Chapter 12

Violet pov

Looking outside the window the scenes blurred past me. If not for the jerking movement of the carriage one might feel like the trees out there were moving, running away.

My name is Violet Douglas Brudenell. My maternal uncle has raised me after my parent's death. Few months ago my uncle passed away too and now I'm going to visit some old friends of my family. I mourn none of these, yes I pray for both my uncle and cousin to be at peace but that is all.

I would be lying if I say I had a hard life, because I didn't; not by my definition anyway. My parents loved me dearly. I was the world to them and they were my world. They lived a happy life together and even in death they were together, "till death do us part" indeed. Thinking of them brought a smile to my face. In my heart I know my uncle too cared for me in his own way. In his last days I was the only family he had and he did treat me like a daughter. I think the loss of his son changed him.

I noticed the scenery outside had stopped changing, it took me a few moments to drag my mind to present and process the situation. Soon I realize that the carriage has stopped moving and my maid is looking worriedly at me. Oh! She must have been calling my name which I didn't even hear. I just gave her a reassuring smile and got down the carriage.

As I looked up I was greeted by the sight of a big mansion looming up at me, which happens to be the residence of my aunt's friend. I have been invited to live here for sometime, or so I have been told. I rolled my eyes at that because the real reason may or may not have to do something with there being eligible sons in family. Oh joy.

As I greeted them I saw a face among them which seemed familiar for some reason. Before I could say something the countess urged me to go freshen up, her reasoning being I must be tired so introductions could wait until later. Well I can't argue with that logic. So I found myself directed to the room that has been prepared for me.

Hmmm the bed looked quite inviting; well it won't be terribly rude if I rest a little, right? The countess did tell me that I looked tired, so I guess I can steal some sleep. Yes, that is what I will do. As soon as I decided that, I asked my maid to hurry up.

As soon as I woke up I found that I had slept for longer than I had planned on. I got up from the bed and rang the bell for the maid.

"Why didn't you wake me up?'" I asked.

"Her Ladyship came by while you were sleeping, my Lady. And she told me to let you rest fully and not to wake up. I apologize My Lady."

Now that was even more even more embarrassing I would have to apologize to her ladyship. My maid was still looking at me waiting for my reaction probably. "I understand, but see that this doesn't happen again. Now prepare my toilette, I would like to join everyone" I said with a smile but in firm tone.

"Of course my Lady." She replied with hint of relief in her voice.

Poor girl she must have thought I would be angry at her for not waking me up, but I truly understand her dilemma. She had contradicting orders from me and our hostess; she could not have been able to obey us both so she obeyed our hostess and apologized to me. It's fine as I know her life is difficult, full of hardships Nothing like the upper classes.

Looking at her I wonder if she ever gets tired of working ceaselessly, day after day with no changes.

"You look very beautiful, My Lady"

I snap out of my thoughts hearing her voice and look into the mirror. Yes she has done a wonderful job. As she always does. I get up and tell her "Thank you for making me look beautiful." She bows her head hearing me with a slight pink on her cheek. Before she can say anything in denial I proceed to go downstairs to meet everyone properly.

As I reach the parlor I can hear voices and as my arrival is announced the voices die down. Taking a deep breath I enter the room, as expected all eyes are on me. That is a really uncomfortable thing, having so many unknown eyes on you. So, I focus my gaze to the person in the room whom I know which happens to be the countess. As soon as I see her my lips turn up in a smile, a genuine smile.

She is not only a friend of my aunt but she also knew my mother a little. I have often met her in Town and sometime even in social gatherings. I offer a courtesy to both Lord and Lady of the manor along with a polite greeting.

"You look very beautiful my dear." The countess complimented me.

"I thank you My Lady."

"Oh Dear!" she chuckled "Let me introduce you to my eldest son, Stephen viscount of _."

At the mention of his name a young man rose from his seat and bowed to me. He did look a bit like countess. Soon everyone else was introduced as well. Most of them were neighbors who were invited for this dinner. After the introductions the evening passed in typical fashion with pleasant conversation, food and entertainment. I would have to say I really enjoyed it and afterwards I even thanked the lord and lady for inviting me.

After everyone left I approached the countess as for the first time in entire evening she was alone.

Sensing my approach she asked, "Do you need something?"

"No Your Ladyship I wanted to apologize." Seeing her puzzled expression I continued "My maid told me you came by in the evening and I was sleeping. So, I really am sorry…."

"Goodness no! You don't have to apologize for that Miss Brudenell. I know you were quite tired. To be honest it was quite obvious from your face how tired you were. So don't worry about that it's quite alright."

"You are very kind my lady. And please do call me Violet."

"If that is what you wish."

After a bit of hesitation I asked again, "Was there something important Your Ladyship?"

As she realized I was asking about her visit she smiled a bit. "My niece is here you see, and she is not out yet. So I wanted to introduce you to her early as she couldn't attend the dinner. But it's alright you have just arrived today I shall introduce you both tomorrow."

This brought back my earlier guilt but I still offered a slight smile of agreement and then bid her goodnight.

Right now I am staring at the canopy over my bed in little light offered by the moon, random thoughts bouncing in my head. Then it occurs to me that the Niece Whom the countess wanted me to meet must have been the girl who looked familiar to me on arrival. Though I still could not put my finger on why she looked familiar. Well I can solve this puzzle tomorrow, now is the time for dreaming about handsome princes who exist only in fairy tales.

Mary pov

"….. Lady Catherine de bourgh….."

I don't know what to make of this speaking person, who happens to be my cousin and heir of Longbourn. He is a parson, a man of church so that is in his favor for good. On the other hand he is talking on and on about His patroness.

