Notes: Many thanks to my wonderful beta and co-author Sam H.
This story is divided into 4 Parts:
Part I - June 1805 - June 1806
6 chapters
Part II - September 1811 - May 1812
16 chapters
Part III - April 1812 - December 1812
22 chapters
Part IV
10 chapters
Part I – June 1805 – June 1806
November 1811
"Good evening, Miss Bennet. It is a pleasure to see you again after so many years."
Elizabeth looked up and found herself face to face with the most hateful man she had ever met. She clenched and unclenched her fists to maintain her control.
Longbourn – June 1805
For many generations, the Bennet family lived in Longbourn and were one of the leading families in Meryton.
Mr. Thomas Bennet had been the master of Longbourn for more than fifteen years. He had five daughters and no son. The girls were well-known for their beauty, especially the eldest, Jane. Thomas was an intelligent, but lazy man. He did not take the trouble to save money and ensure his family's future. The estate was entailed to a distant cousin whom they had never met, and when Mr. Bennet died, his wife would only inherit her settlement of 5,000 pounds, and his daughters portion would be one thousand pounds on their mother's death
Due to the entailment and the lack of financial security, Mrs. Fanny Bennet was a nervous woman and was concerned for her future when Mr. Bennet passed. So, when their eldest daughter, Jane, turned fifteen in 1804, Mrs. Bennet was adamant she should come out. It was imperative she made a good match for all of their security.
Jane Bennet was a sweet young woman with classic beauty. With her golden hair and light blue eyes, she attracted the attention of gentlemen wherever she went. However, with her small dowry and very young age, none of the eligible men had shown any interest in courting her. Still, she was enjoying her time in local society, as she had attended five assemblies so far and had not sat out a dance once.
One afternoon in July, Mrs. Bennet was all aflutter to share exciting news with her family. In the drawing room were her three eldest daughters: Jane sat embroidering; Elizabeth was practicing at the piano; and Mary, was reading a book of sermons.
Elizabeth was 13 years old and second in age and beauty to Jane. She was also her father's favorite daughter. Her coloring was inherited from the Bennet side, with dark, curly hair, and skin that tanned due to her tendency to spend much time out of doors. Her eyes however, were her most striking feature; green with golden flecks, they were large, beautiful and expressive,
Mary, next in line at twelve years of age, was a reserved girl, with light brown hair and eyes. She wore spectacles and was not as pretty as the rest of her sisters.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's two youngest daughters were also blonde with light blue eyes; Kitty and Lydia were ten and eight years respectively. They were outside playing in the main garden.
"Jane, Jane, I have just heard such exciting news from my sister, who has heard it from Netherfield Park's housekeeper. A Mr. and Miss Willow, nephew and niece of Mr. Stern, will arrive at Netherfield Park tomorrow, and it is rumored they plan to stay all summer. Mr. Stern will remain in Bath, due to his poor health." Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "Mr. Willow, is the eldest son of a baronet! He is twenty-four years old, and he is single."
Jane looked at her mother inquiringly, "Have you ever met him, Mama?"
"No, Sir William told Lady Lucas, who told my sister, who informed me of his meeting the young man in London. According to Sir William he is a charming and handsome gentleman." Mrs. Bennet smiled enthusiastically and added, "But surely, we will meet him in just four days at the assembly, Sir William will most assuredly invite him. I am sure once he sets eyes on you, he will ask you to stand up with him for a dance. Without a doubt, you are the most beautiful young lady in all of Hertfordshire. I am so excited! The son of a baronet!"
Mrs. Bennet continued talking about Mr. Willow and his many good qualities and the upcoming assembly. She decided that Jane must have a new gown for such an important introduction, preferably a light blue one to highlight the color of her eye.
PPP
On the day of the assembly, Jane looked breathtaking. Her new gown was light blue with dark blue embroidery. Her blonde hair was elegantly tied up with matching ribbons. The only jewelry she wore was a gold chain with an amber cross. A gift she received from her father, on the occasion of her fifteenth birthday.
At 7:30 p.m., Jane was ready and went to the drawing room where her mother and sisters were gathered. Her sisters made exclamations of astonished admiration at how beautiful Jane looked and made her promise that she would tell them the details of the assembly the following day.
Mrs. Bennet examined her daughter carefully from head to toe to confirm she did not have a single wrinkle in her gown and her hairstyle was flattering. Satisfied, she declared them ready to depart.
The carriage was at the door and Mrs. Bennet and Jane left a few minutes later. As usual, Mr. Bennet, who did not like dancing or attending assemblies, stayed home with the excuse of taking care of his other daughters.
Mother and daughter arrived at the assembly when the first set was about to begin. As soon as they entered the ballroom, Sir William's eldest son – who was 18 years old – asked Jane for her first set.
