Chapter 16
Chapter sixteen
The sun was just above the horizon when Elizabeth stood in the stables, stroking Bramble’s nose and offering him a carrot. Hearing someone enter, she turned and saw Mr. Darcy.
“Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. I see you were of the same mind.”
She smiled warmly. “Good morning, Mr. Darcy. I confess I thought a morning ride might afford me some escape from Mr. Collins.”
Darcy chuckled. “I understand the feeling. I would as soon avoid my aunt this morning. Perhaps we may escape together. Where would you suggest?”
Elizabeth began to lead Bramble from his stall. “Perhaps Oakum Mount? The view is lovely in the morning.”
Darcy assisted her in mounting, then quickly mounted Atlas. They trotted down the lane, and when they reached the open fields, they urged the horses into a gallop, both eager for the exercise.
Elizabeth lifted her face to the wind and listened to the rhythm of hooves striking the earth.
She glanced at Darcy riding beside her and realized she had come to depend upon his company.
The thought brought both excitement and a measure of unease.
She set it aside and chose instead to enjoy the moment.
When they reached the base of the hill, Darcy helped her dismount and secured the reins so the horses might graze. He then offered his arm, and they climbed the path to the top.
Elizabeth had brought some small cakes and shared them with him. They sat upon a rock and watched the sun climb higher in the sky.
Elizabeth sighed softly.
Darcy looked toward her. “Is something troubling you?”
“I have so many thoughts running through my mind. I cannot help wondering whether all the work of the past years might yet be undone.”
“An estate rarely depends upon a single house,” Darcy replied. He gestured toward the fields. “Systems, tenants, improvements, these endure longer than walls.”
“You have already done the difficult part, Miss Elizabeth. The rest is merely administration.”
Elizabeth smiled lightly. “You make it sound very simple.”
He returned her smile. “Only because the foundation has already been laid. I have several smaller estates in addition to Pemberley. I employ capable stewards to manage them. I correspond with them regularly and make periodic visits. Because the structure is there, I am able to manage them at a distance.”
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds a very reasonable plan.” She glanced at him, her expression softening. “I am glad you are here.”
Darcy rose and offered her his hand. “We should likely return.”
He glanced about them once more. “You must know this view very well.”
“I often come here when I need to think.”
Darcy regarded her thoughtfully. “I suspect the estate has benefited more from your thinking than you realize.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly.
They began the walk back down the hill. Darcy assisted her into the saddle and then mounted Atlas.
For a moment, Elizabeth had the sense that his attention lingered on her before turning once more to the path ahead.
They rode back toward Netherfield at an easier pace, neither in haste to return.
***
Elizabeth came down the stairs after changing out of her riding habit. She had several letters to write and wished to have them finished that morning.
She entered the library and sat at the writing desk. She was nearly finished with her first letter when the door opened abruptly.
She sighed softly. This would not be a welcome interruption.
Lady Catherine entered, her presence commanding immediate attention, and stood before Elizabeth, her expression severe.
Elizabeth looked up and rose from her chair. “Lady Catherine, good morning.”
“I wish to know what you have to say for yourself, young lady.” She struck her cane upon the floor for emphasis.
Elizabeth listened for a moment, then quietly resumed her seat.
“If you wish to speak with me, Lady Catherine, I am quite prepared to hear what you have to say.”
Lady Catherine’s face flushed, and she stood in silence for several moments.
At length, she studied Elizabeth, then took a seat nearby. “Well, you do not frighten easily. I will grant you that.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Yes. It is well that we understand that from the beginning. It will also save you a great deal of effort.”
Lady Catherine’s expression shifted for a moment, as though she might smile, but the look vanished almost at once. She leaned forward.
“I am concerned about the attention you are receiving from my nephew.”
Elizabeth nodded but did not speak.
“Well?” Lady Catherine demanded. “Have you nothing to say for yourself?”
“What is it you wish me to say?”
“I want you to stay away from my nephew.”
“Ah. I understand that is your wish. But it is of no concern to me. If your nephew chooses to spend time in my company, I see no reason to prevent him.”
Lady Catherine struck her cane again. “Because he is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say to that?”
Elizabeth shrugged lightly. “That is a curious assertion. I had a conversation yesterday with both your daughter and Mr. Darcy, and they assured me there was no such engagement.”
