“And your father built a woolen mill on the River Dale?” He tapped his cigar. “Has that been a successful venture?”
I shifted uneasily. “My father did not build it with profits in mind. At least, not as his chief objective. While it is true that the mill is profitable, his aim was to provide a better return to the local farmers for their wool and the prospect of work for those who might otherwise have been drawn away to the cities.”
His eyes narrowed, and he studied me over his glass—bold and rather challenging. Surely, he meant to intimidate me, but I did not intimidate lightly.
“I read your letter. You have some intriguing notions, Darcy. Radical—why, one might almost think you were on the side of the Luddites from the way you speak.”
“Far from it. But I do have some sympathy for their cause. I only propose a reasoned approach so that future violent strikes might be avoided, and so—”
“Yes, yes. We will speak of it some other time. Perhaps I will call on you at Pemberley during my stay in Derbyshire?”
I swallowed. “My lord, you would be most welcome. Your entire party, as a matter of fact. My brother and I would be pleased to host your party for dinner while you remain in the area.”
“No more pleased than I would be to accept, but last I heard, Darcy, you were yet a bachelor yourself.”
How could I have been so stupid? It was not as if I did not know the proper protocol. It was my eagerness to be useful to George… which was laughable, for when had he ever reciprocated? I pasted a quick smile on my face. “Alas, you are correct. Pemberley has no hostess—and sadly, I’ve no means to remedy that before your departure.”
“Another time, Darcy. Lord Matlock has graciously extended his hospitality, and I am certain that Lady Belmont prefers the comforts here to the inn—no disrespect to that establishment. I understand that ‘someone’ took pains to ensure we would be most comfortable there.”
I inclined my head. “You can be at no loss to understand my reasons.”
“Indeed not. It shows a steadiness of character and a gentleman so young, so I presume you also foresaw a possible alteration to our plans. In fact, I have already sent my carriage to return with our trunks. Surely, we will see you here at Matlock on occasion.”
“I am confident that George could not be kept away.”
The conversation meandered, but my thoughts kept returning to George and Lady Lucilla as we enjoyed the cigars and brandy. I watched His Lordship closely for any indication of his true feelings, but his face remained inscrutable. If anything, he seemed to regard his headstrong daughter’s choice with a sort of resigned amusement. Was he toying with George?
As the visit shifted from a mere afternoon call to an impromptu dinner party, Lord and Lady Belmont took their leave to refresh themselves before dinner. George escorted Lady Lucilla into the garden with an irrepressible smile, their heads already bowed together in intimate conversation. I watched them go, marveling at this sudden shift of fortune.
“Well, Darcy.” Lord Matlock regarded me with deep satisfaction, as if he had somehow orchestrated the entire improbable affair. “I told you not to stand in your brother’s way, did I not?”
“So, you did.” I turned to stare out the window where George’s tall frame was just visible over the hedge, his laughter mingling with Lady Lucilla’s softer tones.
“Just look at them, mooning over one another as if they stand a chance.” Matlock shook his head. “Well, young love must run its course, I suppose.”
I glanced sideways at him. “You believe this is merely a passing fancy, then?”
He scoffed. “Hardly a realistic match, is it? Oh, let them dream for now. Belmont seems amused more than anything. Though if it gets serious...” He trailed off ominously.
I nodded, expecting no less. The future likely carried either painful disillusionment or outright disaster for George’s romantic aspirations. And yet... perhaps even the briefest taste of love’s ideal was worth the price.
If nothing else, it had brought some much-needed direction to my wayward brother’s existence. For that alone, I would not interfere but simply let matters take their course, however unlikely the fairytale ending. After all, happiness and wisdom were often born of adversity. And where affairs of the heart were concerned, certainty remained elusive.
Elizabeth
“Therenow,MissAnne,don’t you look so very smart today?” I secured the satin bow under the little girl’s plump chin as she squirmed in my lap.
“Such a good idea of yours to take Anne Rose out for some air, girls,” Aunt Gardiner said approvingly from the doorway of the house. “My sister is doing much better today. The tonic from the apothecary has helped her headaches. But still, she is not to be getting out of bed overmuch, and I am certain she appreciates you keeping little Annie entertained.”
“We are happy to help in any way,” Jane replied earnestly. Anne Rose clapped her hands and gazed around excitedly from under her ruffled bonnet. “The change of scenery will do her good, and I am looking forward to seeing more of the country, myself.”
Aunt bade us a good afternoon, and I gently guided the pony drawing Mrs. Westing’s phaeton along the road leading out of Farthingdale. We trekked for over an hour in the carriage, our progress leisurely to accommodate Anne’s demands to stop whenever she wanted. All was pastoral tranquility until the pony suddenly pricked up its ears. I followed its gaze to a cluster of buildings nestled by the twisting river ahead.
A pang stabbed my heart as I surveyed the oh-so-familiar hills, rising to touch the drifting clouds. Change of scenery, indeed. My soul felt as if a vital piece of myself had been restored upon returning to these beloved dales and valleys. I drank in the glories of the Peaks with eyes that remembered them well from girlhood adventures under a different name.
I pulled gently on the reins. “Why, that must be the woolen mill Mr. Darcy built,” I exclaimed. “It was but half-done when Mr. Darcy... that is, when last I saw it.”
“Shall we stop a moment? I should like to admire it. I have never seen a mill so close. Look at that great water wheel!”
