Chapter 2

The next morning, Lady Astley woke at dawn as was her habit, and went for a hard ride. She loved horses, and only rode the best, although happily, no one in Meryton noticed so far that her horseflesh was of a much better quality than she ought to be able to afford.

Unbeknownst to anyone besides her Uncle Hexham and her Uncle Gardiner, Elizabeth was wealthy far beyond her husband's generous fortune. When Elizabeth was fourteen, she overheard her uncle discussing an investment with a gentleman in his office. Later, after the gentleman left, Elizabeth made an observation or two regarding the investment to her uncle that had not already occurred to him. Realising that she was correct, and that he could do very well following her ideas, he sent for the gentleman to return and invested two thousand pounds in the venture.

The investment paid off and rather quickly too. Following Elizabeth's advice, Mr Gardiner planned it to be a short-term investment, and indeed, by the end of the following quarter, the investment was worth ten thousand pounds. On Elizabeth's advice, Edward Gardiner cashed out the investment. By all rights, he reasoned, he would never have made the eight thousand pound profit without Elizabeth's observations. It was only fair that she should benefit from her wisdom.

Gardiner contacted Lord Hexham and with his assistance, opened a trust for Elizabeth in the amount of four thousand pounds. She would be able to access the funds when she reached her majority. "What will you do with the money, Elizabeth?" Aunt Madeleine asked while they were doing their embroidery one afternoon.

"I surely do not need it, because Uncle Robert is looking after my dowry from my mother. I believe it would have been better if Uncle set the funds aside for your children, rather than for me," replied Elizabeth. "Especially since you have taken me in these last two years and have been unfailingly kind to me all this time, Aunt Madeleine."

"Oh Elizabeth, of course you should have your share," answered Aunt Madeleine. "Your uncle sent the gentleman away, and would never have proceeded with the investment if you did not speak up with your perspective. Half of the money is yours. We would never take it."

"Very well then, but only because you insist, Aunt," Elizabeth relented. "I think I would like to leave half of the funds in the account and use the other half for a new investment if my uncles are agreeable. If I can earn a few thousand pounds more through other investments, I would like to use the funds to help my stepmother and sisters in the case that my stepmother is correct and they are thrown to the hedgerows someday."

"Of course you would think of helping your family before yourself, Elizabet h, " her aunt said with a shake of her head. "That is just like you. But you must admit that my sister has not been kind to you, nor have yours. You know you owe them nothing, and they are not your responsibility. Besides, your uncle has similar ideas. Every year, we set aside a small portion for your stepmother and sisters' welfare, and those investments will give them a measure of security if it becomes necessary."

"I know this Aunt, but you know my father hasn't a shilling left of my mother's dowry," replied Elizabeth. "Last year when he closed my stepmother's accounts at the shops in St Albans, it was made obvious to everyone that he had allowed the current Mrs Bennet to fritter it all away foolishly. She has redecorated Longbourn four times in the last ten years, and has spent far too much on gowns and ribbons and lace for herself and my sisters. Mama has still not ceased complaining that now she must make do with the dressmaker and milliner in Meryton, and that economies must be made.

"Mama's portion will not be enough to sustain them if my father dies. I know it is not my responsibility, but I could not live with my conscience if I allowed them to suffer from my father's neglect while I do not. Papa has spent so much money on rare books, and Uncle Phillips despairs that my father makes no effort to separate his purchases from the entail of the estate, which ought to be easily done. The sale of his library would provide my mother and sisters with a small fortune, but our cousin will inherit all when my father passes this life due to my father's unwillingness to make a simple list of his personal possessions to add to his will."

"You are too good Elizabeth, but we love you all the more for it. My dear, you have suffered indeed from your father's neglect, only differently than your sisters," Madeliene Gardiner said as she hugged her niece. "Unfortunately, we cannot let them know of the funds, because hedgerows or no hedgerows, Fanny will never allow a shilling to go unspent. If she or your father knows you have even a pence to your name, they will not rest until they have taken and spent it. And I fear that if Fanny realises you are being treated like family here and not as a nursemaid to the children, then she will force you to return to Longbourn."

Fourteen-year-old Elizabeth said nothing else as she attended to her embroidery, which was frightfully poor. She knew her aunt was correct. Mrs Bennet only allowed her to stay in London because she thought her brother's family was using Elizabeth as a servant. Fanny would have liked to use Elizabeth as such herself but Thomas would never allow it. for it would look bad before their neighbours. In London, Fanny thought that the wretched girl was tending her brother's children and no one in Meryton was any the wiser.

*****

Elizabeth's uncles approved her plan, and sat her down with a number of investments to consider. The fourteen-year-old sat quietly as they explained the merits and risks of each investment and then asked questions and made her own observations to her uncles. They were shocked by how well she understood it all, and how she saw parts of the picture that no one else thought of, jumping up to pull reference books down from her uncle's shelves to confirm certain facts pertaining to various industries. Elizabeth planned to separate her two thousand pounds into two investments, so there would be less risk of losing all by putting all of her eggs in one basket. Her uncles were so impressed by her observations they both made several new investments under her advisement.

These investments took longer to mature than the previous one. It was almost six months before the first bore fruit, earning Elizabeth a two thousand pound profit, and the other earned five thousand pounds in profit by the end of the following year. Now, at almost fourteen, Elizabeth had eleven thousand pounds. She kept to her original plan of keeping half of her capital in trust and reinvesting the other half. England was exploding with industry, and Elizabeth had an uncanny knack for sniffing out short-term investments that brought windfall returns. Her Uncle Hexham made her a gift of several subscriptions to investment and industry periodicals, and she read them as well as all the newspapers and books on many subjects that were never followed by women, including agriculture and engineering. She gained a sense for knowing which industries might have temporary surges in profits, and just when to withdraw from an investment before the value fell back to normal.

Uncles Gardiner and Hexham began blindly investing in anything she recommended. Neither gentleman had seen such tremendous returns before, and soon, Uncle Gardiner's worth was nearly doubled, and all of his children were assured handsome dowries or funds to start their careers. A generous fortune earned by these measures also ensured the security of Uncle Hexham's estate for many generations. Elizabeth also became quite skilled in small inventions. Mostly little gadgets that helped make life easier. By the age of seventeen, Elizabeth had four patents on file under cover of a business name, and her worth from these inventions and the profits from her investments was over sixty thousand pounds.

Elizabeth jumped a stone wall as she rode her beloved horse Artemis, her bonnet flying off her head as she sailed through the jump. Heedless to the loss of the bonnet, knowing one of the grooms following her would pick it up, she rode on as she considered her fortune now. When she married Sir Christopher Astley, a renowned physician famous for his advances in medicine, the gentleman signed away all rights to all of her funds, and gave her free rein to pursue her business ventures without his interference. Even without the fifty thousand pounds, the house in town, and the estate in the country left to her by her husband, her worth was many, many times more now, at the age of twenty-five, than it was when she met him at the age of twenty.

Once she was married and no longer had her uncles cautioning her so much to be careful with her funds, she became quite bold in her investments. By the time she became widowed she was wildly rich and could indulge in nothing but the best clothes, jewels, horses, and carriages, although she was careful in Meryton not to attract too much attention. She might have been snubbed as new money when she purchased an enormous mansion in Mayfair, but considering Christopher's knighthood, the fact that he brought so many wives and heirs safely through childbirth, he was therefore very valuable to society, as well as Elizabeth's close connection to Lord Hexham and his family, no one considered snubbing her. Indeed, most ladies liked Elizabeth very well indeed. She was an intelligent guest ,and a superb hostess herself.

She even began breeding horses herself at Newmarket. She visited her stables twice a year, making plans with her breeding and training managers. Now, her horses were in high demand, although she rarely sold any, as she tended to hoard horseflesh at her properties. Her stables even acquired the secret to breeding Palominos, a stunning blonde horse previously only owned by the royal family and other important dignitaries in Spain.

Even in London, where it was known that she was vastly wealthy, people had no idea how much wealth she truly possessed. She maintained an enormous amount of security to protect herself and her four year old daughter, Miss Diane Astley, from fortune hunters. Heiress snatching [1] was wildly popular amongst the ton, facing few legal consequences and no social ones at all. A gentleman could kidnap his bride from her family, extort her guardians into giving him all of the young lady in question and her sisters' dowries to save their reputations, and only the young lady would be whispered of. Even in circumstances where the lady never consented to the marriage, never said I Do, matches were rarely annulled, particularly if they were consummated by force. A young woman was usually advised to make the best of her situation and abandoned to her new nightmare.

Here in Meryton, people had no idea of her worth, thinking she only had her late husband's fortune, which was large enough on its own. She may have to tolerate her stepmother's unkindness and that of her sisters in Meryton, but at least there was little risk of being kidnapped and forced into marriage. In town, no one knew anything for certain, but it was noticed by many that Elizabeth possessed other sources of wealth and indeed, several enterprising noblemen were involved in her investments as well.

In London it was more dangerous for her than in Meryton. She was well connected, with friendships in some of the most powerful families in England, including Her Majesty, Queen Victoria. The Queen made it a point since Elizabeth's widowhood to keep her friendship close, and Elizabeth suspected that if she were to remarry, her new husband might be obliged to accept a title. Her Majesty was nothing if not shrewd, and there was little chance of her allowing a family of Elizabeth's wealth to remain outside of the nobility for long, particularly if she married anyone of prominence or great wealth of his own. Her Majesty would insist upon ensuring her family's fealty to The Crown. Any gentleman she married would likely be given at the very least an earldom if he did not have one already.

When Elizabeth returned to Lilac Cottage, she groomed her horse herself, as she always did, and went into the house through the kitchen. She headed up to her rooms, where her maid Sarah was waiting with her bath. Sarah was Elizabeth's only friend at Longbourn growing up, and when Elizabeth was obliged to use deception to get away in order to marry Sir Christopher, Sarah left the Bennets' service to become her maid when Elizabeth and her husband returned to London. Elizabeth trusted no one alive more than she trusted Sarah Smith.

The only exception was perhaps Mr Banks, her personal steward. Elizabeth hired all of her male servants by recommendation of an officer in the regulars, a Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, who was skilled in recommending retired officers who needed work and were fiercely loyal to her because she was fiercely loyal to them, and because they were paid incredibly well. Mr Banks, unlike the other men she hired through Colonel Fitzwilliam, was invalided out of Her Majesty's service, and walked with a cane and a limp.

Usually, such a man would not be considered suitable for employment, and if he had no family to assist him, would have starved in the streets. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam knew that in addition to being intelligent, well-spoken, and well-written, Mr Banks was shrewd and had ruthless street intelligence and the ability to blend in nearly anywhere or with any class of persons with the correct attire. He was perfect for the task of her personal steward, and to hell with society's expectations. The man would do nearly anything to protect Elizabeth and her interests, and Elizabeth trusted him without question.

After her bath, Elizabeth broke her fast with her daughter Diane in the breakfast room. Although she knew it was not fashionable for children to eat outside the nursery, Elizabeth felt differently. She believed children belonged with their parents as much as possible, and if there were no guests for breakfast or lunch, Diane ate with her, much to the disapproval of Nanny.

After breakfast, she and Diane took their morning walk with their dog Beau. A King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Beau was a gift when Diane was born from the Duke of Marlborough in thanks to Sir Christopher for bringing his duchess safely through childbirth. Although technically Diane's pet, Elizabeth herself was incredibly attached to the dog and never travelled without him. She could see why King Charles II was so enamoured of the breed, she thought to herself. Never had she encountered a more loving and gentle creature than Beau, and with his white and red Blenheim colouring, silky skirt, and sweeping tail that never ceased moving, Beau was glorious to behold.

*****

When they returned to the house, Elizabeth began working in her study as Diane and Beau settled into the small adjoining room that Elizabeth selected as a play area for Diane. She preferred to keep the child near her at least in the early parts of the day. She didn't know of any other mothers who kept play rooms near their offices but she didn't think much of fashionable parenting practices either. What was the point of having children if you were only going to pay others to raise them? When Diane was a little older, perhaps nine maybe, Elizabeth would begin allowing Diane to attend her as she went about her household duties. She also hoped that if she ever did remarry, that her husband might not mind teaching Diane about estate matters. If not, Elizabeth would teach the child herself. After all, Diane had inherited an estate in Kent from her father, and might need the knowledge someday, if she did not marry young. Elizabeth did not hold with girls being kept useless. Anything a boy should learn should also apply to a girl in her opinion, and vice versa.

Elizabeth and Diane passed the morning pleasantly, with Elizabeth attending to her correspondence and various business matters as Diane played quietly with the spaniel. About an hour before lunch, Mr Banks informed her that Mr Percival Godwin had called. Not wanting to disturb Diane, nor remotely concerned for fashionable appearances, Elizabeth removed to a small sitting area in the corner of her study, and received Mr Godwin there.

Mr Godwin entered the room as Elizabeth rose and exclaimed "Why Lady Astley, I am surprised at you receiving guests so informally!"

Elizabeth greeted the gentleman and replied "Mr Godwin, I routinely spend a portion of my day with Miss Astley, and I am loath to upset her routine. She is quite happy here with me as I attend to my duties each morning."

"I can see why your stepmother is so desirous of you being taken in hand, my dear. Your late husband must have been quite indulgent of you, but no matter, once we are married, I will see to your education. You have no need to worry, my dear. We will soon set everything to rights."

"And what education would that be?" asked Elizabeth, her temper already beginning to sizzle. She was beginning to lose patience with this particularly thick-headed gentleman.

"Why your education as a gentleman's wife of course!" exclaimed Mr Godwin as he attempted to leer down her decolletage.

"Mr Godwin, I understand that you are confused because my stepmother was not raised as a gentlewoman, but I quite assure you that my own mother was the daughter of an earl, and her family saw to my education in London. After being married to Sir Astley, my education as a gentleman's wife is quite acceptable.

"But your husband was a physician, and your mother was half Italian, so your nobility barely applies, really," prattled Mr Godwin. "Of course you wouldn't understand the difference but not to worry, my love, we will soon set all to rights. Once we are wed, and Miss Astley is enrolled in Miss Mayfield's Academy, I am sure you will learn all that is expected of a gentleman's wife with ease. All shall be well."

"That is another thing I must address, Mr Godwin," seethed Elizabeth. "It is quite inappropriate for you to repeatedly refer to our future together as a settled matter or plan to enrol my child in school without having ever asked me for my hand, or received my consent. I must insist that you cease this at once!"

"But my darling!" he cried. "Surely you must see that–"

"Mr Godwin, I have not given you permission to address me so informal!" Elizabeth insisted firmly. "I am not your darling, your dear, nor your love. I have not even given you permission to call me by my given name, and I have no plans to do so. You will address me as Lady Astley or you may not address me at all."

"But your stepmother assured me!" spluttered Mr Godwin, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

"My stepmother has no right to assure you of anything," Elizabeth stated evenly as she rose from her seat and rang for Banks. "I am well past my majority, and have no need to consider the wishes of my stepmother or even my father regarding any aspect of my life. I have warned you before not to take any promises made by them seriously. Now, I believe the time for a polite morning call has lapsed, Mr Godwin. Thank you for your visit, I hope you have a pleasant afternoon."

Banks arrived to show the gentleman out, his face set in stone. He did not like these gentlemen who imposed themselves upon Lady Astley. Mr Godwin may think Lady Astley was not well protected by the deceiving appearances of her lame steward. He would do well not to push the matter or he would encounter the sword hidden in Mr Banks' cane as well as the implacable anger of the sturdy footmen and grooms in her employ, all of whom were seasoned veterans of Her Majesty's army. Not even to mention Miss Laura Carmichael, Lady Astley's mistress of arms or the skills of Lady Astley herself.

Not many households employed even a master at arms any more. No one had even heard of a mistress of arms. When Lord Hexham asked Elizabeth when she was ten what she would like to learn, he laughed out loud when she said "Fencing and boxing, Uncle." His laughter ceased abruptly when he learned the reason for her request. Two years before, a young lady of gentle birth had been attacked and raped in St Albans, which was only an hour and a half from Meryton by carriage. As Elizabeth recounted the story to her uncle, how the attackers were not content beating and raping the girl but also scarred her face badly with a knife, and how the lady was cast out from her family and community, and no one knew what happened to her, he understood her request. She wanted to learn how not to become a victim.

Lord Hexham was intrigued by his niece's request, and curious about the girl who was attacked. After some investigation, he learned that she had taken a position as a downstairs maid in a small house in Manchester, for an eccentric tradesman who took pity on the girl, and amused himself by allowing his footmen and also his sons to train her in fencing and self defence.

Lord Hexham contacted the girl and told her about his niece who was so affected by her story. He offered her a new job. Elizabeth at ten was still too young to learn fencing, so for two years, Miss Laura Carmichael trained with the best fencing and boxing masters that could be found, and they were paid so much they never even thought to complain about her sex. She also trained with a number of veteran soldiers and naval men, who Hexham used to train his footmen in defence of his house. By the time Elizabeth was twelve and ready to begin her own lessons, Miss Laura Carmichael knew more ways to kill or cripple a man than most of the spies of Her Majesty's military.

