Chapter 4 Distressing News
Knight’s Manor
Elizabeth
Ihad reached the most difficult section of Herr Beethoven’s ‘Andante Favori’ when our butler, Oliver, entered the music-room. I halted with my fingers aloft and met his gaze.
“Pardon me, Miss Bennet, but the master wishes to see you in his study.”
“Thank you, Oliver.” I went to the study door and knocked, entering at my uncle’s invitation.
Noah rose from one of the chairs opposite Uncle’s desk; he gave me a quick glance without meeting my eyes. Uncle Barton wore a grave expression.
I took cautious steps inside as Oliver closed the door behind me. “What has happened?”
My uncle indicated the open chair. “Pray have a seat, Lizzy.”
I obeyed and tried in vain to catch Noah’s gaze. How odd; why did he refuse to look at me?
Uncle Barton presented a weak smile. “Today, I made a business agreement. Like many decisions in life, I did not arrive at this one easily. Nevertheless, I believe I took the most prudent course. As a result, I intend to settle a jointure upon you of one thousand pounds.”
One thousand pounds? “I do not understand. How is this possible?” In the past, both my uncle and Noah had remarked on the estate’s financial setbacks in the last several years. How, then, could my uncle afford to bestow so much money upon me?
“An unexpected opportunity arose today, one which I could not overlook. I am delighted to be able to do this for you.”
“I do not know what to say. This is incredibly generous of you. And yet…” I swallowed. “I do not know whether I can accept this gift.”
A crimson hue tinted Uncle Barton’s complexion. “But you must!”
The force of his response made me shrink back in my seat.
“Pardon me.” My uncle’s voice resumed a moderate volume. “The money will make a significant difference in your life. The principal funds will accrue interest, providing you at least forty pounds each year, and you will have a better chance of making a match with an eligible gentleman.”
I took a quick look at my cousin, who kept his head down. Why did he appear out of sorts? Did he object to Uncle Barton giving me this money? No, Noah would never begrudge me anything. “If you insist, then yes, thank you very much.”
“You are quite welcome.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Yes.” He brushed his hand over his chin. “I once made you a promise, and I should never have broken my word without a powerful incentive. I hope you will not allow your emotion to overrule your reason.”
My teeth closed upon my lower lip. What promise did he mean?
Uncle’s gaze drifted lower. “I have sold Lily for the sum of one thousand pounds, an amount which far exceeds her actual value.”
No, not Lily. He could not mean this! I shook my head, and hints of nausea caused my stomach to spasm.
“You must be reasonable and accept that I could not, in good conscience, refuse such a remarkable offer. In any case, my decision has been made, and the matter is settled.”
I expelled a heavy breath and found my voice. “No, I do not believe this. You would never sell Lily! She is worth far more than any amount of money.” My hands curled into fists. You promised me!
“I know this is difficult for you, my dear. You may ride Thea for now and have your pick of the three-year-olds to train for yourself.”
Noah cleared his throat. “I am so sorry, Lizzy, and I hate to see Lily go. Nevertheless, I am relieved to know you will have your own funds. I only wish it could be more.”
I stared at him, and his brows converged in a pleading look.
Did he agree with my uncle’s decision? Moisture flooded my eyes.
I could not bear to lose Lily; no other horse had ever been so dear to me.
“Uncle, I pray you will buy her back. The money does not matter to me. I do not want any of it. I only want Lily to stay.”
“No, Lizzy. You must accept she is no longer mine.” My uncle’s mien hardened.
“Who…who has purchased her?”
“Mr. Hayward’s friend Mr. Darcy.”
“But why did he have to buy her, of all the horses on your estate?”
“He took notice of her in our paddock, and she impressed him. Perhaps he recognised her special qualities. Lily will be at Springvale for the remainder of his stay. I expect you will be keen to visit her there.” He raised his index finger to me.
“However, I admonish you not to go until Tuesday at the earliest.”
“Why must I wait?”
“Lily ought to have an opportunity to grow habituated to living in an unfamiliar place before she sees you again.”
“She is accustomed to being let out into a paddock or pasture each day, whether or not she is ridden. I could at least ensure her groom is aware of this.”
“I have informed Mr. Darcy of that fact. Joe will take her to Springvale tomorrow morning, so you have ample time to make your farewells.”
Moisture stung my eyes, and I sprang from my chair.
