Page 6 of Elizabeth in Scotland (Elizabeth and Darcy Abroad #2)
Elizabeth immediately blushed. She would never dream of saying it aloud, but she had not expected such courtly manners from the Highlands. He let go of her hand and turned to her father. “I suppose you would like to be apprised of the situation? Shall we do so over tea?”
Mr Bennet readily agreed, and they followed him over to a comfortable seating area near the hearth. Each word Mr Campbell spoke only deepened Elizabeth’s approval of the manager of Strathalt House. He seemed a serious fellow, scholarly and responsible.
“I trust your journey went well?” Mr Campbell asked as they were seated.
“It was uneventful,” Mr Bennet replied. “Your country is even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Merely being told is not nearly good enough to describe its allure.”
This seemed to please Mr Campbell. “Thank you. I cannot but agree. I spent several years in England, at Oxford. And while there are many diversions down south, there is nothing quite like one’s homeland.”
Tea was served at that moment, and they all took some time to have their teacups filled and pick from a tray mixed with English and Scottish delicacies.
Mr Campbell pointed to a small crystal dish with a dainty silver spoon resting beside it.
“That is fruit slice, a classic Scottish dessert. It also has another name, that of ‘flies’ cemetery’, but I beg you do not judge it too harshly for that.
The combination of apples and dried fruit is delicious. ”
Elizabeth laughed. “That is a strange name, to be sure, Mr Campbell, but I shall try it upon your recommendation.” Unappealing as the name was, she was eager to try something authentically Scottish.
Despite the unfortunate name, it was divine, made with freshly harvested apples and a great deal of honey. As she savoured another bite, she came upon a flavour that escaped her, giving the delicacy a sharp, distinct essence all its own.
Mr Campbell must have seen the confusion on her face, for he leant forward with a jestingly conspiratorial air and whispered.
“There is a hint of whisky in the recipe, but rest assured, it is only enough to give a bit of flavour unique to the Highlands.” He winked and sat back.
“It is perfectly safe for a young lady. And for myself, for that matter, for I should not wish to imbibe too deeply either. I hold with the Good Book on drink, you know: do not be drunk with wine.”
“I see, Mr Campbell,” Elizabeth replied politely, if a little distractedly.
An idea was forming in her mind, for in his seriousness and dedication to spiritual matters, Mr Campbell reminded her of no one so much as Mary.
As her father and Mr Campbell talked, Elizabeth turned the thought over in her mind.
Might not Mr Campbell make a good match for Mary?
She was herself so serious and devoted to the study of the Scriptures.
Mr Campbell’s serious nature would appeal to her middle sister.
And he was young and hard-working, taking all he did with a sense of responsibility that would also recommend him to Mary.
Unlike her youngest sisters, Mary was not concerned with the latest fashions or a man’s appearance, but with his mind and convictions.
“Now, let us get down to the task, shall we?” Mr Campbell said at last. “I am grateful that you have come so far to meet with me, Mr Bennet. My late employer, Mr Sinclair, was a kind and fair gentleman, but as he had no children, there was no one to take over the house when he passed. He dearly loved this place.”
“Yes, it seems to be in excellent condition, from what Mrs Graham showed us,” her father said. “You have done well with its upkeep, if I may say so.”
“Thank you,” Mr Campbell replied lightly.
“I have been looking after Strathalt since I was a boy — first alongside my father and then on my own when he passed. I grew up in the area and have always had a special place in my heart for this house.” He sighed, looking down at his hands.
His calluses showed he was not only a steward, but a hard-working man.
“It will be difficult to leave it to another man, though I shall be glad to see it in the hands of a good owner, whether that is the other gentleman, or yourself, sir. If you will permit me to say so, Mr Bennet, I should be delighted to continue managing the estate, if you wished me to do so.”
Her father raised his brows, by no means displeased.
“I cannot speak for the other gentleman, but I would be most grateful if you would stay on, Mr Campbell. The estate will need someone who knows the area and its people. Everything I have seen of Strathalt speaks of your dedication. Indeed, it would be a relief to my mind if you would continue managing the estate. I thank you.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Her father shifted. “What do you know of the other gentleman, Mr Campbell? Is he of Scottish descent, perhaps from the area?”
“No, he is not from the Highlands, but from England, like yourselves. There is not much I can tell, I am afraid. His letter was sent before yours, so I expect him any day, or a letter explaining that he does not intend to come.”
“What happens if the other gentleman refuses to come?” Elizabeth asked.
“Then the right to inherit would fall directly to your father. But there is nothing that can be done until he comes or sends word. It is fortunate you could gather the papers in time, really. You were discovered to be a potential heir at the last moment. I had already sent off the first letter, so he will not know he is one of two potential heirs.” Mr Campbell shook his head.
“I would not be surprised if the gentleman is upset.”
“Well, I am sure you will handle everything with discretion and poise,” Elizabeth replied.
“I thank you.” He looked round the drawing room and sighed. “I wanted to avoid embroiling the house in a long, drawn-out claims case. By having you both here to explain the situation, I hope to avoid the courts.”
Her father would feel much the same, Elizabeth knew.
The thought of a long, drawn-out battle before a judge would be abhorrent to him.
But if it meant the difference between her daughter being well provided for and being thrown into the hedgerow when Mr Collins inherited after her father’s death, he might have no further choice than to fight for his rights to inherit Strathalt House.
Mr Bennet was nodding. “I assure you, I have no wish for this to descend into acrimony, Mr Campbell. I shall do my very best to work towards a fair and peaceful solution.”
“After meeting you and your charming daughter, I have no doubt of it.” He sighed again. “Now, there is only the question of the other gentleman. I hope he will be as congenial as you and that we may all get this straightened out as quickly and smoothly as possible.”
Her father and Mr Campbell continued to visit, while Elizabeth was content to sip at her tea and listen, enjoying her dessert.
All the while, she wondered what the other gentleman might be like.
Was it wicked to hope that he would not appear at all, so that the Bennets might inherit Strathalt House?
While she certainly wished the unknown man no harm, it was difficult to believe he could need the windfall as badly as they did.
One day, hopefully many years in the future, Mr Bennet would surely pass away.
And when he did, they would lose Longbourn forever.
Strathalt House could be the difference between continuing their comfortable lives as gentlewomen and sinking into penury and despair.