Page 40 of Master of Netherfield
“How is the stable at Farthing?” asked the steward referring to the tavern that William had purchased two years before.
William nodded. “The ‘Halfway Inn’ has room for two mounts reserved for Darcy riders. I shall take two extra horses with me and leave them there.”
Noticing his guests, William came around the desk to shake hands with Mr Bennet and bow to Elizabeth.
“You find me most disadvantaged, sir.”
“We have come to help,” Bennet replied. “Mary brought news of your father’s illness and Mrs Bennet insisted that Elizabeth and I come to assist you.”
William’s face relaxed slightly. “I fear my sister is much affected. Miss Elizabeth if you could comfort Georgiana, I would be in your debt.”
“I shall go to her immediately Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied. “Papa will take care of you!”
There were smiles on the faces of the steward and the secretary at the young lady’s words, though the master of Netherfield did not notice.
“What are your plans?” asked Mr Bennet.
“We shall leave at first light tomorrow morning. With the coach and four and the full moon, I intend to press the full distance to Farthing in a single day.”
Bennet nodded. “But leave the team there to rest for few days. Do you have a full team of four there?”
“Not from my stable but I shall requisition the best teams in the stable and continue my travels at the normal pace. At Chesterfield on Saturday, I shall leave my sister with Mrs Annesley and escorts with the carriagewhile my man and I ride ahead. I can be at Pemberley by early afternoon of the third day with my sister safely arriving that evening.”
“The long days will allow for late travel,” Bennet agreed. “And you have good steeds.”
“My worry is for the harvest that is to begin in two weeks.”
Bennet nodded. “Netherfield is well-run Darcy. Mr Howard and I shall manage everything.”
“But you have the harvest at Longbourn to oversee?”
“A harvest that has increased because of the fertilizers and methods you encouraged me to put into use. Darcy, I am a richer man today because of you–do you think I should be denied the opportunity to repay the kindness you have shown me?”
“Hall thinks we shall have the largest harvest of wheat and oats ever this year,” Darcy said proudly. “His son Davie is to drive a team from the fields, and I think the boy will have the horses in harness the night before he is so excited.”
When they settled matters for the harvest, reviewed the pay ledger with Mr Howard and Mr Lynton for the labourers, Mr Darcy sent for Mrs Hobbes. As they waited for Mrs Hobbes to arrive, Darcy told Mr Bennet of the letter.
“I received an express from the housekeeper at Pemberley. It seems my father suffered an attack Monday afternoon. The doctor was summoned and remained through the night. Tuesday morning my father was able to speak again but the doctor fears his heart will not last long. Mrs Reynolds sent a rider that noon and it took the man two days to reach Hertfordshire.”
Bennet paused only a moment before he said, “Darcy, if your man packed your bags now, you and he could be to Buckwheat tonight and then arrive at Pemberley Saturday.”
“But my sister...”
“I shall escort your sister to Derbyshire for you. We shall not travel as hard as you anticipated. Our journey will require the full four days, and I plan to scandalize society by travelling on Sunday.”
He thought a moment before he added, “And I shall ask Elizabeth to accompany me to comfort Miss Georgie.”
Darcy’s face completely relaxed. He could be with his father a day sooner with this plan and he knew his sister would be safe with his friend Bennet.
“I have sent word to my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who is in London. But I shall barricade the house from all other relatives.”
The young man reviewed his plans and options before reaching out his hand and thanking Mr Bennet.
Upon arrival in the library, Mrs Hobbes received her orders; Netherfield was to be closed with Holland cloth placed over all the furniture and the front door barred. Business would be conducted from the house Mr Lynton shared with his wife and three children at the edge of the gardens. Any visitors coming to the front of the great house would find it empty of the family.
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Above stairs, Elizabeth found Georgiana tearful but sorting through her dresses with a maid.
