“Excellent,” said her father with a pleased smile on his face. “Darcy, here, has taught me a great deal in just a few short hours, including a few shortcuts that will allow me to make sure I am not being cheated without having to double check everything my secretary does.”
Elizabeth noted that her father had dropped the Mr. from in front of Mr. Darcy’s name. She wondered whether it was because they had become closer during their time working together or if her father was simply exercising his prerogative as duke to call Mr. Darcy whatever he wished.
“I now have a firm grasp on how much this house costs to run and maintain as well as a rough idea of what my income is,” continued Papa. “In the near future, I will need to look over the investments and the maintenance costs of my real estate, including the London house, but I believe tomorrow should be set aside for shopping. What do you think, girls?”
Elizabeth was ready to agree immediately, but Jane said, “What kind of shopping?”
“Well, we will need sheets and blankets for your mother’s room as well as your sisters’ rooms. Most of what we have on hand is either already in use or is a bit moth-eaten. Additionally, we will need wallpaper for those rooms. I don’t want to do too much, for I expect your mother will enjoy redecorating everything herself, but the rooms need to at least be inhabitable before they arrive.”
“When will Mrs. Bennet…I mean Her Grace…be coming here?” asked Mr. Darcy.
“That depends almost entirely on how long it takes to prepare the bedrooms,” said Papa.
“I imagine she is quite looking forward to it,” said Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth looked at Mr. Darcy’s face. His expression was impassive, and she could not tell whether he was poking fun at Mama’s excitability or if he actually meant exactly what he said.
“Our mother does not know about this new situation, yet,” said Jane.
Mr. Darcy’s eyes widened while Miss Darcy asked, “How could she not know?”
Papa shook his head. “I cannot predict whether she will be over the moon with excitement or absolutely intimidated. If I told her about it before I had assessed the situation, I would not know how best to help her with either reaction. Therefore, I told her that Elizabeth, Jane, and I would be taking a trip to Derbyshire to visit an old friend of mine.”
“But now that we know what our circumstances are, we can move forward,” said Jane.
“Yes,” said Papa. “I promise that, as soon as the bedrooms are ready, we will send for her.”
After a short silence, Elizabeth asked, “I wonder if the two of you gentlemen remembered to think about a possible governess or tutor who can teach us the social rules of the upper classes.”
“It completely slipped my mind, Lizzy,” said her father.
“If I recall, Mrs. Annesley has a sister who is between jobs right now,” said Mr. Darcy. “Is that correct?” he asked the companion.
“Yes,” she replied. “My sister, Mrs. Rigby, was let go a few months ago when her charge, Lady Pamela Frank, married. She is currently staying with our brother in Nottingham.”
“Is that the daughter of Lord Barnaby Frank, Earl of Pembroke?” asked Papa.
“Yes,” replied Mrs. Annesley.
“I see,” said Papa. “That seems suitable. Can she provide references?”
“Of course, Your Grace,” said Mrs. Annesley. “Would you like me to send her a letter?”
The duke looked at Mr. Darcy. “Are you confident that she can handle this task?” he asked. “You are acquainted with my family and the various personalities involved. What is your opinion?”
Mr. Darcy hesitated, and for a moment Elizabeth wondered what he was thinking. Was he reminded of her younger sisters’ habit of flirting with any gentleman who would pay them attention? Was he thinking of Mama’s shrill voice or her tendency to say whatever came into her head?
He squared his shoulders and said, “As long as she is supported by the master of the house, I believe she can help you all a great deal.”
Elizabeth felt her eyes go wide in surprise. She looked at her father to see his reaction. Papa was eying Mr. Darcy speculatively. Eventually, he sighed. “I suppose I deserved that,” he said. “Mrs. Annesley, would you mind composing a letter for your sister explaining our needs? If she is interested in the position, I will send one of my carriages to bring her here for an interview.”
“I would be happy to,” said Mrs. Annesley. “If you don’t mind my asking, however, would you mind explaining exactly what your needs are so that I can be as specific as possible when writing to my sister?”
“Ah, of course,” said Papa. “We are looking for someone to act as a governess and companion for my youngest three daughters. They are ages nineteen, seventeen, and fifteen. Additionally, she needs to be able and willing to teach the entirefamily, including myself and my wife, the manners necessary for mingling with those of our new status.”
“Isn’t nineteen a bit old to need a governess?” asked Mrs. Annesley.
“Perhaps,” said Papa, “but age does not automatically convey knowledge, wisdom, or proper behavior. I assure you, all three of my younger daughters need a great deal of assistance before they can be presented to society.”
