She glanced at Millie. “I hope we may resolve this quickly. I would rather not be driving home in the dark.”
She guided the gig down the lane toward Mr. Miller’s cottage. They were halfway there when the sound of an approaching rider came from behind.
Elizabeth slowed, and within moments Mr. Darcy drew up beside them. “Good afternoon.”
She smiled. “Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy. I am on my way to see a tenant. He and his neighbour are said to be in dispute.”
“If you do not object, I should be glad to accompany you. Estate matters are always of interest to me.”
“I should be very glad of your company. Thank you.”
They continued together, Darcy riding easily beside the gig.
Soon they reached the Miller cottage. It stood neat and well kept, the thatched roof newly replaced and the garden in good order.
Mr. Miller waved as they approached.
Darcy dismounted and secured his horse before turning to assist Elizabeth and Millie down from the gig.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Miller,” Elizabeth said. She glanced toward Darcy. “Mr. Miller, this is Mr. Darcy, who is staying at Netherfield.”
“Good day to you, sir.”
“And to you. You have a fine cottage. It is clear you take great care of it.”
Mr. Miller beamed. “Aye, sir. Last year Miss Elizabeth saw to it we had a proper tiled roof put on.”
Elizabeth smiled lightly. “I am glad it serves you well. Now, tell me, what is the difficulty?”
Mr. Miller’s expression darkened. “The apple trees, miss. That Mr. MacDonald has been coming and taking from them.”
“Mr. MacDonald? He is not one of our tenants. I understood the matter concerned a tenant within the estate.”
“No, miss. He has been coming this way of late. Keeps to the lane and helps himself.”
“Do you know where he is lodging now?”
“Not rightly, miss. He had a room at the inn, but I hear he has left.”
Elizabeth was silent for a moment.
“If he returns tomorrow, send word at once. I shall have Mr. Wilmot look into it. If the man is in want, we will see what may be done.”
Mr. Miller nodded. “Thank you, miss.”
She continued, “As for your orchard, I have been reviewing the results of a trial in our own. I believe the same approach may be applied here. Additional trees, with companion plantings to improve the soil. It should strengthen the yield.”
Mr. Miller’s face brightened. “That would be a fine thing, miss.”
Darcy assisted Elizabeth and Millie back into the gig. He mounted, and they turned toward Longbourn.
After a short distance, Darcy said, “I was much impressed by how you managed that.”
Elizabeth glanced at him. “Mr. Miller chiefly wished to be heard.”
“And you heard him,” Darcy replied. “That is not always so common as it ought to be.”
She coloured slightly. “You are very kind.”
