“Well, here is the issue of delicacy: Mr. Adams comes with a Mrs. Adams. She, too, is from the Earl’s estate, having begun as—here we are—a maid-of-all-work, and then serving as house-maid, laundry-maid, under-cook, under house-keeper, and lady’s maid, before finally being named as house-keeper at this same place, where she has occupied an unusual position of trust for above ten years; my source was most emphatic on that point. Here is my thought, Darcy: your Mrs. Reynolds must be nearing the age when she would naturally wish for a diminution of responsibility. I propose that you secure Mr. and Mrs. Adams for Pemberley, replacing the good Mrs. Reynolds, and allowing your Mr. Bakewell to assume the responsibilities as agent for the Hallendale estates. Bakewell is well able to relieve Her Ladyship of the vast majority of her cares, allowing her to devote her days to the care of her husband; their current house-steward would return to his proper sphere, in addition to acting as bailiff. Thus, the Hallendale estates are prevented from returning to an almost certain decline; and Her Ladyship is allowed a well-earned retirement from the demands of daily business.”

“Thank you for my share of the favour, Gardiner, but I am not convinced that I wish to part with Bakewell. What about the decline of my estates?”

“Look, Darcy, Adams is a younger man than is Bakewell, and will be able to serve you and Pemberley for the future. Bakewell is very close-by, and can educate Mr. Adams when he needs help in discharging his new duties. Mrs. Reynolds can similarly see to Mrs. Adams, not to mention Georgiana. Surely you recognise that Georgiana is the proverbial ‘key’ here—besides your esteemed self, of course?”

“You were speaking sense until the last statements regarding my sister. What has Georgiana to do with the Hallendale estates?” asked Darcy in an impatient tone.