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“You are wisdom itself!” Collins exclaimed. “It is clearly a family trait, as I have only ever seen such insight in Lady Catherine. Such condescension from your family. I can only be exceedingly grateful for the day that I was brought to Lady Catherine’s notice. It is impossible to express my gratitude enough. I will follow your excellent advice. We will stay here for the next three months, setting everything in order, before we leave for Longbourn. Then, it will only be another three months before we can expect the Bennet ladies to move on.”

“That sounds like an excellent plan,” Darcy agreed.

“Only…” Collins continued, “you do think they will move out after six months. They won’t try to stay.”

“I can guarantee it,” Darcy promised.

When Darcy returned to Rosings Park, he first checked in with his valet, Parker. His man had been just as efficient as he had expected. Almost all of his belongings were packed and ready to go, and he received assurances that his notes to London had been sent express, as had been requested.

Knowing that he would need to farewell his aunt and cousin, he made his way down to the drawing room.

“Where have you been, Darcy, it has been excessively dull without you,” Lady Catherine said as soon as he entered the room. “Come, sit next to Anne and ensure she is comfortable.”

“I am sorry, Aunt, but I have just come down to bid you farewell,” Darcy said in response. “An urgent matter has called me away, and we will be leaving in the morning.”

“You are already leaving in two days’ time, there is no reason to leave a day early. I am sure your urgent business can wait a single day. Come, sit next to Anne.”

“I have already sent off an express, letting others know to expect me. I cannot put off my departure.”

“What is this business? Surely it is not as urgent as you seem to think. Tell me your concerns, and I will tell you whether or not it is deserving of your early departure. I find it highly unlikely.”

“As I said, they are my concerns,” Darcy replied. “I thank you for your hospitality, but it is urgent that I leave in the morning.”

Lady Catherine’s face was stone as she regarded her nephew, weighing whether or not to press her point.

“You should at least tell Anne. As your future wife she should know.”

“I have told you many times that I will not be marrying Anne,” Darcy insisted. “We do not suit.”

“Ridiculous!” Lady Catherine exclaimed. “You were formed for each other. She will be the perfect wife for you. You shall see, I shall carry my point.”

Tired of this same argument, Darcy merely bowed, wished his aunt and cousin a good evening, and returned to his room.

Parker was waiting for him, looking a little odd, which was highly unusual for his staid valet.

“Is anything the matter?” Darcy asked.

“No, nothing is wrong, I just had a question about the maid you would like me to find to bring with us tomorrow,” Parker clarified.

“Have you had any difficulty finding one available to leave on such short notice? If needed, I am certain that Mr. Collins would lend us one from the parsonage.”

“I was only wondering, sir, if it would be possible for her to stay with us after this trip, or if you were set on having her returned to Rosings.”

“Have you found someone that has a desire to leave my aunt’s employ, then?”

“Well, yes, her name is Sally,” Parker replied, then added quietly, “really, I found her when we were here last year, only at that time she was taking care of her widowed mother and didn’t want to leave Kent. But, her mother passed away last winter. If you are able to keep her employed, I would be forever grateful.”

“Does she feel the same way?”

“I believe so. She really was so sad when we left last year, but she didn’t feel like she could come with me.”

“Has she been trained as a lady’s maid?”

“She has assisted Miss de Bourgh’s maid from time to time as needed.”

“Elizabeth will need a maid. I don’t believe she has one of her own. If Sally is able to serve as a lady’s maid, she can stay with her until we are married. The ladies of Longbourn will be glad of the extra hands. Then, it will be up to Elizabeth as to whether she continues as a lady’s maid or takes up a different position. Either way, you can assure Sally that she can have a permanent position in our household.”

“Thank you, sir,” Parker said with a smile. “You will not regret it.”