Chapter 6 #2
Mr Hartley's letter arrived the following morning, considerably lengthier and filled with the careful legal language solicitors favoured when discussing potentially sensitive matters.
Mr Darcy,
Per your instructions, I have conducted a review of the property holdings on the Isle of Skye belonging to Malcolm MacKinnon, who claims the title of Laird of Strathaird.
The investigation has proven more challenging than anticipated due to the state of records in that region, but I have compiled what information I could obtain.
I was able to locate property records confirming MacKinnon's title to the Strathaird estates, though I must note that several key documents are missing from the succession records.
Some of the records that do exist show signs of alteration or amendment at various points.
This is not uncommon given the general chaos in Highland record-keeping following the Clearances, but it nevertheless makes absolute verification more difficult than one might wish.
Based on the available records and cross-referencing with tax assessments and other sources, I estimate the estate's current annual income at approximately eight hundred pounds.
This figure would be insufficient to adequately service the debt burden I have been able to identify whilst also maintaining the property in reasonable condition.
This suggests either that MacKinnon has additional sources of income not reflected in the estate records, or that his financial position is considerably more precarious than outward appearances might suggest.
However, I must also note that my investigations uncovered evidence of substantial charitable donations made by MacKinnon over the past several years to various organisations dedicated to assisting displaced Highlanders and funding emigration for those seeking to leave Scotland.
The amounts involved are considerable, perhaps too considerable for someone in his apparent financial position.
This suggests either that he has access to resources not visible in the public records, or that he is a man willing to impoverish himself further in service of what he perceives as his duty to his former tenants and clan members.
I regret that I cannot offer you a more definitive assessment of MacKinnon's character or ultimate intentions.
The evidence I have been able to gather suggests complexity and nuance rather than simple clarity.
The record admits of more than one reading, and I am unwilling to press it into a shape it will not hold.
I recommend continued observation and caution until such time as more definitive information becomes available.
Your obedient servant,
J. Hartley
Darcy read the letter twice, then set it beside Grant's on his desk.
Two investigations by competent men in their respective spheres, and both had returned essentially the same verdict.
MacKinnon appeared to be precisely what circumstances would suggest: a complicated man with a complicated past and an uncertain future, neither obvious villain nor obvious hero.
Which left Darcy exactly where he had begun, with suspicions he could neither prove nor entirely dismiss, and with no clear path forward regardless of what action he might contemplate.
He was still staring at both letters spread across his desk when Georgiana found him later that afternoon.
“News from your investigators?” she asked without preamble.
“After a fashion.” Darcy gestured wearily at the letters.
“Both confirm MacKinnon's title appears legitimate despite gaps in documentation. Both note troubling financial circumstances that might influence his decisions and associations. Both also report charitable works and assistance to displaced clan members that seem inconsistent with the behaviour of a desperate fortune-hunter seeking a wealthy marriage. Neither can definitively assess whether he is fundamentally honourable or merely skilled at maintaining honourable appearances whilst pursuing less honourable goals.”
“So, you are left with uncertainty rather than clarity.”
“The worst possible outcome from the perspective of knowing what action to take.” Darcy ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration he rarely permitted himself.
“I cannot act on shadows and suppositions. Neither can I simply dismiss the concerns when there are genuine questions regarding his circumstances.”
They stood in silence whilst Darcy attempted to organise his thoughts. Finally, Georgiana spoke with the gentle directness that characterised her interventions of late.
“Perhaps you should simply share what you have learned with Miss Elizabeth. Trust her judgement about how to interpret the information and proceed.”
It was the obvious solution, the honourable course that would place the decision in the hands of the person most affected. And yet...
“She despises me, Georgiana.” The admission cost more than he cared to acknowledge.
“If I arrive in Hertfordshire bearing tales about MacKinnon's debts and questionable associations, she will assume I am motivated by jealous rivalry rather than genuine concern. She will dismiss every objection I raise as the meddling of a rejected suitor attempting to sabotage her happiness. And she would not be entirely wrong to make such an assumption, given how matters stand between us.”
“You do not know that she would react that way.”
“I do, because it is precisely how I would react in her position.” Darcy's smile was bitter.
“A gentleman whose proposal I had rejected appearing with convenient warnings about my new prospect? It would require remarkable naivety to assume such warnings were motivated purely by altruism rather than self-interest.”
“Then what do you intend to do?” His sister’s eyes were concerned. “Remain silent and hope nothing goes amiss whilst watching events unfold from a distance?”
“I shall remain vigilant as I wait for more definitive information that might justify action.” He broke off, uncertain how to complete the thought satisfactorily.