A Sister's Faithfulness

Elizabeth Bennet is the sole guardian and protector of her beloved sister's son. Jane was married off seventeen against her will to a much older estate owner. When tragedy places Jane's son in Elizabeth's care, it also sets her against her own family. But Elizabeth remains resolute and faithfully fulfills her promise.

Meryton, 1809

Loud and long were the lamentations of her mother when Mrs. Purvis passed. In fact, the poor lady's mother had made quite a meal of her grief for most of the three days between her daughter's passing and the funeral.

Thankfully Mrs. Purvis' mother had been banned from the manor house, not just her daughter's birthing room. Actually, the mother of Mrs. Purvis had been denied access to the entire estate since the day that that same daughter became a widow.

With nobody to witness her sorrows, said matron took her grief on the road... or at least into the drawing rooms of the other three and twenty families of note. Although most were deeply saddened for the condition of the daughter, many did not extend that sympathy to her mother. After all, it was Mrs. Bennet who pushed seventeen year old Jane into marriage to Mr. Purvis in the first place, despite all of the rumors and warnings.

Perhaps a little explanation is required. The tale goes something like this:

Mr. Purvis was the richest man in greater Meryton. He became so because he was a shrewd man who saw the potential for profit in the growing conflicts with France and the colonies. While others were still viewing with alarm, he adjusted his farms to raise cows, built a slaughterhouse, and sold salt-beef to the Army and Navy. It was a destructive, noisy, smelly business which offended the senses of his neighbors, but he did not care.

Mr. Purvis had a wife, a poor, small, sickly creature who seldom stepped out of her house and always wore long sleeves. Rumor had it that the man was not kind. In fact, all of the young maids had long since left Purvis Lodge out of self-preservation and several of his tenants had either moved away or sent their daughters away, more than one with a swollen belly. Folks felt that it was a mercy when the first Mrs. Purvis passed away.

Three years passed. Mr. Purvis, being wealthy, might have easily married again, but he had a certain young woman in mind and she was not yet out.

From her earliest years, Jane Bennet, the firstborn daughter of Thomas and Fanny Bennet, was acknowledged as the prettiest girl in the area. As she grew so did her beauty. Her mother boasted of her looks, but folks also knew her as one of the kindest and sweetest young ladies, so unlike the biting wit of her father or the loud and grasping nature of her mother. Everyone assumed that she would make the finest match someday. They had no idea that a man over fifty had already set his sights on her.

Jane's coming out at the local assembly in 1806 was a great success. She never sat out a single dance and was lauded by one and all as a great beauty... a true jewel. On the very next day, Mr. Purvis sought out Mrs. Bennet and raised the subject of marriage. At first Fanny rejected the notion, but Mr. Purvis was a shrewd man. He knew Fanny's greatest fears... she had not exactly been silent on the issue... so he promised her a home and a plush allowance when she became a widow.

Jane, usually compliant, protested the idea. Mr. Bennet, who seldom worried himself over his daughters, refused the match. Elizabeth, the second daughter and closest in affection to Jane, made her opinion very clear. But Mrs. Bennet was also shrewd. Her troublesome second daughter was sent to stay with her brother and his wife to remove her influence. Then she spent the next several weeks laying siege to her husband's study and playing on Jane's filial loyalty until she won the day.

All of Meryton shook their heads at the news. Very few graced the wedding with their presence. Fifteen year old Elizabeth attempted her own siege, but was sent back to London indefinitely. And so, at seventeen years of age and in the prime of her beauty, Jane Bennet was wed to a man of two and fifty.

It is not the purpose of this tale to list the many minor and major cruelties that Jane Purvis endured in the next three years. It is enough to write that one blessed day in late 1809 a drunken Mr. Purvis stumbled into the territory of his prize bull. When the punctured and trampled body was found the next morning, the man was not mourned. Jane Bennet, who had lost one pregnancy due to an "accidental" fall down some stairs, was in the early stage of her second pregnancy when she was informed. She went to her room, wept, thanked God for deliverance, and then sent to London for her favorite sister.

Mrs. Bennet attempted to install herself at Purvis Lodge immediately, claiming that her daughter could not possibly know how to manage the grand place on her own. Loud were her protestations when she was expelled from the property. She found little sympathy from her neighbors when she complained, but continued to do so anyway.

Jane would never speak on the trials of her marriage, even to her sister. Elizabeth found that Jane did not speak much at all now, but she was grateful that her sister seemed at peace. Jane often asked Elizabeth to play for her, so Elizabeth applied herself as she had never done before and began to show true skill at the instrument. Jane also slowly taught Elizabeth how to manage the household and even encouraged her sister to learn the basics of running the estate.

