Brandon - P&P
Miss Margret Middleton sat at her father's old desk in his study, quietly going over the monthly statements. After her mothers passing with the birth of her younger brother, her father had began teaching his daughter how to run an estate, daring modern society. Nearly twelve years her brother's senior, Margret began taking care of the home once their father passed the previous year.
Gregor, one of Sir Middleton's most trusted servants, knocked on the study door before entering. "Miss?"
"Come in, Gregor," Margret called sitting back in her chair.
"A letter has arrived from your uncle, Sir John, Miss," he said as he handed her a sealed envelope.
"Thank you." She took the offered letter and dismissed Gregor before opening it.
*My Dear Margret,
How I miss the days when you and your brother would run around the grounds here at Barton Park. My mother-in-law longs for company again and I can scarce say I wish the same. I must insist that you and your brother visit us. We'll make a year of it! I will take nothing more than your acceptance in your return letter.
Much Love,
Sir John Middleton
Margret smiled at the letter, remembering simpler times. Her uncle had been quite happy to learn of her studies and was very helpful when his younger brother had passed. She rang the bell and asked the attending maid to fetch Gregor and Michael, her younger brother. After explaining the letter and her intentions, Margret looked to the two in front of her.
Michael was ecstatic. " Can we really go? Oh, it will be so much fun!" At fourteen the young man was still very much a child, and longed to roam free.
"It may be a fair idea, Miss," Gregor said. "Perhaps a visit is in order. It will give us servants a chance to fully clean Middleton Manor."
"A good cleaning may be very good," Margret agreed. "But who shall take care of our home while we are gone? To be away for so long, we may as well close up."
"Perhaps you should. We can clean the month before your return."
Margret contemplated for a moment. "Gregor, I want you to instruct the maids to get our things in order. We'll leave in a fortnight. I shall reply to Uncle John's letter and send for my father's solicitor. Mr Williams is a decent man and I believe I can trust him with our home in the meantime."
Gregor nodded his head and left to begin his orders. Michael stayed in his chair to look over the statements his sister had layed out. "This is so much work. How do you manage it?"
Margret sighed. "It is difficult, but you still have sometime before you must takeover."
Michael looked down at the papers solemnly. "Must I? You take such good care of the estate. I would make a mess of it."
"Perhaps Uncle John can help you while we visit?"
The young man only nodded, stood, and left his sister to reply to their uncle.
A/n: Last year I decided to write this and I put it way for a while. With Alan Rickman's passing I decided to get my ass in gear and finish it. Complete with origins authors notes.
