Mrs. Turner nodded. “I have taken on an additional seamstress. There has been considerable demand with the ball approaching.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I imagine the ball has brought you a great deal of custom. Then we are fortunate indeed. Thank you again.”
As they stepped out into the street, Elizabeth glanced toward the bakery.
“Shall we take tea and biscuits before returning home?”
Mrs. Bennet beamed. “An excellent notion. This has been a most delightful morning.”
***
Elizabeth was in her writing room when Mr. Wilmot was shown in.
He removed his hat and bowed slightly. “Good morning, Miss Bennet.”
“Good morning, Mr. Wilmot. Please sit down.” Elizabeth gestured toward the chair opposite her desk. “You sent word that you wished to speak with me.”
“I did, Miss Bennet. I thought it best to inform you of something the tenants have mentioned.”
Elizabeth folded her hands upon the desk. “Go on.”
“It concerns a soldier who has been seen walking along the lane near the cottages on the east side of the property. Mr. Miller spoke of it. He saw the man near the Smith cottage and said he went off quickly when observed.”
Elizabeth leaned back slightly. “It may be nothing more than a man visiting acquaintances in the village. Still, I would prefer to know who he is.”
“I thought as much.”
“If he is seen again, ask that someone speak with him. We have no objection to visitors, but I would like to know his business if he is regularly crossing our land.”
“Yes, Miss Bennet.”
“Have you settled matters with Mr. Carter, the wheelwright?”
“I have. He will remove to a new cottage in Meryton next week. Mr. Harding has agreed to let him use the barn adjoining his building.”
“That is very good.”
Elizabeth glanced down at the ledger before her. "I have reviewed the recent reports and am well pleased with their progress. You have managed matters exceedingly well, Mr. Wilmot. For that reason, your salary will be increased.”
Mr. Wilmot looked genuinely surprised. “Thank you, Miss Bennet.”
She closed the ledger and regarded him thoughtfully. “I have also been considering the growing number of matters requiring attention on the estate.”
He inclined his head. “The past year has been particularly active.”
“That is precisely my concern. You have managed everything admirably, but the estate has become too active for one man to oversee every detail.”
Mr. Wilmot shifted slightly in his chair. “I do my best to see that nothing is neglected.”
“And you succeed,” Elizabeth replied. “But I believe it would be wise for you to have assistance.”
“Assistance, Miss Bennet?”
“Yes. An under-steward, or assistant steward. Someone who could visit the more distant tenants, inspect repairs, and report back to you. It would allow you to give proper attention to the accounts and the larger concerns of the estate.”
Mr. Wilmot considered this for a moment.
“You believe the estate can support such a position?”
