“I believe that there is a housekeeper, a cook, a maid-of-all-work and a manservant who work here. If you accept the living, it will be up to you to keep them or replace them,” Lord Hilldale explained.
“If offered and I accept the living, I would retain the staff. I see no reason to replace them on a whim. I would only do something like that if there was some unsolvable problem with one of them,” Harrison informed them. He was not that kind of man; his vocation was to help, not hurt those less fortunate.
“Ian, you have recommended the perfect man for this living. I believe that he can reverse all of the damages that were wrought by that sycophantic fool Collins and my Aunt Catherine,” Andrew said as he looked at his friend.
Ashby bowed his head in appreciation of the compliment. “You know that I would never have recommended one that was unworthy, Andrew. I have known Ben almost as long as I have known you, as his father’s estate is not far from my father’s. He is the best of men.”
“Ahem, gentlemen? You do realise that the subject of your conversation is standing right here, do you not?” Harrison asked with no small amount of embarrassment as he heard the two men talk about him in such good terms. “However, Ian, my Lord, I thank you for your kind words.”
Harrison was impressed by the house, gardens, and glebe lands. His predecessor had kept some bees, too. He was to be the recipient of three hives if he gained the living. After meeting with the staff, he left them feeling very relieved that he would not need to replace anyone, letting them know that they could count on job security. All four hoped this man would be offered the living as they quickly saw that he was a true man of the faith, and more than that, he was a good man, which would make for a refreshing change.
From the house, the three men walked to the church that abutted the parsonage. It was a nice sized and well-maintained structure. There Harrison was introduced to the caretaker and the curate that the local bishop had sent from his own church to serve until the living was gifted to a new clergyman. Harrison was relieved to learn that the curate was not hoping to be awarded this living as he was very happy with his situation serving the bishop. After the tour of the church was complete, the three men headed back to the manor house.
Chapter 10
Saturday morning brought the Darcys to Gardiner House on Portman Square. They had been invited for nuncheon, an invitation that was accepted with all haste. Both Darcys were happy; Darcy because it would be more time spent with the lady that he was head over heels and irrevocably in love with, and Georgie because the more she got to know the Bennet sisters, the more she liked them. She was very much looking forward to meeting the younger Bennet sisters when they arrived at Bennet House on the Monday coming.
After being shown into a family sitting room and greeting the family and Mrs Collins, the Darcys took their seats after offering condolences to the widow. Georgie sat on a settee between Miss Bennet and her cousin Lily, while Darcy sat in an armchair next to the settee where Miss Elizabeth, Mrs Collins, and Mrs Gardiner sat. James Gardiner was entertaining his younger sister and brother sitting on the rug nearby.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy requested her attention so she turned to look at him, “I have received information about the schooling you had asked me about for Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia. The headmistress of Greenlake School for Young Ladies, Mrs Cecilia Ponsonby, has a spot for Miss Catherine and she can start as soon as your father wishes, should the school be acceptable to your parents.
“Mrs Ponsonby’s cousin, a Mrs Hesperia Gilbert, runs a school for more ‘challenging’ young ladies. She inherited an estate, Dark Hollow in Wiltshire, which she had turned into the Dark Hollow School for Girls. With the remote nature of the estate and the closest town more than twenty miles away, she has never had a girl successfully run away. Mrs Ponsonby tells me that the school is very strict but fair, and she has never heard of a young lady that Mrs Gilbert and her staff have not been able to reform. There are a number of families willing to attest to the efficacy of the programme at Dark Hollow if your father needs some references. Mrs Gilbert has a spot for Miss Lydia, if your parents want to take it.” He provided her with the requested information and was gratified that she did not seem like she had to force herself to be in his company.
“I thank you for your effort on my family’s behalf, Mr Darcy. You have gone above and beyond what I requested and for that you have my gratitude.” Elizabeth blushed some as she thanked Darcy. ‘Yes, he is certainly reforming himself in my eyes,’ she thought as she watched him.
