Chapter 6 Darcy #2
“I remember that you said so, but I also remember that you promised to listen. I wish you to be my partner in all things. And you cannot do that if you do not know what I know.”
Elizabeth’s smile had never been more radiant. She said, “You are too good. But do carry on, sir.”
Darcy spoke at length. He briefly explained that the Darcys felt that their family would remain safer if the extent of their fortune was not known.
Then he listed the properties they owned.
Pemberley in Derbyshire and Darcy House in London, of course, but also Craigdaloch in Scotland, Oakhaven in Cornwall, Ashton Manor in Wales, and Fraoch Hall in Ireland.
Elizabeth looked stunned. Darcy asked, “Are you well? Perhaps we should eat a bit while you reflect on what I have said thus far.”
“There is more to be said?”
“Yes. I had planned to explain all of it….”
At his urging, they ate plums and little honey cakes, and they drank cool well water.
Elizabeth laughed and said, “I remember noticing that you used the word properties, rather than the singular form as my father would, and I assumed you were speaking of two properties: Pemberley and Darcy House. Then one time you seemed to indicate that there were properties, plural, over and above Pemberley and Darcy House. I suppose I should feel relieved that there are only six properties rather than, say, twenty-three!”
He chuckled. “Believe me, I receive regular reports from the stewards and, in the case of two of the estates, the leaseholders, and it is quite a bit of work to stay involved with ‘only’ six properties.”
“No, do not get me wrong, I am still bewildered at so much wealth in one family. I gather that this means that ten thousand a year is not an exaggeration?”
“Pemberley is responsible for an income of ten thousand a year. Darcy House is an expense and does not generate income, but the other four estates bring in a total of sixteen thousand a year.”
Elizabeth literally gaped at him. Darcy took one of her gloved hands and gently rubbed it. “I see you are surprised. But remember, it is more responsibility than it is to stack gold in the master’s chamber, and sit upon the fortune as a dragon might.”
His words drew a laugh from Elizabeth, although she still sounded bemused as she said, “So…twenty-six thousand a year!”
“There is more.”
“More?”
Elizabeth’s eyes grew wider still, and Darcy hurried to explain that he could see that England, and the world, was moving away from wealth being tied only to land.
“You see, it is industry, transportation, inventions, knowledge that will be tied to wealth. Those things already are tied to wealth, to some extent—Bingley is wealthy because his father owned a very profitable textile manufacturing business. But this move from land to trade will occur more and more, and my father invested money in businesses during his lifetime, and I have expanded those investments in just the few years that I have been in charge.”
“So…you are saying that your income from land is twenty-six thousand pounds a year, and you have additional income from these investments?”
“Yes, that is what I am saying. My annual income varies—it has been going up—and last year my holdings brought in more than fifty thousand.”
Elizabeth frowned, which was wholly unexpected. “Thank you for telling me this while I was sitting down. I am afraid I would have swooned had I been standing.”
“You seem upset.” Darcy tried to imagine what had caused her to look disapproving.
“Well, this much wealth in just one family seems positively dreadful, honestly. There are families who do not have enough to eat.”
“Of course you are correct,” Darcy said, and all felt right again: of course Elizabeth would not crow about the Darcy fortune! Of course she would consider other people over herself! She was all that was good in the world.
He hurried to soothe her, saying, “I spoke of what I earned in profits, after the expenses of all the servants and tenant home construction and upkeep, and all of the fees paid to bankers and attorneys and other employees. You have to remember that many, many people depend on the Darcy fortune for their livelihood, and you should know that we are regarded as fair and generous landlords and masters because we pay people enough to have healthy, happy homes and families.”
“Oh. Yes, that makes sense.” Elizabeth’s frown had smoothed away, and she added, “And, knowing you, it is not just that you pay people well and house them well, but you must have earned people’s regard for extending your kindness and respect to your servants and tenants, as well.
I have seen you do so even with my father’s servants! ”
Darcy smiled, relieved that she was feeling more positive again.
And he broached the final topic he wished to explore: “The thing is, I also use my fortune—our fortune—to support several charities that do important work for people in need. And I support two artists, three musicians, and one author, because the arts are important. Further, I fund inventors and those who explore the natural world and make scientific investigations. I must admit that my support of artists, inventors, and natural philosophers has tended to generate more profits than I anticipated. I was treating the patronage I have extended as an expense, but it is truly more like an investment, and I cannot believe how much monetary profit we have made when I was hoping only for societal profit from new knowledge, new ideas, and new artworks to enjoy.”
“Ohhh.” Elizabeth’s smile was finally restored.
“So, whereas some wealthy gentlemen use their fortunes to purchase peacock-blue waistcoats with yellow floral embellishments, or claret coloured high-flyer phaetons, or multiple fobs and trinkets to show off their wealth…and many participate in high-stakes gaming and heavy betting…and some use their fortunes to support multiple mistresses, thus spending little or no time with their wives and children…. Instead of any of that, you use your fortune to benefit all.” She twisted towards him enough to throw her arms around him, and Darcy, stunned, automatically closed his arms around her, as well.
Even though her embrace was inspired by his virtues, not her desire, Darcy’s response was immediate and physical. He closed his eyes, keeping his hold deliberately light so that she could gain release with almost no effort, and he fought to control his arousal.
Elizabeth soon released him and pulled away, and Darcy said, “My final point about the Darcy fortune is that I wish you to help me choose the charities and artists and others we will support in the future. Also, please tell no one of these matters, not even Miss Bennet.”
“Of course.”
They sat in companionable silence for another few minutes.
Darcy felt almost overwhelmed by all that had occurred that morning.
Elizabeth’s care for other people was no surprise, but every new demonstration of her kindness meant the world to him.
But, to be honest, his memories of her long curls tumbling down her back and her spontaneous embrace made even more impact.
How on earth could I deserve her? he wondered.