The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
Jane and Fathers
In the morning, before leaving, Jane went to the conservatory. The contents were being packed to be brought to the Fitzwilliams. She went in, the Colonel was there, Jane panicked.
"Please allow me to talk. My mother will treat you like a princess. That is only a start. We have a husband for you, he is titled, please listen. I have much to offer."
"No, you don't," Mr. Bennet had seen Jane walking and decided to join her. "I don't want you around my family. You were warned."
"She is not your family, Miss Jane is my child. She is my mother, her twin. I know her birthdate, she is my child. Fanny confirmed it."
"I don't care who you are, the law says she is mine. My heart says the same. Why wait all these years? You were never interested before. Ask her who her father is." Thomas Bennet was done with being spineless.
Jane answered, standing by Mr. Bennet, holding on to his free hand, "Don't approach me again. I have only one father, Mr. Bennet, who loved me since I was born. I know, I asked my aunt. My father knew the truth, he knew my mother was increasing, but he didn't care. He gave me his name and his love. You left when my mother told you she was pregnant. Although you were unmarried, my mother wasn't good enough for you. You lied to my uncle and said you were married. A lie, you married one year later, my uncle has the announcement. So let me be. Please leave, sir." Jane's voice was firm.
Mr. Bennet pointed his gun at the officer, "My brother wrote me much about you, you have gone around a lot. If something happens to me, he will know where to look. I don't have a title, but I am of noble birth, just like you, I am a second son, remember that. My daughter is mine, you let her be, or else. You won't tarnish her with your accusations, mark my words."
The Colonel left, but he was unhappy. He wasn't afraid of a civilian with a gun. His mother wanted her grandchild, she would have her.
When he left, Jane hugged her father, not crying, "I will never go with him. I have a father. I am like Lizzie, I have two fathers, except they both have always loved her. "Lizzie told me that nobody can make her stop loving you, I said the same. I want to leave with you."
"I also love all my girls, every one of them. Let's go."
Mr. Bennet's heart ached. He had learned to love his wife. The tinctures had done Mrs. Bennet much good, but the flaw in her character wasn't cured with a tincture. He wished it was otherwise. He had looked the other way, but bringing assignations into her house, with her daughters there, just couldn't be tolerated. For now, he must leave. His brother Gardiner was coming later to pick up Lydia and Kitty. How he wished things were different.
The barn cat followed the encounter, there were several possibilities to kill Jak's relative, the one called William. It could be done without hurting the Lord's child. What it didn't know was that Elizabeth would be Herat broken if something were to happen to her husband.
All the displays of love and loyalty made the one inside the cat even angrier. There were no children to love because of Jak's father. He should also feel the pain, no traces of his daughter would be left. William needed to die soon.
Lizzie
Lizzie's father worried. Sil and her husband were partly his fault. He should have done something long ago to confine them, but they had powerful allies, and without proof, it would create problems, and division. Darkness was always luring, wanting conflict. They needed to stay united to fight the common enemies.
Lizzie was awake, looking at William. Somebody was trying to kill him. The idea of losing him made her cry. Warrior felt his mistress awake and licked her hand, hanging on the bed's side. A small sob escaped her throat. At once, Thor jumped on the bed, looking sad.
Jak turned around, he saw Elizabeth crying. He asked softly, "Are you alright, my dear?"
At these words, sadness took hold of her, she started sobbing aloud. Darcy woke up alarmed. He looked at Jak, who shrugged his shoulders. She told him between sobs. "I don't want you to die. My heart would never heal. You and Richard, it would be too much. I am so scared."
"Don't be sad, nothing will happen to me, don't cry." The idea of leaving Lizzie was daunting. They would go back today.
Jak told Darcy, "Today is your last day here, there are too many possibilities to hurt either one of you. Miss Bingley, for one,
is an angry female. You only need to look at what happened to us, Lady Sil's anger has hurt many. Then, there is my lady's former mother, I know about her. She blames our dear Elizabeth for all her woes. Of course, at the Fitzwilliams, there is the danger of the brother, Bartlett, and the one on his way, Frederick, but it is safer. If it were up to me, I would bring you two back right this second. I do, however, do as my Lord wishes. He wants whatever my lady wishes."
"I agree, I was going to say the same."
Elizabeth argued, "But I want to visit my aunts and the Lucas."
"My dear, they can come and visit you. Maybe when Miss Bingley leaves, it will improve."
The rain had returned, it started right after the Bennet's arrived. At breakfast, Caroline stared at Louisa, who barely nodded. She was busy talking to her detested husband. Caroline's eyes opened wide, the worm was feeding small bites to Louisa, with his fingers. She coughed to call Louisa's attention.
Caroline remembered the night before, She had the key to Hurst's room, to the dressing room. She snuck in and saw Louisa over Hurst, she was undressed, it looked indecent. Louisa was laughing at her husband's words. Caroline ran out, Louisa had broken her word to stay away from her husband, what if she were with child, someone to replace her? Hurst was not drinking all the time, the country maiden's doing; Hurst wanted to please the ugly cow.
