The following day, Lizzy was at Mr. Bennet's office looking at some of the books that were for sale as she wanted to buy some of them when Jane came looking for her to talk...
"Lizzy, can we talk for a few minutes in private?"
Lizzy nodded, "If you want, we can talk here, or do you prefer to talk somewhere else?"
"I prefer here." she closed the door and sat down in the chair in front of the desk.
"What do you want to talk about?"
Jane took a deep breath as she didn't like confrontation, "Uncle Gardiner told me you don't want my mother, Kitty and me to live in Sandstone, and he will lease a small cottage for us."
Lizzy nodded, and Jane said, "I don't understand why you don't let us live in Sandstone. You are going to marry Mr. Darcy and no one is going to live in Sandstone."
"Jane, your mother accused my father of being a thief dozens of times. Out of respect for his memory, I cannot allow your mother to live in Sandstone."
"I'm so sorry my mother wrongfully accused your father, but regardless, she let you live in Longbourn all these years. I don't understand why you can't extend the same courtesy to her."
"Extend the same courtesy?" Lizzy repeated incredulously.
"Yes, the same courtesy. You have been living in Longbourn for over four years."
"Jane, the only reason your mother allowed me to live in Longbourn was because of the money you've received over the years! Your father was taking advantage of Sandstone's money to increase your and your sister's dowries, buy expensive books and pay your mother's extravagance. There was no courtesy of any kind!"
Jane's eyes widened, although she knew what Lizzy was saying was true until now her cousin had never spoken to her like that.
"Furthermore, your mother more than once treated me very badly and even kicked me out of Longbourn. If I hadn't had any money, your mother would never have allowed me to live in Longbourn."
Jane shook her head, "I'm sure my mother would have let you live with us, even if you didn't have any money." She sighed, "Have you ever thought that if we lived in a cottage, Kitty and I wouldn't be considered gentlewomen, and the chances of making a good marriage would be reduced."
"Jane, if you want you can live with the Gardiners. Surely after the period of mourning is over, Uncle Gardiner will introduce you to some gentlemen in London…"
"Why can't I live in Sandstone?" Jane asked sharply.
"Jane, I already told you that…"
"No, Lizzie. I already understood you don't want my mother to live in Sandstone, but I could live on my own. I am of age."
Lizzy gaped at her and for several seconds she couldn't get a word out; Jane continued, "The months I lived in Sandstone I was very happy, I met Miss Johnson and the Elliots, especially Mr. Robert Elliot." She sighed, "Unfortunately, I had to go back to Longbourn, but I was hoping to go back to Sandstone for Miss Johnson's wedding and stay there longer...
Lizzy interrupted her, "With Uncle Gardiner, we decided to lease Sandstone until Johnny comes of age. Also, you can't live alone in Sandstone, you need at least a companion and some servants to keep the house open. The expenses would be at least 300 to 400 pounds a year…"
Jane stared at her without knowing what to say since deep down she hoped that Lizzy or her uncle Gardiner would take care of all the expenses...
"…You can come and visit us at Pemberley when your mourning is over; if Mr. Elliot is interested in you, you can continue your friendship from there…"
