“She’ll make your missus a fine ’orse, sir. I ain’t ever seen such a pretty one as ’er. She’s spirited but gentle-like.” Billy followed behind Darcy as he examined the mare. “She got scared when we rode by the seed drill. I expect she ain’t seen one before. She stopped and stared like it might attack ’er. Another time she shied when one of the dogs came near ’er, but both times, she was sensible—just stood frozen-like. Calming ’er was easy as could be. When I stroked ’er neck and talked to ’er, she seemed to listen. Many ’orses have more ’air than wit, but not this one. She’s perfect for a fine lady like Mrs. Darcy.”
At the groom’s apparent enthusiasm, Darcy came close to smiling. “I am pleased to know my presentiment with regard to this mare has been supported by your experience.” He moved forwards to face the horse and stared into the animals large, expressive eyes. “Keep her out here until the nineteenth. I do not want my wife to see her before then.”
The groom nodded. “As you say, sir. I’ll keep ’er out of view from the ’ouse.”
Darcy stroked the mare’s forehead. “Thank you, Billy.”
Based upon my encounters with the servants at Pemberley—whether they worked in the manor, the stables, or the grounds—they all expressed satisfaction with their situations. This young man appeared to be no different.
When we rode out again, Darcy led us off the main path to cut through the woods. I glanced at him. “Where are we off to now?”
“One of my tenants requested an addition be made to his residence, since they need more space. His wife is with child, and he has taken in one of his nephews. The work ought to have begun several days ago. Mr. Cross stopped by yesterday, but I want to see the progress for myself.”
“And how shall you be repaid for the expense?”
“When a tenant’s family grows, their production tends to increase. When the children are old enough, they will contribute their share to the work, and nothing inspires a man to work harder than the wish to provide for his family.”
I rubbed my chin.Why take such a risk? Darcy may never recover the cost of the addition.“Pardon me, but I am surprised a wealthy estate owner such as you would make this decision that depends upon the honourable nature of your tenants. You must be aware that countless husbands and fathers live lives of dissolution and sloth. I have seen it all too often. The thoughts and memories of the men and women whose deaths I have observed have shown me a world full of people who make selfish choices. You may be disappointed if you expect diligence and integrity from your tenants.”
After a pause, he turned to me. “Once in a while, a tenant fails to fulfil his contract. When that happens, I give them the opportunity to correct the situation and provide assistance if necessary. On rare occasions, I have had to evict tenants, but the majority of them are hard-working, dependable people.”
“Hmm.” When Elizabeth and I called at the Greens’ household, a thought from Mrs. Selina Green had been evident to me: she had reflected with gratitude on the kind treatment her family had received from the Darcys. One could deduce that Darcy’s methods must serve him well.
Lady Catherine
Elizabeth set down her soup spoon. “Since there are four of us here tonight, I thought we should play quadrille after the meal.” Her sight settled upon me. “Assuming no one objects, I believe it will be a diverting way to spend the evening.”
My hand froze with my goblet of wine halfway to my mouth. Rarely did anyone surprise me thus. How irksome to have been taken unawares byher,of all people. I set the russet liquid on the table with a soft clink. In the past, I had grown accustomed to forgoing my favourite pastime at Pemberley. Both Darcy and his father before him had detested the game and always vetoed any suggestion of playing. I had never been able to persuade my nephew to play at Rosings.
Elizabeth held my gaze with a smile. “As I recall, you are quite fond of the game.”
Well, this should prove entertaining, to say the least. I smirked at her. “Darcy detests the game. Who do you propose to be the fourth player?” Did the woman expect me to sit at a table with one of the servants?
“The fourth will be me, of course.”
I spun towards Darcy. “What?You are to play? You abhor the game!” The words sputtered from me.
“Nevertheless, I shall play tonight.” My nephew had the audacity to actnonchalant, as though I had not asked him to play many times before.
I pointed to Elizabeth. “You are willing to play a game you despise becausesheasked you? Is there no limit to what you would do for her?”
Darcy’s nostrils flared, but he remained silent.
With a dashing smile, Mr. Graham looked up from his plate of food to view me. “For my part, my lady, I am most eager to play quadrille.” His euphonious baritone dispelled a fair bit of the tension within me. “Although I have not played in years, I used to be better than average at the game.” He winked at me. “I have a feeling you shall be the one to beat tonight.”
The handsome and clever rogue had so much charm that I could not bring myself to fault him for his indiscretion. I lifted my chin. “You are a perceptive gentleman. To own the truth, it is rare for me to lose at the game.”
Despite my pique at Darcy’s apparent fecklessness, my anticipation to play the game grew throughout the meal. So much so, that I consumed my dessert far faster than usual.
To my immense satisfaction—though no other result could have been reasonably predicted—I emerged as the winner at quadrille. In a notable example of amazing good fortune, Elizabeth ended up with the next highest score. Mr. Graham played with intelligence and skill, providing frequent pleasantries that made the game more interesting. Darcy came in last. My nephew’s lack of dedication to the pastime proved to be a disappointment. I had needed to remind him of the rules several times throughout the game.
Once we completed the agreed upon forty deals, Mr. Graham rose from his chair. He congratulated me on the win and took his leave of us.
My gaze followed the blond gentleman as he strode from the room. I turned to my nephew. “Where is Mr. Graham going in such haste?”
“He has a…friend in Lambton and will spend the night there.”
My glance towards the mantle clock confirmed the time to be half past nine. If not for Mr. Graham’s sudden departure, I should have suggested an abbreviated game of whist. I sniffed. “The accommodations in Lambton are bound to be inferior in comparison to Pemberley. He made a peculiar choice if you ask me.”
