Page 17 of Elizabeth Bennet and the Scottish Laird

He wrote a brief explanation as to why he wished to engage his services, then drew forth another sheet.

Mr Hartley, his solicitor back home in Derbyshire, was accustomed to such requests. Over the years, Darcy had employed him to investigate business partners, verify property claims, and conduct due diligence on matters requiring delicacy. This would not strike him as unusual.

Mr Hartley, he wrote on the fresh sheet.

I require a review of property holdings on the Isle of Skye belonging to one Malcolm MacKinnon, of Strathaird. Specifically: succession records, any outstanding debts or encumbrances, and an assessment of current income from the estate.

Speed matters more than exhaustive detail. I need to know whether the man's circumstances are as he represents them.

Darcy

He sealed both letters and pulled the calling bell. The footman appeared promptly.

“Have these posted immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

The young man departed. Darcy remained at his desk, staring at the space where the letters had been. What had he just initiated? An investigation of a gentleman's private affairs based on nothing more substantial than Bingley's discomfort and his own... what? Concern for Elizabeth's welfare? Or mere inability to accept that she might find happiness with another man?

He could not say with certainty. That troubled him more than he cared to admit.

“You are brooding.”

Darcy looked up to find Georgiana in the doorway. She regarded him with that particular expression she had developed since the business with Wickham, one that combined affection with an unsettling ability to read his thoughts.

“I was unaware my face was so transparent,” he replied.

“It is to those who know you.” She moved into the room and settled herself in the chair opposite his desk. “This concerns Miss Elizabeth Bennet, does it not?”

There seemed little point in dissembling. “Her father's death has left the family in difficult circumstances. A distant relation has appeared claiming the estate. I merely wish to ensure they are not being deceived during their grief.”

“You are investigating him, are you not? I just saw James hurrying outside with two letters.”

Darcy leaned back in his chair. “I have initiated certain enquiries, yes. To ensure the family's welfare.”

“And you question your own motives in doing so.”

The accuracy of her observation was uncomfortable. How had his young sister become so discerning? “Constantly,” he admitted. “I wonder whether I act from genuine concern or merely refuse to accept that she has every right to reject me and choose her own path.”

“Perhaps both,” Georgiana suggested. “But the fact that you question yourself suggests you have changed, does it not? The gentleman you were some months ago would have acted without hesitation, convinced of the rightness of his judgement.”

“I am uncertain whether this represents growth or merely paralysis,” Darcy said.

“I think it represents humility.” Georgiana poured herself tea from the pot on the side table. “You recognise now that your judgement is not infallible, that others have agency in their own lives. That is no small thing, Brother.”

They sat in silence for several moments whilst Darcy attempted to organise his thoughts into some coherent framework.

“What do you hope to discover?” she asked finally.

“The truth. Whether MacKinnon is who he claims to be. Whether his circumstances are as he represents them. Whether his interest in the Bennet family stems from genuine regard or more mercenary motives.”

“And if he proves entirely honourable?”

“Then I shall have wasted postage and made myself ridiculous. But I shall also have ensured the family was not deceived.”

“You shall also have cleared the path for another man to marry Miss Elizabeth.” Georgiana's tone was gentle, but her eyes were steady on his face. “Have you considered that outcome?”

Darcy had considered little else. “I think about it constantly,” he admitted. “Yet I cannot simply do nothing when there are questions that want answering.”