“It is not your gratitude that I seek, Miss Elizabeth; but it was my pleasure.”
The possible interpretation of Mr Darcy’s answer caused some further blushing by Lizzy, but now for the second time since making his acquaintance she did not feel disgust at the thought of more than friendship with the enigmatic Mr Darcy. Before Lizzy thought of a witty or teasing retort, Jane Bennet addressed Darcy.
“I understand from Georgie and Tiffany that you have broken with Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy. I hope that it is not for me that you have done this.” She met his eyes and he was surprised at the calm she outwardly showed while her eyes were deadlocked on his.
“It is with all the assurance that you may require, Miss Bennet, I can honestly tell you that although I had pointed out his culpability in losing your regard, no matter the wrongheaded advice that I gave him.” Darcy still felt embarrassed whenever he thought of his officious interference. Seeing her control when such a sensitive subject was addressed, he saw again how wrong he had been to think he could read her. “The break was caused by his inability to control his family, chiefly his sister, Miss Bingley. After everything that I had told him when I informed him of his sister’s behaviour and that she would not be recognised by me again, he had the temerity to ask me if I would marry the woman to make his life easier!” Darcy pronounced with disgust.
“Oh my, the man is worse than even I ascribed to him,” Lizzy frowned at the effrontery to both Darcy and his sister while thinking back to her conversation with Darcy in the grove at Rosings Park.
“As long as it was not because of me, I am made easy,” Jane nodded her head in appreciation of his explanation. “It seems that he has a hard time learning. If he cannot control Miss Bingley, then he cannot be surprised when she is put in her place if she behaves badly at my godmother’s and Aunt Rose’s ball in less than a fortnight.”
“Before I forget,” he winked at Jane, amused that it caused her eyes to flare breaking her serene façade. He then turned to his Elizabeth, “Miss Elizabeth, may I request the pleasure of your company for the opening set at the ball?”
“You may, Mr Darcy,” Lizzy replied and was relieved and equally surprised to realise she was happy he had asked.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. Would you also grant me the supper set please?” he asked pushing his luck.
“If you can deal with the gossips that will wag their chins when they see you open the ball with me and then dance a second set, the all-important supper set with me, then yes Mr Darcy, I accept,” she agreed playfully. Elizabeth stayed him with a raise of her hand as he started to request a third set. “No Mr Darcy, althoughIwould not object to a third set, I will not grant more than two to anyone until I have an understanding, betrothed, or married. That much gossip I do not want to cause, especially as we are new to Town.”
“As disappointed as I am, I do understand,” Darcy said graciously. “When will you, Miss Bennet, and Mrs Collins be residents at Bennet House? Will you wait for your family to arrive on Monday?”
“We will be at Bennet House after church on Sunday. Mrs O’Grady, our housekeeper, has the house fully staffed and as we have our personal footmen, who double as guards, with us, we will not be alone.” Miss Bennet answered for her sister and Charlotte.
“You know you would have been welcome to stay with us on Sunday as well Jane. Edward, your cousins, and I love having you with us,” Aunt Maddie again tried to change their minds.
“Thank you, Aunt Maddie, we do know that and we will be only a short carriage ride away from Gardiner House. Being so close to Hyde Park, my cousins will have many opportunities to spend time with us in the park,” Jane teased her cousins to their delight.
“Both Tiffany and I are looking so very forward to having you Jane, and you Lizzy, so close to us on the square,” Georgiana offered excitedly. “Brother and I saw your horses arrive the other day. What magnificent animals they are. I hope you will go riding with us once you move in and the rest of your family arrive. How nice it will be to have so many young ladies living around the square.”
“We will be happy to ride with you, Georgie. If I am not mistaken, Mary will be bringing her horse, Callisto, with her,” Lizzy agreed for all her sisters.
“Would Georgie’s older, arrogant hypocritical brother be able to join the rides as well Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy teased her.
