So wow, last chapter there were mixed reviews about Claire Bennet…

The thing is, it's up to you if you like her or hate her. I try to make the characters real – so no characters were one-sided. Like none of them is absolute evil and none of them is an absolute goody.

In Claire's case, she hadn't been a very good mother figure to Thomas but she did become a good grandparent to Lizzy. I've known some people who were kind of the same. Like those who were not the best siblings but good cousins or friends or aunts/uncles.

More history about Claire will be revealed in future chapters.

RECAP:

Chapter 16 – Lizzy and Darcy talked with the Gardiners and Mr Bennet, Lizzy learned more about her past and Darcy and Richard suspects that Lizzy might be their Uncle Lewis' bastard child.

© 2019 Zest Layne


Fitzwilliam Darcy headed straight to the Dower House once he had finished sending his letters to his mother and sister. He knew that the Gardiners and Mrs Winters might not welcome him and would not be happy to see him, but he was there for Elizabeth.

Fortunately for him, Elizabeth was only too happy to see him, if the smile on her face was any indication. For the sake of being polite, he bowed to the Gardiners and Mrs Winters in greeting. The three adults greeted him civilly in return but it was clear in the wary expressions that they still did not approve of the match.

As if sensing the tension between them, Elizabeth led him to the stables after bidding goodbye to the others. For propriety's sake, Elizabeth's Abigail and a footman was a couple of feet away from them. Jacobs and Carson were also somewhere near. Despite the four people that could be watching them, Fitzwilliam kissed Elizabeth's knuckles and greeted her good morning.

"I have already talked to Bingley earlier. He has agreed to let us announce our engagement after the supper dance."

Elizabeth smiled at him, "Is that your way of asking me to dance with you for the supper dance, Fitzwilliam?"

He shook his head and walked to Boreas where a bundle of wildflowers were attached to the saddle. He carefully picked up the bundle before returning to Elizabeth with a smile. "This is how I am going to ask your dance sets for the ball."

"Bribery, Sir?" She raised a brow at him. "I thought you are better than that?"

"Oh, I am better than these flowers." He replied teasingly. "And since I am better than these," he held out the bundle towards her, "you should agree to dance the supper set with me. These flowers are only added inducement. Of course, I am also requesting for your first and last dance as well."

She rolled her eyes and Fitzwilliam was happy to see a glimpse of the Elizabeth he had met in the Gardiner Warehouse. "You asked for three dances and you only give me flowers?"

"And gracious dancing skills, Madam." He added seriously. "I promise not to step on your toes."

She began tapping her pointer finger on her chin, "'tis very tempting, Sir, but not enough to convince me yet."

Using his last resort, Fitzwilliam lifted her hands near his lips once again, but this time, he kissed the inner part of her wrist. "What about now, Madam?"

Face flushed, Elizabeth finally nodded. "Very well, Sir."

After a few more minutes of light-hearted conversations, Elizabeth told him about her talk with the Gardiners last night.

-p&p-

Anne de Bourgh ate her third apple that day. The first one, she ate because she knew that she needed the energy to assist Miss Bingley in preparation for the ball tomorrow night. It seemed that Mr Bingley's sister really wanted to impress them all – most especially the Marquess – with her skills as a hostess. Unfortunately for Miss Bingley and fortunately for Anne and everyone else, her Cousin Ashbourne was already engaged to Lizzy.

It had been the happiest news that Anne received this past week – probably these past months – only second to her own engagement. However, the news following it caused her to eat her second apple. Richard had told her earlier about his talk with Ashbourne last night and he shared with her the suspicions they had about Lizzy – the possibility of Lizzy being her half-sister.

The timeline was correct. Lizzy was about seven years younger than Anne. It also explained why her mother has a miniature (of probably the real) portrait of Claire Bennet. It should also explain why her last name, along with Richard's and Ashbourne's, had been in Claire Bennet's list. Could it really be that she and Lizzy were related? Was that the reason why Anne immediately bonded with her?

A part of Anne was angry. If it was indeed true, then that meant that her father betrayed her mother. Another part of her, however, was happy at the idea of having a sister; perhaps because she had been an only child for so long.