The Darcy came in, as usual, Elizabeth followed by her menagerie and Jak. Her sisters and Charles were right behind.
Charles was besotted, he sat by Jane, on the other side George sat between Jane and Mary. When Darcy caught his eyes, George grinned, "Such a pleasant company at breakfast. One could get used to."
"Agree, I fully agree," Charles answered, a little worried that Jane was friendly to George. While George didn't have his fortune, he was handsome and well-liked by the ladies. Plus, he had some land willed by Darcy's father.
"I don't agree, I am not quite sure who you are referring to. We are at a table with a dangerous wild bird and two vicious mutts." Caroline remarked.
Hurst jumped in, "You are alone in your opinion, I for one find the company delightful. A very pleasant table since I have my wife sitting by me, for a change; a permanent one, one could hope."
At his last statement, Caroline narrowed her eyes, "Louisa is going back to London with me, so don't get too used to her."
Louisa looked at Hurst, "I am not going back, is that right?" She asked Hurst. Her voice sounded anxious.
Hurst wouldn't commit, "Not at present. Charles, is that right? Caroline goes alone?"
Charles felt Jane's eyes. He hated to anger Caroline, but, "Yes, as soon as the train passes, only Caroline will go."
Caroline said nothing but gave Elizabeth a poisonous look.
"Yes, I need to go so your guests can take over the house."
The chatter ceased, Jak wanted to break her neck.
Mr. Bennet, usually soft-spoken, had a bad morning, he saw Elizabeth's eyes. Her pregnancy and Richard's murder had made her sensitive to insults. "Young lady, I think you must watch what you say. If our presence here is an inconvenience, let us know. You upset my daughter, and I must express my dissatisfaction. Your lack of courtesy and property is appalling."
Elizabeth grinned, her father's forceful voice made her happy.
Charles stood up, "Caroline, I agree with Mr. Bennet. They are fully welcome, and this is my home. Please leave the room. Until you leave, you will have your meals alone. If you apologize, and our guests accept it, I might reconsider."
Hurst applauded.
Caroline had a sip of tea, wiped her mouth, and left. Her heart was full of hatred for Elizabeth and the Bennet. Once she left, nothing else was said. If any, Jane was more hesitant than ever, her nerves were already frazzled. Looking at Caroline's behavior, she knew that as long as Caroline had a central role in Charles'life, more scenes like this were bound to happen.
Caroline was fuming. She put on walking shoes, a bonnet, and ordered her lady's maid to get an umbrella." We are going for a walk." The rain had let a little.
Elizabeth sat with her sisters while William and George went with Charles. William had told Charles they would probably leave in the afternoon. George would stay a couple more days. Charles begged him to reconsider.
When the rain subsided, Elizabeth asked, "Let's go for a walk, I need to move a little."
Jak was apprehensive; outdoor, there were too many chances for something going wrong.
A footman came, "Mr. Hurst, you have visitors."
Hurst stood up; minutes later, he came in with three men and a petite woman with nearly white hair.
"My cousins, I sent them an express; they want to help." He told Jak. "Jak, Darcy's cousin, he goes by his first name." They newcomers chuckled. Then, he introduced Elizabeth and the Bennets. Louisa stayed sitting, looking nervous.
The men were tall, lean, broad shoulders, hard handsome faces. They looked like warriors in civilian clothes. The woman was delicate looking, large dark eyes, full lips, a straight nose. She was beautiful, Elizabeth thought. She wore a full wool skirt, a short velvet jacket, no bonnet. Her curly hair was not white but very blond; she had it pinned, but it wasn't holding well.
They were dressed like country gentlemen, all wore Hessians. The woman wore sturdy shoes. The group looked imposing. Elizabeth squinted, she saw a knife sheath peeking out the woman's jacket, impressive.
"Lord Albert and Lord Tobias Hurst, they prefer to be called by their name. I used to, Reginald is my name." He grinned, and turned towards the younger man, early 20s. "The baby, Steven, Albert's brother, and lastly Lady Antonia Hurst, she prefers Tony."
Tony went straight to Elizabeth, "I have heard so much about you," she hugged Elizabeth.
"I have heard much about you as well."
Tony saw Louisa and pursed her lips. "Hello, where is your sister?
Louisa shrugged her shoulder, "Who knows?"
Tony just said, "I see."
The men looked at Elizabeth's sisters. Mary had changed a lot when she started working in the conservatory, helping with the operation. Her religious mania was gone. She looked a little like Penelope Bennet, while she wasn't as pretty as Jane, she was pretty nevertheless. Jane admired the men, they looked strong-willed, a quality she was getting to admire.
Jak looked at the petite Antonia, he was quickly a foot and one half taller than her. Elizabeth was taller than her. He had seen creatures that resembled her, humans called them wood fairies, he smiled. Elizabeth caught his eyes and decided to pay more attention.
