Mr. Gardiner smiled and agreed. “You know me too well, Darcy, for my ideas to be received with the éclat they so justly deserve. But, let us return to the business at-hand, and this is what especially concerns yourself. With Her Ladyship’s approbation, I have been looking for an agent to supervise the running of the Hallendale properties. These are the first of a new set of plans drawn up by the firm of Kent & Pearce—I am confident you have heard of him, thorough as you are; Charles Kent is the son of Nathanial Kent—he has just begun on the Home Farm,” said Mr. Gardiner, pointing to the sheets. “Lady Hallendale and I agreed that a new survey was required, especially as the encumbrances are now cleared, so the land may be re-apportioned more rationally, a task far more easily done on a table than in the fields.”

Mr. Darcy replied, “I am very familiar with Mr. Kent, Senior—his book is my bible at Pemberley. I doubt there is one man in England who has done more or better work to improve land management. Let us return to your discussion. You have found a suitable steward? I have no reason to form any view against such a plan, but fail to see why I am concerned.”

“If you would but let me finish, Darcy,” he continued with a smile, “I have questioned a Mr. Adams, who was late in the employ of the Earl of W——-. Where is—here is his letter—he writes well, do not you agree?” said Mr. Gardiner, briefly waving the papers in Darcy’s direction. “As you see by the letter, he entered the Earl’s service as a foot-boy at an early age, having been educated at a foundation school. During the twenty years he has been with the Earl, he has successively served as a groom, footman, valet, butler, and house-steward in one of the first establishments in the land. The Earl’s properties have lately become so—encumbered—as to make Mr. Adams’ place redundant. In addition, Mr. Adams is seeking a position not only with a future,” again nodding in the direction of Her Ladyship, “but with an increased portion of over-sight; he is an ambitious man and seeks to better himself and the situation of his family. Without wishing to seem overly warm in the man’s praise, he is a keen woodsman and very enthusiastic about just such experimentation as you favour. He has read much, and seems in every way most qualified as a land-agent, or, in a few years’ time, as an estate steward.”

“Yes, yes, Gardiner, please come to your point. I would like to arrive home in time for supper, this day,” Darcy rejoined, smiling.