Notes: Sorry for the delay, I was out of the country. This is a very difficult chapter.
PPP
The sun was about to set; Jane hastened along the winding path towards Longbourn. Despite the fact it was December, the day was unusually sweltering, leaving Jane utterly exhausted and parched. From a distance, the light-hearted laugher of her sisters could be detected, and amidst the leafy treetop, she caught a glimpse of the Longbourn chimney. Determined to join her sisters, Jane accelerated her pace, yet they remained elusive, and the sound of their merriment gradually receded into the distance. She persisted in her journey until she unexpectedly stumbled upon her Aunt Phillips, who stood in the company of young woman that bore a striking resemblance to her. The young woman could have easily been mistaken for Jane's twin.
Jane meticulously scrutinized the young woman, her measured steps betraying both curiosity and trepidation. In a hushed tone that quivered with a mixture of wonder and apprehension, she posed the question that hung heavy in the air, "Who are you?"
The young woman looked her up and down, and with contempt replied, " You should never have been born! Come on Maria, I cannot stand being here with this woman. I cannot understand why you care for her!"
Her Aunt Phillips cast a sorrowful gaze upon her, momentarily wavering in indecision before deciding to trail after the young woman who was striding briskly away.
Jane's tearful eyes widened in disbelief; surely that young woman could not be her mother. Her aunt had recounted that, before she was born, her mother had cherished her immensely. She attempted to follow them, but they vanished into the dense foliage of the towering trees with an unsettling swiftness.
Overwhelmed by a maelstrom of sadness, confusion, and resignation, Jane continued walking towards Longbourn, her weary feet barely registering the ground beneath her. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to the figure of a horseman approaching, barely a hundred steps away. As the rider drew neared, she discerned the familiar features of Mr. Bingley, his handsome face etched with an unmistakable frown. Despite the tears that blurred her vision, Jane mustered the courage to smile and greet him, but her efforts were met with a crushing blow as he callously sped up his pace and rode past her without even a cursory glance in her direction.
With a heart even more laden than before, she conceded to the bitter reality that Mr. Bingley no longer held any affection for her. As she approached the door, she discovered with dismay that it was securely locked. Despite her insistent knocking, the door remained locked.
The curtains of the drawing room were open, revealing to her the presence of her sisters with Mrs. Bennet. She rapped on the window with an urgency that demanded their attention. They glanced out the window with a casual indifference, acknowledging her presence without a hint of warmth. They then promptly, resumed their activities, leaving her standing outside, feeling both dejected and confused.
Jane sat slumped against the door, her tears streaming down her face without restrain. She remained in that position for what felt like an eternity, until she was startled by the sound of someone speaking to her. Slowly raised her head, she realized it was her father, Mr. Bennet. His expression was a mix of annoyance and disgust as he addressed her, "What are you doing here, causing such a scene? Do you not understand that you are just a nuisance and no one holds any affection for you?"
In a state of profound agitation and sorrow, Jane began to babble but Mr. Bennet entered the house and slammed the door in her face.
Exhausted and completely heartbroken, Jane's lips quivered as she attempted to articulate her thoughts. However, her words were cut short as Mr. Bennet abruptly entered the house, forcefully slamming the door in her face with a resounding thud that echoed through the corridors.
Overwhelmed by a crushing sense of exhaustion and her heart shattered into a million fragments, Jane collapsed against the sturdy oak door of Longbourn, her tears flowing freely as she sought solace in the oblivion of sleep.
In a state of profound unconsciousness, she lay there, oblivious to the passage of time, until a faint murmur of voices began to penetrate the depths of her consciousness. With great effort, she attempted to pry open her heavy eyelids, but they resisted, weighed down by an inexplicable heaviness. A gentle caress upon her hair roused her senses, and a soft, soothing voice whispered unintelligible words into her ears. The fever that had consumed her body began to abate, replaced by a cool dampness upon her forehead and an overwhelming weariness. Amidst the indistinct murmurs that surrounded her, she discerned the familiar tones of Lizzy, May and Mrs. Bennet.
When she finally managed to open her eyes, she found herself ensconced in the familiar environs of her bedchamber in Longbourn. Swiftly registering the stirring of Jane, Mrs. Bennet precipitously vacated her chair; her face wreathed in a radiant smile, she tenderly reached out and caressed Jane's cheek, a gesture reminiscent of the fond endearments she had bestowed upon her when Jane was a mere child. "Oh, thanks heavens, you are finally awake! How are you feeling? Would you like a glass of water?"
Jane found herself incapacitated to respond by the excruciating pain that emanated from her throat, triggering an uncontrollable coughing fit.
Alarmed by the intensity of Jane's distress, Mrs. Bennet assisted her, gently easing her into an upright position and proffering a refreshing glass of water to soothe her parched throat.
Mrs. Bennet vigorously rang the bell, summoning Mrs. Hill to appear promptly. Upon entering the room, Mrs. Hill's eyes immediately fell upon Jane, and a gentle smile spread across her face. Mrs. Bennet said, "Mrs. Hill, please tell Benny to fetch Mr. Jones without delay. Furthermore, kindly request Cook to prepare broth for Jane."
Mrs. Hill nodded. Before she left the room, Lizzy and Mary made their entrance, their countenances radiating with unrestrained delight upon seeing Jane's awakened state.