Chapter 7

After the end of the year festivities, Eleanor planned to return to London and take her nieces with her. Jane was already there with the Gardiners, so she planned to invite the rest of her brother's daughters.

When she spoke with Mary and Kitty, they both reacted a bit surprised but decided to accept the invitation. Eleanor offered Mary piano lessons with an Italian maestro that she would hire especially for her. Mary was so happy that she accepted immediately, even though she was afraid of London and socialized with strangers.

"I believe, dear Mary, that you have the dedication it takes to learn everything you want. You just need the right guidance," Eleanor explained to her niece.

Mary was deeply moved, and after hugging her aunt, she said very solemnly, "I will not disappoint you, aunt Eleanor."

"My dear, you do not have to prove anything to me. Just enjoy the pleasure of learning. Besides, I warn you that you should learn other things. You know, at your age I was very similar to you. I knew so little about the world, and that made me very vulnerable. I want you to learn to relate to other people, and do not worry that I will be there to support you".

"Thank you, Aunt Eleanor," Mary said excitedly.

Then it was her turn to talk to Kitty. Eleanor knew that to convince her niece, she had to help her have more confidence in herself and not be carried away by others, especially Lydia. When Kitty heard that her rich aunt was inviting her to London, she immediately accepted. But Eleanor clarified some things so that she wouldn't get any false illusions. "I will not lie to you, my dear. If you go with me to London, you will not be able to participate in social activities other than at home. For me, a seventeen-year-old girl, who knows little of the world, should not be out in society. But I want you to know that I will hire a tutor to help you learn everything you need. So next year, when you are eighteen, you can successfully debut in society ".

Kitty, at first, did not like the idea very much, but she could understand that it was an opportunity that she had never thought she would have. Plus, she loved spending time with Eleanor. "Thank you, aunt. Of course, I want to go with you to London."

She later spoke to Lydia and explained the same things she previously had talked about with Kitty. But Lydia did not take it the same way. "The truth is that I am not interested in going to London with you. All the things you talk about seem dull to me. I prefer to stay in Longbourn with my mother and Kitty."

"I understand, Lydia. But Kitty is going to London with me." Eleanor was, in a way, content. She had a hard time relating to her youngest niece, and she was unsure if she could take good care of her.

"Kitty will do whatever I tell her. Bye," Lydia said petulantly.

She finally spoke to Elizabeth. "Dear Elizabeth, I would love for you to spend the entire season with me. There are so many fun things we can do together. Besides, you and your sisters can get a chance to meet new people." Eleanor did not want to have favoritism, but she could not deny that Lizzie was one of her favorite people. She was so clever and funny, and she could be hours talking to her. They also have so many things in common. Both were good with numbers and loved to read about different topics.

"Thank you, Aunt Eleanor. But I can only accompany you for a month. I have to return to Longbourn to help my father. Also, by the end of March, I will visit my friend Charlotte in Kent. She is the one who married Longbourn's heir." Elizabeth explained.

Eleanor felt a bit angry, but she decided it was better to adopt another strategy with Elizabeth. She needed to spend time with her first and then open her eyes. "One month is enough to do a lot of fun things." It was the only thing she replied to her niece.

Later, she spoke to her brother and told him what her plans were in inviting her nieces to London. "I will help Mary and Kitty with their education and Elizabeth and Jane to enter into society. Also, I plan to help them with a dowry when they get married. Mary and Kitty will spend the whole season with me. Elizabeth will only go for a month. Jane is with the Gardiners, but I will be in contact with her. Lydia did not accept my invitation because she did not like my conditions."

Thomas wasn't entirely upset with the plans; if his sister wanted to assume the responsibility to take care of Mary and Kitty, the better for him. But he would not allow her to deepen her friendship with Elizabeth. She was the only daughter he really loved. Her other daughters were Fanny's daughters too, and he had decided to blame his wife for all his misfortunes. "Fine, you have my permission. But Lizzie must come back in a month. As for Mary and Kitty, they can stay with you forever if they want to."

That night Lydia tried to convince Kitty not to go to London, but she was unsuccessful. Because of that, she threw such a big tantrum that Mrs. Bennet attempted to deny permission to Kitty. Still, Mr. Bennet intervened, and the next day, Eleanor left with three of her nieces.

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Georgiana had invited Lady Claire and her mother to tea with her. She really liked her new friend. Despite the age difference, they had many things in common. They were both shy, not particularly attractive, and had no friends. And although Claire had her mother alive, the truth was that she had never had any kind of relationship with her. In some way, she had also grown without a mother.

