Follies and Nonsense

by Martin Hunnicutt

  “Her letters are full of details and she writes cheerfully. I will surprise her and visit her at the seashore before the summer ends!” Darcy declared as they entered the building.

  ++**++

  Chapter 3.

  In Which Elizabeth Makes up Her Mind

  When the Howell carriage pulled away from the steps, Lyndon excused himself and walked to the stables. After watching his figure vanish around the corner of the house, Elizabeth remained on the stoop, looking across the drive and pastures that were Rose Briar Manor.

  ‘This was not home,’ she realized. It had been a refuge from the sudden loss when Matthew died and a safe place to bear her child and nurture him for the last eighteen months. Suddenly, ‘home’ meant the manor house in Hertfordshire where she had grown up.

  Turning back inside, she made her way to her father-in-law’s study. At the door, the ever-present footman knocked and then opened the door when His Lordship ordered, “Come.”

  “Thank you, Barrow,” Elizabeth said as she passed the footman.

  The door closing behind her, Elizabeth found the earl seated at his desk, his secretary at another desk composing a letter and the steward seated before the desk. All three men rose when she entered the room.

  “My dear, what brings you to this boring part of the house?” the earl asked. “I believe this is your time in the library.”

  “Forgive me for interrupting your meeting sir, but I find myself in need of your advice,” Elizabeth said.

  “About Lyndon and Lady Gwendolyn I am certain!” the earl said quickly. “Lyndon took his time asking her I must say – everything was arranged at Christmas but he courted her for five more months!”

  “I believe Lady Gwendolyn wanted to enjoy the pursuit during a few months in London sir. Her family has a great house and enjoys many social events each season.”

  “As does Lyndon,” Lord Rutherford replied. “But I do not and that is why my house in town is small and I remain in the country all year.”

  “Lyndon and Gwendolyn will often visit with the Howells in town, don’t you imagine?” Elizabeth asked.

  The earl laughed, “I am certain but they will also entertain here at Rose Briar. I shall not deny them use of the place – it will be their seat someday.”

  “I am certain the lady will come to love the roses and halls as much as anyone privileged to reside here.”

  “And you do not have to…” Lord Rutherford paused. “Has Lady Mary made an issue of your presence?”

  Elizabeth smiled and said, “It does not signify. She wants her daughter to have her proper place here at Rose Briar.”

  The earl nodded and said, “You are correct. But Lady Gwendolyn will not establish herself here until Christmas so there is no hurry for you to move from Rose Briar.”

  Grinning at her father-in-law, Elizabeth asked, “As I told Lady Mary earlier, I believe that sisterly affection will grow with Lady Gwendolyn if we are not resident under the same roof. Matthew and I shall move to Mount Pleasant which will be his home for the rest of his life.”

  “It is an excellent house and estate,” the earl replied. “The house may require some alterations once you are in residence but the farms and the estate’s investments are sound.”

  Turning to his secretary, the earl took a ledger book and beckoned Elizabeth around to his side of the desk. “My brother-in-law was very frugal in the last years of his life. He remained at Mount Pleasant throughout the year and did not venture into town. In fact, for the last ten years, he leased his town house on Grosvenor Street to rich men who want a fashionable London address.”

  “Mr. Edgeworth and I have reviewed last year’s accounts and here are the balances in young Matthew’s accounts.” Lord Rutherford proudly pointed to different figures in the ledger. “Your dowager portions are here.”

  Elizabeth frowned reviewing the figures. “Sir! That much? I have worked with Mrs. Jones to economize expenses here at Rose Briar; can we use some of these funds to provide items here?”

  “I know you have not had a new gown this year my dear but I am not in financial straits – I am merely horse-poor Elizabeth,” the earl said. “For many years, I spent Rose Briar’s income on my stables. If I didn’t have income from investments, I would have had to cut back the household expenses.”

  “Then we must use some Mount Pleasant funds to help you sir.”

