I have never received such a warm welcome at the start of my stories. So thank you for kudos :) I so appreciate people being along with me on this journey. As always, comments are very welcome as to the shape of the story, which is still very much under way.

A bit of a longer chapter.

She was greatly enjoying this cup of tea and the quiet of the café despite the two people observing her. As soon as the cup and saucer were placed in front of her, she reverted to her school training and held her cup, thumb underneath the handle and absentmindedly stirred the spoon …. She could hear the frustrating etiquette teacher's voice remind her that she mustn't stir her spoon in a circle but move it back and forth 6 and 12…6 and 12. She avoided the scrutinizing gaze of the lady in front of her who had been introduced as Mary but had yet to say much. The silence wasn't uncomfortable. But she didn't like it. As soon as she found too much silence, she would be pulled back into memories she wasn't yet ready to face. She may never be. Luckily, she was pulled out of her reverie by her companion sitting across the table. "So, would you like to tell me your name? You don't have to, but it'd be nice to be able to call you something."

She nodded, thinking about it for a few minutes. The older woman didn't prompt her and just politely waited. She volunteered in a soft voice, "you can call me G, if you wish."

Mary smiled thinly, "ok G. How about you finish your tea and scone, and I'll show you where I work across the street. After that you can decide if you want to help me out or not?"

She had been wondering about this since Kitty brought it up and figured that she'd best ask now. Sighing she asked, "why me? I'm just someone off the street. I could be a thief or a murderer or anything."

Mary smiled, understanding her reticence. G didn't believe that she had anything to offer. If she ever met the person who did this to her, she'd happily punch them in the face. If Lizzy met them, they'd likely not survive because she'd make sure they were sent to the deepest darkest pits of prison that existed in England. Mary responded, "Kitty was right, and after seeing you I see even more potential. In my family, after everything we've been through, we give people a second chance. My work is predicated on that idea too. If you don't like what I'm offering, you don't have to work with me. But I do hope you consider it. Ultimately the choice is yours."

Mary didn't notice the expression that flashed across G's face. Almost a look of apprehension, fear, realization all rolled into one. But she got up and followed Mary, putting her cup where she saw other dirty dishes and noticed Mary kiss Kitty on the forehead before leaving and Kitty nod, smile, and hug Mary who looked slightly uncomfortable but allowed the hug anyway. She overheard, "your exuberance will kill me one day, Kit." But she saw Kitty stick her tongue out and Mary smile, nonetheless. Maybe Mary didn't like a lot of physical contact. That made G smile as she thought of her own brother.

She wondered how her brother thought of her after everything. He was one of England's most eligible bachelors according to silly gossip magazines. Coming from old money, and being a Darcy, her family had a reputation that needed to be maintained. He'd always done everything right adhering to duty in the most rigid way imaginable. He'd had to take over Pemberley investments just after graduating from his MBA a month after their father died. Having thrown himself into work he didn't have enough time for her, a 25 year old man with a 13 year old sister. She had resented him at first with all the restrictions he'd tried to place on her when she left for school, going so far as to hire a bodyguard so that she could maintain her privacy and remain out of the limelight and so scheming reporters and the tabs never got wind of what happened to her. She knew that he loved her and though it might have taken some time for her to see that, it was obvious. He was a devoted brother and it seemed that there were really only two things he cared about in the world, Pemberley and his family. Maybe someday she would be able to see him again. Though right now, her biggest worry was if her husband found her. She realized that she might have escaped, but that he would try his best to find her and lock her up again. She didn't want that. Maybe she could ask Mary for help? Could she? Could she trust this woman and her sisters? She had trusted others who appeared good, including Younge her bodyguard and then her husband. Her own intuition had led her astray could she trust again. Though it was too early to tell, it didn't feel like the Bennet sisters wanted anything from her. And that was the difference between them and those previously in her life. Even her brother, for all his love wanted something from her, he had wanted her to live up to a standard that she just couldn't live up to. And when she hadn't been able to it seemed like his love was conditional for her, only going so far as she did what was in his eyes the right thing. It was why when Wickham re-entered her life, she'd felt like she was flying. That finally someone understood her deep desire to be free in a way that her brother, for all his love, could never understand.

Her mind returned to the original question, could she trust these Bennet sisters who appeared good? Time would tell, the only problem was that her husband would have figured out by now that she wasn't coming back, would he track her? He had promised her that he would never let her go, that he would follow her to the ends of the Earth to make sure that she had nothing and no one to exact his revenge on her family. How could she have been so naïve?

