“Of course… Unless you are not feeling well—”
“I am quite alright, my dear, thank you. Now, I think that the library is a good place to start. Let me show it to you,” the housekeeper said, leading Elizabeth down the hallway until they stopped in front of a heavy, wooden door. “Keep in mind that nobody enters this room, not even for cleaning, except for Mr. Darcy’s personal valet and his butler. And the two of us, if necessary. The library is his pride—it is a family legacy and the master put much effort into improving it even further. There are several very rare and exceedingly valuable volumes, as well as some other expensive family objects. If anything is destroyed, the loss would be irreplaceable.”
The lady spoke with such solemnity that Elizabeth felt slightly intimidated again. But her emotions overwhelmed her when the door was opened and she stepped inside. The room was stunning and impressive in its size, its elegance and in the feel of it. The walls were all covered in bookcases, where books on all subjects were arranged in perfect order. A heavy rug covered the floor from the fireplace to the enormous desk placed by the window. The desk was also flawlessly neat, with not a trace of dust anywhere.
“This is amazing. My father and I share a great love for books and this would be our dream library. In fact, I am sure it is anyone’s dream library,” she said with all honesty and deep consideration.
“I am glad to hear a young woman so enchanted with a library. That is quite peculiar but in a satisfying way,” a hoarse voice spoke and both turned to the door in alarm.
Almost filling the door frame, a tall gentleman of impressive stature entered, stepping forward and looking at Elizabeth with a slight frown. She met and locked her gaze with his, with interest and curiosity, for just a moment but long enough to notice his handsome but severe countenance, his strong jaw line, and his dark eyes. And then she remembered her position and lowered her gaze demurely.
“Master, welcome! How lovely to finally have you home. Sir, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet—she arrived three days ago and she is already taking over her responsibilities.”
He took a seat behind his desk and poured himself a drink, then turned to her again and bowed his head a little. She curtseyed formally.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet—you travelled safely, I hope?”
“Very much so, sir, thank you for the excellent arrangements.”
“I am glad to hear that. You may thank my butler; he is in charge of such arrangements even for my own travels. I trust he did his best as always.”
“He did, sir.”
“Good. I was told your aunt grew up in Lambton?”
“Yes.”
“Her father is a gentleman, he owns a small estate. Her aunt is Mrs. Templeton’s niece and Henry Barnes is her aunt’s cousin,” the housekeeper interjected, and then tried to quell a sudden cough. As Mr. Darcy looked worried, the woman madean accommodating gesture with her hand, showing that she was alright.
“Yes, thank you Mrs. Reynolds, I remember as much from the letters you showed me,” the master said. His words might have sounded like a scolding, but his friendly tone and warm countenance said otherwise.
The housekeeper smiled. “Yes of course, silly me.”
“Do not worry, more information can do no harm,” he replied and then turned to Elizabeth again.
“Have you made yourself comfortable, so far?”
“Yes, sir, perfectly so. I am trying to learn as quickly as I can, to help Mrs. Reynolds immediately.”
“Your enthusiasm is much appreciated, Miss Bennet. We wish for Mrs. Reynolds to work as little as possible until the doctor declares her completely recovered.”
“That is my goal too, Mr. Darcy.”
“Good. I must say I enjoy your conversational skills and your attitude. Your recommendations were also excellent, so I trust all will be well.”
“As much as it depends on me, I trust it will, sir,” Elizabeth declared.
“Splendid. That will be all for now,” he dismissed them politely but decidedly.
As they were about to leave, he asked unexpectedly, “Did I hear that you were fond of books, Miss Elizabeth?”
“Very much so, sir,” she replied, puzzled.
“If you wish to, you may indulge yourself, anytime. I mean, whenever your duties leave you time for reading. Being a book lover, I am confident you will take good care of the books you read. Other than that, you may choose anything you like.”
His offer dumbfounded both Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds, who looked at him with bewilderment for a long moment.
“That is very generous of you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth almost whispered.
