PP Non-Canon AU General Regency

A Gentleman's Choice

Sequel to Making Peace

GUEST...the summary, it clearly state AU NON CANON. I have now gone and edited the chapters...it SHOULD have it on every single chapter. And yes, Lydia could have divorced Wickham. It was time consuming and costly which is why it was not often done. And before you say 'they had no money, therefore she could not have done it' ...this story is not over yet.

Previously:

For now, though, he focused on the journey ahead, the road stretching out before him like a promise of resolution and justice. The crisp autumn air filled his lungs, and he felt a renewed sense of strength. However, he had to admit to himself; he hoped whatever was found out at Mr. Brown's was enough for Mr. Hurst because Steven really was ready to take a break from all this traveling.

Talk at Longbourn

Ch. 17

James had made no delays in getting back down to Longbourn where Kitty was staying with her father while her husband had been pulled into work by their brother. No one had given her the exact details, nor had she asked, figuring out just enough to know if any information was needed by her, or the rest of the family, her husband would tell her. However, James had not quite made it back home when Mary arrived at Longbourn and was shown into the parlor where Kitty was working on a knitting project.

"How do you do it?" Mary asked Kitty as she sat down in an overstuffed chair.

"Well, first you need yarn and wire needles."

"Very funny, Kitty, you know what I mean."

"I am not a mind reader, Mary. Yes, I can pretty much make an educated guess. However, I prefer not to."

"You were only married a week and Parliament pulls him into work."

"You mean your husband pulled him into a case." Kitty spoke bluntly, however; it was with no harshness.

"Yes, but it was other men who pushed him into finding someone to look into things." Mary said a few other things that, intended or not, set her sister off - big time.

"Excuse me? I think you had better reword things because you just came across as very classist, judgmental and you are definitely assuming a lot of things over rumors the men are not confirming to us women even though I am sure it is no secret to others." Kitty, if she had been around the duke, her husband, her uncle by the law and so on would have known she had hit the nail on the head as to things not being a secret to their men.

"What do you mean?" Mary asked, honestly not having meant anything horrible. "I was just making statements and opinions."

"Sister, stop and think about how you worded things just now. You made it sound as if you think not only that our brother by the law is indeed dead, but our sister's divorce was started by him and that his demise was by her own hand. Then you say that is why she fled and never came home. I do not care if you are a duchess now, those are horrible things to say about your own blood when you do not have all the facts."

"Oh, goodness." Mary's eyes widened. "I never meant to come across like that."

"Perhaps then you should reword things." Kitty fought to get the heat she felt in her face down. Lydia may have had her problems while at home, Kitty may have changed since little sister had left, but the older of the two still fondly remembered the good side of baby sister. She had always prayed for Lydia to grow up and change. If there was a chance that had occurred, well, she was not going to let go of that hope; and Mrs. Hurst certainly was definitely not going to sit idly by and let Mary slander Lydia's name.

"I just meant I wondered who filed for divorce and what it was over. And I simply meant I was curious as to why Lydia had not made an effort to contact at least one of us. Is that so bad?"

"No, but as to the no contact. You seriously cannot figure that one out?" Kitty was tempted to roll her eyes. "Lydia was not technically disowned, but the strain on this family - especially with father - she might as well have been. And she knew it. You want her to come running back to one of us?"

"I thought for sure she would have at least contacted you."

'So did I'. Kitty thought went to speak but the parlor door opened, and James walked in.

"We need to talk outside - privately."

James and Kitty left Mary in the parlor and stepped out onto the porch. "Parliament, or I should say Mr. Vineyard, wishes me to go stick with the case and find out what is really going on." He took his wife completely down the stairs, and further away from the house. "My instincts say Lydia's heart is with you, but something is holding her back and - clearly it is not Wickham. But if you want someone else to take the case, I am willing to let someone else take over."

"No, way. You are one of the best; you have to go. How long do I get you for this time?"

"A couple of days." He kissed the tip of her nose. "It is just one case. I told them I am not working all of England after this."

"Uh-uh, sure." Kitty gave a lop-sided grin. "Tell yourself that. Now, I am thinking it is not just me you need to speak to?"

"No. I need to speak to your father."

"He is in the gardens around back."

James nodded and made his way around the house to the gardens. The late fall air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. The garden, once vibrant with summer blooms, now displayed the quiet, soft, tones of autumn. The trees, mostly bare, stood like skeletal guards, their remaining leaves a thin patchwork of gold, red and brown. The ground was littered with fallen leaves, creating a soft, rustling blanket underfoot.

As James walked, he the rose bushes pruned back for the winter, and the vegetable patches now empty save for a few hardy root vegetables still clinging onto life. The garden beds were being prepared for the cold months ahead, with straw and mulch covering the soil to protect it from frost which was bound to come sooner or later.

He followed the winding path, his boots crunching on the gravel path, until he spotted Mr. Bennet. The older gentleman was bent over a patch of late-blooming flowers, his hands busy with a trowel as he worked the rich soil. Despite the chill in the air, Mr. Bennet seemed content to his focus solely on the task at hand.

James approached, the sound of his footsteps allowing Thomas to know he had a visitor. He straightened and wiped his hands on a cloth he had tucked into his belt and turned to greet Kitty's husband.

"I know you have wanted to travel with us Mr. Bennet, have asked more than once." James looked apologetic as he spoke. "It is no secret that you do not like being ordered to stay put at Longbourn by not only Duke Walton but Mr. Vineyard as well."

"So, why can I not? I want to help; I want to show my youngest I am serious about my change. That I care enough to do something for her."

"Thing is, Mr. Bennet- at first -with all the rumors floating around we did not want anyone not involved with the law out there. Now..." James sighed. "Look, I know of no other way to say it, but it simply is not safe for you to come and... off the record... my gut instincts say you are in danger if you come. And, that if you come, we risk pushing your daughter away. And, no, I have no logical proof for you on that. Please, just accept it."