She heard a little throat clearing, bringing her out of her thoughts and turned to see Mary watching her closely.

Mary had seen different expressions flash across her face. Some were obvious, a smile then furrowed eyebrows then pinched eyes and a twist of G's mouth. Mary could discern the emotions these actions went with. But some were not so obvious. It was generally Maria who had been better at discerning such expressions. How she wished she had her beloved by her side. But Mary kept her calm exterior and started walking out of Longbourn Café. She heard G follow her quietly. This was the best she could hope for now.

G noticed the building across the street with a sign out front that read 'Second Chances' and a small inscription at the bottom that said '-for L, so she always has something to come home to'. G looked around the sign and saw noticed the beautiful garden, wildflowers instead of grass and a manicured lawn, trimmed around the edge of the lawn were a variety of small knickknacks almost forming a boundary for the hedgerows. The hedges weren't actually hedges but divided up into small sections with each section having its own character and bursting with different types of flowers and plants and other items, one of them even had an excess of garden gnomes. She was taken aback by this unordered wilderness and softly smiled as she thought of her own patch of garden when she was younger at Pemberley, the estate for which Pemberley investments had been named. She wondered who was taking care of it now, or whether Wills had it ripped up after she left.

She followed Mary into the building, still unsure of what it actually was and found herself in a small office.

Mary radiated pride, "welcome to Second Chances, G. This is a place for those looking for second chances."

She wasn't sure what she thought Mary did, but it wasn't this. "What exactly do you do? And who is L?"

Mary looked at her, stiffening slightly at the mention of Lydia, "L is immaterial to this conversation. We give second chances to those who need them. Help them get back on their feet. I suspect you might need a second chance yourself. We don't judge. We have a few residents, but mostly we use our resources for programs, teaching skills, and finding jobs for people who've had a rough time off it. Sometimes, it's a person overcoming addiction, sometimes violence, sometimes people are disowned because of their sexual orientation. We don't discriminate, we help. If you work with me, I'm sure you'll figure it out. If you accept my offer, and please remember it is your choice to do so, you would be helping me out mostly in scheduling and keeping things organized around here. Maria used to help with that, but she's moved back home. I can't pay very much, we are a charitable organization, but we have an extra room as some of our residents have just managed to move out on their own and you could live here, we'd provide boarding and lodging. You don't have to make a decision just yet, why don't you meet the other residents and see. You could let me know in a few days after you've settled in a bit."

"You don't want to know what happened to me?" G asked not looking at Mary.

Mary tried to smile, "no, that's up to you to share or not share, but I'll say that talking about it helps. It also allows me to provide the kind of help you need. A doctor, a therapist, a job, help with the law, to be left alone whatever, I can't know that until you decide to share your story. But it's your story to share. It's your choice to make."

G was taken aback by Mary. She'd offered her a job with pay, a place to stay, everything based on nothing. Simply kindness. If nothing else, she would stay here a few days and then decide. She gathered her courage and said, "ok, I'll stay here for a few days and then decide." As she said that terror creeped up in her mind. What if this was all she got? A few days away from him? How soon would he find her. In her mind it was inevitable, that he wouldn't be able to or didn't care enough to, wasn't a possibility.

She found Mary looking at her again with a knowing look. Yet, G didn't waver and didn't blink. She wanted to tell Mary. Share her story as it were. But she couldn't. She didn't even know where to start. So, with a start she looked down. Mary picked up her phone and seemingly sent a text, she explained "we have a group chat here. We have space for about 10 people to stay in residence but right now between being short staffed and job placements in the past few months, not finding the right people to live here we have fewer people than normal. Mostly people come and go as they please, if they're leaving, we ask them to leave a message on the board in the lobby."

G was surprised by the transient nature of the centre. "Do you hear from people once they leave?"

Mary reflected on her time running the centre, "often we do. Some come back, some provide donations or jobs when they're able. But not always. It stings sometimes, but impermanence is a par for the course in life. We're here to provide a safe space, counsel them, and help them create their own second chance. We do that by having an open ear and not judging them, but we needn't know everything about their lives. As you know it's difficult to share your story and while it's often inevitable when you live here for a while, it's not necessary. We encourage them to build their lives, make their choices. On average, residents leave in 60 days. These individuals are capable, but they've been dealt a bad hand in life and sometimes just need a little help or a push."

