Page 27 of Secrets Across the Sea

Wrotham Park in Staffordshire, England – 1812 – Day 13

Hours of helping Bingley plan his crops at last at an end, and Darcy trudged wearily to his room.

Fifteen tenant farms. Several woods. Far too many of fields. And a pond and stream. All of these and likely more had been viewed by them before returning to plan Bingley’s crops.

It could have waited. They could have spent another day at Wrotham Park, but not even Bingley desired to do so. Not when he knew he had an estate which might survive without him for a few days, and a certain Bennet sister he wished to propose to.

So far, only Fitz did not speak of marriage; though he wanted to, that much was plain to see.

If only he might have an estate of his own. Were he to inherit such a place tonight, the man would likely make the trek to Miss Mary’s side, on foot if need be–night and snow be hanged.

Entering his room, Darcy plopped himself down on his bed, boots and all, his very bones wearied.

There had to be some solution to his cousin’s problem? Either way, given the interest Lord Ramsgate showed, Fitz had better not delay too long; a bit of protection from that pompous baron would be welcomed all around.

Closing his eyes, Darcy considered the ways in which he might help his cousin, the answers swirling about as if shrouded in a great mist, until at last his weariness overtook and dreams of Elizabeth filled his mind.