Chapter 1

Jane felt guilty for everything that had happened. Elizabeth was hurt because she wanted to protect her, and the least she could do for her dear sister was care for her and ensure nothing disturbed her while she recovered. Her arm had already healed, but the doctor said that her memory problems would take longer to fix or might never resolve.

A few weeks ago, Elizabeth traveled from Kent to London. There, she met Jane, and together, they returned to Hertfordshire.

Jane noticed Elizabeth was distracted and concerned, but she did not want to bother her with intrusive questions while at the Gardiners.

Jane had tried to hide her sadness as best she could. After discovering that Caroline and Louisa were not her friends and Mr. Bingley had forgotten about her, Jane accepted that she had to give up all her hopes of marrying the man of her dreams.

For her part, Elizabeth wanted to tell Jane many things; she needed to share with someone everything that had happened to her in Kent. She could not sleep at night thinking about Mr. Darcy's unacceptable marriage proposal but also how unfair she had been in accusing him of harming Mr. Wickham. So she decided it was best to wait until she was in Longbourn. She did not want anyone to discover what had happened between her and Mr. Darcy, even less about his sister's big secret. Mr. Darcy trusted her, and she could not betray his trust and expose that poor girl's reputation. She had suffered enough being the victim of a scoundrel. For that reason, she hid the letter in one of the pockets of her winter coat. There, no one would find it.

Unfortunately, on the return journey to Longbourn, one of the wheel axles broke, causing the carriage to overturn. Elizabeth hugged Jane tightly to protect her, and in doing so, she injured her left arm and received a severe blow to the head. Almost a month had passed since that event, and Elizabeth's arm had fully recovered, but the blow to the head had consequences. She had lost her memory and did not remember anything that had happened in the previous year.

Mr. Bennet decided to keep Elizabeth's memory tribulations a secret, and only he, Jane, and the Gardiners knew. Jane explained a concise and adapted version of everything that had happened in the past year, leaving out all the details that might worry or sadden her sister. Jane told Elizabeth that Mr. Bingley had never been important to her and that Mrs. Bennet, as always, was exaggerating their supposed attachment. Elizabeth did not want to doubt Jane's version of the events, but sometimes she did not know what to think.

"How are you feeling today, Lizzy?" Jane asked her dear sister. They were in the garden collecting flowers to decorate the house.

"Every day, you ask me the same thing, Jane. Please do not worry anymore. I am well, even though I still cannot remember what happened last year," Elizabeth said. "According to our mother, there is nothing good to remember; apparently, I only met arrogant and treacherous people," Elizabeth said, laughing.

"Our mother is correct, Lizzy. There is nothing and no one worth remembering," Jane said, smiling, although her smile was rather sad.

Elizabeth noticed that her sister was not the same as before. Although she tried to appear cheerful and optimistic, something worried her. On more than one occasion, Elizabeth tried to remember so she could help her sister, but her attempts were in vain.

Aunt Gardiner was the only person who could help her, but she informed her that she preferred to follow the doctor's orders and not discuss the past year with Elizabeth. The doctor believed that if Elizabeth received too much information, she would never be able to determine whether the thoughts in her mind were a product of her memories or memories implanted through her family's accounts.

"In a few more days, Lydia will leave for Brighton, and Uncle and Aunt Gardiner will arrive to take you on a tour of the north. I hope you really enjoy traveling with them. After everything that has happened, you deserve to have a beautiful vacation," said Jane.

"I am excited to travel with Uncle and Aunt Gardiner, although not so much for Lydia. I think our father should not allow her to go to Brighton. She is a known flirt among the officers and too innocent to understand the danger of her behavior."

"Do not worry so much, Lizzy. She will be under the care of Colonel Forster and his wife. I am sure nothing wrong will happen," Jane said. The doctor recommended that Elizabeth avoid conflict and rest as much as possible. Otherwise, her recovery could take more time.

"I hope you are right, Jane," Elizabeth said.

A group of officers was approaching the house, and Lydia and Kitty came out to meet them. The regiment would leave in a few days, and Mrs. Bennet invited them to say farewell.

Mr. Wickham saw Elizabeth in the garden and approached her. Through Sir William Lucas, he learned that Mr. Darcy had visited Kent when Elizabeth and her daughter Maria were there.

"Good afternoon, Miss Elizabeth; you do not know how pleased it is to see that you are completely recovered and have regained your arm's mobility."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Wickham. It has been almost a week since the last bandages were removed, and I can use my arm without problems."

