Page 100 of The Widower of Pemberley

To release my carnal lusts in a healthy and morally acceptable manner.

He certainly had achieved that aim.

Elizabeth giggled, but she then realised that however strong her curiosity was, this was not a list that Darcy had ever intended her to read.

“Pay attention to me,” Emily said. “Don’t try to read what Papa wrote.”

“I think you are right that I should not.” Elizabeth stood and called over to where Darcy and Georgiana were playing a gameof chess. “I believe Emily once stole one of your papers, and as deeply curious as I am, it may invade your privacy if I read the rest.”

“What? I do not wish to keep any secrets from you.”

Elizabeth giggled. “Do look at this. I strongly approve of at leastoneof your motives in seeking a second wife, and I am happy that we have both succeeded at achieving the goal you set for yourself.”

“What?” he repeated.

Her husband hurried over. He took the paper from Elizabeth’s hand, while Emily complained, “But that is mine!”

“Jove! What was I thinking, letting her keep this,” Darcy said. “I remember writing it. It was in Bingley’s drawing room, the afternoon before the assembly where I met you.”

“Oh.” Elizabeth hardly knew what to think of that. “Might I read the rest? I have only reached the part about carnal lusts.”

“What?” Darcy exclaimed again. Then he skimmed down the paper and laughed. “Is that the consideration you particularly approve of?”

Elizabeth grinned at him.

“Licentious woman.” The way he said it turned it into a fond compliment that made Elizabeth glow and tingle.

Georgiana came over to look at what they were studying.

Darcy held the paper away from her and said, “I certainly will not letyouread any of this.”

Georgiana pouted.

“There are,” Elizabeth agreed, keeping from laughter with some difficulty, “things within it not fit for maiden eyes.”

Dear Georgiana sighed. “If you must exclude me from the joke.”

“It is a list of your brother’s reasons for wishing to marry once more.”

“You meanthat?” Georgiana flushed with sudden understanding. “He wrote aboutthat?”

Elizabeth’s eyes danced. “The answer to your question wholly depends on what you refer to as ‘that’.”

“Do not tease poor Georgiana,” Darcy said, not looking away from the piece of paper as he frowningly tried to decipher what he had written on it. “It will be your task, as your mother once explained it to you, to explainthatto her before she marries.”

Georgiana went even redder as she looked between them. “Hedidwrite aboutthat.”

“Among other things,” Darcy said. “Jove, I was in no fit state of mind. I recall that I was still most unhappy, but I can hardly understand—oh, but you will like this, Elizabeth—‘She must not be from the best circles in society. She must not be lauded for her beauty, wit, and charm. She should not like too much company, or dancing, or town.”

Elizabeth and Georgiana both laughed.

“I am afraid that I have been much praised for my beauty, wit, and charm, and I do like company, dancing, and the occasional visit to the capital,” Elizabeth said. “But I am pleased that you married me despite those defects.”

Georgiana giggled. “You were so ill tempered then.”

Darcy read further then paused. “I am not sure Georgie should hear this next line.”

“Is it aboutthat?” Georgiana asked in a breathless tone.