Many changes took place in the next six months. Though a small herd was retained, most of the cattle were sold and the slaughterhouse was razed to the ground. New tenants were found for the farms, the tenant houses were repaired and improved, and mostly cereal crops were planted. On the home farm, except for the subsistence garden, lavender was grown. While living in London, Elizabeth had become acquainted with the female owner of a perfumery, and an idea was born. The neighbors certainly appreciated the improvement in the smells coming from the Purvis Estate.

Mr. Jones, the apothecary and Meryton's only medical man, had monitored Jane's pregnancy with growing alarm. Jane was always tired, pale, and short of breath. And whereas she had once been lauded for her milky-soft skin, now the visible areas seemed dry and sometimes flaky, no matter how much lotion was applied. He had seen the type of weakness so prevalent in his patient before, and it never ended well.

A colleague of his had learned that red meat seemed to help with this condition, so Jones pushed this cure. Sadly, Jane had little stomach for that fare. With the help of Elizabeth and the Purvis Lodge cook, the meat was chopped very tiny and introduced in small portions. This seemed to help, especially when both Jones and Elizabeth emphasized that she must "eat this for the baby."

Two months before she was due, Jane sent a letter to a solicitor in London. Mr. Casterberry arrived by coach three days later, along with his clerk. Together with her ladies maid, Matilda, the four sequestered themselves away in the deceased Mr. Puvis' study for hours each day. Casterberry and his clerk remained for three days before departing. Elizabeth knew that the man had made several visits to her Uncle Phillips, the local solicitor, but was told nothing more.

As Jane's time neared, she gave over the reins of the house and estate completely to her sister, instructing all of her staff that Elizabeth would be giving the orders from that point on. The servants loved the sister almost as much as their mistress, so there were no conflicts. Both were kind and good masters, though Miss Bennet was more direct-spoken.

Purvis Lodge, 1810

Jane was supposed to deliver in April. Her labor began in early March. Mr. Jones was not surprised. Similar cases had also either miscarried or given birth prematurely. Due to this he already had a skilled midwife and a wet nurse ready. Though he hoped and prayed for the best, he feared the worst.

Elizabeth, as a maiden, was denied access to the birthing room. Mrs. Jacobs, the housekeeper, was there, as was Lady Lucas, at Jane's request. Mrs. Bennet heard or her daughters travails after the first night, but she was firmly denied entrance to the house. Loud and long were her protestations, but Jane's loyal servants did not budge. Mrs. Bennet blamed it on her second daughter's influence.

After a grueling thirteen hours in which Jane grew progressively weaker, baby Michael Edward Purvis was born. He was small for a newborn, but thankfully hearty. Once given to the wet nurse, he began feeding quickly. Jones' was deeply relieved for the child, but feared for the mother. He was too young to have been there at Jane's birth, as he had been for the other four daughters, but he had treated all of her ills for the past nineteen years since he earned his placard. There were very few that he cared for so dearly, and watching Jane weaken had been painful. Now he knew that the pain was not over.

Jane delivered, but the bleeding did not stop. It was not a great outpouring, but the bleeding was steady. She had known. Somehow she had known for months. So as soon as the room could be set somewhat to rights, she sent for her beloved sister. Elizabeth knew as well. She had been there for the final days of her grandmother and for two tenant wives. As much as she wanted to scream at Jane to fight, she did not. With tear-filled eyes she knelt beside her sister's bed.

Jane's voice was weak, but audible, "You must take care of Michael for me, Lizzy. I trust only you. Teach him to be a good, responsible man. Will you do this for me?"

Elizabeth had to use her sleeves to wipe away the tears that would not stop. "I will, Jane. You know that I will. I would do anything for you."

"Promise that you will open your heart and find a good man," Jane took advantage. After her own ordeal Elizabeth had declared that she would never marry. "Promise me that you will give a good man a chance to win your heart. Do not use my son as an excuse. Promise?"

Elizabeth could not refuse, though her thoughts rebelled. "I promise. Oh, Jane, please don't leave me?"

Jane's hand lightly squeezed her sister's. She was so weak that it was barely felt, "I fear I must. But I will watch from heaven. Do not let yourself be bitter, Lizzy. What our parents did was wrong, but do not let hate rule your heart."

This promise was harder still. At that very moment Elizabeth wanted to burn Longbourn down and denounce both of her parents, but her dear sister was right. Bitterness and hate never made things better, only worse. "I promise, Jane, but I cannot promise to reconcile with them."