She had been so eager to find out the truth that she had excused herself from assisting Miss Bingley and went to her mother's chambers where her mother had been refreshing herself. After all, her mother had just arrived and was probably exhausted from her journey. Despite this, Anne had still talked to her mother.

First, she had informed her that Richard had asked her to become his wife a few weeks ago. Once her mother had expressed her joy on the news, Anne had wasted no time in questioning her mother about his father and his apparent affairs.

She had confessed on opening the wooden box her mother had left behind, with the help of Richard, and she had told her mother that she had read all the letters in there. "Is it true, Mama? Did my father sire another woman's child?"

Anne remembered the shock on her mother's face and how she had looked away immediately and avoided Anne's gaze.

"Why did you not tell me that he's been alive longer than you initially claimed? I thought you all told me that my father was dead before I was born?" She had asked again.

"I did not want you to remember him because what you have read in those letters were true, Anne." Her mother had admitted. "I was hurt and angry by his betrayal so my siblings understood why I chose to lie to you. They were angry on my behalf so they did not stop me from doing what I did. Although, I believe, that my brother has been telling you that he was a kind man and that he loved you."

When her mother had finally looked up at her, her eyes had been glassy. "I hope you could understand me, Anne. It is why I encouraged your relationship with Richard. I know my nephew and with him, you will never experience the pain I had been through."

It had been the first time that Anne had seen her mother cry like that and Anne's heart had gone out to her. She could only imagine the pain her mother had felt about it. "Oh, Mama," with those two words, Anne had settled herself beside her mother and she had hugged the woman who had raised her alone.

Still, Anne was not one to be easily affected by emotions when it came to finding out the truth. So despite knowing that she had been walking on glass with the topic of her father's affair, she had continued her inquiries. "I saw some trinkets and a miniature of a woman among the letters, Mama. Who is the woman in the miniature?"

Something had flashed in her mother's eyes but it was quick to disappear.

When her mother had not answered, Anne had prodded further, "Was she the woman who has my father's child?"

After what had felt like a long time, her mother finally nodded.

"Do you know my half-sister, Mama? What if you met her? Would you be angry at her?"

Her mother's brows had furrowed, "Where are these questions leading to, Anne?"

"Nothing, Mama, I just wanted to know."

Though sceptically, her mother had still answered her question. "I am not a monster, Anne. I would not welcome the child with open arms but I would not cause any harm to her either."

"But what if, hypothetically, one of my cousins, Cousin Reed, for example, wanted to court a lady and said lady happened to be my half-sister. Would you be opposed to the match?"

"If she is not with him for mercenary purposes, I suppose I can make an exception."

Anne had changed the subject after that and she had left her mother in her chambers to rest. She, on the other hand, had proceeded to go to the kitchen to procure her third apple for the day.

Now, there she was, pacing in the garden and savouring the last apple she could eat that day while she continued to reflect on the conversation she had had with her mother. If she could, Anne would grab another apple from the kitchen. However, she knew from her experience that three apples were her limit, anything more than that could cause her shortness of breath. On the other hand, not eating any fruit at all would cause her headaches or dizziness.

Anne shook her head, now was not the time to think about fruits.

Lizzy's tear-streaked face flashed in her mind. She had been so confused and overwhelmed that it had been no surprise to Anne when she'd caught a cold the next day. Her mother said that she would not cause any harm to Anne's half-sister. If Lizzy was indeed her sister in question, then she deserved to know the truth.

If she were in Lizzy's place, Anne knew that she would also want the same. That way, Lizzy would not have to worry about anymore and her mind would finally be in peace. With a newfound determination, Anne decided that she would talk to Ashbourne about it. Hopefully, he would agree with her.

-p&p-

Lady Catherine de Bourgh hated lying to her daughter, but it had to be done. She had opened her locked wooden box earlier and the miniature of Claire Bennet was gone. It meant that Anne was telling the truth about opening the box. Her daughter had told her that Richard helped her and it must mean that Fitzwilliam was involved as well.

Anne's questions regarding her illegitimate sister led Lady Catherine to believe that Anne had made her own conclusions about the situation. That did not bother Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She could always clarify the truth later on. What bothered her, however, was Anne's last question.

