The Second Mrs. Darcy
A Novel
Chapter One
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single woman in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a husband."
Lady Brierley made this pronouncement in booming tones that brooked no disagreement. "Of course you will marry again."
Octavia smiled at Lady Brierley, a woman all nose, but despite her Roman appearance, very good-hearted.
They were sitting on the verandah of the Thurloes' house in Alipore, a suburb of Calcutta, making the most of a pleasant breeze which ruffled the huge leaves of the banana tree near the house. The hovering bearer came forward on silent bare feet to fill their cups with more fragrant Darjeeling tea.
"I am sure you are right," said Octavia, "but, however, I am not in possession of a good fortune. I am in possession of virtually no fortune at all."
"No fortune? Of course you have a fortune. Your late husband was certainly well-to-do; he had a good income, a good estate, a first wife brought him a handsome portion -- and then he won a considerable amount in prize money; it was known throughout the service ... read full excerpt from The Second Mrs. Darcy: A Novel ebook
