Edited by nanciellen

Over the next week, Lizzy saw Mr. Stevens several times. With each passing day, she liked her future brother-in-law more and more. Jane was very happy and more beautiful than ever. Fortunately, she had put her disappointment with Mr. Bingley behind her and was falling in love with her future husband.

At Lizzy's request, the Gardiners did not tell Jane about her short engagement with Mr. Darcy nor they had seen Mr. Bingley at Pemberley. It was better to leave Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy forever in the past.

One morning, a few days before Christmas Eve, Mrs. Gardiner came down from her bedchamber with a smile on her face, "I just finished reading your novel yesterday. The changes you made sound very good, and I am convinced if it is published it will be a success..." she gently squeezed her niece's hand, "If you agree, I can ask your uncle to take it to Mr. Shaw to read."

Lizzy hesitated and asked, "Don't you have any additional suggestions?"

"No, the novel is perfect." She looked into her niece's eyes, "Jane and your uncle agree with me. We are very proud of you, Lizzy, and we sincerely hope that when your novel is published you enjoy all the success in the world." She paused, "but since you are a gentlewoman it is best if your identity always remains hidden. As a precaution, I suggest you don't say anything to your mother or Kitty."

Lizzy hesitated for a few seconds, and finally replied, "I understand, aunt. The last thing I want is to cause more trouble and further ruin my sisters' reputation. As a nom de plume, I would like to use the name Rose Gardens."

Mrs. Gardiner smiled broadly, "It's a nice name and suitable for you. Rose is your middle name and Gardens is similar to Gardiner."

Lizzy nodded. "That's why I like it..."

That day, Mr. Gardiner took the manuscript to Mr. Shaw's publishing house. Mr. Shaw promised him that in three weeks he would make the decision whether to publish it or not.

Christmas Eve at the Gardiners' was festive. The children were impatient to receive their gifts, but Mrs. Gardiner convinced them to go to bed early. Lizzy and Jane had both used part of their pin money to buy gifts for each of them.

But the big surprise they received the day after Christmas was the letter Mrs. Bennet sent to Mrs. Gardiner with news that completely changed the fate of several families...

December 23rd, 1812

Longbourn

Dear Madeleine,

I hope you are well. I am upset that my dear Jane is marrying a man who earns less than £1000 a year. Being so beautiful she could aspire to marry a gentleman with an income of at least £2000 a year, but there is nothing I can do to prevent the wedding from taking place.

I don't know if you remember I told you in my last letter that I have been feeling bad for several weeks; I have nausea every morning, dizziness, and palpitations. Yesterday at breakfast I fainted and worried Mr. Bennet sent for Mr. Jones.

When Mr. Jones examined me and asked me several questions, I realized I have not had my period for more than three months. The answer to my discomfort is so clear: I am pregnant. You can imagine that I still can't believe it, it is a miracle. I am sure this time I will have a boy.

Unfortunately, I feel too bad to leave my bedchamber and I probably won't be able to attend Jane's wedding.

I hope Lizzy is helping you with the children.

With love.

Fanny Bennett.