Mr. Wickham walked next to Elizabeth on his way to the house and took the opportunity to ask her a few questions. "Miss Elizabeth, I learned that while visiting your friend Mrs. Collins, you had the opportunity to meet Darcy. I hope you did not have to endure his usual pomposity and bad temper."

"No, I did not have any problems with the gentleman… I spent most of my time with Charlotte," Elizabeth said a littlenervously. She did not remember anything about Mr. Darcy. However, whenever someone mentioned him, she could not help but get very nervous. She knew they were never friends or had any kind of relationship. She just knew Mr. Darcy was rather conceited, reserved, and severe. Without a doubt, she could never have had any closeness to someone like that.

"I am so glad to know you did not have to deal with Darcy. I heard that you also knew Colonel Fitzwilliam. In appearance, he is very different from Darcy, although deep down they are very similar."

"Yes, the Colonel is friendly and always visits us at the parsonage," Elizabeth explained. She knew this because Maria Lucas had visited her while she was recovering and loved to talk about all the times they had dined at Rosings and how agreeable the Colonel was.

"I am very sorry to leave Meryton and the many good friends I have met here," said Mr. Wickham, looking at Elizabeth.

"Yes, it might be hard to move from one place to another, Mr. Wickham. But do not worry, I am sure you will be able to make new friends in Brighton," Elizabeth replied. According to Kitty and Lydia, she and Mr. Wickham were good friends, but she had difficulty believing that. There was something about that gentleman that she did not like. Although his manners were impeccable, she sensed that behind that appearance was hiding someone she could not trust. She did not know if it was a hidden memory or she had dreamed it, but something or someone warned her not to trust George Wickham.

That afternoon, Elizabeth dedicated herself to observing everyone present to try to remember, but she achieved nothing. She could only notice that although Jane was smiling, she seemed more heartbreaking every day.

P&P

"Darcy, dear nephew, you do not know how glad I am to see you," said Lady Matlock. "You look very handsome today. You should congratulate your valet because you look impeccable."

"Thank you, Aunt. It is always a pleasure to see you," Mr. Darcy replied. Since returning from Kent, Mr. Darcy had socialized more than usual and has taken care to look well. He wanted to feel good about himself, certain that not all women thought he was the last man in the world they could marry.

"Nephew, let me introduce you to these lovely ladies. This is Margaret Brown and her cousin Claire Brown."

"It is a real pleasure to meet you," both ladies said with a flirtatious smile.

"The pleasure is all mine, ladies," replied Mr. Darcy, smiling.

Mr. Darcy had always been uncomfortable having to deal with typical society ladies looking for a husband. Although most of them were quite pretty, very few were actually interesting. He had never enjoyed flirtatious glances and smiles, but now, they were like a balm to his soul.

After Elizabeth rejected him without consideration for his feelings and accused him so unfairly, Mr. Darcy wanted more than ever to find a beautiful lady with good dowry and impeccable connections who would fall madly in love with him so he could marry her and be immensely happy. A woman who was capable of appreciating everything he could offer her and recognizing his virtues and honorability. He wanted at all costs to get the memory of Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind and remember her only as a nightmare, as something that never happened.

"Mr. Darcy, Lady Matlock told us that your estate was one of the most beautiful places in the north of our kingdom. You do not know how much I would like to know Pemberley," said Miss Margaret Brown.

"Indeed, Pemberley is a beautiful place, but it is my home, and it is obvious that I think that way. Do you not think so?"

"Of course, Mr. Darcy. Is your estate larger than Lord Matlock's?" asked Miss Claire Brown.

"I do not know; I think they are pretty similar in size," Mr. Darcy replied. "What makes Pemberley special is the nature that surrounds the mansion. There is a lake that connects with a beautiful river, all surrounded by extensive forests…"

"How interesting… It all sounds very nice," said Miss Margaret without much interest.

"Mr. Darcy, will you attend Lord Roseville's ball next week? It will be the big social event of the season, and I would very much like the opportunity to dance with you," said Miss Claire.

"I have no plans for the following week, but if I decide to attend, I would be very honored to dance with you, Miss Claire, and with you, Miss Margaret," Mr. Darcy said.

Mr. Darcy tried to be cordial and attentive to the ladies, but they were more interested in knowing the size of his fortune than in getting to know him. After a few minutes, he lost all interest in them.

During the evening, the Countess introduced other young ladies to her nephew, and although he tried to start a conversation with them, he eventually lost interest. When he returned home, he felt even worse and thought that nothing he did was working. He clearly noticed that all the ladies who were interested in him were not very interested in getting to know him. Pemberley and its ten thousand a year were apparently his most considerable appeal. However, even that did not make Elizabeth Bennet consider his proposal. She preferred to continue living a modest life and an uncertain future rather than agree to spend a life with a man she did not love.

