"I imagine that is not the estate named in the envelope." As the carriage exited the gates of Dankworth Hall, Elizabeth made a face and gave an exaggerated shiver. "Dankworth certainly lives up to its name. Or would it be lives down to its name? How can a place look so gloomy on such a beautiful day? What would it be like on a grey and rainy day?"
"We can change the name, Elizbeth."
"I would always know it was Dankworth. Dank...worth. But it matters not for I do not care for it."
"Onward we go, then." William had to agree and he was relieved to leave the unsightly estate behind.
The betrothed couple and Lady Catherine, who was serving not only as chaperone but advisor as well, had visited four estates in the last several days, Dankworth now being the fifth. All of the estates were within a half day's journey to London, prosperous with a healthy income, and had large, sturdy manor houses. On paper any one of them would be a wise investment but when reading the portfolios for each William knew exactly which one Elizabeth would favor. He teased that he knew her well enough to identify her choice sight unseen. To prove it, he had written the name of the estate on a piece of paper and sealed it. He gave it to her to carry during their travels and inspections.
Elizabeth had quite liked Giffon Court, an estate they had viewed in Essex. It was a pleasant house with a lovely garden, five miles from a bustling market town. She had glanced frequently at William to see if he looked smug or disappointed by her admiration for the property, but he maintained a neutral demeanor, as he had with every stop. Then Dankworth had brought them to Kent, and this afternoon would see them at another estate in Kent, near the River Darent. Elizabeth was tiring of so much time in the carriage and did not have much hope for the last few estates. She thought they could be very happy at Giffon Court and need not look further. However, Lady Catherine would not relent and insisted they keep their itinerary.
As they drew nearer to their next destination, Elizabeth took great interest in their surroundings. Along with the river, the rolling hills and lush woodlands sparked something inside her. The carriage finally turned onto the lane that led to the house. A gentle incline increased until they came to a stop before a beautiful manor atop a wide hill. The three-story white stone building stood out against the purple fields that dotted the landscape around it. Without thinking, Elizabeth opened the carriage door and hopped down before William or the footman could assist her. She inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of lavender that was carried on the breeze.
"I think she approves," Lady Catherine said as she exited the carriage in a more decorous manner.
"I have never seen a house more perfectly situated. It is wonderful."
"You must not let the owner's agent hear you say so. You must maintain a disinterested attitude from which to negotiate." Throughout their journey, Lady Catherine had been instructing William and Elizabeth on the more practical aspects of estate management and the art of negotiation.
"I am a business owner. I just bought a mill. I know how to negotiate," William answered in an amused tone.
"You brought me for a reason, nephew. I must remind you that haggling over paper is hardly the same as attempting to purchase an estate while the future Mrs. Darcy is by your side, with tears of joy in her eyes."
"Oh, I am crying. Is that not absurd?" Elizabeth reached into her reticule for a handkerchief. She pulled out William's prediction as well. "Does this say 'Lavender House'? I cannot imagine anything more perfect. I do not even need to see anything else."
"It does not but you should open it all the same." Elizabeth opened it carefully to preserve the paper and revealed what was written inside.
STILLMEADOW
"Is this Stillmeadow? How lovely," she sighed with contentment.
"It is. As you can see, and smell, Stillmeadow's income is primarily from lavender farming*. From what I understand there are several varieties, and those which remain in the fields will be harvested in a few days. There are some other flowering crops, as well as some sheep and cattle."
"We certainly did see a lot of products with lavender while shopping, my mother even bought some lavender water, but I never really thought of such a thing as a lavender farm."
"Apparently the flower trade is very dynamic and quite profitable with London hostesses demanding fresh cuttings sent in from the country daily, but that only makes up a small amount of the Stillmeadow's yield. As you have said, lavender is incorporated in a number of products and that is the primary application of this estate's crop."
They halted their conversation long enough to make their way to the house. The door opened as they reached it and they were greeted by an older man who introduced himself as Mr. Satton, a local attorney who was serving as the owner's agent. He then introduced them to Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale, a married couple who served as steward and housekeeper.
"Mr. Darcy, I am sure you would like to see the house and take a tour of the grounds and, obviously, speak to Mr. Stockdale. Can't say I can contribute much to the conversation unless you want to make an offer. I am out of my depth when it comes to estate affairs, you see." Mr. Satton gave the impression of good-natured idleness, not too unlike Mr. Bennet. "Call on me at my office tomorrow morning if you are interested. I am in Shoreham. Stockdale can give you the direction." With a jaunty salute he made his way to the stables to collect his horse.
"Hopefully that will make things much easier," Mr. Stockdale said to his wife. "I beg your pardon sir; I mean no disrespect to the gentleman. We are used to him, but he can seem a bit scattered to outsiders. How would you like to proceed?"
"Now, Mr. Stockdale, let us get our guests some refreshment first and then we can see to things properly." Mrs. Stockdale gently chided her husband. She led them inside so they could recover from their journey and enjoy some tea and a light repast. Only then would she allow her husband to discuss business matters.
They all chatted easily as they made their way through the rooms, and the Stockdales revealed that their former master and mistress had both passed away within the last year. The current owner was their only surviving heir, a grandson, who had lived in Aberdeen, Scotland for more than twenty years. Through correspondence, he instructed that the estate and all it contained, except a few sentimental items, be sold. He hoped Stillmeadow's new owner would love it as much as his grandparents did and as much as he loved his own home.
"The mistress would be pleased to see her beloved Stillmeadow inhabited by a young couple just starting out in life. She had such a romantic heart. It was she who played matchmaker between Mr. Stockdale and me. And, Miss, I hope that does not cause you any concern, we do not let it interfere with our duties."