She paused. “You will understand, therefore, why your statement must be called into question.”
Lady Catherine raised her cane as though to strike the floor again, but Elizabeth lifted her hand slightly.
“I must ask you to cease striking the floor with your cane. It is very hard on the floor and does nothing to impress me. You would do better to reserve your energy.”
Lady Catherine regarded her for a long moment, then leaned back in her chair.
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “I gather the use of your cane in this manner is a favored tactic?”
Lady Catherine gave a slight shrug. “It has its uses.”
“We shall see whether your confidence serves you as well in the future, Miss Bennet.”
Lady Catherine rose and left the room without another word. Elizabeth looked at the door for a moment, then returned to her letters.
***
Mr. Bennet and Sir William Lucas arrived in the Bennet carriage before the house rented for Colonel Foster. Both men stepped down and went to the door.
They asked the officer on guard if they might speak with Colonel Foster. The officer requested that they wait while he determined whether the colonel was available. Soon afterward, they were escorted to his office.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I assist you?”
Mr. Bennet looked directly at the colonel.
“I am here about Lieutenant Wickham. Twice now this man has importuned my daughter. After the first incident he was warned not to return to Longbourn, yet he appeared again on the afternoon of the fire. I saw him myself, bold as brass, arguing with her, and when she attempted to leave, he seized her wrist.”
Mr. Bennet struck the desk with his fist. “I will not have it.”
Sir William placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.
“As magistrate, I too am concerned about Mr. Wickham’s conduct toward Miss Elizabeth. I should also like to know whether he has an alibi for the night of the fire. Mr. Wickham made threats that afternoon.”
Colonel Foster nodded gravely. “This is very concerning. Lieutenant Wickham has already been confined to camp, permitted to leave only to take his meals at the inn.”
He turned to the officer standing by the door. “Have two men bring Lieutenant Wickham here at once.”
The officer saluted and quickly left the room.
Colonel Foster gestured toward the chairs. “My apologies, gentlemen. Please be seated. I want you to know that I take this business concerning Miss Elizabeth very seriously. My Charlotte is quite close to her and has been greatly upset by the matter.”
They had not long to wait before Lieutenant Wickham was escorted into the room. Mr. Bennet was on his feet the instant he saw him. The expression on his face was so full of anger that Wickham took a step back.
Colonel Foster addressed him sharply. “Have you forgotten that one salutes in the presence of a superior officer?”
Wickham paled and quickly raised his hand. “My apologies, Colonel Foster.”
The colonel fixed him with a hard stare. “Let us begin with your conduct toward Miss Elizabeth. Twice now you have laid hands upon her in a most improper manner.”
Wickham swallowed. “I was only trying to get her to understand.”
Colonel Foster shook his head. “Let me make this very clear. You are not to approach or speak to Miss Elizabeth again. Should you encounter her, you will immediately remove yourself. To ensure there is no misunderstanding, you will remain confined to camp for the remainder of our stay in Meryton.”
Wickham nodded faintly. “Yes, sir.”
Colonel Foster continued, “Now, I want to know where you were after you were retrieved from Longbourn Wednesday afternoon.”
Wickham glanced uneasily around the room. “I was… at the camp. I have not left since returning Wednesday afternoon.”
“And can anyone vouch for your whereabouts Wednesday evening?”
Wickham hesitated. “I was in my tent that evening.”
Colonel Foster continued to stare at him.
“I was… I was in my tent all night.”
Colonel Foster regarded him for a long moment before speaking.
“Escort Lieutenant Wickham to the guardhouse until we can sort this out.”
Wickham stared at him in horror. “I was in my tent!”
The men watched as Wickham was taken away.
Colonel Foster turned back to Mr. Bennet and Sir William.
“We shall determine whether anyone saw him leaving camp that night. Though, in truth, leaving camp would not prove that he set the fire.”
Mr. Bennet’s expression hardened at this remark, but Sir William nodded.
“He is correct. That alone would not be sufficient.”
Colonel Foster inclined his head. “I will inform you as soon as we learn more.”
The gentlemen thanked him and took their leave.
***
That morning Anne asked Elizabeth if she might accompany her to the dressmaker in Meryton. Though the request seemed ordinary, Anne smiled shyly and said, “I think I should like to choose for myself.”