“Mostly letters of business, I am afraid, which are rather tedious, but which must be answered. Here,” she said, pointing to a leaning tower of sheets, “is the pile of letters that have already been seen to and simply require my Lord’s approval, and these here,” indicating a sheaf of similar stature, “are hitherto unanswered correspondence which I have promised myself I will work through this morning before I allow myself the pleasure of unpacking the latest parcel of minerals we have got, and getting them labelled up in time for my Lord’s return this evening.”

Lizzy laughed, “I would be most pleased to assist you if I could be of any use this morning. You have set yourself a most challenging objective, and, selfishly, I worry that I will not see you at all to-day unless I can persuade you to accept the pleasure of my hindrance to your progress.” Whilst wishing to be of use to her aunt, Lizzy’s unstated motive was to understand those portions of Lady Hallendale’s business that could be most easily learnt. By this expedient, Elizabeth’s plan was to learn what she could to relieve Mr. Darcy of the most mundane of his labours, which for one reason or another could not be passed-off to the house-steward, the land steward, or the bailiff. Lady Hallendale gladly acquiesced, giving Elizabeth the employment of adding up a sheet of ledger sums, and copying several receipts into a more coherent hand in the large leather estate-book. As the two women worked together, Lady Hallendale, who had only infrequent opportunity of female companionship, relieved her feelings a little as she discussed with her friend the complete difference in characters of her two step-sons, Viscount Dunfield and Colonel Fitzwilliam.