RECAP:
Chapter 5 - Alexa suspects something bad happened at the assembly. A glimpse of how Lizzy helped the tenants at Longbourn. New footmen and Mrs Winters appearance. Background on how Lizzy wishes she was not a real Bennet. Lizzy, Mary and Kitty moment. Mrs Hill tells them they have some visitors. Anne's perspective on marrying Richard. A brief look at what's going on inside Fanny Bennet's head. Darcy realising his mistakes and a failed attempt at apologising.
© 2019 Zest Layne
The first thing she noticed was his clenched fists on his sides; then, the gritting of his teeth. It was not long before he was staring sternly at her. He was mad, she could tell. And so, when he said her name, Elizabeth Bennet ran away from the Marquess. She knew what would come next. Lizzy had seen those physical reactions before.
She was fourteen when she had questioned her father why he had let Mama overspent when the estate had not reached the quota for the harvest that year. She had been so mad at Papa that time. Alexa had been sick along with some of the tenants due to the terrible weather and instead of using the barely extra monies to help them, Papa had let Mama spent it on ribbons and bonnets!
His stance had been the same as Lord Ashbourne's – rigid with hands curled into a fist turning almost white. The only difference between their expressions was that the Marquess had his eyes closed while Papa was staring hard at her.
Then before she knew it, Papa's right palm had collided on her cheek. Tears had left her eyes before she could process that she had been hurt. When her face had become sore the next day, Mrs Winters had brought her immediately to the Gardiners and Alexa had travelled with them despite not being fully recovered. If Uncle Edward had not been targeted by a business partner of an earl about six months later, Lizzy was sure that they wouldn't have sent her back to Longbourn.
Alas, for the sake of them all she had to go back. Of course, her Aunt and Uncle made sure that she wouldn't get treated so terribly again. Lizzy did not know how but somehow, Grandma Claire's Will seemed to solve almost all of her familial problems. How her grandmother predicted the possibilities of the future were unknown to Lizzy but she was thankful nonetheless. If her Aunt and Uncle's words with Mr Bennet were not enough, the Lucases and Alexa made sure it never occurred again.
Papa's 'outrage' had only happened once and it might not have any evidence marked on her person anymore but the memory of it was so vivid that Lizzy felt she was reliving the incident again when she noticed the Marquess' stance.
Lizzy would always say that her courage rises at every attempt to intimidate her but she knew she was not that strong. The Marquess was more than a head taller than her. He would have the upper hand if he ever did try to hit her. She could scream and try to gain the attention of the others. Surely, if she screamed loud enough they would hear her even if they were far ahead. Still, what if Lord Ashbourne managed to hit her first?
I made the right decision to run away from him, she decided. Composing herself, she hurried her pace to reach the Dower House.
Alexa greeted her by the door. "Miss Lizzy, I heard from Archie that Mrs Hill called you to Longbourn. He said Mrs Hill mentioned something about visitors. Who were the –" her abigail's words stopped and a hand was immediately holding her arm. "Are you unwell? You look pale, Miss Lizzy."
Elizabeth smiled weakly at Alexa. "A sudden headache… perhaps I've exerted myself too much today." Lizzy knew that Alexa was not buying her excuse but she appreciated that her friend remained silent. "Could you please tell my sisters and the visitors my reason for leaving as well as my apologies?"
"Of course, Miss Lizzy." With a bow, Alexa departed.
Lizzy felt guilty lying to them but fear was eating her slowly that all she could focus on was getting away. She was, however, a little worried for Mary and Kitty but seeing as Charlotte and Miss de Bourgh were with them, she felt confident at leaving them.
Besides, Lord Ashbourne had no reason to harm her sisters. It was she whom he was mad at. Perhaps, he was still mad at her for 'lying' back in London and she had made him angrier by befriending his cousin. He wanted nothing to do with her and maybe he thought that she was in Hertfordshire by design; that she was planning to get close to his cousin and gain connections.
She remembered the time when he was the one who would comfort her when she was upset, not the one who would upset her.
"Are you unwell?" He had asked her with a frown, his brows furrowed.
"No," she had answered, hastily wiping the few tears that escaped her eyes.
He had then sat down on the settee beside her. "Then, why are you crying?" Before she could answer him, a handkerchief had been placed on her hands.
She dabbed his handkerchief to her eyes before answering. "You see, Sir, I've no idea that I would be seeing you today so I busied myself with reading." She had explained, glancing down to the opened book on her lap.
