“Indeed? And why is that? I rather thought Georgiana quite fond of the gentleman.”
“I can tell you in two words: George Wickham.”
The Countess slumped back in her chair. “I had put that entire episode from my mind.”
Mr. Darcy said, “If he reads in the papers that Georgiana has made a very advantageous marriage and is now connected with an important family, he will be here in a matter of days, threatening to go to the newspapers and demanding payment for his silence. I would pay him, if I thought that would be the end of it.”
“But you know full well that it would never end,” the Countess surmised.
“Precisely; and so it would eventually be put in the papers and known to everyone. Georgiana cannot countenance damaging the Westmoreland family name.”
“That is very sad,” the Countess said.
The three of them sat for a long minute in silence. Finally, the Countess said, “I have another dilemma, one with which I believe you can assist me.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
A week later, Mr. Darcy visited his cousin Richard.
“It is good to see you, Darcy. And your timing is excellent, as I intend to rejoin my regiment in a week’s time.”
“Ah, then my timing is indeed excellent. Richard, I need your help.”
“My help? For what?”
“I have just purchased a small estate and I need someone to manage it.”
The Colonel scowled at him. “I am no farmer, Darcy.”
“That is just as well, as this is no farm. Well, there is a home farm, of course, but the main purpose of the estate is the raising of horses.”
“Horses?“
“Yes, and I think you may be familiar with the place.”
“You cannot mean –“
“I do, indeed. I purchased Elmstree Stables.”
“Elmstree! They raise fine animals, the very best! But why? I have never known you to be particularly interested in raising horses.”
Mr. Darcy shrugged. “It is an excellent investment opportunity. The owner, the Earl of Huntingdon, just lost the manager of Elmstree and did not care to find a new one; he was eager enough to sell at a fair price. I believe there is a good deal of money to be earned in the raising of fine horse flesh, but I know little about it and so need a competent manager upon whom I may rely.”
“Is there a house?”
“There is a large house and even larger stables. My offer is this: manage Elmstree Stables for me in exchange for a salary, plus a percentage of the profits. I will sell the place to you at any time for a fair price. It is not far from London, you know, and you would be able to visit your parents and enjoy the comforts of Town at any time.”
“Darcy, you know I have always wanted to raise horses!” The Colonel’s excitement was barely contained.
“I do know that.”
“I cannot believe this is – hold on. Have you been speaking to my mother?”
“The Countess? What has she to do with this?” Darcy did his best to sound puzzled.
The Colonel stared at his cousin for a minute, and then said, “Never mind. I accept your offer, Darcy. And I thank you. You have no idea how very grateful I am.”
***
