Page 35 of Return to Pemberley

Mr. Harrow, who had previously maintained watchful silence, stepped forward with professional authority.

"I can address the technical considerations, sir.

Provided both parties consent in proper written form, and the parish acknowledges the deed, no authority can dispute it—not in this generation, nor the next.

I have managed far more complex cases with considerably less goodwill on all sides. "

Darcy spoke next, his words measured yet free of former coldness.

"I would not have this matter rest upon implied threats, Mr. Blackwood.

You may employ whatever surveyor you prefer; engage any advocate you wish to witness the proceedings.

Pemberley will bear all expenses. My sole requirement is that the business conclude with perfect honesty, enabling all parties to meet one another at market or church without shame or concealment. "

Blackwood smiled then—a weathered, cautious smile, yet possessed of more substance than the grandest gestures of county society.

"My wife always maintained that the world would improve considerably if gentlemen settled their debts as conscientiously as they maintained their appearance.

I did not anticipate justice when your letter arrived, yet now that I have encountered it, I confess myself somewhat bewildered by the experience. "

Elizabeth offered her own more delicate smile.

"Perhaps you might begin by accepting our hospitality for the midday meal.

Mrs. Reynolds has doubtless prepared sufficient cold beef and syllabub to provision three establishments.

Afterward, Mr. Harrow can review the estate plans with you, and you may discuss whatever particulars you wish with my husband, free from the pressure of so many observing eyes. "

She rose gracefully, extending her hand as to an equal. "May we consider the matter settled in principle?"

Blackwood stood as well, and though he refrained from accepting Elizabeth's offered hand—whether from deference or simple overwhelm, she could not determine—he bowed with such gravity as transformed the gesture into something approaching a solemn oath.

"It is settled," he said, his voice roughened by emotion.

"And I thank you for it, Mrs. Darcy. My father would have termed it extraordinary, and my mother would have wished you well through all your days. "

Elizabeth's eyes moistened at this tribute, though she managed to suppress visible evidence before it could be remarked. "Then we shall proceed as friends, Mr. Blackwood. I am persuaded it will prove most advantageous for all concerned."

The tension which had dominated the room since their first exchange of courtesies now seemed to evaporate, or at least transform into a more companionable species of uncertainty.

Mr. Harrow, relieved of his professional vigilance, permitted himself modest satisfaction.

"If you are agreeable, Mr. Blackwood, I should be pleased to conduct you through the estate maps.

There exist certain curiosities in the ancient records which may amuse you—and perhaps provide entertaining stories for your children. "

Blackwood, still looking somewhat dazed by the turn of events, nodded readily. He picked up his hat, though he made no move to leave just yet, and with a final nod to Darcy, let himself be led away.

As the gentlemen withdrew, Darcy turned to Elizabeth with expression half-mischievous, half-earnest. "You have carried the day completely, Mrs. Darcy. I confess I had not anticipated how readily you would win over even the most stubborn yeoman in the county."

"I believe it less a matter of conquest," Elizabeth replied with corresponding lightness, though her eyes shone with satisfaction, "than of discovering proper incentives. You provided the principle; I merely supplied the practical application."

Darcy allowed himself a smile of genuine pride, unencumbered by reserve. "The outcome is most felicitous, and I remain considerably in your debt. I cannot imagine Lady Catherine would have achieved so harmonious a resolution."

Elizabeth laughed with pure delight. "I should not have desired her attempt. The affair would have required no fewer than three additional stewards, an entire tribunal of inquiry, and at least ten weeks of depositions."

"And would likely have concluded with Blackwood in debtor's prison and Shepherd's Lot sown with nettles for the next century."

She raised an eyebrow at this observation, her eyes dancing with amusement. "You display remarkable wit today, Mr. Darcy."

"It is the natural effect of witnessing justice properly administered," he replied. "You have reminded me once again that certain things surpass the mere letter of the law, and that Pemberley grows stronger through your presence within it."

Elizabeth, though not unaccustomed to his compliments, remained somewhat startled by their consistent sincerity.

She colored delicately and averted her gaze, looking toward the great writing table with its orderly arrangement of documents.

"It represents all I ever hoped—to prove genuinely useful.

When I first came here, I doubted whether I could effect any meaningful difference.

Yet perhaps, with persistence and fortune, I may yet succeed. "

"You have already succeeded, my dear. Never doubt it."

She met his gaze and discovered there a warmth so steady it seemed to emanate from Pemberley's very foundations.

Their contemplation was interrupted by Mr. Harrow's return, his official dignity somewhat compromised by evident pleasure.

"Mr. Blackwood expresses complete satisfaction with the proposal and has accepted our invitation to remain for dinner.

He remains, I believe, considerably awed by events, yet possesses admirable good sense.

I anticipate no further difficulties in the arrangements. "

"Excellent," said Darcy. "We are grateful for your patience throughout this delicate business, Harrow."

The steward bowed with customary dignity, though his glance toward Elizabeth carried unmistakable admiration.

"Patience proves less difficult, Mrs. Darcy, when one observes justice and wisdom properly united.

I have served three masters at Pemberley, yet cannot recall a more satisfactory resolution to so complex a question. "

Elizabeth inclined her head graciously, yet this commendation from Harrow seemed to carry even greater weight than her husband's praise. "You are exceedingly kind, Mr. Harrow. I am grateful for your approval, as I could never have managed so successfully without your careful guidance."

Harrow accepted these thanks with grave satisfaction before withdrawing to his customary domain, leaving the Darcys in possession of the field.

When the house had finally resumed its accustomed tranquillity, Elizabeth discovered herself at the great window, gazing across the lawn toward distant fields where Blackwood and the steward could be observed consulting over a rolled map, their heads bent in mutual concentration.

Darcy joined her contemplation, his arm settling along the windowsill beside hers. They observed in comfortable silence, each absorbed in private reflection, until Elizabeth spoke.

"Do you suppose he will find happiness in his good fortune? Or will he, in time, come to regret what he has gained?"

Darcy considered carefully. "I believe he will be content, if only because he has earned his position honestly. It requires no small courage to claim one's rightful place, particularly when the world expects satisfaction with less."

She nodded thoughtfully. "It seems remarkable how the pursuit of justice can heal so much—old injuries, ancient doubts. I find myself almost grateful for the trouble, now that it lies behind us."

"As do I," he replied, regarding her with affection no longer concealed by social protocol. "You represent the finest thing that ever befell this house. I would not alter a single moment, even the most challenging."

She smiled, her heart full to overflowing. "Not even Lady Catherine's visits?"

"Most especially not those," he said, and they laughed together, the sound rising to the lofty ceiling and flowing out into the brilliant Derbyshire morning.

In the garden below, Blackwood turned as though hearing their merriment, and perceiving the couple at the window, raised his hat in a gesture now entirely free of reservation.

Elizabeth lifted her hand in response, her spirits lighter than she could remember.

As the hours passed and the business of Shepherd's Lot became woven into the estate's larger tapestry, it seemed to Elizabeth that every room in Pemberley glowed with renewed warmth—warmth born not of sunlight nor fine appointments, but of rightness and of love.

And in the peaceful hush that settled over the house, she knew with the quiet certainty of those who have weathered storms together, that whatever future challenges might arise, she and Mr. Darcy would meet them not merely as husband and wife, but as true partners in every sense that signified.