RECAP:

Chapter 17 – Anne and Lady Catherine talked, Anne wanted to tell Lizzy the truth while Darcy did not. Darcy and Lizzy fought. Caroline spread malicious gossips. And Lady Catherine finally saw Lizzy.

© 2019 Zest Layne


Other people, including his friend, Ashbourne, and his brother-in-law, Hurst, had told Bingley to try and put his foot down with Caroline. He did not listen. Yes, Caroline was not the kindest person out there but she was his sister. His father had asked him to look out for both his sisters before he died. He could not find it in himself to fight with Caroline, especially when among the three of them, Caroline had always been the brave one.

He was too friendly and Louisa was too timid that people often took advantage of them. Caroline, on the other hand, was confident and she always knew what she wanted. He remembered the time when they were little when other young boys would trick him into letting them play with his toys and did not bother to return them. Caroline would frown at him and she would pretend that one of his playmates had hurt her to get them punished by their parents. Since then, his playmates would not dare 'borrow' his toys anymore.

When their parents died, Charles was afraid to be the head of the family but Caroline would push him to go to balls and gatherings so that they could be accepted into society. But looking back on it, as years passed, that was all that had been on Caroline's mind – to rise her place in society. She had forgotten about him and Louisa. And because Charles was holding unto the things Caroline did for them, he never dared to contradict his sister.

Now, however, Caroline had gone too far. Climbing to society is one thing, but dragging down others just to get to the top, Charles could not accept that. That was too much. He knew that Caroline was never perfect in the first place, but he missed his sister who always put the family first before her ambition. As soon as the rumours started circulating the ball, he just knew that he had to stand up to his sister.

Maybe sending Caroline back to their Aunt in Scarborough would make her remember how their family used to be. She would be mad at him but Charles was hoping that time to reflect would be good for her. Hopefully, the sister he knew and love would return soon.

When they finally reached his study, Charles turned to look at his sister sternly. "Caroline."

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"What in the world just happened, Darce?" Richard, who was the first to recover a moment after Miss Elizabeth exited the library, glared at his cousin. "Is that how you talk to your lady? If that is so then you are a deuced idiot, cousin. I cannot believe –"

Richard stopped talking once he realised that his Marquess cousin was pacing back and forth, unshed tears evident in his eyes. "I did not –" He ran a hand through his hair. "I did not mean it." He rasped out. "I was frustrated that she got mad and –"

Richard placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder and nodded sympathetically. "We are all in shock, even Miss Elizabeth. I am sure we can all work this out. The two of you just needed to talk to one another calmly."

Darcy nodded and hurried towards the door. However, Mrs Norton, Netherfield's Housekeeper, opened it before he could.

"Lord Ashbourne, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss de Bourgh," the woman bowed, "forgive me for intruding but Mr Bingley has asked for your help in the stable, Sirs. The horses have gone wild and the groomsmen were having trouble calming them down."

"Where is Bingley?" Darcy asked.

"I believe he is having a serious conversation with Miss Bingley in the study, Sir."

"Very well," Darcy nodded in resignation before rushing outside.

Before Richard could follow his cousin outside, he turned to Anne. "Stay here."

He could tell that she was still in shock with what happened earlier so she only nodded silently. Hopefully, they could wrangle up the horses quickly. The sooner they get this over with, the sooner his cousin could talk to Miss Elizabeth.

With one last look at Anne, Richard followed his cousin outside.

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Louisa Hurst, though the eldest Bingley sibling had always followed her siblings' lead. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that her parents only paid her the attention she needed whenever she was with Charles (the son her parents had dreamed of) and Caroline (their precious youngest child).

Even her marriage happened because Caroline had pushed her into it. Fortunately for Louisa, Humphrey Hurst genuinely cared for her. Still, she had noticed that whenever she spent time with her sister, her husband would mostly ignore her and focused on his food and drink.

When she found out that she was with child the other day, she had asked her husband why he acted distant towards her whenever she was around Caroline. She had been surprised at his response.

"You are not the woman I married whenever you are with her." He had said. "You become selfish, hypocritical, and pretentious like your sister. Nothing like the Louisa I've come to know."

On behalf of her sister, she had been mad at him for saying that. Of course, she would follow Caroline's lead. Caroline had always been the better sister – more beautiful than Louisa, taller than Louisa, more fashionable than Louisa.

