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“You mentioned that I should not proclaim this. Is our course so controversial?”

“In a word my Lady, yes. It comes back to the word revolution. 35 years ago the 13 colonies of North America revolted against their King, and succeeded in creating the United States. Then 20 years ago the French revolted against their King although all they have succeeded in creating is chaos across Europe. There is hope that they will finally be defeated in the coming year and that peace will reign for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century.

“Why the history lesson? There have been so many changes in the north of our country that it takes several minutes to list them all, be they in iron working, the new steel process, coal mining, textiles both wool and cotton, even lace manufacturing. The phrase has been coined of an ‘Industrial Revolution’. Those whose wealth and power derive from nothing but the ownership of the land are in denial about the whole thing. Their attitudes range from suspicion and uncertainty, to outright fear and concerns of social and political revolution such as those that swept through the United States and France.”

He paused but Elizabeth was fascinated. She indicated that Lawrence should continue.

“Regardless of the level of concern, what has been clear is that the businesses of these new industries have been starved of capital. The returns have been more than six times those of the estates, and more than four times those available through the Consols. Not all succeed of course, but the returns I have mentioned are after these small losses.”

“My late husband was straddling the fence. Seen to still be a significant landowner, but not blind to the opportunities presented elsewhere. His wealth was not known, and the probate process was managed in such a way that my true wealth is still hidden. The Napier estate is investing in the land, as the new dairy demonstrates to all those busybodies waiting ready to pounce on any perceived failing on my part. But in the meantime my real wealth is the continuation of Lord Napier’s. What is the word you use?”

“Diversification?”

“Exactly, thank you. My known wealth is all agricultural, based on the estate at Napier Hall. What is not known is the extent of my landholdings.”

She looked for confirmation.

“No my Lady.”

“Or the other small estates in Sussex and Kent?”

Another shake of the head.

“And since I have not spent a fraction of my income the amount available for investment is growing every year?”

“Yes my Lady. You have land, you have money, you are wealthy and you are getting richer.”

Elizabeth thought of Peter, dead these 18 months. He had left her such a substantial legacy.

“Lord Napier was right, money is power. Right then, tell me of those who have wronged me.”

Chapter 16

“Lord Napier wanted Hurst and his wife, as well as Bingley and the unmarried sister, kept under close observation.”

Elizabeth’s first interruption.

“Not Mr. Darcy?”

“I was given no instructions with regard to him. I was told neither to closely observe nor to leave him alone. As a result he has been observed, but much less closely. Although given he is still often in the company of Bingley, we know a lot about him.”

He looked at Lady Napier carefully before he spoke of the next part.

“I was also instructed to check on the family of your birth regularly as well. I have people that are sent to Meryton every quarter and I can explain all that has happened there. I have also done the same with regard to Gardiner here in London.”

He waited, anxious that Elizabeth had not said anything yet. She was staring off into the distance.

“I am surprised.”

She stopped.

“I was about to make no sense. I am surprised at how I feel, yet the surprise is how little I feel. They were my family, I was a member of the community of Meryton, yet here we are. Just over two years later and I find myself indifferent to them. Galatians chapter 6 shall be my guide.”

“You reap what you sow?”

“Not the exact words but the essence is correct. ‘For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’ Verse 7.”

Elizabeth sat, her lips pursed for a moment. Her conscience would not allow her to dismiss Marcus Aurelius.