Page 27

“£2,500 per annum.”

“And the new land?”

“Was bought for £15,000. It is not a huge acreage but my father has been improving it for the last three years.”

“Is it covered by the entail?”

“No.”

Hurst forced himself to be honest.

“At least I do not think so.”

Bingley sighed. He was working hard, or at least the Steward was, at recovering all the money tied up in Netherfield Park. But here he was, likely back to square one.

“I want first charge on the land bought with Louisa’s dowry. If it is covered by the entail then.”

He shook his head.

“We will revisit the matter upon the death of your father. As I hope that is many years in the future we will treat this as an interest free loan between us. But let me be clear, this is not a gift.”

Hurst thought it remarkable that his quiet brother by marriage gave the appearance of being naught but a milquetoast and continued to be bullied by his younger sister. Yet when it came to business there was more than a trace of ruthlessness to the man. He just wished it was not him who was the recipient of this ruthlessness.

Chapter 10

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

It was only 8.10 in the morning yet Elizabeth Harris and Peter Napier were the first to be married that day. Marriages under common licence had to be performed between 8.00 and noon. The newly-weds slowly followed the vicar into the vestry and signed the parish register, their witnesses and the vicar himself completing the entry. Elizabeth Harris was no more, just like Elizabeth Bennet. The one and only act with this name. She did not notice Mr. Lawrence taking careful note of where the register was stored. Dr. Dumfries and Mr. Lawrence returned in a separate carriage to Napier House.

“Take us round to the mews first please. And when there, assemble all the outside staff.”

The grooms and coachmen were therefore the first to hear of the Napier wedding.

“Not a word to anyone in the house. Back around to the portico please.”

Ten minutes later the indoor staff had been informed as well. Lawrence had stood to the side, observing all.

“An interesting array of expressions my Lord.”

“How so?”

“Most were shocked, but one or two did nothing but nod in approval.”

“Recognise any of them?”

“Your valet was the only one I recognised.”

Napier shrugged. A good valet knew everything.

“Well that is the staff told. Come and join us for what is technically our wedding breakfast.”

In reality, it was merely their normal breakfast on their wedding day.

“You leave for Combe Hay tomorrow?”

Lawrence knew this, he was just making conversation. The family estate and Manor House was outside the village of Combe Hay, three miles south of Bath.

“Yes. We will take two days, stopping in Newbury for the night.”