Yet, as Louisa Hurst overheard her sister talk to Lady Catherine de Bourgh about such a scandalous gossip, she finally saw what her husband had been telling her. Didn't Caroline realise that even if what she was saying was the truth, implying that Lady Catherine's husband had a child from another woman was not a good thing? Aside from that, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was well-loved in the area. Had Caroline forgotten the glares that were sent in Lord Ashbourne's direction when he had insulted the lady on their first assembly here?

By the smirk on Caroline's face despite Lady Catherine ignoring her, it seemed that she did not realise the foolishness of her actions. Thank goodness they were only in Hertfordshire and not in London! What if other people saw her behaved like that?

To Louisa's surprise and relief, Charles was already dragging Caroline out of the ballroom after Jane Bennet had spoken to her. Seeing her brother stand up to her sister gave Louisa some courage. If Jane Bennet could make Charles be more of a man like that, then perhaps Louisa could agree to the match. The eldest Miss Bennet did seem to make her brother happy.

Shaking her head, Louisa shook those thoughts out of her head. She could think about Charles and Jane Bennet later. Right now, she needed to make sure that Caroline did not damage their reputation in Hertfordshire.

She had a child to think about now and every action she made would affect her son or daughter. Louisa was done following. It was time she stood up on her own, for the sake of her child.

With her chin held up, she walked towards Mrs Long who had been standing near Caroline and Lady Catherine earlier.

"Mrs Long," she greeted the woman with a polite smile, "I hope you are enjoying the ball. Do forgive my sister. She has too big of an imagination whenever she drinks too much wine."

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Lady Catherine did not wait for the young lady to confirm that she was, indeed, the person she was looking for. Instead, once Lady Catherine had finally regained her composure, she introduced herself. "I am Lady Catherine de Bourgh."

The young lady's eyes widened at her name by the evident fear in her eyes, Lady Catherine assumed that the young lady had probably come to the same conclusion as Anne. And as much as she would like to explain everything, she did not really have much time. This had to be quick.

Heaven knows that they have only less than an hour before her nephews helped fix the distraction Preston did at Netherfield. And while she did leave Mrs Jenkinson a letter that could buy them more time, Lady Catherine was worried that things could go wrong.

She cautiously stepped closer to the young lady and said softly, "You have a gold hair comb with stones of Emerald, Amethyst and Lapis. At the back of it, there was an engraved two roses entwined together surrounded by two crescent moons."

Without waiting for a reply, she pulled out a small miniature of herself from her pocket and showed the back of it to the young lady. The miniature had the same symbol that the hair comb had.

If the young lady had been surprised at hearing her name earlier, she was even more shocked at hearing about the hair comb. Lady Catherine's heart went out the poor girl. If she had a choice, she would have explained everything slowly to the poor nykin [1], but alas they needed to do everything fast.

Grabbing the young lady by the arm, Lady Catherine led her towards the carriage and motioned for her to come in. Thankfully, the young lady complied. Once she was seated beside the young lady, she directed the coachman to head straight to the Longbourn Dower House.

"Listen to me, young lady." The young lady's eyes snapped to hers. "You need to get your hair comb and all your important valuables right now. We need to leave tonight if you wanted to see your mother." Before the young lady could open her mouth to speak, Lady Catherine held a hand up. "Actions now, questions later. There will be people after you and it is better to be cautious. Now, I will wait for you here and my footmen will accompany you. If anyone asks, you were approached by a Mrs Maria Smith, your mother's cousin."

When the young lady nodded, Lady Catherine sighed. "Now, pack quickly and leave a note to your guardians saying that you are safe. Tell them that you will be taking a trip to Bath. Also, if you own any cloaks, bring some and wear one."

The carriage moved for only about two minutes when it suddenly stopped. One of her footmen opened the door and Lady Catherine raised a brow at him. "We are in a hurry. Why did we stop?"

"We spotted one of Lord Ashbourne's personal guards, Ma'am."

Lady Catherine pinched the bridge of his nose. If only she had not promised her siblings and Sophie for the children not to get involved in this, then perhaps it would be easier. Taking a calming breath, Lady Catherine turned back to the footman sharply. "Go with White and Taylor and distract my nephew's guards and any other people out there. Then, go to Preston afterwards. He will know what to do."

When the footman nodded, Lady Catherine turned to the young lady again. "Pack quickly, child. Mulford will be coming with you."