Miss Carmichael was now responsible for managing the security of Elizabeth's household, and training for all who lived and worked there. Even the seasoned veterans in Elizabeth's employ trained for hours each week with Miss Carmichael and each other to hone and improve their skills. Elizabeth even offered bonuses to any of the female staff who wanted to train, many of whom accepted. Lady Astley did not employ servants. She employed her own army.

Elizabeth had barely regained her temper when Mr Banks entered the room again to announce Mr Darcy. She ordered tea and again repaired to the comfortable chairs in the corner of her study where she could observe Diane as she played. She rose to her feet as Mr Darcy was announced to the room.

"Mr Darcy, I hope you do not mind if my daughter plays quietly during our visit," Elizabeth said as she welcomed him to her home. "I usually spend most of my morning with Diane when possible."

"Of course, I am delighted to make Miss Astley's acquaintance," replied Darcy easily as he sat in the comfortable chair. "While it may not seem fashionable to keep children in sight, my mother did the same when I was young. She also encouraged my father to begin taking me along on his business with the estate quite young."

"That is exactly what I should like to do with Miss Astley," said Elizabeth. "I have always believed that a girl should learn everything a boy should learn and also the other way about. So often a man or a woman is left widowed, and must assume their spouses' duties, and Diane has inherited an estate of her own. It would be so much easier if everyone was properly educated to begin with."

"I agree wholeheartedly, Lady Astley," said Darcy. "My mother died when I was twelve, but if I had learned more about her duties at Pemberley, it would have made it much easier when my father passed. I have seen to my sister's education quite assiduously. She took up much of the reins at Pemberley and Darcy House when she was thirteen, although I have not trained her in all of the matters of the estate as I ought. Perhaps I should do so soon."

"Tell me about what I missed when I left the Assembly last night," Elizabeth requested. "Did Jane dance with Mr Bingley again?"

"I believe she did, and my friend enjoyed the experience immensely," said Darcy easily.

"And your dance with Miss Lucas? I hope you enjoyed her company, she is much like a sister to me."

"Miss Lucas was rather severe in the beginning of our dance, but I believe we parted with goodwill at the end. I must thank you for the introduction, you are right, she seems to be an estimable lady," Darcy replied. "After Miss Lucas, I danced with your sister Miss Mary, and Miss Edwina Long. It was pleasant to learn something about the neighbourhood from them."

"I am glad you saw the value in getting to know the neighbourhood, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth said. "I always feel safer and in better company in the country. I have very good connections in town of course, but there are so many unpleasant situations to be avoided there. Country folk perhaps have less sophistication, but they often have far better morals, and rarely mean any true malice. We have an estate in Kent, which Miss Astley has inherited from my late husband, but I have so few friends there. I am sure if I expended the effort I would have many friends in no time, however, there is a great lady in that county that does not approve of me and much of the society there has avoided me per her dictates in order to avoid her ire. I have decided to return to Meryton for a time. When my husband lived, we spent much of our time in town by necessity, but I feel that Diane would be better raised in the country, and I have missed my friends here in Hertfordshire."

"A great lady in Kent you say?" asked Mr Darcy with an eyebrow raised. "That would not happen to be Lady Catherine de Bourgh? What could you have done to earn her ire?"

"Apparently I am not to be forgiven for my late husband's knighthood," replied Elizabeth, laughing. " I have not met the lady, but she seems to believe I had no business quitting the sphere in which she believes I was raised."

"That sounds very like my aunt," Darcy chuckled. "I must beg your forgiveness again, it appears. My aunt likes the distinction of rank to be preserved."

"You certainly have nothing to apologise for, Mr Darcy," Elizabeth observed in her merriment. "Indeed, we all have relations who make us blush."

"I suppose we do, Lady Astley. I must tell you that my experience last night among the ladies of Meryton, and your words just now on the society of the country feeling safer has made me think about my sister, Georgiana. At fifteen she is cripplingly shy, and I have attempted to shield her from the false friendships of society unsuccessfully. Early this year I removed her from school after she heard her friends, laughing about how they were using her to get close to, and compromise me. They further planned that as soon as one of them accomplished the first compromise, they would force a marriage between Georgiana and one of their brothers to keep her dowry in their family, and were all wishing each other luck in their endeavours.

"One of her teachers requested to come with her to be her governess. Before long, we learned the governess was using her position to victimise us as well, in partnership with an old family friend who wanted my sister's dowry. Poor Georgiana feels that she has nothing worth offering in a friendship and has no value other than her dowry and her proximity to me. It occurred to me that Georgiana could find estimable and trustworthy friendships among ladies like Miss Lucas and yourself, and other ladies here in Meryton and also Derbyshire. I know all my neighbours of course, but we have not socialised much in our home county since my mother died. I always thought my wife would take it up when I married, but now I am realising I have done my sister a disservice. I am wondering how I should begin to repair the situation," Darcy confided.

"What a terrible experience for your poor sister, Mr Darcy!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I can see now why you are so reserved. I suspected you had experienced being hunted in the ton, but your sister's experience has been too cruel!"

Darcy sighed. "I have struggled since the summer to find ways to increase Georgiana's confidence, with little success. You have many younger sisters, Lady Astley. What would you recommend, to revive her spirits?"

"The way to give her confidence in herself is to prove that you have confidence and trust in her," observed Elizabeth. "She is much younger than you. I presume you have been more of a father than a brother."

"I had not thought about it that way, but yes, to some degree you are probably correct, especially considering the difference in our ages," replied Darcy.

"That was all to the good when she was still a child, as she needed a parent then," explained Elizabeth. "What she needs now is a sibling and a confidante. I realise that being privy to her private thoughts and baring your own struggles to her must seem rather alarming to you. Regardless of her youth, Miss Darcy is your sister. A gift from God to be your lifelong friend, much like your cousins, if you have any close ones your age. The most important thing your parents left you was each other. By confiding some of your troubles or fears to her, you will gain her trust in return, as long as you are open minded and not too stern about it.

"Consider this. If you were in troubles ten years from now, would you like to be able to turn to your sister, or she to you? If the answer is yes, you must begin laying the groundwork for that now. You may even learn something from her that you never knew, and it might help you in the future. For indeed, you must admit, you have certainly never been a young lady and you must plan to court one someday. Miss Darcy could help you with a better understanding of the way we think about things."

"I never considered it in such terms. I cannot begin to think what I could share with a young lady so many years my junior. What could I confide in her that she would understand?" asked Darcy, perplexed.

"Ah, that is the design. You are not confiding concerns you might share in common, but rather any concerns at all," pointed out Elizabeth. "In this way, you educate Miss Darcy about the world and about society, and she will be more prepared when she ventures out into it. It does not matter the topic. Anything that is worrying you. A matter on the estate, family dramas, or a matter concerning a lady. Or gossip from town, even the slightly inappropriate bits. There is no need to be explicit, but consider this, society expects young ladies to be vigilant of their virtue, but does not educate them on their enemy. By understanding the true dangers posed by gentlemen, Miss Darcy will be better prepared to avoid compromises or malicious intent when she enters society. And by showing her that you trust her with your confidence and that you value her thoughts enough to seek her counsel, she will gain confidence in herself."

"Indeed," admitted Darcy. "This is all sound advice, Lady Astley. And rather ironic. It makes me think of the situation earlier this year where a previous and untrustworthy former family friend imposed their friendship upon Georgiana in a dishonest way, while she was residing in Ramsgate for the summer. I have blamed myself, because if I did not try to protect her from knowing about the dispute that caused the break, she would have been better armed against the false friendship,"

"Poor Miss Darcy! It is no wonder she is so unsure of herself!" exclaimed Elizabeth.

"I agree. My poor sister has been much imposed upon by her friends and I must help her to find her confidence now," said Darcy. "She is visiting with one of my aunts. When I return to town, I will speak to them both about Georgiana participating in more society in the country. I wish I could invite her here right away, but I cannot bring myself to subject her to Miss Bingley's attentions."

"I met the lady only briefly last night, but she does seem to have an abundance of confidence," observed Elizabeth.

"She does, but it is entirely the wrong sort of confidence, I am afraid. Her plans match those of Georgiana's school friends in all aspects," said Darcy grimly.

"How appalling! I can see why you would want to shield her from such behaviour!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "At the same time however, she will never learn to manage such situations if she is constantly protected from them. It is rather early yet. Let her engage in a bit of society in Derbyshire. I am sure there are many families there who have lovely daughters. Then when she's feeling a bit more the thing, she can be eased into society such as Miss Bingley. I am worried for you at Netherfield. Are you certain you are safe from her machinations there? I would hate for Miss Darcy to be forced to accept her as a sister."

Darcy smiled. "I believe I will be quite safe, though I thank you for your concern. I give her no encouragement, and Bingley has been warned that if she attempts a compromise, I will not marry her under any circumstances. I will, however, admit that I sleep with a chair under my doorknob. In any case, Bingley and I keep ourselves occupied apart from the ladies much of the time, although I believe he and his sisters are calling upon Longbourn today."

"I am sure my stepmother and sisters will be very gratified by their call. Is your grandmother well enough to be of assistance to Miss Darcy?" inquired Elizabeth. "I have met her but once, in the company of my friends Lady D____ and Lady O______ in London. She is certainly a force to be reckoned with in society. I hope she is well?"

"She is, although she travels to London but rarely. She has mostly kept up with other widows and dowagers of her age in the county, as I was not yet ready to spend much time in society there at this time. She and Georgiana are close, for which I am grateful, but the company of a loving but ageing grandmother and governesses cannot replace the company of trustworthy young people her own age. I was lucky to grow up close to my cousins, but sadly we are all much older than she, and she has felt it keenly."

"Has your party been invited to the party at Lucas Lodge next week?" Elizabeth asked.

"We have, and Bingley has accepted for us all. I am looking forward to it. If I am to guide my sister in country society, I must brush up on my rusty manners." responded Darcy.

When twenty minutes passed, Mr Darcy stood and took his leave, bowing to Elizabeth as he thanked her for her insight regarding his sister, and returned to Netherfield. The next three weeks passed quietly, the party at Lucas Lodge was a success, and Elizabeth enjoyed the company immensely. Mr Darcy called two more times, once accompanied by Mr Bingley and his sisters, a distinctly unpleasant visit, during which Miss Bingley monopolised most of the conversation with speculation regarding how Lady Eliza's fortunes must have fallen for her to be renting a dower house in the countryside. Elizabeth gracefully ignored all overtures to be explicit regarding her personal affairs. She had nothing to prove to an ill mannered social climber such as Miss Caroline Bingley. The woman could think what she liked about Elizabeth's situation.

During Mr Darcy's third call to Lilac Cottage, after a lengthy discussion of books, Mr Darcy spoke of his and Bingley's latest plans to avoid Miss Bingley. "Tonight we will dine with a Colonel Forster, who is new to the area. I believe he is scouting the neighbourhood for his regiment. I believe Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst have sent an invitation for your sister Miss Bennet to join them for dinner while we are out."

"Oh dear. I had better send a note over to Jane. My father does not keep horses just for the carriage, and I am sure they will be needed for the farm today. Mrs Bennet will be sure to send her on the family riding nag, and it has looked like rain all morning." Elizabeth worried. "I will send them an offer to use my carriage, but Mrs Bennet may not allow it. As I am sure you have noticed, my stepmother does not approve of me."

"No need to worry, Lady Astley. I will mention to Bingley when I return to Netherfield that it would be polite to send his carriage for Miss Jane this evening. Miss Bingley should have offered it in any case, as well as invited one of your other sisters," Darcy replied. "We can use my carriage when we dine with the colonel. I am sure your stepmother will appreciate the compliment of Bingley's solicitude."

"I am sad to say that Mr Bingley could treat my sister with all the solicitude due a man on trial for murder, and my stepmother would not care as long as he married her," observed Elizabeth drily. "Mrs Bennet's only concern is to get her daughters married, and anyone would do. I am grateful none of the tenant farmers have expressed any interest because Mrs Bennet will marry her daughters to anyone. That will have no effect on Jane's reception of his suit, however."

"Do you believe she likes him?" inquired Darcy.

"As the acquaintance is still so new, I could not be sure one way or the other," Elizabeth replied. "And I will admit I am not in Jane's confidence although even if I were, I could never break it. But either way, I do not think Jane would ever accept him unless her heart was engaged. She vowed years ago only to marry for the deepest love. But despite the fact that I am not in Jane's confidence, I can safely say that I have never seen a more promising inclination."

"Of course, you must have superior knowledge of your sister's character, but I must admit I have seen no evidence of it. Miss Bennet is all aloofness," replied Darcy.

"Jane is exceedingly shy and reserved. She has been singled out and called attention to by her mother all her life, and is therefore very careful to be perfectly proper in her behaviour. As she is all that a lady ought to be, she would never expose her feelings before Mr Bingley declares himself. She is very careful not to expose herself to the gossip of the village. This does not mean that I am correct about my observations, but I do see evidence of her enjoyment of his attentions. You should have no fear that she will accept him for any other reason than her own inclination. I have never known my sister to be mercenary."

"I am glad to hear that. Bingley is a truly kind person who would be wretched in a marriage of unequal affection," Darcy said.

"I assure you, sir, whatever my stepmother's ideas may be, none of my sisters ever need marry for anything other than affection and inclination," Elizabeth said quietly.

At that moment, Banks entered the room. "I beg your pardon, your ladyship, but Mrs Byrd is wondering what she should do about lunch."

"Oh heavens! I have kept you much longer than a polite call. And lunch will be over by the time you return to Netherfield. Please join us, Mr Darcy, that is if you do not mind dining with young Miss Astley," Elizabeth said as she scooped up the pretty blonde child.

"Indeed, thank you for the invitation, Lady Astley. I am terribly flattered to be invited to dine en famille," Mr Darcy replied happily.

Chapter 3

Darcy returned to Netherfield after lunch and sought Bingley in his study. "Bingley, it has come to my attention that Mr Bennet does not keep horses just for his carriage, and that Longbourn's horses will likely be wanted on their farm today. This is very common among country gentry, but since it looks like rain, perhaps you should send a note to Longbourn to let them know you will send your carriage and a maid for Miss Bennet this evening. We can take my carriage to dine with the officers."

"Indeed, what is this you are speaking of about Miss Bennet dining here?" Bingley said as he roused to attention.

"Come man, you were at the breakfast table when your sisters were planning to invite her, for we and Hurst will be dining out. But I do not believe your sisters planned to send a carriage for her. It is not the done thing in any case. When your sisters invite an unmarried young lady to visit they should also invite one of her sisters or other female relatives to chaperone her, and also offer a carriage and a maid to attend them. Sending an unmarried lady an invitation for her to dine by herself is abominably bad manners, and reflects badly on you in the neighbourhood. I am certain Miss Bingley intended it to be a slight to Miss Bennet, but due to her parentage, the neighbourhood will believe your sister does not know how to behave among the gentry," Darcy replied as he sat across from Bingley.

"Darcy, you know I am no morning person," laughed Bingley. "Indeed, I cannot think of anything worse to pay attention to in the morning than Caroline making plans for her day."

Darcy rather thought Bingley to be correct on that count, but held his tongue rather than insult his friend. "You will need to be careful about Miss Bingley here in Hertfordshire, Bingley. She has been growing more and more desperate to return to London. She has no desire to be here, and may sabotage you with the locals in an effort to remove you to town."

"She can go ahead and go to town if that is her desire," stated Bingley vehemently. "I refuse to put up with her antics. If she is unhappy here, she is welcome to go anywhere she likes."

"But she cannot attend events alone in town, Bingley," Darcy reminded him. "I tell you, she will make you an outcast here in Hertfordshire in order to remove you back to London. And you know she will go nowhere whilst I am in residence here."

"Caroline makes no sense," grumbled Bingley. "She demands that I become an estate owner in order to improve her station. But she refuses to be in the country. The only place in the whole world worth being at, other than London, according to Caroline, is Derbyshire. Yet all she wants is to be in London and Derbyshire is a three or four day journey. I chose this place specifically to be in easy distance to London, just to appease her. There is no pleasing the woman."

"Well, there is your first mistake, Bingley," groused Hurst as he entered the room. "No man should be jumping through hoops to please his sister, not unless she is a sweet and easily pleased little thing like Miss Darcy. You are supposed to marry off your sister and then please yourself, and later, your wife."

"I must concur with Hurst's assessment, Bingley," said Darcy evenly. "It is time for you to stop trying to please your sister and begin going about your own business. This is your life you are building. Miss Bingley is just here until she finds a husband. She should not be making the decisions. You must settle wherever you like. You are the one who must live in your house once she marries. Regardless of all that, what will you do about Miss Bennet this evening?

"I will go and attend to it now. Let us attend the ladies in the music room," Bingley stated, rising from his chair.