'The best thing I can do is return to Pemberley and forget about London. I cannot continue my life like this; I must find a purpose, something that motivates me and makes me forget...' thought Mr. Darcy as he drank a glass of brandy and looked out the window of his luxurious bedroom.

P&P

Jane read a story to her little cousins, then kissed their foreheads, tucked them in, and stayed with them until they fell asleep. The children helped brighten her day and make her feel less alone. In the morning, the mail arrived; Elizabeth sent her a letter full of good news. Her dear sister enjoyed the trip with the Gardiners, which made her feel at peace.

When Jane was heading to her bedroom, she noticed a light in the drawing room and went to see if her mother was there. She was surprised to see Kitty sitting in front of the fireplace reading a letter.

"Kitty, It is time for you to sleep."

Kitty was so focused on reading that she was scared when she heard her sister's voice. Instinctively, she put the letter in her dress pocket and responded nervously.

"Yes, you are right, Jane. I better go to sleep." She left and ran to her bedroom.

Jane had noticed Kitty subdued and nervous during the day and assumed it was because of something Lydia had told her in her letters. As Jane walked over to turn off the lamp, she saw something on the floor. It was a page from Lydia's letter. She took it and thought about handing it to Kitty, but she accidentally read the first line and was curious to know what it said.

Jane knew what she was doing was wrong, but something told her she should do it. Then, she went to her room, sat on the bed, and began to read.

…he is so romantic, and I am sure he is so in love with me. What a surprise everyone will have when they find out I have married the most handsome officer in the regiment... I cannot wait to elope with him and get married in Gretna Green like all lovers do...

'It cannot be…! Oh Lydia,' Jane thought horrified. She paced around her room for several minutes, trying to decide what she should do. Her younger sister's irresponsibility could irreparably affect her reputation and all her sisters. Jane could not allow that.

Ever since Elizabeth had risked her life to save hers, Jane felt indebted to her sister. She was always courageous and knew how to face all kinds of situations, no matter how difficult they were.

'This time, it is my turn to do the right thing, to defend my sisters and the honor of our family,' thought Jane. She went to bed and only after several hours managed to fall asleep.

The following morning, after breakfast, Jane went to her father's study to tell him what was happening.

"Jane, how about we play a game of chess? Now that Lizzy is not here, you are my only hope for a civil conversation and some entertainment," Mr. Bennet said, smiling.

"I am sorry, Father, but I am here because I need to talk to you about something serious and urgent."

Mr. Bennet was a little surprised to see Jane so grave. Then he asked her to sit and explain why she was concerned. Jane told him what had happened the night before and handed him the page of Lydia's letter that Kitty had dropped on the floor.

Mr. Bennet read it with great interest for a few seconds. Then, he said without much concern. "Do not worry, Jane. Surely, Lydia made all this up to provoke Kitty. I honestly do not think there is any officer foolish enough to want to marry your sister. Well, my dear, if you do not want to play chess, I shall ask you to leave. I want to read this book that your Uncle Phillips lent me."

"I am sorry, father, but I disagree with you. You should call Kitty, ask her to show you the rest of the letter, and make an urgent decision regarding Lydia before it is too late.

"Jane, please…"

"No, Father, you cannot do this to us. Lizzy told you something like this could happen, and you would not listen to her. Do you not realize that the only thing we have is our good name? Who is going to want to marry us if Lydia ruins our reputation?"

"Jane, do not say that…"

"And what do you want me to tell you? We have no dowry, and the day you are gone, we will not have a house to live in. My sisters and I deserve you to protect the only thing we own, and I demand that you do so." When Jane finished speaking, she felt her heart beating rapidly. Although very nervous, she was unwilling to let her father do anything.

"I suppose you are correct, Jane. Although, let me tell you, I am astonished that you spoke with such conviction."

"Father, Lizzy risked her life to save mine. "It is the least I can do for her and the rest of my sisters."

"I understand. We better get to the bottom of this before we decide what to do."

Mr. Bennet called Kitty and demanded that she hand him over all the letters so he and Jane could read them. He was stunned to see the way Lydia expressed herself and the things she had been doing in the month she had been in Brighton. Furthermore, Mr. Bennet felt embarrassed when he realized how vulgar his daughter was, so much so that he preferred that Jane not read the entire content of those letters.