"But what if, hypothetically, one of my cousins, Cousin Reed, for example, wanted to court a lady and said lady happened to be my half-sister. Would you be opposed to the match?"

The implication of Anne's idea had Lady Catherine thinking. Preston – her informant while she was gone – had written to her of the cousins' constant departure from Netherfield. Fitzwilliam, specifically, had apparently been always out with his horse. While she knew that her nephew loved riding, Lady Catherine was still surprised that her Marquess nephew was nowhere to be found when she had arrived earlier.

Could it be that Preston's guesses were true? Was her nephew courting a young lady here in the county? Her informant's idea along with Anne's questions was aligning in Lady Catherine's head.

"Oh my," she muttered to herself.

At the thought of her nephew possibly courting the girl she had been looking for, Lady Catherine stood up from her bed and headed towards the drawing room. It seemed that the day was in her favour for Collins was already there to pay a call. After spending a proper amount of time with Anne, Richard, Mr Bingley and his family, Lady Catherine had asked Mr Bingley permission to use his study to discuss some business matters.

As soon as the amiable host agreed, Lady Catherine called for Collins and Mrs Jenkinson to join her. First, she asked her parson about his mission of finding a wife. While Lady Catherine was sad that he had yet to find himself a bride, she was more horrified at his story of being locked alone in a room with one of his Bennet cousins – the same Bennet cousin that her daughter Anne had apparently asked Collins not to marry.

Lady Catherine's eyes narrowed at this. It seemed that her conjecture was closer to reality than she had initially thought.

When Collins finished telling his story, Lady Catherine asked him to describe the Bennets individually. She paid particular attention to the Miss Bennet named Elizabeth and to the patriarch and matron of the Bennet family.

"What about Claire Bennet? Do you know anything about her?"

Collins explained that Claire Bennet was his Cousin Bennet's mother and that she had passed away years ago. "If you want to know more, your Ladyship, I believe that my Cousin Elizabeth would be happy to tell you more about her. According to my Cousin Mary, she was the one closest to their grandmother. As a matter of fact, Cousin Elizabeth lived separately from the other Bennets. Cousin Jane tells me that it was because she was very attached to their grandmother that she preferred to stay in the Dower House."

After that, she had advised Collins to take a break from looking for a possible bride for it would come to him. The other Bennet girls were too young to marry in Lady Catherine's opinion and she was the one who suggested extending an olive branch to her relations. However, by the looks of it, it seemed that Collins was better not connected to the Bennets.

The way Mrs Bennet had set up a trap angered Lady Catherine. Oh well, at least the woman did not succeed.

Once Lady Catherine had finished talking to Collins, she started questioning Mrs Jenkinson. If Lady Catherine had some doubts earlier that this Elizabeth Bennet was the girl that she was looking for, it had all vanished after her interrogation with Mrs Jenkinson.

'Tomorrow night at the ball,' Lady Catherine thought, 'I'll find her.'

On that thought, she began laying down specific instructions for Mrs Jenkinson to follow. To make sure that nothing would go wrong with her plan, she handed Mrs Jenkinson the letter she had written for her last night. That way, the woman would not forget her instructions.

After that, she called for Richard and Anne to give them her blessing. She had long pushed for this match and it made her happy to see that her beloved daughter would soon marry a man that would take good care of her.

-p&p-

Tomorrow came sooner than Fitzwilliam wanted. He had been surprised at his Aunt Catherine's presence yesterday and Anne's constant argument that he should tell Elizabeth what he knew was waning his energy.

Couldn't Anne see that Elizabeth and Lady Catherine in the same room was not a good idea? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and he could only imagine Aunt Catherine's eyes once he set her eyes on Elizabeth. After all, his fiancée did tell him yesterday that according to a letter from Claire Bennet, Elizabeth looked very much like her mother. Hence, Fitzwilliam would not take the chance of the two of them being in the same room.

He already had a plan for him and Elizabeth to be together and the Netherfield Ball was an important part of it. It was the perfect place to announce his engagement to Elizabeth. It was frowned upon for a gentleman to break an engagement, so once many people knew that he and Elizabeth were betrothed, his family would find it more sensible in supporting the match than disliking it. By that time, his mother would also be by his side to help him convince his other family members.