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Elizabeth was shaken by the turnout of events. Once she was inside the carriage, she had asked the coachman to turn to Oakham Mount instead of heading straight to the Dower House. Then, after seeing her tears, she finally convinced him that she wanted to be left alone.

He did not leave her alone completely though but he did walk a couple of yards away from her. Then a couple of minutes after that, a new carriage arrived. Elizabeth had been surprised to hear that the woman from the carriage was looking for her but that was nothing to the fear she felt when the woman introduced herself as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

However, it seemed that instead of harming her, Lady Catherine was determined on helping her. Elizabeth was taken aback that Lady Catherine knew about the hair comb that she unconsciously followed the woman when she led Elizabeth to her carriage. It was too late when Elizabeth realised that the coachman that had driven her to Oakham Mount was not one of the Gardiners' employees.

Perhaps it was because she had been hurt by her exchange earlier with Fitzwi –Lord Ashbourne that she needed an escape. Maybe it was because all the people she thought she could trust had kept her in the dark so even though she barely knew Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth followed her instructions without a question because the woman would probably answer her questions. If not those, then maybe it was Lady Catherine's knowledge about the gold hair comb that Elizabeth felt obligated to trust her.

Either way, whatever the reason was, as soon as one of Lady Catherine's footmen had given her a sign that Fitz – Lord Ashbourne's guards were distracted, Elizabeth rushed inside the Longbourn Dower House and headed straight to her room.

In a medium-sized trunk, she packed the baby clothes and the blanket that the Gardiners had given her the other night. Then, Elizabeth opened the secret hiding place under her bed and placed small the locked box – containing the hair comb and Grandma Claire's letter – into the trunk.

Then she shoved a few gowns, cloaks, and undergarments in the trunk as well. She also took her pocket money from the drawer and placed the small pouch at the top of her trunk. Satisfied, she closed the trunk and wore one of her cloaks. This time, she chose a dark blue coat that could blend in the dark.

Once done, she proceeded to write a small note to the Gardiners so they would not worry about her.

To Mr and Mrs Gardiner,

Please do not worry about me. Maria Smith, a cousin of my real mother, had approached me when I went outside for some fresh air during the ball. She told me that she knew who my mother was and that she was going to bring me to her. I believe her because she gave me proof. I know because Grandma Claire's letter told me about what proof should I ask for in case people came looking for me.

If anyone else asks about my whereabouts, tell them that I have taken a respite in Bath. I will return soon so please do not worry or look for me.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth.

She placed the note on the bed before carrying her trunk outside the room. When she reached the entrance, the coachman who had driven her earlier at Oakham Mount held out his hands to help her with her trunks.

"Where is Peter?" She asked.

"My cousin is sleeping at Netherfield, Miss. I only put some sleeping herbs in his drink along with the footmen that were with him."

Relieved that the Gardiners' real coachman and other servants were safe, she nodded at him and followed him out of the house. However, before they could go farther, Alexa's voice stopped Lizzy in her tracks.

"What is going on, Miss Lizzy?" Her Abigail asked worriedly. "Why is that man carrying your trunk? Where are you going?"

"I am going to my real mother, Alexa. Her cousin, Maria Smith, had approached me earlier and she has evidence that she was telling the truth."

Alexa smiled a little, "That is great news, Miss Lizzy. I am happy for you." She then frowned. "But why are you leaving all of a sudden?"

"Maria Smith told me that we would be in danger if we delayed our travels."

"Then I am coming with you," Alexa declared.

Elizabeth shook her head. A part of her was still uncertain about coming with Lady Catherine and she did not want Alexa to suffer the consequences of her decision if something went wrong. "You cannot, Alexa. I do promise to come back, though but please, you have to stay here. Ensure the Gardiners and Mrs Winters that I left willingly and that I am safe… but do not tell anyone that I left tonight. Just say that I have retired in my room."

"Are the Marquess and his cousins accompanying you?"

Her Abigail must've noticed Elizabeth stiffen at the mention of those people for Alexa let out a resigned sigh and squeezed her hands. "I will do as you ask, Miss Lizzy, but you have to promise me two things: be careful and come back soon."

Elizabeth nodded and hugged her abigail, the closest friend and confidante that she had in her life. "I promise."

"Take care, Miss Lizzy."