Unfortunately, none of the letters mentioned the name of the officer with whom Lydia intended to elope, and Kitty did not know who he was either. However, she suspected it might be Captain Denny or Lieutenant Sanderson.

Mr Bennet decided it was best to travel to Brighton and bring Lydia back home. He forbade Kitty from telling Lydia what was happening and told Mrs. Bennet that he was traveling to Hampshire to visit his aunt Martha, who was ill.

Mrs. Bennet detested Aunt Martha, so she asked Jane to accompany her father and promised to take care of the Gardiner children until Jane returned.

The following day, Mr. Bennet and Jane set out for Brighton. Jane hoped that when they arrived there, it would not be too late to save her poor sister from her own silliness.

P&P

After leaving everything arranged in London, Mr. Darcy could finally travel to Pemberley. Fortunately, Georgiana had stayed in London accompanying the Countess. Lady Matlock wanted her niece to participate a little more in London's social life and accompany her to make some visits and make new friends.

Although Georgiana was not very happy with the idea, Mr. Darcy convinced her to stay two more weeks in London. He needed to be alone, and Georgiana would travel with the Bingleys and could stay the rest of the summer in Derbyshire.

Mr. Darcy set out as early as he could and made enough progress to complete the journey in a little over two days. Unfortunately, the inn where he usually spent the night was full, and he had to settle for staying in one that seemed more modest. Fortunately, they had a room with all the comforts he was used to.

After a hard day of travel, he took a bath and changed his clothes. Even though he was tired, he decided to eat with the rest of the travelers. Someone once recommended that he should practice interacting with other people, and he was increasingly convinced that it was not bad advice.

"Sir, would you like me to bring you something to eat?" Mr. Russell asked.

"No, I shall eat with the rest of the passengers," Mr. Darcy replied to his valet. "Give me the brown tailcoat."

"Yes, sir," Russell replied. He had noticed his master change a little in the last few days. Usually, in places like that, Mr. Darcy ate locked in his room. Now, he had dressed elegantly and planned to share with the rest of the guests.

"If nothing extraordinary happens, we shall reach Lambton before nightfall tomorrow. I am very excited to know that I shall be able to walk the streets of the place where I grew up and that I shall be able to visit part of my family that I have not seen in years," said Mrs. Gardiner excitedly.

"I am very happy for you, dear aunt. Plus, all the places we have visited are so beautiful," Elizabeth added.

"Derbyshire has some stunning places, Lizzy. I am sure you will love it," Mrs. Gardiner replied.

Elizabeth and her aunt were talking in the small sitting room of the Gardiners' bedroom. Elizabeth's bedroom was a little smaller and was in front of the Gardiner's.

"I believe your uncle must be having trouble again with his cravat; I better help him, or we shall be late for dinner."

"Aunt, do you mind if I wait for you in the dining room? I saw that next to the fireplace, there was a shelf with books. I would like to see if I find something interesting to read before I sleep."

"Yes, my dear. We shall be down in a few more minutes," Mrs. Gardiner replied.

Elizabeth went down the stairs to the dining room and went to the shelf where the books were. Although there was not a great variety of books, she found a novel she had read some time ago and felt like rereading it again. Once she had chosen the book, she sat at a table and told the innkeeper that her uncle and aunt would soon join her for dinner.

Elizabeth was very busy looking around the place when she saw a tall and very handsome gentleman enter the dining room. He was impeccably dressed, and from his bearing and the quality of his clothes, it was clear that he was probably wealthy and from a noble family.

When Mr. Darcy entered the dining room, he realized that there were few people and that he probably would not be forced to share a table and talk with strangers. He was going to sit near the fireplace and look through the books on the shelf when he saw someone looking at him. At first, he thought that his mind was playing tricks on him; that beautiful young lady could not be Elizabeth Bennet, his Elizabeth.

Elizabeth could not believe that such a handsome man was looking at her with such interest, and she could not help but smile. Although she did not usually flirt, especially with strangers, there was something about this man that she found captivating.

Mr. Darcy felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest. Elizabeth was looking at him in a friendly way, smiling. This time, her smile was warm and not challenging. He never thought he would see her again, much less that she would react that way. So, he decided to go over and greet her.

"Miss Bennet, I am so glad to see you again," said Mr. Darcy nervously.

"Sir…" Elizabeth replied. She did not have the slightest idea who that gentleman was or how and where she had met him.

P&P

This is my new story; what do you think?

As you can see, this time, it's Elizabeth who doesn't remember Mr. Darcy :)

I plan to share two to three chapters a week. I hope you like it!

See you soon!

Saludos,

Yo