Right now Mr. Collins, my cousin, is reading to us all from a sermon, and I am astonished how he managed to insert his patroness's name in there as well. He is reading the sermons same way as my mother speaks of her usual marriage-nerves-entail rant. I internally frown at the thought where did that come from? I normally don't have such thoughts and comparing anything to my mother's rant seems very wrong least of all a sermon. Still I have no idea how I had a thought like that about this particular sermon.

Though the one thing that we all the sisters are wondering is how our cousin intends to "make amends" as he put it. Mother is convinced that he intends to choose a wife among one of us, but then to my mother's thinking every single man out there intends to take a wife. But then what could be his motive for coming here? I think I should pay attention to his words so as to figure out how exactly he intends to help us.

Today we all are going to maryton on Lydia's insistence and Mr. Collins is accompanying us. They seemed rather surprised when I said I too would like to join them, but I want to see how the heir of Longbourn acts when not in presence of current master or Mistress of said inheritance. Thus we all set out on our journey to Meryton.

As I see my younger sisters walking way ahead of us and my elder sisters lagging a bit, I take my chance to speak with Mr. Collins to make out his intentions. I mention some specific sermons to him and we discuss the points of it. I don't say much because I wanted Mr. Collins to speak and compare his opinions to my own. I can't find much fault in his opinions they seem generous enough.

Still I hold some doubts, he is a man of church so I do believe he should do his Christian duty and that he won't treat us unfairly when he does inherit the estate. But then he keeps talking about the material value of everything in his patroness's estate from Chimneys to Fireplaces. It makes me wonder about what he should mean and what he could mean. I know I hold no real value in eyes of any of my dear family, except for Jane perhaps. So yes, I am worried about my future. All my sisters will marry; mother would make sure of that. I have neither chances nor intentions of getting married, which makes my future uncertain. All my life I have strived to be as accomplished as I could be so I know that if worse comes to worse I will be able earn something by becoming a governess. Even then I do want to make sure just what to expect, or not to expect, from the future master of Longbourn.

Till now from all his talk I think that he thinks of himself as a good Christian and wants to do well by his parishnors. So for now, I think he is not a cruel or bad person. Though not being cruel doesn't mean he is going to be as generous as father when he does inherit. Not that my father is a model father but still… for now my worries are sated as father is still hale and hearty so for now all seemed good.

A shrill shout, brought me out of my deep thinking. I stood still right at the spot and tried to compose myself. After I was sure that I am calm enough I looked around myself and tried to figure out what did I miss.

The shout undoubtedly came from my youngest sister, who was currently fawning over a good looking man who was NOT in a red coat even though there was an officer right beside the stranger too. And that confused me again, who was this man? I followed his line of sight and saw Mr. Bingley and his friend were present as well the former speaking to Jane. I felt a frown coming to my face when did THEY arrived? Surely I would have heard the sound of hooves, speaking of that why am I hearing hooves now? I looked around again and see Mr. Darcy left and Mr. Bingley was saying his Goodbyes Hastily to Jane and then following after his friend.

What was all that about? I shook all the thoughts from my mind and followed my sisters back on the way to home. Knowing my sisters they would for sure recount the entire incident over and over again to anyone who will listen, so whatever I missed I would know soon enough.

As it happens my dear sisters did repeated the whole incident as soon as we reached home and I sighed at the end of tale. The incident I had missed was same typical story, like one of those outlandish novels that my sisters read. I shook my head of all thoughts of charming officers and rich people, fully concentrating my mind into the book.

Georgiana pov

Does she remember me? This was the thought that was constantly bothering Georgiana since previous morning. She wasn't really sure what would be worse if she recognizes her or if she doesn't .

Taking a deep breath she decided it was now or never. Since both were staying at the same place they would meet, and the sooner the better. Lost in such thoughts she was about to enter the breakfast room when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning around she was shocked to see who it was.

" Good Morning" the lady greeted her.

Before she could even come out of her shocked state, her aunt came and ushered them both in the room. She vaguely heard her aunt introducing them both and she too responded with proper answers, hopefully. As of now everything seemed to be just happening and not registering in her mind.

During the breakfast Georgiana was silent. She kept glancing at her with the same thought in mind, though in presence of all Georgie almost felt like she didn't recognize her. That thought made her sad. Yes she was afraid of her opinion about the almost elopement yet she was the only friend that Georgiana had made on her own. And now it seemed that friendship was tarnished too. When she felt tears coming to her eyes she excused herself from everyone.

Sitting alone on a bench in the garden Georgiana was again lost in thoughts, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. As everyone in the family knew about Georgiana's fragile state they gave her the space she needed. Also they didn't wish to create a fuss in front of the guests. Though unknown to all someone did followed Georgiana at that time. So lost was she in her teary contemplation that Georgie didn't notice that someone was standing few steps away from her.

" Jasper would not approve of it" a female voice said bringing Georgiana out of her Dark thoughts.

So she recognizes me Georgiana thought. " I thought You Did not recognize me." Her voice cracked a little at the end.

" what kind of friend would I be if I won't recognize you?"

I offered a small smile to her not knowing what to say. Soon enough we both were walking around the garden just like we used to in ramsgate. Although we talked about about ,many things but neither of us touched the matter of our last meeting. It felt good to talk, I hadn't even realized how much I wanted to talk about consequential without constantly checking and rechecking my words. The weight and worries of past few months seemed miles away.

At the moment I am not ready to talk about all that has happened but I want to tell her everything. Well everything that happened after she left. The thought still made me nervous but if anyone would be able to understand all it would be her. Now I just have to find courage and some alone time with her to share my feelings with Violet. Although her being my aunt's houseguest means I have plenty of time with her.