Author's notes: There is a 'Guest' using my name to comment on other stories (including my stories) and insult readers and authors. I have reported this strange situation multiple times to no avail.

July – Early September 1812

Since there were paintings of Maria and John Thompson at Sandstone, the first thing Lizzy did was show Johnny who their real parents were and assured him that they loved him very much. Until that moment, Johnny knew Mr. Bennet was his uncle, but he thought Mrs. Bennet was his mother. Little by little, Johnny asked less about Mrs. Bennet and more about his parents, and Lizzy told him every day some stories about them.

In the first week of July, Elizabeth took Johnny to Pemberley for the first time and was astonished to find Venus in Darcy's stable. Darcy told her that she had arrived three days ago and he wanted to surprise her...

Elizabeth hugged her mare and said softly, "Venus, I missed you so much." looking at Darcy he added, "Thank you."

"I know you missed Venus, so I asked Mr. Carter to fetch her from Longbourn."

"I'm very happy, I know you promised me that I would see her soon, but I didn't think it would be so soon."

Darcy smiled, "Also, I bought this pony to teach Johnny how to ride a horse." He pointed to a brown pony.

She smiled brightly, "I love you, Fitzwilliam."

Johnny was playing with Darcy's hunting dogs when Elizabeth called him over to meet his new pony. He was delighted with Pemberley, especially the horses, and dogs, and was thrilled when William told him that he was going to teach him how to ride.

PPP

Every week Miss Taylor sent Elizabeth and Mary a very factual letter about Kitty's health. Miss Taylor was pleased and estimated that in a month or two Kitty would be well again. On the other hand, Kitty also wrote them every week as Miss Taylor insisted that she should improve her writing and she should practice more.

Three months after Mr. Bennet's death, Elizabeth came out of mourning, but out of respect for Mary, she did not invite her neighbors to her home. She was busy preparing for the wedding that was to take place two days after her 21st birthday. Darcy's solicitor wrote the marriage settlement, and Elizabeth was going to sign it the day before the wedding, and also wrote an official document where Mr. Gardiner completely waived his rights and obligations as Johnny's guardian.

Ten days before Elizabeth's birthday, Mr. Gardiner arrived at Sandstone in a very agitated state with bad news...

Lizzy met him at the door, "Uncle, we weren't expecting you for a week. Where are the others?"

"I came alone, Lizzy. I only came to deliver these letters from your aunt and I must go urgently to Scotland."

Alarmed, Lizzy asked, "Are Lydia and Mrs. Bennet all right?"

Mr. Gardiner gave her two letters, one for her and the other for Mary "Read the letter." He kissed her forehead and got into the carriage.

Puzzled Lizzy, opened her letter…

27th August 1812

London

Dear Lizzy,

I hope you are all well at Sandstone. Unfortunately, I received a letter from the nurse who cares for Mrs. Bennet and Lydia with bad news. Lydia had a miscarriage a few weeks ago and is in very serious condition. The doctor who examined her said she has pox and is going to die in a few days. Mrs. Bennet is heartbroken and has been in bed for several days.

Given this sad event, we will not attend your wedding. On his way back from Scotland, Edward is going to stop by Pemberley to sign the documents Mr. Darcy deems pertinent to make him officially Johnny's guardian.

Jane is very sad, since the last time she saw Lydia, they argued and parted on bad terms. On the other hand, I'm not going to say anything to Kitty about Lydia until Miss Taylor sees fit.

With love,

Madeleine