Mrs. Reynolds scoffed and demurred at such a compliment, looking for anything on her desk of interest to change the subject from such a personal one. Instead, Mrs. Darcy pressed on.

“And this is precisely why I am coming to you to help me nettle out how to give each member of the Pemberley staff one hour of instruction in writing, reading, or arithmetic.”

The folds of skin that defined Mrs. Reynolds’ jawline sagged as she dropped her smile. “A school? For staff?”

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, the display at the tenant party startled my senses. In Hertfordshire, many of the staff were taught by my father when they were younger, and though I was not able to teach much myself towards the end  . . .” Elizabeth refused to think of the days where she disappointed her father in no longer finding an eagerness to teach her younger sisters, nor the staff, “The convenience of such education proved a boon.”

“Forgive my impertinence, but what convenience? Teaching the staff skills beyond their station is strictly prohibited in this household and has been what’s been proper for longer than my tenure.” Mrs. Reynolds shook her head as if truly spooked by the very idea. “No, no, for the staff to take lessons from the Mistress herself? It bodes on the edge of inappropriate.”

Despite the blowback from Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Darcy remained undeterred. “The convenience comes in the staff operating at a higher base level. No longer will only the Cook be able to read the bill of sale from town when goods are delivered, but all of the kitchen staff. Not only will the butler be able to read the wine selections, but the footmen. And they can help keep an accurate accounting of all around them.”

“Am I to understand you fear graft and cheating to be going on at Pemberley?”

Elizabeth sighed. This was not the explanation she meant to give. “Not remotely am I making such an accusation. I am merely suggesting that it be time the responsibility be shared amongst all of the staff that should they see something amiss, they have the proper education to report it to yourself or Mr. Colston. And also Mrs. Borthwick if the matter deals with the kitchens.”

“I see. You mean to train our replacements.” Elizabeth began to protest but Mrs. Reynolds held up her hands in mock surrender. “No, no, ’tis a wise plan. We are none of us on this Earth forever.”

“Mrs. Reynolds, I have already replaced one housekeeper at a property and have no desire to repeat the occurrence in the near future. If I thought you lacking in any form, I would ask you to retire and find a replacement. The aim of these lessons has nothing to do with anyone’s work quality and about demanding our younger staff rise to the challenge of a future that faces us all. Times are changing. I shall not have another Christmas gathering with my sister writing out names of children as gifts, they shall all have the gift of literacy before next year’s party.”

“Do you mean to invite the tenant children as well?”

“Not at this time, no. I wish to start with the servants, the maids, the footmen, the stable boys. I only need a suitable location to hold such classes.”

“There’s always the schoolroom on the third floor . . .” Mrs. Reynolds offered.

Elizabeth Darcy shook her head slowly, biting her lower lip. “I’m afraid that location might prove to be too disruptive for the main household. Besides, it would not do for the stable boys to carry their muck through three flights of stairs.” Elizabeth wrinkled her nose, receiving a slightly warmer posture from Mrs. Reynolds. Gazing around the office, she realized the room was truly quite large for the servants’ area. Yes, along the back wall a table and a few chairs might provide the perfect space for group lessons.

Mrs. Reynolds watched as her mistress sized up her office as her eyes roamed about. A dark feeling of dread gripped Mrs. Reynolds’ gut and she struggled to force out her next question. “You’re not suggesting I teach them. In here? In my office?”

“Hmm, you teach the lessons, no, no, the aim is to give you less burdens, not more. No, my sisters Kitty and Mary will do nicely for tutors, perhaps offering two days per week so that staff may rotate. If we placed a table in that corner there, that would be the most unobtrusive.” Mrs. Darcy pointed to the far corner by the fireplace.

“But—but this is my office! Where am I to work when lessons are going on?”

“Why you would take your rounds, meet with me in my sitting room so we can plan the menus, or take a walk. I’ve observed your schedule most carefully and there are numerous times a day when you are gone from your office for more than one hour at a time.”

“It appears I have no say in this matter.”

Elizabeth tilted her head slightly to one side and considered the defeated housekeeper for a moment. While true that she absolutely held the final say as wife to Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth had no desire to be a tyrant in her own household. Reaching forward she grasped the elder woman’s hands as they sat folded in a prim manner, again startling the woman’s staunchly held traditions. “I only ask you keep an open mind. This is a trial run to see how everyone gets on. And your feedback will be one I am most keen on, if you don’t see the staff improving in maturity and responsibility, then we will reassess.”

All Mrs. Reynolds could hear was the fact she would share her office for six months to give maids and footmen lessons in grammar! But she dutifully farewelled Mrs. Darcy as she rose to take her leave. After collapsing in her chair at the shock of such a scheme, Edith Reynolds opened a seldom unlocked cabinet and poured herself a glass of spirits. Hastily, her office door opened once more and Mrs. Darcy’s bright, glowing face emerged from the crevice.

“Feel free to send a letter of warning to Mrs. Buchanan. I sent a letter today advising Miss Bennet of my wishes for the Scotland house and she will carry out the lessons there!” Elizabeth spied the drink in Mrs. Reynolds hands and pursed her lips to keep from laughing at the poor woman.

Without another word, Elizabeth nodded and vacated Mrs. Reynolds’ office for the final time. As she walked down the hall back towards the upper levels of the home, she noticed more staff than ever made a point to bow or curtsy in deference. Yes, in time she would win over the staff. She just had to!