As they entered the music room, Bingley asked his sister "Caroline, did you receive a reply from Miss Bennet?"

"Indeed, we did. The grasping little thing let no moss grow under her feet there, she accepted with alacrity, did she not, Louisa? I despair at being expected to associate with such low people, but I suppose we must have someone here in this dreary backwater, or we shall go quite mad with boredom." Caroline sighed and set aside the embroidery she was working on, then crossed the room to where Darcy was standing at the window. She grasped his arm and batted her eyelashes up at him. "I am sure you would not like to see dear Georgiana accept an invitation in such a forward, grasping way, Mr Darcy."

"I am not even quite sure what you mean, Miss Bingley," Mr Darcy said flatly as he removed his arm from her grasp and stepped away. "If Miss Darcy received an invitation, I hope that if she were going to accept, that she would do so in a timely manner. I would also hope her hostess would invite one of Miss Darcy's female relatives or companion as well as offer to send a carriage and a maid for their comfort and safety. And indeed, that her hostess would not invite her at all if they thought her low or grasping."

"Indeed, Caroline, what did they teach you at that dreadful academy for girls?" said Bingley. "Our father sent you there to learn how to behave like a gentlewoman. It disturbs me to think how much was wasted on the tuition if this is the result. I am sure I will never recommend the place."

"Charles, how can you say that!" shrieked Caroline.

"Sister, you heard Mr Darcy. You have proclaimed to the world that he is the sole beacon of distinction and gentility so he must be correct. You have behaved abominably towards Miss Bennet. There is nothing to be done now about inviting another of her relatives, but you must write her back now, thanking her for her attendance and promising a maid and a carriage to convey her here at the appointed hour. I will review the note before you send it," stated Bingley firmly.

Amid Caroline's shrieks of betrayal and indecency, Bingley put up his hand. "I am not to be moved, Caroline. You will behave properly here, and with respect to all. Or I will ship you to Scarborough with Aunt Clara."

Miss Bingley wrote the letter and, after Bingley approved it, it was sent. That done, Mr Bingley made arrangements with the butler to send the carriage for Miss Bennet. She is an angel, he thought as he sighed. He would not let Caroline make a bad impression on her.

*****

The appointed hour arrived, and Miss Bingley made a distinctly bad impression indeed, which was to be expected since her brother was not there to prevent it. If Charles had not interfered earlier, she was sure she would have been all that was civil. However, since Miss Jane Bennet was the catalyst of her brother's new resolve, Caroline could not even pretend civility. She needled and peppered Miss Bennet with questions and sad commiserations about Jane's family in trade and miserable connections in Cheapside. The diatribe was so terrible that even the eternally serene Jane Bennet eventually agreed with Miss Bingley about the low company hereabouts lately, and hoped that Miss Bingley would be able to see London again quite soon.

Unsurprisingly, Caroline Bingley had not the wit to know when she was being insulted, and continued with her line of conversation until the end of dinner. It was then that Jane Bennet announced that she had a headache and would need to go home immediately, rather than continue to visit with her new friends in the music room. Mrs Hurst could not order the carriage quickly enough. She was horrified by Caroline's behaviour. She never would have agreed to entertain the girl if she knew how her sister meant to behave.

Louisa Hurst went along with her sister mostly because it made life easier, but that did not mean her years of academy training had been wasted. She knew that very soon, the Bingleys were going to be persona non grata in Hertfordshire, no matter their fortune. Charles had made a significant investment here. Surely there was no telling if he would settle here permanently, but even if he did not, that was no reason to waste his investment. Caroline was going too far.

Louisa did not even believe there was much wrong with the little village. To be sure, there was no superior society, but that was rather a relief from all the time they spent in town. While that Bennet woman and her sister, the Phillips woman, had been dreadful at the assembly, they encountered much worse in London. And the location was so convenient. Caroline did not know how tedious it was to constantly travel four days to get to and from your estate. In Hertfordshire, they were an easy four hours from London by carriage. She resolved to speak with Charles either tonight or in the morning. He must do something about Caroline.

*****

Jane Bennet always appeared angelic and perhaps she was most of the time. Really, the only time she was not kind was to her elder sister, which she stopped feeling guilty about many years ago. Jane had never been sure what terrible thing Elizabeth had done to make Mrs Bennet so upset, but she did know that Mrs Bennet was her mother and she must honour her. But numbed as she was to the cruelty her family dealt her elder sister, Jane was not formed for such in the rest of her dealings with life.

When she entered Longbourn's sitting room to her mother and sisters, her mouth was set in a grim line. "Whatever are you doing home, Jane? We did not expect you for the next two hours!" exclaimed Mrs Bennet as she jumped up from the settee where Lydia was reading to her from a fashion periodical.

"I do not even know why they invited me, unless it was to tell me how very much they dislike me, Mama," said Jane wearily as she sank into a chair, her father entering the room behind her to hear what was happening. "Miss Bingley refused to speak of anything other than my relatives in trade, and to make sure I understood that no one would ever want to marry me. By the time dinner was over, I could not take any more. I had to come home." Jane Bennet burst into tears as her family looked upon her with shock and horror.

"Well young lady, you can just go to your room and write an apology to Miss Bingley for your behaviour! I have not taught my daughters to behave in such a way! How can you expect Mr Bingley to marry you if you insult his sisters by leaving a dinner in such a manner!" Fanny Bennet screeched.

"Mrs Bennet, did you not hear what your daughter said?" roared Mr Bennet. "Our gently bred daughter Jane has been insulted by these social climbing women from trade. Jane will not be sending anyone any apologies!"

"She will, or I shall turn her out! I am the mistress here, Thomas! I am at my wits end with your difficult daughters! You have provided them with nothing and will not even encourage them to marry! They will all starve in the streets!" Mrs Bennet screamed hysterically. "She will write the apology, or she will leave tonight!"

Kitty and Lydia both began to object and cry, their wails filling the room. The argument raged on for some forty minutes while Mary slipped from the room quietly.

Kitty and Lydia argued vehemently with their mother, who refused to back down. She turned eventually to Jane who sat frozen like stone, saying nothing, and said, "You know I am correct, Jane. You must save your family from destitution or leave." Jane burst into tears again and fled the room.

Thomas Bennet laughed. "No one is going to be destitute. Their sister will look after them. She owes me, and she is too well bred to turn away from her family."

"Well bred! Your daughter spent her early years as a servant in my brother's house!" shrieked Fanny.

"She was never any such thing. After Elizabeth stole away to be married, Gardiner informed me that Madeleine only let you think that because she knew you would not let her take Elizabeth otherwise, because she disliked your treatment of the girl. They deceived us the entire time, raising her as one of their own. And they allowed her to visit with her uncle, that wretched earl, who apparently paid for her masters and education. Other than growing up near Cheapside, there is nothing ill-bred about Elizabeth. Why do you think your brother never comes here for Christmas any more? I will never trust him again. It was all his fault I did not end up with Elizabeth's dowry when she married. If I was able to arrange her marriage, it never would have happened. Elizabeth owes me, and it's about time you began letting her pay what she owes. Go ahead and throw Jane out if you like. Regardless of what Jane does, no Bingley will ever cross this threshold again. Let her go to her sister who will find her some wealthy gentleman. Your resentment has held this family back too long, Fanny," said Bennet coldly.

"That it has," said Elizabeth quietly as she stepped into the room unannounced, followed by Mary.

"Who do you think you are to walk in here in such a manner! You have no business here!" shrieked Fanny.

"I am just arrived with all haste because I received an urgent message from Mary, saying that Mama has turned Jane out, and begging me to come take her before she ended on the streets," said Elizabeth evenly. "And I heard myself referred to quite a bit as I came in, for someone who has no business here. Would anyone kindly explain what has happened?"

Chaos reigned as everyone began shouting their version of events. After a moment, Elizabeth raised a hand and said, " Enough! I am sorry I asked." She then turned to Mrs Bennet, "Mama, at this moment I really could not care less what the topic of the family quarrel is, but I only want to know one thing. Are you serious in turning Jane out?"

"Yes! She will apologise to Miss Bingley, or I shall never see her again!"

"And Papa, will you do anything to prevent your wife from turning your daughter out into the streets?" Elizabeth asked as she turned to the coldest and most disinterested man she had ever known.

"You heard your mother, Elizabeth. She is the mistress of this house. Jane must make her decision."

"Very well. Please excuse me while I speak with Jane." As Elizabeth turned to leave the room Mary burst out, "Papa, may I please go with Lizzy as well?"

"No you will surely not, Mary Bennet, I forbid it!" cried Fanny Bennet, waving her handkerchief about.

"Or what Mama? Will you turn me out as you have done Jane?" Mary turned to her father. "Please Papa?"

Bennet turned to Elizabeth: "You will not act for me in permitting Mary to wed. Is that understood?"

Elizabeth was amused. "What is the difference? Does she have a dowry hidden somewhere you'd like to confiscate, Papa?"

"Your word, Elizabeth," said Bennet insistently.

"Very well, Papa. You have my word as a gentleman," Elizabeth sarcastically bowed with a flourish.

Elizabeth was followed from the room by all of the girls, who were determined not to let Jane and Mary leave without seeing them go. She turned to her sisters at the top of the stairs with a wry smile. "It's a shame that my word as a gentleman is really quite useless," she said with a wink to her sisters who all giggled quietly. By this point of the evening none of them had much regard left for their father.

"Now I only have a moment with all of you, but I am glad I have it," she said. "I need to speak with Jane alone for a moment, but do not distress yourselves. You will all see Jane again, and she will be well. But this is important, so listen, because it is never easy for me to speak with any of you privately."

She looked from one sister to the next as they paid close attention to their half-sister's change in tone. "Even if I leave the county or travel, I do not want any of you to think that I've abandoned you here. I suspect my father has mischief planned for if any of you marry, because he believes I will give you a dowry, and he will want you to marry someone who will give him a portion of it. That would explain why he does not wish me to assist Mary to wed without his consent. That would not work with Jane because she is of age. But the rest of you are reliant upon him until your majority, and he will never let me take you all at once. I am giving you each some money." handing each a coin. "I will make sure Mrs Hill always knows where I am. I correspond with her sister, Mrs Nichols, who is the housekeeper at Netherfield. If you ever need me to come for you, as I have come for Jane tonight, have Hill send me an express through Mrs Nichols. You may seek shelter with her if necessary; she will aid you if you need help. If you are unable to do that, this coin is to get you to Uncle and Aunt Gardiner's in London. Do not spend it on ribbons, Lydia. I suppose you all know the address?"

Kitty nodded but Lydia did not. Elizabeth noticed and met her sister's eyes. "Memorise it, Lyddie. You may depend on it someday."

She relaxed her stare and looked at Kitty as well. "I want you all to know that none of my sisters ever need marry for anything other than affection and inclination no matter what your situation is. I do not believe I owe my father anything, but none of you ever asked to have your futures so neglected by him. I have provided for all of you. None of you, or even your mother, ever need starve."

"La, Lizzy, why would you help Mama after she has always been so horrid to you?" said Lydia in amazement.

Elizabeth spoke quietly, "It is quite simple really, Lydia. She may not have been kind to me, but she is still the only mother I have ever known. No matter what she does, I will always do what I feel is right."

"Now we only have another moment, then I will go and speak with Jane. Kitty, can you make sure all of Jane and Mary's things are packed tonight?" The girl nodded. "Very well, but you must do it before you sleep tonight and have Hill take them down at first light. I will send a cart for them in the morning, and Lyddie, do not confiscate their ribbons or bonnets. I know I can buy them more, but Jane has lost enough this night. Now I will see you two as soon as may be. Mary, go and pack what you need for the next day or two and meet me here in five minutes," said Elizabeth as she hugged her sisters.

As she entered Jane's room, Elizabeth thought her sister might be frantically packing. Instead she found her sitting as still as a statue upon the edge of the bed. Leaning down in front of her, Elizabeth said, "Jane, I know how you feel about me, but I do not harbour any resentment, and only wish to know that you are safe tonight. I hope you will come live with me, at least for a time?" Jane shook her head silently, tears rolling down her face. "I will not force the issue now, but you must come away from here tonight, and Mary is coming with us," said Elizabeth gently. "For the time being, I am your only rescue from this situation, and your only haven from the night. If you prefer, we can send you to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's for a time, but you must come with me now."

Jane sat and cried silently as Elizabeth rapidly rummaged through the wardrobe and threw a few gowns, undergarments, and toiletries into a bag. "Kitty will pack the rest of your things. and my servants will retrieve your trunks in the morning. Come with me now, Jane. I am so sorry this is happening to you, but I will help you any way I can. Let us go now."

Elizabeth pulled Jane into the hallway where all their sisters were waiting in tears. "Come now, I realise this is a shock for everyone, but as I have promised, we will all see each other again," Elizabeth soothed.

Elizabeth, Jane and Mary made their way quietly down the stairs to the sound of Mr and Mrs Bennet still shouting at each other in the drawing room. There wasn't really any reason to sneak away, since everyone knew they were leaving, but Elizabeth felt that the younger girls were in shock from the events of the evening and preferred them not to suffer any more from their parents.

*****

As they pulled away in the carriage, Jane continued to cry silently. Mary sniffled in her corner, and Elizabeth was grim. She always knew she might eventually be called upon to rescue one or more of her sisters, but she never expected it to be such a traumatic event. She still didn't even know what caused such an uproar, but she would be certain to get the story out of Mary when they returned to Lilac Cottage.

Banks was waiting as the carriage pulled up the drive to Lilac Cottage. Elizabeth had ordered a room to be readied when she left upon receiving Mary's message. She deliberated a moment. Would the girls prefer to share a room for comfort this night? She rather thought Jane might prefer her own space to think.

As Banks assisted the ladies out of the carriage, Elizabeth started giving orders. "Banks, we will be leaving for London after breakfast the day after tomorrow. Please send Jackson at first light to London with all haste with two messages. One which I will have ready in a moment to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and another one which you can write to Mrs Hayes at the London house, instructing her to have all ready, including rooms for my sisters when we arrive. Also, please apologise to the poor maids, but we shall need another room prepared for Mary as well as baths and chocolate and scones or muffins for both of my sisters. Last, please arrange for a cart to go to Longbourn at first light to retrieve my sisters' trunks."

"Right away, Lady Astley," answered Banks competently. When they were in the country he served mostly as a butler and secretary, for it was a small house, and the lady and her young daughter lived simply and were not demanding. While in London, or while travelling, he assisted in the management and execution of much of Elizabeth's business.

When the note to her aunt and uncle was finished, Elizabeth encountered Sarah in the hall while on her way to check on Diane. "Sarah, my sisters are sorely trampled in spirit tonight. Please see that they each are able to relax with a hot bath and the chocolate I have sent up, and that they are tucked into bed to rest, but first, please ask Mary to attend me in my private sitting room in a few minutes. I apologise for all of the extra work, but we will assign someone to assist them as soon as we can manage it."

"It is no trouble, Lady Astley," said Sarah in her stride. "We already anticipated you would want a bath, since you always bathe before bed, and that Miss Bennet may also, so we have the boilers lit in the bathing chambers already. And Ethel has been training as a lady's maid, so she is ready to help with the Miss Bennets."

Sarah was very good at anticipating her needs, Elizabeth mused as she peeked into the nursery. Diane was sleeping on her back with her little knees bent up in the air. She always appeared to sleep in the strangest positions, Elizabeth thought as she tucked the child in snugly. But she was the sweetest child and Elizabeth loved her fiercely. Beau slept curled near Diane's feet. Elizabeth smiled. Strictly speaking, the dog was not allowed on the bed, having his own in the corner of the room. But the two were so close, Elizabeth couldn't bear to enforce the rule.

Elizabeth felt weary as she made her way to her private sitting room to meet Mary. "Mary, I am sure you are tired and the staff are preparing a room and a bath for you, but can you spare a moment to furnish me with the details of what happened tonight?"

Mary's eyes were round with distress. "Lizzy, it was dreadful. Jane came home so very upset, more than two hours before she was expected from dining with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. She said she did not know why they invited her, unless it was to convey how very much they disliked her and to make sure she understood that no gentleman would ever wish to marry her. Jane said that Miss Bingley refused to speak of anything other than our relations in trade and Jane's dreadful connections. As soon as they finished dining, Jane cried off the rest of the evening and came home. When Mama heard what Jane had done, she demanded Jane pen an apology to Miss Bingley immediately. When my father objected, Mama said that she has had enough with my father's difficult daughters. He will not make provision for us or even encourage us to marry, and we would all starve in the streets. She insisted Jane must do it, or Mama would turn her out! That is when I became afraid and sent for you. I am sorry that I invited myself to come and stay with you; it was terribly forward of me."

"Oh dear," sighed Elizabeth. "It appears that Mama's nerves have the better of her. I have tried to convey to her that she need not fear the hedgerows, but she does not want my help after all these years of resentment. I am glad you sent for me, Mary. You did exactly the right thing. And I am certainly glad that you asked to come. I am glad to have you with me, and if I had my way, you would have all begun visiting me years ago."

