Notes: I only had time to translate half of the chapter. I'll try to finish the other half tomorrow or Wednesday.

September 1811

Mrs. Phillips poured a cup of tea to her niece, and leaned in with excitement, she said, "Jane, my dear, I have wonderful news to share with you. You will not believe it!" Jane's eyes widened with anticipation as she eagerly waited for her aunt's revelation.

"Netherfield Park has been leased to a single gentleman from the north of the country named Charles Bingley. He signed a one-year contract with an option to purchase the property." Mrs. Phillips paused for a moment to let the news sink in, before continuing, "He is quite handsome and wealthy, making him the perfect catch for any young lady."

Jane's face lit up at the news. Netherfield Park had been vacant for a few years, and the arrival of a wealthy bachelor would be an excellent addition to the community. Her aunt always said that she was the most beautiful young lady in Meryton and an heiress, so she should marry a wealthy gentleman or even a Lord. But the problem was how to meet a gentleman of such calibre. Her Uncle Gardiner was a merchant, and her father had no acquaintances in London, so the chances of meeting someone of Charles Bingley's stature seemed slim.

"You are correct, Aunt. It is good news." She added, "There are not many eligible bachelors in Meryton."

Mrs. Phillips nodded in agreement and replied, "Yes, my dear. And the other good news is that your uncle has already made his acquaintance and can introduce him to you! In three days, he takes possession of Netherfield, and your uncle has already invited him to the next assembly next week."

Jane was thrilled to hear this and commented, "Surely, my father is going to visit him too-"

Mrs. Phillips shook her head and interrupted, "I am afraid your father cannot be trusted in this matter. You know he favours your younger sisters more than you. I am certain Mrs. Bennet will do everything she can to ensure that Mr. Bingley takes an interest in Elizabeth." She paused and added, "You know I don't like to speak ill of anyone, but my cousin was always very jealous and envious of your mother. So, you need to be careful and not trust her."

Jane subtly nodded her head and listened intently as her aunt began to recount the same story she had told her many times before, following the death of Mrs. Bennet passed away. At that time, Jane had heard rumours that her father had only married her mother because she had compromised him and that she was not Mr. Bennet's biological daughter. Such rumours had troubled Jane for a long time, and she had often sought her aunt's guidance and reassurance. Mrs. Phillips had always dismissed these rumours as false and had always reassured Jane that she was, indeed, Mr. Bennet's daughter. Despite having heard the story numerous times, Jane still listened attentively, hoping to glean some new insights or details that would help her understand better her father and stepmother.

"I agree with you, Aunt," she replied with a tinge of sadness in her voice, "Sometimes, I feel like my father doesn't love me at all. To add insult to injury, my own grandmother disinherited me from her will, which was a huge blow to me."

"I am convinced that my cousin Elizabeth is behind all of this. Moreover, I am certain that she is responsible for Mr. Stevens giving up on courting you."

"But aunt, my father told me that Mr. Stevens was just a fortune hunter! When he informed him, that I was not going to inherit Longbourn, he lost interest in courting me. It is clear Mr. Stevens was only interested in my dowry and had no genuine feelings for me."

Mrs. Phillips frowned and responded, "But your father told Mr. Stevens a lie! You are your father's eldest daughter, and therefore you are the Heiress of Longbourn. You have a rightful claim to your inheritance, and no one can take that away from you. Your uncle and I will not allow it!"