Chapter 13
The next day Darcy visited the solicitor’s office as soon as visiting hours permitted.
He had a nagging feeling that Miss Elizabeth was uneasy last evening.
Since he was aware that she had visited Mr. Davis, he decided to uncover the reason behind her disquiet.
Mr. Davis was more than forthcoming with the information, apologising profusely for letting Miss Bennet know the details of her aunt’s annuity.
“Sir, I hope you will not judge my conduct as a solicitor based on this incident, but Miss Bennet was in dire straits when she visited and I thought the truth of the settlement would convince her to seek your help,” the man responded on seeing Darcy’s disapproving expression.
“What is done is done, but what I do not understand is the behaviour of the local tradesmen. Hardwicke was a respectable fellow and I would assume his widow would be treated with sympathy, not derision,” Darcy replied, his quiet tone conveying his displeasure at the merchants.
“I would suggest talking to the leading shopkeepers. I am myself surprised by this hostility for no decent person would act in such an unfeeling manner even before the lady is out of her mourning.”
Darcy contemplated the solicitor’s suggestion and, having no better idea himself, decided to see if he could find anything useful by talking to the merchants.
Taking the names of the major shop owners, he proceeded towards the market town.
It was not long before he had received the answers he sought.
Mr. Carter, who ran the drapery store, was a talkative fellow and extremely flattered to serve such an esteemed customer as Mr. Darcy, especially after he understood that the gentleman was ready to part with enough coins as long as he kept talking.
“It is a sad business, sir,” the man said, shaking his head. “Mrs. Hardwicke is esteemed by the whole village. The family has always been generous and amiable, but the business of the entail is a sad thing.”
“You are aware that I am the heir to Willowmere, are you not?” Darcy asked as he browsed the shop.
“Oh yes, sir. Everyone hereabouts is. We do not get many gentlemen from town, you see.”
“Then I do not understand why the credit to the household has stopped. Are the tradesmen expecting me to provide the servants with funds for every single purchase? I assure you the inconvenience to me would be minor, but the loss of business from Willowmere would affect the local populace worse. The next market town is, after all, only a couple of miles away.”
“Sir, I implore you not to consider this an affront to you or the estate. While Mrs. Hardwicke has our sympathies, we can hardly extend credit without any assurance of repayment,” the man tried to placate Darcy.
“I am not sure I correctly understand the implication of your speech. Mrs. Hardwicke is my family; are you telling me that you consider me dishonourable enough to leave my kin without any means.”
The man gulped, seeing the expression on Darcy’s face. “I did not mean to cause any offence, sir. It is just that the rumours have been rampant.” Mr. Carter wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“What rumours? It would be in your best interest, Mr. Carter, to speak plainly,” Darcy responded, his tone further intimidating the shopkeeper.
“Two days back, Mr. Harrison, the steward at Briarwood, was heard boasting at the tavern that since Willowmere is now free of the entail, Lord Greystone means to purchase it and expand Briarwood. It was implied that Lord Greystone is acquainted with you and does not anticipate any difficulty with his plans, for you would hardly be interested in a secondary estate so far from home.”
“Mr. Carter, let me be clearly understood that I have no intention of selling Willowmere. The estate is my family’s legacy and inconvenience will not keep me from my duty.
I have yet to be introduced to this Mr. Harrison, but my acquaintance with Lord Greystone has no bearing on my ability to manage my responsibilities,” Darcy responded with gritted teeth, further unnerving the man.
“I assure you, sir, that I will be extending the credit to the servants from Willowmere as usual. I will even speak to others and try to convince them, Mr. Darcy.”
“Good, I have planned to renovate the dower house and I would prefer it if my housekeeper did not need to visit the next town for the required purchase,” Darcy took his leave of Mr. Carter and rode back to the dower house.
The whole business had left a sour taste in his mouth and he was debating whether or not to send a scathing letter to Lord Greystone about his steward’s presumption.
The man may be an earl, but he could ill afford to offend Darcy.
Before he could make a decision, a servant informed him that Mr. Harrison was seeking an audience with him.
“Mr. Darcy, it is an honour to meet you,” Mr. Harrison said as soon as he was in Darcy’s presence.
“Mr. Harrison. How may I help you?” Darcy answered in a clipped tone.
“I am sure you are aware that I oversee Briarwood, the estate abutting Willowmere. I heard that Mr. Grant is leaving his position here and could not resist the opportunity,” the man responded with a self-satisfied smile.
“I do not take your meaning. Do you plan to leave Briarwood? I had understood that you are a relation to the family,” Darcy asked. Though he was confident he knew the man’s purpose, he wanted Harrison to spell it out.
“I was hoping to oversee both the estates, sir. They are neighbouring properties and have similar concerns.”
“How do you plan to do that? Whose interest will you serve in case of a conflict? I am sure, with your extensive knowledge, you are aware that neighbouring estates often have conflicting problems. A stream overflows on one estate and floods the other. Very common, would you not agree?” Darcy answered in a deceptively calm voice.
“With the same steward, it would be easier to serve the larger good. No need for negotiations. After all, Hampshire is quite a distance from Derbyshire and a local steward would relieve you of any responsibility towards the estate and tenants,” Mr. Harrison continued to speak in a placating tone.
“Mr. Harrison, let me make it clear that I do not appreciate your insinuations. I will be appointing a steward as per my wishes, and if you continue to spread baseless rumours, I am acquainted with Lord Greystone, as you seem to be well aware of,” Darcy got up from his seat and walked out of the study, signalling the end of the conversation.
He had hardly walked a few steps when the housekeeper handed him a note from the main house.
Miss Bennet had already heard the news of his visit to the market town and sent a note thanking him for his kindness.
It was a brief message, correct and completely proper, but Darcy hated every word in it.
Elizabeth Bennet should not feel obliged to him, he could not bear the thought.
He wanted her friendship, her admiration, and her esteem—but not her gratitude, anything but that.