"Lizzy, I do not understand why Mama must behave the way she does about you. I have tried and tried to remember what you or anyone must have done to make her so angry with you, and I cannot account for it."

"Mary, many people would prefer not to be reminded of their spouse's previous marriage and children. Look at Sir Percival Godwin. He plans to marry me and immediately send Diane to a boarding school. To make matters worse, Papa was always very bitter about my dowry. I am sure it was quite easy for Mama to be convinced that he was indeed used shamefully. Of course, it could not be my fault, but people do not always see things that way," Elizabeth explained.

"Of course, this creates a disaster in the neighbourhood," Elizabeth observed. "The Bingleys will be quite ruined in Meryton after this, which is a shame because it is clear to me that Miss Bingley's dreadful behaviour is a clear sign that her brother has an interest in Jane."

"Do you really think so, Lizzy?" Mary asked.

"I do, however I cannot imagine it adding up to much now. Jane is not formed for such cruelty and resentment. I do not know if she would allow Mr Bingley to court her, if she were to be exposed to such a sister."

"Lizzy, I am surprised you can see Jane that way, after the way she, and indeed all of us have treated you. Jane has never been kind to you," Mary said quietly while looking down at her hands. "I am not much better. I followed Mama's dictates, and ignored you as well. And you were always kind to me. I do not deserve your notice."

"Mary, I have never held any resentment against my sisters for honouring their mother. You did as the Bible teaches us. Indeed, are you feeling well? I am surprised you have not sermonised once all night. It is not typical for me to be the one bringing up the Bible," Elizabeth teased.

"I feel I have not the stomach for it lately, I suppose," said Mary wistfully. "Since you returned to the neighbourhood, I have been watching how our family behaves toward you, and I feel that it is wrong. It is hard to quote Fordyce when you know that your family has no Christian kindness. And I have noticed since I stopped, that people speak to me more. John Lucas even asked me to dance at the assembly."

"Oh Mary, that is wonderful. Yes, people will speak to you more often if you are not lecturing them about wickedness. Most people are not truly wicked, in any case, or at least they do not mean to be. And also, if I may say so, it would be very pretty if you dressed a little more softly. You do not need to change much if you do not wish to. Perhaps a less severe hairstyle or a few new gowns might make you feel more like talking and dancing and less like speaking of Fordyce," Elizabeth laughed.

"Lizzy, can I tell you a secret?" asked Mary. "I never really disliked gowns or lace. But when Lydia left the school room and Mama began buying her more clothes, Lydia would get jealous whenever it was my turn for a gown. Then she would cry to Mama that it was not fair that gowns and lace were wasted on me when I was so plain. You know Mama never said no to Lydia. Eventually I just acted like I did not want the ribbons or lace and pretended to be severe because I was embarrassed that no one thought me pretty."

"That grieves me to hear, Mary. Hopefully we can help Lydia to improve this behaviour one day. But in the meantime, we are going to the modiste. And indeed, my two favourite things to spend money on are horses and clothes. Be prepared to be spoiled terribly, because I am so happy you have come to live with me. I cannot wait to bring you out as you deserve! And for the record, I do not believe you are plain at all. You just need a little attention and help learning what colours and styles suit you best, and Mama never bothered to help you. Indeed, I never enjoyed shopping for clothes until I no longer had to go with Mama, who made it quite miserable. Once you can afford whatever you wish and have only to please yourself, the activity becomes quite enjoyable. But let us leave any more conversation for now. I need to go and speak to Jane. When I tried earlier, she indicated that she will not come to live with me as you have. If she does not change her mind, we will take her to Aunt and Uncle Gardiners when we go to town the day after tomorrow. We will stay at least a week and bring Diane with us."

"Oh, I finally will get to properly meet my niece!" exclaimed Mary. "I have seen her with you a time or two, but Mama has never let us have a proper introduction."

"Well you will meet in the morning. I spend much of my day with her, and as her aunt, you will be allowed to spend as much time with her as you like," said Elizabeth as they got up to leave the sitting room. "Go ahead and enjoy your bath and chocolate, Mary. I will see you in the morning, dear."

They parted in the hall in front of Mary's bedchamber, and Elizabeth went to her own rooms and sunk into the bath Sarah prepared. She usually preferred to take care of herself in the evenings. Sarah only set out what she needed and retired for the night. Elizabeth would have enjoyed a good long soak, but she went about the bath and dressed in a nightgown and dressing robe quickly, then stepped out into the hall in her house slippers.

Elizabeth stopped and knocked lightly at Jane's door and then entered. Jane was in a nightgown and robe in front of the fire with her chocolate and plate of scones, her damp hair plaited down her back. "I will not impose myself upon you for long, Jane, but I wanted to speak for a moment," Elizabeth said gently as she sat in the chair across from Jane.

"I have made arrangements for us to travel to my house in London the day after tomorrow," said Elizabeth as she watched Jane carefully. "We will stay in London for one week, while Mary visits the modistes and obtains what she needs for her new wardrobe, since she will be staying with me for the foreseeable future. You may take that opportunity to spend some time with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and determine where you would like to live from now on. You are welcome to stay with Mary and me permanently, Jane. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner will be very happy to have you as well, I am sure. I will not pressure you. But I hope you will come downstairs tomorrow and meet your niece, and spend some time with us before you go. If you choose to stay with the Gardiners, it may be some time before we see each other again."

Jane nodded silently. Elizabeth's heart broke. She wished so much to take her sister in her arms and comfort her, but Jane was like ice, and Elizabeth knew she would not allow it. "I am sorry for what happened to you at the Bingleys, especially since I fear it has ruined what may have been a lovely courtship for you, Jane." "Whatever can you mean?" asked Jane bitterly. "The Bingleys think I am a country mushroom. A nothing, with relatives in trade and bad connections. A filthy chamberpot that ought to be hidden away for shame."

"Oh Jane. You cannot believe that, can you?" Elizabeth said in surprise. "To begin with, it is simply not true. You are a true lady, the daughter of a gentleman whose family has owned his estate for more than three hundred years. Your eldest sister is a lady, and the granddaughter of an earl. You have connections aplenty if you choose to acknowledge them. And even if you do not, they are still yours, and you are even more well bred for not drawing attention to them. I have spent time among the greatest ladies of the ton, Jane, and they behave nothing like the Bingley sisters. In fact, the best of them behave more like you. Caroline Bingley has seen that her brother likes you, and is determined to drive you away so that she can force her brother back to London."

"If only that could be true! I liked him at the assembly, I felt it in a moment, and he is so attentive when he calls, but he could never like me if his sister hates me so!" Jane cried. "How can I believe it when it is far more likely that he does not like me and never could!"

"It can be true and it is true," said Elizabeth firmly. "I received a call from Mr Darcy this morning in which he indicated that Bingley liked you exceedingly, and then he fished around quite cunningly for information on how you felt about his friend. Of course, I only replied that I was not in your confidence and that you only just met, but that there was certainly cause for the gentleman to hope. I do not know what happened at the Bingley household before you arrived yesterday, but Mr Darcy informed me that Mr Bingley would take it upon himself to send a carriage and a maid for you, since Caroline did not make the offer. Of course, it is too soon for anyone to speculate what could possibly happen between you and Mr Bingley, because your acquaintance is still quite new. But I believe his sister is spoiled and selfish, and she behaved the way she did because she saw reason for you to hope."

"But even if he liked me, Lizzy, how could he pursue me after this terrible night, and how could I allow him to do so, with such a sister?" Jane wailed and began pacing the room, quite agitated at the thought that there may have been hope for Mr Bingley to like her, and now all was ruined. "Even if he still wanted to, could I let myself be subjected to that woman again?"

"Jane, I admit this has all been a complete disaster, but it is pointless to speculate about anything further now when anything could happen tomorrow. Mr Bingley may take steps to manage his sister, or he may leave the neighbourhood and never return. All that can be done now is for you to move forward, and see what your future holds," answered Elizabeth. "Please try to get some sleep. I am sure your path will feel more clear to you tomorrow.

"I cannot live with you, Lizzy. You know that I cannot. This is the first time I have ever disobeyed my mother, and I do not like it," said Jane as they rose from their chairs.

"I understand Jane. but know that I am still here for you, always," said Elizabeth gently as she slipped out the door.

Chapter 4

The gentlemen returned to Netherfield late, in good humour and possibly slightly inebriated after imbibing with the Colonel after dinner. "What excellent company! Good food and drink, excellent conversation! Colonel Forster must keep a splendid regiment indeed!" exclaimed Bingley as they entered his study for one final nightcap.

"Well I am glad for you that you enjoyed your company this evening, Charles, as the company here at Netherfield was quite dreadful," said Louisa Hurst from a chair near the fire where she was waiting with her own glass of brandy.

"Louisa! Since when do you sneak into the study and drink brandy!" hiccuped Hurst as he fell into a chair. "Perhaps you can be more fun than I thought, my dear."

"Yes, well, let us leave something for another time, shall we?" Louisa said dryly. "For now we must discuss Caroline and the appalling disaster she has created tonight."

Bingley sank into a chair with dread, now completely sober. "What could she possibly have done now, when I gave her specific instructions on how to behave?"

"Yes, and then you left and did not prevent her from doing as she pleased," replied Louisa. "Charles, the evening was a disaster. Caroline refused to speak of anything other than Miss Bennet's unfortunate connections and told her how sad it was that no one would ever marry her. I am amazed the poor girl left without tears and she begged for the carriage the instant she laid down her fork. I am certain this is going to cause a great deal of trouble."

"Curse the day the Lord gave me a twin!" cried Charles. "I have had enough! I can take no more of Caroline's selfishness! Darcy, you were right when you said Caroline would try to sabotage me here!"

"And I believe she has been most successful, Bingley," replied Darcy darkly.

"But Miss Bennet is an angel! I am sure she will not hold it against me! If I go to Longbourn tomorrow and throw myself upon her mercy, I am sure she will forgive me for my wretched sister!"

"I would not wager on that, Bingley. Whilst I am sure Mrs Bennet will be all that is forgiving, to your fortune at least, I am led to believe from her sister, Lady Astley, that for all Miss Bennet's angelic looks, she has a firm resolve. She may not be willing to subject herself to your family again, and justifiably so. And for all your fortune, you are a renter here. The Bennets are the primary family of the neighbourhood, and have been for many years. The mother and youngest daughters may be vulgar, but the eldest Miss Bennets are well liked and respected in Hertfordshire. The neighbourhood will not take kindly to your family's abuse of her, particularly with your roots in trade," Darcy observed. "They would have overlooked your connections if your sister behaved in a genteel manner. Now they will say that it is Miss Bingley who is the vulgar woman from trade, and I am sure your connections in the neighbourhood will suffer if you do not take immediate action. And even that might not be enough if the Bennets do not forgive you."

"Blast it all to hell!" shouted Bingley as he jumped up and rang for a footman, shocking Mr and Mrs Hurst with his volume and language. "Caroline has gone too far this time! I will do what should have been done years ago!"

"Send in Miss Bingley's maid immediately," Bingley demanded when the footman entered the room.

"What will you do, Charles?" asked Louisa as the man turned about and left the room.

"She will leave at first light for Aunt Clara's in Scarborough. I will no longer welcome her to my home, and I will tell Aunt Clara that if she gives her any trouble to go ahead and send her to Cousin Malcolm and his wife. They will take none of her nonsense."

"But Charles, Cousin Malcolm lives in the Outer Hebrides!" Louisa gasped.

"I challenge Caroline to start mischief in such a remote location," smiled Bingley as the maid entered the room with Mrs Nichols.

"Mrs Preston, has my sister retired for the night?" requested Bingley kindly.

"Yes sir, she has been asleep at least an hour now. She did not even notice me entering the room a short while ago to clean up the items she broke when Miss Bennet left early," Mrs Preston answered.

"Would she notice if you packed all her belongings while she slept?"

"I doubt it, sir. Miss Bingley sleeps heavily. With an eye mask and cotton in her ears so as not to be disturbed. She keeps her bed curtains pulled tight. She sets great store by her beauty sleep, and usually speeds the process with a glass of Mr Bingley's brandy before bed," confided Mrs Preston, knowing who paid her salary.

"Well now we know what Caroline and Louisa learned at their girls academy, Bingley," Hurst giggled into his glass of brandy.

"Darling, do leave the jokes aside for now," Louisa frowned at her husband.

"Very well," said Bingley. "Please pack everything tonight except a sturdy travelling gown for tomorrow, and keep a few more handy in the luggage. She will be leaving on a long journey to our aunt in Scarborough at first light. If it is not too much to ask, I would like you to accompany her there. Once you arrive, she will no longer have need of your services, although you may remain as a guest of my aunt for a few days before your return journey. Unless you have another opportunity you would like to take advantage of, I will have you conveyed back here and we will see what work we can find for you."

"If I may, Charles?" interrupted Louisa. "Mrs Preston, my maid has given notice, since she plans to marry. If you would like to return here, or wherever I happen to be when you return, we could make a trial of it."

"I would be glad to work for you, ma'am. Your maid, Mrs O'Brien, has nothing but good things to say about her position," responded Mrs Preston happily. She knew from servant hall gossip that Mrs Hurst was never violent or cruel like Miss Bingley. Mrs O'Brien made her opinion on Miss Bingley's antics known below stairs. Her lot would be much improved.

"It will make for a long night, followed by a frightfully long day of travelling tomorrow," said Bingley.

"I don't mind, sir. Miss Bingley is likely to be angry right at first, but she dislikes travel as you know, and usually tries to sleep as much as possible during a long carriage journey. I will be able to rest then."

"Very well, I shall not keep you then, for the sooner you get started, the sooner you can rest before your journey," replied Bingley. "Mrs Nichols, please make sure the stables have the carriage ready. Double the usual footmen and outriders to accompany Miss Bingley. And please return here to the study shortly to collect an express, which I will prepare to send to our aunt."

"Right away, sir," said Mrs Nichols. "Does this mean Mrs Hurst will take over as hostess?"

"Unless something else comes up to prevent it, yes I believe she will until further notice," replied Bingley, with a raised eyebrow at Louisa. "If anything changes, we will let you know."

"We may not be here past the next few days, Bingley," mentioned Hurst a moment after Mrs Nichols and Mrs Preston closed the door behind them. "Of course, I do not mind if Louisa takes over for Caroline, but I may as well announce that Louisa is in the family way. If all does not go well here in Meryton, I would rather not have her exposed to unpleasantness."

"Of course, I quite agree!" exclaimed Bingley. "Congratulations to you both! I know how long you have been hoping! I am quite chuffed to be an uncle! I must be allowed to buy my niece or nephew a pony!"

"Perhaps just a rocking pony at first, Brother," chuckled Louisa happily. "It will be some time before we are ready for a real pony. Perhaps for some future birthday. I must admit I will feel easier not having Caroline with me for the duration. I will be much more relaxed, I think."

"It is a sad state of affairs that the best thing our sister can do for all of our lives is go away. It makes me quite unhappy to have such a thought," observed Bingley glumly.

"That is indeed a depressing idea. But rather than dwell on it, let us all get some sleep. It is late, and you will have your hands full with Miss Bingley in the morning," said Darcy.

"I will come down early and lend you my support, but I will prefer Louisa to avoid the scene altogether, Bingley," stated Hurst.

"I believe I agree with you, dear. Here, drink this brandy for me. I poured it because the idea of it made me feel calmer, but the smell turns my stomach now," Louisa handed her husband her glass as she dropped a kiss on his head and went upstairs.

*****

Darcy woke much earlier the next morning than was his custom, but he could not sleep any longer. He tossed and turned all night long, wondering how this business with Miss Bingley would affect his dealings with Lady Astley, and also confusion about how he wanted his dealings with that lady to proceed.

She was beautiful of course, the handsomest woman of his acquaintance: she was also intelligent, lively, and kind, and seemed wealthy, although he was still confused about why she resided in Netherfield's dower house. He learned that she had some marvellous connections, once he took the trouble to listen to the gossip of her neighbours. However, she also had some ghastly connections. He was unconcerned about the connections to her tradesman uncle; many gentlemen and even noblemen were involved in investing, importing, and speculation, including himself. The most intelligent of the nobility and gentry would all find ways to diversify their income in the coming years.

It was more the lady's stepmother and youngest sisters that concerned him. He admitted he was greatly attracted to her – her dark eyes could not help but captivate him – and he truly wished to introduce Lady Astley and some of her excellent friends such as Miss Lucas to Georgiana's society. However, aligning Georgiana to Mrs Bennet and Miss Lydia could have disastrous consequences to her reputation and marriage prospects, should Mrs Bennet spend any time in town or when Miss Lydia ruined herself as she was bound to do.

No. He could not pursue Lady Astley. It was a shame, he supposed gravely. He liked the lady, although it was still too early to speculate where that may have led. She seemed to put him at ease in a way no other lady had ever done before, but he could not ruin his sister's chances.

