Chapter 6 A Brother’s Visit #2
My mouth parted, and I leaned my weight against the wall. “I should be sorry to think you still wish me to go. Have I done aught in particular to distress you?”
Darcy’s jaw clenched, and his respiration grew erratic.
“You cannot be serious! You must realise it is taxing to have you here.” With a glance around the area to ensure none of the grooms worked nearby, he stepped closer.
“You have powers far beyond that of mortals, and you threatened to end my life. You have forced your presence upon myself and my family. Of course I want you to leave!”
My sight cast downwards. Somehow, I had deluded myself into the fanciful notion of gaining his friendship. “Despite all that, I never wanted to cause you disquiet. I meant what I said before. You need not fear for your family’s welfare.”
Darcy’s steely gaze bored into me. “I suppose I have no choice but to take you at your word.” His hands formed tight fists.
“I am afraid that is the case.”
Even from where I stood, the wild thumping of his heart rumbled in my ears. It seemed nothing I could say would ease his mind. Unfortunately for him, I had no intention of leaving—not yet.
Darcy uttered no more than ten words to me for the next thirty minutes.
He and I mounted the awaiting horses—the black stallion for Darcy and Rusty for me.
We rode out and stopped at a small barn located near the dower cottage.
Darcy entered the barn, where a young groom brushed a beautiful sorrel Arabian mare.
I waited at the barn entrance.
“Good day, Billy.” Darcy ran his hand along the mare’s neck.
The groom straightened. “Good day, sir.”
“I understand you rode her this morning. How did she behave?”
“She’ll make your missus a fine ’orse, sir.
I ain’t ever seen such a pretty one as ’er.
She’s spirited but gentle-like.” Billy followed behind Darcy as he examined the mare.
“She got scared when we rode by the seed drill. I expect she ain’t seen one before.
She stopped and stared like it might attack ’er.
Another time she shied when one of the dogs came near ’er, but both times, she was sensible—just stood frozen-like.
Calming ’er was easy as could be. When I stroked ’er neck and talked to ’er, she seemed to listen.
Many ’orses have more ’air than wit, but not this one.
She’s perfect for a fine lady like Mrs. Darcy. ”
At the groom’s apparent enthusiasm, Darcy came close to smiling.
“I am pleased to know my presentiment with regard to this mare has been supported by your experience.” He moved forwards to face the horse and stared into the animals large, expressive eyes.
“Keep her out here until the nineteenth. I do not want my wife to see her before then.”
The groom nodded. “As you say, sir. I’ll keep ’er out of view from the ’ouse.”
Darcy stroked the mare’s forehead. “Thank you, Billy.”
Based upon my encounters with the servants at Pemberley—whether they worked in the manor, the stables, or the grounds—they all expressed satisfaction with their situations. This young man appeared to be no different.
When we rode out again, Darcy led us off the main path to cut through the woods. I glanced at him. “Where are we off to now?”
“One of my tenants requested an addition be made to his residence, since they need more space. His wife is with child, and he has taken in one of his nephews. The work ought to have begun several days ago. Mr. Cross stopped by yesterday, but I want to see the progress for myself.”
“And how shall you be repaid for the expense?”
“When a tenant’s family grows, their production tends to increase. When the children are old enough, they will contribute their share to the work, and nothing inspires a man to work harder than the wish to provide for his family.”
I rubbed my chin. Why take such a risk? Darcy may never recover the cost of the addition.
“Pardon me, but I am surprised a wealthy estate owner such as you would make this decision that depends upon the honourable nature of your tenants. You must be aware that countless husbands and fathers live lives of dissolution and sloth. I have seen it all too often. The thoughts and memories of the men and women whose deaths I have observed have shown me a world full of people who make selfish choices. You may be disappointed if you expect diligence and integrity from your tenants.”
After a pause, he turned to me. “Once in a while, a tenant fails to fulfil his contract. When that happens, I give them the opportunity to correct the situation and provide assistance if necessary. On rare occasions, I have had to evict tenants, but the majority of them are hard-working, dependable people.”