With those final words, Alexa Digby watched tearfully as her Mistress walked away and boarded a carriage with the man who was carrying her trunks.

A couple of minutes later, one of Lord Ashbourne's personal guards, Carson approached her. "What are you doing here? Get back inside. We heard something in the woods. Jacobs is already scouting the area but it's still not safe."

Though confused, Alexa furrowed her brows. "What are you doing here?"

"The Marquess sent us to guard Miss Elizabeth secretly. We stayed here when she left for the ball in case someone tried to find her here."

Before Alexa could respond, Jacobs appeared. "Taylor, one of Lady Catherine's footmen, is injured. He said he was chasing a horse running loose. He stumbled and I think he sprained his ankle. White is with him but they need help. What did you find?"

"I heard some noise but it stopped once I got there. When I saw nothing else, I went back here. I was just about to ask Digby if Miss Elizabeth has returned because I think that the Marquess did not want her to attend the ball."

Jacobs turned to Alexa, "Did she return?"

Alexa could tell that these people were very loyal to the Marquess so she nodded her head. She was not really lying since Miss Lizzy did return. "Yes, she was now resting in her room but she was very upset. I left her to get some fresh air."

It seemed that the two believed her for the next thing she knew, Jacobs got back on his horse to help the injured people he found and Carson told her that he would be staying guard until the Marquess relieved him of his duty.

Alexa looked back in the direction where Miss Lizzy left. Her Mistress was very lucky that Carson and Jacobs had been distracted during her departure.

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Richard greedily drank the wine Mrs Norton offered once he and Darcy got back in the house. "I say, whoever released a whole bunch of frogs and squirrels by the horses earlier, he is not funny." He filled his drink again with some wine. "Man, I am exhausted."

Across from him, Darcy was drinking his wine as well. However, after the second refill, he immediately stood up.

"Where are you going, Darce? Are you not tired? We just got here."

"I needed to see Elizabeth."

At the remembrance of what happened earlier, Richard sobered up and walked next to his cousin. "I am coming with you." The 'to make sure you do not put your foot in your mouth again' left unsaid but Richard knew that Darcy understood that it was implied.

However, just as they were about to reach the door, a frantic Mrs Jenkinson rushed towards them. "Lord Ashbourne, Colonel Fitzwilliam," she curtsied.

"What is the matter?" Richard asked.

"'Tis Lady Catherine, she left hurriedly earlier and she asked me to give you this."

Richard took the letter from Mrs Jenkinson and cursed under his breath as soon as he finished reading it. When Darcy gave him a questioning look, Richard passed the letter to his cousin. A few seconds later, he heard his cousin muttered a few curses of his own.

Richard couldn't blame him. He would feel the same if he had a fight with his betrothed and receive a letter that his mother was ill on the same night. As Darcy tried to regain his composure, Richard forced himself to remain level-headed in the situation. So instead of showing his frustration at the situation, he began questioning Anne's companion. "Where is Lady Catherine?"

"She left in her carriage earlier, Sir. Her trunks hadn't been fully unpacked yesterday so she asked some footmen to bring her trunks to the carriage. I tried to stop her but she gave me this letter instead to give to you. I would have warned you earlier but I cannot find you or Miss Anne."

"Do you know where she was heading?"

"She told me that she would go to London first to talk to her brother before travelling to the Darcy's estate in Scotland with him to see their sister."

Letting out a heavy sigh, Richard thanked Mrs Jenkinson and dismissed her. Then, he led Darcy to the library to talk to Anne.

"What is my mother thinking?" Anne asked aloud, once Richard had finished telling her what happened. "We have to go after her. It is already dark and I fear for her safety."

"You will stay here, Anne. Darcy and I will go." Richard said. "You can follow us in the morning."

"But –"

"It is dangerous, Anne. Darcy and I can go there faster with our horses. You are not use to riding at night. Besides, you need to tell Bingley where his guests had gone."

Anne sighed in defeat but nodded at them. "Go to Lizzy first, though." Then with guilt in her eyes, she looked directly at Darcy, "I am sorry, cousin. I feel like this is my entire fault. I should never have pressured you in telling the truth."

Darcy shook his head. "The fault is mine. If I didn't say those horrible things, she would not have left."

Richard shook his head. "We are all at fault here; Anne for pushing you to tell the truth, me for bringing the two of you in the library to get along, and Darce for speaking without thinking."

