“It seems the storm kept to this side of the river. They were able to follow the damage a half mile past the McTierney’s, but not beyond. They did not travel more than another half mile, though. There could be more damage further north. Tenants further west than Bates or Quimby did not seem to have been touched by the storm at all. The same for the farms south of Glendale.”
“And how are the roads and paths that lead to the tenant farms?” Darcy asked.
“They are littered with quite a bit of debris, but you can get around it on horseback,” Mr. Anderson replied.
“Is it safe to take Jacko Bridge or must we go the way past the old well?” Miss Elizabeth inquired.
“They did not mention a problem with the bridge, and I am sure it is the route they took because it is the quickest. The Camdens and the McTierneys both have some flooding at their farms because of the large amount of rain that fell over the span of only several hours. The rain overwhelmed the creek thatruns between the two farms, but the flooding is confined to the portion of the land that is low-lying. The river has not swelled much so the bridges should be fine.”
“Good,” she said, nodding. Miss Elizabeth furrowed her brow in concentration. She was quiet for a minute, then she said, “Mr. Darcy, I know it must be around eleven o’clock and not long until luncheon, but I feel compelled to get on my way as soon as possible to check on these families.”
“Of course,” he said.
“I shall ask Cook to put together some food for you, Matthew, and me that we can take with us.”
Darcy nodded. “That should do nicely.”
“Matthew, will you go ready the horses?” she requested.
“Yes, Miss Lizzy,” Matthew said, and went away directly.
“Mr. Anderson, if I understand you correctly, the only tenant farmers of concern are Bates, McTierney, Quimby, Camden, and Glendale. Is that right?”
“Yes, miss, just those five,” Mr. Anderson confirmed.
“Very well, we will visit Glendale, Camden, and Quimby. Can you please have a man check on McTierney and Bates please? Have him ascertain each family’s needs, both urgent and non-urgent. Have him also assure them of our concern and that dinner will be brought to them this evening. You may have him report to me when I return.”
“Very good, Miss Lizzy. I will get a man right on it,” Mr. Anderson said, then left the room.
Miss Elizabeth picked the map up and walked back to the cabinet. She opened the drawer where it was kept and carefully slid the map back inside. She closed the drawer and turned to Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth, I shall go prepare and meet you in the entrance hall,” Darcy said.
“Very well. I must go speak with Cook and inform my sisters. After that, I will get ready as quickly as I can,” Miss Elizabeth said.
He gave her a nod, and they both left the room.
As Darcy walked to his bedchamber, he thought about how, from the moment Miss Elizabeth had come downstairs that morning, she had been busy giving attention to the needs of the estate. What young woman of his acquaintance would show half as much dedication to her estate and to her tenants? He did not know of any. Darcy knew that Miss Elizabeth was unique in that her father had taught her a great deal about estate management. Indeed, she was a paragon of intelligence and competence for the female sex, and it was on full display as she cared for the needs of the estate in her father’s absence. However, simply showing care and concern for tenant farmers and their families was within the purview of any woman. Special training was not necessary. Still, many women of the ton did only the bare minimum required for the tenants of their fathers or husbands. To have a wife who would be a true partner in the running of Pemberley as his mother was for his father, that was something Darcy really wanted, but feared he would not find. Yet . . . he had found it, had he not? Only, it was not where he was supposed to find it. He had not found it amongst the ton—the crop from which he was supposed to pick. No, he had found it under cultivation in a corner of Hertfordshire. He had found it in Elizabeth Bennet.
Chapter 12
They rode out, Darcy and Matthew following Miss Elizabeth. They crossed a bridge and came to a tenant farm. There were some scattered leaves and limbs, but not very many. Darcy could see a girl in the distance picking up debris. When she noticed them, Miss Elizabeth waved. The girl waved back and began walking toward the house.
Darcy dismounted and tied his horse to the post. He then walked over to assist Miss Elizabeth down from her horse. Once he was sure she was steady on her feet, he released her, but not before noticing the slight blush on her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling, but avoiding his gaze.
Darcy gave a quick nod of acknowledgement, then tied her horse to the post.
They walked to the house and reached the door just as the girl did. She had honey-colored hair and brown eyes. Darcy thought she looked to be around his sister’s age.
“Hello, Miss Elizabeth!” she said cheerfully.
“Hello, Trudy! I hope you all are well,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“Oh, yes, we are. Come in, Mama is just inside,” Trudy said.
“Where is your brother, Trudy?” Matthew asked.
