Page 55 of Master of Netherfield
“I can never...”
“Three days.” He remained cold but his presence filled the parlour with his father’s mistress seated across the room. Upstairs the child could be heard with his nanny. Surrendering any arguments for additional time, and fearful of the new master of Pemberley, Mrs Murray’s face grew sour, but she nodded.
William leaned forward and said, “Mr Clemmons has confirmed that my father gave you a purse of fifty pounds before he was stricken. The funds in your pocket will pay for your room and board on your journey but there will be no monies from my pocket until I hear that you have settled well in Kent.”
“I shall send a coach and four to this door in the early morning three days from today. The coachman and footmen will carry you and your son to Mayflower in Kent, a journey that will require at least five days. They will deliver you safe and then depart. At Mayflower you will find the steward and housekeeper expecting you.”
“What am I to do for a carriage?” Mrs Murray asked hotly.
“There is a carriage on the estate with a team and a coachman. Until Michaelmas, the coachman and house servants will remain in my employ. After that day, the household and all its expenses are in yourpurse. You will pay for all food in the house and feed for the team of horses in the stable.”
Darcy waited a moment, but the woman made no objections, and he continued, “The steward and the tenants are my responsibility. I shall tour the property at least once a year and the steward will dispense the income to you as I direct him.”
“What of my son? Mr Darcy paid for many gifts for my son before this day.”
“My sister has requested that I provide for the betterment of our father’s sons. I shall make certain the boy has the opportunity to be well-educated. I shall see to it that your son has tutors from the age of six years until the solicitors arrange for him to go to school.”
“What is the income for the estate in Kent?” Mrs Murray asked.
Darcy motioned for Mr Clemmons who replied, “The Summer Day rents were two hundred pounds.”
Mrs Murray relaxed; eight hundred pounds a year was a small fortune.
“And if I wish to live in town?” she asked. “Kent does not offer entertainments or company.”
Darcy inclined his head. “My secretary at Netherfield can find a renter for the house to add to your income with a lease. But your lodgings and expenses in town would be your concern totally and the house would not be available to you again until the lease expired.”
“I shall think on that.”
“Address your letters to Mr Lynton, my secretary at Netherfield in Hertfordshire,” Darcy said as he rose to his feet.
“Would you care to meet your brother?” she asked.
“Not today. It is too soon after my father’s passing.”
“Good day then, Mr Darcy,” Mrs Murray huffed as she dismissed the man. “Find your way out.”
**++**
Outside the door, he turned to Clemmons and said, “Your family is how large now?”
“My wife and I have three children, sir.”
“And you are still in a cottage on the estate?”
“Yes sir.”
Darcy looked over the house and then shook his head, “This house is more suitable for the secretary of Pemberley, but it is too far from the estate. Rent the property to someone.”
“Certainly sir,” Clemmons replied.
The carriage was quiet for most of the journey back to Pemberley. Mr Darcy’s dark visage dampened any topics that the other two men would have mentioned. When the carriage entered the park that would lead to the house, Darcy looked up.
“Gentlemen, I apologize for my behaviour and language in front of you–my only excuse is the many burdens I have to settle this week. You have been of great aide, and I shall remember it.”
Tolliver shook his head, “Sir, if I may say, you have prevented future problems with two personages who would welcome the opportunity to remain within your circle. By dealing with them as you have, they must chart new courses that will not cross your path more than absolutely necessary.”
“I agree with Mr Tolliver,” Clemmons said. “Mr Lynton can handle distribution of monies to Mrs Murray from the estate and you will survey the estate and house once a year. We can find reputable and reliable tutors for Mr George’s son until he is ready for school.”
