“Whenever you wish, I would be happy to try again.”
She looked at him quizzically, then she shook her head and smiled. “I may just call in the favor.”
Day 4
The thunderous hoof beats drowned out his thoughts as he pushed his mount faster through the meadows of Rosings. Darcy was grateful Anne had offered him the use of her estate’s stables. And finally feeling well enough to ride, he had set off early in the morning to release the strain and allow himself a momentary freedom from this alien life.
He stopped along the bordering property to the north and stared at the expanse before him.I cannot fathom a life without Elizabeth. This world gives me the possibility of that, of a future with the woman I love. But it also takes away any hope I have of protecting Georgiana. I am lost.He leaned over and rubbed the withers of Ulysses before sitting back and seeing George Wickham riding from the woods in the distance.
The woods were not part of Rosings Park. They had belonged to the Gafton family for generations, and to Darcy’s knowledge, still did. The Gaftons did not look favorably on George Wickham, as there had been an incident with the eldest Gafton son losing a considerable amount of money andhis great-grandfather’s pocket watch to Wickham at Cambridge. Mrs. Gafton had never forgiven either party, even upon her death.But that was in my other life. Who knows what their relationship is now?
On impulse, Darcy rode toward Wickham, who slowed his horse upon seeing him.
“Good morning.”
“Fitzroy, ah, glad to see you are well enough to ride again. You are an early riser, eh?”
“I am. And I can see you also prescribe to that school?” Darcy knew the answer before Wickham had time to confirm his beliefs.
“Not if I can avoid it. I had business early this morning with an old school mate. I have also extended an invitation to him for dinner tomorrow evening. Join us for dinner—of course, invite the others at the parsonage?”
“I will, thank you.”
The men continued silently along the road until Darcy could no longer stand it. “And who might your school chum be? I may know him as well.”
“Do you know Peter Gafton?”
“Not that I remember. I wonder if he would recall me.” He pressed on disregarding his own impertinence. “It must besignificant business to take you from Rosings at such an early hour.”
Eyeing Darcy before clearing his throat, he said, “Mr. Fitzroy, I cannot recollect much information about your estate, Pembrook. Won’t you remind me?”
“Of course. Pembrook is in Salisbury.”
“Do you farm?”
Darcy paused, attempting to sift through the information Clarence had conveyed days before. “We have three thousand acres and are working to increase our yield by using the newest methods from—”
“Yes, well. I don’t follow along with all the land-owning aspects of an estate.”
“That is what a good steward is for, is it not?” Darcy asked, eyes facing forward.
“Indeed.”
“And Pemberley has always been run with such precision, most notably by your father. It is no wonder you need not concern yourself.”
“True, true,” Wickham said, a slight note of agitation in his voice.
“I understand from Mrs. Wickham that you no longer reside at Pemberley. If I might ask, would you considerselling it? I might be in the market to increase my holdings in the north…”
He allowed his voice to trail off, waiting for a response but attempting to not appear too anxious.
Wickham swallowed and raised his chin, still not looking at Darcy. “I am not in possession of Pemberley at this time, but when I am, I will not be in the market to sell.”
“Not in possession?” Darcy asked, conscious of his tone.
“There was an unfortunate business several months ago which caused me to lose proprietorship, but it is merely temporary.”
Darcy’s grip on the reins was the only outward sign of his anger. He forced a smile, then said, “If you require help, please allow me to be of assistance. Your generosity to the parsonage and, therefore, my situation, has not gone unnoticed this last week. I am grateful to you and Mrs. Wickham’s benevolence.”