  The earl shook his head. “Lady Gwendolyn’s dowry will provide the funds Lyndon needs when I am gone. And the will of my late brother-in-law was explicit about keeping the income from Mount Pleasant separate. The solicitors review the account books very closely.”

  “When Matthew became the heir to his uncle, he received an income from his uncle’s estate – those funds are yours – and Mr. Edgeworth has worked with your Uncle Gardiner since your marriage. You have substantial funds at your disposal my dear.”

  “Then I shall buy horses for the stables at Mount Pleasant!”

  “I intend to gift you with carriage horses Elizabeth,” the earl replied. “There will be no reason to expend any funds.”

  “But Mount Pleasant will need a stable of riding horses, and at least two carriage teams. Perhaps I could have a breeding stable for carriage teams?”

  The earl’s face brightened. “Would you care for the entire stable of greys? We could breed carriage horses at Mount Pleasant and keep my stable of bays here at Rose Briar.”

  “And give Matthew a claim on his grandfather’s time! With your greys at Mount Pleasant, you must reside at Mount Pleasant for a portion of each year!”

  “You would want your old father-in-law in residence?” the earl asked. He frowned and said, “I would be in the way – you must marry again and give Matthew brothers and sisters.”

  “Marry again?” Elizabeth asked with surprise on her face as the earl took her hand. “Father, I have no interest in a new husband. I only want little Matthew…”

  “Yes, little Matthew is your primary concern,” the earl agreed. “But you are a beautiful and intelligent Elizabeth – that will attract many suitable men. And your son’s estate is substantial – the wealth will attract many unworthy men.”

  “I have learned to listen to the opinions of others before making judgments, sir. And surely you do not think some rake would sweep me off my feet!”

  The earl smiled, “In my long life, I have learned that any level-headed man can succumb to a pretty face, and the most-sensible woman in the land can be swept away by her heart’s desire. No one is immune to matters of the heart.”

  “How do you propose to secure Matthew’s estate?” Elizabeth asked.

  “The solicitors who oversee Mount Pleasant today will continue for many years. Once Matthew is one and twenty, he will have access to an income and when he turns five and twenty, he will gain control of the entire estate, but he must never dispose of any estate lands. He can sell his stocks and investments but Mount Pleasant will remain intact.”

  “And if I remarry?” Elizabeth asked. “What would my husband control?”

  “The man who marries you will not have access or control over your dowager income. He will only have access to any funds you hand to him and I doubt you would suffer a fool for long. Therefore, I ask that you agree to a long engagement – that will reveal the man’s spending habits before you marry.”

  “But I thought a husband owned his wife’s real estate and funds?”

  Mr. Edgeworth spoke up. “Lady Elizabeth, the dowager income is derived from the estate for your life. Your husband could not sell or mortgage anything.”

  “But I would not want you distressed or abused by a spendthrift cad,” the earl concluded. “I want Matthew to grow up with a father he can admire.”

  “If I ever find a man suitable to be my husband, he must gain permission from both fathers as well as from Matthew!” Elizabeth insisted.

  ++**++

  Chapter 4.

  In Which Problems at Longbourn Are Revealed

  A few weeks la
ter, another letter from Longbourn reached Elizabeth and advanced her plans to move from Rose Briar.

  ++**++

  June 1, 1811

  Longbourn

  Dear Lizzy,

  I hope you and my nephew are well.

  Forgive my directness but I require your advice and counsel. With our Father’s absence from home, a problem has arisen that Mary and I are unable to handle. Uncle Gardner has been of great assistance these past months and we are reluctant to impose on him again. In any instance, it may be that Lord Rutherford is better qualified to address the particular problem we have.

  Our loyal steward for the last 15 years, Mr. Henry Peterson, passed away in his sleep two days past. You will remember him from our childhood because he always made certain we saw the new colts and lambs. He directed our tenants for these many years and dealt with merchants and buyers for father selling grain, crops and livestock. His passing leaves as great a hole in our lives as Father’s absence and your distance from home.