That still did not mean he wished to have Lady Astley's disapprobation. He still did not know much about her, although he planned to make inquiries when he returned to town. Indeed her ostracization from her family and her current residence was puzzling, but he would rather not ask for too many details from her neighbours and invite speculation. She was intelligent, and pleasant to speak to, and he hoped to maintain the acquaintance when he left Netherfield. The situation with Miss Bingley put that in jeopardy. Would she be willing to maintain a friendship with the friend of a family who had injured her sister in such a manner?

Darcy finished pulling on his riding boots, and made his way to the stable to give his horse a pounding ride. As he saddled his horse, he mentally planned his morning.

Bingley intended to have a breakfast tray sent to Miss Bingley's room after the inevitable scene that would happen when that lady was awakened by her maid. He did this so the gentlemen could eat an early breakfast in some semblance of peace while Miss Bingley prepared for her journey. Mrs Hurst would also take a tray in her room.

The scene should happen soon, since Bingley planned to have his sister awoken at first light, and the sun was beginning to rise now. He was relieved to miss the spectacle. Darcy had tolerated more than his share of Miss Caroline Bingley's behaviour.

*****

After breakfast, at the moment that it was the appropriate time for a polite call, Bingley and the entire Netherfield party, excluding Miss Bingley of course, would make haste to Longbourn to convey the apologies of their entire party for Miss Bingley's treatment of Miss Bennet, and to beg the family's and Miss Bennet's pardon.

Bingley planned to ask the gardeners to make a splendid bouquet of roses for Mrs and Miss Bennet and each of the Longbourn sisters. He also planned to invite their entire family to dine at Netherfield Park, and to a ball that Bingley hoped to throw for the neighbourhood in a few weeks.

As Darcy and his horse flew across the fields, he saw a familiar shade of midnight blue on a magnificent dapple grey mare. The scene was more of a blur than anything else, as the horse and rider were moving at a most incredible speed.

The lady was followed at a distance by two discreet riders. Darcy spurred his horse, and gave chase with a whoop. The lady glanced back over her shoulder and spurred her horse even faster.

When the lady finally gave in and allowed Darcy to catch her, his horse was lathered and panting, while her horse looked as fresh as he presumed it must have when it was saddled.

"That was more like a high speed chase than a race! Lady Astley, I must say, that is a marvellous looking grey, and she looks remarkably well exercised; where did you purchase her? I have never seen her equal," asked Darcy as they began to walk the horses to cool them.

The grey was marvellous. With a shining silver coat and perfect dapples down the lower legs, ending in four perfect black socks and crowned with a glossy black mane and tail, the mare was a stunning piece of horseflesh.

"I bred Artemis in my stables at Newmarket. I thank you for your compliment, sir. How is the party at Netherfield this morning? I hope all is well there," replied Elizabeth with a strange expression.

"Now I am quite wrongly rather desperate to ask more about your stables, but I can see by your expression that you have already heard about your sister's experience at Netherfield last night," replied Darcy with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "I must say that does not bode well for Bingley, who is quite upset over the matter. Is your sister quite well now, Lady Astley? I understand her hostess was distressing in the extreme."

"I have yet to see her this morning, but she was quite desolate regarding her experience last night," answered Elizabeth carefully.

"Bingley gave his sister strict instructions for her behaviour last night. Unfortunately she desired to sabotage Bingley here in an effort to remove him to London, because she detests the country. Sadly, Miss Bennet was the means Miss Bingley used to gain her way. Bingley is sending her away to their spinster aunt in Scarborough as we speak, and that lady has been instructed to send Miss Bingley to their cousin in the Outer Hebrides if she gives any trouble there. He and the Hursts will not allow her in their homes again. The entire Netherfield Party will travel to Longbourn later this morning to render our apologies to Miss Bennet and her family," Darcy said. "Bingley is quite determined to make this right."

"Oh dear," Elizabeth sighed. "It is kind that Mr Bingley is so desirous of making his apologies. Unfortunately things have become quite complicated, and we may be rather past that point, sir."

"In what way, may I ask, madam?" inquired Darcy.

"My father has decreed that no Bingley shall ever pass his threshold again, and my stepmother is so incensed with Jane for offending Miss Bingley that she has turned her out," answered Elizabeth sadly. "Jane no longer resides at Longbourn."

"How can this be? What would cause Mrs Bennet to act in such a way?" exclaimed Darcy.

"I cannot speak for my parents' rationales in their decisions," replied Elizabeth. "Truly the entire situation has become quite a disaster."

"Where is Miss Bennet now? Is she safe?"

"Yes, she is. When my mother declared Jane must leave, my sister Mary sent a messenger for me immediately, and I arrived with all haste to retrieve her. Jane has not yet decided where she will permanently reside. We remove to my home in London tomorrow for one week. Jane will spend time with me and with our aunt and uncle while she makes her decision. I suspect she will prefer to reside with them in London. Mary has decided to make her home with me at this time," Elizabeth explained. "I really cannot say whether Jane will feel up to a visit from Mr Bingley today. I think I should find out her feelings on the matter. She has been in shock, I think, and she had little to say on the matter last evening."

"I am quite in shock at these events myself, Lady Astley. None of us would like to ambush Miss Bennet when her world has been turned quite upside down, but I know Bingley will not rest until he has rendered his apologies to your family, Miss Bennet in particular," said Darcy. "This is grave news indeed. I must away to Netherfield at once to relay all of this to Bingley, for he will want to know it immediately. I know that I cannot be responsible for these events, Lady Astley, but I must tell you how sorry I am for you and your sisters that they have occurred. I am horrified by the results of Miss Bingley's behaviour."

"As much as I appreciate that, Mr Darcy, even Miss Bingley cannot be held responsible for the actions of others such as my parents, who have not helped these matters at all."

"Before I return to Netherfield, it occurs to me that now Miss Bingley will no longer be residing there, I could invite my sister to join me here in the country. She has travelled with my aunt from Matlock to our home at Pemberley, and they will soon be coming to London. If I brought her to Hertfordshire, madam, would you allow me to introduce my sister to you?"

"I would be delighted to meet Miss Darcy," stated Elizabeth.

Mr Darcy tipped his hat as he wheeled his horse around and rode with all haste back to Netherfield.

*****

Netherfield was as expected when he returned, with Bingley and Hurst in the breakfast room and the sounds of Miss Bingley shrieking upstairs.

"I hear Miss Bingley is preparing for her journey," observed Darcy as he entered the room, and began to serve himself from the sideboard.

"Hurst had the brilliant idea to move her clothes and what she needs to prepare for the day as well as her breakfast tray to her dressing room and locking the doors to her bedchamber while we were speaking to her in the study." said Bingley. "That way when she went back upstairs she had very little access to many breakable objects. She has very little to do there other than break her fast and get ready to leave. We even removed the mirrors. I believe in two or three hours it will be time to go to the Bennets."

"I hate to give you this information, Bingley but you should wait before you make your visit. Events have not progressed in a positive direction at Longbourn, and Miss Bennet no longer resides there," said Darcy.

"Whatever can you mean? Where else would Miss Bennet reside? Is she well?" asked Bingley, surprised.

"She is safe and well, to my knowledge, but I would rather wait for the rest until Miss Bingley has left the house. There is no point in allowing her to feel as if she has won in any way by learning of the results of her behaviour."

Darcy listened and ate as the two men described their conversation with Miss Bingley until the door opened and Mrs Nichols entered. "Begging your pardon, sir, but the carriage is ready, and Miss Bingley is on her way down."

They all rose from their seats and made their way to the hall. Caroline's many grievances and complaints preceded her down the stairs.

"Charles, I do not see how you can send me away without a by your leave. Certainly Miss Bennet and I can come to an understanding about our difference of opinion. Do not you agree, Mr Darcy?" cooed Miss Bingley as she tried to take his arm.

"I am certain I can have no opinion in a matter so wholly unrelated to me, Miss Bingley. This is between you and your family. It is not for me to interfere," ground out Mr Darcy as he avoided her talons and removed himself from her reach.

Miss Bingley behaved as expected, wheedling, demanding, begging, and then cruelly insulting her brother before she was eventually led into the carriage with Mrs Preston. As the carriage left the drive, the men made their way to Bingley's study, where Darcy made them aware of the situation.

"As I was riding this morning I came upon Miss Bennet's sister, Lady Astley, on her own morning ride. The information I received from her is that Mrs Bennet was enraged at Miss Bennet for insulting your sister, and has turned her out of Longbourn," Darcy relayed darkly. "Lady Astley refused to discuss Mrs Bennet's reasoning for this; however, she has suggested that Mr and Mrs Bennet are at odds. Mr Bennet has insisted that no Bingley will ever cross his threshold again, while Mrs Bennet maintains that Miss Bennet may no longer reside at Longbourn unless she apologises to Miss Bingley. She and her sister Miss Mary are now with Lady Astley at Lilac Cottage."

"I cannot comprehend this! What would make Mrs Bennet turn out her lovely daughter because of Caroline's wretched behaviour? I cannot begin to think how I might put this right!" cried Charles."Darcy, what is your advice?"

"Whatever Lady Astley has said about Mr Bennet's intentions, you have yet to be denied entrance to Longbourn. As a gentleman, you still owe the family an apology. You should go as you planned, perhaps without the flowers, for I would be loath to reward Mrs Bennet in any way for how she is behaving, and make your apologies to the family," advised Darcy.

"I would also pen a letter to Lady Astley if I were you, asking if Miss Bennet might receive you today or if not, if you may call on them in London, and send the flowers along with the note. Perhaps a very nice bouquet each for Lady Astley and Miss Mary, and then something very stunning and special for Miss Bennet. If you really want to lay it on thick, include a small posy for young Miss Astley. Lady Astley is a widow, so it is quite proper for you to send her a letter."

"London? Are they planning a trip to town?" asked Bingley.

"Lady Astley indicated that Miss Bennet has not decided where she will permanently reside. They will leave for Lady Astley's town house tomorrow morning, and stay for one week. Miss Bennet will spend time with her sisters and her aunt and uncle there while she contemplates her decision," replied Darcy. "It makes sense if you consider it. Miss Bennet's reserved and quiet nature may not be equal to encountering Mrs Bennet in public yet. I am sure she could do with a change of scene after her distress."

*****

Darcy went to bathe and change from his riding clothes as Bingley arranged for the bouquets and letter for Elizabeth and Jane. Hurst went upstairs to explain the new situation to his wife.

Before an hour passed, one letter, three bouquets, and one tiny nosegay was dispatched to Lilac Cottage, and one hour after that, the entire Netherfield party was in the carriage on their way to Longbourn.

When Banks entered the breakfast room, the three ladies were dining quietly with Miss Diane, who was quite taken with her eldest aunt's lovely golden hair, and was trying to obtain Jane's attention any way she could. Jane, not being ready to accept Elizabeth's friendship and feeling guilty about it, was attempting to ignore the child.

"A letter and flowers for the ladies of the house from Netherfield Park, ma'am," announced Banks as the footmen followed him into the room with three stunning bouquets of roses. One in peach, one in yellow, and a third enormous array in a stunning shade of scarlet, each in an exceedingly lovely and terribly expensive looking crystal vase.

Banks held a small nosegay of tiny pink rosebuds, stems wrapped in pink ribbon and lace, out to Elizabeth. "For Miss Astley, according to the card, ma'am," explained Banks.

"How lovely!" Elizabeth exclaimed as the ladies all swept to the table in front of the window where the flowers were placed. "Mary, these yellow ones are for you, from Mr Bingley and the party at Netherfield. The peach ones are for me. And Jane, this stunning scarlet array is yours. I am no expert in flowers, but this is quite the most stunning arrangement I have ever seen, even in the best houses in London. Look, darling," she cooed to Diane. "Our friends have sent you a lovely posy of flowers. Take it to Nanny, and find a lovely vase to put them in near your bed. Mama and Aunt Mary will take our walk with you and Beau in a little while, Sweet Pea."

"What does the letter say, Lizzy?" asked Mary when the footmen removed the vases to go to the correct bedrooms.

The ladies all resumed their seats and finished their tea as Elizabeth opened the letter and read aloud.

Dear Lady Astley,

Please forgive my writing to you upon such a brief acquaintance. I beg your indulgence to be allowed to express my sincerest apologies for the behaviour of my sister, Miss Bingley, towards your family. Words cannot express the feelings of all of our party at Netherfield regarding the events of last evening. My sister Miss Bingley has chosen to retire permanently to our aunt's home in Scarborough, and if she is unable to maintain appropriate behaviour while she is there, she will go then to our cousin in the Outer Hebrides.

This morning we go to Longbourn to convey our sentiments to Mr and Mrs Bennet. We hope to call upon Miss Bennet at Lilac Cottage today as well, to invite you all to dine with us at Netherfield. If Miss Bennet is not ready to receive visitors, I would be happy to follow your company to town and call upon her there. I await your response, and pray to have the opportunity to beg Miss Bennet's pardon in person.

Your Servant,

Charles Bingley

Elizabeth had already apprised Jane and Mary of her conversation with Mr Darcy that morning. "The penmanship is quite terrible, I almost wonder how literate the man is, but the sentiments seem sincere. What do you think, Jane? Are you ready to entertain Mr Bingley and his guests today?"

"I just do not know, Lizzy. I feel so confused about everything. I like Mr Bingley, but everything is so muddled now."

"Jane, I would be surprised if you did not feel confused," encouraged Elizabeth gently. "I believe Mr Bingley's actions have proven his regard for you, but you have only just met a few weeks ago. It is far too early to have hopes of any kind. However, his behaviour also proves at the very least that my first impression was correct, and that he is an estimable gentleman whose friendship would be very amiable. He seems to be very sincere. I believe he deserves a chance to show his qualities. That does not mean I believe you must receive him today if you are not ready. It is your choice, Jane. If you are not ready today, you may receive him at my home in London if you wish. Or we may even delay our departure for London by a few days. I wouldn't like to rush you if you aren't ready. There is even a chance that Mama and Papa might change their mind after Mr Bingley speaks with them today. You may be able to return home."

Jane bowed her head and brushed away a tear sadly. "I am sorry, but I cannot return to live at Longbourn under any circumstances now. I would even take a position before I did so. My experience last night was too difficult, and I cannot return to that house to live. For good or ill, Mama has made her choice, and so have I. I will continue to honour my mother as much as I am able, but I cannot live never knowing if I will be turned out from one moment to the next. I hope it is not an inconvenience, Lizzy, but I will accept your offer to go to London, and will make my home with my aunt and uncle, if they will have me. Now I must decide what to do about Mr Bingley."

"I understand your feelings, Jane. Please be assured whether I am alive or dead, it will never be necessary for you to take a position," assured Elizabeth. "I have made provisions for each of my sisters."

"Jane, you just experienced two unacceptably distressing events in the last several hours," pointed out Mary. "It is perfectly natural for a lady to take some time to regain her composure after such experiences. I am sure we all appreciate Mr Bingley's sincere efforts, and I am sure that the gentleman and his guests will understand if you are not ready for company today." Mary hesitated for a moment, wondering whether Jane cared what she thought before plunging on. "If I were in your position, I would have our sister send a reply thanking Mr Bingley for his kindness and the lovely roses, explaining that while you receive them with gratitude, you have yet to regain your composure, and invite him to call upon you in London, where you will be residing from now on. If he does so, and when he does so, will tell you much about his intentions. Then you can decide from there how you wish to receive his attentions."

"That seems eminently sensible, Mary," observed Elizabeth.

"Indeed it does. I will take your advice, Mary," said Jane. "Lizzy, will you send the reply?"

"I will do so immediately, Jane, and then you are both welcome to join Diane and I for our morning walk with Beau."

Chapter 5

Bingley was dejected. Never since his years at Cambridge, when several noblemen's sons made him their target, had he endured such humiliation.

Darcy intervened then, and Bingley trusted him ever since. Darcy always gave him excellent advice, and he had given him good advice in this situation as well. Bingley just did not think it would be enough this time.

"Oh, it's a disaster, isn't it?" he observed miserably, scrubbing his hand down his face as the carriage left Longbourn. "Should we go straight to Lilac Cottage, do you think?" he asked the party as a whole.

"I do not know what the point of that letter this morning was if you were only going to turn up there regardless of their wishes, Charles," noted Louisa Hurst testily.

"Yes, I know," sighed Bingley. He banged against the top of the carriage and when it stopped, informed the driver to proceed to Netherfield Park.

The moment the carriage stopped and the footman opened the door, Bingley bounded out of the carriage to see if there was a reply from Lilac Cottage, while the others waited in the carriage. He returned, tearing it open and reading the note in front of the open carriage door.