Standing up, Richard led Darcy towards the stables and they saddled their horses. Once they were done, the two of them headed straight to Longbourn Dower House.

They have not even left Netherfield's borders yet when Jacobs arrived two of Lady Catherine's footmen. "What has happened?" Richard asked.

"He was chasing one of the loose horses but he stumbled and we think his foot is sprained," Jacobs answered.

"Is Elizabeth back at the Dower House?"

When Jacobs nodded, Darcy sighed in relief. "After stopping at Dower House, we will be going to London. Will you join us?"

The uninjured footman of Lady Catherine spoke. "I think I can handle it from here Jacobs. You should go with Lord Ashbourne."

A minute later, Jacobs was also riding alongside Richard and Darcy towards the Longbourn Dower House.

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More than an hour and a half after Alexa bid goodbye to Miss Lizzy, a knocking was heard on the door. Though confused, she still went to see who was visiting at such an hour. To her surprise, it was the Marquess and Colonel Fitzwilliam, along with the Marquess' personal guards.

"Where is Elizabeth? Someone told me that she left Netherfield earlier and Jacobs had informed me that she arrived here earlier. Please let me talk to her."

Alexa was about to tell them that her Mistress was not at the house but upon remembering Miss Lizzy's request and the pain that she saw in Miss Lizzy's eyes earlier at the mention of the Marquess, she decided to lie for the second time that night. These people hurt her Mistress and they must have hurt her really bad if Miss Lizzy was so eager to escape. "She cannot talk to anyone right now, Sir."

"Please, just let me apologise to her. I have to see her."

"I am sorry, Lord Ashbourne. But Miss Lizzy told me that she did not want to see anyone at the moment. Please understand."

The Marquess sighed. "Very well," he paused, "would you please tell her that I stopped by?"

Alexa nodded.

"Thank you."

Once the unexpected callers were gone, she sighed.

Alexa did not know whether she was lucky that she was the only servant who had stayed in the house. The Gardiners brought all the footmen with them to make sure Miss Lizzy was protected. But seeing as Miss Lizzy managed to escape, she wasn't protected as the Gardiners thought she would be. Cook and the other maids had already left earlier because the Gardiners had granted them some free time since they will all be eating at the ball. The Gardiner's valet and lady's maid, on the other hand, had decided to visit their relatives, the Hills, at Longbourn.

Alexa did not know whether she made the right decision of seeing Miss Lizzy go so easily. Still, when she saw her Mistress red-rimmed eyes earlier, Alexa knew that she couldn't stop her.

Knowing that the Gardiners and Mrs Winters would probably arrive soon, Alexa washed her face to remove any trace of crying. Thank goodness that the Marquess and his guards were too focused on finding Miss Lizzy earlier, or else they might've questioned her.

Another hour and a half had passed before the Gardiners and Mrs Winters arrived. Apparently they have been searching for Miss Lizzy until a servant told them that she must've gone home already. It turned out that the footmen and the coachman they brought with them had been put to sleep, making them worry more. Trying to stop the rumours about Miss Lizzy being a bastard child had also kept them all busy. Aside from that, they were also controlling Fanny Bennet from behaving badly. Thomas Bennet had stayed at home with Lydia so the Gardiners and Mrs Winters also made sure that the other Misses Bennet went home safe.

"Where is Lizzy?"

"She is in her room, Mrs Winters," Alexa replied.

Mrs Gardiner sighed. "I'll go see her. She should have known better than to disappear without saying goodbye. She had all of us worried, including Mary and Kitty."

"I do not think that would be a good idea, Ma'am."

Mr Gardiner's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Why not?"

Hesitantly, she answered, "Miss Lizzy had a row with the Marquess earlier. That was why she came back early."

"They are only engaged and he has hurt her already." Mr Gardiner said. "I knew that he was a bad match for her."

"Oh Edward, every couple quarrels from time to time."

"Perhaps I should go check on her?" Mrs Winters suggested.

"No!" Alexa exclaimed a little too quickly. She paused again before giving them a sad look, "I think she is still crying and it will not make her feel better if you see her in such a state."

Alexa inwardly sighed in relief when the three nodded in understanding.

"We will see her tomorrow," said Mr Gardiner.

With that, the Gardiners and Mrs Winters headed to their own chambers. Once she heard the last door shut, let her body slid down the settee. She hoped she did the right thing. Hopefully, Miss Lizzy was safe wherever she was.

