Disclaimer: I do not own any characters. They are all the creation of Jane Austen. Except a few, which are from my own imagination, but you will know which they are.

Plot: What if the Bennets had been wealthy? Would that have changed anything? Or everything, perhaps...

A/N: This is my first attempt at writing Pride and Prejudice fanfiction. Any reviews will be appreciated. Thanks :)

"A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mould and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself."

James Allen

Chapter 1 - Arrival

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

Elizabeth grinned at Jane, who fought back a smile. "And might the same be said of a woman, in possession of a large fortune? Would she be searching for a husband, Lizzy?"

Elizabeth smiled. "Well, you would know that better than I, Jane, for as the eldest, your fortune is larger than mine." She leaned conspiratorially towards her sister. "So, have you found anyone yet? I know of many gentlemen who would not be averse to seeing more of you." The resulting blush spreading up Jane's neck was extremely satisfying, but Elizabeth decided to have pity on her. "In fact, when we reach our home in London, I am sure that Mr. Lucas will greet you with the greatest enthusiasm. What shall it be this time? A kiss perhaps?"

"Oh, Lizzy. Do not tease, so. You know Mr. Lucas is our dog!" Elizabeth giggled and her giggles seemed to be contagious, as Jane could not help but join in.

Suddenly, the girls were quieted as the carriage gave a huge jolt. Elizabeth looked out of the window, and she was surprised to find that they had almost reached town, where they would be spending the season. Although only the elder sisters were out, the three younger sisters were also accompanying them, as their mother claimed it would be unfair for them to remain at home.

The real reason was that Franny Bennet knew that if her daughters remained at home, she would have to stay with them. Her mother had passed away while giving birth to her youngest sister, and her father, an admiral in the navy, would often spend long periods of time away from her family. Therefore, she knew better than most the importance of having family together, and she was loathe to separate from her husband and two eldest for so long a period of time. She had made this known to her husband, who had complied with her wishes, almost without question.

For Thomas Bennet, 7th Earl of Ashford, was not in the habit of refusing his wife anything. So it was that they were journeying to London, to stay in their house in town.

It was late when they finally arrived, and the Earl was the only member of the family who had not succumbed to sleep. Gently, he awoke his wife and daughters, and helped them out of the carriage. Then, instructing the servants where to take the luggage, the Bennets made their way into the house.

The rooms had been prepared days before the arrival of the Bennets, and the entire house had been cleaned in anticipation of their arrival. The servants of Ashford House were not only extremely efficient, but also rather astute. Having realised that the Bennets would be exhausted from their travels, the cook, Mrs. Jones, had prepared only a light repast, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Davies, had ensured that there would be baths waiting for each of the family, should they wish to bathe and then sleep.

The servants knew that Lord Ashford was extremely strict. He would not tolerate gossip of any sort, and anyone caught in such an act would be dismissed with no reference. Acts of disrespect and dishonesty would have similar consequences, for in his books, these were the worst of crimes. No, Lord Ashford was not to be trifled with. However, this was not why the servants had gone to so much trouble to ensure that the Bennets would be comfortable.

In truth, Lord Ashford was a good master, as the servants would tell anyone who asked. He regularly spoke with the housekeeper asking about the well-being of the servants. If they had any problems, he was willing to loan them money, knowing full well they had neither means nor ability to pay it back. He commended good service by raising pay, and offered generous bonuses at festive times of year.

Lady Ashford was the best of mistresses. Mrs. Davies particularly agreed with this, as she had long thought of the woman as a younger sister. Being the daughter of an Admiral, Lady Ashford was fully aware of the organisation and skill it took to run such a household. So, when she had married into the family, she had never considered it beneath herself to ask for advice from Mrs. Davies, who had been only too delighted at being able to help, all the time praising her good fortune at having obtained such a wonderful mistress.

Lady Jane was so serene that all who were around her suddenly felt compelled to forget their worries. Lady Elizabeth was intelligent and witty, and whenever Mrs Jones or one of the valets would bring their children along, she would go to extreme lengths to entertain them. Lady Mary was good friends with the housekeeper's daughter, and encouraged young Miss Davies to read and play and sing, which often brought a tear to Mrs. Davies' eye. The youngest girls were a little less refined than their siblings, but they were so joyful and full of life that it was almost impossible to dislike them.

Above all, through all their acts of kindness, compassion and generosity, the young ladies had earned the most important thing of all. The elder of the servants, including Mrs. Davies, looked upon them with the fondness which could only come from years of affection, whereas the younger ladies' maids would wish that they too would be as beautiful as the young ladies, both in appearance and mind. However, every servant respected them, knowing that they would grow, nay had grown into fine women, rather like their mother.

All in all, the atmosphere of Ashford House was infinitely improved with the presence of the Bennets, as were the servants' moods, and so it was for purely selfish reasons that the servants had gone to excessive trouble to ensure that the Bennets were comfortable.

And although they had been drained by the long journey, each of the Bennets had smiles on their faces, as they finally fell into a deep slumber.