"Is it a book of poetry, then? Had the slight, thin sort of inclination implied in its words brought you to tears of frustration?"
She had smiled at his use of words, a reference to their first meeting in the Gardiner Warehouse. Shaking her head, she'd answered, "No, it is not a book of poetry."
"If that is the case then perhaps your tears had nothing to do with the book." She had raised her brow at him when she had noticed a playful gleam in his eyes. "Perhaps, it was my absence that brought you to tears and you were only using your reading material as a cover for the truth."
Not expecting his words, she had laughed. "How bold of you to assume such things!"
"Thank you, my sister did say that I am very brave."
She had given him a smile for that. He was always so serious and he rarely teased but when he did, it was to elicit a smile or a laugh from her.
"Now," he had said after some time of silence, his face serious once again. "What is it that really upset you?"
"As I was saying before, it was the book I was reading. However, it seems that I need to be more particular about it. Very well, I shall start to elaborate." She picked up the book on her lap and closed it before handing it to him so he could see the title.
"Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady [1]," he had read aloud before throwing her a confused glance.
"She had lived a hard life you know, Clarissa Harlowe, the main character. You see, her siblings resented her because their grandfather left a piece of his land to Clarissa. Then, they were also convincing her to marry Roger Solmes. Clarissa did not like him." He had no idea how much she could relate to Clarissa's situation.
Like Clarissa, Lizzy had a grandparent who passed almost everything in her possession to her, leaving very little for her sisters and parents. Perhaps it was another reason why most of her family despised her. Reading the novel had made Lizzy fear for the future. What if Mr Collins, the one who was supposed to inherit Longbourn after Mr Bennet's passing, came to visit Hertfordshire? What if Mama forced her to wed him?
"That is unfortunate." He had said after she had explained the plot further. Then, probably sensing how much she empathised with Clarissa, he had taken her hands in his, his deep blue eyes looking straight at her. "Well, madam, if you are afraid of something like that happening to you then you need not worry for I am here."
She had smiled softly at him. He had no idea that his words meant so much to her. "Will you help me, then? Will you take me away from my family who hated me and help me escape from an unwanted marriage?"
"No," his answer had hurt her and it had her turning away from him. It was the second time his words had hurt her, the first one was when he agreed to the statement that she was not a lady. However, his hand had taken hold of her chin and urged her to face him once again. "My answer is no. For how could anyone, let alone your family, hate you? Even I, who do not even know your name, could not think I'll of you so it is only impossible for the people who knew you better to hate you."
He had said the words so tenderly that she almost believed him. Perhaps she had frowned that time, after recalling how her family, indeed, loathed her, proving his claims untrue because he had been quick to reassure her. "But, if that ever happened to you, know that I would be there to help you."
"Thank you." She had whispered softly. After that, they had both realised that he was still holding her chin and they had been sitting a little too close. From the corner of her eye, Lizzy had seen Alexa watching them with a smile on her face. As if they had a mutual agreement, the two of them moved on their farthest side of the settee.
After a while, she had turned to him and said, "Was that your way of asking me to tell you my name?"
"No, but if it convinced you to finally tell me who you are, then who am I to deny the knowledge you are about to bestow?"
"Very well, I might just grant your wish before I leave London."
"I will be counting on that, fair lady."
A part of her felt sad at the faraway memory of the then-unnamed gentleman she had met in London. How had their budding friendship turned into something like this? Was her first impression of him wrong? Was he really the intelligent and kind man she had first thought him to be or was he the arrogant and prideful man she had seen in their recent encounters?
Mrs Winters brought her out of her thoughts. "Here's some hot chocolate, Lizzy. Drink it while it's hot."
"Thank you, Mrs Winters." She might not always tell Mrs Winters everything but the older woman seemed to have a strange way of knowing if something was amiss.
"What are you waiting for? Are you going to eat the cookies Cook prepared or am I going to leave you here while I visit your Grandma Claire?"
This time, Lizzy thanked Mrs Winters with a wholehearted smile. Yes, a visit to Grandma Claire's grave could be what she needed.
-p&p-
A week had passed after Darcy's attempt to apologise before he got the chance to meet Miss Elizabeth Bennet once again. Unlike his cousins, Richard and Anne, who had spent the last couple of days being exceptionally sweet to each other, Darcy spent it alone in turmoil.
First, he had come to the realisation that what he felt for Elizabeth Bennet was beyond attraction. After alternating between staying in his chambers alone and riding Boreas in the morning, he was finally able to name the strange feelings he had for her… love.