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Elizabeth remained quiet the whole time she was in the carriage with Lady Catherine. The coachman who had assisted her with her trunk did not come with them. Lady Catherine asked him to return the Gardiner carriage to Netherfield and to guard the real Gardiners' coachman and footmen. Only then could he follow them with someone name Preston and the other footmen that distracted the Marquess' personal guards earlier. When she observed the exchange, she realised that Lady Catherine had really planned this – taking her away from Hertfordshire.

The curtains were drawn closed so she could not distract herself from the view outside. She was sitting beside Lady Catherine but the woman had yet to speak to her again. If Elizabeth was being honest, she did not think that she was ready to talk to anyone as well.

Because she could not gaze at trees or the moon, Elizabeth focused her attention on one of the lamps that were giving them light inside the carriage. Though her eyes were directed at the flickering fire, her mind was elsewhere.

Did she really make the right decision of coming with Lady Catherine? What if the woman was just waiting for her to lower her defences before harming her? Then again, Anne had been very kind to her so Lady Catherine might have been kinder than what Fitzwi – Lord Ashbourne had expected the woman to be.

At the thought of him, memories flooded her mind. Weren't it was just earlier today that the two of them had shared their first kiss? They had been fine that morning, acting silly and laughing together. How come it had all come to this?

It was her fault, she thought. She had been so shocked and angry when she found out that he was keeping vital information from her. But didn't she have the right to feel that way? She trusted him… and he broke her trust. How were they going to be living together as man and wife if he could not trust her and if he chose to lie to her when he could tell her the truth?

She smiled ruefully. Perhaps, they were not meant to be man and wife.

His response to her anger proved that. His words echoed in her head even now. '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.'

Perhaps it was better this way. If he had been having thoughts like that when they had been engaged, what would happen once they marry? What if those thoughts never left him? He would come to resent her.

Did he even truly love her? Maybe he was just infatuated or attracted to her but he confused it for love.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. It was better this way. Perhaps she was meant to overhear their conversation in the library. That way, she prevented a lifetime of the two of them being miserable with each other. At least, they hadn't announced their engagement yet. It should not be a problem for either of them.

It was the right thing to do – letting Fitzwilliam go. Unlike if they marry, Elizabeth never had to choose between him and her family. When she had accepted his proposal, she had chosen him first. She had agreed that if she had been born out of an unfortunate circumstance, she would only be secretly connected to her family, away from the eyes of society.

Now that she and Fitzwi – Lord Ashbourne were not together anymore, Elizabeth could be with her mother fully, without pretences or hiding. She could focus on herself and the relationship with the family she had longed for.

Yes, it had been better for the two of them. Her memories with Fitzwi– Lord Ashbourne would always have a special place in her heart. He would have a special place in her heart. But after being horribly treated by Mr and Mrs Bennet for so long, Elizabeth owed it to herself to meet and build a good relationship with her real family.

That was what she was going to do. She would use her pain and anger at Fitzwi – Lord Ashbourne to forget her feelings for him. He would move on. She would move on. Hopefully, with the help of her real family, she could.

"We are here," Lady Catherine's voice snapped Elizabeth out of her wool-gathering.

"Where are we?" Since it was the first time she spoke since entering the carriage, her voice sounded hoarse.

"We are at an inn in Bedfordshire. Remember, for tonight, you are Miss Lucy Wilkins, the niece of Penelope Wilkins."

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Fitzwilliam, Richard, along with Carson and Jacobs, arrived at the Matlock Townhouse, exhausted. After riding almost nonstop for hours, they were all out of breath. He and Richard knew that it was foolish to ride so late at night. But they also knew that they needed to make sure that their Aunt Catherine was safe.

It well known to every member of the family that Lady Catherine never took the news illness well. Whenever one family member was sick, she would always drop everything else to go to the sick family member immediately.

That was why it only surprised them a little to find out that she had gone immediately after finding out that her sister was sick. Even Fitzwilliam was sick with worry. The last time his mother had been sick was when she had given birth to Georgiana. He did not want to see his mother like that again.

Shaking his head, he waited for the Butler to lead him to his Uncle Matlock's office.

"Is Aunt Catherine here?" Richard asked immediately once they entered.

"Good evening to you too, son." Uncle Francis greeted his cousin. "As for your question, no, my sister is not here. Her messenger arrived here earlier and informed me that she changed her mind and headed to Bedfordshire instead."

