Chapter 9
The next morning Darcy was out surveying the estate and the farms after breakfast. He was, on the whole, impressed by the upkeep of the land and the cottages.
It was apparent that his cousin had been a conscientious landlord.
The steward, though well-informed about the estate, was lacking in original ideas.
Darcy was now more than certain that Mr. Grant’s resignation was for the best. Though the man appeared honest in his dealings and capable of following orders, he lacked the capacity for independent judgement.
There was an issue at the eastern end of the estate where a shallow ditch had formed. When he had inquired about it, Mr. Grant had been dismissive at best.
“The stream overflows all the time, and since we have a good amount of greenery, it causes a swamp. There is not much to do, though I have asked the tenants to fill it with gravel, but they are reluctant. This is not in anyone’s way.”
“Why is there no proper drainage for the stream then?” he had asked with a frown.
“The stream is not on our land, sir. Briarwood belongs to Lord Greystone, and he is hardly ever here.”
“What about the steward? I am passingly acquainted with his lordship and am sure he has someone to look over the estate,” Darcy questioned.
“Yes, Mr. Harrison. A mighty proud man who considers himself superior to all of us,” Mr. Grant had responded testily.
“Do we have a map of the estate? I would like to take a look.” Darcy had then asked and was told that it was in Mr. Hardwicke’s study at the main house.
“Would you like me to get it, sir?” Mr. Grant had asked.
“No, I plan to call on the ladies and will ask Mrs. Hardwicke,” Darcy replied, thinking that the lady may also be able to tell him something about the whole situation.
Then, deciding to introduce himself to the tenants, he rode towards the cottages. As he dismounted and was walking towards the house of one of the oldest tenants, he was surprised to see Miss Elizabeth taking leave of the family.
“Miss Bennet,” he bowed.
“Mr. Darcy,” she curtsied then made to walk ahead.
“Miss Bennet, whatever are you doing out in the sun?” he asked, causing her to stop and turn towards him.
“I am making tenant visits on my aunt’s behalf, sir.” At Darcy’s look of surprise, she continued, “Mrs. Hardwicke may no longer be the mistress of Willowmere but she feels it her duty to look after the tenants as long as she occupies the manor house.”
“That is indeed admirable. You and your aunt should be commended for continuing such duties.”
“I have been in the habit of making these visits at Longbourn. It is no hardship for me.”
“I think I will postpone my own visit to the tenants for tomorrow; by then, if you are amiable, I would like to hear your thoughts as to what you have learnt from your visits,” Darcy responded.
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. I will be happy to answer any question you may have,” Elizabeth replied, surprised that the gentleman was still eager to talk to her after all that had passed.
“Very good. I plan to call at the main house in a couple of hours. I hope to find you there?”
Elizabeth assured him that she would be back at the house by the time he came calling and then walked away.
Darcy stood staring at her for some time, then he mounted his horse and rode back to the dower house.
As he refreshed and changed, he kept thinking of his encounter with Elizabeth.
She was an admirable young lady, to be such a support to her aunt in her difficult times.
He did not know many women who would so readily spend so much time consoling a grieving widow.
Well, he thought with bitterness, there was hardly any benefit in cataloguing the greatness of Miss Elizabeth’s character.
He was well aware of it and also of her decided hatred towards him.
He diverted himself with thoughts of the ditch and the possible solution he might implement.
While Lord Greystone was a reasonable man, he had no wish to importune the Earl before he had tried other more convenient methods.
Since the area was not a walking path, he thought a drain could easily be built and may even be connected to a well if available.
There was no point in speculating, he thought, once he had the map, the solution would come to him.
Then, checking the time, he made his way to call on the ladies at the manor house.
He was received by the housekeeper and taken to the parlour where Miss Bennet was sitting with her young cousin.
“Mr. Darcy, do take a seat, sir. Unfortunately, my aunt is unable to join us. She is upstairs with a headache,” Elizabeth welcomed him.
“I hope Mrs. Hardwicke is soon recovered, but in case any assistance is needed, please do not hesitate to summon me.”
“I thank you, sir. I am sure that will not be necessary.”
“Miss Bennet, I would like you to understand that I sincerely care for Mrs. Hardwicke’s well-being.
She is my cousin, even though I was not acquainted with her till now.
Hardwicke was a good man and during my father’s lifetime he spent a considerable time at Darcy House.
We may not have been close, but I only have goodwill towards his family. ”
Elizabeth was surprised by this unexpected sincerity and blushed at her curt response. “Mr. Darcy, I assure you that no matter the time, you will be the first to know if we need any assistance.” She smiled at the gentleman and was glad to see it returned.
“Mr. Darcy, would you not show me how you carved soldiers from wood? You did promise?” It was young Margaret who finally interrupted.
“Of course, Miss Hardwicke. Miss Bennet, if you are not averse to parting with your cousin for a couple of hours, may I request her company at the dower house?” Darcy asked formally.
“If you are sure. I can well entertain Margaret if you are busy, sir.”
“I did promise it to her the last time I was here and I do not go back on my word,” he replied with a smile, earning a gleeful clap from Margaret.
“Well then, now that is settled, I was hoping I might have the map of the estate. It would help me understand the lay of the land,” Darcy asked.
“Of course, sir. I myself studied it only yesterday when my aunt asked for my help with the tenant visits.” Elizabeth then summoned a footman to get the map from the study.
The rest of the visit passed amicably, with both Darcy and Elizabeth discussing the new hamlet and the surroundings.
Elizabeth had not been introduced to many neighbours owing to the mourning but the maids and the steward had been kind enough to let her know about nearly every family in ten miles.
Soon Darcy took his leave and departed for the dower house with Margaret and her governess in tow.
The rest of the evening Darcy had no thought for ditches, stewards or tenants.
He spent an agreeable few hours working with his hands as he selected the soft woods for carving and made toy soldiers to the delight of the young girl.
By the end of the visit Margaret was the owner of four very crookedly carved soldiers and a most impressive hero in the form of Mr. Darcy.