Mr. Darcy cleared his throat. The two men turned. Graham looked uncomfortable, knowing he had been overheard. The other man stepped forward and bowed politely. “I am Mr. Phillips,” he said.
“You arranged the lease, I believe?” Mr. Darcy asked, returning the bow.
“I understand that you are here at Mr. Bingley’s request. I would be remiss if I did not ask for some sort of letter from Mr. Bingley…” Mr. Phillips trailed off, his brows raised in question.
“Of course.” Mr. Darcy reached into his pocket and pulled out the note Mr. Bingley had penned. He gave it to Mr. Phillips, who read the brief message aloud.
To Whomever it May Concern:
I authorise Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy to act for me in all matters.
Charles Bingley
“That is rather open-handed, is it not?” Mr. Phillips asked, surprised. “Why, you could empty his bank accounts with this letter.”
“I am afraid to say that this is rather like Mr. Bingley,” Mr. Darcy sighed. “But you need not fear, Mr. Phillips; I will confine my authority to matters having to do with Netherfield Park. Mr. Graham, might you show us to the study?”
When the butler had complied and the two men were seated, Mr. Darcy said, “Now, then, have you the lease papers ready for me?”
“You are familiar with such documents, I imagine?” Mr. Phillips’ tone betrayed his doubts.
“Passably familiar, yes.” Mr. Darcy hoped his voice did not reveal his impatience at such a question, which a man of his standing could only regard as impertinent.
As Mr. Phillips pulled the papers from his satchel, he asked, politely, “I hope Mr. Bingley is not ill?”
“He broke his leg.” Mr. Darcy replied, shortly.
“Oh! I am very sorry to hear that.”
“As was I,” Mr. Darcy said, coolly.
Mr. Phillips passed a sheaf of papers to Mr. Darcy. “I will be happy to explain any unfamiliar terms, Mr. – Darcy, was it?”
“Yes. Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Mr. Darcy felt his body tighten at the slight – as if he was not familiar with the language of leases! – but then he forced himself to relax. He knew he was being everything absurd; Mr. Phillip’s tone was kind, his manner entirely bereft of insult. You are not known here, Mr. Darcy reminded himself. “I shall let you know if I require assistance,” he said.
Mr. Darcy settled back, intending to review the documents carefully. Bingley tended to be impulsive and did not always pay attention to details, so it was important that Mr. Darcy review the terms of the lease carefully. “Mr. Bingley may update furnishings, then,” he said, looking at a particular paragraph on the third page.
“Yes, but he is not to remove any of the old furnishings from the house. There is plenty of attic space to store the existing furniture should he choose to redecorate.”
“I understand. And responsibility for the tenant farms passes to Mr. Bingley for the duration of the lease.”
“Correct; and in turn he is entitled to the income from the estate for the duration.”
“I did not see any provisions for the possibility of purchase of the estate,” Mr. Darcy observed, once he had finished reading the papers.
“He did not mention the possibility of purchase,” Mr. Phillips said, brows raised.
“His end goal is to purchase an estate; his lease of Netherfield is a trial to see if he likes estate living. Perhaps a clause may be added giving Mr. Bingley the right of first refusal, should the owners choose to sell?”
“Easily done,” Mr. Phillips said. “I know the owners would not object to selling the place. I will add that language and return to you tomorrow, if that suits you, Mr. Darcy.”
Mr. Darcy agreed. The two men then toured the house, with Mr. Phillips interjecting comments about the house’s history and its past tenants. At the end of the tour, Mr. Phillips said, “Mr. Bingley chose his agent wisely.”
“Thank you, Mr. Phillips.”
Mr. Phillips handed Mr. Darcy a set of keys and promised to return the next day at the same time.
Chapter Four
