Chapter 15 #2
“This is one that I did have a hand in-- by mentioning my concerns to your uncle, they insisted that should Bingley ever be unable, or unwilling, to oversee the estate, that you would be able to take ownership and control. I wished to protect you from his sister’s predations in case he was taken before you, but your uncles again had a clearer vision of my friend’s character than my own.
He had not been a terrible master of Netherfield, but anyone could see that his heart was not in it.
He wished for an estate for the prestige, with little care for the responsibilities which came with it.
Planting season is nearly upon us, and he has not returned a single letter requesting direction or at least permission to act in his stead.
He has effectively abandoned the estate, triggering the clause. ”
Jane glanced at Yates, his eyes glowing with relief and anticipation. “It will cause a great deal of talk.”
“What is a little gossip when the Bingley name has already been made a byword?” Elizabeth squeezed her hand in support.
“If planting is not completed in a timely manner, the estate will fail,” Darcy explained bluntly.
“Not in a few years, not in a slow decline; a sudden, catastrophic collapse. I could pay for the supplies and act on my own to keep it afloat—” Jane shook her head adamantly “— but I do not think it is in the best interest of yourself or the estate to do so. Once you have control, no matter Bingley’s actions, or lack of interest, the estate will continue to flourish.
You will be able to draw your pin monies directly from the estate, no longer relying on Bingley’s questionable powers of retention of facts that do not directly affect his own life.
You will be able to safeguard the livelihoods of your tenants and fill the empty farms. But most importantly, you will be able to safeguard your daughter’s inheritance.
Do you really believe that there will be anything left for her to inherit with Bingley allowing his sister free rein in town?
You did not have a large dowry to protect in the settlements, which would have been the only way to ensure her future.
This, Ivy Well, is her future, you must act, Jane. ”
Jane’s tears fell unheeded as she listened to his impassioned plea.
She looked down at the sleeping face of her innocent daughter, imagining her future if nothing changed.
It would already be difficult for her to marry under such a cloud, but without a dowry-- impossible!
She took a breath, reaching for the newfound strength she had been building day by day.
“I agree. We must protect the estate. What will you have me do?”
Yates nearly vibrated with excitement, “We shall go to the solicitor in Cheadle and present him with the contracts and request that the funds be released to begin the planting. Then I shall travel to London on your behalf to file the petition with the Court of Chancery. With my connections, hopefully it can be handled quickly and discretely, though the outcome will be public record for any who know to look.”
“Should we try to inform Charles?” Jane asked, biting her lip.
“I think you have expended enough energy attempting to recall him to his duty,” Elizabeth declared heatedly. “If he had shown any interest we would not be here now!”
“The court will inform him of the petition,” Yates assured her. “He will have an opportunity to defend his claim, do not worry.”
Jane nodded slowly, pondering the strange turn her life had taken.
“Your uncle Phillips awaits only your approval to collect your renumeration on the other,” Darcy explained. “I would write as soon as possible so that you will have the funds for the estate should the courts take longer than a few weeks.”
“I had forgotten,” Jane released a pain filled sigh. “Will it be enough, do you think?”
“Bingley agreed to pay ￡5000 for each lapse,” Darcy grinned terribly. “Mr. Gardiner hoped it would keep him on the straight and narrow, but if not, he wanted it to hurt.”
“￡5000!” she exclaimed, wide eyed.
“For each offense, Jane!” Elizabeth clapped her hands with angry delight. “There have been four publications so far that we know of, I am sure our uncle is keeping count of every mention.”
Jane released a puff of air, and smiled, openly, for the first time in several days.
“It is a relief to know that I will have access to the funds we need. I had not realized how much of a weight I had been carrying as I watched the tally grow further each day, knowing that William was paying it all. Now I shall be able to return your funds! My only worry is the management of the estate. I know nothing about such things! Suppose I make a terrible manager?”
“I shall assist you as you learn,” Darcy promised. “And you have an excellent steward. We will not let you fail.”
“Thank you, brother!” she exclaimed earnestly.
“Now, we shall ring for some sturdy footwear, and you and I shall take a walk in the gardens. Mama’s advice is as nonsensical as her opinions usually are. Of course you will be blue-deviled lying in a hot, dark room for a month. You need fresh air, exercise, good food, and no more worries.”
Jane complied with such a meek look that it set her sister to giggling.