Chapter 7:

Anne sat in her chair, looking at her reflection on the mirror, thinking about everything she had heard. She knew most of it—she was not stupid as many thought. She would love to be thought as smart or witty, like Elizabeth Bennet, but she knew she would never be. She could never be her but perhaps she could just be Anne Darcy, a different person than Anne de Bourgh. She was happier these few months than she had ever been and knowing that Darcy loved her, but as a cousin, made it easier really, she thought, forcing a smile. It meant she could have her freedom as a married woman, perhaps finally spend a season in London and now have to worry about where her relationship with her husband stood. He would always love her and provide for her.

A knock on the door disrupted her thoughts and she was shocked to find Miss Elizabeth Bennet at the door. Anne stared at her, confused. Anne's lady's maid asked if she could come in.

"Of course" said Anne, motioning for Elizabeth to sit down. She had a small parlor area in her room, where three chairs surrounded a grand mirror and she would imagine, the mistress of this home could have tea with her daughters.

"I thank you" said Elizabeth, taking a seat next to her. "The room is lovely" she added, giving her a weak smile.

"I...I changed the wallpaper" said Anne, stuttering but happy to finally answer a question on her own. Such freedom!

"You choose marvelously!" said Elizabeth. "You may be wondering why I have knocked on your private chambers, I am sorry if I am disturbing your rest, I wanted to speak with you before leaving tomorrow."

"Very well" said Anne, mustering confidence.

"I have come to apologize" began Elizabeth, "I know you are wise beyond what others may think and perhaps my own impression of you at Rosings, and I know that you know how I came here. I truly did not know Mr. Darcy was married or I would not have come, I need you to know that."

"I do" said Anne, feeling her heart soften for Elizabeth.

"My family, though not financially destitute, have become ostracized from society" continued Elizabeth, not sure how much more to say. Seeing Elizabeth at a loss for words was comforting to Anne and it gave her the confidence for her to speak of.

"You do not have to speak of details. I know my cousin loves you, Miss Elizabeth and I apologize that I ruined what I think would have been a happy plan for both of you" said Anne, surprising even herself for not only speaking so eloquently, but being the one to comfort the wittiest lady she knew, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

"Mrs. Darcy" said Elizabeth, shaking her head. But she was interrupted.

"We both know, actually, I believe the entire household knows that I do not really occupy that title. We are not truly married and after today's spectacle, I think I have found peace with it" said Anne, now verbalizing what she was thinking before Miss Elizabeth came into her chambers.

"I see" said Elizabeth, her beautiful brown eyes peering into Anne's. "May I make a suggestion?"

"Of course" said Anne.

"What would give you the greatest happiness?" asked Elizabeth, "Please, do not hold back on my account."

Anne could feel the tears beginning to form in her eyes. The greatest happiness would be to finally do something in her life, of her choosing. To be worthy of the title Mrs. Darcy, to give Fitzwilliam an heir, and to be loved by him…

"You do not have to answer me" said Elizabeth, now reaching for her hand, "But I suggest you make those wishes come true, Mrs. Darcy. I am leaving tomorrow and I promise to have no further contact with Mr. Darcy, I believe you both could be quite happy...if you allow yourself to talk more and be...you."

Anne felt the tears streaming down her face and nodded. She had a sudden urge to ask Miss Elizabeth if they could start a correspondence, she seemed like a great friend. But she shook her head slightly to herself, she knew she could not.

"Safe trip" said Anne, after a few moments silence, and a respectful way to dismiss her. "And good night."

"I thank you" said Elizabeth, giving a small bow before leaving the room and shutting the door.

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Elizabeth could not help but stroll the gardens at night. The gardens had been her haven while here for this past week and the place she would most miss.

"I see this is your favorite spot" said a masculine voice from behind her and she knew at once who it belonged to. "It used to be my mother's favorite also" added Mr. Darcy.

"Mr. Darcy" said Elizabeth, "Good evening."

"Do not fear—I shall not come closer. I wanted a chance to speak alone before you left tomorrow. I believe it wise that I should not be there when you depart" said Mr. Darcy, standing tall, his hands tight against his sides, as if holding himself together. "This week was unexpected and I am sorry if it caused you pain. I apologize for my Aunt's behavior this afternoon" he said, now looking into her eyes.

