Chapter Two
When Elizabeth was escorted to her chambers by a maid, she was delighted to find the rooms clean and thoroughly aired out.
A fire was crackling in the hearth, and when she examined the attached sitting room, she spied a small bookshelf stocked with tomes she knew she had mentioned at one time or another to Mr. Ellis.
She sighed, still bemused about how this had all come to be.
She moved back to her bedchamber, and it was then she saw that a letter had been left on the desk.
Curious, she picked it up. The wax seal was unusual, an emblem rather than a family crest. It depicted two mountain peaks, and in the valley between them, a sprig of holly, clearly referring to the name of the estate.
On the front of the folded missive was her own name, written in a spindly script that bespoke age.
“Well, there is nothing for it.” She feared for the briefest of moments that the information inside would reveal this had all been some terrible mistake, but she summoned her courage and broke the seal.
My dear Miss Bennet,
By now, you must be wondering whether I was in my right mind when I made over my will. I assure you, the change was made some years ago, and not in haste. I never mentioned that I had made you my heir, as I know you would have protested such a gift. But I am not mistaken in this choice.
Your kindness was demonstrated to me time and again when you remembered me in your letters and asked to visit with me when you travelled to town with the Gardiners. But all these attributes would not be enough without your strength of mind and your cleverness.
I have watched you grow into a woman of remarkable character, Miss Lizzy, one who understands that true wealth lies not in one's possessions, but in the richness of one's heart.
You see, Hollydale is not just any house, and therefore I could not leave it to just any person.
It is known throughout the county by another name: Christmas House.
This reflects the spirit that has inhabited Hollydale for generations.
Should you choose to accept your inheritance, you must understand that it comes with a most unusual obligation—one you are eminently well suited to fulfil.
The owner of Hollydale House is tasked with keeping the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year.
Before you begin your jests about how such a thing is to be accomplished, this does not mean adorning the halls with holly and ivy in the height of summer.
In fact, extra decorations would call attention where none is wanted, for no one knows the actual location of Christmas House—and that is precisely the point.
The task I set for you is to use your newfound resources to quietly embody the true essence of the festive season—not parties and frivolous gaiety, but true generosity.
I have been a frugal man these thirty years, and you will find yourself in a position to perform acts of goodwill, to offer aid to those in need, and to spread joy in even the darkest of times.
I expect you to do just that. And you shall have to keep your gifts strictly anonymous, though you may seek out Mr. Milner and his wife for assistance.
Through the things you have told me and written to Mrs. Wright, it is not difficult to discern that you and your sisters find yourselves in a precarious situation.
Your father is still a young man in comparison to me, and yet I know too well that our time here is not guaranteed.
So this is my final act of goodwill as master of Christmas House, and I do hope it brings you the same kind of joy that you have brought me.
Your sisters and mother will always have a home.
They may marry or not as they choose—but you must be especially careful in your choice of a spouse, for you will not only be gaining a husband, but Christmas House will be gaining a master.
You must be certain he is willing to be your partner in all that its ownership entails.
I have chosen you for this role not only as my own final act of generosity, but also with the preservation of Hollydale’s legacy in mind.
From the first day we met in the churchyard, and you asked me to tell you about my dearest wife Grace, I perceived in you a compassionate spirit that shone as bright as the Yuletide star.
I understand that this is no small undertaking.
The responsibility of maintaining an estate while also tending to the needs of others is a formidable task.
However, I am confident that should you accept this bequest, you will bring new life to Hollydale, maintaining it as a symbol of hope for those who require it.
It is my greatest hope that in embracing your role as Hollydale’s mistress, you will find the joy that helping others provides, even when you face your own challenges.
Take your time to consider this bequest carefully. If I have been wrong and you cannot take on what you must for Hollydale’s care, I ask that you decline. Know that whatever your decision, you have my deepest respect and fondest regards.
Your friend,
Mr. Nicholas Banbury Ellis
Elizabeth read the letter three times before she set it down again. Her heart was almost too full.
The gift Mr. Ellis had bestowed upon her was unbelievable.
