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“I have many issues with my parents. That I am here under the guardianship of my uncle rather confirms that but I do not talk of them. Ever. My father was the third son and was a newly appointed professor at Cambridge when he suddenly and surprisingly inherited Longbourn. The was a severe outbreak of scarlet fever and his father, mother, and both elder brothers together with their families were victims. He had no training as the Master of an estate and to this day he has no interest. Here is my first tangent.

“The start of my impatience and dismissal of men was at a young age, just after my 11th birthday. You know of my proficiency with arithmetic and I was already updating the ledgers for Longbourn. My review of the income and expenses had given me an idea for an improvement to the estate. I was dismissed out of hand by my father, and ridiculed by my mother who called me her favourite epitaph for me, a hoyden. For the next five years every time I suggested we do something on or for the estate it was dismissed, both by my parents and the tenant farmers.”

She looked at her fiancé.

“It will be something that we will have to discuss in depth. I have all these ideas, but they are purely as a result of my review of the ledgers. I would like you to listen to me and explain whether any of them are good ideas. I know that there are things I do not know; a review of the ledgers is no substitute for a lifetime of work in the fields.”

Fitzwilliam Darcy could see the passion in his fiancé’s eyes and he responded honestly. And in doing so sealed his marriage to Elizabeth Bennet.

“I understand completely, and even your recognition of the gaps in your knowledge is impressive. You will be at my side in all aspects of our marriage. There is no question I will not answer and frankly I cannot wait to hear all the questions you have.”

On an overcast day, early in the Spring of 1812 the sun burst forth over Hyde Park. Elizabeth looked radiant, delighted and impish, all at once.

“William, you are wonderful.”

It was not a word Darcy associated with himself but he would tolerate it if his wife-to-be insisted! They were quite the pair.

“Jane, Mary and I have undertaken the tenant visits for years and I updated the ledgers for a decade. The three of us ran many of the aspects of the Longbourn Estate. Once my uncle became aware of my aptitude with arithmetic when I was 12, I visited London and assisted him in updating the ledgers of Gardiner Import/Export every quarter. I was always busy, as were my two oldest sisters. Returning back to ’07, the first six months after my uncle’s accident are a blur. There was so much to learn, so much to do, so many demands upon my time. I helped my uncle where I could and his business did not suffer a loss even although he was now an invalid.

“From the start of ’08 things changed. It was clear that Uncle Gardiner was housebound. He fought the pain and went to his office once a week but even that short journey was torture. So I became ever more involved, to the extent that I visited the offices all six days of the week. It was at this point that Claire and Robert were permanently assigned to me. They have been my bodyguards ever since.”

“Bodyguards?”

Elizabeth nodded.

“The warehouses and docks lining the Thames have a reputation for a reason. I never felt threatened but I suspect that is because I was always guarded. I have never been unchaperoned in nearly five years, they have been my constant companions.”

“Yesterday, I noticed you talking to Mrs. Smith before you returned to the drawing room.”

It was not phrased as a question but the intent was clear.

“Claire, could you come forward a moment please? Hold out your left arm. Mr. Darcy, would you please rap your knuckles on Mrs. Smith’s arm.”

Unsure what to expect Darcy did as requested and was startled to hear a dull metallic sound.

“Thank you, Claire. Both Claire and Robert are armed with two knives. One on their forearm and one slipped into their boot. It has only been necessary for them to unsheathe a knife three times in the last four years but I am always protected. Yesterday I asked Claire to remain behind me. I did not know whether your aunt would strike me and I did not want her to react.”

Darcy was astonished at several levels and ashamed at one more, that Elizabeth thought his aunt would actually strike her. More importantly it was clear that there was a deep and close connection between Elizabeth and her two servants. There was friendship entangled with service.

“I really am getting bogged down in this tale. Let me see if I can speed things along.”

There was an immediate sigh.

“I have told this to your sister so I should tell my husband to be. I used a different name when I was assisting my uncle at his offices and warehouse.”

Darcy felt as if he had been unseated from his horse several times already, what was one more.

“I used the name Rose Gardiner when assisting my uncle. When I turned left at the front door and ventured into the city I was Miss Elizabeth Bennet but when I turned right and visited the office or warehouse then I was Rose Gardiner. The first a niece, the second a more distant cousin, but both called Sir Edward uncle. It was done to maintain my reputation.”

“You told Georgiana?”

“I was trying to emphasise the chasm between gentry and those in trade. I am not sure I succeeded, she seemed to think it was a brilliant ruse. We shall have to watch out for any mention of Ana Matlock.”

Darcy almost choked before he saw Elizabeth’s smile.

“Tease.”

A nod and a smirk in response.