Just as the dance was about to come to an end, Mr. Willow and his sister, the two guests everyone assembled was waiting for, finally arrived. Most of those present turned to curiously look at the newcomers. Jane noted that Mr. Willow was indeed a very handsome young man, the handsomest she had ever seen; He was tall and well-built, with dark blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. His sister's looks were physically similar to his.
When the set was over, Sir William proceeded to introduce the Willows to the main families in the ballroom. When he introduced them to Mrs. Bennet and Jane, Mr. Willow, upon seeing Jane, immediately asked her to dance.
The next morning when the whole family was gathered for breakfast, Elizabeth inquired about the assembly and the new additions, and Mrs. Bennet started talking animatedly about Mr. Willow and Jane's success.
"Mr. Willow is so kind, and handsome. I have never seen such a charming gentleman. He danced twice with Jane. Yes, twice! And his sister is so pretty and elegant." Mrs. Bennet sighed dramatically, and looking at her husband added, "Mr. Bennet, you should visit Mr. Willow and invite him and his sister to have dinner with us at Longbourn."
Mr. Bennet replied he was too busy to make a call and Mrs. Bennet protested. The couple argued for the next few minutes over the Willows and the importance of inviting them, since it was an excellent opportunity for Jane.
Elizabeth looked at Jane, who was blushing slightly while their mother spoke vehemently about Mr. Willow. Elizabeth sensed her sister liked the gentleman very much. It was only while they were walking in the garden far from the house after breakfast, did Elizabeth have the opportunity to ask after Jane's impression of the gentleman.
Jane dreamily replied, "Lizzy, he is the most handsome gentleman I have ever met. He is so amiable. I was surprised when he asked me to dance a second set."
Elizabeth smiled, she adored her sister, and in her opinion, there was no other lady as beautiful and sweet as Jane. So, Elizabeth replied, "Why were you surprised? You are far more beautiful than any other lady in Hertfordshire. What did you discuss?"
"He inquired about my family, Longbourn, and if we had relatives in London."
Curiously, Elizabeth asked, "What do you think of his sister?"
"She is beautiful, and so agreeable. I would like to get to know her better, and I believe we could be good friends. Mr. Willow told me that they intend to stay at Netherfield Park for a few months."
PPP
Three days later, Sir William held a party at his house and invited the Willows as well. Mrs. Bennet and Jane attended and Mr. Bennet again stayed at home with his other daughters.
As soon as Mr. Willow and his sister arrived at Lucas Lodge, they greeted Jane warmly and remained by her side much of the time. At one point during the gathering, Charlotte played the piano and a little dance broke out. Mr. Willow asked Jane to dance, and Miss Willow spent the time talking about trivial matters with Mrs. Bennet.
Jane was so happy dancing with Mr. Willow and her tender heart was quite impressed with him. In her opinion, he was just what a young-man ought to be: sensible, good-humored, handsome and lively.
PPP
During the carriage ride from Lucas Lodge to Netherfield Park, Miss Willow asked her brother, "What is your opinion of our neighbors, Frederick?"
He smiled slightly, "They are rustic and some of them are ridiculous, especially Mrs. Bennet."
"I quite agree. While you were dancing with Miss Bennet, I had the privilege to listen to Mrs. Bennet's endless praise of her insipid daughter. She is convinced that you will fall madly in love with her and propose before returning to London." In a mocking tone, she added, "You make such a beautiful couple!"
Mr. Willow laughed heartily. "You are cruel, Elinor. I had noted Mrs. Bennet's plans for my wedding."
"The few things I can say in Miss Bennet's favor are that she is a sweet and pretty young woman. What is your impression of her?"
"She is the only attractive young woman in this rustic place. It would not be a hardship at all to pay …special attention… to her while I remain here."
Elinor looked at him in alarm and lightly admonished him, "Do be careful, Frederick. Our father was furious with you after the incident with Miss Campbell. He still desires to arrange a marriage between you and Sir Henry's daughter."
Frederick frowned and exasperatedly replied, "Miss Campbell was foolish to think we would marry just because I bedded her." He sighed. "Our father was upset with me because he was having an affair with Miss Campbell's mother, and due to that incident, she ended their relationship. As to Miss Shaw, while she may not be beautiful,, her large dowry is an attraction. She is also naïve, so I won't have any difficulty manipulating her. After the wedding I will ensure she stays on father's estate and does not interfere in my affairs."
"So, are you going to agree to marry her?"
"I am engaged to her, Elinor. These are my last three months as a bachelor." He smiled slightly and added, "I aim to have a little fun with the 'beautiful' Miss Bennet before marrying Miss Shaw, but I will need your assistance to achieve my goal. I promise to purchase you two or three evening gowns."
"Frederick, unlike Miss Campbell, Miss Thorne, Miss Smith and all the other women, who wanted to be the future Lady Willow, Miss Bennet is an innocent, and quite young. Are you sure you wish to play with the poor child that way?"
He chuckled softly. "My dear Elinor, consider it an education, and I am doing the girl a service."