Part II

Early December 1812

Elizabeth gazed upon her home with profound sorrow from the summit of Oakham Mount. So many events had transpired in recent months that she felt overwhelmed, and for the first time in her life, she was uncertain about her future.

Since Lydia's marriage, her correspondence with their mother had been sparse, consisting of only two letters. Each was succinct, extending an invitation for her sisters to visit her in Newcastle, where she claimed there were several agreeable officers she wished to introduce them to. In both letters, Lydia also made a pointed request for financial assistance to alleviate some pressing debts. Mrs. Bennet, eager to support her daughter, had complied, first sending £20 and then, upon Lydia's further insistence, another £20 more.

In the intervening months, Uncle Gardiner's business had suffered significant losses, a situation attributed to the ongoing conflicts plaguing the continent and America, compounded by his extended absence from London. While the Gardiners' financial situation had not reached a critical state, they were compelled to exercise considerable prudence and minimize their expenditures.

Conversely, Aunt Gardiner had not replied to the two letters Elizabeth had sent her. With considerable sadness, Elizabeth understood that her aunt was likely displeased with her for breaking off her engagement to Colonel Weston. This decision had not only impacted her own life but had also rippled through the family, causing unease and disappointment.

In late October, Jane married Mr. Bingley in a small ceremony at Longbourn Chapel. Despite Uncle Phillips's sage counsel to review the marriage settlement before signing it, Jane proceeded to sign the document without seeking his opinion.

A few days preceding the wedding, the rare and valuable books, along with various possessions of Longbourn were sold. This endeavour yielded a sum of £1,200, which Mr. Phillips subsequently divided among Mary, Kitty, and Elizabeth, providing with a dowry of £400 each.

In the weeks following Jane's wedding, no significant changes occurred at Longbourn. However, an unexpected visitor arrived at Longbourn in mid-November, demanding payment of £5,500. Upon learning of this substantial debt, Bingley became incensed and accused Jane of having concealed this critical information from him, which sparked a considerable upheaval within the household.

To the astonishment of Mrs. Bennet and her daughters —including Jane—Bingley declared that if they wished to continue residing at Longbourn, they would need to settle the debt using Mrs. Bennet's settlement; otherwise, he would be compelled to sell the property.

Unbeknownst to Elizabeth, a tear rolled down her cheek. Shortly after the distressing confrontation with Bingley, her mother suffered a severe nervous episode that regrettably resulted in a stroke. Fortunately, she did not succumb, but she would endure lasting consequences. Mr. Jones feared that she would require assistance to walk and would face significant challenges in speaking.

Three days later, in desperation, Elizabeth proceeded to Netherfield to implore Jane to persuade Mr. Bingley to delay the sale of Longbourn for a few months. Elizabeth realized that since Jane's marriage, she had seen her only twice.

Mr. Bingley had insinuated that he did not wish to entertain visitors at his residence for several weeks, as is customary for newlyweds who desire privacy to enjoy their early days of marriage undisturbed.

Responding to Elizabeth's earnest pleas with palpable sorrow, Jane said, "I have already spoken with Mr. Bingley regarding Longbourn. I assure you he is deeply distressed by the situation; however, he has confided in me that he has been facing significant financial difficulties for several months. He was obliged to provide Caroline with her dowry and suffered a substantial loss in a failed business venture. Additionally, the harvest at Longbourn was poor this year, and he has had to cover the lease for Netherfield."

Jane's voice faltered as she lowered her gaze, opting not to disclose the troubling truth that shortly after their marriage, Bingley had expressed a desire to sell Longbourn to acquire a larger estate. Furthermore, he had made it clear that he did not wish for her mother and sisters to reside in such proximity to his new home.

At that moment, Elizabeth recalled the Gardiners' suspicions regarding Mr. Bingley's motives for returning to Hertfordshire after Jane had inherited Longbourn. Observing the despondent expression on her sister's face, Jane added, "I am truly sorry, Lizzy. However, I assure you that after the sale of Longbourn, Charles has promised to purchase a property for you all to reside in, ensuring that you will not be left without a home."

Incredulous and aggrieved, Elizabeth met her sister's gaze, but Jane averted her eyes. The room felt suffused with an uncomfortable tension, and just then, Mr. Bingley entered the dining room, effectively interrupting the already fraught conversation.

Elizabeth acknowledged him with a brief, polite greeting before hastily bidding farewell to her sister, her heart heavy with foreboding as she left the room. She felt a sense of urgency to seek out Uncle Phillips for guidance, hoping that he might provide a measure of hope or at least a plan of action in the face of their dire circumstances.

Upon finding her uncle, she conveyed her concerns regarding Longbourn; he confirmed there was little that could be done regarding the matter. The marriage settlement explicitly stipulated that Jane's husband was the rightful owner of Longbourn, a legal reality that left Elizabeth feeling powerless in the face of such insurmountable challenges.

The cheerful sounds of birds chirping broke the spell of her reverie, gently pulling her back to the present moment. Taking her handkerchief, Elizabeth wiped away a few stray tears, feeling the weight of her emotions. It was imperative to gather her thoughts and have a lengthy discussion with her mother and sisters about their future.

When she arrived home, Mrs. Hill approached her with a letter in hand, which she recognized as being from Miss Darcy. Eagerly, Elizabeth opened Georgiana's letter.

Pemberley, November 30, 1812

Dear Elizabeth,

I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. With a heavy heart, I write to inform you that my brother and I will not be able to travel to London in the foreseeable future.

Just days ago, Pemberley was engulfed in a fierce fire that swept through the land with alarming speed. It is nothing short of a miracle that no lives were lost, but the damage inflicted is extensive.

It has been particularly difficult to witness my brother burdened with the weight of this calamity. His strength and resolve in the face of such adversity are truly admirable; however, it pains me to see him so weary, his spirit visibly strained under the weight of responsibility. He works tirelessly to coordinate recovery efforts and ensure that Pemberley is restored, yet I fear that he neglects his well-being in the process. I wish I could do more to alleviate his burden to ease the toll this disaster has taken on his heart and mind.

I shall keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, hoping for brighter days ahead.

With affection,

Georgiana Darcy.

As she read the words, a wave of melancholy washed over her. She had often had thoughts about Mr. Darcy, recalling the moments they had shared, and now the prospect of further delay filled her with a deep sense of disappointment.