Georgiana hoped that her brother would fall in love with Claire. So, she was doing everything possible to make them spend time together. Lady Claire would make a good wife to her brother and a good sister to her. Also, she was friends with Richard, and she was planning to talk to the Colonel to ask his help to match her friend with her brother.

Claire was also happy with her new friend. She was always talking about Colonel Fitzwilliam, and she loved to hear anything about him. She thought that being so close to Georgiana maybe could help her to know him better. It was still too early in to tell her friend how much she admired Richard.

Lady Emma thought there could be nothing more boring in the world than spending an afternoon having tea in the company of her daughter and Georgiana Darcy. Both ladies talked about books that she had never read and about music. None of them were beautiful or had any qualities that would make them attractive to men. But Lady Emma was determined to marry her daughter off as soon as possible, and Fitzwilliam Darcy was an excellent candidate. Although he was a handsome and rich man, he was just as boring as his daughter.

Mr. Darcy was in his office. He had already finished his work for the day, and he knew that he should go to greet the visitors. He was disgusted with himself. He knew that Lady Claire was the perfect woman for him. Her father was a wealthy and titled man, and she was not the typical frivolous society woman. Also, she had become friends with Georgiana, and it was clear that she was sincere. The night before, he decided to get to know Lady Claire better and talk a little more with her. But once he fell asleep, his dreams were filled with someone else, a woman with a charming smile and beautiful eyes. The day he left Hertfordshire and said goodbye forever, he decided that he would marry out of duty. Lady Claire was the best candidate to do that. So he got up and went to the drawing-room.

"Good afternoon, Lady Emma, Lady Claire," said Mr. Darcy as serious as always.

"My dear Mr. Darcy," said Lady Emma. She immediately approached him and began to speak of her daughter's virtues and her dowry of thirty thousand pounds.

"Brother, Lady Claire told me that next week she and her uncle will go to the park that is bordering the river. Can we go too? I haven't been there for a long time, and they say it's very nice during this season." Georgiana knew that her brother would not refuse. This would be an excellent opportunity for him to spend time with her friend.

"If Lady Claire and her uncle are do not have any inconvenience, I'd love to join them on their walk." Mr. Darcy said to Claire, and she smiled shyly at him.

"Of course, they will have no problem," Lady Emma intervened. "I will not be able to accompany you because I have another commitment, but I am sure you will have a wonderful time together." The truth was that she couldn't bear another afternoon with such boring company. And if her brother-in-law joined them, even worse.

"We will be happy if you join us," said Lady Claire with a voice so soft that if it hadn't been for the silence in the room, no one would have heard it.

Once everything was agreed upon, Lady Emma and Lady Claire said their goodbyes. Just as they were getting into their carriage, another one arrived at Darcy House. Mr. Bingley's sisters were coming to talk to Mr. Darcy.

After her friend left, Georgiana went to rest in her room, and Mr. Darcy returned to his office. He was trying to read some contracts when the butler announced the callers. He told his Master that the ladies had requested to speak with him. Mr. Darcy immediately went to the drawing-room to find out what they wanted.

"Mr. Darcy, we are very sorry to have to bother you, but something terrible has happened. We decided to come to talk to you, so you could advise us what to do," Caroline explained, while Louisa nodded.

"What happened, Miss Bingley?" He wanted to end the conversation soon. He hated his friend's sisters, and the less time he spent with them, the better.

"Yesterday, Jane Bennet came to visit us. Fortunately, Charles had gone to his club. Imagine the audacity of that woman coming to visit us as if we were close friends. She is at her uncle's house in Cheapside, and it seems that she will spend the whole season in London," Caroline explained, and Louisa agreed with her.

Mr. Darcy began pacing uncomfortably around the room. He wondered if Jane had come alone or if Elizabeth was with her. Now less than ever, he could risk see her again. He still felt vulnerable to her charms. If he finally decided to court Lady Claire, he did not wish to do so by thinking of another woman. That would be very dishonest, and he didn't know he was capable of doing it. That is why he knew that he had to remove any possible temptation immediately. "I understand very well that why you are worried. I think the best thing you can do is to cut the supposed friendship once and for all. Do not return the call; she will know that you are not interested in her at all. And, of course, not a word to Bingley that Jane Bennet is in town."

"Excellent idea, Mr. Darcy," Louisa said.

"I knew very well that no one could advise us better than you, Mr. Darcy," Caroline said as she smiled coquettishly.

To finish the meeting as soon as possible, Mr. Darcy explained that he had important business to attend to and excused himself. The sisters left satisfied and knowing very well what to do, and hoping that Jane Bennet would understand that their brother was not interested in her.

