Unforgiving Temper Read Online Free PDF Page A

in good health?”
    “Yes, they are in good health. The visit this
year was somewhat more difficult than I anticipated, but it is an
obligation I bear willingly.”
    “Ah, yes. I see. Your aunt continues her
campaign for you to wed your cousin, then?” Bingley's voice held a
hint of despair, for it was obvious any thoughts of marriage
brought a painful reminder of his own misfortunes.
    “The subject of marriage did arise once
during my visit,” said Darcy uncomfortably, “but that is a stone
better left unturned. Charles, I am at your disposal. Tell me what
business this is that calls you from London so urgently, and I
shall endeavor to give my best advice. When we have finished, if
you will permit me, I have something I wish to discuss with you .”
    “ You have something you wish to
discuss with me ? I daresay, Darcy, you have my interest
already!”
    “Yes, I imagine I do; but it is for you to
begin.”
    “Very well, then. Do you recall my cousin,
John Ashworth, from Scarborough? He is – was – the only child of my
father's sister, Aunt Celia.”
    “Yes, I recall you saying something about him
after your last visit to the north. He was ill, was he not?”
    “He was, for some time. The doctors did
everything in their power, but were unable to affect a cure. The
short of it is, he died last week.”
    “I am sorry to hear that. May I offer my
condolences?”
    “Yes, of course. I thank you; however, we
were not close. I saw him but once a year. Still, being the nearest
relative he has, his wife, Mary, summoned me at his passing. I have
been in Scarborough these past three weeks trying to sort out his
affairs. I am finding the task somewhat overwhelming.”
    “Is there trouble with the terms of his
will?”
    “No, not exactly. It is just that John's long
illness left many things unattended at the factory. Mary managed to
keep it going, but the receivables have not been called in. Her
ready cash has been reduced to almost nothing and the creditors are
at her door night and day. There is even talk of seizing the
assets, so I must return as soon as possible to prevent it.
Travelling back and forth to London to meet with my solicitor has
been very inconvenient, to say the least; and I am in need of a
competent attorney who is a good deal closer to Scarborough. I
thought you might recommend a reputable firm in that part of the
country that would suit my purpose.”
    “I can recommend an excellent one. Pemberley
has a long-standing association with Sneed and Bybee of York. They
have served us well since my grandfather's time.”
    Searching his desk for a moment, Darcy copied
the directions and handed them to Bingley. His friend eagerly
examined the sheet of paper before folding it and slipping it into
his pocket with a pat to his chest.
    “Thank you, Darcy. I am indebted to you. When
my father died, I was too young to be of much use in settling his
affairs, and I am completely bewildered with all the demands that
seem to be flying at me. I will say I am glad to have a friend such
as you; someone I can trust and on whom I can always depend,
especially when it comes to this sort of thing! And now it would be
my pleasure to return the favor. Tell me, what is it you wish to
discuss with me ?”
    Darcy measured his friend, coming to the
decision that the dreaded conversation should be postponed. He
would not add to Bingley's worries just yet.
    “From the experience of my own father's
passing, I know that settling an estate can be very demanding.
Given all you have to do and the urgency of your business, I would
not think of burdening you further. It can wait for another
day.”
    “Nonsense! You have always given me good
advice and encouraged me in all my endeavors. What kind of friend
would I be if I could not do the same for you?”
    “Believe me, Charles, with all that you have
in front of you, you do not need another thing to occupy your
thoughts. It will keep until you have finished your business in