“Hmm.” When Elizabeth and I called at the Greens’ household, a thought from Mrs. Selina Green had been evident to me: she had reflected with gratitude on the kind treatment her family had received from the Darcys. One could deduce that Darcy’s methods must serve him well.
Lady Catherine
Elizabeth set down her soup spoon. “Since there are four of us here tonight, I thought we should play quadrille after the meal.” Her sight settled upon me. “Assuming no one objects, I believe it will be a diverting way to spend the evening.”
My hand froze with my goblet of wine halfway to my mouth.
Rarely did anyone surprise me thus. How irksome to have been taken unawares by her, of all people.
I set the russet liquid on the table with a soft clink.
In the past, I had grown accustomed to forgoing my favourite pastime at Pemberley.
Both Darcy and his father before him had detested the game and always vetoed any suggestion of playing.
I had never been able to persuade my nephew to play at Rosings.
Elizabeth held my gaze with a smile. “As I recall, you are quite fond of the game.”
Well, this should prove entertaining, to say the least. I smirked at her. “Darcy detests the game. Who do you propose to be the fourth player?” Did the woman expect me to sit at a table with one of the servants?
“The fourth will be me, of course.”
I spun towards Darcy. “What? You are to play? You abhor the game!” The words sputtered from me.
“Nevertheless, I shall play tonight.” My nephew had the audacity to act nonchalant, as though I had not asked him to play many times before.
I pointed to Elizabeth. “You are willing to play a game you despise because she asked you? Is there no limit to what you would do for her?”
Darcy’s nostrils flared, but he remained silent.
With a dashing smile, Mr. Graham looked up from his plate of food to view me.
“For my part, my lady, I am most eager to play quadrille.” His euphonious baritone dispelled a fair bit of the tension within me.
“Although I have not played in years, I used to be better than average at the game.” He winked at me.
“I have a feeling you shall be the one to beat tonight.”
The handsome and clever rogue had so much charm that I could not bring myself to fault him for his indiscretion. I lifted my chin. “You are a perceptive gentleman. To own the truth, it is rare for me to lose at the game.”
Despite my pique at Darcy’s apparent fecklessness, my anticipation to play the game grew throughout the meal. So much so, that I consumed my dessert far faster than usual.
To my immense satisfaction—though no other result could have been reasonably predicted—I emerged as the winner at quadrille.
In a notable example of amazing good fortune, Elizabeth ended up with the next highest score.
Mr. Graham played with intelligence and skill, providing frequent pleasantries that made the game more interesting.
Darcy came in last. My nephew’s lack of dedication to the pastime proved to be a disappointment.
I had needed to remind him of the rules several times throughout the game.
Once we completed the agreed upon forty deals, Mr. Graham rose from his chair. He congratulated me on the win and took his leave of us.
My gaze followed the blond gentleman as he strode from the room. I turned to my nephew. “Where is Mr. Graham going in such haste?”
“He has a…friend in Lambton and will spend the night there.”
My glance towards the mantle clock confirmed the time to be half past nine.
If not for Mr. Graham’s sudden departure, I should have suggested an abbreviated game of whist. I sniffed.
“The accommodations in Lambton are bound to be inferior in comparison to Pemberley. He made a peculiar choice if you ask me.”
Soon thereafter, we all retired.
Later, as I drifted closer towards sleep in my guest room, the evening’s entertainment remained in the forefront of my mind.
When had I enjoyed myself as much as I had during that game of quadrille?
I could not bring to mind even one instance in recent years.
Mr. Graham had proved himself to be an admirable card player, and his amiable presence and uncommon attractiveness made him a captivating companion.
Even Darcy, after an initial lack of enthusiasm and despite his indifferent performance as a player, had seemed to relax and enjoy the last several deals.
Yes, despite Elizabeth’s participation, tonight’s game had been a thoroughly delightful experience.
Monday, 18 September
Darcy
Elizabeth and I began the day with a stop in the nursery.
We sat at a table with Bennet, who struggled to complete a puzzle.
I always savoured these moments with the three of us alone together.
My father had seldom seen me when I was Bennet’s age, yet I found every aspect of my son’s habits, his every action, and each syllable he uttered fascinating.