Elizabeth considered this. “I may allow the work to continue, or I must engage another builder.”
Darcy inclined his head. “That seems a fair assessment.”
Elizabeth looked up at him. “To allow them to continue when they do not adhere to the plans would be imprudent.” She paused, her expression growing more certain. “If Mr. Wilmot believes the work is not being executed properly, I must trust his judgment.”
Darcy met her gaze. “He appears a very capable man indeed.”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “He is. Then the builder must be replaced.”
Darcy nodded. “Have you another in mind?”
She shook her head. “No, but I shall have Mr. Wilmot obtain new estimates, and then select the most suitable.”
Darcy’s expression softened into quiet approval. “And will setting out at first light tomorrow alter any of those steps?”
Elizabeth’s lips curved into a small smile. “No… it will not.”
She looked at him more fully. “You saw that from the first.”
Darcy gave a faint, amused smile. “Perhaps not quite so readily.”
The decision, once made, settled her mind entirely. Elizabeth leaned lightly against him, the earlier tension giving way to a calmer certainty.
Chapter twenty-eight
The next morning, after breakfast, Elizabeth took up Mr. Wilmot’s letter once more and seated herself to reply.
Darcy House, London
Mr. Wilmot,
I thank you for your letter and for the concerns you have expressed regarding the builder. I have every confidence in your judgment. Pray have the man cease all work immediately.
If you have not already done so, I would have guards placed at Longbourn both day and night, as I am uneasy lest he attempt to return without leave.
Be so good as to obtain estimates from two or three other builders, and when you have done so, I shall be obliged by your recommendations as to how we may best proceed.
I remain grateful for your diligence and attention in this matter.
Elizabeth Bennet
She set the letter aside to dry, then sanded it carefully.
Turning to Darcy, she said, “It seems so clear now, yet yesterday I was quite certain I must return at once.”
Darcy inclined his head. “After my father’s passing, I felt much the same. I believed I must prove myself, and so took upon myself tasks that properly belonged to those already entrusted with them.”
He smiled slightly. “It was not, I think, the impression I intended to give. In time, I found a better balance, one that did not leave my staff quite so tried.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved. “A valuable lesson.”
“Indeed. Though I cannot claim perfection. When I err, I endeavour to amend it and proceed.”
She folded the letter and sealed it. “May we send this express?”
Darcy returned her smile. “Certainly.”
Elizabeth felt the weight of responsibility settle more comfortably upon her shoulders, no longer pressing but borne with purpose.
