The Ashes of Longbourn Read Online Free

Elizabeth’s father until I finish at Pemberley and London.
                  I cannot wait for you to meet her.  Perhaps after you return from Scotland you and I can stay in Meryton so that you can meet Miss Elizabeth.  I am certain that you will love her.
                  Keep safe and give Aunt Rebecca my love.  I pray that Cousin Audrey has a safe confinement. 
                  With all my love, 
    William
     
    Darcy sealed the letters and called for his valet, Jordan, to have him send the letters off as directed.  With any luck, Bingley would be in London and, after reading the express, would head immediately for Netherfield and begin courting Miss Bennet.  And Darcy also prayed that Miss Bingley would not wish to return to the country estate.
    With the letters finished and being sent off, the next on his list of things to do was to speak with his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.  The men were as close as brothers even though their personalities were quite different from each other.  Where Richard was friendly and outgoing, Darcy was shy and withdrawn.  Richard was easy to carry conversations with others while Darcy tended to avoid speaking with new acquaintances and large groups.
    But in spite of the differences between them, Darcy knew that Richard would lay down his life in defense of both Darcy and Georgiana.  And Richard knew that Darcy would do the same for him. 
    Fortunately, Richard was preparing to take his horse out for a ride.  “Richard, would you mind if I came along?  I could use the workout and I wish to speak with you with regards to a private matter.”
    “Of course, William, you are always welcome to join me.  What is the issue you would like to speak of?”
    “I would prefer to speak with you away from here.  Give me a moment to saddle Zeus and I will meet you here in a few moments.”
    “I will wait.  I need to look at Apollo’s hooves.  I noticed he was walking differently.”
    It did not take Darcy long to saddle his horse and return to Richard , waiting in front of the main house.  “Is Apollo ready to ride?”
    “Indeed.  There was a stone stuck in the one shoe, but I took care of that.  I was thinking to ride towards the bridge to the south. Is that a good location for our chat?”
    Darcy smiled.  “That would do quite nicely.  Thank you Richard.”
    The men rode off as they raced towards their destination.  It had been several months since Darcy had last had a ride such as this, allowing the horse to run as fast as he could.  By the time they reached their destination, the horses were in need of a rest.  As the horses drank from the stream, the men dismounted and tied the reins to the bridge.  Then the men walked towards an old tree which had fallen over when they were just boys.  The tree became a bench for the cousins to sit and talk in private, as well as fishing from time to time.
                  “So, William, what is it you wish to discuss with me?”
                  “I have the privilege to inform you that I have been given the honor to court Miss Elizabeth Bennet. We spoke earlier today.”
                  Richard had come to enjoy being in company with Elizabeth, but he knew that his cousin held Elizabeth in a tender regard.  “I am pleased to hear this news.  Why are you not on the rooftop calling out your joy?”
                  “First, due to Miss Elizabeth’s being here, not at her family’s home where I can speak with her father.  Second, when Aunt Catherine learns the news, I plan to have Elizabeth far from Rosings so that our aunt cannot find a way to harm her.  And I have to travel to Pemberley, then to London, so it will be at least three weeks to a month before I am able to travel to Longbourn.  I have told you and written to Georgiana, and I insist that no other know of the news until after I have spoken with Mr