Mrs. Darcy and the Fallen Angel: An Elizabeth Darcy Adventure #10

On the outskirts of Lambton, Derbyshire, 1825... Fitzwilliam Darcy shook the agent's hand firmly but would not give immediate agreement, for such an undertaking was not a thing to be done lightly. No, he wished to consult Elizabeth's opinion before making any final decision, for it would affect her deeply. In truth, the project had the potential to impact all of Pemberley as well as the citizens of Lambton. Smiling wryly, he promised to send a message by the end of the week. A short enough time, but once done, would leave a lasting imprint. A mill required water to turn the complex mechanisms that would power the machinery. The site chosen had a deep pond fed by an underground spring that also served to provide water to a number of tenant farms. Modifications would be necessary to permit that flow to remain unrestricted. And in all honesty, Darcy admitted his ignorance of such things. Great trust would be thrust upon the man before him. It was risky, and should failure occur, it would be costly, but if successful, provide a means of support for years to come. "Pemberley Mills has a nice ring to it...a profitable one. Of that, you have my word. No establishment under my direction has ever failed, and I do not plan on having this one be the first," Arthur Gorman said with confidence as he mounted his horse. A self-made man Gorman was. Once a rarity, but now becoming more common, his dress and manners bespoke one who strived to join the ranks of the landed class. And if Darcy had not already known the man's history, he would never have guessed that Mr. Gorman was anything but. However, it was with considerable pride that the one-time millwright spoke of his humble upbringing and for that, Darcy could find no fault, having taken an immediate liking to the man. However, convincing Elizabeth that building a mill to spin the fine fleece of Pemberley's sheep was necessary, would not be so easy. With industry came a host of ugliness to mar the pristine countryside...or so it had for others. But, if planned and executed properly, it need not be so. No, any mill bearing the name of Pemberley would be clean and tidy, its workers compensated and housed humanely. It was a beautiful idea and one that he hoped to see come to fruition. And all of it hinged upon the will of one woman. He would not proceed without Elizabeth's full agreement, for her assistance would be desperately needed for success. There would be those who opposed this venture and although none had the legal right to prevent the construction of a mill, Darcy had no desire to break long standing family connections or create animosity. No, this mill would do great favors for the local economy, as well as the pockets of landowners. He need only convince them...or to be perfectly honest, have Elizabeth, convince everyone. But for that, she must believe in it herself.