"I know..." Jane's voice was barely above a whisper by that point. "You have been the best sister... my Lizzy... love you..." Jane's words ended. Her eyes slowly closed. The hand in Elizabeth's became nothing but weight. And Elizabeth Bennet gave an animal cry of despair.

~oOo~

Meryton, 1810

They all sat in Mr. Phillips' office three days after the death of Jane Purvis, on the afternoon after the funeral. The Bennets had been allowed to pay a visit of mourning to Purvis Lodge, but had not been allowed to stay. Elizabeth, knowing what she might expect, had set aside a private family viewing time and had requested the presence of Mr. Casterberry. He wisely came with four large and forbidding looking men who had to be called upon to gently but firmly remove Mrs. Bennet from the property.

After that fiasco, it was determined that the will should be read off of the property. Mr. Phillips was Elizabeth's uncle and the local solicitor, so his office was the logical place.

Mr. Casterberry had already read half of the first page when he reached the critical issue:

"And I name Elizabeth Bennet, my sister, as caretaker, guardian, and protector of my child's inheritance and properties until such time as the child shall reach his/her majority."

"That is ridiculous! She already gave Lizzy a grand sum for a dowry! I am my dear Jane's nearest relative and little Michael's grandmother! I should be the one to live here and take care of him! What does Lizzy know about raising a child?! She cannot even find a husband!"

Mr. Bennet seemed more amused at the whole spectacle than supportive of either his wife or his second daughter. He had once considered Lizzy his favorite, but their relationship had never recovered after he consented to Jane's marriage and allowed his Lizzy to be sent to live with the Gardiners. At times he felt sad, even guilty, but what use were daughters anyway? He was pleased to have a grandson, however. He had always wanted a boy. Surely Lizzy would allow him time with the boy?

Mr. Casterberry cleared his throat to regain the floor, "Mrs. Purvis provided me with this addendum should you choose to contest Miss Elizabeth Bennet's legal guardianship: When Mrs. Bennet all but sold me to Mr. Purvis at the age of seventeen, she received the promise of three-hundred pounds per annum and the right to live in the Purvis Lodge dower house upon the decease of her husband, my father. Should she choose to contest Elizabeth's guardianship or seek to interfere in any way, legally or by other means, then those promises shall from that day be forfeit. I have personal experience with how the elder Bennets raise children and am resolved that my child shall not endure it."

Mr. Bennet's smirk vanished at that point. Did this mean that he could not spend time with little Michael? Surely it made no sense for a boy to be raised by females?! Silly, useless creatures, one and all! "I must protest! The boy needs a man's influence!"

Again Mr. Casterberry turned his attention to the documents, this time to the second portion of the addendum: Should the question of access to my child or children arise from Mr. Bennet, please read the following: I do not subscribe to my father's or my deceased husband's ideas of the relative values of males and females and I will not have those poisonous views passed down to any of my children. Regardless to whether my child is male or female, guardianship stands as declared in my will. In addition, I have requested my uncle, Mr. Edward Gardiner, to stand as an additional guardian and for both Edward Gardiner and Madeline Gardiner to serve as godparents.

Both of the Bennets were livid at that point, but Mrs. Bennet still believe that she held the winning hand, "Lizzy is not even of age! We are her parents and therefore it is us who has the say over what she does or does not do!" Mrs. Bennet declared triumphantly.

"Mrs. Bennet, your husband is within his rights to exercise that authority, but on the day he does, the addendum goes into effect. I should also note that the alternates in such a case will be the Gardiners, not you. Master Michael Purvis will be removed to London and Purvis Lodge shall be placed under Mr. Gardiner's control until Miss Bennet reaches the age of one-and-twenty. Mr. Bennet, do you wish to exercise your authority in this matter?"

Mr. Bennet looked at the solicitor and then at his daughter, who sat straight, proud, and ready for battle. "I do not." He still hoped to have at least a little time with his grandson.

"Oh! MR. BENNET! How you try my nerves! Very well! Lizzy, since you have weaseled your way in somehow, robbing me of my rightful place, then you may consider it your home. You will no longer set foot in MY HOUSE!"

"Be silent, Wife!" Mr. Bennet barked. His wife huffed and stomped out of the Mr. Phillips' office in a fury. Mr. Bennet regarded his daughter and said, "I will not fight you on this, Lizzy, but I do hope that you will at least consider allowing me to get to know my grandson."

