A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Read Online Free PDF

entered the
room, Mrs. Nicholls turned to her, putting a hand to her arm to stop her. “I
feel I should give you a word of warning. I do know it is not proper for me to
speak so of my betters and especially the sister of the gentleman leasing this
estate, but you need to watch yourself with Miss Bingley. She has set her eyes
firmly on Mr. Darcy and no matter your course of conduct, which I have always
known to be impeccable, she will view you as competition. I doubt that she
plays fair.”
     
    Elizabeth
was quite surprised at the housekeeper’s words. She had been pleased to see Mr.
Darcy again and gratified to meet his sister. She had thought Mr. Darcy a
handsome man when they first met six years ago and he had kept his form and
fashion and not let himself go with the despotic lifestyle that many from his
age and station of life had done after leaving University.  Overindulgence was
almost expected amongst the rich and idle that she observed on the streets and
parks of London. Pondering briefly at her response to Mr. and Miss Darcy, a
smirk drew one side of her mouth and she raised one eyebrow. “Thank you, Mrs.
Nicholls, it is better to know there is a possibility of battle; so I can be
fully armed. We shall see.” She went into the bed chamber.
     
    The
room was beautifully appointed, decorated in vibrant reds and golden yellows.
There was a long, narrow bed with a nightstand where a candle could be placed
to read at night. A door to the right of the room led into a dressing room
where Elizabeth found a maid unpacking her clothes. The maid immediately curtseyed.
“Pardon me, Miss, I am almost finished. Is there anything I can bring you?
Perhaps some hot tea or something to eat, Miss?”
     
    A
refreshing cup of tea sounded wonderful to Elizabeth. Before the girl could
leave the room, Elizabeth asked for her name. “Sarah, Miss. I will be just a
moment.” The maid disappeared through the only other doorway in the room, which
led to the servants stairway to the kitchen. Her room did not connect with
Jane’s.
     
    After
enjoying the repast, Elizabeth headed down the hallway to her sister’s bed
chamber. Turning the handle to the door, she opened it to a sight she had
missed for so long. Seeing her sister resting in the large bed, Elizabeth’s
eyes filled with tears. “Oh, my sweet, sweet Jane, what are we to do?”
     
    Forgetting
all else, Elizabeth hurried to the bedside and looked down at the pale face of
the angel lying against the white bedclothes. So pallid, but yet still so
beautiful. Elizabeth touched Jane’s brow and felt the warmth of her skin. She
grabbed the cloth resting in a bowl of water beside the bed and, after wringing
it out, wiped down Jane’s face. The tears continued to stream down Elizabeth’s
face as she touched her beloved sister. It had been so long since she had been
this close to the best friend she ever had. “Oh, Jane, “she sighed repeatedly. “Sweet,
sweet Jane, how happy I am to be near you again,” Elizabeth whispered.
     
    At
the first touch of the cloth on her face, Jane started to wake. When she heard
Elizabeth’s whisper, she felt that she must be dreaming. Finally, Jane became
fully aware and was ecstatic at seeing her younger sister in the flesh.
     
    Elizabeth’s
heart squeezed with joy and delight as she begged her sister not to speak until
she had some water. Elizabeth and the maid, Sarah, helped Jane to sit while she
sipped the cooling liquid. “You are more beautiful than when I left you, dear Jane.
Please tell me how you fair?”
     
    Jane
continued to sip at the water, gazing at her sister with eyes brimming with
love. “Lizzy,” she spoke softly. “You came.”
     
    Once
Sarah moved the water glass, Elizabeth gathered her older sister to her and
they both wept. Tears of joy; tears of sadness; tears for all the years that
they had been apart. Elizabeth rocked her sister and held her like she would
never let go. “Get some rest now, sweet sister. Get some