Suddenly Mr Darcy by Anne Louise

of things?” “No, Miss Bennet, you have much happiness in your life and have a close family. The entail of Longbourn is a problem, but you did say your father is in good health. Perhaps he has put some money away for your future after he is gone. Do you know who will inherit your home once that sad time comes?” “My father told me that only one male heir remains and he is a distant cousin who none of us has ever met.” “Miss Bennet, should that proposed heir die before your father, the law requires the estate to be sold and all proceeds to be divided amongst you and your sisters. Your mother would receive nothing.” “I never knew of this. Are you certain my mother would receive no money? That seems very unfair. Also, such a law might put the potential heir in harms way.” “Of course, Miss Bennet, you are correct. I can quite imagine that a family about to lose their home because of the entail might wish the new owner ill, or worse. At least they would find it hard to be sad to learn that the one person who could take away their home is gone forever.” As they continued to talk, both persons began to understand each other better. Darcy asked if he might discuss her estate management question during the day, when he was not tired, and she smiled and agreed. Elizabeth thought that Darcy was not normally a social person and was likely shy around strangers, but he was not that way with her and the Gardiners. She could understand how others might mistake his shyness for aloofness, but he