Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) by Linda Wells Read Free Book Online Page A

of such an arrangement.  Very well then, agreed.”
    Darcy leaned forward and drove his finger into the desktop, “After this transaction is completed, I never want to see you on my property again.  Is that clear, Wickham?”
    Wickham’s eyes narrowed.  “Perfectly clear, old friend.”
     

Chapter 3
     
     
    25 December 1807
    It is Christmas Day and precisely three months ago our father died.  This was never a day of great celebration in the past, and I told our family that there was no reason to make the trip now.  They protested, but I remained firm.  We will have a dinner and perhaps Georgiana will play for me.  I wonder if I am doing enough for her.  I was not blind to how Father doted on her and I am sure that she misses his attention.  I am so overwhelmed with work.  I do not remember Father being forever at his desk, but then, I was a child when he became the master of Pemberley.  I am taking this quiet time of the year to immerse myself in the details.  The quarterly rents are due soon, so I will be marking the ledgers and paying the bills.  I am fortunate that I have such excellent housekeepers in Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Mercer.  I only have to give them the funds and they care for the homes.  I know that I need to learn all of that detail as well but I will concentrate on the estate for now.  Perhaps I will marry and my wife can take over that duty before I have a need to take it on.
     
    Darcy paused in his writing and shook his head.  “Marry.”  Entering the fray for finding a wife was so far down on his list of things to accomplish.  “I know that it must be done, but I dread the exercise.”  He looked at his mother’s miniature.  “How did you manage it, Father?  You married by duty, it was practically an arranged affair, and yet you loved each other deeply.  How did you come to be so very fortunate?  To marry with affection . . .” He sighed wistfully and turned back through the journal to find a worn page.  “Lizzy.  How tempted I am to try and locate this place of yours, this Longbourn.  But if I find you, what am I to do?  Torment myself by seeing you, knowing of you, and realizing that I cannot have you and also perform my duty?  Father told me that I must marry well, did he not?  I must find a woman who will do well in society, a place where I already know you do not live.  What is this connection that I feel for you?”  His eyes closed and he heard the laugh and voice, then saw the smile that had kept him company and drawn him from his darkest moments in the past months.  “This is so unfair.”  He whispered, then looked up to see his sister in the doorway. 
    “Brother, are you well?”  She asked in a small voice, stepping forward and holding out a handkerchief.
    Darcy blinked and realized his cheeks were damp.  He drew up his shoulders and took out his own cloth and wiped his face.  “I am fine, dear.”
    She tucked her handkerchief back in her sleeve.  “I . . . I thought that maybe you could read to me.  Do you remember Papa used to read to me?”
    “You were a little girl then.”  He smiled then saw her face fall.  “Of course, I will read to you.  Just let me finish my work and I will come to you.  Will you be in the music room?”
    “Yes, and I will play for you if you wish.”
    “I would like that very much, thank you.  I must order you a new instrument now that you are making such excellent progress and new sheet music as well.  Perhaps you would like to try the harp next?”  He smiled as she left the room, and then it fell away.  I wonder if Father was correct to leave Georgiana in my care?  A man does not shed tears!  How can I care for her if I cannot control my emotions!   He felt ashamed that she had seen him behaving so weakly and vowed it would not happen again, then a thought entered his mind.  Would a woman I court be unhappy that I have a young sister to care for?  Would that make me unattractive?  Would Lizzy