“Pray excuse me.” I left the room and rushed through the house, tears streaming down my cheeks.
Once out of doors, I broke into a run towards the stables.
I halted before Lily’s stall and wiped my face with a handkerchief.
She caught sight of me, whickered, and came to meet me.
I entered the stall and wrapped my arms around her neck.
“I am so sorry, Lily. You will leave here tomorrow, and I am powerless to prevent it.” I nestled my head against her mane. Would she believe I had abandoned her?
“Lizzy.”
I turned to find Noah standing at the open door of the stall. He entered, shut the door behind him, and stood before me. “I wish you would try to understand. Papa acted in your best interest. He did this for you.”
“Why did he not tell Mr. Darcy that Lily was not for sale?”
“He did so, but Mr. Darcy did not accept that answer.”
“What an arrogant and officious man! He must be the sort of person who is accustomed to always getting whatever he desires.”
“Your assumptions with regard to Mr. Darcy do not coincide with my impression of him. He has a reputation for being a responsible master, and it is obvious that Mr. Hayward has a high opinion of him. I am certain he will ensure Lily is well cared for. You ought not to judge the man until you have met him and spent time in his company.”
“I have no wish to ever meet him.”
He rested a hand on my shoulder. “Come now, it is not like you to be uncharitable.”
I turned away from him. “He had no business pressing Uncle to sell Lily. I wish he had never come here!”
“Well, I cannot agree.” Noah stepped sideways to meet my gaze. “I shall rest easier knowing you have a dowry. This could make a significant difference for your future.”
“But I should much prefer…” I stopped myself from completing the statement. My wishes could not change the facts. The cognisance that Noah made rational arguments while my responses resembled that of a spoilt child added to the pressure in my chest. “Never mind.”
“Will you return to the house with me? We could talk over tea.”
“Thank you, but no. I shall remain with Lily for a while.”
“Very well.” He patted my arm, stroked Lily’s nose, and departed.
I retrieved Lily’s halter from the hook outside her stall and walked with her around the grounds.
I told her that she would be going to a wonderful new home, one that she would grow to love.
I could only hope I spoke the truth; after all, would a wealthy man not have fine stables, large paddocks, lush pastures, and knowledgeable, competent grooms? After an hour or so, we returned.
Joe left the stable building and came towards me. “Shall I take ’er back for you, Miss Bennet?”
“Thank you, Joe, yes.” I passed my hand down Lily’s neck and transferred the rope to him.
He rubbed his jaw. “I’m very sorry, miss. I ’ate to see ’er go.”
I nodded, blinking back new tears. “Thank you.”
Back at the house, a glowering Cassie confronted me in the hall.
“Lizzy, Papa told me what happened today, and I want to speak to you.” She took my hand and led me to the sitting-room, shutting the door behind her.
“I am very sorry about Lily. I know you will miss her. But I do not believe you appreciate the significance of my father’s largesse. ”
“That is not true. I—”
“Allow me to finish.” Cassie thrust her hand towards me.
“Any other person in your place would be elated to receive such a generous gift. Instead, you have made my father question his judgment. He is fretting that he has made you unhappy. This is outrageous! You must go to him and set his mind at ease.”
How dare she? Words of denial danced on my tongue, but before I voiced them, the verity of her assertion silenced me.
My shoulders sank. How could I have been so ungrateful to my uncle?
He had been an admirable guardian to me, notwithstanding my early childhood years when he had paid me little to no attention.
As much as I wished he had not sold Lily, I should not be the cause of his discontent. “You are right.”
“And I think…” Her head edged to the side. “Wait…did you just agree with me?”
“Yes, I shall talk to Uncle at once. Is he still in his study?”
“I believe so.” She grinned, opened the door, and swept her hand to indicate I should go ahead of her. “Is this not an odd circumstance? For once, I am the one to give you a lecture.”
“Indeed.”
Upon my return to the study, my uncle stood. “Have a seat, Lizzy.”
“No, thank you, I shall not be long.” I stood before him with my right hand gripping my left arm.
“Pray accept my apology for my earlier behaviour. Despite your warning, I allowed my emotions to overrule my logic and failed to appreciate your kind consideration. You could have chosen to use the money in any number of ways. I am grateful to you.”
My uncle stepped closer, and his arms enclosed me. “You are more than welcome, my dear. You must know you are like a daughter to me, and I want only the best for you.”