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“I do, though I have some money saved and Grandmother Fitzwilliam left me seven thousand pounds when she passed. Father has been investing all my funds since I reached my majority, as well as managing a small estate near Sheffield that I own. It brings in fifteen-hundred pounds a year and should increase my chances of finding a woman worth marrying.”
“I had almost forgotten that you owned that estate. If I recall correctly, you said your uncle left it to Lord Matlock and he passed it to you?
“That is correct.”
“I did not realise it was progressing so well.”
“With any luck, and hard work, I should be able to make a go if it.”
“I agree. I apologise for being so wrapped up in my problems that I had little time to consider your situation. Just know that I will help you in any way that I can, whether it be advice or a string of horses to anchor your stables.”
“You struggled so much after Anne pulled her stunt that I did not want to burden you with my situation,” Richard replied, “but know that I appreciate your offer.”
At William’s nod, he continued, “To change the subject, did you and Mr. Graves have any luck finding someone to manage James Morgan’s warehouses until Lady Morgan’s son can take over at his majority?”
“We found two men who could do a credible job with Mr. Golding’s help.”
“Golding? The clerk who testified against James Morgan?”
“The same. He is very knowledgeable about the entire operation, though he does not wish to take on the responsibility of manging the warehouses. He said he could stay until Mrs. Morgan hires someone to be the manager and things are running smoothly. I also suggested that I could help her choose a manager, if she wished me to. She said she would let me know when she had come to a conclusion.”
“Now that she is guardian for her son, Lady Morgan will be in control of the monies generated from the warehouse; she will be wealthy enough to take care of her mother and the sisters still at home with a little direction from reliable sources.”
“Such as you?”
“No. My future forays in being of help to ladies is limited to my darling Elizabeth and my sister. I do not mind suggesting gentlemen whom Lady Morgan can apply to for advice, but I shall not be one of them.”
“I think that is wise. By the way, I already suggested that my father would be a good source of advice should she desire it.”
“Excellent.”
“So, enlighten me. How is Miss Bennet truly faring? From my own experience with men under my command who lost a lot of blood, it was a slow campaign to get them back on their feet. Most were discharged due to an inability to perform as they once had.”
William became silent for a long time before answering. “To tell the truth, I am convinced it will take much longer than I ever imagined for Elizabeth to be herself again. And, until she is, she will be miserable. She was not made for lying in bed all day, and it is all I can do to raise her spirits when she is downcast.”
“I do not envy you, my friend. First, Anne makes you miserable for almost two years, and now this.”
“The two circumstances are not even comparable. With Anne, my future was nothing but a road to ruin and heartache. With Elizabeth, I have the expectation of a future filled with love and children. I can bear anything knowing what is in store.”
Richard clapped William on the back. “I am glad. You deserve happiness.”
“So do you. In fact, as Elizabeth begins to require less of my focus, I intend to begin a list of the women I know personally who might be a good prospect for your wife.”
“I believe I can spare you the effort. Mother has been keeping a list of marital prospects for several years. When some married, she crossed them off and added new ones. I dare say she has the most comprehensive list of eligible women in all of England, Wales and Scotland. In fact, I believe she could make a living as a paid matchmaker.”
“Perhaps we should advertise her services.”
Richard chuckled. “Perhaps we should … but not until after she has found the right woman for me.”
They were met by Mrs. Annesley as they entered the library from the portico.
“I just called on Miss Bennet to see how she was faring, and Miss Darcy asked me to find you and send you upstairs. Miss Bennet is beginning to tire, and when she tried to stand up, she could not manage it. Miss Darcy thinks it best that you help her back into bed.”
Not waiting to reply, William quickly hurried out of the room, leaving the companion and Richard staring after him.
“I have never known a more caring individual than Mr. Darcy. His care for Miss Darcy has always been above what one expected of a guardian,” Mrs. Annesley declared. “I met George Darcy once before he died, and I believe he would have been proud of how his son cares for his daughter. Moreover, that he shows the same consideration for Miss Bennet does not surprise me at all.”
“I have been of little help with Georgiana since my occupation keeps me away so much of the time; however, I never doubted Darcy would take care of her. As for Miss Bennet, she should count herself fortunate to have gained his affection. And, truthfully, I believe she does now.”