Elizabeth's jaw clenched, but she made herself relax enough to reply, "I saw the terrible bruises Jane tried to conceal after that monster was killed, Father. He may have been the one to put them there, but it was you who put her into his control... and all for the sake of momentary peace and quiet." She was silent for a long minute, allowing her father to feel his shame, "I promised Jane not to allow myself to become bitter, and I will keep my promise. But I will also honor Jane's expressed wishes. You will be allowed to know Michael as he grows, but I will only allow men of honor to influence him."

The words struck like a fist, but Thomas Bennet offered no retort. In his heart he knew that her words were true.

Meryton Assembly, 1811

The Netherfield Party had already been at the assembly for a full fifteen minutes when another person entered the room. The momentary silence which had greeted them was nothing to the electricity in the air when the pretty young brunette stepped in, joined a moment later by what was most likely her companion.

Bingley was dancing with one of the prettier local girls, but Darcy had found a dark corner to stand in. As his eyes took in the new addition, one sharp voice barked, "What is she doing here! She should stay in her stolen estate!" Darcy recognized the voice as that truly gastly Mrs. Bennet who had attempted to foist off her three daughters on him and Bingley. The eldest seemed a quite, plain girl, but the other two were too young and too unruly to be out.

When he looked in the woman's direction, he noted that the other matrons deliberately separated themselves from her. In fact, her words seemed to have started a general movement toward the young lady. Women, both young and old, greeted the young lady with kindness and respect. The young men soon followed and began soliciting slots on her dance card. Darcy heard her tinkling laughter and for the first time that night he was intrigued.

When Charles suddenly appeared before him cajoling him to dance, Darcy replied, "I agree, Bingley. If we could find someone to introduce me to that young lady, I will request a set."

Sir William Lucas was easily called upon to make introductions, especially since the second woman turned out to be his own eldest daughter Charlotte. Darcy saw the writing on the wall and wisely chose to ask for a set from each of the two ladies. Bingley quickly did the same.

Darcy had been shocked to learn that the young lady had the same last name as the most obnoxious matron in the room. During their two dances he noted that Mrs. Bennet never ceased her loud and bitter denouncements. He wanted to ask about the matter, but could find no easy way to do so. Thankfully Miss Elizabeth Bennet explained the matter without prompting, "I apologize if my mother's complaints discomfit you, Mr. Darcy. My late sister left me as guardian of her son and estate at her passing, just eighteen months ago, much to our mother's chagrin. I will spare you the history, as it is unpleasant. Suffice it to say that Mrs. Bennet is most seriously displeased and not afraid to let it be known."

Darcy, who had thus far been favorably impressed with his dance partner, answered, "I will not judge you on your mother's words. I have an aunt who also expresses herself loud and long, regardless of her audience, whenever someone displeases her. She wants me to marry her daughter. I have refused on multiple occasions. So my aunt complains to one and all about my undutiful behavior. I suspect that she would not even spare the King her complaints if she found herself in his presence."

Elizabeth laughed. She quite liked this man even if he did not smile much. For his part, Darcy was becoming quite fascinated. "Tell me... if it would not be too intrusive to ask... but you do not seem old enough to have assumed the care of a child and an estate...?"

"I am not one and twenty yet, Mr. Darcy. Thankfully my sister worked with a London solicitor and produced a very carefully worded will which protects both me and my ward from Mrs. Bennet's machinations... oh, but that is entirely too much information between strangers in such a setting... forgive me. I have not been out much since setting aside mourning."

"I am not offended. In fact, I was wondering... would you be open to receiving calls? Perhaps we might improve beyond being strangers?"

Elizabeth blushed, but agreed.

~oOo~

For the next two months the two single men of the Netherfield Party became regular visitors to Purvis Lodge. Charled Bingley, the lessee for Netherfield Park, was fascinated with Miss Bennet at first; after all, she was certainly the most beautiful young woman in the area. He stepped aside, however, when it became clear that his friend had already set his sights and interest on the young lady. As beautiful as Elizabeth Bennet was, she was not truly Bingley's type. He much preferred blond hair and blue eyes. He was sad to learn that the sister who passed away had been precisely his type.

Fitzwilliam Darcy had not known he had a "type" until Elizabeth Bennet walked into that assembly room. He learned he story, first a caustic version from a jealous Miss Bingley and then a more positive version from Sir William and several others. Other than her own family, almost everyone else in the community viewed Miss Bennet in a very positive light. The only exceptions seemed to be several mothers with daughters of a marriageable age who saw Miss Bennet's reemergence to local society as a threat.

