PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

Previously:

"In that case, I will start there when we get back."

The couple then took in the stunning view of the church grounds, with its ancient stone walls and the lush greenery surrounding them. The tranquil setting, with its timeless beauty, served as a perfect backdrop for their conversation, adding a touch of serenity to their plans as they headed towards their awaiting carriage.

Talk Back at Rosings Park

Ch. 16

Alexander sat at a table out on the back terrace with Jane, Anne, Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine as he told them he had written to Lord Bryce. "I received word Lady Bryce would be searching their middle estates cemetery records and church records for me."

"Why?" Lady Catherine forehead scrunched up. "What does that have to do with us?"

"You said you knew the Bennets were cousins for quite some time, is that correct or were you simply joking?"

"A little of both, I suppose." Lady Catherine confessed her grandmother had mentioned it a few times so, yes, she was fully aware of it. "But I never saw any proof of it. So, when I told Anne and Jane what I did, yes, it was a mixture of both. Why, are you saying it is an actual fact I am related to this old goat?"

"I love you too." Mr. Bennet grinned wide and made a smart remark that earned him a playful slap on his upper arm.

"Yes, I am. But I fear there is something far more serious going on than a simple relation going on and it is what Sir Lewis may have been covering up."

"Was it something that would hurt these women, for in spite of all the name calling going on lately, I happen to like this lady." Mr. Bennet leaned forward, finding himself extremely protective. "If so, maybe, we should back off. People already think I am a selfish, lazy cynic who takes nothing seriously. They say I am indifferent to my family's needs, mocking them, always hiding behind sarcastic remarks and dry humor. I would rather not add cruelty to my list of faults."

"No, Thomas." Lady Catherine shocked everyone by putting her foot down. "You may have been those things in the past, even up to a few years ago, but even Jane has acknowledged your changes. I too have seen them over the years but your willingness to back off now show you care more than just for yourself. However, I am not afraid of getting hurt. My late husband always treated me like a fragile piece of China, especially after Anne was born and it drove me crazy. I want the truth, no matter what."

"Even if it means losing Rosings Park?" Alexander saw no need to beat around the bush.

"Exactly what was my husband covering up?" Lady Catherine set her jaw down hard.

"At first I was not sure. Everything people were telling me all pointed to business dealings with the late Mr. Bradley Timmson Senior and sealed documents. I was puzzling over it unceasingly. I began digging into his past even dreading what I might find."

"You feared you might find another legal marriage?"

"Quite frankly, yes. If he had been married before and, even if it had not been a happy one and she had born him even one child, well, then they would have rights to Rosings Park as they would be the oldest."

"You found no marriage, but you must have discovered something, or you would not be sitting there, tapping your fingers on the table," Lady Catherine declared, sitting up straight with an air of authoritative command. "Out with it and tell me directly. What have you uncovered regarding my husband's dealings with that solicitor known for his dubious practices. I insist you disclose everything to me immediately." Taking on a tone that matched her 'old' reported self; one that everyone insisted was how she 'really was'.

"It all points to, or hints at, a marriage between a Janet Louisa Bennet and Robert de Bourgh of Scotland. Janet's grandfather was one George Bennet who owned land not only in Scotland but England as well. His son was Gregory. Anyhow...it is that line which links our families together; it is why our families our cousins." He explained about the two boxes which had been hidden at his own childhood home. "It was those diaries and papers which spurred my letters to Lord Bryce to see if we cannot find proof of the family connection."

"He sealed records over that?" Catherine sat back in utter disbelief. "Thomas has his issues, but I would hardly call them enough to hide relations over."

"Lady Catherine." Alexander rubbed his forehead. "I would have thought the same thing only the more questions I asked, and the more journals, letters and books I gathered I began to see a pattern, ones that well, they did not point in our favor. And I am sure Sir Lewis saw the same pattern. Which is why I am convinced he is the one who scattered the books and boxes."

"Scattered the boxes and books? Not in our favor?" Lady Catherine was too much in shock over her late husband's actions to make any connections; Thomas was not.

"There was something in those documents in regard to my family I take it?"

"Yes, but what I am about to say ...remember I said they only point to it; not that I have any solid proof."

"I understand, so what do they suggest?"

"It is you who owns Rosings Park not the de Bourgh's and, oh, there should not be no entailment on Longbourn."

"I can say this much." Lady Catherine shocked everyone by speaking as dryly as Thomas ever could. "If Mr. Collins loses Longbourn, perhaps he can start a business writing thank-you notes. With his talent for overly- excessive compliments, he would have a steady stream of customers!"

"Mother!"

Lady Catherine waved Anne off and, when asked if she was not concerned about losing Rosings Park as people would assume she would be, the lady did her own share of eye rolling. "It is Anne who should be asked that question not me. It is she who has taken over the place now."

"Anne?"

"It would explain what I told Jane about feeling as if things were an illusion that was going to shatter." Anne looked at her mother and asked how she honestly felt about the whole the possibility of losing Rosings Park to Mr. Bennet.

"As to myself... in one way, I am upset. It is the only home I have known for years. How else do you expect me to feel. Nonetheless... " She let out a long breath of air and looked at Thomas. "You might as well as tell Alexander where we have been invited and why you want us to go. If you are indeed the rightful owner of Rosings Park I will not stand in your way. I could not live with myself staying in a place by thievery."

"There is a marquess Sir Lewis knew not far from Pemberley. His friends wish for Lady Catherine to bring me to party at his estate. Personally, I think their own motivation is simply to attempt to make me highly uncomfortable in 'their' society. However, I happen to have heard some odd remarks from one of their servants about strange trinkets they have been turning up. I figured, since the estate used to belong to an associate of Bradley Timmson and, since one of those odd remarks involved Sir Lewis's name, we ought to go."

"Accept the invitation. See if you can get yourself shown around the place or, better yet, get permission to walk around on your own."