Chapter 27
Chapter twenty-seven
Elizabeth entered the drawing room after breakfast. “Are we ready to go? I am eager to see their collection.”
Anne looked doubtful. “All the books? That is likely to prove a very long visit.”
Elizabeth smiled. “Well, perhaps I may reserve some for another day.”
Georgiana brightened. “I adore Hatchard’s. I hope to find some new music.”
Jane shook her head. “I believe I shall remain here.”
Mary smiled. “Any particular reason, or person?”
Jane’s expression softened. “Mr. Bingley mentioned he might call this morning.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Very well. We shall leave you to your morning.”
At that moment, Darcy entered the room. “Are we ready? I should like sufficient time to look over their collection.”
The ladies exchanged amused glances, a quiet ripple of laughter passing between them.
Darcy looked from one to the other. “Have I said something diverting?”
Elizabeth smiled. “Not at all. We are quite ready.”
Soon they were seated in the carriage, and it turned onto Piccadilly.
The street was lively with passing carriages, though all moved with an order befitting its fashionable situation. They passed the elegant windows of Fortnum however, I regret to report that certain elements are not being executed in strict accordance with the plans you approved.
In particular, there have been alterations in the internal framing which, though represented to me as improvements, do not appear to align with your original design.
I have raised the matter with the foreman, who assures me that such deviations are customary and will not affect the final result. Nevertheless, I am not entirely satisfied that these changes are either necessary or desirable.
There is also some question as to the materials presently being used. While they are said to be suitable, I cannot say with confidence that they are of the same quality as those specified.
Under ordinary circumstances, I should insist more firmly upon adherence to the plans; yet, as the decisions in this case seem to extend beyond my usual authority, I hesitate to proceed without your direction.
I remain, of course, ready to act as you see fit, and shall ensure your instructions are carried out with all diligence.
I beg your pardon for intruding upon your time but felt it best that you should be apprised of the situation without delay.
I remain, Miss Bennet,
Your obedient servant,
Thomas Wilmot
Elizabeth rose at once, the letter still in her hand.
“I must return immediately.”
Darcy entered the drawing room at that moment. “Miss Elizabeth, what has occurred?”
She handed him the letter without a word. He took it and read quickly, his expression growing more serious as he went on.
Elizabeth crossed the room, her thoughts already in motion.
Darcy lowered the letter. “This is indeed concerning.”
Elizabeth turned toward him. “I must return at once. There is not a moment to be lost.”
The thought of careless alterations, of decisions taken without her knowledge, was intolerable.
Darcy regarded her steadily. “It is already late in the day. You would make little progress before nightfall, and the roads would not be safe. If you must go, it would be wiser to set out at first light.”
Elizabeth hesitated, then nodded. “Yes… you are right. I should gain nothing by haste, only risk.”
She turned away, her thoughts still clearly in motion. “I cannot help feeling I ought to be doing something at once.”
Darcy rose and stepped closer. “You are correct. You should not remain idle. Come, let us take a turn about the grounds. It may help to settle your thoughts.”
Elizabeth glanced down at her shoes. “I must change my slippers. I shall require half-boots. I shall not be long.”
Darcy nodded, but as she turned to go, he reached for her hand, his touch gentle, yet steady enough to still her.
“You will resolve this,” he said quietly. “Do not distress yourself unnecessarily.”
Elizabeth met his gaze, her expression softening despite her concern.
“I shall return shortly.”
***
Darcy was waiting when she returned. Together they put on their coats and walked along the path behind the garden.
Elizabeth frowned slightly. “I do not like being unable to act at once.”
Darcy shook his head. “I know no one better suited to meet a difficulty. It is only natural that you should feel concern.”
She smiled at him, some of the tension easing from her expression. “I will admit your presence is a considerable comfort to me.”
They came upon a bench beneath the trees and sat down.
For a few moments, neither spoke.
At length, Darcy turned to her. “What courses are open to you?”
Elizabeth considered this. “I may allow the work to continue, or I must engage another builder.”
Darcy inclined his head. “That seems a fair assessment.”
Elizabeth looked up at him. “To allow them to continue when they do not adhere to the plans would be imprudent.” She paused, her expression growing more certain. “If Mr. Wilmot believes the work is not being executed properly, I must trust his judgment.”
Darcy met her gaze. “He appears a very capable man indeed.”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “He is. Then the builder must be replaced.”
Darcy nodded. “Have you another in mind?”
She shook her head. “No, but I shall have Mr. Wilmot obtain new estimates, and then select the most suitable.”
Darcy’s expression softened into quiet approval. “And will setting out at first light tomorrow alter any of those steps?”
Elizabeth’s lips curved into a small smile. “No… it will not.”
She looked at him more fully. “You saw that from the first.”
Darcy gave a faint, amused smile. “Perhaps not quite so readily.”
The decision, once made, settled her mind entirely. Elizabeth leaned lightly against him, the earlier tension giving way to a calmer certainty.