Page 91 of The Crown’s Gift

Sir Thomas read every page. Elizabeth read most of them. Lady Bennet read the figure assigned for pin money and declared the document excellent.

"Five hundred a year for gloves," Lydia whispered to Kitty.

"It is not only gloves."

"What else does a married woman buy?"

Miss Harwood began another lesson before the question reached Lady Bennet.

Darcy settled ten thousand pounds upon Elizabeth for her sole use, secured a jointure of two thousand a year, and provided for any daughters as generously as sons not inheriting Pemberley. Elizabeth's own ten-thousand-pound portion would remain under trustees she selected.

"I do not require your fortune," Darcy told Sir Thomas in the library.

"Elizabeth requires independence whether you require her fortune or not."

"Agreed."

Sir Thomas looked almost disappointed by the absence of battle.

Elizabeth chose Mr Gardiner and Colonel Fitzwilliam as trustees. She reserved part of the income to assist Mary's music publication, Kitty's drawing instruction, and Lydia's eventual season—not because her sisters lacked provision, but because she wanted the freedom to give without requesting household money.

Darcy read the clause. "You expect them to ask you rather than your father?"

"I expect Lydia to spend her first quarter's allowance in six weeks and approach everyone in order of weakness."

"Where do I rank?"

"Below Bingley and above Papa."

"Sir Thomas is less susceptible?"

"Papa will make her present an account. You may be distracted by a story."

"Then you must protect me."

Elizabeth smiled. "I shall let you learn."

They discussed Pemberley more seriously during walks. Darcy described the tenants, the school, the dower house, household staff, winter responsibilities, and London season. He did not present established arrangements as immutable.

"Mrs Reynolds has managed the household since before my mother died," he said. "She will not resent a new mistress, but she deserves respect."

"I would be a fool not to seek her advice."

"You are not required to preserve every custom."

"Which do you dislike?"

Darcy considered. "My father received every tenant formally in the estate room. It preserved order, but some spoke more freely to the steward afterward. I have continued it because it was his method."

"Could there be both? Formal accounts and an open afternoon each month?"

"There could."

"Then we shall try and discover whether everyone avoids us in two settings instead of one."

He laughed.

Elizabeth also asked what he expected of a wife in London.