He and Richard both slumped into the chairs across his Uncle's table.

"Do not worry about her. Your Aunt can handle herself. You know how she is when one of us gets sick. Now, why don't you boys get some rest in your rooms and I will ask Mrs Gillard to send you some tea and bread. You do not want to wake my wife up now, do you?"

Fitzwilliam and Richard shook their heads. As much as he loved his Aunt Elinor, he knew that she would scold them for riding out in the night once she had finished fussing over them like little boys. Rest sounded good. He knew that his and Richard's room here at the Matlock Townhouse was always ready for them since he and Richard seemed to have a knack for surprise visits. Hopefully, the food that Mrs Gillard, Matlock's Housekeeper in Town, would send to them could make him feel better.

Following his Uncle's lead, Fitzwilliam went to his room and ate the food that was served to him. Soon after that, his body collapsed on the bed. He was exhausted – both physically and mentally – and as much as he wanted to think about how his mother or Elizabeth was faring, his eyes closed against his will.

Soon, he drifted into a deep sleep.

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Francis Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Matlock, ran a hand through his hair once he got back on his study. He prayed that his sister Catherine would be alright. They were playing a dangerous game by getting involved once again. Especially, since the last time he heard about Samuel Paxton, the man was still in good health. But alas, his sisters were very stubborn.

His youngest sister, Anne, did not even leave the situation despite knowing the fact that it would be dangerous, saying that she was already involved either way. Catherine had stopped getting involved when her daughter Anne had been born but once Anne had been declared healthy by the physicians, Catherine was back on the case once again.

And according to Catherine's express letter he had received earlier, she had found what they had been looking for.

It only meant one thing. Sooner or later, he would have to get involved too. His wife would be happy to hear the news. Wary for their safety, yes, but happy nonetheless. She had been separated from her friends for too long.

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When Elizabeth woke up that morning, a woman, who introduced herself as Lady Catherine's Abigail, assisted her in taking a bath and dressing up before leading her to a private seating room where Lady Catherine was sitting.

"Come sit," Lady Catherine said, gesturing to the chair across her. "Let us break our fast together. Eat as much as you can, we have a long day ahead of us."

Upon seeing the various foods on the table, Elizabeth acquiesced. She did not even realised how hungry she was until she took her first bite of the tasty bread. Lady Catherine was eating too, but Elizabeth could tell that the woman was watching her.

Halfway through the meal, Elizabeth finally broke the silence. "I did not realise that your Abigail travelled with us."

"Perhaps you didn't notice because the curtains of the carriage were closed, but my Abigail and a maid, along with a few other footmen, were following us in another carriage. They were already at an inn at the skirts of Hertfordshire so you did not notice when they joined us."

Elizabeth nodded, trying to process this information. She was right at her guess last night. Lady Catherine had planned their travels thoroughly.

"Not that I do not appreciate it, your Ladyship, but why are you being so nice to me?"

Lady Catherine smiled. "I was wondering when are you going to ask that, but I supposed your mind was elsewhere last night." She paused and took a sip of her drink. "To answer your question, isn't one supposed to be nice to be nice to her Goddaughter?"


[1] Nykin – (Origin: Late 17th century English) Definition: This one appears to be fairly general in meaning — it was first used in a play in 1693, and quietly disappeared. For all we know, it was something the play's author, William Congreve, made up — but "kin" was a common suffix in 13th-16th century English to make something sound small and cute.

Tada! Poor Richard and Darcy being sent on false errands planned by Lady Catherine. To twilight reader too, your guess about Lady C is correct so kudos to you : )

Okay, so I do not like Lady Catherine in the books but reading various fanfics about her and watching Pride and Prejudice and Zombies had somehow endeared her to me and it was showing in my writing. At least, in this story.

Anyway, I do not like Caroline Bingley but I think that I was nice to her in this story. This is a one-time thing because I really dislike her. I've never been fond of people who try to ruin my OTP.

As for Lizzy's decision in coming to Lady Catherine, she was not thinking it thoroughly. She decided based on her emotions. After finding out that the people she trusted were the ones being untruthful to her, what would go wrong if she went with a person she barely knew who appeared ready to tell her the truth? So yes, not exactly wise but at this point she felt that she had nothing left to lose.

What do you guys think?

See you in the next chapter!