“Darcy, I have no wish to over-step my bounds as a friend, or be impertinent, but I seek your advice as to the best plan for the welfare of the Hallendale estates. In the past days, I have reviewed my ideas with Lady Hallendale,” he said, making a bow in the direction of Her Ladyship, “and I have secured her consent for all I now venture to propose to you.” Mr. Darcy assured him that Mr. Gardiner’s advice was always not only welcome, but received with gratitude. And so, after they were all seated around the library-table in the study, Mr. Gardiner continued.

“Lord Hallendale is most dreadfully distressed with the recent unhappy events, even though he is aware of only a small part of the whole. Lady Hallendale has been away from the business of the estate for nearly three months now, and, at any rate, is wholly occupied—as she properly must be—in attending His Lordship and trying to divert him from such unhappy scenes as are before us. And, Darcy, here is my concern—and please stop me before I offend you—Colonel Fitzwilliam—Viscount Dunfield—is a good man and a capable soldier, but he has no education in the management of a large property. The Hallendale estates are now nearly entirely recovered—nay, profitable—owing to the extraordinary diligence and care of Her Ladyship.” He bowed again to Lady Sarah before continuing, “However, Her Ladyship will never, I fear, be able to reassume such an amount of work as well as care for her husband. It is imprudent to depend upon the Viscount’s ability to assume such a complexity of duties in a time sufficiently short so as not to re-endanger the estates. Please believe, Darcy, I have no wish to discredit your cousin, but to lay before you the risks that the Hallendale properties may suffer—have already suffered—in the months that Her Ladyship has been away.”

Mr. Darcy looked expressly at his aunt for her concurrence, and was satisfied. “Gardiner, far from resenting your advice, I am honoured with your confidence, and most appreciative of your concern for my family. I see in your expression that this concern is only a part of the topic here, am I correct?”