Then, once he and Elizabeth were wed, that was when he would tell his family the truth about her parentage. By that time, Elizabeth would have charmed his family already that they would look past her biological family and ignore her heritage. If they were lucky, they might help him search for Elizabeth's mother. If all went according to plan, everyone would get what they wanted and everyone would be happy.

Unfortunately, Fitzwilliam had not expected Aunt Catherine's early return to Netherfield. Why would he, when her last letter to Anne told them that she would be away for another week more?

Because of Aunt Catherine's unexpected arrival yesterday, Fitzwilliam would not be able to do his plans. So that morning, after breaking their fast, Fitzwilliam and Richard decided to ride out. Richard was doing it because he didn't want to stay at Netherfield for the ball's last-minute preparations. Fitzwilliam, on the other hand, wanted to see Elizabeth.

Not certain if Richard was on Anne's side of telling Elizabeth the truth right away, he told his cousin that he would like to talk to Elizabeth alone.

"Good morning, my love." He greeted, mounting off of Boreas once he reached the top of Oakham Mount. He was originally heading to the Longbourn Dower House, but he saw her standing with Apollo on top near her favourite tree on his way so he proceeded there instead.

When he saw the frown on her face, he asked, "What is wrong?"

"'Tis the Gardiners and Mrs Winters," she sighed, "They do not want me to attend the Netherfield Ball because it is unsafe." She crossed her arms. "I do not know why they think that I should continue listening to them. It is a ball after all. And even if I am in real danger, no one would dare harm me in a huge gathering like a ball–"

For once, Fitzwilliam was thankful that the Gardiners did not approve of their match. "I think you should take their advice." At her surprised expression, he added more calmly: "I thought about everything last night, Elizabeth, and it will not harm us if we become more careful, right? The list of people on Claire Bennet's notebook should not be taken as a jest. My cousins and I might not know about you, but what if the other people listed there do? I do not want you to be in danger, my love."

"I do not understand…" her brows furrowed. "I thought we are going to announce our engagement tonight? And you came here yesterday to ask me for three dances. Why is it that you changed your mind all of a sudden?"

He shook his head. "Do not worry about it, Elizabeth. We can start visiting your neighbours tomorrow and announce our engagement." When she was about to protest, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "As for our dances, we have plenty of time to dance in the future. I do remember you saying once that 'to be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.'"

When she still did not reply, he led her to walk forward.

"What are you doing?" She asked, the glint in her eyes telling him that she was amused at his movements.

"I am dancing, Madam." He continued his movements and raised a brow at her. "Will you not join me?"

She shook her head with a laugh. "'Tis only the two of us when there should be other pairs as well. We will probably look silly. Truly, Fitzwilliam, you look like you are going mad."

He flashed a smile at her, "Madly in love with you, my dearest Elizabeth."

She blushed.

"Now, would you help this poor gentleman out and dance with him?"

With a shake of her head, she finally started doing the lady's movement of a dance. For a while, they continued dancing some more. He never thought that he could be this silly but Elizabeth always brought out the repressed child in him, the part of him who liked to tease and have fun.

He must've looked very ridiculous, for, in the midst of their dance, she laughed so hard that she would've probably slipped if his arm had not caught her immediately. Her laughter immediately came to a halt and Fitzwilliam watched mesmerised as she gazed upon him with wide eyes and flushed cheeks.

He suddenly became very aware that one of his arms was encircled around her waist. When he saw her eyes flickered on his lips, he couldn't help but lean in a little closer. "May I?" He whispered against her lips.

"You may."

Those two simple words were it took for Fitzwilliam to close the small gap between them and capture her lips. Closing his eyes, he savoured the feel of her soft, plump, lips against his. It felt like forever before they parted but in reality, it could not have been more than five seconds.

Their foreheads were still leaning against one another and he couldn't help but return her soft smile.

He hoped that the silliness of his actions followed by their sweet kiss was enough to distract her. It was certainly more than enough to distract him for the rest of the day.

Hopefully, she would heed his advice and stay at home during the Netherfield Ball or else, he doubted that they would have any more moments like this if Lady Catherine spotted her at the ball.