"It says that the ladies receive our sentiments and the kind gesture of the flowers with gratitude; however, Miss Bennet has yet to regain her equanimity after her trials. They travel to London tomorrow. Lady Astley and Miss Mary will remain at her home in Bruton Street for one week, during some point of which, Miss Bennet will permanently remove to reside with her aunt and uncle on Gracechurch Street near Cheapside. The ladies invite us to call upon them if we are in London," stated Bingley, who was feeling a myriad of emotions. Disappointment that he would not see Miss Bennet today, gratitude that he was being given another chance to make amends, and apprehension regarding Miss Bennet's reception of him in London.

"Lady Astley's house is in Bruton Street? What an address! I wonder if she is close to Lady B______?" exclaimed Mrs Hurst, referring to a dowager of the highest society who was well known for having named her eight children alphabetically.

"Raises even more questions about why she resides in a modest dower cottage in the country," grumbled Hurst. "Must not be nearly so reduced as Caroline wished to believe."

Darcy concurred with both statements. The Mayfair address was better than not only Darcy House on Curzon Street, which was also in Mayfair, but also Matlock House, home to his uncle the earl. He did not even know well most of the residents of Bruton Street. Many of them were of the very highest ranks of nobility.

"Nothing to do now but go back into the house then," said Hurst practically. "A quiet lunch will be just the thing after the morning we've had."

And it had been quite a difficult morning. They were turned away at Longbourn, even after the manservant delivered a letter to Mr Bennet that Bingley prepared before leaving for Longbourn. Mr Bennet sent the manservant back with the unopened letter and a message that if Mr Bingley disturbed Longbourn again he would set out his hounds.

They heard Mrs Bennet shrieking from the upper level of the house, but could not hear what she might be saying. The young ladies were not seen near the windows. Bingley was utterly humiliated, and Darcy was troubled. Bingley was trying to be an honourable gentleman, and Mr Bennet was being most ungentlemanly in his response.

The party dined quietly at lunch. It was decided that they would go to London in three days, two days after the party from Lilac Cottage, and then send their card to Lady Astley and the Miss Bennets.

"It may not be pleasant after all these events, but if you are to have any chance of returning to the neighbourhood successfully, Bingley, you should take your leave of the neighbours tomorrow," advised Darcy.

"What if word has already gotten about? What shall we say if someone says something?" inquired Bingley apprehensively.

"The truth, I should expect," said Darcy. "No point in trying to cover it up. Your sister attempted to make you unsuccessful in the neighbourhood in an immature attempt to force you back to town. After Miss Bingley's behaviour since the assembly, most should well believe it. Make it plain that you have begged the Bennets' pardon, and will call upon Miss Bennet in London to express your regrets. If you are sincere, it is possible some may sympathise and be forgiving. You need not call on everyone; the Lucas family and the Gouldings. Perhaps Mrs Long? Even though Mr and Mrs Phillips are relatives to the Bennets, you should call on them as well, to prove your good will. However, be careful not to volunteer information unnecessarily if the situation is not already known. If someone asks, then be direct about it. There is no need to start the village gossiping if Mrs Bennet or her daughters have not spread the tale yet. You are only going to London on business for an indeterminate time. You will return as soon as you are able, but your desire to take your leave of the neighbourhood should be your main topic of discussion, Bingley."

"That is sound advice, Charles," said Louisa. "I will go with you as well."

The party split up after lunch, Bingley to speak to the staff about the trip to London, Darcy and Mrs Hurst to arrange their packing with the servants, and Mr Hurst to nap in the library.

*****

When the next day dawned, the ladies of the dower house began their journey to London. Their ride in the carriage was mostly quiet, other than Diane's happy babbling. Jane finally softened to the child slightly, and she and Mary took turns telling the girl stories and playing games for her amusement. Beau travelled with his head upon Elizabeth's lap, as always.

Elizabeth gazed out the window as she considered Mr Darcy's request the day before. It was the first time since the loss of her husband that she had given a gentleman any encouragement, such as allowing herself to be introduced to a mother or sister, although no one else ever made such a wholesome request, including Sir Christopher, who had no living family when they wed, having lost them in an epidemic of influenza while he attended university. He was the third son of a gentleman from Kent, and his two older brothers perished along with his parents and three servants. Most gentlemen moved from introduction straight to proposal since she was widowed, and she was still unsure what this gentleman meant by such attentions.

Was the gentleman interested in her as a lady, or was he just taking the opportunity to introduce his sister to ladies he could trust? Mr Darcy was so reserved in his manner, she could not discern his intentions. Nor did she know whether she wanted him to pursue her, or if she would encourage him.

He was definitely the handsomest man of her acquaintance, and he was certainly no fortune hunter. She liked his reserve. He was proud, but not conceited in the same way as other gentlemen of the ton. There were no rumours about exploits with the demi monde or mistresses, unlike the sons of Lady B______ who lived across the street from her on Bruton Street or the C_____ clan whose men all had shocking nicknames and were honourable family men who were yet infamous for all manner of carousing when they were bachelors.

Not that she disapproved of those families. Indeed, the ladies were her particular friends and staunchest allies in the ton, and she liked all of the gentlemen in question, finding them each amusing and admirable in their way. Indeed she was involved with several business investments with one erudite gentleman of the C_____ family, and enjoyed a friendly competitiveness in horse breeding with another in Newmarket. She trusted them all and knew she was safe in their presence, rakish reputations be damned.

However, she preferred a gentleman who was rather less obvious, so to speak. A gentleman who had not made such a career of his exploits, one who felt less dangerous and more dignified. Perhaps a gentleman who, for all his reserve, might have the potential to be quite ruthless in the protection of his family, if necessary.

She thought back to Sir Christopher. He was completely different from what she required in a husband now, although her life was very different then. She had been successful in her investments when he proposed, but not so successful that she needed to hire extensive protection during her marriage, because her status as his wife protected her, and besides, few knew of her investments and business. Regardless, she kept the services of Miss Carmichael when they wed, for the exercise and enjoyment of training with her, as well as for protection about the city.

It was after her widowhood that she realised how vulnerable she was. By the end of her half-mourning, a half dozen gentlemen from Kent had attempted to intimidate her into marriage. Within six months after that, she escaped two kidnapping attempts in London, and the vast majority of the ton was only aware of the fortune left by her husband. Still being unofficially in mourning, she rarely went out to evening events, yet gentlemen still found countless opportunities to hound her. She realised that if her true wealth was ever widely known, she would have to leave the country altogether, unless she remarried first.

She wasn't even sure she wanted to be remarried. If the right gentleman were to make himself agreeable, she would consider it. However, it would solve her fear of being kidnapped into marriage. Nevertheless, she would not marry just for protection alone.

Elizabeth met Sir Christopher when she was in Hertfordshire for the summer in her twentieth year, while he was visiting a well regarded physician in the area. At the age of twenty-nine, Sir Christopher Astley had already distinguished himself in his field and in the ton, and was elevated by the Queen for his efforts after identifying the source of a terrifying epidemic in London and eradicating it. Mr Bennet watched quietly as Mrs Bennet tried unsuccessfully to transfer the gentleman's attentions to seventeen year old Jane, who was far too young and shy for the man.

It was no use anyway. Sir Christopher Astley had eyes for no one but Elizabeth. Mr Bennet bided his time. When the gentleman presented himself for her hand, Thomas Bennet assured him he was welcome to it. Under one condition. He would sign a private agreement with Mr Bennet, agreeing to turn Elizabeth's dowry over to Bennet as soon as it was rendered to him by Lord Hexham.

Sir Christopher had no need of the money. He would have been glad to marry Elizabeth without any dowry, but they had already discussed the situation that started when Mr Bennet married Lady Cristina, and the young man believed that Elizabeth had the right to decide if she wished her future husband to sign away her dowry, so he asked to think it over and left.

Elizabeth had another idea. The gentleman never returned to Longbourn. He left the neighbourhood the very next day without a word to anyone, leaving all of Meryton to pity Elizabeth for the gentleman's caprice. Elizabeth moped for a few weeks until it was time for her to return to the Gardiners' home in London at the end of summer. Mrs Gardiner helped this along by sending an express that the children all had summer colds, and asked if Elizabeth could return a few weeks early to help.

When Elizabeth returned to London, Sir Christopher had already visited Lord Hexham, carrying a letter to the earl from Elizabeth, and received his blessing for the marriage. A week after she arrived in London, an enormous caravan, including the Gardiner household, Lord Hexham and his family, Lady Rosemary, the earl's sister, Sir Christopher, and his closest friend Mr Roberts, left London on the Great North Road. After many days on the roads, they arrived at the very grand estate of Lord Hexham's cousin in the Highlands, where they were married in church, then enjoyed a lovely wedding breakfast without the need to call the banns or have the permission of Elizabeth's father.

Sir Christopher happily signed the most modern and liberal marriage settlement in history other than the Queen's. Elizabeth would retain complete and irrevocable control of her dowry, her personal properties, investments, and her person. She could live wherever she liked, could never be denied access to her children and must be consulted equally on all matters pertaining to her children's welfare.

Even Lord Hexham shook his head in wonder at all of the freedoms Sir Christopher had insisted be included. When he commented on it, Sir Christopher replied, "I need a partner, my lord. I have no use for a slave. If I wish for a companion who will obey my every word, I shall buy a hound."

When they returned to London and Lord Hexham placed the announcement of his niece's wedding in the papers, Thomas Bennet's fury was terrifying to behold. He had not planned to allow Elizabeth to stay in London for long on this visit. He only allowed her to go out of pity for his brother Gardiner's wife, who always seemed to be expecting and always had a house full of children with childhood illnesses.

When Sir Christopher first showed an interest in Lizzy, Bennet realised it was time to do something to protect his interest in her dowry. When Astley asked for her hand, Bennet gave him the opportunity to give the dowry up. When the man went away, Bennet began making arrangements with one of his tenant farmers. The man would marry Elizabeth after signing a document promising the whole of Elizabeth's dowry to Bennet. The man would receive three thousand pounds, which was more than he ever could have held at one time in his life, and he would have considered himself lucky.

But the chit was too intelligent for her own good, and outwitted him. Thomas Bennet bided his time again. He had four other daughters, all of them lovely, even the plainest one who hid behind spectacles she did not need. Eventually one of them would fall in love with a wealthy gentleman desperate enough to pay him for her hand, or perhaps he could persuade Elizabeth to pay him by interfering with her sisters' matches. He would get at least some of what he felt he was owed.

Once she lived in London with her husband, Elizabeth was able to socialise openly with her mother's family, and became quite popular in the ton, with her lively manners and lighthearted nature. She caught the attention of The Queen, who already was acquainted with her husband since his elevation, when she patented a new gadget that The Queen found to be charming and useful. They maintained a close friendship, for the young Queen had been expected to take on her duties at a very young age and was sadly lacking in truly authentic companions.

Diane was born a year after the Astley's wedding, and they were delirious with joy. Everything was so perfect. Sir Christopher had just begun a new physicians association, one that encouraged modern techniques, procedures, hygiene, and sterilisation, and discouraged dubious practices such as bloodletting and purging. He was working with his mentor to write new medical textbooks to be used in the medical colleges and worked with a set of Anglican Nuns to devise better nursing and midwifery practices. He had become incredibly wealthy in his own right, aside from the wealth he inherited from his father, before meeting Elizabeth, when he patented designs for several new medical instruments.

The couple's most happily shared interests were reading and horses. Sir Christopher was as horse mad as Elizabeth, and only owned the newest and best advancements in carriages. Unfortunately, like many gentlemen, he was partial to racing, his one weakness, and one afternoon a year after Diane's birth, he was killed in a phaeton accident in the park. Elizabeth was very adamant about safe carriage practices ever since, and refused to associate with men that she knew participated in carriage racing.

One might think Elizabeth would have eschewed horses after the incident, but instead it made her more aware of the injustices and unfairness to the beasts. Like most women of her time, horses had no control of what was done with them, and were usually mistreated and harmed. She mourned her husband deeply, but she didn't blame the animals. He chose to race, and caused the death of his animals as well as himself.

Elizabeth mourned her husband quietly, mostly at Windmere, the family estate he left their daughter in Kent. When her half-year of full mourning was complete, she removed herself to London, for the cold reception of the neighbourhood and in the village was unpleasant due to a local lady, whom she now knew to be Mr Darcy's aunt, who disapproved of her husband's elevation.

Elizabeth had no interest in the preservation of rank. She doubted the townspeople did either, but it seemed the locals were all used to giving the lady her way to make their lives easier. Since Elizabeth was the granddaughter of an earl, she did not take kindly to being treated like the local fallen woman.

She could have and probably should have stayed at Netherfield. When she met Sir Christopher, he was ostensibly visiting a local doctor from the area, but he was actually there to look over Netherfield, an estate he had quietly purchased, with the intention of having a second estate close to town. The purchase was kept quiet in order to preserve the man's peace in the area with the local matchmakers while he was visiting, since he was not yet ready to inhabit the place.

They had such hopes for Netherfield, Elizabeth mused, as the carriage rolled along its way to London, her hand absently stroking Beau's head. However, after their marriage they didn't use it. Elizabeth had friends in Meryton she would have loved to be close to, but Sir Christopher felt that the Bennets would make the situation too uncomfortable for them and for the neighbours.

As a result, Elizabeth eventually removed to town. Still wearing half-mourning, she expected that single gentlemen would take that as a signal not to pursue her, but it seemed like nothing would persuade the gentlemen of London that she was not interested. Indeed, some of the gentlemen became quite angry and aggressive, as if Elizabeth had stolen something that was rightfully theirs, by not encouraging their advances.

After some months and the two kidnapping attempts, Elizabeth spoke quietly with a general of the army while at a birthday event for The Queen at Buckingham House. She explained to him that her mistress of arms was quite good at her job, and her footmen were well trained, but she was still concerned for her safety, even though she paid her staff extremely well. The general suggested that she may find the best results from hiring all her male servants from decorated veterans who were coming home from service looking for work, and suggested that he send her one of his colonels, who would assess her house and situation and make recommendations of men he trusted.

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam presented himself at Astley House in Bruton Street the very next day. Elizabeth greeted him kindly, if not rather distantly. The mistress of arms (who had ever heard of such a thing) showed him the house, its perceived weak points, lists of the staff and their personal backgrounds, and made him aware of Lady Astley's travelling habits and other properties.

The colonel, extremely impressed by the mistress of arms and Lady Astley's efforts at security, could see now why the lady was so distant with him, and also why his general had strictly ordered him not to attempt to court the lady. She was besieged from all angles. Every single gentleman for miles was determined to wed her for her fortune, if not by wooing, then by force. He and his cousin were concerned about such dangers for their shared ward, his youngest cousin, and she only had thirty thousand pounds. A widow with her dowry intact in addition to fifty thousand pounds from her late husband, her own estate in the country, and a mansion in Mayfair, was enough to make even the most honourable bachelors salivate. Colonel Fitzwilliam sought to put her at ease by being strictly professional, yet still his gregarious self.

The lady had some good friends. The B______ family from across the street, and the C______ family were excellent connections. Connections for which his own mother, the Countess of Matlock, would sell her teeth. None of the gentlemen of those families would allow her to come to harm in their presence. Since they were not always in her presence, the lady must be able to count upon her own household and resources, rather than the protection of her friends.

He recommended that she slowly begin to replace all of her male staff with trained army veterans. Men who had served their country, and now struggled to help their families, and keep themselves fed. These men were accustomed to loyalty, honour, and duty. If she treated them well, and gave them good reason to be loyal, every one of them would stop at nothing to protect her. He also found her a personal steward. John Banks was his superior officer's batman in the field, and was injured fighting by the colonel's side.

Fitzwilliam explained to Elizabeth that the man may need to walk with a cane, but he could still ride when necessary, was extremely intelligent, and could be utterly ruthless in the protection of those he served. Banks' ability to blend in with many social ranks and converse easily with people of all sorts, as well as his shrewd and often cynical knowledge of human nature, made him indispensable to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth began the process of slowly finding alternative employment for the staff who would be replaced. Many of the ton would have turned their servants out without a second thought, but she was more considerate than that. It was another mark in her favour with the new servants coming in, to know that the lady took her responsibilities seriously, and that they would never be turned out for no reason, and with nowhere to go.

Fitzwilliam also suggested that Elizabeth make better use of her man of business, Mr Montague. The man was known to not only be a financial genius, but also a ruthless protector of the interests of his clients. He had contacts all over the city, all over the country, in other countries, in every industry and social sphere imaginable. Mr Montague could find out nearly anything and everything about anyone with astonishing speed.

So with the help of Colonel Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth's house was much safer. Mr Montague assisted her as she began investigating every person who passed through her life carefully. Before a gentleman even had time to call on her with flowers after being introduced, Elizabeth already had a file on the gentleman, as well as his estate, his fortune, his debts, and his habits, as well as everything he had ever done in his entire life. By doing so, she was able to know the worst of many wolves in sheep's clothing.

As Elizabeth continued her remembrances, the carriage entered the outskirts of London. Diane, who had crawled over to her for a nap, had her head on one side of her lap while Beau rested his head on the other. Jane had closed her eyes and laid her head back against the cushions as Mary watched out the window, wide eyed.