He had denied it at first, persuading himself that he was only infatuated or guilty from their last few encounters. But every time his mind went back to her hurt expression – glassy eyes and trembling lips yet still facing the crowd bravely – he couldn't find it in himself to flee. No, Darcy couldn't bear leaving her.
Not when he had seen the way her mother treated her in public. If that's how far Mrs Bennet could go in a public setting the how did she treat Elizabeth in private? He wouldn't leave her. Not when she probably thought the worse of him. All he wanted, at the very least, was for her to think of him as she had before – a loyal and true companion.
He couldn't name when he had started falling in love with her. Was it on their first meeting that day in the rain? Their first encounter at the Gardiner Warehouse? When did he realise his wrong accusations and how much he missed her when she had left London? Seeing her again at the Assembly? One thing he was certain of was that he loved her. He was in the middle before he realised he had begun.
And seeing her play so beautifully on the pianoforte only confirmed his feelings. At first, he was irritated at Miss Lucas for taking away Elizabeth from him. He was about to approach her, to try and apologise once again when Miss Lucas had led Elizabeth to the pianoforte and asked her to play.
However, as soon as her fingers glided on the first few keys, his irritation evaporated slowly. It went all forgotten when he heard her voice. It's as if he was brought back to that day in the rain when he had first heard her sing. How could anyone remain in a foul mood when she played so enchantingly? He could feel the melancholy in her notes, the hope in her voice and the determination in her eyes.
Unconsciously, he found himself walking to one of the pillars where he could hide from any unwanted company and at the same time admire Elizabeth as she performed. It was only when Elizabeth had left the pianoforte and gave way to her sister, Miss Mary, that Darcy dared approach her once again.
Fortunately for him, Sir William Lucas seemed eager to introduce him to Elizabeth. "Ah, Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Lord Ashbourne, allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I'm sure when so much beauty is before you."
"Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. Please don't suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner."
Darcy felt bad that Elizabeth looked like a deer caught by hunters but he was desperate to talk to her. "I would be very happy if you would do me the honour of dancing with me, Miss Elizabeth. However, if you are not inclined to dance then perhaps I could accompany you to get some punch."
"A drink would be preferable, thank you." With that, he escorted Elizabeth to the punch table. If he was dismayed that she barely leaned on his arm, Darcy did not show it. He could work on making her comfortable with him in time. As of now, he was only thankful that he had a chance to talk to her.
When Lord Ashbourne and Miss Elizabeth Bennet left Sir William, Lady Lucas approached her husband. "What could you possibly think of introducing Lord Ashbourne to Eliza, husband? You knew that he insulted her at the Assembly last time."
John Lucas, who saw his father's actions, walked towards his parents just in time to join their conversation. He may not be present at the annual assembly due to some estate matters, but his mother and sisters kept him informed on everything that's happened, particularly to their honorary family member, Eliza. "Indeed, father. Do you not see how uneasy she was when she saw him entered the room earlier?"
"Of course I remember Lord Ashbourne's remarks and I saw Eliza's reaction earlier. However, I also saw the Marquess watched our Eliza with interest. I daresay he is apologising for his misdoings right now." At this, the three of them looked over to where their subjects of conversation were standing.
Lord Ashbourne handed Miss Eliza a drink and while the latter did accept it, it was obvious to anyone looking at them that she was avoiding his gaze.
"Trying to apologise, at least." Sir William remedied with an amused smile.
"Do not tell me you are playing matchmaker, husband!"
"Do not sound so appalled, Sharon. I only wanted what's best for Eliza."
Lady Lucas harrumphed at this. "And you think that what's best for her was a man who insulted her in public?"
"At this, I think Papa has a point, Mama." John Lucas interrupted his mother's thoughts, pointing at the Marquess' disappointed expression when Miss Eliza left him standing in a corner in favour of accompanying Charlotte.
"I still do not see it. But if he proves himself worthy of Eliza then I would be glad to help. Lord knows how much Eliza needed to leave the Bennets, save for Mary and Kitty."
"Speaking of Miss Mary, I think it is time for me to claim the dances I was supposed to have with her during the Assembly." With that, John Lucas left his amused parents behind.
-p&p-
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn is your mysterious lady in London." Richard did not say it in the form of a question but as a statement. They have just got back from the small gathering at Lucas Lodge and the two of them headed straight to Netherfield's study. The others (save for Lady Catherine and Mr Collins who left earlier that afternoon to attend some business matters and to fetch Mrs Jenkinson from Bath) had already excused themselves to retire.
