Of LOVE AND LOSS: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jae George

Author:Jae George [George, Jae]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Love Triangles
Amazon: B09CLN9NKX
Goodreads: 58762648
Published: 2021-08-12T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Darcy sat atop Boreas and stared back at his home. Pemberley had always been his refuge, his shelter in the storm, yet he felt, not today. Just this morning he had received the express that he had dreaded for over a decade, since Richard accepted his first commission. The black-edged card informed him that his cousin and dearest friend had succumbed to the long illness that had drained him of his vigor. Richard, I will always miss you. You were more a brother to me than a friend or cousin. And now, I will do my best to honor your memory by fulfilling your dying requests.

He turned his horse back to the manor house, remembering riding the property as a very young child, seated in front of his father, all the while James Darcy telling him about the land and buildings and people that would someday be his responsibility. He didn't remember a time when duty had not been a priority in his life. Tomorrow at first light he would leave for London to honor Richard and perform his duty as his executor. And, per Richard's last wish, to assist his widow and young son.

Elizabeth. Dear Lord, how will I be able to work closely with her, help her to manage Richard's estate, help her to raise Richard's son? He couldn't conceive how it was to be done, but it was his duty and he would do it to honor Richard.

*****

Arriving at his house in London, Darcy immediately went to his study to check for whatever important matters that might await him in the correspondence on his desk. He found the expected message from his Uncle Henry Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock, Richard's father. Sorting through and prioritizing the rest of the mail, he went to his chambers to refresh himself and change clothes. As he passed his butler, Mr. Carlton, he ordered a tray of meat, cheese, bread and tea sent up. He would take a light meal before heading to Matlock house.

When he was fed and redressed, including his black armband, cravat and gloves, he reentered his carriage and braced himself for what awaited him. He would have usually walked or gone on horseback the short distance to the Earl's home, but he couldn't face the condolences of the near strangers that he might encounter.

He stepped briskly out of the carriage and hurried up the steps where the door opened before he knocked. "Thank you, Perkins."

"Go right into the study, sir. His Lordship is expecting you." Of course he is. He would abide nothing other than my immediate attendance.

He entered and greeted his uncle and his cousin, Lord Robert Fitzwilliam, Viscount Waverley. "Uncle, Robert, my sympathy for your loss. Richard was the best of men and will be sorely missed by us all."

"Thank you, Darcy. Richard considered you his best friend, even though you two haven't spent as much time together of late. I guess that is what happens when one of you marries, eh?"

"Yes, Uncle, that was exactly the issue.

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