June 1812

Caroline Bingley was in a very foul mood; another season had passed and she was still without a decent prospect. She was approaching the age of being considered on the shelf. It was true that she had received a marriage proposal this year, but unfortunately, the gentleman was a second son without an estate and little money.

Since Darcy's fall from grace, she received few invitations to parties and balls held by those of the first circle. In addition to the lack of invitations, her brother was always falling in love with a new but inadequate angel. His latest angel was from a family in trade! She needed to do something before it was too late. Her father worked too hard to climb the social ladder, and she wouldn't waste all his effort on a bad marriage. She would prevent her stupid brother from making a huge mistake.

There were rumors about her brother and his new angel being discovered in a compromising situation; she supposed the gossip was highly embellished, but it was clear they should leave London as soon as possible. It was fortunate that most families from the first circle didn't stay in London during the summer, and the gossip probably would die in a few months.

After serious consideration, she concluded that the best solution would be to spend the summer in Netherfield Park. The place was atrocious for her standards, but it was only for a few months. She was sure her brother would forget about this angel in a few days. She would invite her friend Maria Spencer, and, with a little persuasion, she could convince her fickle and foolish brother that Maria was the perfect angel.

PPP

"Oh, Lizzy, Lydia, I have wonderful news. You will never guess! Mrs. Long told me that Mr. Bingley is returning next week," an excited Mrs. Bennet exclaimed.

"Yes, I know, Mama. Charlotte told me yesterday," Elizabeth answered without interest.

"You should be happy, Miss Lizzy. He has 5000 pounds per year, and last year he showed you a particular interest. You should do a better effort to catch him. Mary was married at 19 and Kitty will be married at 18. You are now 21 years old! In a few years, you will be a spinster if you don't..."

Elizabeth listened to her mother's diatribe with aplomb. She knew her mother's matchmaking schemes and she wasn't willing to be a pawn.

Since her return from Kent, she hadn't been happy at Longbourn; she needed a new purpose in her life. Her life was always the same, she visited the same tenants at least once a fortnight, she attended the same parties with the same people, and she walked the same path every day. She knew there was nothing wrong in her life, the problem was she had changed, and she wanted more.

Until now, she had never been a jealous woman, but, if she was honest with herself, she longed for the same happiness Mary and Kitty had achieved.

A few days later, Elizabeth received a long letter with another invitation to visit Kent from her overwhelmed sister. She was very sad about Anne's declining health and she was worried about Mary. She knew Mary was taking a heavy burden on her small shoulders, and Elizabeth wanted to go to Hunsford to help her sister with her duties. She wasn't needed in Longbourn at the moment; Kitty's wedding was in the first week of October, so there was plenty of time to visit Mary and return before the reading of the banns.

She shared Mary's letter with her father, who reluctantly permitted her to go, but only for a month.

Mrs. Bennet was unhappy with Elizabeth's decision to visit Mary; she tried to convince her to stay at Longbourn since Mr. Bingley was at Netherfield, and she would lose the opportunity to spend time with him. But Elizabeth didn't change her mind.

One week after receiving Mary's letter, Elizabeth arrived on a stagecoach in Kent. Mary was tearfully waiting for her in the garden and with deep emotion, she exclaimed, "Oh Lizzy, I am very glad you came. I missed you so much."

Elizabeth was concerned because her sister looked very tired; it was obvious she hadn't been sleeping well. "You look tired, Mary, you should rest. How are Lady Catherine and Anne?"

"I'm fine. Unfortunately, Lady Catherine died three days ago. The funeral will be tomorrow. Mr. Collins is at Rosings helping Mr. Fitzwilliam with preparations for the funeral. "She took a deep breath and continued, "Anne is very distressed, she has lost weight and we are all worried about her health. It is like she doesn't want to live anymore. I am at my wit's end. I don't know how to help her; it is awful seeing her fade before my eyes. In addition, since last month, I haven't felt well. I have had waves of nausea and dizziness in the morning and I have been tired and drowsy. Mr. Collins is very concerned about my condition, and he has forbidden me to visit the tenants and walk alone to Rosings."

"Mary, I am so sorry. What can I do to help you? You only have to ask."

"Thank you, Lizzy, if you are willing, I would like you to spend some time with Anne until I feel well. Today and tomorrow are very difficult days for her, and she is alone most of the time."

Elizabeth agreed wholeheartedly with the plan; thus, she refreshed herself and, a couple of hours later, she was entering Rosing's manor.

There were four gentlemen gathered in the main hall, all wearing black suits and a serious mien. Four pairs of eyes watched her when she entered the room, but there was only one person that caught her eyes. It was Mr. Darcy, more handsome than ever, looking at her with a stunned expression on his face.

She blushed furiously at his scrutiny, and fortunately, Mr. Fitzwilliam came to greet her. He introduced her to his father the Earl of Matlock, and his brother the viscount. Introductions finished, and he escorted her to Anne's bedroom.

The room was very dark, and there was a strong odor in the air. At first, she was surprised to see Anne. She looked older and thinner than three months ago. She was lying in bed crying softly, the picture of total despair.

Without saying a single word, Elizabeth sat in the bed, hugged Anne, and started to caress her dull hair, while she continued crying. They stayed in this position for several minutes until Anne was calmed. With a weak smile, Anne said, "I am sorry for spoiling your gown. You are very kind to come to visit me."

"Don't worry about it, this is a very old gown. All of us are worried about you. You have to take better care of yourself, Anne" she pointed to the untouched tray on the night table.

"I know all of you are worried, and I am sorry... My mother was a difficult woman, but she was the only one who loved me unconditionally all my life. I have been always sickly and lonely. I know I am a burden to all my family; they know I am very sick and they are waiting for my demise. What is the point to continue living when your body hurts and your soul is distressed? Richard is stuck with me until I die. He is too kind and honorable to say something but I know he was coerced to marry me. Rosings needs an heir, and I could never be a mother. My life is a complete failure and I can't find any good reason to continue living."