“Very good, ma’am. I will inform Matthew of your plans,” Mr. Anderson said.
“Once you have received information from the men, please bring Matthew with you to report the findings. I will get out the maps, and we will all discuss the best strategy together."
He nodded and smiled. “Yes, Miss Lizzy.”
The gentlemen stood when she returned to the dining room. Elizabeth was just about to sit when she realized her plate was missing.
“Where—”
“Here you are, Miss Lizzy. I added some warmer eggs to your plate,” the servant said.
“Oh! Thank you, Myra.” Elizabeth smiled at her, then took her seat. The gentlemen sat as well.
Myra poured the gentlemen more coffee, then left the room with empty serving dishes in her hands.
“I believe you have the unswerving devotion of your servants, Miss Elizabeth,” Mr. Bingley said.
“They are very good to us,” she said with a smile, taking a bite of her breakfast.
When they finished eating, Mr. Bingley took his leave with the plan of returning for luncheon.
“Mr. Darcy, if you are ready to begin, I am as well.”
“I am at your disposal, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Very well, let me just grab my father’s spyglass in case we need it.”
She and Mr. Darcy went outside and carefully circled the house. They used the spyglass several times, and he pointed out different things to look for. Everything seemed to be as it should be on the exterior. They moved inside and began to check ceilings, windows, and windowsills. Eventually, Jane and Maryassisted as well, and they were able to complete the inspection of both the house and the servants' cottage. All was in order except for some cracks they found in two windows in the attic that Elizabeth would report to her father.
Darcy followed Miss Elizabeth to her father's bookroom. She had been notified that the stable master was ready to meet with her. Darcy walked to the shelves lined with books and browsed through them. He could feel her eyes on him as he did so.
When he glanced back at her, she said, “Mr. Darcy, I am remiss. Here I am in this masculine sanctuary of my father’s, and I have not offered you a drink. Do not men offer each other brandy and port at all hours of the day?” She looked at him with a playful smile and humor in her eyes.
He chuckled. “You are correct, Miss Elizabeth. I thank you, but I shall decline. Perhaps later this evening.”
She smiled, then nodded regally. “As you like.”
Darcy smirked and shook his head in amusement.
Mr. Hill appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Anderson and Matthew to see you, Miss Lizzy.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hill.”
The men entered the bookroom and bowed. Miss Elizabeth nodded at them, then said, “Mr. Darcy, I believe you are acquainted with Mr. Anderson. This is Matthew. He assists Mr. Anderson in running the stables. Matthew also accompanies my sisters and me when we ride.”
Darcy exchanged polite nods with the men.
“Please tell us what you have learned, Mr. Anderson,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“It appears the storm blew through the northwest part of the estate.”
“Northwest . . . just a moment, please,” Miss Elizabeth said.
Darcy watched as she walked to a cabinet and pulled open a wide, shallow drawer. She stood there, paging through several large sheets of paper which Darcy assumed to be maps. He was in awe of this young woman. Miss Elizabeth was so knowledgeable in the running of her father’s estate that when a situation on the estate was brought to her attention, she knew exactly which map she needed to put her hands on and where to find it. Evidently locating the one she was looking for, Miss Elizabeth withdrew it from the drawer and carried it to the desk.
She quickly glanced up at the three men and gestured with her hands. “Do gather around.” Looking at the stable master, she said, “Mr. Anderson, please continue.”
Mr. Anderson stood to her left. Placing his finger on the map, he pointed to various landmarks as he gave her his report.
