Gemotions

Eliza folded her arms, the expensive silk of her blouse bunching around her elbows. Across from her, Daniel, her brother, bounced on the edge of his seat, radiating excitement. The solicitor, a nervous man with a perpetually damp forehead, was droning on about family history. Eliza found herself suppressing a yawn.

“And to Mr. Daniel, the family winery, along with the associated vineyards and all existing vintages.” Daniel practically vibrated with joy. Eliza’s lips thinned.

The solicitor turned to her. “Miss Eliza, you will receive the family's collection of rare books and manuscripts, and a scholarship fund for arts education.” She stared at the ornate cover of the first edition of *Pride and Prejudice* that was placed in front of her. A scholarship? She’d wanted the winery. She'd always wanted the legacy of the wine. What good was *Pride and Prejudice* to her? She felt a hot flush creep up her neck.