"Oh, please, I was not offended. I actually thought her coming did some good, perhaps it would give both you and Mrs. Darcy some clarity" said Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy raised an eyebrow in question, not sure where she was going.

"Mr. Darcy, I am truly sorry for coming. And I also thank you for procuring a husband for Lydia, I do not know if it is too late for us in society, but perhaps it will be a small start. I acted impulsively and I fully regret my actions, I most of all regret the pain it caused Mrs. Darcy. She cares for you, very much" said Elizabeth, hoping she was not overstepping. "I know you want me to be happy, Mr. Darcy and honestly, what would bring me the greatest joy is to see this beautiful place full of laughter...and I think Anne deserves the chance to be happy and to give to you and to the memory of your parents..."

"Are you asking me..." he began, gulping, but could not finish. He could not even imagine that he would have this conversation with anyone, let alone Elizabeth, but somehow the craziness of the week had brought down barriers, which all the more so intensified the need for Elizabeth to leave Pemberley. "I am sorry for asking you to stay. It was a very selfish and impulsive action."

"Well, it seems like we were both prejudiced in our first meeting and now we are both impulsive, I do hope next time, we shall both be much more improved" teased Lizzy. Mr. Darcy smiled—making him look even more handsome, if that were possible.

"Yes, indeed" he said. "I care for Anne very much, as my cousin, and hope she lives many years…I should have not asked you to wait for me...please know that what I want above all is for you to be happy."

"I know that" said Elizabeth, her eyes swelling with tears, "I am sorry I did not realize your worth sooner, Mr. Darcy."

Mr. Darcy nodded, likewise feeling the emotions stirring inside him. But he would not cry. And most certainly not in front of the love of his life when she was the farthest she has ever been.

"I have written you a note, would you do me the honor of reading it?" asked Mr. Darcy, clearing his throat to prevent himself from crying.

"Of course" said Elizabeth. They both stood there for a few moments, staring into each other's eyes, coming to terms to the distance that would soon take place. It almost felt like once they left this magical garden, their decision was decided and whatever thoughts or emotions had been brought out this week, were truly over.

"I must go" said Elizabeth, feeling tears streaming down her face.

"I know" said Mr. Darcy, holding back a sob, "Good night, Miss Elizabeth."

"Good night" said Elizabeth. She walked away and looked back for a moment, feeling his gaze on her. In that moment of silence they said more than they could have said in words and they gave each other a blessing to be happy.

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Jane Bailey, nee Bennet, rolled her sleeves up and finished making the bread for her husband's break fast, before boiling a kettle of water to make some strong tea. She could have asked Lucy, her kitchen maid for help, but she preferred to do it herself. She may have more comforts now than she did in Longbourn, for her husband did well in business, but she liked the distraction. Jane liked the distraction of waking early and making the bread and helping Lucy with the cooking—it was better than to think. Thinking led to regret or hope or worry or fear, and she did not want to feel anything of that. In truth, she rather not feel at all. She was content. And that was good enough for Jane.

As a tradesman's wife, her place in society had changed. She now lived in London, closer to her aunt and uncle than her parents, though she did not visit them often, for she did not want to bring more shame upon them. Lydia had affected all of them and Jane did not want her kind aunt and uncle to be tainted even further by her coming to visit. They had helped her secure a match—Jane had gone to London as soon as she saw Lydia with a growing belly and no Mr. Wickham in sight. She knew she needed to get married and so she did. Her aunt introduced her to Mr. Bailey, a widower his father's age, who did well enough to sustain his family, was kind enough, and did not care for society to be bothered by Jane's family connections.

The few people of gentry who recognized her, would ignore her or cross the sidewalk as to not see her. Fortunately for Jane, they had never had a proper Season in London so she did not know many people. And now, her reputation was that of the kind Mr. Bailey's pretty, young wife. Jane did not mind it. Being Mrs. Bailey was a respectable title and though she did not marry him for money, he did well. He would secure her future and for that, she was eternally grateful. Mr. Baley was a nice enough man. He was in the textile business. He made a respectable sum of one thousand pounds a year and treated Jane kindly. What more could a girl from a scandalous family ask for? Thought Jane in humour.