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Elizabeth had been in London for a week and she had had a great time. Lady Campbell had made sure they had everything. Even a very famous modiste had specially come to the house to take their measurements and help them choose fabrics and designs for new dresses. But was the least important thing, Aunt Eleanor was simply amazing, and Elizabeth admired her greatly. She could not believe that she could feel so close to someone she knew for such a short period. There was something in Lady Campbell that made feel Elizabeth protected when she was around her.

That day Elizabeth had decided to visit Jane in Cheapside.

"How are you, Jane?" Elizabeth asked her sister. Although seeing her face, she knew very well that something was wrong.

"I'm fine, Lizzie," Jane said with a wistful smile.

"Have you heard from Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth sensed that her sister's state of mind had something to do with that gentleman.

"No, I haven't heard from him. But I don't care anymore." Jane had decided to close that chapter once and for all. That is why she told her sister that she had visited Caroline and Louisa a few days ago. They said that they did not intend to return to Hertfordshire. Also, they explained that they and their brother were busy and had little time to socialize with people outside her social circle. Also, Jane said to Elizabeth that she thought that Mr. Bingley's sisters probably would never return the call.

"Don't you realize that they want you to get away from Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth said, very annoyed.

"No, Lizzie. Mr. Bingley is a gentleman. If he had any real interest in me, he would have gone back to Netherfield. Please don't justify a grown man as if he were a child. For me, this is over, and I want you to respect my decision".

"I'm sorry, Jane. Although I do believe that his sisters and his friend have interfered, I think you are right. Mr. Bingley is a grown man, and he has allowed himself to be manipulated. In a way, he is as much or guiltier than his sisters." Thanks to Eleanor's help, Elizabeth had begun to understand much more that adults have the power to decide over their lives and make their own decisions.

Madeline Gardiner had left the two sisters alone so that they could talk. In a way, she felt guilty every time she looked at Elizabeth. She understood very well her husband's dilemma. It was a tough decision whether or not to talk to Ella about his suspicions. But until they were not sure about the truth, they preferred not to say anything. Mr. Gardiner wanted to be able to confront her sister alone without Mr. Bennet's presence. In that way, he could ask her directly whether or not Elizabeth was Lady Campbell's daughter. Speaking without having all the evidence could do more harm than good.

Elizabeth stayed for dinner at Cheapside. Lady Campbell's carriage would pick her up later. "John, Laura, yesterday I went to the market and bought two kites. How about we go to the park tomorrow and fly them. I've never done it, and I want to learn," said Elizabeth laughing.

"You are lucky, cousin Lizzie. I am very good at flying kites, and I can teach you everything you need to know." John said very enthusiastically.

"I am also very good at flying kites, Lizzie," added Laura.

"So, I will have not one but two excellent teachers to learn how to fly a kite. I will try to be a good student," said Elizabeth while all the family laughed.

The conversation continued lively until the carriage arrived to pick up Elizabeth. They agreed that the next day Jane, Laura, and John would go to Lady Campbell's house, and from there, they would all go to the park that was a few blocks from the house.

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Eleanor was in the parlor reading some letters that some friends from Canada had sent her. A few days ago, she had gotten up very early to review various business matters with Elizabeth's help. Her beautiful niece enjoyed learning and was even better than her checking numbers and accounts. She remembered what had happened four days ago and could not avoid smiling.

"Aunt Eleanor, you know everything about your late husband's business," Elizabeth asked curiously.

"Yes, I helped him with mostly everything. He was different from the majority of men. In our relationship, we were equal". Eleanor talked for a while with her niece about Daniel.

"No doubt he was different, Aunt" Elizabeth was fascinated with everything related to Lord Campbell. It was clear that her Aunt had admired him greatly, but how she talked about him sounded more like her best friend than her husband.

After that conversation, Eleanor continued teaching Elizabeth about how the shipping company worked. After reviewing several times Elizabeth and Eleanor discovered several errors in the numbers. Eleanor immediately fired her solicitor and his entire law firm. Indeed, they thought she would not realize that they were charging excessive commissions that were not stipulated in the contracts because she was a woman and had just returned to the country. When she threatened to speak to her brother-in-law Lord Westcliff and possible lawsuits, they promised to return the money. She told them to donate it to an orphanage.

She had always had a particular fondness for children without parents. They reminded her of her own tragic story. Since she left England, she had never again allowed herself to think about her little daughter. She had blocked that part of her life and tried to keep it out of her mind and heart. But since last week, by sharing so closely with three of her nieces and especially with Elizabeth, she could not help but think about that little girl she had only seen for a few minutes. Her little baby girl today would be Elizabeth's age.

