“Lizzy,” he responded gently, “I think you could do anything you would attempt well, indeed, but there are many things to consider and much to decide. This is not a simple undertaking, but one which, I believe, would require more application than you anticipate. The design and construction of the buildings in themselves is not the most onerous portion of the scheme; the successful administration of the school thereafter is a never-ending labour, and one that would require considerable effort for many years. We live in a time of great change—of industry and of the skilled labour requisite for such industry; even if we should succeed in finding an able master, I think that we must necessarily be involved to some degree to ensure that the school maintain its usefulness and value to the parish. Is that what you wish?”

“I can readily believe that you discount my willingness to give myself any trouble at all, much less survive such a prodigious and prolonged undertaking, but the fact remains, Mr. Darcy, that you must attend to such immortal matters every day, and have for many years. As your wife, I have willingly engaged for at least a share of your exertions, however little suited to my indolent nature, or my poor example of such self-employment in the past,” replied Elizabeth. “Your doubt is very reasonable, but in this case, ill-founded. I mean to be a full partner in such an endeavour, if you will but chuse both the project and the partner.”

“I believe that my choice was made long ago for the partner of the bargain, but I should be delighted to have such a beautiful and capable accomplice for the project,” said Mr. Darcy, smiling, as he rose to move her chair. As they walked to the library, Elizabeth smiled to herself at such an unanticipated end to her communication, and diligently set to work on the business of the trade-school.