Jane wrote regularly to Lizzy but nothing of real substance. It always about the weather, her husband's business ventures, and her regular walks to the park in the unfashionable part of London. Lizzy had not agreed with Jane's plan. Lizzy had always wanted Jane to marry for love and at the time, she did not see the gravity of the situation. Lizzy still felt things could be fixed with Wickham, but Jane always knew it would fall on her to marry to provide for her sisters and it was more prudent to do it, before the baby was born. Before Lydia's baby was born, Jane went to London eager to secure a match. It was not money that worried her but rather a chance to help her family in the future, should the need arise.

Her parents did not need money—yet—for her father was still alive. But she smartly and discreetly saved whatever she could from her pin money for one day when they could need it. Mr. Bailey did not make as much as her father but was more prudent and for that, Jane was very grateful.

Jane was anxious to get pregnant and for some reason, even though she had been married for six months, she was not yet with child.

Jane finished making the bread and left the cooking for the kitchen maid, went upstairs and called for her maid to help her dress her morning muslin. She looked beautiful—she may not be living in a gentleman's house but she always looked beautiful and refined.

A knock on the door surprised her, for her husband would not usually knock. They had servants who would open the door, but they seemed to be waiting for her direction.

"Mrs. Bailey" said the maid, after knocking on the door and waiting to be allowed in, "Your sister is here."

"My sister?" asked Jane incredulously, "Who?"

"A Miss Elizabeth Bennet" said the maid.

"Lizzy?" asked Jane, more to herself, "Please let her in, I will be down in a moment."

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Thank you everyone to the reviews, positive or more negative, it doesn't matter! Honestly I'm flattered that readers are so invested in the story! I set out to write stories that I enjoy reading so I hope those that stick around will like how this goes.

I hope this chapter they redeemed themselves a bit. I think if u look at the situation they are very much in character. I obviously can't convince you of that but I think they are. Now to address some of the questions/points some of you brought up:

1. Yes Darcy wouldn't speak of family in front of lizzy but if u recall when they met in P&P at Pemberley they did, she felt comfortable enough and that saved her. there are boundaries that broken in certain situations, they are under the haven of pemberley, emotions are running high, I don't think their conversations are out of place, she clearly trusted him enough to go to him in desperation and knew that wouldn't ruin her bc he loved her so its not so crazy.

2. why did lizzy go to darcy if they are not poor? this seems to be coming up a lot. I actually debated, originally, if mr bennet was alive or dead but i ultimately felt like if he was dead, the situation would be truly horrible, the bennets would not be at longbourn, mr collins would kick them out in a second flat and though that gardiners would take them in, they were ruined, it would be too much. so mr bennet being alive buys them/us/the story some time for solving things to the extent possible. that was my reasoning behind it. so why did lizzy go? the bennets are ostracized, once her father dies they are on the street, their only chance for secuirty is marriage, she knows mr darcy loved her, she now admires him, remember that this after she read darcys letter and seeing everything that wickham did, its like even more like wow, mr. darcy was right and he was such an honorable man. so she goes bc she is desperate, she wants an out for her family and she thinks this is a pretty good possibility. is it umpulsive? yes. is it what a lady would do? prob not. would we have a story if she hadn't? also no lol so thats the premise, its written in the description of the story, if you feel like thats not ur cup of tea, thats totally fine, i'm posting other stories :)

3. does lizzy love mr darcy? its a good question and I left it vague for the readers to come to their own conclusion...what do u guys think?

4. why did mr darcy not discuss with anne the marriage settlement ? well, when in p&P did u ever see anne talk? have an opinion? anything? they barely have a real friendship, they are indifferent to each other so im playing with that. why would mr darcy ever discuss that with anne? he would think its either obvious or something her mother would tell her. mr. darcy was a bit aloof in the original p&p, again very in character. anne also would never ask or speak much, so again, it seems to me at least that they wouldn't really talk that much or come to any conclusion.

anyways, as always, look forward to ur thoughts! hope u stick around :)