"She is." He should have been surprised that his cousin found out but he was not. Richard did not join the military and earned his rank as Colonel at an age of eight and twenty for no reason. What Darcy was surprised about, was his cousin's silence after confirming his guess. "Are you not going to pester me for details?"
"Knowing you, cousin, the two of you did not part in good terms in London – most likely because of your mouth. And I believe that seeing her at the Assembly has taken you a surprise hence the reason why you slighted her – once again, not making a good reunion because you couldn't control the words that leave your mouth."
"You've met Miss Elizabeth in London?" Another voice joined their conversation and Darcy did not know whether to be glad or not that it was only Anne who heard them. He thought that she had already retired. But then again, knowing Anne, she was probably looking for Richard. Defeated, Darcy answered, "Yes."
Anne nodded thoughtfully at him before saying, "You know, Ashbourne, seeking Miss Elizabeth on every gathering – even if your purpose is to apologise for your misdoings – is not wise."
"I know that."
Anne narrowed her eyes at him. "Do you, cousin? Do you not see how uncomfortable she is around you? You are spoiling her meetings with her friends."
It hurt to hear Anne's words and Darcy could not help but vent some of his frustrations to her. "Do you think I do not know that?" His voice was even but some of the anguish he had been feeling for the past week was evident in his tone. "You know I always prefer doing things privately, Anne. And I called at Longbourn with Bingley, multiple times! She is not there. I even took a habit of going out on morning rides in hopes of meeting her. It was all for nought."
"Well, you deserved it," Anne said crossing his arms. "She would not avoid you like a plague if your offence had not been grave."
Darcy knew that Elizabeth was avoiding him, but hearing it out loud cut him deep. His expression must have betrayed what he was feeling because Anne's next words gave him hope. "But I supposed that you've had enough grovelling and I might just have some information that may be of good use to you…"
Silence followed Anne's words and Darcy looked at her impatiently. To Darcy's irritation, Richard only watched them in amusement. Darcy glared at him. His look seemed to do the work because Richard let out a laugh and said, "Do not tease the Marquess, Anne. I believe his begging is already reserved for Miss Elizabeth so I daresay he would not even say 'please' if that's what you are waiting for."
Anne was still not moved.
Darcy sighed. "I will not impose myself on her anymore, cousin, if that is what you are on about. I only wished for her to know that I regret my actions. If she does not wish to see me after that, then I will respect her decision. However, I do not promise that I will not try to be in her good graces once again."
"That was a lengthy replacement for 'please', cousin." Darcy ignored Richard's comments and focused on what Anne had to say.
"Very well." Darcy sighed at Anne's response and listened carefully as she told him of what she knew. However, his relief at learning new information about Elizabeth was accompanied by confusion and worry. "Where did you learn all of this, Anne?"
"I happen to overhear some conversations earlier. I merely took note of the facts."
"Shall I recruit you as a spy for the regiment?" Darcy heard Richard asked but his mind was far away. He was overwhelmed with questions. Elizabeth was staying at Longbourn's Dower House? Why would she need to stay there when her family was at Longbourn's manor? Was her relationship with her mother that bad? He thought, remembering how Mrs Bennet responded to his thoughtless comment at the Assembly. Whatever it was, Darcy would find out.
But first, he needed to apologise. This time, for certain.
-p&p-
"Miss Lizzy," Elizabeth lifted her pointer finger to her mouth to signal for Alexa to keep quiet. They were not yet familiar with the new footmen so Elizabeth was more careful. Even Alexa's hushed tones were not allowed, at least until they managed to escape Longbourn's premises.
After seeing Alexa nod in understanding, Lizzy picked up a medium-sized rock and tossed it on a tree opposite their direction. When Andrew, one of the new footmen, turned his head at the sound, Lizzy made a run for it and beckoned Alexa to follow her quickly.
Thank goodness the new footman bought her trick. If it was Mr Graham, he wouldn't fall for it. Archie, on the other hand, would have helped them escape.
Only when they were a good ten minutes away from Longbourn's borders did Lizzy felt safe to speak. "What were you about to say earlier, Alexa?"
"It would be a pointless question now, Miss Lizzy. But since you asked, I will answer." Alexa sighed. Then with an almost exasperated tone, her abigail said, "Why are we doing this again, Miss Lizzy?"
Knowing how much Alexa disliked her family members save for her two middle sisters, she answered Alexa in a patient tone. "We talked about this last night, Alexa. Jane is sick at Netherfield and I wanted to make sure she is well." Her elder sister might not always be nice to Lizzy but she was kind to Mary and Kitty. That was enough for Lizzy to care for her in return.