Charlotte had turned five and twenty that January without a single courtship, much less a proposal. On the day after her birthday she presented herself at her friend's door and begged an audience. She had been a regular visitor, despite her friend's mourning, so asking for an audience seemed odd, but Elizabeth consented. She was shocked when Charlotte made her proposal, but when her friend remained determined, Elizabeth finally agreed. That same day Charlotte Lucas joined the Purvis household as Elizabeth's companion. Her parents, truth be told, were relieved. At least they knew that their daughter would be well taken care of in her friend's home.

It was Charlotte who recommended that Elizabeth invite her aunt and children to visit early that year. She had seen the jealous glares of Miss Bingley and several of the mothers with daughters. She knew all too well how easily a chance word could become a rumor and then a scandal. So when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley began regular visits, she pulled her friend aside and made her suggestion.

Thankfully the smog in London in the fall of 1811 was such that Madeline Gardiner was more than happy to remove to Meryton with her four children. The youngest two were close enough in age to Michael that the toddler was also well pleased.

The addition of Madeline Gardiner had three very unexpected and propitious benefits. The first was that Mr. Darcy immediately recognized Elizabeth's aunt as a native of Lambton from a very respectable family. He had held some concerns about Elizabeth's ties to relatives in trade, especially since her uncle was Mrs. Bennet's brother. The introduction of Mrs. Gardiner relieved all of his concerns.

The second benefit was when Mrs. Gardiner attended her sister-in-law's tea party. Mrs. Phillips never mentioned that Madeline hailed from Lambton and Lieutenant Wickham never asked, but she recognized him right away. A quick express to town brought a baliff to collect the surprised Lieutenant and he was quickly whisked off to London, where he had to answer for hundreds in unpaid debts and several charges of swindling. Neither Elizabeth nor Mr. Darcy ever even knew that he had entered the neighborhood. Lydia was disappointed, but she quickly moved on to other handsome officers.

The third benefit was more for another Bennet rather than Elizabeth, though she did also benefit. Mary Bennet was fearful of approaching her sister for help, since they had been separated for some years. But when she learned that her kind aunt was at Purvis Lodge, she made her way there. "Aunt Madeline, please help me? Mama wants to marry me off to Papa's cousin. I thought that I would be happy married to a parson, but Mr. Collins is the most foolish and foul smelling man I have ever met. Besides that I fear that he may be like Mr. Purvis. He has spoken more than once of "teaching" me to be a good wife and he once grabbed my arm so tight that it left bruises just because John Lucas talked to me!"

Mrs. Gardiner, with the help of Mr. Darcy, went into action. After careful inquiry, it appeared that Kitty would also be in danger if Mary left. Lydia, who was Mrs. Bennet's sole remaining favorite and unlikely to cooperate, was left in the dark. Two mornings later Mary and Kitty Bennet left Longbourn at dawn on their way to Lambton and Madeline's relatives. Darcy provided both the carriage and an older companion to keep everything proper. Elizabeth was deliberately left out of the planning so that she could rightly claim ignorance on the matter.

There was an uproar at Longbourn when the two girls were discovered to be gone. As expected, Mrs. Bennet instantly accused Elizabeth, but Elizabeth was able to state, without lying, that she had no idea where her sisters might be. Her mother went wild and had to be escorted off the property. Later she even tried to demand that Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins. Elizabeth simply reminded her mother of the addendum. "I will never marry that man, Mrs. Bennet, but if you continue to push I shall very happily exercise Jane's will. You will be left with nothing. Now cease this ridiculous behavior and do not step on Purvis property again."

Mr. Collins, having heard of Elizabeth's dowry and having noted her beauty, was more than willing to transfer his interest. He had to be carried of the estate three times before he desisted. Mr. Darcy had been there the last time, so a letter was swiftly sent to Collins' patroness.

Lady Catherine made her own appearance two days later, but she was already too late. The previous night had been the Netherfield Ball. Bingley had never met Jane but he had fixed his interest on another blond beauty. While nothing came of his interest, the ball presented the right opportunity for Mr. Darcy to announce his betrothal to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She was still not yet one-and-twenty, but Mr. Bennet, who was occasionally allowed to see his grandson, raised no objections.

When Lady Catherine arrived at Purvis Lodge, she was to find her own brother's carriage already there. The Earl and Countess of Matlock had brought Darcy's sister, Georgiana, for them all to meet Mr. Darcy's fiancee. When Lady Catherine stormed the door, she found herself outnumbered and outclassed. Thirty minutes after her arrival, she was sent on her way in a great rage of disappointed hopes and schemes. She collected her parson from Longbourn and wiped the dust of Hertfordshire off of her feet forever.