-p&p-

Elizabeth had spent the afternoon reflecting on her thoughts. She knew that Mrs Winters and the Gardiners only wanted what was best for her and that was why they did not want her to attend the Netherfield Ball. Fitzwilliam's changed of heart earlier was also because he was looking out for her. All of them just wanted her best interest and as much as Elizabeth understood that, she was sick of it.

Her mother gave her away in her best interest. Grandma Claire would not give a clue about her family for her best interest. The Gardiners made up a fake person for her best interest. The Lucases kept the truth from her for her best interest. And now, Fitzwilliam was also agreeing with the others for her best interest.

Elizabeth was tired of it all. Each one of them kept on making the decisions for her. Well, no more. It's time for her to stand up for herself and make her own decisions. They would have to respect her choices.

With determination filling her veins, Elizabeth rang the bell for her abigail to help her get ready. Since she was a little late in dressing herself, she would arrive a little later than what was fashionable. But Elizabeth didn't mind. She was doing this for herself and not for the sake of enjoying the ball alone.

Dressed in a white ivory ball gown with matching long white gloves and some pearls and white ribbons decorating her hair, she declared to the Gardiners that she was going to the ball and they could not stop her. As if they were already suspecting her decision of going, the Gardiners and Mrs Winters had also dressed.

"It is a private ball," she told them.

"We know, Lizzy," Madeline said, "that was why Sir William had already asked Mr Bingley yesterday if we could attend as well."

She sighed and got in the carriage with them.

Once they arrived, Elizabeth immediately scanned the room for her betrothed. Upon seeing that there was no sign of him, she recalled their conversation earlier and she remembered that he told her that he would be spending most of his time hiding behind the pillars and the other half in the Netherfield library.

She was about to go in the direction of the library when Mary and Kitty walked towards her with smiles on their faces. At the sight of their faces, Elizabeth's eyes turned misty. She could not help it. For the first time since she found out the truth about her connection with the Bennets, she was face to face with two Bennets. Not just any Bennet members, but the ones who actually cared for her and loved her.

"Lizzy!" Kitty called. "We were looking for you earlier. I thought you are not going to come."

"We missed you," Mary said. "We do not know what happened the last time Mama called for you but we do hope that Lady Lucas had prevented anything bad."

Elizabeth smiled, even though she was not truly a Bennet, Kitty and Mary would always be her sisters. "Do not think about it anymore, Mary, but I thank you for looking after me."

Kitty rolled her eyes fondly, "You do not need to thank us, Lizzy. We'll always look out for you just like you always look out for us. Because that's what sisters do, right?"

Fearing that she would burst out to tears if she spoke, Elizabeth only nodded happily.

As the current set continued, the three of them stood near the punch table to talk about the past few days that they were not able to see each other. When the next set came, Mr Collins asked her to dance the next set before he claimed his dance to Kitty while John Lucas led Mary to the dance floor.

With a small smile at the sight of her sisters dancing, Elizabeth proceeded to the direction of the library and silently opened the door before closing it just as quietly behind her. She could hear his voice behind the farthest shelf so she was careful not to make a sound. She was planning to surprise him after all. She wondered what his expression would be like if she startled him.

Just as she was about to reveal herself, Anne's voice stopped Elizabeth in her tracks.

"Tell her the truth, Ashbourne, or I will. My mother said that she will not hurt her. You have nothing to be afraid of."

Elizabeth felt a sense of déjà vu at the tone of Anne's voice. It was almost like the time when she overheard Lady Lucas and Sir William arguing in the latter's study.

"Elizabeth is my friend, possibly my half-sister, and she deserves to know the truth. The longer you keep it from her, the more it will hurt her." Anne continued.

"See things from my perspective, Anne." Elizabeth heard Fitzwilliam sigh. "Aunt Catherine can be kind and understanding yes, but do you honestly think that she will welcome Elizabeth with open arms once she found out that Elizabeth was her husband's child from another woman? Need I mention that Elizabeth was told that she looked very much like her mother?" He paused and Elizabeth could hear him pacing back and forth. "I will tell Elizabeth the truth eventually, once we're married so that my father and Aunt Catherine would not be able to object to the match."

