Another pause followed. Collins looked between them, Mr. Bennet composed and immovable, Darcy steady, Lady Catherine watchful, Elizabeth calm and attentive.
No one yielded.
The annuity remained.
“I should, of course, require the opportunity to consider the particulars,” Collins said at last.
“Of course,” Mr. Bennet replied. “You may review the documents this evening. If they are agreeable, you may take the signed copies to Mr. Philips tomorrow. Upon their receipt, you will receive your first payment.”
Collins blinked again, clearly struck by the immediacy of the arrangement. “So soon?”
“Yes.”
Collins swallowed. “Yes. Yes, I see. That is most accommodating.”
Lady Catherine said nothing.
Elizabeth, observing her, noted the shift, subtle yet unmistakable. For perhaps the first time, Lady Catherine was not directing the outcome.
Chapter twenty
Elizabeth entered the library and seated herself at the writing desk. She had just begun to gather her thoughts when Mr. Wilmot was shown in.
She smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Wilmot. I hope you are well.”
He inclined his head. “Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I am very well, thank you. And I have good news. I have met and interviewed Mr. Jonathan Reeves, the gentleman Mr. Darcy recommended. I was much impressed by him. He has accepted the position and will arrive next week.”
Elizabeth nodded. “That is excellent news. Do we have a cottage prepared?”
Mr. Wilmot hesitated. “We do, but it requires some repairs. I have already set men to the work. In the meantime, I thought he might stay with me.”
“I see.” She regarded him thoughtfully. “That is very generous of you, though I hope it does not inconvenience you.”
“Not in the least. I have a guest room, and I would not have him lodged where the work is incomplete.”
“And the repairs, will they require long?”
“No, Miss Elizabeth. They should be finished by the end of the week.”
He continued, “Mr. Reeves is steady, well-spoken, and has a sound understanding of accounts. I believe he will be of real use to us.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Excellent. You may assign him where you judge he will be of the greatest use. I see no reason of altering a structure that already serves us well.”
She glanced at her notes. “Are there any concerns among the other enterprises?”
“None at present. All is running smoothly. Weekly shipments continue as expected. Mr. Gardiner has remarked that the bakery goods are particularly popular, and that an increase in supply would be most desirable, if it can be supported.”
“I will speak with them.”
She paused, then added, “And the Harvest Dance, is everything in readiness?”
“They are proceeding as planned. The tent will be put up tomorrow afternoon. The tenants are much looking forward to it.”
Elizabeth nodded and set aside her list.
Mr. Wilmot paused. “Has a decision been made regarding Longbourn?”
She allowed herself a small smile. “I expect to have more information later today.”
