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She looked around at the fields of various estates surrounding Meryton, all full of growing crops except for those left to lie fallow or others used to graze sheep, goats, or cattle. This view always made her feel at peace. Just below her to the northwest was the point where the edges of Longbourn and Netherfield Park met. As she looked towards that estate’s manor house, more than two miles in the distance, Elizabeth noticed two horses galloping across Netherfield Park’s fields. It seemed like they were headed towards the border between the two estates.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Darcy and Bingley arrived at Netherfield Park before ten that morning. They were met by the local solicitor, Mr Phillips, who was the landlord’s agent in Meryton.

From his initial view of the house and what Darcy had seen of the estate, it looked sound. The parts of the roof he could see looked to be in good repair, and the park and gardens spoke of care.

Mr Phillips introduced them to the butler and housekeeper, a Mr and Mrs Nichols, and stepped aside to allow the gentlemen to view the house without any pressure from him. This surprised Darcy as he expected the country solicitor to try pushing Bingley into purchasing the lease. The tour was extensive, and it was easy to see that the two senior staff members knew the house well. They were able to answer any questions they were asked, mostly by himself, as Bingley did not know what to look for.

A little more than an hour later, the two friends met Mr Phillips in the dining parlour.

“Before we look at a lease, I suggest you gentlemen ride the estate. The lease covers the house, park, and the home farm. Even so, as you are permitted to go where you choose and hunt without restriction, it would behove you to see a good portion of the estate,” Phillips suggested.

Bingley looked at Darcy, who nodded. “We will take your suggestion,” Bingley accepted, “although we do not have riding horses with us.”

“The landlord keeps several geldings here,” Phillips responded. “Two have been saddled and are waiting for you in the drive. The steward will meet you near the horses and give you directions. If you have any questions for Mr Lankford after you have ridden the estate, he will be more than willing to answer them.”

After the steward explained how the estate was laid out, the two men rode first to the home farm. Like the house, it was well cared for and in very good condition.

From there, the friends rode across the fields and past the wooded area where they had been told many undisturbed coveys were to be found. The more they rode, the more Darcy became convinced that this was a good piece of property where Bingley could dip his toe into managing an estate. Perhaps his sisters would be able to learn what it meant to be a true mistress. Darcy was aware that Miss Bingley thought that the only duty of the mistress was to act as a hostess.

They galloped towards the fence near the hill which was part of the neighbouring estate’s property. If Darcy’s memory was sound, Mr Lankford had said it was named Long something and was the largest estate in the area.

The two men reigned their geldings in and stopped next to the fence closest to the hill. They dismounted and leaned on the fence.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

As they came closer, Elizabeth was able to make out their features better. Although she could not see clearly as they rose and fell with the movement of the horses, she could tell they were not old and that both men looked rather handsome.

She watched as they climbed off the steeds, tethering them to the fence, and leant against the boundary between the two estates, right below her. One man was some inches taller than the other. From the top of the hill, she could not see their faces, thanks to their hats, but she was able to tell that the taller one had dark curls protruding from his beaver while the shorter man had what she judged was strawberry blond hair.

“Well, Darce, what do you think? Should I lease the estate?” Bingley asked.

“I have seen nothing that would cause me to say no. It is possible to see that the landlord is diligent in maintaining his property even if he is not resident here,” Darcy responded. “That speaks well of him, as most absentee landlords spend as little as possible on their secondary estates.”

Elizabeth smiled when she heard the words of the man, the shorter one called the taller one ‘Darce,’ as she knew the landlord well, and he would never allow his property to be anything less than perfectly maintained.

“That Mr Phillips said there is either a six-month or a one-year lease available,” Bingley related. “Should I purchase a lease? Which one do you think I should take?”

‘Hmmmm, the shorter man sounds like he is not resolute and relies heavily on the one he called Darce. Perhaps they are brothers?’ Elizabeth thought. ‘If the man who takes the lease is single, Mamma will be beyond pleased and want him as a son.’

“I think this will be a good estate for you to learn about estate management. A one-year lease with an option to renew makes sense. This way you will be able to see if the life your father recommended in his will is for you or if you want to remain active in trade,” Darcy responded.

“If I ever tell my younger sister that my money is still made from trade, she will have a tantrum for the ages.” Bingley shook his head. “It will be nothing to the one she will have when she finally realises you will never marry her.” Bingley paused. “Should we return to the manor house so I can inform Mr Phillips that I would like to take the lease?”

From her perch on her rock, Elizabeth watched the men untether the horses and remount. They wheeled them in the direction of the mansion and were soon galloping over the fields. “They are not brothers,” she told the birds in the oak trees as she stood. “That the one who will lease the estate is from trade makes no difference to us. With Uncle Frank as the local solicitor and Uncle Edward in trade, it would be rather hypocritical if we counted that against our new neighbour. I am sure that as soon as Aunt Hattie learns that the estate has been leased out, she will come to share the information with Mamma, and then the effusions will begin, especially if he is single. I will not mention what I overheard and wait for Aunt Hattie’s inevitable visit.” Elizabeth looked at the birds in the branches of the trees. “I will not prevaricate. I just will not mention anything to Mamma; besides, Aunt Hattie will know the most important information.”

Elizabeth stood, dusted off her walking dress and began her walk down the hill and back to the manor house.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

The Matlock courier returned with a reply from General Atherton, the commanding general of the Royal Dragoons, granting Colonel Fitzwilliam as much leave as was needed to assist his cousin.

“Thank you, Richard, I appreciate that you are willing to assist me,” Anne said gratefully. “After all, you were here for Easter past with William. At least now you will not have to put up with my mother’s ridiculous pronouncements and pestering William to ‘do his duty’ and offer for me.”

“Annie, it is my pleasure to assist you,” Fitzwilliam responded.

“Do not forget that you also have Mr Collins to help and advise you,” Hilldale reminded his cousin. “Did you not hear him speak of his father’s estate and how his father made sure that both of his sons knew how to run an estate before he entered the clergy? I have a feeling he is as close to as experienced with running an estate as I am.”