The months after Colonel Fitzwilliam helped her update her staff passed without too many incidents. There were gentlemen who pursued her for her fortune, and with the assistance of her loyal staff, she was able to keep the worst of them away. This year, Montague finally persuaded Elizabeth to allow Netherfield to be leased. She was not enamoured of the idea, for she still had friends in the area, and had not given up the idea of living there. The Bennets had not been able to keep her from retaining the friendship of those who had known her all her life. She corresponded with several ladies in the village, and she hoped to inhabit the estate one day, when the time was right.

She preferred to keep the property available, in case she needed to return to the area to assist her sisters. However, since no one would want to lease Windmere due to the local reputation cast on the house by its neighbour, and she did not need two country estates open to her, Montague prevailed in his persuasions, and she allowed the estate to be let to a young gentleman of good reputation a generation removed from trade, with the conditions that she not be named as the owner of the property to the tenant or the townspeople. Also, that Netherfield's generously appointed dower house must not be part of the lease, but left available to her in case her sisters needed it.

As Elizabeth expected, she regretted leasing out the property almost as soon as the papers were signed. She investigated the man and his family, and although his sister was known to be a shrew, there was nothing sordid known of them. When Diane fell ill with a childhood ailment not long after the property was let, her physician, a close family friend and the mentor to her late husband, recommended getting the child out of London for most of the summer or perhaps even longer.

Elizabeth could have gone back to Windmere, but found the idea distasteful. It was one thing when she was happily married with her husband in the house, or during her mourning, when she was not entertaining. But it was wearing to be part of a community that was not allowed to speak to her. She would have sold the place, but Diane was to inherit it on her twenty-fifth birthday or her marriage. Elizabeth was certain that by then, the troublesome neighbour would have passed on, and the neighbourhood would have forgotten the " unworthy " lady who was mistress of the estate before.

Netherfield would have been the ideal situation. For all the Bennet's unpleasantness, Elizabeth missed her friends in Meryton. For example, her best friend Charlotte was wasting away in Meryton. Even though Elizabeth had invited Charlotte to come and stay with her many times, Lady Lucas was afraid to allow it for fear that Mrs Bennet would take offence. Elizabeth understood Lady Lucas's concern, since Mrs Bennet had been her closest friend for years. However, Elizabeth could have had Charlotte married to a worthy gentleman years ago. If Elizabeth had taken up the mantle of mistress of Netherfield, Mrs Bennet would have to give way as the primary gentlewoman of the area for her titled stepdaughter, and stop many of her silly shenanigans.

However inconvenient, the estate was let, and would not be available for a year. The dower house was still hers to use, and though it might have been rather smaller than she would prefer, it was comfortable and respectable, and she would make use of it until the new tenant of Netherfield vacated the place.

Lady Astley and her child moved into the Netherfield dower house, known as Lilac Cottage, which Elizabeth paid an enormous sum to have renovated and updated quickly, and began to enjoy the comforts of being back in Meryton. The neighbourhood was mostly inviting. There were no invitations from Longbourn of course, but the rest of the neighbourhood would not have left her out of dinners and parties, so Elizabeth enjoyed the society of her youth while Diane's health thrived in the clean atmosphere of the country. Elizabeth decided that from then on, she would make every effort to keep the child in the country for the warmer months, perhaps only making short visits to the city when necessary in the summer, and only returning for longer stays in the winter.

The new tenant was rather exasperating. First, the gentleman took possession of the place just after the spring planting, and then did not take up residence or communicate with the steward all summer. Elizabeth was rather impatient with the situation. Why lease a property and not use it? The gentleman finally turned up just after the harvest, which Elizabeth managed with the steward, with a party of his family, and his friend from the north. He seemed an earnest young man, and Elizabeth did not dislike him, but he seemed rather flighty and immature to her. Perhaps it was just her widowed state. Since her husband passed, she viewed most young men, even those who were a little older than her, as young puppies. She certainly did not think much of his attempts to learn how to manage an estate, but otherwise she knew nothing unsavoury about him.

Mr Darcy was not a young puppy, she mused as the carriage passed through London, and the houses became larger and more beautiful and imposing. Mr Darcy had the presence of reliability and maturity, without the added obvious sort of experience that made her skin crawl. Elizabeth had no desire for a pox ridden husband.

As they neared Astley House, Elizabeth smiled as she watched Mary's eyes grow wider still. "Mary, I forgot this would likely be your first trip to London. What do you think so far?"

"When we first entered the city, I was rather frightened, in some locations," admitted Mary. "Then as the scenery began to look less dangerous, I have been quite astonished. The streets are so busy, and the homes are so grand. I have never seen so many people."

"Yes, the city has its pleasant and not so pleasant aspects, just as in the country," replied Elizabeth. "However, as the city is so large and there are so many people here, the disparity between pleasant and not so pleasant is exceedingly greater than in the country. You will need to be careful here, Mary. When you are with me or in our home you will be safe, however you cannot walk out to the shops or the park alone here. Always take Miss Carmichael, our mistress at arms with you, and at least two of our footmen."

"I was shocked to see you training out of doors with swords with Miss Carmichael yesterday, Lizzy. I was quite frightened by it," said Mary.

"I would not force you, Mary, but I would have you learn at least some basic self defence from Miss Carmichael. You need not train with swords unless you wish to, but there is a great deal a lady can learn about how to keep herself safe. This is strictly between us, but I must tell you that I am rather more wealthy than most people are aware of, and I am already pursued in the ton by people who have no idea of it. I have gone to great lengths to protect myself from being kidnapped into marriage since I lost my husband. I would like you to be able to defend yourself, just in case," said Elizabeth gently.

"I am not sure about swords, but I am willing to learn something from Miss Carmichael," replied Mary practically. "I was too young to remember her incident, but Mama and Lady Lucas have spoken of it many times, and I have seen her poor face. I would never want to suffer such an awful fate."

Elizabeth was sure Mrs Bennet had spoken of Miss Carmichael's assault many times. Elizabeth herself should never have learned of the incident, having only been eight years old when it happened, but she was made aware of all the distressing details by Mrs Bennet, who relished discussing it in great detail in her mean spirited fashion. It was because of women like Mrs Bennet that poor Miss Carmichael was turned out of her home. The ladies of her neighbourhood insisted that because she was no longer pure, her presence was detrimental to her younger sisters and the young ladies of the county. Her parents had no choice but to turn her out of their home or find their two younger daughters to be considered unmarriageable.

They could, however, have sent her away to family in another part of the country or at the very least, have found her a situation. Instead they turned her out with nothing rather than have her cause them any further expense. Elizabeth despised the custom of ruining and casting out of young women who were victims of evil men. She never followed it herself, and spoke to whomever she liked.

Elizabeth was rather notorious in the city, and regarded as highly eccentric, travelling about with an armed female guard with a disfigured face, and her tendency to discuss industry with forward thinking gentlemen and noblemen. She could get away with it due to her highly titled friends, and connection with The Queen. One would imagine her eccentric reputation and her disfigured armed guard might deter some suitors, but apparently her wealth was sufficient enough for most men to disregard such concerns.

Jane opened her eyes as the carriage pulled up before Astley House. "Lizzy, this cannot be your home. Your husband was only a physician, and in Meryton you only occupy a dower house! I always expected you to live in a neighbourhood like Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's!"

Elizabeth laughed. "Only a physician who was honoured by The Queen, Jane. Sir Christopher was already exceedingly wealthy when he was elevated by Her Majesty, already owning two estates by the time we were wed, and I have been very successful in my own business endeavours.

"In any case, sisters, now that we are here, I am exceedingly happy to welcome you both to Astley House," said Elizabeth as the ladies were greeted by her butler.

Chapter 6

The ladies spent the day resting after their journey, and a note was sent to Gracechurch Street, inviting Mr and Mrs Gardiner to luncheon after church the next day, which would be Sunday.

"We will keep the knocker off the door, since I will not be accepting callers for such a short stay in town," Elizabeth told her sisters after they settled in and were taking tea in the small library, which was Elizabeth's favoured room. "Of course there are a few people we must call on. The Dowager Duchess of St I___ will be in town, and after my mentioning so many times how I longed to entertain my sisters for a visit, Lady B______ who lives just across the street would never forgive me if I did not bring you to tea on Thursday."

"A duchess! Lizzy, I would not know how to behave with such a person of rank!" exclaimed Mary.

"There is nothing wrong with your manners, Mary, or her grace's manners either for that matter, the lady is simply delightful," soothed Elizabeth. "Just behave as you always do, and you will do very well. There are certainly people who disdain others in the ton, but they are not among the society of my closest friends. I do not wish to alarm you, but I must also inform Her Majesty that I am returned to town. I doubt she would invite us to visit her when I explain the shortness of our visit, but it would never do not to inform her that I am here."

"Lizzy, I could never go to meet Her Majesty!" Mary wailed. "I would die of nerves!"

"Well, as I said, I do not believe it will come to that this week, Mary," chuckled Elizabeth. "However, as you accustom yourself to the society I keep, you should try to get used to the idea. I am determined to bring you out as you deserve, and that means you must be presented at court. I do not want you to worry over that now. As much as I would like to bring you out this Season, due to your already having reached nineteen, I am aware you are not ready so soon. However, by next year, I believe you may even look forward to it. You are near to my size, so I have had Sarah and Ethel begin altering a few of my gowns for you to use this week while we are about town. I have several brand new ones that I probably will not wear that will suit your colouring very well."

"Thank you, Lizzy. My attire was one of the first things I worried about when you mentioned meeting your friends. I would not wish to meet a duchess in my drab grey gowns," said Mary.

"As much as I hate to disappoint you or your friends, Lizzy, I am afraid I will not be meeting them," said Jane coolly. "I wish to return with my aunt and uncle to Gracechurch Street tomorrow."

Elizabeth sighed inwardly. Jane had been like this for all of the last two days. She would begin to warm up slightly, then seem to realise it, and return to her ice cold serenity. Each time she did so, she became slightly more venomous.

"Of course I would never pressure you, Jane. If you wish to go right to our aunt and uncle, I will not stop you. Please do whatever makes you feel comfortable," Elizabeth encouraged.

"I must go and speak to the cook," Elizabeth stated as she stood and shook out her skirts. "It will probably seem peculiar to you both, and I hope you do not mind, but I generally allow the servants to have the entire day off on Sunday. It means a bit of fending for ourselves, but no one was ever hurt by a cold breakfast and making their own bed once a week. Usually I would go into the kitchen today, and prepare something I can easily put into the oven after church but since we only just arrived in time for lunch, I must see what there is to be had for tomorrow."

"Lizzy, do you really work in the kitchens here? I cannot imagine why that should be necessary in a house like this. Since you will only be here one week, would they really mind working tomorrow?" asked Jane.

"I am sure they would not, but tomorrow is the Lord's day of rest, and the servants must have theirs, as scheduled by the Almighty," said Elizabeth briskly as she began to exit the room. "The only servants on duty tomorrow will be the men who guard the doors, and one hall boy who minds the fires, and they alternate each week. I hope you both enjoy the rest of your afternoon. The housekeeper Mrs Hayes will show you to your rooms."

"How ridiculous! Who ever heard of giving all the servants the entire day off every Sunday!" derided Jane when she thought Elizabeth was out of earshot. Elizabeth was not one for eavesdropping, but since Jane was making no effort not to be heard, she paused anyway.

"Jane, I cannot understand why you would be so unkind to her after everything she has done to help you," said Mary sternly.

"She is only trying to buy our affections, and she cannot buy me. I am surprised at how quickly she bought you, Mary, given all your past moralising," Jane said unkindly. "You ceased your sermons, and began looking for her favour almost as soon as she entered the neighbourhood in Meryton."

"I did not even speak to her until that terrible evening at Longbourn, Jane, and she has been in Meryton all summer, much to my shame! And as for sermons, it is difficult to lecture others on wickedness when you discover how little Christian kindness is in your own family. After seeing what our loving mother has done to her most precious child, you must pardon me for declining to wait about to be the next daughter cast out into the night. I do not have to listen to your unkindness, Jane. I have had enough unkindness at Longbourn these nineteen years. I am glad to put them behind me now," challenged Mary hotly.

*****

Elizabeth continued on her way to the kitchens. She had gone through three cooks before she could find one willing to share their kitchen. One would think that double the usual salary and every Sunday off would incline anyone to bend their thinking a bit, but some servants were even more conscious of rank than most peers and were patently incapable of re-examining their own ideas of what was proper.

Upon arriving in the kitchens, Beau hot on her heels, Elizabeth found everything well in hand. Knowing Lady Astley would only be in town one week, it was nothing for the cook to go the extra mile to prepare a simple dish that Elizabeth made often on Sundays. There were several loaves of fresh baked bread and soft rolls to go with all of the meals, and there was also cold hard boiled eggs, ham, and cheese, as well as a lovely apple pastry ready for breakfast. There was a large roasting pan for a late luncheon ready to go in the oven. Then more cold chicken, ham, pies, and other simple delicacies for supper, which Elizabeth preferred to take on a tray in her room, for it was a day of rest for her as well as the servants. There was a glass-covered stand piled with scones, muffins, cakes, and biscuits as well, for any who wanted them.

Elizabeth usually walked to church and put her lunch in the oven, and spent the rest of the day quietly in her suite, typically reading while Diane and Beau played in her sitting room. Usually she made quite an adventure of it with Diane, as she was used to doing every week with Sir Christopher, who embraced the practice with good humour and liveliness when she suggested it. She would do that tomorrow with her sisters.

Sunday morning, Elizabeth woke early, made her bed quickly, washed in the refreshing room attached to her suite, then dressed in an elegant, yet practical gown, and pulled her hair up into a simple and attractive twist. She then went to the nursery and relieved the nurse for the day, and helped the child make her bed, wash, and dress herself. They made their way to Mary's room where they entered laughing and singing to Mary's called invitation, and helped Mary make her bed. They then went downstairs to set out breakfast as Mary prepared to dress for the day, promising to help Jane before she came down.

Jane and Mary entered the kitchens to find Elizabeth and Diane singing hymns and nursery rhymes and ABC's as they finished laying out breakfast. The ladies ate in the kitchens, and then cleared away all traces of breakfast in good cheer and surprising efficiency and left the kitchen fires in the care of the hall boy who would receive the following Sunday off while another tended the fires.

The little family walked to Church with Lady B______'s family, since the weather was so fine, and the distance was small. In this manner, at least one of the introductions Jane was trying to avoid were made anyway, and the younger ladies were received by the Dowager Viscountess and her daughters with kindness.

After the service, Elizabeth made introductions of her sisters to several friends, including Lady D_____ and Lady O_______, two elderly Dowagers who terrorised the ton with their good natured, yet sharp tongues, and then their little party walked the few blocks back to Astley House.

"Where do you keep the servants of a Sunday, Lizzy? Do you not feed them? I was surprised to find no one but us in the kitchens this morning," asked Jane.

"There is a goodish sized room upstairs attached to the servants' quarters. It was no trouble to have a long table installed there." Elizabeth answered good naturedly. "The servants spend their day much as we do. The cook provides everything necessary for cold meals like the one we had this morning, and they do not mind it a bit. The servants serve themselves breakfast before they walk to church, and then sit down to luncheon together. Then they all rest, read, and serve themselves a light dinner when it suits them, and they return to their duties on Monday much refreshed. Some of them attend church with their families on Sunday."

"But what about my aunt and uncle's visit today? Who will wait upon us at lunch?" inquired Jane.

"The Gardiners and their children have spent many such Sunday meals with Diane and I. They find it liberating for everyone to break out of their usual routines, and have most of the house to themselves without so many staff about. Aunt Gardiner has implemented a similar method at Gracechurch Street. Uncle Gardiner even has quite the adventure harnessing the horses and driving the carriage with our young cousins when they come for luncheon on Sunday afternoons."

"I believe it seems a perfectly irrational way to entertain guests, Lizzy, but it is your home," sneered Jane as they entered the house, hung their own coats, and left their bonnets on a side table.

"I believe we should expect our family to arrive in about an hour," observed Elizabeth, ignoring Jane's venom. "I will go to the kitchen and see our dinner into the oven."

Diane took Mary's hand and led her upstairs, babbling happily, as Elizabeth turned her back on Jane and left her standing in the hall.

*****

The Gardiners arrived, and far from being offended at serving themselves, they arrived in good cheer and bearing a lovely pudding. Mr Gardiner and the children started a crackling fire to warm the small library and set up a screen to protect the carpet. They met the ladies in the small dining room just as Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner came in with the roasting pan from the oven and trays of soft bread rolls. Everyone took their chairs and passed their plates around the table as Elizabeth served from one end. Once everyone had their meal before them, Uncle Gardiner cleared his throat loudly from the other end of the table, held one hand out to Jane and the other to his daughter, as the family bowed their heads for the blessing.

