Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) by Wells Linda

Author:Wells, Linda [Wells, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2010-07-21T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Darcy thoughtfully read the letter in his hand and picking up his pen; began to write a response when he heard some hesitant footsteps outside of the study door. He paused and listened. It was a man, from the sound of the boots, and it surely was not a servant since they would be about their well-practiced duties. “Mr. Lucas?” He called. Lucas looked in the doorway. “Forgive me, I did not wish to interrupt . . .”

“Not at all, please come in.” Darcy had risen to his feet and indicated a chair before his desk. They sat down and immediately a maid appeared. “Coffee?” Seeing his nod, Darcy looked to the girl. “Please.”

“Yes, sir.” She bobbed and disappeared.

Lucas watched her go. “Do you have people poised to serve?”

Darcy regarded him, and saw that the question was asked more in wonder than in disdain. “My staff is trained to perform their duties. My mother set them years ago, and my housekeeper has continued the practices. My wife has learned them as she took over the house, and modified their behaviour to suit her preferences.”

“I do not mean to criticize.” Lucas said hurriedly. “I am simply unaccustomed to so much. A footman in the hallway at night, maids and men, a butler . . .” He sighed. “My sisters must help my mother with the cooking.”

“It is not unheard of.” Darcy said diplomatically.

Lucas laughed. “Perhaps not for your tenants.”

“Some of my tenants do very well.” He smiled slightly. “Some farm lands in excess of the size of Longbourn or even Netherfield for me.”

“Perhaps I should become a tenant of yours.” Lucas rubbed his jaw. “Although I suspect those particular spots are coveted. You have been described to me as an exceptionally liberal master.”

“Really?” Darcy looked up when the maid entered bearing a tray of coffee and biscuits, then poured out two cups. “Thank you, Maggie.” She bobbed and disappeared.

“Mr. Bennet speaks of you.”

“That is surprising, although he has been asking more often for advice regarding his estate.” Darcy stirred cream into his cup and took a sip. “What are your appointments for the day? I should tell you that Mr. Gardiner responded to our note; he said that he will come this afternoon with his wife and my sisters.”

“Oh.” Lucas drew a deep breath and let it go. “Well, I do need to speak with him regarding my investment. I wish to increase it.”

“I have had some excellent returns from him.” Darcy sat back comfortably. “I am certainly pleased.”

“Yes.” Lucas took a sip then set down his cup. “This coffee is very good.”

Darcy saw through him. “You know, you need to stop comparing the life you can offer Jane to the one her sister leads. You must be proud of what you have or else she will never be able to be proud of it as well.” He smiled when Lucas startled. “It is one thing to be ambitious to improve your situation, but it is another thing entirely to covet another’s property and sink into self-pity as a result.

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