Page 135 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Mr Darcy, I am grateful that you agreed to take the time to visit me today,” Lady Kendal said.

“It is my pleasure, I assure you. Fortunately, I am still in town, as we shall leave soon. I understand I may be of some service?”

“Indeed, sir. I understand we are asking a great favour, but we are in need of an expert opinion from someone we can trust.”

“Am I to understand you doubt your stewards?”

“Not at all, sir. But we are in the middle of establishing the settlements for Miss Bennet—the future Lady Alveston. She will soon take responsibility for all our finances and properties, and she must be able to rely on those we employ. She has already begun to study the management of our holdings with our solicitors, and we shall receive the books from the estates tomorrow. In matters related to the expenses of our charity causes, Mr Gardiner will inspect and verify all the figures. However, none of us has much expertise regarding estate business. I have relied on my people, but it is only fair for Elizabeth to be certain of the information.”

Darcy listened with increasing puzzlement. He kept hearing Elizabeth’s name—again and again—and tried to understand the circumstances.

“We have five estates, three townhouses, and several charitable causes,” Lady Kendal explained.

“And Miss Bennet will be responsible for everything?”

Lady Kendal replied gently, “Yes. Finally, I shall be able to rest. I have had enough torment taking care of everything for more than ten years. I cannot wait to escape this burden.”

But Darcy was far from amused. “And you intend to put the burden on Miss Bennet’s shoulders, I presume?” His voice sounded more impertinent than he had intended, and Lady Kendal and Bingley stared at him.

“I would not put it that way,” Lady Kendal answered. “She will be the mistress of a vast fortune that comes with equally large responsibilities.”

“What your ladyship describes is beyond the responsibilities a young lady of the ton would be ever expected to face.”

“Perhaps, but each of us must adjust to some particular circumstances. Elizabeth is studying and learning. She has a couple of months before the wedding to become accustomed to all the important matters. I am confident in her abilities—she is a clever girl,” Lady Kendal responded evenly.

Darcy frowned. “I am afraid such expectations are unreasonable and even impossible. This is a heavy weight to throw at Miss Bennet and a challenge which she will fail.”

“Why? Because a woman is not intelligent enough for such a duty? Or because you doubt Miss Bennet’s suitability for such a high position? We all know your opinion of Miss Bennet is rather low, but I assure you I know her quite well. I trust her strength and qualities implicitly,” Lady Kendal said.

Darcy glared at Bingley then looked at her ladyship again. He was beginning to lose his patience.

“Your ladyship has been given false reports. Despite some misunderstandings at the beginning of our acquaintance, I have admired Miss Bennet for many months. I have the highest opinion of her, and I know she could accomplish any task as successfully as anyone. I do not doubt either her strength or her qualities.”

“I am glad we are in agreement on this subject,” Lady Kendal said.

“On this subject, we are. But it is my conviction that no lady or gentleman could learn the management of such a vast fortune in only a few months. Most of us who are managing such fortunes have learned over many years,” Darcy said coldly.

“Elizabeth does not have years to study. We all knew that, but we chose to continue and put all our efforts into attempting to make the best of what we have. Each of us knows only too well what must be done.”

“As I see it, only Miss Bennet is actually doing something. All the effort and the difficulties appear to be on her, as she has taken the burden from another’s shoulders.”

“This is rather insolent of you, Mr Darcy. You cannot possibly know the understanding we have with Elizabeth.”

“You have? Forgive me, but I assumed she had an understanding with her betrothed.”

His voice had turned colder, and Lady Kendal’s eyes narrowed and she pressed her lips together.

“You are crossing a delicate boundary, Mr Darcy.”

“I apologise. I am only responding to your ladyship’s statements and expressing my honest concern.”

“I am surprised that you take such an interest in Miss Bennet.”

“Miss Bennet is an old acquaintance and a good friend of my sister and cousin. I cannot be silent if I notice something that might harm her well-being. And as she will have the reins of your fortune, you should be concerned about her success as well.”

“That is very honourable of you, but you must not worry. She is marrying an earl. How harmful could that be? But perhaps it was a mistake to involve you, as we seem to be disagreeing even before we have begun.”

“I believe we are all in agreement when it comes to helping Elizabeth. And I beg you to forgive me, Lady Kendal, but I understand Darcy’s bewilderment since these are rather peculiar circumstances,” Bingley interjected.