She entered the stable and smiled to find Darcy fastening the saddle upon Atlas.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy glanced up and returned her smile, his expression warm. “It seems we had the same idea.”
Elizabeth stroked Bramble’s nose and offered him a carrot, which was eagerly accepted. “Yes. I thought to ride to Oakham Mount.”
Soon Bramble was saddled, and they set off across the fields, their horses eager beneath them. The air was colder than the day before, and Elizabeth was glad of her heavier red riding habit.
At the base of the hill, Darcy dismounted and assisted Elizabeth down before securing the reins to a low branch. Together they walked the familiar path to the top and seated themselves upon a broad stone as the sun began to rise.
Elizabeth sighed softly. “I still cannot comprehend that Mr. Collins not only caused the fire but failed to give any alarm.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I confess I suspected Wickham at first. Mr. Collins did not occur to me.”
“I do not believe I have ever seen my father so angry.”
Darcy reached for her hand and held it gently. “He had reason. You were all in danger. I cannot fault him for it.”
Elizabeth gave a small, indignant breath. “And yet Mr. Collins would have us bear the cost of repairing damage he himself caused. It is a pity the law does not take a man’s judgment into account when settling such matters as the entail.” She paused, then added, “And I wish him luck in securing servants. I imagine the story will soon be known throughout the county.”
Darcy allowed himself the faintest smile. “His reputation may suffer as much as the house.” He grew thoughtful. “I wonder whether that circumstance might be turned to advantage.”
Elizabeth turned toward him. “In what way?”
“He will find it difficult to amass the funds necessary for repairs.”
Elizabeth considered this. “And if the house stands empty for years, the expense will only increase.”
“I think it unlikely he would prove an able master to the tenants.”
“That is a most uncomfortable prospect.” She studied him. “Are you suggesting we offer him compensation in exchange for releasing his claim?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes. Though rather than a single payment, an annuity for a fixed term may be more persuasive.”
Elizabeth’s eyes brightened. “Do you believe he would accept such a proposal?”
“Possibly. Particularly if he is made sensible of the labour required to restore and manage the estate, and the reception he might expect upon returning to it.”
Elizabeth looked at him steadily. It was not only the suggestion itself, but the ease with which he considered her father’s situation as though it were his own concern.
She rose at once. “We must speak to my father.”
***
Elizabeth and Darcy found Mr. Bennet alone in the library.
He looked up at their entrance. “I have observed that Mr. Bingley possesses very few books.”
Darcy smiled faintly. “No, that does not surprise me. I have a few volumes of Shakespeare in my room, if you would care to borrow them.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head. “I should be most obliged.”
Elizabeth seated herself beside her father. “Mr. Darcy has proposed a most interesting idea.”
Mr. Bennet turned his attention to Darcy. “And what, pray, is this idea? The tar and feathering of Mr. Collins?”
Darcy gave a soft laugh. “No, sir, though I cannot say the notion is without appeal. Miss Elizabeth and I were discussing Mr. Collins’s situation. His reputation is likely to suffer considerably, and he may find it difficult to secure servants. More importantly, he lacks both the experience and the disposition required to manage an estate or care properly for its tenants.”