  We need someone to act as steward until Father returns. Mary had the notion that your father-in-law or his steward could recommend a man to act as steward for Longbourn until that time. I agree with her and wrote immediately to beg for your help.

  Mother and our sisters send their love to you and Matthew. Please write soon.

  Greatest affections,

  Jane

  ++**++

  Taking the letter with her, Elizabeth immediately sought her father-in-law’s opinion. Arriving in his office where Lord Rutherford and his secretary were involved in their daily business letters with the estate’s steward, she appealed to the earl. “Forgive my interruption sir, but I require your assistance regarding a matter of some urgency for my family at Longbourn.”

  “Has your father returned from the West Indies?”

  “No sir, he has not yet returned – there is another matter and my father’s absence gives greater weight to this matter. In the letter I received this morning, my sister Jane writes that Longbourn’s steward has passed away. She fears that my father’s tenants will not work well without a steward to oversee the farming.”

  The earl looked at his own steward who agreed, “Lady Elizabeth is correct – a new steward must be in the harness before the grain harvests begin this summer. The steward is the man who hires the day labourers to harvest the grain.”

  “So, a reliable man must be in place quickly, but it may not be a position of long duration,” the earl observed.

  “It is only proper that Mr. Bennet choose his own steward when he returns,” the secretary added.

  “But we cannot allow Lady Elizabeth’s family to be cheated by a scoundrel in a short situation,” the earl insisted.

  “Aye, Your Lordship is correct,” Mr. Hatton replied.

  From his desk Mr. Edgeworth asked, “Sir, perhaps young Mr. Smyth could act as steward at Longbourn for Lady Elizabeth’s family?”

  The earl glanced at his steward who nodded thoughtfully.

  “Who is Mr. Smyth?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Oliver Smyth is the son of my steward in Kent. His father is still healthy and there is an older brother who will succeed to the post there. Mr. Hatton and I decided to offer young Smyth the position as steward of Mount Pleasant. The man there today wishes to retire in a few years and we thought Mr. Smyth could work underneath the old steward for a time and then take charge.”

  “And you believe Mr. Smyth will suit at Mount Pleasant?”

  “Yes,” the earl replied.

  “Very well,” Elizabeth nodded, pleased that her relations would think of the future of her son’s estate.

  “Good. It is settled. Edgeworth shall write this morning to young Smyth to attend your family at Longbourn immediately. Send him through London with instructions to stop at the solicitors to receive five hundred shillings to pay for expenses at Longbourn and twenty-five guineas for any large expenses. I shall bear his expense until your father returns – that way I can monitor his work and determine if he is good enough to oversee Mattie’s…”

  The earl paused for a moment, thinking of his dead son and then continued, “To oversee my grandson’s estate.”

  Coming around the desk, Elizabeth embraced her father-in-law and kissed his head. “Thank you, sir! But the funds must come from my accounts.”

  “Yes, Lady Elizabeth,” Edgeworth said as he bowed his head toward the earl and his daughter-in-law.

  Elizabeth ignored propriety and hugged her father-in-law again.

  “Now, now…” the earl blushed. “It’s hardly proper to crush me in this manner!”

  “I shall write to my sisters and mother immediately and tell them of your kindness. They will prepare for Mr. Smyth’s arrival.”

  “Good, good.”

  At the door, Elizabeth turned back. “Forgive me for asking sir, but are you still planning to travel to Cornwall to visit your friends?”

  “Yes,” the earl replied. “I depart for Cornwall next week and only travel to the Howell’s in time for the wedding in August. I am certain that my presence is not required for wedding preparations. After the wedding I shall visit the estate in Kent.”

  The earl glanced up from his papers. “Will you miss me?”

  “Matthew and I always miss you, sir.” Elizabeth’s lips crinkled and her face nodded forward once in a manner that the earl recognized as his daughter-in-law making a decision.

  “And what are you thinking?” he asked.

  “I should very much like to visit my family at Longbourn sir,” Elizabeth said. “They are struggling with my father’s absence and I have not been home in the years since my wedding.”