Happy was the day that Mr. Gardiner walked his niece down the aisle at St. Paul's in London. They had discussed the matter and agreed that it might prevent a scene if the wedding did not take place in Meryton. Mrs. Bennet was not in attendance. Mr. Bennet was. He sat alone as he watched another man walk his daughter down the aisle. Elizabeth had been ready to forgive him until he displayed the same lax attitude when his wife tried to marry Mary off to Mr. Collins.

It might have been hoped that this event would have spurred the man on to more diligent behavior, but four months later he raised no objections when Lydia all but demanded to be allowed to go to Brighton, following the militia. His one proviso was that Mrs. Bennet should go as well. The expense would be great, but the silence would be golden. Within two months Lydia had eloped with an officer. While he searched for his daughter, his wife made a similar decision. When Thomas Bennet returned to Longbourn after a fruitless search for Lydia, it was to learn that Fanny Bennet had boarded a ship for the Carribean, following her own redcoat to distant shores. Neither mother or daughter was ever heard from again.

Elizabeth did not hear of any of this for many months. She, her handsome husband, his sister, and their nephew had first gone to Pemberley, where they wintered quite happily. When spring came, they left Michael with Elizabeth's three sisters at Pemberley and took a very long route around England, enjoying the beauty of England and each other. Mary, Kitty, and Georgiana heard all about what was happening with the other Bennets, but they chose not to make any mention of it in their letters. It was not the Darcy's responsibility.

When the Darcys returned with Michael to Purvis Lodge in late summer, they found Mr. Bennet quite content and unconcerned in his study at Longbourn. Though they allowed him a little time with his grandson, they otherwise left the man alone. Over the years that followed Mr. Darcy and the steward for Purvis Lodge continued to improve Michael's property. When Netherfield Park came up for sale, Darcy and Elizabeth agreed to add that property to the whole. And since Purvis Lodge was a place of terrible memories, the house was let out and the Michael's new estate manor became the more modern Netherfield home.

When a chimney fire consumed Purvis Lodge some years later, Elizabeth could not repine its loss.

Charlotte accompanied Elizabeth and her new husband to Pemberley, but she did not remain long. The parson of Lambton, a very handsome man with a daughter from his first marriage, took an immediate liking to her. Charlotte quickly came to love both father and daughter. She used to claim that she was unromantic, but theirs was a true love story for the rest of their lives. They filled their home with happy, intelligent, and dependable children.

Over the next six years first Mary, then Georgiana, and then Kitty all married wealthy and good men from Derbyshire, keeping the families all close together. Though they did not all live there, Pemberley's halls were seldom without the patter of little feet for many decades.

Michael Purvis, at his own request, was officially adopted when he was fifteen and changed his name surname to Darcy. Though his line would never have any claim on Pemberley, they continued to maintain and prosper Netherfield Park for many more generations. Michael Darcy grew to be a fine young man with a male version of his mother's handsome features and much of her kind nature, tempered by a mature outlook on the world. He also had his beloved aunt's love for learning and her fearsome determination. Thankfully Michael never displayed any of his birth-father's worst characteristics.

Mr. Bennet surprised everyone and lived well into his nineties, outlasting his cousin, Mr. Collins, by more than two decades. Mr. Collins was married and widowed twice, but sired no male heirs. This left Michael as the next heir, so Longbourn was eventually folded into the rest of Michael's property, making him the largest landholder for many miles. When Thomas Bennet's health began failing, Michael transplanted the old man into a room at Netherfield and saw to his care. They had never been close, but Michael was a man who took his responsibilities seriously, a trait he learned from Mr. Darcy, the father of his heart.

Every March that Elizabeth could manage, until the day she passed, she laid flowers on her dearest sister's grave and then spent time telling Jane all about Michael, and eventually Michael's beautiful, sweet wife and Jane's many grand and great-grandchildren. Fitzwilliam Darcy predeceased his dear wife by five years and Elizabeth chose to spend her final days in the warmer climate of Meryton. One March day when his adopted mother failed to return for lunch, he found her laying beside her sister's grave, smiling in her final rest.

Michael reluctantly sent the body back to Pemberley to be buried beside her husband, but he erected a stone pavilion next to his mothers grave and permanently established a park in the area, dedicated to a sister's love and faithfulness. Sister's Park remains to this very day and is a popular picnic site for couples and families.