Chapter 8
Darcy stared at the letter, dumbfounded.
Lady Kendal was the owner of an impressive fortune which she had managed successfully for many years.
Why would she suddenly need help, and why did she not trust the people already working for her?
Was Elizabeth part of it? Did she know that Bingley had asked for his involvement?
Did Elizabeth still want to speak to him?
He had completely lost control when he had admitted that he did not hate her and implied the nature of his true feelings.
Regret and remorse had troubled him since, while he struggled to imagine what she had thought of that revelation.
He briefly considered refusing, but he had no reason to do so.
Regardless of any considerations, it was his duty to inspect the circumstances and weigh up whether he could be of service.
He wished to avoid any speculation regarding Elizabeth.
For the time being, Bingley’s request was in respect only of Lady Kendal.
Bingley,
I will gladly assist the lady. I shall meet you tomorrow morning at ten at her house.
F. Darcy.
The time that had passed between receiving Bingley’s request and the moment when he stood waiting for his friend in front of her ladyship’s house had been distressing for Darcy.
More questions and concerns were added to those he was already fighting with.
So when his friend arrived and they entered, he did so with nervousness.
Promptly at ten, Lady Kendal was awaiting them in her library, and a maid was arranging a generous plate of pastries.
“Good morning, gentlemen. Thank you for coming so early. I did not know if you had enjoyed your breakfast yet, so please let me know if there is anything else you need.”
Both bowed and were invited to sit.
“Mr Darcy, I am grateful that you agreed to take the time to visit me today,” Lady Kendal said.
“It is my pleasure, I assure you. Fortunately, I am still in town, as we shall leave soon. I understand I may be of some service?”
“Indeed, sir. I understand we are asking a great favour, but we are in need of an expert opinion from someone we can trust.”
“Am I to understand you doubt your stewards?”
“Not at all, sir. But we are in the middle of establishing the settlements for Miss Bennet—the future Lady Alveston. She will soon take responsibility for all our finances and properties, and she must be able to rely on those we employ. She has already begun to study the management of our holdings with our solicitors, and we shall receive the books from the estates tomorrow. In matters related to the expenses of our charity causes, Mr Gardiner will inspect and verify all the figures. However, none of us has much expertise regarding estate business. I have relied on my people, but it is only fair for Elizabeth to be certain of the information.”
Darcy listened with increasing puzzlement. He kept hearing Elizabeth’s name—again and again—and tried to understand the circumstances.
“We have five estates, three townhouses, and several charitable causes,” Lady Kendal explained.
“And Miss Bennet will be responsible for everything?”
Lady Kendal replied gently, “Yes. Finally, I shall be able to rest. I have had enough torment taking care of everything for more than ten years. I cannot wait to escape this burden.”
But Darcy was far from amused. “And you intend to put the burden on Miss Bennet’s shoulders, I presume?” His voice sounded more impertinent than he had intended, and Lady Kendal and Bingley stared at him.
“I would not put it that way,” Lady Kendal answered. “She will be the mistress of a vast fortune that comes with equally large responsibilities.”
“What your ladyship describes is beyond the responsibilities a young lady of the ton would be ever expected to face.”
“Perhaps, but each of us must adjust to some particular circumstances. Elizabeth is studying and learning. She has a couple of months before the wedding to become accustomed to all the important matters. I am confident in her abilities—she is a clever girl,” Lady Kendal responded evenly.
Darcy frowned. “I am afraid such expectations are unreasonable and even impossible. This is a heavy weight to throw at Miss Bennet and a challenge which she will fail.”
“Why? Because a woman is not intelligent enough for such a duty? Or because you doubt Miss Bennet’s suitability for such a high position? We all know your opinion of Miss Bennet is rather low, but I assure you I know her quite well. I trust her strength and qualities implicitly,” Lady Kendal said.
Darcy glared at Bingley then looked at her ladyship again. He was beginning to lose his patience.
“Your ladyship has been given false reports. Despite some misunderstandings at the beginning of our acquaintance, I have admired Miss Bennet for many months. I have the highest opinion of her, and I know she could accomplish any task as successfully as anyone. I do not doubt either her strength or her qualities.”
“I am glad we are in agreement on this subject,” Lady Kendal said.