Warrior, a traitor, went to Tony, climbing her leg for pets. She complied, but her eyes were fixed on Thor.
"A wolfhound, I only have seen them once. Come here, sweetie, come." She called, but Thor stayed stuck to Elizabeth.
"Your charm is not working," Hurst teased her. His cousins chuckled.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later," she bent to pick up Warrior, he weighed around 14 pounds. He let her and licked her face.
Louise looked at her, "You will be covered with hair." She had nearly made a snide comment, but her husband was looking at her. He was yet to decide about her.
Tony said nothing, It was apparent there was no love lost between them.
"You must be tired, do you want to go to your rooms to freshen up?" Hurst offered.
"I would rather go for a walk to stretch my legs after the long ride," Lord Tobias said.
Jak decided they should be safe walking with them. "I will tell William," Jak offered.
Everyone but Louisa and Mr. Bennet joined the walk.
Walking
Caroline was ruminating, looking behind her, and could swear someone was following.
Caroline didn't want to go to London alone. She blamed her situation on Elizabeth. Once again the idea of hurting Elizabeth by doing something to Darcy had a great appeal. But how to do it? She heard of hunting accidents, but she didn't hunt and wasn't that good with the bow and arrow. She remembered of a grizzly murder in London, a lady poisoned her husband. That might work, she would think about it. For now, she needed to avoid going to London.
She heard voices, she saw the group coming from Netherfield. At once recognized Tony walking with Mrs. Darcy, holding arms. It figured. She noticed the hawk, several birds, the nasty mutts, and Hurst's cousins. Now the worm was inviting his own guests, it couldn't be.
Caroline walked fast towards them, Jak saw her face, pointed his wrist, making Caroline slid on wet leaves, and fell on a mud puddle.
Tony covered her mouth, looking at the undignified Caroline, legs splayed, covered with mud. Thor ran to the mud puddle, spraying more mud. Elizabeth was calling Thor, who decided to disobey. Jane and Mary couldn't stop smiling.
Lord Albert was the only one to assist. But Caroline shrieked, "Don't touch me."
Jak was quiet, he sensed the enemy. The hawk was circling all around. "We need to leave, I will help you," he gave his hand to Miss Bingley. He was right, she had been touched, but not yet controlled. "Here, hold my arm."
Thor's ruff was fluffed, he was snarling. All of a sudden, he left chasing something, "Stop," Elizabeth tried to go after him, but she was too slow. The hawk hovered over them. "Extraordinary," the Hurst observed. Tony and Tobias ran after Thor as if they had wings. Jak noticed.
Thor went into the woods, sniffing and growling. They heard a voice, "Lady Sil, if you come near my child or her husband, your days are numbered." Tony and Tobias looked everywhere, but they saw nobody.
Thor was already walking back. Elizabeth bent to pet him, but didn't go far enough, "Bad puppy, don'..."
"He was after something," Tony said. Jane and Mary stood by their sister. Tony continued, "We heard..."
Jak cut them off, "Tell us later, let's go." Tony and Tobias both heard in their head, "Be careful around the orange female." They looked at each other, wondering if they were mad.
"I want to go home," Elizabeth was pale. She walked a few steps and cried, clutching her stomach.
"Dearest, what is wrong," Jane asked.
Elizabeth just held her stomach, "It hurts."
Jak let go of Caroline, but Lord Albert had already picked Elizabeth up. The rain started to come down. All hurried, but Caroline was fuzzing, calling her lady's maid with the umbrella.
"We have no time for this," Jak said, pulling her along. He wasn't going to leave her out there to be open to Lady Sil.
Lord Tobias took off his coat to cover Elizabeth while they ran.
William heard a clear voice, "Elizabeth is in trouble, go."
He was in shirt sleeves but ran outside. Warrior had just reached the house; upon seeing Darcy, it turned around towards Elizabeth.
Albert seemed to be flying just like his cousins. Jak was dragging a screaming Miss Bingley. Darcy reached them close to the house. While they ran, he was informed. Immediately, he looked at Miss Bingley, suspecting her, but of what.
Elizabeth felt wet between her legs, "The baby is too soon."
Albert laid her on a couch, the first place he found. His hands were sticky. "She is bleeding, everyone out, "he ordered.
"She needs a doctor," Mr. Bennet said, "and to take a tincture to stop the cramps."
Caroline exclaimed, "She is bleeding on a silk couch. Get her away..." she kept going.
Darcy was by Elizabeth, he should had never come. What had happened? Elizabeth was fine earlier. William stood her head, his hand on her shoulder.
Tony turned around to face Caroline and slapped her face. "Shut up and leave this room."
Caroline felt many angry eyes on her and decided to retreat, but not before mumbling. "Let her bleed to..." an invisible hand closed over her mouth and nose, for long enough to make her run away.
Albert was answering, "I am a physician," he said, lifting her skirt.. Wanting to check if the child was coming.
Jak pointed his wrist for the second time, the healing wasn't working. This was bad, he suspected Lady Sil or her husband. What to do?