She decided to focus her mind on happier things. Elizabeth had told her about Jane's situation, and she decided to give Mr. Bingley one last chance. She was organizing a dinner with some acquaintances, business partners, and part of the family. She had sent an invitation to Mr. Bingley as a way of thanking him for his hospitality in Hertfordshire. That would make him and Jane meet again and see if that relationship had any future.

"Excuse me, Lady Campbell. Mr. Matthew Andrews wishes to speak with you," explained her secretary, Mr. Taylor.

"Excuse me, Mr. Taylor, but I don't recall meeting any Mr. Andrews." Lady Campbell was a bit confused.

Mr. Taylor explained briefly, and Eleanor understood why Mr. Matthew was at her house. After firing the previous law firm, she had asked her friend Eddie Gardiner to recommend a new solicitor. He told her about Mr. Andrews, an honest, hardworking man who advised most of the merchants. James Andrews had been the son of a merchant who had been passionate about studying and had become a solicitor. His law firm was the most famous among merchants and influential people in business. Even gentlemen from the first circles tried for years to get their services and advice. Mr. Gardiner had been one of his first clients, and now they were good friends. That is why his law firm had agreed to help Lady Campbell. Now they had offices in all the important cities and several employees. Mr. Andrews was a wealthy and well-respected man and one of the most knowledgeable in commercial laws in all England.

"Tell him to come in," Eleanor said.

In less than a minute, a young man of no more than thirty years of age appeared in front of her. He was tall with brown hair and brown eyes. He was a very handsome man, and his appearance reminded her of a Spanish friend he had met in Canada. "Good morning madam, I'm Matthew Andrews de la Garza. Mr. Gardiner told us about your interest in our firm handling your business. I'm here to tell you a bit about our work and to answer any questions you may have."

Eleanor was pleasantly surprised. It was clear that this young solicitor must be the son of Eddie's friend. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Andrews del Garda," Eleanor said.

"de la Garza," Matthew corrected, smiling in perfect Spanish. "But don't worry, you can just call me Mr. Andrews. My late mother was Spanish, and in our culture, we use our father and our mother's surname to honor both families. It was very important for her that I use my full name when I introduce myself, and I keep doing it as a way to honor her." Matthew continued telling Lady Campbell other things that were different from his father and mother's culture and how he had always felt a bit in the middle of both.

"Don't worry, Mr. Andrews de la Garza. I lived in Canada for twenty years, and there the majority of people have a mixture of many backgrounds." Eleanor was so entertained talking to the handsome young man that she didn't realize it was not a social call but a business one. She invited him into her office, and they and Mr. Taylor went over the documents that Matthew had brought. After almost two hours, they had reached an agreement, and in two more days, Matthew promised to have all the contracts ready for Eleanor to sign.

"Mr. Andrew, I am planning a dinner for next week. I would like you and your father to come. My other business partners will attend and I want them to know who is representing me now."

Matthew hesitated a bit but accepted. "Thank you, Lady Campbell. Of course, we gladly accepted your invitation. I think it is time for me to go back to my office." He said farewell and was happy with the meeting. They did not need more clients, but this Lady was a fascinating person, and he was pleased to have had the opportunity to meet her.

Matthew was walking to his carriage when he found himself almost face-to-face with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He froze, staring at her without being able to move. Until he finally realized that he was acting like a fool and continued walking. From his carriage, he saw the beautiful young Lady entering Lady Campbell's house. He thought that maybe at the following week's dinner, he would find out who she was. "¿Quién eres, hermosa señorita?" Matthew asked himself.

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Jane and the Gardiners children had lunch at Lady Campbell's house. After lunch, Jane stayed home talking with her aunt, Mary had her first piano lesson, and Kitty had art class. So only Elizabeth and her cousins were heading to the park to fly kites.

"Lizzie, I swear that man almost froze staring at Cousin Jane," John laughed.

"He was the most handsome man in the world," said Laura, completely blushing.

"Well, it's not the first time that happens. That's the problem with being as beautiful as Jane," Elizabeth laughed.

"You are very pretty too, Cousin Lizzie. I find you to be the prettiest of all our cousins," John said fiercely. "But all my cousins are pretty; only you are more so," corrected John.

Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at her cousin's comment. "The next block, to the right, it is the park. It is very nice, and there is a lot of space for you to teach me how to fly this kite. You have to be patient because I know absolutely nothing."