“On this subject, we are. But it is my conviction that no lady or gentleman could learn the management of such a vast fortune in only a few months. Most of us who are managing such fortunes have learned over many years,” Darcy said coldly.
“Elizabeth does not have years to study. We all knew that, but we chose to continue and put all our efforts into attempting to make the best of what we have. Each of us knows only too well what must be done.”
“As I see it, only Miss Bennet is actually doing something. All the effort and the difficulties appear to be on her, as she has taken the burden from another’s shoulders.”
“This is rather insolent of you, Mr Darcy. You cannot possibly know the understanding we have with Elizabeth.”
“You have? Forgive me, but I assumed she had an understanding with her betrothed.”
His voice had turned colder, and Lady Kendal’s eyes narrowed and she pressed her lips together.
“You are crossing a delicate boundary, Mr Darcy.”
“I apologise. I am only responding to your ladyship’s statements and expressing my honest concern.”
“I am surprised that you take such an interest in Miss Bennet.”
“Miss Bennet is an old acquaintance and a good friend of my sister and cousin. I cannot be silent if I notice something that might harm her well-being. And as she will have the reins of your fortune, you should be concerned about her success as well.”
“That is very honourable of you, but you must not worry. She is marrying an earl. How harmful could that be? But perhaps it was a mistake to involve you, as we seem to be disagreeing even before we have begun.”
“I believe we are all in agreement when it comes to helping Elizabeth. And I beg you to forgive me, Lady Kendal, but I understand Darcy’s bewilderment since these are rather peculiar circumstances,” Bingley interjected.
“I understand it too. Mr Darcy, please do tell me if you are willing to help,” Lady Kendal said more conciliatorily.
“I promise you I would never harm Miss Bennet. We have discussed her future responsibilities at length, and she has chosen to accept them. Most of her effort will be to the benefit of our charities. If only for me, I could live comfortably for the rest of my life with no trouble at all.”
“I am sure Bingley and Mr Gardiner will act with Miss Bennet’s best interest in mind. Perhaps I did cross a boundary with my enquiries. How may I assist you, Lady Kendal?”
The tension lowered in the library and Bingley breathed deeply in relief.
“Your concern was fair and commendable, Mr Darcy,” Lady Kendal agreed. “We would greatly appreciate it if you would study our ledgers and note any inconsistencies or offer suggestions. Would you be willing to do that?”
Darcy breathed with some relief. The task was neither daunting nor dangerous for his peace of mind, so he readily replied.
“Of course. You said Mr Gardiner will do something similar. You may call me when he is here, and I will join him. It might be even better if we can discuss and share opinions. It should not take me more than a day or two.”
“Excellent,” Bingley declared enthusiastically.
“Also, if you have a little time to spare afterwards, to share your observations with Elizabeth, it would be a great help. You may provide her with some useful advice. I hope you will not mind if she seeks your assistance from time to time.”
Darcy felt his face and his heart freezing at the same time, as his greatest fear became reality.
Elizabeth’s presence was precisely what he intended to avoid.
Having her in the same room, in the same house, talking to him, looking at him, so close to him that he could feel her breath—would be unbearable.
He could not do that for the whole world.
“I am afraid that will not be possible. I mean, not personally. But of course your ladyship, Mr Gardiner, or Bingley may write to me at any time, ask me anything and I shall reply immediately.”
He felt his companions staring at him, puzzled and disappointed.
“We shall leave town in a few days. I am taking my sister and cousin to Brighton for the summer. Then in August, we shall move to Pemberley. I am uncertain when I shall return to London.”
“Oh, but this is perfect!” Bingley exclaimed joyfully. “We are going to Brighton too! All of us! What excellent news! And what better opportunity to spend more time together!”
Darcy looked at his friend, dumbfounded, then at Lady Kendal.
He felt trapped. He wished to declare he would only stay in Brighton for a few days, but the words sounded like a poor excuse even in his mind.
Too ashamed to say them aloud he remained silent, instinctively looking towards the door, as if seeking an escape.
He should not have come. He should have listened to his instinct and his fears from the moment he received Bingley’s letter.
“Is Miss Bennet aware of this?” he heard himself ask. “Of you asking me to help her? Help you?”