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

28. Chapter 28

After breakfast, Thomas was feeling relatively well. Despite his wife's persistent pleas for him to stay at home and rest, he mounted his stallion and rode out to inspect the ongoing repairs at the Smith house.

As the morning progressed, Mrs. Bennet, peering anxiously through the large window of the drawing room, grew increasingly concerned as the rain began to fall and Thomas had yet to return. Unwilling to distress her daughters, who were deeply engrossed in their respective activities – Jane delicately embroidering, Elizabeth immersed in a book, Mary playing the piano, and Kitty drawing – and remained unaware of their father's morning bout of illness.

Visibly alarmed, Mrs. Hill entered the drawing-room; five pairs of eyes looked at her, and looking at Mrs. Bennet she said, "Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet's horse just returned to the stable alone."

Mrs. Bennet immediately got up from the armchair and began to give orders. Within a few minutes, Mr. Hill, Mrs. Bennet, and two footmen and two stable boys came out to search for Mr. Bennet. Mrs. Bennet implored her daughters – including Jane – to stay at home.

Mr. Hill and Mrs. Bennet rode in a wagon and carried a stretcher with blankets. The search lasted a few minutes as Mr. Bennet's horse led them to the spot where his owner was lying on the ground, barely half a mile from Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet, desperate, got out of the wagon, touched Thomas' forehead, and took his hand. With relief, she found that he was still breathing.

The servants carefully moved him to the stretcher and slowly returned to Longbourn. Thomas' clothes were drenched, and he was shivering uncontrollably. Mrs. Bennet covered him with several blankets and put an awning on the wagon to prevent him from getting wet. Then she ordered one of the footmen to go to Mertyton with instructions for Mr. Jones to come to Longbourn as soon as possible.

Upon arriving at Longbourn, Mr. Hill and two servants laid Mr. Bennet on the couch. Thomas opened his eyes briefly, saw his dear Elizabeth, and tried to speak, but fainted again.

Mr. Jones arrived within two hours, and after thoroughly examining Thomas, concerned stated, "Mr. Bennet is currently in critical condition. He has two or three broken ribs and he hit his head when he fell from his horse. He is unconscious and in pain."

Desperate, Mrs. Bennet asked, "What can we do to help my husband get better?"

Mr. Jones shook his head, and sadly responded, "Unfortunately, there is very little you can do. We have to wait until he wakes up."

Mrs. Bennet tried to keep her composure and not cry; her daughters - including Jane – were shocked and some of them were sobbing. She had to be strong to help her husband and daughters. She could not lose hope that Thomas would wake up...