This time, Alexa did not hide her displeasure and rolled her eyes open for her mistress to see. "Why take such measures at defying Mrs Winters, Miss Lizzy? I can understand if it was for Miss Mary or Miss Kitty but Jane?! She was almost as bad as Mr Bennet for not taking action at Mrs Bennet's behaviour."
If her tone of voice was not enough then not calling Jane 'Miss' was proof of Alexa's disapproval of Lizzy's actions. Even if her abigail only tolerated her parents and other sisters, Alexa always made sure to at least respect them in terms of address.
"I know you do not like Jane, Alexa, but she is my sister. However, I thank you for indulging my wish to see her even if you are against it."
"As if I could deny you anything." Alexa fondly said. "I daresay that if you tried speaking to Mrs Winters instead of us sneaking out, she would have acquiesced to your request of seeing your sister."
"I do not know about that." Lizzy sighed. She knew her freedom in London was restricted but it had never been so in Hertfordshire. That was why it shocked Lizzy when Mrs Winters refused her request last night to see Jane today. It was normal to be accompanied by them on visiting the tenants but usually, she could ramble by herself alone most of the time. What had changed that she could no longer do so now?
The remaining of their walk was spent in silence. While Lizzy was fond of walking, she would have loved it if Apollo was there with them. But looking at her hem, which appeared to be six inches deep in the mud, Lizzy was glad for the exertion. She and Grandma Claire used to walk like this, not caring if their dresses got dirty. They made sure to use their old dresses for that of course; they didn't want to vex the laundry maid.
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"What are you doing here?" Jane asked as soon as Elizabeth entered the room. Her voice was hoarse and weak.
"You need not strain yourself. I only came here to check on you." Jane opened her mouth to speak but Lizzy beat her to it. "Fear not for I am not here to stay. I only brought some herbs for the Cook to give you. I know that it soothes your throat quickly when you drink it."
Before any more words could be said, Lizzy left the room. "Get well, sister."
She wanted to tell Jane that she didn't have to obey Mama's machinations (for surely, Mrs Bennet was the one who would make Jane ride on horseback despite it being so obvious that will rain) but that would only be for nought. Jane would take Mama's side and Lizzy did not visit to argue with her sister.
"Miss Elizabeth, how is your sister?" Elizabeth let out a small smile at Mr Bingley. She could tell that he cared for Jane and was happy for her sister.
"Still recovering but I believe with enough rest, she would be back to her old self."
"I am glad to hear it, then." Mr Bingley smiled. "Will you stay here until she recovers?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I would not wish to impose, Mr Bingley and I am sure that I will also be needed at Longbourn."
After declining an invitation for nuncheon and bidding goodbye, Lizzy headed to the gardens. It was where Alexa was supposed to be waiting, according to Mrs Norton, Netherfield's Housekeeper. However, upon reaching her destination, it was not her Abigail who greeted her.
There, standing beside the wooden bench, with hands behind his back, was Lord Ashbourne.
Darcy had seen Miss Elizabeth Bennet before she reached Netherfield that morning. He had been on his way to try his luck again at going to Longbourn in hopes of encountering her when voices had interrupted Boreas in his tracks. If he had been surprised that the voices came from Miss Elizabeth with the same lady's maid she had back in London, he had been more surprised by the subject of their conversation.
Apparently, the eldest Bennet sister wasn't what Darcy had thought her to be. It had seemed that there was more to the Bennet family than Mrs Bennet's unpardonable behaviour.
Before the two ladies could catch him eavesdropping, Darcy had quietly steered Boreas in the opposite direction. Together, man and horse had taken the long way back towards Netherfield. As soon as they had gotten back, Darcy had led Boreas to the stables and he had rushed towards the entrance of Netherfield.
However, upon seeing her approached – the hem of her gown six inches deep in mud and eyes made brighter by the exercise – he hid. Anne's words from a couple of days ago had played in his head. "Do you not see how uncomfortable she is around you? You are spoiling her meetings with her friends."
He would let Elizabeth talk with her sister first, and then he would talk to her.
He had done just that.
Now, Elizabeth was standing right in front of him, her expression a mixture of surprise and alarm. It was the same expression that had adorned her face on their last encounter at Lucas Lodge. However, unlike the last time, Darcy would not beat around the bush. This time, he would speak directly.