"Mrs. Stockdale, we must not get ahead of ourselves. They have yet to see anything of the grounds and no decisions have been made," Mr. Stockdale reminded his wife.
"You are correct, but I can see the young lady has taken a shine to the house."
Elizabeth could feel Lady Catherine's eyes bore into her. "Of course, every house has its own advantages and charms. I have seen promise in every estate we have visited." Her efforts were immediately undone as she entered the family sitting room and gasped. It was a long room with a fireplace at each end, a seating area arranged before each, and there was a small pianoforte in one corner. It was both cozy and spacious. However, the most striking feature was the back wall which was formed almost entirely of windows, including a pair of French doors leading out onto a terrace. It all looked out over the gardens and beyond that, the lavender fields. The afternoon sun brightened the room and gave it a cheery atmosphere.
"Elizabeth." Lady Catherine did not scold more than that for she, too, was dazzled by the room, having a fondness for windows, herself. The glazing altogether at Rosings Park had originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh a mighty sum, all to indulge her whims.
"Do not worry, dear," Mrs. Stockdale patted Elizabeth's arm. "We want somebody in the house who appreciates it. Mr. Satton will not hear a word from either of us."
"Shall we view the grounds before we lose the sun?" Mr. Stockdale asked. He called for an open carriage. When they saw what they could from that prospect, William and Mr. Stockdale rode out across the land for a closer look and to speak to some of the tenants. Finally, once they reconvened and all their lingering questions were answered, they bid farewell to the Stockdales and made their way to the inn where they were to spend the night.
"Well, Elizabeth, what did you think?" William asked.
"It is perfect. I liked Giffon Court, but Stillmeadow feels like home."
"I meant me," he teased. "Is it not stunning that I know you so well? Yet you did not even acknowledge my cleverness."
"You are perfect too, dear William." Elizabeth played along with him, then she took out a small book from her reticule and handed it to William. "Careful when you open it."
The book fell open to a packet made from parchment that he had written Stillmeadow on and he felt something within the folds. He realized it was a sprig of lavender she had picked today. She had pressed it between the pages of the slim volume of the poetry of Wordsworth she carried with her.
"It seems the new mistress of Stillmeadow has a romantic heart just as the former one did."
"William, do you mean it? But should we not talk to your mother and sister first?"
"There is no need," Lady Catherine answered for him.
"But this will be Lady Anne and Ana's home just as much as ours. I feel we must do them the courtesy of discussing it with them. I do not want them to think we gave no thought to their comfort."
"They will not be living here," Lady Catherine said to the bewilderment of both William and Elizabeth
"We will not relegate them to the dower house. They must know that." Elizabeth was becoming distressed.
"You are a kind girl and I do not wish to upset you. Or you William, but my sister and I have been discussing this very thing. We will be purchasing a small estate together. And one of the reasons for my strict adherence to our schedule was to ensure we had time for an additional visit. Eastmoor is but fifteen miles from Stillmeadow. It is within an easy distance to Rosings Park as well. Close enough to enjoy family but far enough away for you to live your own lives. We do not wish to intrude upon our children, at least not too much. Ana will inherit and we might just entail it to the female line."
"Would you really?" William leaned forward in his seat.
"Do you object, nephew?"
"Not at all, it is a wonderful idea. I think Elizabeth and I both recognize the value of such a situation. I would be very pleased for Ana to have that stability and reassurance for the future. I am grateful that we always had a home with you or with uncle, but it can be difficult knowing you are denied your home through the actions of others.
"And it does much to ease some concerns I had about buying an estate. If you, with your business acumen, are thinking of doing so as well I cannot consider it reckless." He reached across the carriage and took Elizabeth's hand. "I know I should have discussed this with you, but I was wondering if I was just being contrary and obstinate."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow in question, "What did your father say?"
"And it seems you know me well." He raised her hand to his lips for a kiss. "It is not so much as what he said but what I declined. He offered to give us the London townhouse or purchase a townhouse for us. He also said we could live at Pemberley, and he would contrive it so we would not have to see him. I started to worry that I am being irresponsible by taking on the expense when we could accept my father's offer. We are hardly without a place to lay our heads."
"William, what do you wish most for in this world?" It was his aunt, not Elizabeth, who asked this question.
William responded immediately, "I want to be Elizabeth's husband and share my life with her. I want to raise happy children who know they are loved and that I will always protect them."
"Not one of those things cost money. So, on what shall you spend your fortune if not the things you want most? Why not purchase an estate? You may not need one, but it will certainly help you attain that which you desire." William could only stare at his aunt in surprise.
"Think, boy, I want to share my life with Elizabeth…under my father's roof. I want to raise happy children…in the house my father purchased. Hardly a suitable environment for your future felicity. You are young and you have time before you must fulfill your duty to Pemberley, so buy your Stillmeadow. You have already experienced the misery at losing so much of the Darcy legacy. Why deliberately make yourself miserable in order to hold onto the little bit that remains. Your saved pennies will only buy you scraps.
"And quite frankly, finances are not always that complex. I have frequently heard my manner of dress and decorating described as ostentatious. I do not take that as an insult. I am ostentatious because I can be. It makes me happy. Otherwise, what is the point of wealth. Be what you want to be, William. Be happy.
~~PoR~~
*There really is a lavender farm, Castle Farm, in Kent near Shoreham. I've never been there but came across it as I was doing research. I thought it made a good setting for the estate of Elizabeth's dreams.
