Read Online Women of Pemberley by Rebecca Ann Collins - Free Book Online

considerate, had been for Emma relief from her moody, demanding husband.
She had been frequently grateful for his company, especially at family gatherings, when her husband often neglected her to spend time with his friends. James had always found her good company. More reserved than the society ladies of London, but more talented and certainly more beautiful than most of the women of his acquaintance, and blessed with a sweetness of disposition unmatched in their circles, Emma was a natural favourite.
Though he had never suspected the extent of her unhappiness, he had occasionally detected in her a melancholy strain. He recalled her saying, after a grand family gathering, "These occasions seem calculated to make one miserable." And when pressed for a reason, she had added, "I cannot explain it, but I often find I am less happy after than before. Perhaps the anticipation of enjoyment is always better than the fulfilment of it."
He had teased her then, saying, "This is a very grave, philosophic comment from you, Emma."
On this occasion, however, with his deeper understanding of her situation, he sympathised with her apprehension and hastened to reassure her. "You will see me at my mother's house very often, Emma. I am hoping to transfer a lot of my routine legal work to my cousin, Hugh, who has recently joined the firm. That will leave me with more time for my Parliamentary work, and I shall certainly not be neglecting my family. Indeed, the way I see it, when Parliament is sitting, I may spend more time at the house, not less--Mayfair is a lot closer to Westminster."
Seeing the relief on her face, he continued, "Emma, you need never worry that I will not be there to help you. If David continues to harass you and you are unable to reach me, you must go to my mother and seek her protection. You are entitled, as her daughter-in-law, to do that. You cannot let him keep you like some latter day prisoner in the castle."
Emma laughed. They had all read the much talked of novel by one Currer Bell in which a young woman, Jane Eyre, discovers the dark secrets of Mr Rochester's life, locked away in a room at the top of the house. "I cannot believe that even David will attempt to lock me up, and fortunately, there are no Gothic castles in Mayfair," she said lightly, and he was happy to hear the laughter in her voice. Soon she was serious again as she thanked him for the opportunity he had afforded her to speak frankly of her situation. "It was very kind of you. I cannot tell you how good it feels to have spoken."
The arrival of Mrs Wilson, ready and eager to be gone, ended their conversation, and James assisted first his mother and then Emma into the carriage.
While there was little he could do that would materially change her circumstances, the very act of speaking openly with him and having his concern and sympathy had given her a good deal of comfort.
J
At Pemberley, they were preparing for Christmas.
    Elizabeth and Jenny were drawing up the lists that always preceded such occasions when Julian came in to announce that Jonathan had arrived. Elizabeth went out to greet her nephew and, thinking he was there to see her husband, informed him that Darcy was away on business in Liverpool with Mr Gardiner and was not expected back until that evening.
    Jonathan expressed some regret at missing Mr Darcy, but he said, "I am really only here as a messenger, Aunt Lizzie. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Caroline wondered if you and Mr Darcy would dine with them tomorrow. "
    "Tomorrow? This is rather sudden, Jonathan." Elizabeth was puzzled and asked if he knew of any special reason for this invitation. "Are we celebrating anything?" she asked.
    Jonathan looked a little uncomfortable. "I would not call it a celebration, but, yes, there is something particular happening. It concerns David Wilson, Emma's husband."
    Surprise turned to astonishment at this news. "David Wilson? Is he invited too?"
"Oh no, he is not," said Jonathan quickly, looking more confused