PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

A Gentleman's Choice

Sequel to Making Peace

Previously:

"Lady Shaw, may I speak to you, privately before I leave? I promise it is nothing that would harm your daughter." James spoke politely and Lady Shaw walked out with him to the carriage as Jocasta bid good-bye to Mr. Thompson.

Letter to Mr. Bennet

Ch. 23

Thomas hung up his jacket on the coat rack once he had stepped in from Sunday services. The smells of Sunday dinner drifted out from the kitchen, into the dining room, and out into Longbourn's halls. It, along with the voices of Mary and her sisters, let him know the family had gathered for a late harvest dinner. Everything, especially with the investigation, had taken so much of Horace and James' time that it had been delayed. And now, since the duke at least had some time off, it had been decided such a celebration would be held.

"Good to see you made it safe from Pemberley." Mr. Bennet shook Fitzwilliam's and Charles' hands. He then greeted Horace and hugged his daughters.

"A post came for you." Horace nodded towards his desk. "It is from James."

It had been tempting to keep his mouth shut, but only because everyone was in a fairly good mood. If that post brought bad news, the duke had questioned if it was a good time to bring it up. However, Horace had quickly surmised it was a matter of being between a rock and a hard place; there really was no good time. And if Mr. Bennet knew it had been there the whole time—well—that would not be good either.

"I will read it after dinner. I would rather not risk the news spoiling my dinner. However, I appreciate you telling me it is there."

The family gathered in the drawing room, engaging in small talk and light-hearted games before lunch. Elizabeth and Jane, having traveled from Pemberley, were discussing the journey and the latest happenings at the estate. Mary, who had come from Netherfield, shared updates about their home and her own goals as she revealed she was soon to be a mother.

"Congratulations!" Elizabeth and her sisters got all excited and Thomas grinned wide, teasing Horace about his days of peace at the house were over. His newest son just laughed.

Kitty, though missing James, was in good spirits, enjoying the company of her sisters and the warmth of the family gathering.

Horace and Fitzwilliam played a game of chess, their competitive spirits bringing laughter and good-natured teasing. Charles played a game with Mr. Bennet and was a gracious loser when his wife's father won by a landslide.

Thomass, after the gamed, watched his family with a contented smile. It felt good to see the dynamics change or, maybe, they had not- maybe it was simply his own perceptive which had helped change the mood Mr. Bennet felt in his home. The warmth of the fire and the rich aroma of the cooking food created a warm, inviting atmosphere that made everyone feel at home.

As the clock ticked closer to lunchtime, someone's stomach growled and people -jokingly- joked around someone needed to feed the animals before they broke loose from their cages. And, for once, it was not Thomas saying it.

The Bennet sisters, despite their different personalities, had grown to share a bond that was evident in their easy banter and shared laughter -tighter that had even been while they were at home. The men discussed various topics, from the farming season to recent events in London, excluding the investigation which kept James away. They were doing their best to make sure this time would be a rare moment of peace and happiness, a brief respite from the worries and challenges that the men, especially Horace and Mr. Hurst, had been dealing with beyond the walls of Longbourn.

"Time to eat." Elizabeth, who had slipped out of the parlor, poked her head back into the room. "Mrs. Hill says come now or eat our lunch cold."

It was only after lunch did Mr. Bennet take the post from James and go down to his library, close the door and sit down to read the post. Breaking the seal, he unfolded the paper and began to read.

Dear Mr. Bennet,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I recently had the pleasure of visiting a most remarkable garden during my efforts to investigate this troublesome case, where I encountered a variety of butterflies. One particular butterfly, the youngest of its group, has found a new home in the garden of a kind and nurturing rose bush, which provides it with shelter and care.

This small butterfly, called Jocasta, once known by a different name, has undergone a transformation. It is no longer safe for this butterfly to be recognized by its former name due to the presence of a very dangerous predator in the vicinity. This predator, a corrupt individual from the heart of the city, poses a significant threat to the butterfly's well-being.

I must inform you that a certain troublesome insect of its past, known for its deceitful nature, has indeed met an untimely end by too much water. The Jocasta butterfly's life was threatened before that even by the same predator I mentioned from the city, forcing it to flee into the night and seek refuge under the protective branches of the rose bush. This butterfly has stayed away not only to protect itself but also to ensure the safety of other butterflies in the meadow, including those close to Longbourn. The rosebush has not told the butterfly of its own dangers throughout the years, nor has it told other butterflies of the same danger to itself.

The Jocasta butterfly has now formed a bond with a creature that most would think was an ornery bull. However, it is quite a gentle creature to the butterfly that has provided comfort and support. It is likely that the only way to truly gain the butterfly's trust is to accept this creature as part of the family and the rose bush as its guardian. I am thinking though; to keep all safe, it would be best to send the butterfly and the rosebush down to you. The bull is determined to protect the garden up here from falling into any predator's hands. Though they would need to stay hidden. Could you accept that?

I dare ask such a thing for the rosebush has convinced the butterfly that has long as they remain hidden the city predator could not swing claws towards Longbourn despite its old threats. For the predator does not know the rosebush's' true identity. One of which I have only recently discovered. And I really do need to have them protected as I prepare to set a trap to catch one very large rat. I know how to get them down to you and keep the predator in the dark.

I trust you will understand the delicate nature of this message and the importance of keeping it confidential. The safety of the butterflies depends on it.

Yours sincerely,

James Hurst

Thomas mind, as James had told Mr. Bennet's youngest, was not stupid. He easily figured out Jocasta was Lydia. Who the dangerous predator from London was he did not know; it certainly was not Horace. It was clear George Wickham was dead, and his daughter had two new, real, protectors. But who they were, Thomas was extremely curious and wished he knew; especially since one had apparently put themselves at risk by protecting women like his youngest. Mr. Bennet wanting to know was understandable due to the fact Mr. Hurst had not put that into the letter.

"Oh, my darling, to call you another name will be hard, but if you have changed that much and are in that much danger, I would do it; especially seeing as it appears as it seem as you have someone who has gotten through to you and a fellow far more stable than George to shield you from the world."

Thomas destroyed the message and then took his quill and parchment, penning his own coded reply back to Mr. Hurst. Mr. Bennet then gave the post to the duke who promised he knew how to get it to James.