Elizabeth laughed. “I did not know, until just a few days past, that I was to come to Pemberley. Yet, here I am, and such pleasant company too!” She turned towards a lady and a gentleman who arose as she addressed them.
“Of course, let me make the introduction,” said Miss Darcy. “Mrs. Younge, my companion, and Mr. Wickham, a family friend… Oh! I do not know how to address you—this is so embarrassing.”
“It is of no matter, I believe Mrs. Elizabeth suits me very well.” Elizabeth gave a short curtsey. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Younge, Mr. Wickham.” She turned back to Georgiana. “My apologies, Miss Darcy, but there is some business I must discuss with you, some private matters. Perhaps we could talk in the study, or some other place. I apologise for my rudeness, but it cannot be delayed.”
Georgiana put her hand to her mouth. “Oh, I trust it is not too serious. But, of course, let me take you to the study. Fitzwilliam is not at home, so we should not be disturbed. Please excuse me, Mr. Wickham. Mrs. Younge, could you call for more tea?”
“It was not my intention to worry you,” said Elizabeth, as she and Miss Darcy entered the study, carefully closing the door. It was a masculine room, dark panelled walls, a large desk standing in front of a bright window overlooking the lake. A pleasant place for Mr. Darcy to deal with the business of the estate. This would be her place, too, Elizabeth realised. Shesaw the neat rows of ledgers and journals lining the shelves—Pemberley’s accounts.
Elizabeth continued. “As you know, I am Lady Jersey’s private secretary. But, in this instance, I am to represent Child & Co. while Mr. Darcy is in Ireland; thus, my honorificMrs.Elizabeth.”
“B-but we were expecting an accountant, Mr. Adkins and his wife…”
“Mr. Adkins’s wife fell ill. They are expecting their first child, and the physician thought it unwise for her to travel. The gentleman was experienced in estate management, in addition to being a senior accountant with the bank—an ideal choice for this assignment. Unfortunately, none of the other accountants or junior partners have such experience, all being from London or similar large towns.”
“But Miss Elizabeth… Mrs. Elizabeth. Oh, I am so confused! Are you not from London?” Georgiana looked at her with some puzzlement.
“Indeed not. I stay with my aunt and uncle, but I have lived, until recently, on my father’s estate at Longbourn, Hertfordshire. I know something of estate management, for my father is rather indolent—I managed the accounts, and, together with my sisters, saw to the tenants and other matters that arose. But you must assist me, Miss Darcy, for Longbourn is but a fifth of the size of Pemberley. Moreover, I have no objection to your calling meMiss Elizabeth—for that is how I was introduced to you.”
“Oh, this is so wonderful. To have you here in Derbyshire with me. I so much enjoyed our visits with Richard in London.” Georgiana clapped her hands with glee.
“Now, before I retire to my room to change, could you please call in Mr. Winthrop, your housekeeper and the steward, if he is available. I need to introduce myself to your senior staff.My understanding is that Mr. Darcy does not wish any others to know of my position and Child & Co. Please do not talk of such to anyone else, including Mrs. Younge and Mr. Wickham. It is a delicate issue, and if word of Pemberley’s financial position were generally known, there are many unscrupulous persons who would attempt to take advantage.”
Georgiana stared at Elizabeth with some apprehension. “Oh, how are we to keep such knowledge safe?”
“There is a plausible narrative… Mr. Darcy is on business in Ireland, supervising his father’s investment in the Royal Canal—that is the truth, and requires no further embellishment. For myself, I am an acquaintance from London, whom your aunt, Lady Matlock, suggested should provide companionship to you while Mr. Darcy is away. To explain my coach—my acquaintance with Lady Jersey is well known, and she kindly lent me her carriage for the journey from London.”
At that moment, the three senior staff knocked and entered the room. Georgiana made the introductions.
“Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. Winthrop, Mr. Baxter,” said Elizabeth, “I am in a rather awkward position; let me explain. I know Miss Darcy from London, and we are already well-acquainted.”
Georgiana’s face lit up. “Oh, we had a wonderful time at the museums and galleries,” she interjected. “Mrs. Elizabeth is the kindest person.”
Elizabeth smiled. “But, more to the point, I am also the official representative of Child & Co. If you wish you can examine my credentials. I suggest you do review them, then store them in a secure place, as they are highly confidential to Pemberley’s interests.” She placed a folio of documents on the desk.
“My role here is not to interfere in the running of Pemberley—not the house, the offices, the stables, nor the farms. If I overstep, I will not take offence if you tell me so.” She paused,aware that the dynamics of the estate had subtly changed. While Miss Darcy was mistress, and Baxter steward, ultimately, until Mr. Darcy returned, it was she who was authorised to deal with any and all issues of estate business.
Mrs. Reynolds inclined her head respectfully. “We are at your service, Mrs. Bennet. The staff will be discreet, and your documents will be kept in the strong box, under my key.” Her voice, though gentle, left no doubt she would tolerate no lapses in propriety nor breaches of trust.
Baxter, the steward, regarded Elizabeth with open curiosity. “May I ask, ma’am, if there are any immediate instructions or matters you wish us to address? The spring sowing has just begun, and there are several tenants’ leases due for review this quarter.”
Elizabeth met his gaze with quiet assurance, imitating the manner in which the patronesses of Almack’s projected their authority. “Thank you, Baxter. I wish to review the ledgers and correspondence myself before giving any directions. If you could prepare a summary of the tenants’ situations, and any urgent concerns, I should be obliged. I also hope to meet with you, and with Mrs. Reynolds, each morning, to keep myself informed.”
Winthrop, ever formal, added, “Should any letter or visitor arrive in Mr. Darcy’s absence, shall we direct them to you, ma’am?”
“Yes, please,” Elizabeth answered. “Miss Darcy and I will confer on all matters of consequence. For less urgent matters, we could address them in our daily meetings.”
Georgiana, still slightly anxious, but reassured by Elizabeth’s self-assured tone, nodded. “If you have need of anything—truly, anything at all—pray only ask.”
With the business concluded, the staff withdrew, leaving Elizabeth and Georgiana alone once again amid the quiet hush of the study. Elizabeth allowed herself a long sigh, only nowaware that she had been holding her breath for much of the interview.
“Well,” she said, a laugh escaping her, “I daresay my first hour as Pemberley’s representative has not gone too badly. How formidable Mrs. Reynolds is! No wonder your household runs so well.”
Georgiana smiled with relief. “She has managed Pemberley since before I was born. I am certain she will come to trust you also.”
There was a sudden rap at the door. Winthrop reappeared, bearing a silver tray with several letters. “Forgive me, ma’am. A messenger from Lambton has brought post from the bank.”
Already, the responsibilities of her new role pressed in—decisions to make, reports to review, and the delicate matter of Pemberley’s finances to keep quietly in order. She smiled at Georgiana. “So it begins.”
