“Darcy, I do not think—and, again, remember your pledge to stop me before I have offended you—I do not believe you to be aware of the significant rôle Georgiana plays in the running of your household. She has had a most excellent model and guide in Lady Hallendale (bowing to Her Ladyship), and has been a most attentive pupil. For these ten years past—and probably more—she has been assuming a steadily greater share of your burthens, as well as assisting Mrs. Reynolds as she nears the age where she is increasingly less able to properly see to the extents of such an house as Pemberley. Who do you think has been seeing to those letters of business, receipts, provisioning, and such-like? If you dislike believing this as the truth, upon your return home, go to the house-keeper’s office and see for yourself what has accumulated in—not your absence, but Georgiana’s. You can refer to Her Ladyship, if you prefer not to credit what I say. And, by-the-bye, I have this sheaf of papers which have arrived from the house-steward at Hallendale House. Would you be so good as to take them to Georgiana to review, and see to the urgent matters upon her arrival? I hesitate to leave them to Lady Hallendale under the present circumstance,” he said, again bowing to Her Ladyship, and paused, with a gesture indicating that he had finished his speech.

Darcy saw little point in referring to Lady Hallendale for corroboration, as, had she disagreed, she was there to say so. For the next half-minute, Darcy looked as though he were beginning to find Mr. Gardiner’s comments impertinent or, at a minimum, officious. Another half-minute’s reflection convinced him of the reasonability of Mr. Gardiner’s plan—in its main points—and he was soon able to credit Mr. Gardiner’s assertions in toto, and had only to wonder at his own lack of perspicacity concerning the value of his sister as an help-mate, and the present burthens of his aunt. Numerous hints from his own wife on exactly those points came instantly to his mind, and he was momentarily overcome with some remorse and not a little self-reproach. Recollecting himself, he rose, nodding and smiling, and shook Mr. Gardiner’s hand. “Well done, Gardiner, as always. You are right in every detail. I am ashamed that I was blind as to both the extent of Georgiana’s part here, and the proper view of what must now be before my Aunt Hallendale. I readily concede Bakewell—and more—if you like. Are there any more of my household that you care to appropriate for the general benefit—my wife, perhaps?”

Both gentlemen laughed and breathed more easily than they had for many minutes. Mr. Gardiner looked at Lady Hallendale and continued, “Whilst you are in such a generous humour, I will importune you further—yes, there is one more thing, Darcy.”