G 's eyes had been continuously getting bigger as she understood what Mary was saying. Before she had eloped with Wickham, she'd not had a lot of understanding of the world having lived a sheltered existence. She reminded herself that this wasn't a workhouse from the England of centuries gone by. This was a place where people had a second chance to restore their autonomy and dignity. Soon after the explanation she saw a few people coming down to the main room on the ground floor to mingle. She heard greetings and small talk flow around her.

"Hello Mary, how's Maria?"

Mary smiled, "she's well but worried."

"She'll do fine. And so will that little girl, how could she not with loving mothers, aunts, and a safe environment."

Another girl, slightly younger than G came up to Mary, "I'm going to leave this week, Mary."

"Would you like to tell me where you'll be going, Preeti?"

The girl shook her head hesitated for a moment and then smiled and nodded, "I'm going to be a live-in nanny for the Robertson family you helped me interview with."

"That's great, Preeti. I'm very happy for you," said Mary.

When the introductory lull died down, Mary looked at G, "everyone, this is G. She will be with us for a bit. Now, you know I don't like socializing, why don't you all mingle? I'll go take care of some emails."

G was frightened for a few minutes at all the questions being thrown her way because she hadn't been in company for months since her husband started forbidding it. But she took a few deep breaths, sat on a chair near the window and tried to talk to the people about her. Not a single person judged her appearance, ghastly as she was sure it was. From this interaction G got a fairly good idea of what second chances were like, both the place she found herself in as well as what they looked like when you got them. She'd seen spontaneous interactions that provided her insight. She was still worried that it was too good to be true. But she could stay here for a few days. It's not like she had anywhere else to go since she couldn't face Wills right now.

While this was going on, Mary was in her office and called her older sister. Through the centre's work, Mary and Lizzy had become closer and despite their dissimilar temperaments, Mary and Lizzy were more alike then they'd realized before. It'd come as a pleasant surprise to them and they worked hard at their relationship. "Lizzy, how are you? How go your overworked interns?" Mary smiled.

Lizzy retorted, "you're one to talk little sister. Now quickly, I haven't much time. You rarely call me just to chat. Everything ok with Maria?"

"Yes, she's an angel. Been looking online to purchase some essentials we'll need soon. We're behind on getting a crib and stroller, though the baby shower Jane threw before she left helped a lot."

Lizzy smiled into the phone, "good, I'm glad to hear it. So, then what's up?"

Mary wasn't sure what to say, she didn't know much about G, "we've got a girl. I think you should come meet her during the week. I don't know how long she'll stay but I've convinced her to stay a few days before she can decide. Since Maria can't work anymore, I've asked her to fill those shoes."

"That was quick from my most indecisive sister. I thought it'd take a lot more hemming and hawing for you to get help," Lizzy smirked.

"I take offence. You know Kit is our most indecisive sister...this girl, Lizzy. There's something about her. You need to meet her. I think you'll be able to help her more than I will. She'll open up to you. I can feel it."

"I believe you. I can come for a cup of tea tomorrow morning at 9. In such situations I think it's best to meet sooner rather than later."

"Sleeping in tomorrow, are you?"

Lizzy laughed, "no – staying up late tonight to finish a brief."

Mary smiled, "this the factory worker case?"

"Yep, they'll want to settle once they read the brief."

"That's great, Lizzy. Another win to stick it to the man, eh? I'll let her know to meet you at 9. I'll be here. She opened up to Kit, maybe I'll ask her to come too."

"Ta, Mary. Give a kiss to the bump from me."

"Lizzy, she has a name. I'm not calling her 'bump' – Olivia remember?"

"I won't forget my niece's name, Mary. Bump is just so much funnier." You could practically hear Lizzy's eyes roll.

Mary snorted and they both got off the phone and finished some other work in the next hour.

She went back out to see how G was faring. She watched from the entrance of the room. She slowly walked up to the conversation but said nothing instead choosing to observe. G was talking to the others about themselves. But not their past rather what they hoped for the future. Mary knew without a doubt that she'd been right. G was perfect for Second Chances. Once the conversation came to a lull and the residents started dispersing Mary invited G to have a cup of tea with her to hear her thoughts. She knew that this was the hardest adjustment period. The newness of everything, possibly even a new city, all while being alone. But she would sit here with G and let time and silence help her heal.

