“You did not let me finish. A neighbour reported that a man-made weir upriver has been breached and looks as though it has been for some time.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “A weir? How did we miss that?”
“It was in the woods. The leak was probably small at first, and the weir has never shown any signs of weakness before. Now, the breach has grown, and devil take me if it does not look as if some fool has done it intentionally.”
“Intentionally! But who would do such a thing?’
He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Do not repeat that last bit to anyone. After all, no one else thought the same, so surely, it is nothing more than my ill-tempered fancy at being dragged out in hip waders to survey the wreckage. Besides, the result is the same—fields and houses at risk of ruin.”
Elizabeth tossed the paperweight more quickly between her hands, eventually resorting to just squeezing it between both until her knuckles were white. “We need manpower to fix the weir and support the affected families. What about organising the local farmers and labourers? They have the skills and the strength needed.”
Mr Bennet nodded thoughtfully. “That would be ideal, but many of them are already dealing with damage to their own properties. You’ll not get them away from their own fields without some inducement.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together, thinking. “Could we petition the local government for assistance? They might have resources we have not considered.”
Mr Bennet shook his head. “Petitioning the government takes time, and we need immediate relief. The tenants cannot wait for bureaucratic processes.”
“What about the church?” Elizabeth suggested. “Mr Harrison, the vicar, might be able to rally support and resources from the congregation.”
Mr Bennet sighed. “Harrison has been here less than two months. His influence is not half what Mr Saunders’ was. In fact, there are a few ‘ladies’ of the area who are so dead set against him that should he attempt anything of the sort, he would be sunk before he began.”
Elizabeth paused, then ventured, “What if we set up a fund with contributions from many in the community? Surely, everyone would want to help their neighbours.”
He snorted. “We?Lizzy, do be serious. I have done what I can, but no one man can command the comfort of the entire town when you are speaking of the amount of money. I would be called a cheat and an opportunist.”
Elizabeth hesitated, then said, “Have you thought of speaking with Mr Wickham? He is well-regarded in the community and might have some ideas or connections that could help.”
Mr Bennet raised an eyebrow. “Mr Wickham? What could he possibly offer that others cannot?”
Elizabeth leaned forward. “He is popular and has the ear of many influential people. He might know of resources or be able to rally additional support. It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
Mr Bennet sighed, still sceptical. “Do you truly believe Mr Wickham can make a difference?”
“He has mentioned a willingness to be a good neighbour, and we cannot afford to overlook any potential help. If he has any connections or ideas, it would be worth exploring. Desperation calls for unconventional solutions, Papa.”
Mr Bennet considered her words, his frustration giving way to reluctant acceptance. “Very well. I will speak with Mr Wickham, but I am not so optimistic as you are.”
Elizabeth felt a small surge of hope. “Thank you, Papa. I hope Mr Wickham can be of some help.”
Mr Bennet leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment. “We will also need to provide immediate support for the families affected. Food, shelter, and clothing.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Perhaps we could organise a collection of goods. The women in the community might be willing to contribute supplies.”
Mr Bennet opened his eyes. “Possibly. Perhaps your uncle will speak to the local merchants about providing materials at a reduced cost or on credit.”
“Or, again, perhaps that might be a task Mr Wickham could assist with. He is so very well-liked. I say we exploit that.”
“Very well, I will speak with him. But it will take more than a few conversations to remedy this.”
Elizabeth stood, one idea after another tumbling through her mind. “I will ask Mama to speak with Mrs Lucas and Mrs Long about organising the women. They can gather supplies and help where needed.”
Mr Bennet gave her a tired, appreciative look. “Very well, Lizzy. Do you know, I had it in my mind simply to stare at these notes a bit longer with a glass of brandy in my hand and then wash my hands of the affair. Leave it to you to force me to act on the matter.”
“Now, I know that for a falsehood, Papa, for had you made your mind up to be useless, you would still have found a way to do so.”
He snorted a chuckle. “You know me too well. Well, well, let us see what there is to be done, eh? Be a good lass and send Hill in, will you? I may as well get about the thing.”
“Of course, Papa.”
