The Heiress

by Ldibo

Mr. Bennet had been married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was not of his own choosing, and it was an unhappy one. His second marriage brought him much happiness, and he was deeply devoted to his wife. When Mr. Bennet passed away, to Jane's surprise, he chose Elizabeth as the heiress of Longbourn. This is a story about deception,betrayal and love. Unedited story. E&D J&B

1. Chapter 1

Notes: Several readers asked me to repost this story. It is complete, but I am translating it. The story is unedited.

2nd December 1811

Jane Bennet was shocked when she heard the news from Mr. Stern, her father's solicitor. Despite knowing her father had always favoured Elizabeth, she never thought he would go so far as to choose her as the heiress of Longbourn. The situation seemed unfair to Jane, she had always believed that she would inherit the family estate, as the eldest daughter of Thomas Bennet. But Mr. Stern's words shattered her dreams.

She protested vehemently, "I cannot believe this! It simply cannot be true! I am the eldest daughter of Thomas Bennet and therefore, I must be the Heiress of Longbourn."

Mr. Stern shook his head and replied, "I am sorry, Miss Bennet, but there is no mistake. Mr. Bennet's wishes are clear in his will and it states the Heiress of Longbourn is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"But I am his firstborn daughter! It is my right to inherit Longbourn!"

"Miss Bennet, please calm down. Mr. Bennet had the right to bequeath Longbourn to whomever he wanted, and he chose your sister as his heiress." He paused, "You had received your mother's settlement when you turned 21, but the rest of the money is inherited by Mrs. Bennet and her daughters."

"I don't understand. I am his daughter, too!"

"That money corresponds to Mrs. Bennet's settlement. You are not her daughter."

She found the situation deeply unfair. She felt she deserved more, especially since she had always been a dutiful daughter. In her anger and frustration, Jane vowed to challenge her father's will, "I am sure you are wrong! I am going to ask my uncle, Mr. Phillips to read my father's will…"

Mr. Stern shrugged his shoulders and responded, "Your uncle can read it, or any solicitor you want. However, I warn you, the heiress of Longbourn is Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and nothing can change that fact."

Jane was furious as she stormed out of her father's bookroom. She was afraid Bingley would not marry her if she was not an heiress.