The luncheon was joyful and filled with the laughter of the children, and the happiness of the Gardiners at having their second and third eldest nieces with them. It had been five years since Thomas Bennet had allowed them to visit.

When the meal was finished, everyone carried their plates and all evidence of the meal to the kitchens. The family laughed and joked as they covered the dishes and the roasting pan in the sink with water for the scullery maid to attend to in the morning. The family trooped upstairs to the small library, where Uncle Gardiner stoked the fire. The children sat down to play quietly in the corner as the adults talked.

Elizabeth spoke briefly with Aunt Madeleine in the kitchen before lunch, and had acquainted her with Jane's behaviour from the last two days. Jane had not warmed up very much during luncheon, and seemed to be irritated in her serene way at the enjoyment her family was taking in the meal.

Now, Jane was sitting with her aunt and uncle and speaking quietly while Mary and Elizabeth sat with the children to read a Bible story. After a short time, Jane stood. "Lizzy, I am going to my room to pack a bag to bring with me for tonight, since there are no servants to help with my trunks."

"Certainly Jane, I will have your trunks sent over to Gracechurch Street tomorrow," answered Elizabeth.

While Jane was upstairs, Elizabeth chatted with her aunt and uncle, making plans to pick up their aunt, and Jane also if she wished, in the morning for a trip to Uncle's warehouses to look for fabrics for Mary's new wardrobe. They would stop for luncheon at a popular tea house. Next, they would continue to Elizabeth's modiste, who was sent a note the day before and responded that she had cleared the entire afternoon for them.

"I think we all must remind ourselves that Jane has been through two unacceptably distressing events in the last few days and that she may not be up to the jolly visit we are used to having. When she does come down, she may wish to leave as soon as possible, and I would not like to make her uncomfortable by forcing her to remain," Elizabeth said to the Gardiners. "I am sure she is quite keen to return to Gracechurch Street and settle in. This has all been very difficult for her."

"You are probably right, Lizzy, we will take our leave as soon as Jane indicates she is ready," replied her uncle. "Jane could probably do with a long talk with your aunt, and a day or two of rest. I hope this Bingley does not turn up too soon, she needs a bit of quiet before this bumbling boy and his family discomfort her again."

True to Elizabeth's prediction, ten minutes later, Jane appeared at the door of the small library, holding her bag in front of her, and looking as if she might catch lice if she were to come back into the room.

"Well that is our cue to head home, then. Come lads, let's ready the carriage, while the ladies prepare to leave," said Uncle Gardiner as he roused his sons.

The ladies acquainted Jane with their plans for the next day as they donned their bonnets and waited for Uncle Gardiner and the boys with the carriage. Jane made no comment as they chatted and then made their goodbyes, but just before leaving she did turn to Lizzy and said, "Thank you, Lizzy, for the ride to London." Dipping into the barest curtsey, Jane turned and herded the girls outside.

Aunt Gardiner followed her, eyebrows raised almost to her hairline, after giving Elizabeth and Mary each a loving hug.

"Thank you for the ride to London, indeed! How could she behave so!" exclaimed Mary as the door shut behind them. "The ride to London was the very least you did for her this week!"

"Let us not dwell on such things on the Lord's Day, Mary. Diane is looking rather sleepy. I believe she could do with a short nap, and I would not mind a short rest myself. We usually lie down for a bit on Sunday afternoons. Would you mind if I took her upstairs for a while?" said Elizabeth as she held out a hand to the child.

"Of course not, Lizzy. I would like to spend some time in the music room, not playing of course, but I'd love to look through the music, and later to select a book to read from the library. I would not mind spending the rest of the day in my room reading. To be honest, the refreshing chamber attached to my suite is calling me. I would love to take the opportunity of this quiet afternoon to take a long bath and rest which I would never be able to do on a Sunday at Longbourn." answered Mary.

"That is a sound idea, as that is what Sundays are for, and you will get little rest for the remainder of the week," teased Elizabeth. "We will do so much shopping this week that you shall beg to return to Meryton on Saturday. I showed you all that is laid out in the kitchen for dinner. You must help yourself to anything you like when you get hungry this evening. I usually prepare a meal for Diane at about five, and have her to bed by seven. I take a tray in my sitting room after she's asleep. You may join me, or if you are enjoying your book too well, you may stay in your rooms as you like. And as you have probably seen, I keep a kettle and a tea service next to the boiler in each suite, so you can make yourself a cup of tea whenever you wish. I can never see the point of calling for a servant just for tea when I am alone in my rooms."

"Thank you, Lizzy, I cannot wait to see what music you have," said Mary.

"You must feel free to take any or all of the music that you like back to Hertfordshire with us when we go, Mary," replied Elizabeth. "I can easily replace whatever you take with us. It would be nice to hear someone practising when we return to Meryton. My own skills are only tolerable."

The ladies parted in front of the door to the music room, and Elizabeth and Diane continued up the stairs. Diane was still used to taking a short nap each day, although Elizabeth allowed her to skip it occasionally if the Gardiner children were visiting, but now that they were gone, the child's head was nodding. Even Elizabeth was feeling drowsy. She rarely napped. Usually she laid down and read on a Sunday while Diane napped on her bed, but a rest certainly sounded like a good idea today. The events of the last few days were catching up to her.

Elizabeth helped the child undress down to her shift, then Elizabeth did the same and climbed into her large bed. Within moments, the two were fast asleep, with Beau curled at the foot of the bed.

Elizabeth woke an hour later feeling refreshed, as Diane was crawling to the foot of the bed to cuddle with the dog. Beau's tail thumped harder and faster as the child drew closer, and then covered her face with canine kisses of joy while the girl giggled.

Elizabeth rose and donned her gown and looked to the mirror at her vanity table as she brushed and plaited her hair into a simple braid. Certainly not appropriate for company, but for a quiet Sunday with most of the servants upstairs, it would suit. She assisted Diane with her dress, and they headed downstairs with the dog and, dog lead in hand, they greeted the footman at the doors to the back garden.

"Hello Andrew, I hope all is well with you today."

"Beg pardon, your ladyship!" exclaimed Andrew as he scrambled to his feet and set a book down on his chair by the door.

"Nonsense, Andrew, you've done nothing wrong. I place these chairs by the door on Sunday for your use. Just because you are spending your Sunday protecting us does not mean you must stand at attention all day. Have you had a rest?" said Elizabeth.

"Indeed I have, ma'am, as Robert came down and took my place for an hour after luncheon so I could eat and stretch my legs. After dinner the night men take over," answered Andrew.

Elizabeth had a crew of men just to watch the doors at night. One of her kidnapping attempts had consisted of a nobleman paying a servant to gain access to her home at night. It went very badly for the nobleman and the servant, both of whom had woken badly beaten, tied hand and foot on a ship bound for Australia. Elizabeth was completely ruthless when her safety was threatened. She would see a duke onto a ship to Australia bound in chains without a second thought.

Now she took no chances. The men and women who worked for her were paid triple the going rate for their positions. Elizabeth covered all physician care for themselves and their families. She opened every servant an investment account for their retirements, and encouraged them all to put in a percentage of their pay on each quarter day, and matched what they contributed. She sponsored their education in any subjects they chose. Every servant in the house could read, write, and figure, and tutors were on retainer to provide direction for those who wished to study history or other subjects. Sometimes it resulted in a servant leaving for a better line of work after their education, but then Elizabeth always had a loyal contact in whatever that new industry happened to be, such as modern plumbing, which was always useful. Mostly it resulted in exceedingly intelligent and loyal staff that valued their positions highly.

Every member of staff knew that if they died while defending her family, Elizabeth would see their families fed and cared for all their lives. No one wanted to die in her service, of course, but for such advantages as they received, every man would fight to the death to defend her. It was a costly policy, but Elizabeth found it worth every single penny. She easily made up for the expense simply by abstaining from the gluttonous menus and great quantities of wine and port that most fashionable households consumed.

"Diane and I must give Beau some exercise, and allow him to take care of his business. Would you accompany us to the garden?" Elizabeth always had a footman or a groom accompany her when Miss Carmichael was unavailable. Even just in the garden.

Andrew stationed himself in a location where he could observe them in the garden, and also continue to watch the door so it was not unguarded. Elizabeth did not insist on guarding the doors every day, since she retained a large staff who were all about the house on regular days. But on Sunday when the house was always quiet, and at night, when all were abed and all the servants upstairs, she insisted on the doors being watched.

Diane hunted for a stick while Beau nosed about and did his business. As soon as the dog finished, Andrew swooped in quietly, cleaned up behind the dog with a scoop and a bucket, and resumed his position.

Diane ran back with her stick and began throwing it for the dog. Usually they would walk in Hyde Park each morning to exercise the animal, but on Sunday such activities were unseemly. Beau was a lovely dog, but he was still young, and had quite a bit of energy to expel each day. Elizabeth found the dog was an angel, as long as he had an hour of exercise each day, preferably in the morning after breakfast, but Sundays they typically went in the garden for the afternoon if the weather was not wet. Even in the cold, Elizabeth believed it was good for both the child and the dog to spend some time outdoors, as long as they were bundled up. Elizabeth even knitted a sweater for the dog, for the very cold weather.

Fetch was Beau's favourite game, and the dog would chase the stick and bring it back all day if one would humour him. The joyful dog spent a happy hour running back and forth across the garden and chasing and playing with Diane.

They returned inside just before five o 'clock, as the sun was beginning to set, and Elizabeth led Diane and Beau to the kitchens. Diane was eating her dinner at the small table in the corner; Elizabeth had just set down the dog's meal when Mary entered with a damp braid down her back.

"I hope you do not mind me in my dressing gown, Lizzy. I couldn't see getting dressed again just for a scone in a house almost empty of servants," said Mary, blushing.

"Do not concern yourself, Mary. I do the same often on a Sunday. This is one of the reasons I give the servants the day off. Yes, it is a day off for them, but it is also a day off for me, when I can finally relax and not be concerned about appearances," assured Elizabeth.

"After Diane is finished eating, we usually spend some time in the nursery. She will be down for the night at seven o'clock. I usually have a tray in my room at about eight o'clock if you would like to join me in my sitting room."

"I am sure I will, as it will compel me to take a break from the novel I am enjoying. Otherwise I might read all night," chuckled Mary.

"Mary Bennet is reading novels! Whatever will happen next!" teased Elizabeth. "If anyone has been guilty of reading novels all night it has surely been me, and I am certain I will be guilty of it again many times over."

"I decided while I was in the library that if I am to make a new life for myself with you, I must turn over a new leaf. I do not wish for you to find my company dull. I chose the first volume I pulled off the shelf because I did not know how else to choose, and it is a good book," Mary confessed.

Elizabeth took Diane's finished plate from in front of her and slid a plate with a small cake and a cup of chocolate diluted heavily with milk in front of the child. She did not always allow chocolate before bed, but on Sunday it was allowed as a special treat.

Elizabeth poured Mary a cup of tea, and they chatted quietly as Diane finished her cake. Elizabeth then put the few dishes in to soak with the roasting pan and dishes from luncheon, and they all went back to their rooms. "I will return to the kitchens to make a tray at half past seven, Mary."

"I will come down as well and help, Lizzy. Good night, Diane." Mary ruffled the child's hair as they parted at the top of the stairs.

Elizabeth helped Diane to bathe, singing songs as the child played games in the bath, and then assisted her with drying off and getting into her nightgown. She then squeezed onto the little bed and cuddled the child as she read a bedtime story, with Beau at their feet, and then sang to the girl until she fell asleep. She cherished these Sundays alone with her daughter. Certainly she spent an enormous amount of time with Diane during the week compared to other society mothers, but she especially cherished these simple evenings together.

The nurse returned at seven; Elizabeth wished her a good night before going to the library. She spent a half hour browsing for something new to read, and eventually settled on an old favourite before heading for the kitchens.

Mary was already in the kitchens, preparing a plate from the foods available, and Elizabeth joined her. They carried their trays upstairs to Elizabeth's sitting room, and settled down comfortably.

"Lizzy, I have to tell you that I was almost as uncertain as Jane about your Sunday rituals. but I must say this has been one of the most enjoyable days in my memory," Mary observed.

"I have been lectured by nearly everyone about it, that our fending for ourselves is the same as work, but I ask you, what about the servants? For me it is a change of routine, which is as good as a rest, whereas if I did as most of society does, the servants would be working all day, and certainly have no rest at all. I find the quietness and privacy of the house quite restful. I believe we all must decide for ourselves what we consider to be rest, as long as we are observing the Lord's day respectfully," replied Elizabeth.

"I never thought of it that way, but now I agree with you," said Mary thoughtfully. "Today in the kitchens, cleaning up after ourselves didn't feel like work. It felt like a holiday."

"That is my feelings on it exactly!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "Usually it is quieter; the Gardiners only join us on Sunday once a month or so when we are in town. In the worst of the winter sometimes, they have spent the night on Saturday and Sunday. We've made quite an enjoyable time of it. Sometimes it's easier for them if they are already here, and do not have to manage their carriage. It is certainly exciting for the children.

"So tell me how you spent your day, Mary. Did you enjoy your afternoon?"

"Enjoy? Lizzy, it was the closest thing to heaven I've ever experienced. I have heard about these water closets and bathing chambers many times from those who have travelled to London and stayed in the newer hotels, but I have never seen one before leaving Longbourn," gushed Mary. "I am ashamed to admit it but with the convenience of the boiler, I stayed in the bath for nearly two hours! And all the oils the maid left... I confess I felt quite decadent."

"I am glad you were able to rest after the days you've had recently," replied Elizabeth. "We all talk about how distressing it has all been for Jane, but I am sure it has been a great deal for you as well, Mary. And do not worry, I have taken my share of two hour baths. I may even take a long one this evening. I rarely have time to do such during the week. Also, speaking of the maid, how do you like Ethel? She will be your personal ladies maid if you get on. She has been in training with my maid, and Sarah feels she is ready for the promotion if you like her."

"I had no expectations of being assigned my own maid, Lizzy. I thought a housemaid would help when necessary, like at Longbourn. Are you sure it's worth the expense?"

"It is not only worth it, but necessary, Mary, as your wardrobe is about to become significantly more complicated. Do not worry about the expense. I have taken you into my household, and you will be provided for accordingly as befits the station of my house. You are my cherished sister, Mary, not a poor relation," answered Elizabeth.

"I was surprised to see the refreshing chambers at Lilac Cottage, Lizzy," said Mary. "How did they come to be installed there when the main house does not have them?"

"I suppose I should confess to you now that I own Netherfield, Mary," Elizabeth confessed.

"You own Netherfield! How has that come about?" Mary exclaimed.

Elizabeth told Mary about her husband purchasing the estate quietly before their marriage, and the events that led to Mr Bingley having signed a contract just before Diane fell ill.

"The lease stipulates that the dower house will not be part of the lease, and that it can be used by anyone at the owner's discretion. I did that in case something happened to Papa while Mr Bingley was in possession of the property. I have always planned to install you all there if the worst should happen. All of you as well as Mama will have the place for your lifetimes if you need it."

"Mama ought to be ashamed of herself for her terrible behaviour all these years, and you have been preparing to provide for us all the time," Mary said indignantly.

"When I decided to bring Diane to the country, I had the refreshing chambers installed before we came. I have grown spoiled. I cannot bear to live in a house with old fashioned chamber pots again," said Elizabeth. Modern toilets and water closets, while discussed in all levels of society, as was often the case with newer inventions, were becoming more popular in the city, mostly in fancy hotels and tradesmen's homes and in newer mansions. Unsurprisingly, the nobility and those with old money would be the last to accept anything new or modern into their homes, but Elizabeth preferred comfort and cleanliness to tradition, and she arranged an apprenticeship for a previous footman with an engineer who later became skilled in installing the pipes and fittings. The man was grateful to Elizabeth for having provided the opportunity to better himself, while Elizabeth enjoyed quality work done to all of her properties when she needed it, and was never on a waiting list. "I am waiting to find out what Mr Bingley plans to do about Netherfield, but I am unsure whether I will agree to renew his lease. I would hate to interfere if he wanted to settle there with Jane, but at the same time, I would rather not stay in the dower house forever. When he ends his lease, I will have work crews come in, and build the new refreshing chambers in the main house. It will probably take at least a month or perhaps more to complete the work."

Mary was astounded. All of this time, her mother spoke of Elizabeth as someone of whom to be embarrassed. And it turned out that Elizabeth seemed to be incredibly wealthy and well bred indeed, which Mary had suspected ever since her sister returned to Meryton.

They spoke a little longer, about their plans for the next day before Mary returned to her suite, carrying her tray with her. Elizabeth assured her the maid would clear it from her room in the morning, and Mary was certain she would stay up late reading, and would probably pick at the tray a bit more as she did so.

Elizabeth finally was able to run her own hot bath and relax for the evening. Eventually she crawled into bed with her book, but the events of the week caught up with her again, and she fell asleep quickly, barely able to keep her eyes open long enough to blow out her candle.