"Miss Elizabeth, I wanted to talk to you for quite some time now," Darcy said hurriedly, afraid that this opportunity to talk to her might escape his grasps once again. "I noticed that you have been avoiding me and I do not blame you for that. Indeed, my actions towards you were unpardonable so I would expect no less from you." He swallowed as she continued to watch him silently. "However, you must allow me to tell you how deeply I regret my actions."
Looking at her eyes, he carried on. "I've been a selfish being all my life. As a child, I was given good principles but was left to follow them in pride and conceit. I supposed dealing with the Ton and being fawned over by them only strengthened that. I have a handful of friends but the people around me were more deceitful than loyal. That's why my initial reaction when your station in life was anger. In my mind, I thought you have deceived me, but believe me, after the shock has worn out from our conversation during our last encounter in London I regretted my words immediately."
Elizabeth remained silent but he could tell that she was uncertain of his words.
"I was the one at fault. I shouldn't have accused you. I had the power to know the truth, the connections. If there was someone who deceived anyone, then it was me."
"If what you are saying is true, then why would you slight me in public?"
"I do not know how to talk to you after our last meeting."
"You are afraid of speaking to me and apologising but you have the courage to insult me in front of other people?" Her voice was laced with hurt and anger.
"You know first-hand that I certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done." He said, remembering the time when Elizabeth had witnessed his encounter with Mr Stewart, one of Richard's acquaintances, in the Gardiner Warehouse.
"You say that but you converse with me well enough." She huffed.
"It's because you're you, Eliza – Miss Elizabeth." Darcy countered, gesturing widely with his hands, trying to express his meaning. "You have this way of drawing me out of my shell and having me talk comfortably about almost anything." That was the farthest explanation he could say without revealing his feelings.
"So I have a way of drawing out insults from you as well?"
"No!" Darcy exclaimed. "I –" he stopped not knowing what else to say. It was not like he could say more for Elizabeth's lady's maid had already spotted them.
"Miss Lizzy!"
Elizabeth glanced at him one more time before making her way to the young woman.
"Miss Elizabeth," he called when she was halfway there. When she stopped, he rushed up to her bringing out the sealed parchment hidden in his pocket. "Will you please do me the honour of reading this letter?"
With one last look at her face and a bow, he departed.
-p&p-
"And where have you two, young misses, been?" Sitting on the couch with a cup of tea in her hands, Mrs Winters raised her brow on the two girls, patiently waiting for an answer.
Guiltily, Elizabeth and Alexa sat down on the seat across from Mrs Winters and began explaining. When they're done, the older woman sighed. "No matter how good your intentions were, you still sneaked out. To go to a stranger's house no less!"
"You were never this protective in Hertfordshire Mrs Winters…" Alexa pointed out.
"Very well, I believe I must explain further seeing how stubborn you two are." Pouring herself another cup of tea, Mrs Winters began telling them about Graham seeing a gentleman riding near Longbourn almost every morning. "We do not know his name or his appearance. Graham told me that two other riders were riding alongside him as well."
After Mrs Winters informed them about Mrs Gardiner's latest letter, which was composed of news about Mr Price – the former business partner of an Earl whom her uncle exposed – Lizzy could not blame Mrs Winters for being overprotective. According to her Aunt Maddie, Mr Price died in a heart attack two months ago and his son had paid the Gardiners a visit regarding what happened. Her Aunt's letter implied that the young Mr Price was out for revenge. Apparently, he was angry that the Gardiners put his father in prison and he believed that his father would have lived longer if it was not for the Gardiners' meddling.
This made Lizzy guiltier for disobeying Mrs Winters. So when the older woman banned her from going outside unless she practised all her lessons for three straight days, Lizzy obliged without complaints. "You could still visit Apollo but no riding around the estate for now."
After saying her sorry once again, Lizzy retired to her chambers. Seeing as they were both shocked by all that Mrs Winters told them, Lizzy was certain that Alexa would not be asking her for information regarding Lord Ashbourne that night.
Now wearing her nightgown, Lizzy settled herself by the window to read the letter that Lord Ashbourne gave her.
[1] Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady is an epistolary novel by English writer Samuel Richardson, published in 1748. It tells the tragic story of a young woman, Clarissa Harlowe, whose quest for virtue is continually thwarted by her family. The Harlowes are a recently wealthy family whose preoccupation with increasing their standing in society leads to obsessive control of their daughter, Clarissa, who ultimately dies as a result. It is considered one of the longest novels in the English language (based on estimated word count). It is generally regarded as Richardson's masterpiece.
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