Here I present you with another chapter. Thanks to Jazzy-luvs-me for the sole review of last chapter. She showed me that there might be a little uncertainty about Miss Brandons feelings. I have to say her act is very convincing... She is set on suffering alone, as you will see...

You might want to read Sense and Sensibility from Jane Austen to understand some parts of this story alongside Pride and Prejudice. There are some parts from Emma inside the story too. Since there where never three good girls finding eligible good rich men in one of her novels I had to improvise a little. It makes the story more complex but I hope I will manage...

I still do not own any of Miss Austen's work or any of Stephenie Meyer's, anything you don't recognize is my own...

Twenty-first chapter

The next day brought a long awaited and in some cases prayed-for event to the little village of Chawton. It was a Saturday and since Mr Yorkie could hardly expect his esteemed patroness to deprive herself of two Sundays in a row without his most valuable sermons he felt himself most apologetically obliged to leave his dear relations and speed home with haste.

There were but few people in the vicinity sorry to see him leave and most of his dear relations were relieved to say the least. After the failed proposal especially Miss Stanley and her mother were happy to see him leave. The first could not forgive her mother for prompting such a thing and the second could not forgive her daughter for forfeiting the chance to secure her family's fortune and future.

Meanwhile Miss Swan proposed a walk to her companion, since company was not expected on this fine weathered morning and a consoling visit to Miss Hale was in order. Miss Brandon sadly was indisposed by a slight headache and had to plead to stay home. In addition she needed to answer some correspondence that had been left to pile for the excitement of the last days. It was then agreed to spend the morning in a separate way and Miss Swan left for her friend. After assuring her friend that she was perfectly able to manage the short walk to their mutual friend alone, Miss Swan set off in good spirit.

Miss Brandon was very much relieved to finally have some time to herself, there had been a demand for her society since the dreadful day of Box Hill. With great control she managed to retreat to her chamber and quietly closed the door before she broke down on her bed. The worst part of her suffering was the fact that she could not tell anybody of his reasons not to propose. It was told to her in confidence and now the only thing for her to help him was her silence. She had tried with all her strength to shake this feeling of a fated union between them, but it would not do. In truth he had not encouraged her; it had been all her own doing. Oh, but hope died so hard. Her friends, and most of all he, should not suffer, she could not show how much he had unconsciously and unwillingly inured her. She had resolved to suffer in silence and once again repeated her vow to do so to herself.

Miss Swan was in much better spirits than her companion. She had formed a resolution to aid her openly lovesick friend with everything in her power and this scheme gave her much satisfaction. Only the fulfilment of her hopes in this area could possibly increase her happiness in this minute. But when her musings where disrupted by the enthusiastic greetings of an acquaintance it was by no means unwelcome. Her acquaintance, that proved to be Lieutenant Black, bowed to her and asked for her well-being. After the proper return of the sentiments he offered his arm and company to her destination wherever it may be.

"This, Lieutenant Black, is a dangerous proposition." She instantly teased. "I might be walking to a place where your welcome is questionable."

"There could only be one place in this area, and fortunately for me, I have been informed that the inhabitants of this place just left the area." Lieutenant Black parried with ease.

"You seem elated at their departure, but I guess you have reasons enough to feel this way." She prompted him, eager to hear more of his story.

"It still hurts to see those familiar faces living happily when I suffer to support myself. I could have been an honourable parson by now, preparing for my weekly sermon to my parish. Instead I struggle with a profession that is hardly pleasing to my character and temper." Lieutenant Black readily answered.

"Another person left today, I was informed, Mr Yorkie, is that right?" Lieutenant Black continued and Miss Swan affirmed.

"I have heard him mention Lady Catherine de Bourgh from Rosings. Pray do you know what his connections to the lady are?" he inquired further.

Miss Swan happily informed him that Mr Yorkie was the most grateful recipient of a living in the parish that enclosed Rosings and therefore could call the lady his benefactress. Then she inquired if he perhaps was acquainted with the lady in question and to her great surprise he answered in the affirmative.

"I have met her only once, when I was still at Denali. She is aunt to Mr Cullen and sister to Lady Cullen. There was a rumour that both sisters planned to unite their offspring in marriage. Now it will surely be a confirmed business, as both parties are of age." Lieutenant Black added in explanation.

"Pray tell me, what kind of character has Miss de Bourgh, will she suit Mr Cullen? He requires a great deal in a wife, I once overheard." Miss Swan inquired further.

"She is said to be a very refined and proud lady, but with a sickly constitution. Her mother often excuses her lack of common accomplishments to her daughter's fragile health."

At this point the pair reached the rather lonely path to Hareclove Cottage and for the sake of propriety had to end their conversation. After a short farewell and the customary curtsy and bow the went their different ways, both deep in thought.

I hope you liked it and will leave me a review, won't you? I still do answer all reviews that come my way. So feel free to ask me any questions you might have about this story.