The snapping of the door shut brought Elizabeth back to reality. It also made the three cousins step out of the farthest shelf and look around. When they spotted her, they gasped in surprise.

Fitzwilliam was the first to recover. "Elizabeth I –"

She did not let him finish. "I trusted you, Fitzwilliam. I trusted you." She shook her head. "But you were just like the Lucases and the Gardiners – always knowing what's best for me. Keeping the truth and not bothering to know my opinion."

"I would have told you about it eventually," he defended.

"When? When we're married? You are going to keep the truth from me that long?"

"Yes!" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "It would be a small price to pay."

"A small price to pay?" she echoed. "A small price? All my life all I've ever wanted was a family who will love me and accept me for me. You know the answer to my questions, your Aunt could lead me to who my mother is and yet you chose to keep it a secret? You will have me walk blindly into the altar believing that I could trust you and that you accept me for what I am when in truth, you do not!"

"Blindly?" He laughed mirthlessly. "If anyone is going into this marriage blindly, it is I, Elizabeth. Do you not see that I am willing to sacrifice many things for you? In marrying you, I will be going expressly against the wishes of my family, my friends, and, I hardly need add, my own better judgment."

Elizabeth's breath hitched, each one of his words was stabbing her like a sharp knife in her chest. This was exactly what she had feared. This was the reason why she insisted on them having some time before they fully decided to be together.

"I will tell you the truth eventually. A month or so is all you need to wait for. As for me, my father could tell me that he was disappointed in me for my choice in the many years to come, so yes, Elizabeth, I daresay that not knowing the truth for quite some time is a small price to pay."

She clenched her fist on her sides to stop herself from trembling. "Very well, Lord Ashbourne, I see your point." She paused before swallowing the heavy lump in her throat. "I release you from our engagement. You say you love me but I am sure that the feelings which, as you've told me, have blinded your regard, will help you in overcoming this. And I shall remember your words tonight to help me forget my own feelings. Goodbye."

After a quick curtsey, she left the room.

-p&p-

Caroline Bingley had one goal – to raise her position in society. It was why she encouraged her sister, Louisa, to marry Humphrey Hurst. He was not richer than their family, only having about four thousand a year of income at most, but he was from the gentry so Caroline pushed the match.

She thought that once her sister had been married to the gentry, people would not look at her anymore. Unfortunately, she had been wrong so she aimed higher. The perfect opportunity came when her brother, Charles, had somehow managed to befriend a Marquess.

Her brother and the Marquess of Ashbourne had been friends for years now but Caroline only found out about it three years ago. It had taken another full year before she could be introduced to the Marquess of Ashbourne but once she had, she knew that the Marquess was her chance to be accepted in the higher society.

Leasing Netherfield was her chance to impress him, but then Charles had ruined it all by offering the position to Lord Ashbourne's cousin, Miss de Bourgh. Fortunately, Miss de Bourgh passed the position to her, at least 'in the eyes of society.'

At first, Caroline thought that her plans were working. She had befriended the Marquess' cousin and she was being a gracious hostess – even going as far as letting Jane Bennet stay at Netherfield when the girl had been sick. The eldest Miss Bennet was a sweet and pretty little thing, Caroline would admit, however, her connections were lacking so Caroline did not want her for Charles.

Speaking of Bennets, they were the chits who were ruining her plans, especially that chit, Eliza. It did not take her long to see that the cousins were always away from Netherfield and apparently that Eliza Bennet was the reason. After finding out about this, she focused on planning the ball and made sure that everything was perfect.

Once the Marquess saw how great she was at being a hostess, he would surely want to offer for her. However, her hopes and efforts had been crushed because of that Eliza. She was going to talk to Charles about the change in menu for luncheon yesterday when she overheard him and the Marquess talking in the office. Apparently, the Marquess was already engaged to that Eliza chit and they were planning to announce it at the ball she had worked hard for.

Caroline was not going to let them do that. So when she saw that Eliza chit entered the library, she followed after her. Luck was in her favour because the moment she slipped into the room, she heard the most scandalous thing.

Eliza Bennet was a bastard child! And of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's husband no less!

Immediately, she ran out of the door and out of her excitement, she accidentally closed the door loudly. No matter, she would get to Lady Catherine first.

