" I seek your advice!"
An arched eyebrow was swiftly followed by her response " Good evening to you too"
He let out a good natured laugh. She was the only one of late who could elicit such a reaction from him.
" On what subject can I help you?" Curiosity swirled around her words.
" You remember I told you of my friend Charles?"
" The Charles with a limp or the Charles with the clawing sister?"
"The latter. He has signed to lett an estate. He hopes to buy his own, but letting one will give him the chance he needs to learn the ropes"
"A sound plan" She waited.
" He has asked me to join him. To go and mentor him through the necessities needed to run a successful estate" Lizzie continue to look at him blankly. "His sister will be going too. To run the house for him….."
"Ohhh I see! Am I right in assuming that the sister still has… aspirations of being the next, Mrs Will?" The withering glare she received sent him into a fit of the giggles. "Oh come on Will. She's your friends sister, you trust him at least, yes?"
" Well yes. But Caroline is just so very….. persistent" he wore his concern clear to see on his face. "I've spoken to Charles about it, but she just won't leave well enough alone" A frustrated sigh escaped his lips. " My greatest fear is being tricked into compromise and Caroline is just the type to try." Genuine fear, tinged his voice.
Lizzie felt herself soften " I'm afraid I can't really help here. As I see it, you have two options, go or don't. If you go, I would strongly advise you speak to your friend of your fears. If he is a true friend he'll listen and may be able to reassure you. Or simply don't go, but I know you Will. If you don't go, you'll feel guilty for not helping your friend when he's asked for your assistance"
" But what of Georgiana? She still struggles daily with the events of last summer. How can I even consider leaving her?"
"I'm afraid I can't support you with that excuse. I've been telling you for months that I believe she would benefit from some space. It would show that you trust her"
"It's not about trust Lizzie! I trust her completely. I let HER down!"
" I am not entering into this old argument again. Not now, it's not the point"
" You think I should go then?"
" Do you want a completely honest answer?" he nodded. " I detest the idea of you being in a house with such a woman, but I also know your character and you won't reject a friend who has asked for help you can so easily give"
He contemplated her words " You are right of course. I'll meet Charles at the club tomorrow, speak with him about Caroline and make arrangements for travel"
" You will be careful though, won't you?"
" Of course" He huffed out a small laugh. The second of the night.
" It's funny you mentioned Estates. The one bordering ours. That's finally been let to tenants too"