“Mary danced every dance last night!” Maria proclaimed. “Did you enjoy it, Mary?”
Elizabeth sent silent thanks to Maria for guiding the conversation away from Jane. Too many sensitive topics today, it would seem.
Mary had enjoyed herself thoroughly and was happy to answer all of Maria’s inquiries about her partners. If her quiet expressions of pleasure were anything to go by, she had very much appreciated the company of Meryton’s new curate, who was the son of the vicar. As Elizabeth listened, she thought it possible his position appealed to Mary as much or more than the man who held it, but she would not concern herself overmuch. Mary was still young and, at present, not inclined toward matrimony.
A little sincere and gentlemanly admiration from the other sex never went amiss, of course.
“Mr. Fitzwilliam found you quite charming,” Elizabeth mentioned to Charlotte as she and Maria prepared to leave. “He danced with you and then remained to converse.”
“He is a man I could admire, Eliza,” Charlotte said wistfully, “if he were not so intent on flirting with every girl he meets. One woman is very much like another to him, I am afraid.”
Elizabeth believed there was more to Mr. Fitzwilliam than that, but outside the Longbourn party he had shown neither the intelligence nor the steadfastness she knew him to possess. He had only bowed deeply and made pretty speeches. He was a bee, flitting from flower to flower, and Elizabeth could not help but wonder why he could not light anywhere for long.
The company at Longbourn carried on much the same in the two weeks following the assembly. Darcy and Fitzwilliam rode out with Bennet every morning. After having been in Hertfordshire for more than two months, Darcy’s mind was reeling with everything Bennet had taught them. The general had learnt his craft well, and he was a patient, methodical teacher. Darcy and his cousin had witnessed the harvest, evaluated livestock, and visited each farm in turn to meet the tenants, ride the fields, and learn about the soil.
As November approached, Darcy began to make plans for Pemberley. As his correspondence with the steward deepened and he read over his list of tasks, Darcy was even more grateful that Fitzwilliam was to be his partner. Had he attempted to take on the estate without his cousin’s help, he would certainly have broken under the weight of his responsibilities.
Darcy placed his pen back in the inkwell. He and Fitzwilliam were very alike. They were both leaders, used to giving commands and having them followed. Darcy was rather concerned that the two of them might begin to butt heads if they did not clearly define their territories, and he intended to write up a plan to address and prevent that potential problem.
In the more than two months they had now spent at Longbourn, Darcy had taken careful notes. He most enjoyed repairing what was broken or building what was needed. Fitzwilliam preferred evaluating and caring for the livestock and speaking with the tenants. Both worked equally well with the crops.
“Darcy?” Fitzwilliam called through the closed door. “Are you within?”
He stood to open the door, and invited his cousin in. Fitzwilliam sank into a chair near the fire. “It is getting rather cold outside, finally. What are you doing up here on your own?”
“I have been thinking.”
“A dangerous pastime,” Fitzwilliam jested.
“Only for you,” Darcy replied. In a few moments, he had explained what he considered their individual strengths.
Fitzwilliam smirked. “Yes, I have noticed. I prefer things that live, and you prefer things that do not.”
Darcy grinned. “I like dogs. And my horse.”
Fitzwilliam had to laugh at that. “You see them more as companions than as sources of income.”
“True,” Darcy admitted easily. “I thought we might consider breaking up the tasks so that we each take charge of what we like best and then share the rest.”
“I suppose that is sound. We have Ralston as steward, of course, but it would help were we each to take leadership over our different areas and have him report to us directly. Perhaps then we would meet together each week and go over everything together, just to be sure there are no miscommunications.”
Darcy nodded. “I agree.”
“As for splitting the duties, I know I would prefer for you to maintain the accounts.”
“I would prefer that as well,” Darcy replied sardonically.
Fitzwilliam feigned offence. “I would also have you do the research to seek out new opportunities for partnerships or investments. However, it might be wise to have me take on any negotiations.”
“I must agree.”
“It is no fun to tease you when you refuse to take offence, Darcy.”
“But frustrating your juvenile schemes is great fun for me.” Darcy opened the bottle of wine Mr. Hill had left in his room and poured out a glass. He held it out to his cousin.
“Why do you get wine in your room?” Fitzwilliam asked as he accepted it.
Darcy shrugged. “I can think of many reasons. But primarily, it is because everyone loves me best.”