They finally reached a cleared area of the park, and John and Laura began teaching Lizzie how to fly a kite.

In another part of the park were Georgiana and her brother, with Lady Claire and her uncle. After the corresponding greetings, Georgiana and Claire began to walk, followed by Mr. Darcy and General Wagner.

"I thought you were coming with your cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Claire said, a little disappointed.

"I invited him, but he's not in London at the moment. He had to go north with his regiment. He doesn't come back until the end of the month." Georgiana told Claire a little more about Richard and his responsibilities as a Colonel.

Claire couldn't help but be disappointed, but at least she would have a lovely afternoon with her friend Georgiana.

Mr. Darcy was very entertained in conversation with General Wagner. Undoubtedly, he was an exceptional man who had fought in more than one battle to defend his country. For his part, General Wagner tried to guess the gentleman's intentions regarding his niece. He seemed like an honorable man but cold and distant. If he were looking for a marriage of convenience, he would never allow him to use his frail and shy niece for it.

After talking for a long time with her friend, Georgiana made her brother and Claire walk together. She asked the General a few questions about Richard's regiment, and the General responded kindly. Without knowing how and overcoming all her shyness, she took General Wagner's arm and kept walking while she talked to him. Mr. Darcy was left with no alternative but to offer his arm to Lady Claire and follow Georgiana and the General.

"This park is lovely," said Mr. Darcy, trying to talk to Lady Claire. This was the opportunity to try to get closer to her, and he must not waste it.

"Yes, very nice," Claire replied as she looked with interest at three young people who giggled as they tried to fly kites.

"The weather is also very nice today," added Mr. Darcy, visibly uncomfortable.

"Yes, better than yesterday," Lady Claire replied.

"Do you like to walk, Lady Claire?" The moment he asked the question, he regretted it.

"Not much. I prefer to stay at home," Claire said. "And do you like to walk?" Claire asked.

"Sometimes" was the only thing he could say because, at that moment, he heard a melodious laugh. It reminded him of the woman with whom he wanted to walk for miles listening to her witty and impertinent comments. Mr. Darcy couldn't help but conclude how boring Lady Claire was compared to his Elizabeth.

"Lizzie, I never thought it would be so difficult to teach you to fly a kite. You have to pay more attention," John explained.

"I am trying, John. It's my kite that doesn't cooperate," Elizabeth replied, unable to stop laughing, while Laura had no problem flying her kite.

Suddenly Elizabeth unwittingly let go of the string of her kite, and the wind began to blow the kite away from her. She started running after the kite, and John and Laura couldn't stop laughing.

The General had his attention divided between talking to Miss Darcy and hearing her niece speaking with Mr. Darcy. Suddenly, he saw a kite coming straight at him and managed to take the thread and prevent the wind from carrying it away.

Mr. Darcy was dumbfounded. The woman who was laughing and playing with two kids was his Elizabeth. Suddenly, in front of him was Elizabeth Bennet, more beautiful than ever, running happily behind a kite followed by two children who laughed heartily.

"Is this kite yours, Miss?" General Wagner asked the charming girl with a beautiful smile that was in front of him.

"Yes, thank you very much, sir, for catching it, "Elizabeth said, trying to recover her breath. Unexpectedly she heard a familiar voice talking to her.

"Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy almost breathlessly.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied, cursing her bad luck.

"Miss Bennet?" asked General Wagner looking curiously at the young lady in front of him.

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Thanks to everyone who leaves comments and suggestions. They are all highly appreciated!

This is the last long chapter that I write. The next ones will be half of this because I will be busy and have less time to write. I will write less, but I will continue posting periodically.

In the next chapter, Jane and Mr. Bingley will meet again at Eleanor's house. Jane will have a new admirer. I am clear who will finally win her heart, but I would like to know who you prefer, Charles Bingley or Matthew Andrews de la Garza?

See you in two or three days.

Gracias a todos los que dejan comentarios en español. Los leo y los aprecio mucho. En el próximo capítulo pasarán varias cosas interesantes, entre ellas el reencuentro de Jane con el señor Bingley y sus simpáticas hermanas. Pero se tiene que cuidar el señor Bingley porque le salió todo un "Latin Lover" al camino jajajaja.

¡Nos vemos en dos o tres días más!

Merci à tous ceux qui ont laissé des commentaires en français. Depuis ma première histoire, j'ai toujours eu des lecteurs francophones très fidèles. Merci beaucoup de votre soutien!

Rendez-vous dans deux ou trois jours!

Muito obrigada pelos comentários em português!

Saludos,

Yo