobserved that her true nature came out. Thank God that Mrs. Darcy hid under that piano.”
It was such a peculiar thing to say that Slant’s mouth twitched, “Your wife hid under a piano, sir?”
Darcy gave him an aloof look. “I have dealt with Miss Crocker, of course.”
“Yes. So did your servants, I understand. I bound a broken wrist and heard a few ridiculous stories that I knew at once to be false. She slandered you rather ferociously. I am glad that you summoned me, but I would have come uninvited if you had not. There is much to repair. May I attend to your sister now, sir? I do not wish to delay any further, if our business here is done.”
It was a relief for Darcy to know that Slant remained trustworthy. “Of course, sir, with my gratitude. Mrs. Reynolds is with Miss Darcy at the moment. Please ask her to come and speak to me.”
Slant bowed and hurried away. A few minutes later, Mrs. Reynolds knocked politely on the study door. Her first move was also towards the water tray, to straighten the glasses.
“Mrs. Reynolds, I would like you to interview candidates for two new positions. One is for a ladies’ maid for Mrs. Darcy, as we discussed. The other must be for a sensible, trustworthy woman. You must choose her yourself and advertise for any qualities you prefer.”
“Yes, sir. Is she for Miss Darcy?”
“No, Mrs. Reynolds. For yourself. I wish for you to have a maid of your own - an assistant housekeeper, I suppose, but one who serves you rather than the house. You have taken on many duties since I came home, without my asking. You carried them out without any ceremony. You have cared for my wife, and now my sister, with resilient strength and compassion. Do not think I have been blind to your generosity, Mrs. Reynolds. I am extremely grateful. I would like you to be able to continue in your kindness without the weight of other duties on your shoulders. You look tired, and I could not bear it if you became ill.”
Mrs. Reynolds had been gaping wordlessly at him for most of the speech, but at that last comment she finally managed to squawk: “Tired! Mr. Darcy, what a thing to say! I would never…”
“You will also be paid a sizeable bonus and given a cottage on the estate, with a generous annuity to keep you in comfort there for the rest of your life. Is that satisfactory, madam?”
His stern expression allowed no argument. Mrs. Reynolds did not attempt to find one. Sniffling a little (and pretending she had a cold), the housekeeper managed to nod her head.
“Very well.” Darcy said, smiling.
Then he waved his hand, dismissing her as if nothing had happened. Mrs. Reynolds’ tried to leave but her feet would not obey her. They stuck to the floor, and her voice came out in a croak.
“Mr. Darcy…”
Darcy frowned at her, recognising the voice of someone drawing on a large amount of courage. He nodded a little, encouraging her to continue. When she drew a deep breath, he knew it was going to be something serious and braced himself.
“There is another matter, sir. I must speak to you about Mrs. Darcy.”
Darcy’s face took on a haughty, closed-off expression that Mrs. Reynolds knew far too well. Seeing him looking so superior perversely chased all of her nervousness away. Even though she was still reeling from his easy generosity, she wanted to shake the man.
You used to use that look when you got caught stealing biscuits from mama’s kitchen! You were not above a scolding then, and you certainly aren’t too high-and-mighty for one now!
“Is it your place to speak so candidly, madam?” he asked stiffly.
“Yes sir.” her voice was smooth and professional, “I must ask what you intend to do. Mrs. Darcy is very upset, sir.”
