It would be so easy to rest her head on his shoulder and allow the magnetic man before her to assume her heavy load. She blinked herself out of the soporific moment and fell back on humour to hide how much he affected her. “Well, might you know how to go about finding a man capable of the job?”
His dark eyes never left her face and his mouth twitched as if fighting a smile. “Your sense of responsibility to the Carrington holdings does not surprise me.” He blinked, “If I understand correctly, you require a steward-overseer who will survey everything?”
“Exactly so, yes.”
He nodded gently, one hand coming up to rub an index finger above his top lip. After a moment’s reflection he began speaking slowly, thinking out loud. “At Pemberley I have a young man training under the steward. He is bright and hardworking, and interested in forward thinking techniques. He will make an excellent steward one day. As a young, single man he may relish the challenge and travel opportunities.
“You might hire a coach and groomsman to drive him around. Have him send a report on each estate as he visits them. You should notify the butler or housekeeper to expect him. Add additional funds for food and sleeping arrangements for him and the driver.” He completed the list of ideas as if it was the easiest thing to be done.
Elizabeth stared at him in astonishment.
“Is aught amiss? Is the idea not to your liking?”
“I have never met anyone quite like you before, Mr Darcy.”
“Anyone would-”
“No sir, they would not. You are a very kind and generous man.”
He flushed at her earnest words, grateful when the maid entered with the tea things removing Elizabeth’s beautiful eyes from him.
Taking the opportunity to make everyone’s tea to their liking, Elizabeth’s thoughts went back to the night before.No, this man could not be anything but honourable. It did not follow thatshewas an acceptable choice for his wife.
~ / ~
Lady Matlock sent a note to inform them to be ready the next morning for a visit to themodisteto try on their gowns for alterations.
Elizabeth recollected their first appointment.
The countess was indeed a formidable personage in the Ton. She had arranged for a private appointment at Madame Janiere. An assistant had gossiped wide-eyed, informing me all other appointments for that morning had to be rescheduled.
‘I do hope no one was too put out.’ Elizabeth inquired.
‘Oh no, Madame Janiere is highly sought after, no one’d dare to say a word against her.’
It had taken time for Jane to relax and enjoy making her selections. If Elizabeth was honest, she had been no less nervous. The evening gowns they designed will be beautiful. The ball gowns promised to be masterpieces. Surely, the loveliest dresses ever owned by a Bennet female.
She looked down at the note and continued to read.
‘This appointment is not a private one. There will be ladies of the Ton present. I shall introduce you to those who will be amenable to your entrance into society. Others may approach and only then will I make the introduction. There is no time like the present to expose you to the sharper tongued ladies of the Ton.’
Sighing, Elizabeth went to inform Jane.
On their return from the visit Elizabeth flopped onto a settee in the drawing room, after ordering tea.
“Is it too late to turn down the earldom and sail for the Americas?” She groaned.
“Perhaps they were an anomaly and everyone else we meet will be welcoming. It was only two, perhaps three of the women there who seemed in ill humour.”
“Ill humour?” Elizabeth laughed, “Jane, surely even you do not believe that? They were in actuality attempting to tear us down, though for the life of me I cannot imagine why. For having Lady Matlock’s support? For being unknowns on the marriage mart? Lady Matlock’s words of warning did not do the vipers justice.”
“No, I do not suppose so. Still, we need not pay any mind to those who wish to behave unkindly. We have a good friend in Georgiana, and we have each other.”
The sisters shared a warm look and Elizabeth reached out her hand for Jane to take. “Aye, we shall always have each other, dear Jane.”
A comfortable silence accompanied their first cup of restorative tea. Eventually they spoke of the happier aspects of the trip; the dresses were very fine, and the ball gown was the loveliest they’d ever owned.
Their second cup of tea was interrupted by Bingley, wishing to pay a call on Jane.
