Chapter 4 Tattersall’s
“What is it, Darcy? Bowed tendons?” Bingley asked.
Darcy ran his hand down the horse's cannon bone. “Splints,” he said. “And I can feel some heat.”
He straightened and walked away from the horse.
Bingley followed. “I say, Darcy, there is a little estate in Hertfordshire, not three miles beyond Hertford. I have a mind to purchase it.”
Darcy had already begun examining a handsome hack. Bingley fell into step beside him as Darcy walked slowly around the horse, taking in its conformation.
“The steward writes that the house is in good condition, as are the stables.”
Darcy crouched to examine the horse's hocks. Was that a spavin? He looked up at the groom assisting him.
“What is the history of this horse?”
“It is a bone spavin, sir,” the groom replied. “He has remained sound despite it.”
Darcy rose and moved on to the next animal.
“What think you, Darcy?” Bingley asked.
“Charles, I believe you would do better to lease the estate for a year or two before purchasing it. You may discover that estate management is not to your liking. Or you may decide you would rather own land in another part of the country. You might even become my neighbor if you found an estate near Bakewell.”
Bingley's eyes brightened. “Lease it? I could do that. Now that you mention it, the steward did write that the property could be leased for no fewer than twelve months, with an option to purchase thereafter.”
“Well then, there is your answer. Lease the estate and try your hand at managing it. I can come to you shortly after Michaelmas, and together we shall examine the house, the farms, the tenants, and the fields. In the meantime, I shall write out a list of matters for you to investigate. Have the answers ready for me so that when I arrive, we may set to work.”
Bingley was gratified by his friend's generous offer. “I shall do it, Darcy. I will have my solicitor submit the offer, and I shall try my hand at estate management.”
Darcy had already moved on to a third horse. After making a careful examination, he looked to the groom.
“Has this hack been trained for a lady?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Has it any faults not readily seen or felt?”
“No, sir. The hack is but three years old. It is one of Barton's dispersal horses. The poor gentleman lost heavily at cards and has been obliged to sell off part of his stable.”
“Better and better. Barton knows horseflesh.”
He looked at the groom. “Very well. Thank you.”
Bingley smiled. “You intend to bid on one of Barton's horses, Darcy?”
“Yes, I hope to secure her. Georgiana needs a more suitable mount. She has grown considerably during the past year.”
After the auction, as they prepared to part, Darcy said, “Bingley, are you free to dine with me at White's this evening? I return to Pemberley at the end of the week and shall not have another opportunity to visit with you.”
Charles grinned. “You have anticipated me, Darcy. Caroline charged me to invite you to dine with the Hursts and us this evening.”
Darcy had no wish to dine at a house where Miss Bingley would undoubtedly pursue him, and he had no intention of encouraging her hopes.
“I must apologize, Charles, but I am to meet Richard at White's this evening, and I had hoped you would join us. Phillip is expected as well, though I have little confidence that he will appear. He much prefers Watier's, but Richard insisted on White’s.”
“Then I shall join you, Darcy. I dare say we shall enjoy ourselves far more at White's than at my house with Caroline hanging upon your arm and every word you utter.”
A faint smile was Darcy's only reply.
“I shall see you at seven, then?”
“At seven.” With that, the two friends parted.
* * *
Dinner passed in pleasurable conversation, after which the four young men played several hands of whist until, at last, Phillip stood.
“Gentlemen, I have an engagement with an actress this evening. You will excuse me, I am sure.”
Darcy rose and consulted his pocket watch.
“It is only ten o'clock.” He looked at Richard and Bingley. “Can I persuade you to return to Darcy House with me? I acquired the smoothest cognac I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. We can play a few games of billiards, and afterward I shall see you safely home in my carriage.”
Both men agreed, and the three friends returned to Darcy House together.