“She is Lady Elizabeth now, but yes. She and her oldest sister specifically requested you to join me,” he said.
Georgiana’s face brightened immediately. “Yes! Yes! I would love to go,” she cried.
For a moment Darcy wondered what he had written in his letters to give Georgiana such a desire to meet Lady Elizabeth, but he set it aside. “I should tell you that His Grace mentioned the house is faded and worn. He offered us the use of a house in Derby, which is a few miles from Lockwood, if we are not comfortable in his home.”
“I would rather stay at Lockwood if at all possible,” said Georgiana, “though I suppose it is something that we can decide when we get there.”
“Very well,” he said. “I shall send a reply saying that we will both come. I assume you will want Mrs. Annesley and your maid to go with you.”
“If it is not too much trouble,” said Georgiana.
“I can’t imagine it would be,” said Darcy. “I will tell him that we will be there mid-day tomorrow. Can you be ready to leave tomorrow morning?”
“Of course,” said Georgiana. She clapped her hands together in glee. “I am very much looking forward to this.”
“As am I,” said Darcy. He then went back to his study to compose a reply.
April 18, 1812
Your Grace,
First, I would like to offer my congratulations on your new title and position. Second, I would like to say that it would be my pleasure to assist you at this time, both in finding a suitable teacher and in understanding your new wealth and responsibilities.
Toward that end, my sister and I will leave here tomorrow morning and should arrive at Lockwood between noon and one in the afternoon. I will be bringing my valet, and my sister will bring her companion, Mrs. Annesley, and her maid.
As long as accommodation can be found within the house, we would prefer to stay there, but we are willing to remove to Derby should it be inconvenient for the servants. I imagine there is a great deal of upheaval among them at this time, so we can be flexible on that score if necessary.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Your servant,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Once the letter was written, Darcy sealed it up and summoned Mrs. Reynolds. He discovered that the messengerand his horse were both currently being fed. He gave the letter to Mrs. Reynolds telling her to allow them both to finish their meal before sending them on their way.
He then headed to his room to tell his valet to begin packing for an extended stay.
Chapter 5
Elizabeth and Jane spent some time that morning looking through the guest rooms and deciding which of them was the least objectionable. Elizabeth knew that it would be easiest for Mr. Darcy to help their father if he didn’t have to make the journey to and from Derby to do so each day, so she was hoping to be able to house Mr. and Miss Darcy at Lockwood.
They found two rooms where the furniture was still comfortable and sturdy and the wallpaper was in good condition. The upholstery was not as worn as it was in other rooms, though the colors were faded. They had the servants air out the mattresses and prepare some fresh sheets and blankets. As they did so, Elizabeth was grateful that it was a sunny and warm day rather than a cold and rainy one.
Once the servants were put to work making the two bedrooms as comfortable as possible, Mrs. Perkins asked the sisters if she could have a word with them.
They met in the front parlor. With the sunshine pouring through the window, the room was pleasant despite the faded furniture and carpet.
“My ladies,” said Mrs. Perkins, “there are a few complications that you may not be aware of that are causing difficulties.”
Elizabeth was alarmed by such a beginning, but Jane remained calm. “And what are these complications?” Jane asked.
“I am sure that, by now, you are aware of the late duke’s generosity toward his servants in his will,” she said. When they both nodded, Mrs. Perkins continued. “Well, the windfall has caused several of the servants to desire to leave their positions. In fact, some have already done so even before you arrived. One of the footmen and two of my maids have taken their new fortune and used it to marry their sweethearts.”
“I am glad to hear it,” said Jane. “I hope they are happy in their new lives.”
“Well, that is not all,” said Mrs. Perkins. “As you know, the duke gave everyone ten times their annual salary, which means the more a servant was paid, the more they received from the will. Unfortunately for you, this means that the highest paid servants, which also tend to be the ones most difficult to replace, are the ones who are in the most likely position to leave.”
“Will you be leaving?” asked Jane.
