Elizabeth was quiet for several moments. “I must consider whether such expense is warranted for a house that will eventually pass to Mr. Collins.”
She straightened the papers before her. “Continue removing everything of value. Let me know if storage becomes an issue.”
Mr. Wilmot glanced at his notes. “At present we are sorting the more valuable items and moving them to the attics here at Netherfield. All of the smaller valuables, china, silver, and jewelry, should be removed by the end of the day.”
Elizabeth nodded and glanced again at her list. “How does Mr. MacDonald find his situation?”
Mr. Wilmot smiled. “He appears quite content. Though I confess I am uncertain we require a gatekeeper for a house that is presently unoccupied.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “That does not concern me. It costs us very little to have someone watching the place, and it gives him a roof over his head. We shall keep the guards there for now as well.”
“That seems reasonable.”
She scanned her list again. “What is the status of this week’s shipment?”
“It will depart later this morning as scheduled. I assume you will not be traveling to London?”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I have already sent an express to my uncle Gardiner regarding the fire. Have you had any success in finding an assistant?”
“I placed an advertisement in the London papers, but I have not yet found the right person.”
Darcy spoke quietly. “An assistant for you?”
“Yes,” Mr. Wilmot replied. “Miss Elizabeth suggested we engage an under-steward to assist with the management of both estates.”
Darcy nodded thoughtfully, his gaze returning to Elizabeth.
“I have a man who has been training under my steward for several years,” he said. “He is not yet ready to take over a full estate, as my steward has no intention of retiring soon. However, he may suit such a position. Shall I ask him to write to you?”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Yes, if you believe he would be willing to move here.”
She turned to Mr. Wilmot. “If he is interested, you may interview him and determine whether he would suit the position.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly. “It is rare to see an estate managed with such careful attention.”
Before Elizabeth could reply, there was a knock at the door. Jane entered.
“Mother is asking for you. Visitors have arrived.”
***
By midmorning, several neighbors had called at Netherfield to express their concern for the Bennets and the damage at Longbourn. Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Bennet received them in the drawing room, listening patiently as each offered sympathy and asked cautious questions about the fire.
There were raised voices in the hallway. A moment later the butler entered. “Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Miss Anne de Bourgh.”
Everyone in the room rose. Elizabeth stepped forward. “Lady Catherine, we are honored by your visit.” Privately, she thought they had managed very well without her.
There was the sound of hurried footsteps, and Mr. Collins appeared before his patroness. He bowed with exaggerated solemnity, and several of the neighbors exchanged amused glances.
Lady Catherine surveyed the room, then crossed it and seated herself. Elizabeth resumed her seat. The other ladies followed. “Lady Catherine, would you care for some tea?”
Anne moved quietly and sat beside Elizabeth. Mr. Collins remained standing near Lady Catherine’s chair, his expression one of eager anticipation. When her offer was ignored, Elizabeth simply waited.
At length Lady Catherine demanded, “Which of you is Elizabeth Bennet?”
Mr. Collins’s expression shifted to one of smug satisfaction.
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I am Elizabeth Bennet.”
