Imperative: Volume 2, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice by Linda Wells Read Free Book Online

a testament to your own efforts to teach him to love his home.  My father did not take that time with me; perhaps because he tried with my brother.  Bertie did not care a whit about it.” 
    “The depression will lift eventually.” 
    “Has it for you?”  Richard asked quietly.  “I do not see the desire for death in your eyes that I read in my brother’s, but I do read something.”
    “Perhaps when Georgiana comes home it will improve.”  He glanced at Richard.  “I have vowed to myself to spend the remainder of my days dedicated to my family, I . . . whatever they ask of me . . . I will gladly do.  Fitzwilliam is stubbornly refusing all offers of relief and help, which being of a similar nature I understand, however his wife and mine know far better.  They have determined that Susan and I will arrive, officially invited or not, in May, and will remain for the birth.”
    “And so you have learned that a single man should not control the destiny of his family.”  Richard’s voice remained quiet but there was a different tone to it.  “My brother’s behaviour was unchecked and now the result of it is taking over all of our lives as we attempt to repair the damage he inflicted.” 
    “And do you compare my nephew to your brother?”  Judge Darcy’s brow creased.
    “Not at all, but I do see Darcy’s determination to take on all burdens alone as foolhardy, because it leaves him vulnerable to manipulation or outright attack.  He has been this way since his father died, proving himself   just as you and I did.”  The judge drew in a breath and nodded in agreement.  Richard took a turn around the room and stopped.  “His recent decision not to give in to Wickham’s demands absolutely amazed me, it was so unlike him.   I believe that his decision was directly related to his sober assessment of the man, and that comes from the strength of his marriage to Elizabeth.  She challenges him to see clearly.”
    The two men stood looking at each other for several moments, and turning, the judge walked across the room to resume his seat behind his desk.  “What are you about, Colonel Fitzwilliam?  I have many years of experience watching people colour the truth for one reason or another.  While I have no doubt whatsoever that you are carrying a terrible burden of your own, and you might very well hope to seek my counsel as an older male and younger son, you have never approached me for advice before.  I think that you are nosing about for something else.  The day is young and the sun is shining.  My nephew is not home and Matlock is but another thirty miles away . . . why detour here?”
    “I can see why you were such a success on the bench.”  Richard looked to make sure that the door was closed.  He had no firm idea of what he wanted to say, in truth he felt very angry with himself for even entertaining the thoughts that he had.  “Sir . . . I . . .” He closed his eyes and bit his lip.
    “Just say what is on your mind, Son.” 
    “I found Wickham.”  The judge sat up.  “He escaped before I could interview him, but I overheard a few things while he was railing against Darcy that disturbed me.”  Richard ran his hand through his hair.  “I cannot believe I am about to say this and I will understand if you demand that I leave immediately . . .” He looked up and met the piercing eyes.  “Sir . . . did you have anything to do with Georgiana’s ruin?”
    Judge Darcy was silent for several long seconds and rose to go stand by the window and stare out at the garden.  “This is not your business.”
    “You just answered my question.” 
    “I realize that.”  He looked down at his feet.  “I had tried to speak to my wife, and then to my nephew, and have determined that it would be best to remain silent.  Far too many people would be hurt.”
    “How many are hurt now?”  Richard asked.  “I am not interested in the details.  I could care less of reasoning or