  “Of course, you want to visit and be of assistance!” Lord Rutherford declared. “With all of the family out of Rose Briar, Mrs. Jones can give it a proper cleaning to prepare for the newlyweds’ arrival after Christmas. And a long visit at Longbourn will allow you to become acquainted with Mr. Smyth before you both take up residence at Mount Pleasant.”

  “I shall expect you to visit Mount Pleasant regularly sir,” Elizabeth stated. “Matthew needs to his grandfather to teach him to ride.”

  Nodding his agreement, the Earl began giving instructions. “My grandson must travel with proper attendance; I want you to take a coachman and footman along with Matthew’s nanny and your maid!” He thought for a moment, “Take your new coach, the best greys and the mares you favour for riding. Take saddles, sufficient tack and blankets for each of the horses.”

  “How will we fit everything into a single coach?”

  “You will take a wagon to carry your trunks, and the tack and saddles for the horses. I will send a pair of riders for additional protection and to lead the mares. Have Thomas select two stable boys to accompany you to care for the horses. The riders will return to Rose Briar after you are safely at Longbourn but the stable boys will be under the coachman’s authority and stay for the duration of your visit.”

  The earl frowned for a moment and then added, “Edgeworth, make certain Lady Elizabeth has access to her accounts through the London solicitors.”

  Elizabeth nodded and turned to Edgeworth again, “I should like a hundred shillings and twenty guineas as well. I shall have expenses and I must purchase gifts for my sisters, my mother and servants at Longbourn.”

  He turned to his daughter in law. “This is an excellent opportunity for you to manage your funds as well. When I am gone, you will have to manage Mount Pleasant until Matthew is grown.”

  “You must not leave us for many years, sir!” Elizabeth declared. “Matthew needs his grandfathers.”

  The earl smiled and waved his daughter-in-law away.

  Elizabeth nodded. “I shall go and write my sister now.”

  ++**++

  Rose Briar Hall

  Dearest Jane,

  Thank you for writing and asking for my help. It has been too long since I have been of assistance to my family. Your wise suggestion to consult with Lord Rutherford was providential. The earl and his excell
ent steward for Rose Briar immediately thought of a steward to send to Longbourn – Oliver Smyth. Mr. Smyth has trained under his father who is steward at the Rutherford estate in Kent. He will act as steward at Longbourn until our Father returns. Then Mr. Smyth will move to Mount Pleasant to take the position as steward there. Look for Mr. and Mrs. Smyth before the end of next week.

  Matthew and I shall come for a visit as well. I shall bring my maid, a nanny for Matthew, a footman to help Mr. Hill, and a coachman and two stable boys to help with the horses. Do not fear that the Hamilton party will descend upon Hertfordshire in the manner of locusts – Mr. Smyth will arrive with sufficient funds to stock the stable with hay and grain. I shall fill the pantry with all sorts of good foods and I shall take my sisters into Meryton for new gowns. Look for us on April 17 before the middle of afternoon.

  Give our mother and sisters my love!

  Your affectionate sister!

  Lizzy

  ++**++

  Chapter 5.

  Elizabeth Returns to Longbourn

  Elizabeth Hamilton leaned forward to peer out of the windows as her carriage passed along the single bustling street in the village of Meryton. It had been more than two years since she was last in Hertfordshire and the familiar shops and homes brought back many memories of her childhood.

  The weather remained dry and the roads had been in excellent condition for the journey. As a consequence, the carriage and wagon travelled without problems and arrived in Meryton before noon rather than in the afternoon of the third day.

  Now, as the coachman turned the horses toward Longbourn, the last two miles of road passed very slowly for the young woman. She glanced at the other passengers in the carriage; her maid, Sarah Barrow, and her son’s nanny, Mrs. Brice. But it was the smallest passenger who made her smile – her son, Matthew Hamilton – standing on the seat beside his nanny with her hands holding him, grinning as only a happy child could do. Elizabeth’s heart warmed catching her son’s smile and bright blue eyes that proved he was his father’s child.