Not only would her own family be safe, but she would also have the means to help others that she had lacked when she was simply a daughter of Longbourn.
She did not need to consider the bequest. She was entirely willing, even eager, to comply with the terms of the inheritance.
She only hoped she could do justice to Mr. Ellis’s faith in her.
Later, as the Bennets entered the dining room, they were greeted by a large vase of fresh, fragrant flowers and the warm smiles of Mr. and Mrs. Riggs.
The butler and housekeeper were a striking pair who carried themselves with an innate dignity—trim, neatly attired, posture ramrod straight. His greying hair was kept short and neat; her light brown hair was coiled and pinned up.
“These are beautiful.” Elizabeth cupped one large blossom with her hand and leaned down to smell it.
The housekeeper’s kindly face beamed. “Freshly cut from the greenhouse, Miss Bennet.”
The small table was set with fine china and gleaming silverware, and the room was filled with an inviting aroma from a tureen sitting in the centre. It was a bit informal, but they were a small party, and Elizabeth liked it.
“Welcome, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet.” Mr. Riggs bowed. “We thought you might enjoy some of Mr. Ellis’s favourite dishes after your long journey from Hertfordshire.”
“We would indeed.” Papa took an appreciative sniff. “The inns do what they are able, but it is not the same as having one’s own cook.”
“It smells delightful!” Mamma exclaimed as Papa held out her chair.
“I agree.” Elizabeth smiled as Mr. Riggs moved to hold her chair. “This is a lovely welcome.”
When they were left alone to eat, Elizabeth said, “Papa, Mamma, we shall have to see to hiring more servants directly, for even with only the three of us, there is too much work here for the servants in residence.”
“That is a good thought,” Mamma said. “Particularly once we begin making changes, for there is nothing worse for stirring up dust, and we shall need the maids to clean every evening. We shall also need to pack away anything fragile.”
Papa lifted a spoon of the soup to his mouth and closed his eyes. “You will want to keep this cook.”
Elizabeth and Mamma laughed.
“You always think first with your stomach, Thomas.” Mamma shook her head at him. “But we shall require more than help in the kitchen.”
“Mrs. Riggs has a list,” Elizabeth reminded her mother, who nodded.
Papa seemed deep in contemplation as he ate.
“We shall have to hire workmen as well, and I believe that should fall to me, Lizzy. I shall speak with the steward tomorrow and make a tour of the farms this week. Once you and your mother have remedied any issues here, we can speak about the tenants and the crops. I will be your representative with the steward, but you should be aware of the estate workings and meet with us too.”
It was a great deal to do, but they had time. She hoped. “How long will you stay, Papa?”
“Three weeks or a bit more, depending on what there is to be done. You shall be able to rely on your Aunt Gardiner’s friends should you need anything. I am grateful she and her family were so well thought of here.”
“And Lizzy too. She travelled with them on all the Gardiners’ trips north,” her mother said.
“Yes.” Papa touched his napkin to his lips. “Clearly Elizabeth was also well thought of here.”
Elizabeth knew she had been sent with the Gardiners in part because her mother, her nerves badly frayed with so many young children in the house, had asked them to take her.
Elizabeth had never minded—she had looked forward to the trips, for Uncle and Aunt Gardiner were endlessly patient with all her questions, something that had wearied Mamma no end.
The Gardiners had expected her to make herself useful too, which Elizabeth had enjoyed just as much.
Her father continued to speak. “Mr. and Mrs. Riggs ought to be able to help us hire a few more footmen to keep watch once I am gone.” He would have to return home to oversee some estate business for Longbourn he had left undone to travel with Elizabeth.
“The Gardiners might be willing to come north for Christmas this year, given the circumstances.”
Mamma nodded. “It is a shame that Mrs. Wright did not live to see Lizzy the mistress of Hollydale. She would have enjoyed joining us for the festive season.”
“She would have.” Elizabeth recalled how proud Mrs. Wright had been of Aunt Gardiner. To have a connection to Hollydale House would have pleased her no end.
“If the Gardiners can attend us, they might travel with me and the rest of the girls. What say you, Lizzy?” Papa’s question broke through her musing.