G was lost in her own thoughts about this life. She wondered how she had dared to dream this into reality and actually take the steps. At first, 4 years ago when she met Wickham, she'd just finished high school. She was all set to go to Cambridge in a few months. But it had been a whirlwind romance, and she didn't understand why her brother was so dead set against it. In her own rebellious phase, she decided that she knew best and would marry Wickham immediately. Her brother protested. When she wouldn't listen to logic, he ordered her not to. Of course, she wouldn't listen Wickham loved her, he saw her need for independence and what she wanted from life and didn't begrudge it (or so she thought). They got married the day after she turned 18, 2 months to the day they randomly bumped into each other in Ramsgate on a school trip, where her bodyguard Younge as supposed to be looking after her. Slowly she came to realize Wickham didn't love her, just the money he would get through her as revenge against her brother who he claimed owed him. Who knows for what. Even after years she never did figure out what the original spat was about. Wickham had, once again, been thwarted because her trust wouldn't become active until two conditions were met, she had to both turned 25 and her brother and cousin Richard both had to sign off. Her father's wishes had been clear, the trust was for her and her alone to do what she wished, but only after 25. Wickham had requested control of the trust fund a few months after they married to Darcy through lawyers. Darcy had scoffed and sent back a note outlining the terms of the trust and that Wickham would never see a pence because even after G turned 25 neither he nor Richard would sign over the trust.

She was sure neither Wills nor Richard could've imagined how Wickham reacted. He'd lashed out at her, yelling and drinking himself into a stupor. At first, she thought it was a one off thing and tried to be a better wife. They had to move around often leaving debts wherever they went. Living in abject poverty. Over time he got more vicious. The more money he lost, the more he blamed her. Eventually that blame turned into far more. She soon realized that underneath the veneer of charm this is who Wickham actually was. But she refused to dwell on that for now. If a little freedom was all she was to have before he found her and she landed in the hospital or worse, then she would savor every moment.

Mary started talking to her about getting lunch as it was quite late. G reflected on how the hours since this morning had passed. She wasn't used to getting food often, so she hadn't even noticed what time it was. She followed Mary and only picked up an apple for lunch and a glass of water. They both ate in silence and then she was shown to a room. It was a sparse room decorated over the years with things from previous residents who had passed through it, "this is the caretaker's room, which would be your position if you accept. Why don't you stay here? It's the only one with an attached ensuite."

G smiled, the thought of a shower, an actual shower warmed her heart. As soon as Mary left, she went and took a long shower and reflected on how she'd arrived here. She'd had a miscarriage in December that had strengthened her resolve for leaving her husband especially since it had been his fault. When she told him, she naively thought he'd be a little happy and that the violence would stop. He laughed, asking how she expected to take care of a child. He'd told her it was all her fault and then he beat her so much that she had been hospitalized because a neighbour saw all the blood because of the miscarriage. She decided that very day that enough was enough. She wasn't going to stand for this anymore and she was going to do whatever it took to get out of this. So slowly, she ate even less, saved a few pounds here and a few pounds there enough to be able to escape. She'd been travelling for a few days now, she had left right after he came home and passed out in a chair drunk from a new year's celebration. She walked for hours till she was in a part of the city she didn't know. She took buses, trains, and more buses until she had exhausted all her money save the last coin she was about to hand Kitty at the café. Hopefully her circuitous route and coming to a random city she had no connection with would be enough to throw him off her trail for some time. But he could be dogged when he wanted to be, she knew this from experience. She had nothing except 2 pounds, and the kindness bestowed by someone who she was fortunate enough to run across.

G stepped out of the shower, her thoughts all tumultuous and paced around the room in a towel, unsure what to wear. She noticed the cell phone on the table and picked it up wondering if Maria had left it behind. It was fully charged and had one voicemail from Mary saying that this was the caretaker's cell phone and that she could use for matters related to the centre. She said that she'd hung some clothes on the door handle for G that were clean and would hopefully fit her. She continued that she could come down or not, it was her choice. She could make herself a sandwich in the kitchen if she wanted dinner. But that she should be down in the main room at 9 am the next morning to meet Lizzy, Mary's older sister.

G knew she wouldn't be hungry for many hours and so decided to let her hair dry while she went to explore the centre. She wondered at this summons to meet this mysterious Lizzy. She wandered around the back garden. It looked like a maze of many things, and she spent some time wandering around not really thinking anything. It was glorious to be able to think of nothing rather than constant worry about where the next meal would come from. It was a pleasant day despite it being January, so she hadn't realized it was over until dusk had set in. What a crazy day it had been. This morning she was sure she would be dead in a few days or that Wickham would find her. Now she was in a safe space. She didn't get much sleep that night given what an overwhelming day it had been. But she felt safe and that was more than can be said of any day in the past few years.

Do let me know how you're enjoying it. I love to hear your thoughts.