Page 190 of What Change Entails

“I shall be back tonight.”

Maddox raised his eyebrows.

“The roads will be poor after dark.”

“Then we shall travel before they worsen.”

Neither man argued further. Darcy suspected they recognized the futility.

Within half an hour fresh horses stood ready.

Necessary documents were packed.

Instructions completed.

The dispute, for the moment, contained.

Maddox accompanied him toward the carriage.

“The matter should hold until you are back.”

“It will.”

Maddox hesitated.

“Sir?”

“Yes?”

A faint smile appeared at the corner of the steward’s mouth.

“You seem eager to reach Pemberley.”

Darcy paused.

Then, to his own surprise, answered honestly.

“I am.”

Maddox’s expression cheered slightly and something understanding entered it.

The steward had served the family long enough to draw conclusions.

Darcy pretended not to notice.

The carriage departed.

Darkness gathered gradually around the road.

Fields softened into shadow.

The first stars appeared overhead.

Darcy leaned back against the squabs and attempted to review several estate reports.

The effort lasted perhaps ten minutes.

Elizabeth intruded upon every paragraph.