Many thanks to my beta reader and co-author Sam. H.

PPP

Standing at the top of Oakham Mount, Elizabeth's vision caught a ray of light as it travelled down into the valley casting Longbourn in a warm glow. The peaceful sight was a sharp contrast to her contemplations of all the heart-wrenching changes that took place over the past year.

Her life had been busy since her father's passing. The responsibility of running the estate became her burden, and it was one she willingly took on. The tasks of overseeing the ledgers and visiting tenants were not new to her, and she had plans to try and ensure Longbourn's prospering until her brother was old enough to take over its care. Still, the loss of her father overwhelmed at times and left her longing for his presence to help carry the load.

Despite her uncles' support, she was concerned about making the wrong decision. A mistake could potentially jeopardize her family's financial stability. These fears lingered constantly in the back of her mind, causing her to doubt her abilities. To her family she made sure to project a confident appearance.

Returning home one chilly February afternoon from visiting tenants, she was caught in a sudden storm. Elizabeth did not like riding, and chose to walk is the distance was less than two miles. Not half a mile from home, and the skies opened up, washing out the path making it slick and unstable. The next step she took, her foot slipped, and she fell to the ground. The pain in her ankle hindered the rest of her way back, and she was completely drench by the time she arrived at Longbourn.

Her mother and Mrs. Hill had her warm and dry in no time, but two days later, Elizabeth was delirious with fever. The ladies of Longbourn all deeply concerned for her, were diligent in administering cold cloths to her forehead, neck, arms and legs. Elizabeth was very sick for several days, but eventually, she recovered.

Philips and Gardiner urged Elizabeth to acquiesce to their suggestion of hiring Mr. Flint. A young man of thirty years, descended from minor gentry, he came highly recommended by Netherfield's steward. With his experience and sound knowledge, he could advise Elizabeth on how to enhance the productivity of Longbourn.

Under his guidance, the estate ran more efficiently, and the responsibilities and concerns on Elizabeth's shoulders reduced significantly. Mr. Flint's assistance was invaluable and little by little Elizabeth became increasingly less anxious about the future.

Jane's husband passed away after a long illness. He bequeathed only £1,000 to Jane and the rest of his small fortune was inherited by his daughter. Jane's return to Longbourn in March was a further relief, by taking on some of the household chores. This included spending several hours each day with Tommy.

Mary returned to the Gardiners' house three months after her father's death. She was happy to assist her aunt in teaching her younger cousins to read and write. Her eldest cousin, Marianne, was interested in learning something new, so Mary spent extra time with her teaching beginners piano lessons.

A few weeks after she resettles herself in Gacechurch St., Mary met Mr. Trevor, an associate of Mr. Gardiner. Not particularly handsome, but he was kind and intelligent, and had an annual income of £500 a year. He had a small comfortable home in London, and from the first moment he met Mary, he was interested in her. He requested permission to court her a few months later.

Kitty and Lydia, were encouraged to take on some responsibilities and undertook little household chores. With the family in mourning and few visitors allowed, the sisters found themselves bored. To fill the void, they turned to books and other forms of entertainment. Kitty, who had always liked music, began learning to play the piano.

Even in their state of mourning, news of Caroline's dying in a tragic carriage accident and Louisa Hurst's death during childbirth reached the Bennets at Longbourn. Elizabeth would never consider herself Caroline's and Louisa's friend, but she was saddened to hear of their deaths, especially for Bingley's sake.

Just a few days earlier, the Gardiners had extended an invitation to Elizabeth to attend Mary's wedding in London during the month of November, and to stay on with them for an extended period of time.

Elizabeth was initially hesitant and thought of going only for a few days to witness her sister's wedding and return immediately to Longbourn. However, the previous day, Elizabeth was going over the ledgers when her mother entered the study. In a rushed manner she inquired about Mary's wedding, then blurted out, "Lizzy, I insist you accept the Gardiners' invitation and stay with them for several weeks!"

Elizabeth looked at her mother in wonder and shook her head. "Mama, I will go for a few days for Mary's wedding, but I think it best if I return soon after." She sighed, "There are still many preparations necessary for the harvest, and I do not want to overburden you and my sisters."

Fanny shook her head sadly; she was deeply concerned for her daughter. It had not escaped her notice that Elizabeth had lost weight since Mr. Bennet's death, and she had not completely recovered from her illness. So, she said with determination, "Lizzy, you told me a few days ago that Mr. Flint was taking over several of the tasks of the administration of Longbourn." She gently squeezed Elizabeth's hand and added, "You have worked so much all these months for us. But I am worried about you! You were so sick, and you are still not well. Now, you will go to London and after the wedding you will stay there and rest. I shall not be moved on this!"

Elizabeth smiled slightly at her mother and replied, "Very well, Mama. I shall accept my Aunt Gardiner's invitation and stay in London for a month."

With one last look at the beauty laid out below her feet, Elizabeth turned and slowly made her way back home. The last year had been sad, and replete with challenges, yet now, she could not help but wonder what the future might hold.