The Marquess' Aunt was easy to find, standing by the punch table near her fool of a parson named Collins. Masking her elated expression to one of shock and distress, she rushed towards the woman and exclaimed louder than normal so that other people could overhear.

"Your Ladyship, how fortunate that I found you. I am afraid, however, that I bring some very distressing news," she paused for dramatic effect, "You see, I have just found out that Eliza Bennet was not truly a Bennet, but an illegitimate child of your husband. She was in the library the last time I saw her."

Lady Catherine did not reply but judging by the scowl on her face, Caroline had succeeded. Once Lady Catherine had walked away from her, Caroline let out a satisfied smirk.

To her surprise, Jane Bennet approached her with her usual serene expression. "I know how badly you wanted to fit with the gentry, Miss Bingley. A piece of advice: we do not spread such ridiculous gossip about other people that could ruin their reputation. Spreading rumours about my sister will not raise you in anyone's estimation."

With that, Jane Bennet walked away from her. Caroline was so shocked by the glare that the eldest Bennet had given her that she almost did not notice her brother heading towards her, wearing a stern look she did not think he was capable of making.

-p&p-

Lady Catherine remained quiet as she let Charles Bingley's sister inform her of her 'concerns'. Didn't that girl realise that she had also offended Lady Catherine by insinuating that her husband had fathered a child from another woman? As irritated as Lady Catherine was at the girl's behaviour, the girl had been somewhat helpful.

As soon as Miss Bingley finished speaking, Lady Catherine had walked away and headed in the direction of the library. Before she could turn on the hallway where the library was located a teary-eyed young lady ran past her. Trusting her instincts, Lady Catherine followed the girl to the back door and up to the front again where the carriages were waiting.

"Take me to the Dower House." She heard the girl said.

Lady Catherine's eyes searched the crowd and thankfully, she immediately found Preston. Upon meeting her eye, Preston motioned for the coachman to stir the carriage towards her.

As she entered the carriage, Preston bowed. "Everything's ready, your Ladyship."

She inwardly smiled, 'It's good to have efficient people.'

"Good. Tell Mrs Jenkinson to follow my earlier instructions strictly and that I will see her in two weeks. Perform your task as well."

With that, she told her coachman to head to the Longbourn Dower House. Since the coachman driving her carriage now was the one who had been driving Anne around when she left Hertfordshire, Lady Catherine trusted that the man would not get lost.

The carriage was still moving but when Lady Catherine caught a glimpse of a lone figure of a woman on top of a hill, she instructed the coachman to head there instead.

After what had felt like a lifetime, they had finally arrived at their destination. Lady Catherine did not wait for her servant to escort her out of the carriage like she usually did. Instead, she stepped out immediately and called for the girl.

"Are you Miss Elizabeth Bennet?"

The young lady turned to face Lady Catherine with a sorrowful expression. Lady Catherine gasped at the sight in front of her. Though it was evening already, the lamp that her footmen were holding along with the moonlight was enough for Lady Catherine to see the young lady clearly. She had to hold her cane tightly for support for it looked as if she was seeing a ghost.

If she had her doubts before that Elizabeth Bennet was the girl she was looking for, they had all vanished now.


I hope the pacing of this chapter is alright. Anyways, if the kiss was lacking, forgive the author for the lack of experience, or no experience at all. I just need to make them have their first kiss before I break all of our hearts.

Before some of you come at me with torches and pitchforks, their engagement was really meant to be broken. Sure, Darcy realized that he loved Elizabeth but being in the higher station, he still felt that she should be the one sacrificing it all and not him. He was not giving his 100%. As for Elizabeth, she has yet to grow fully into the Elizabeth we know and I believe that she needed to stop doubting herself and love herself fully first. Once she was done with that, then she can share her love with others.

This separation will help them be the better version of themselves, just like in the book. As you can see Darcy keeping a secret is not the best idea and relationships are supposed to be equal.

I hope that's okay. I really loved the first proposal in the original (not because I think it was romantic for it was far from that, but it was the moment they opened their eyes to each other and looked within themselves) so I just have to use some of the lines from there.

Anyways, what do you think of Caroline and Lady Catherine? Jane and Bingley's reaction?

Next update is next Thursday!