Chapter 21 #3
Half an hour passed in silence. Elizabeth watched Darcy’s face from the side, the changes in his expression betraying his preoccupation.
From such a short distance, his handsome features were exposed to her scrutiny.
Lost in his thoughts and unguarded in his movements, he ran his fingers through his hair, rubbed his chin, then his forehead, then loosened his neckcloth, his eyebrows knitted, his lips pressed together revealing dimples in his cheeks.
She was mesmerised by his gestures and intoxicated by his scent, abashed by the sensations she experienced.
“Lizzy?” she heard Jane’s voice and startled.
‘Yes?”
“Should I ring for some tea?”
Darcy finally raised his eyes from the books. “That will not be necessary. Lady Barrington, I have completed the task for the moment, we may discuss the details over dinner.”
“I hope the situation is not worrisome?” Elizabeth replied, flustered from her improper earlier musings.
“Not quite. There are some reasons for concern, but we will find a way to make the needed adjustments.”
“I will try to stay positive. Perhaps dinner will help,” Elizabeth attempted to jest.
While the first course was being served, the gentlemen shared another drink.
“From what I have noticed, most of the Sedgewick income consists of bank interest. I assume there is significant capital invested in an account, which is the chief means of supporting everything,” Darcy began.
“Is that a bad thing?” Elizabeth asked.
“No. But it is a risk to have everything dependent on a single source. There are very few, if any, earnings from rents. Are there no farmers, no tenants on the properties? Both schools are on large properties: spacious houses and extended land. The expenses are very high—which is understandable—but does neither of them generate any income?”
“I believe not. Lady Sedgewick was paying for everything. She never considered managing the properties in such a way as to generate their own profit. At least not after Lord Sedgewick passed away,” Cece explained.
“But if everything is paid from one source only, and only from the bank interest, could the expenses not exceed the income at some point?” Elizabeth enquired.
“It is very possible,” Darcy answered. “In fact it is very likely. I can well understand why Lady Sedgewick—who had no close family except Lord Barrington whom she completely distrusted—would not have the strength or the desire to put more effort into a business investment. But if Lady Barrington is willing to try, I would be honoured to assist her.”
“Darcy, how did you do it at Pemberley?” Bingley asked. “I heard Lord Matlock saying that you had doubled the income in the last five years.”
“I have not doubled it, but yes, there was a significant increase. I invested in some affairs which were successful, but I have also rented all the land—except for the park itself. I have excellent, industrious tenants and I share both the gains and the losses with them. I dare say it was a very inspired change.”
“What do you mean? Not every landlord does the same?” Elizabeth asked.
“I am not certain of others, but as I mentioned, I am sharing both the gains and the losses with my tenants. I am not asking for a fixed amount of rent, but a percentage from their earnings. In the event of a bad year, we split the damage. I feel this is fair and respectful on both sides.”
“I agree wholeheartedly,” Elizabeth said.
“I also supported some small, local businesses in Lambton that are a steady source of income. I feel it is my duty to provide those who work for me with comfort, security and fair payment. In return, I receive loyalty and hard work.”
“That is very thoughtful of you, sir,” Cece said.
“My father was the best of men and he taught me these principles. A landlord can be successful only if he treats his people with care and consideration. The better they feel in my employment, the more efficient their work will be.”
“You know, Darcy paid for his cook’s daughter to become a seamstress! And for the stablemaster’s son to join the army!” Bingley said enthusiastically.
The ladies looked at Darcy in astonishment and he appeared rather displeased with the praise.
“Bingley is too kind—he gives me more credit than I deserve. I have done nothing uncommon. The lady was our cook at Pemberley for twenty years. Her husband passed away and her daughter wished to become a dressmaker. The lady approached me in tears, apologising, but she had decided to move to London with her daughter and do everything she could to support her in her endeavour. So my decision was easy: instead of losing a loyal and very skilled cook, I proposed she work at my London house and I offered her the money to fulfil her daughter’s dream.
She insisted on it only being a loan and now she is repaying me from her and her daughter’s income.
It was an investment that will return in more ways than one, both in her case and in young Smith’s, who is now a lieutenant. ”
“You are an extraordinary man, Mr. Darcy,” Cece whispered, admiringly.
“Not at all, I assure you. I am only doing what I think is fair. There were many times when I failed and I was guilty of terrible wrongs.”
“I find it hard to believe,” Cece replied.
“Mr. Darcy is too harsh on himself,” Elizabeth interjected. “Even if he was wrong on some occasions, he always struggled to make amends. I remember several circumstances when he showed uncommon generosity and power of forgiveness.”
He tried to reply, but Elizabeth quickly interrupted him with a slightly teasing voice, “Sir, I beg you, do not try to argue with me. You cannot conceal your goodness, not even behind arrogant statements and aloof manners.”
Their eyes locked for a moment and they shared a smile.
“I would by no means dare to argue with your ladyship,” he said.
“Well, there was a time when you two argued quite often,” Bingley declared.
“I remember those times with much fondness,” Elizabeth whispered. “They seem a lifetime ago, although less than a year has passed.”
Her words were burdened by sadness and brought a momentary silence to the dining room. Then the servants entered with the second course; slowly the conversation resumed and continued on neutral subjects until the evening ended.