PP AU Non-Canon General Regency

A Gentleman's Choice

Note: Sarah; I highly doubt you are dense. As to secrecy... Mr. Niles is a very corrupt man. Lydia and Lady Shaw are BOTH in danger from this man, as are others. Their whereabouts HAVE to be kept 'off their radar' if they are to be kept alive. Honest, if you sign in and pm me I would be more than happy to discuss the story with you.

Sequel to Making Peace

Previously:

They spent the next hour meticulously planning their every step, discussing every detail to ensure Corby's safety and higher the odds of their mission succeeding. The cave, with its echoing walls and secluded location, became the birthplace of their plan to bring down Mr. Niles.

Sent to Longbourn

Ch. 25

Part of preparing to take down Mr. Niles was to ensure the women were not in the area and, since Thomas' post had been delivered to Lady Shaw, she and Jocasta were now in an unmarked carriage wearing gray clothing—with veils over their faces. Roger, who, unlike Liam, had taken full advantage of his last chance and no longer resembled the man who had headed towards Mr. Brown's home, rode along in the carriage. His manner of dress gave him the appearance of being nothing more than a 'gentleman by chance' and not a Baron's son now proving himself worthy to have any legal ties taken off his inheritance and title.

The coachman driving did not stand out, though he had extra pistols strapped underneath his jacket. The footman, who was being passed off as his nephew, also wore hidden guns. The only other person that rode next to the coachman was a young 'boy'. He, in all reality, was a gentleman of twenty-one who just happened to be built small for his age. The 'boy', like all the others, had his own weapons.

As the carriage rumbled along the winding country roads, the scenery shifted from dense woodlands to open fields. The early winter chill was in the air, and a thin layer of frost covered the ground, giving the landscape a stark, crystal-like beauty. Bare branches of trees reached out like skeletal fingers, and the fields lay empty, their earthy tones muted under the pale winter sun. The air was crisp and biting, filled with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Birds chirped sporadically, their songs a reminder of the life that persisted despite the cold which now dominated England's domain.

The road to Longbourn took them past rolling hills now dusted with frost, and simple but unique cottages with smoke curling from their chimneys, promising warmth within. The fields were a patchwork of browns and grays, with farmers tending to their livestock and preparing for the harsher months which were sure to come. As they neared the estate, the beauty of Longbourn came into view, its stately manor house framed by ancient oaks and manicured gardens now stripped of the hay-days of summer. The sight of the familiar landscape brought a mixture of nostalgia, anticipation, and relief, knowing they were nearing their destination and the safety it promised.

Mr. Bennet stepped out onto the steps just as the coach pulled up to the front of Longbourn. He had made sure all the servants had been given the day off except Mr. and Mrs. Hill. Those two servants' mouths were tighter than any trap he knew of. Therefore, while Thomas was out on the front porch, they were inside making sure everything was ready for the women to function on the upper floor.

"Hello, Mr. Bennet." Lady Shaw curtsied. "I believe you know Jocasta?"

"Yes, I do." Mr. Bennet slowly came down the steps unsure what to do; but wanting his youngest to know he was willing to have a fresh start. "I cannot promise you much…Jocasta, I am only human. However, I will do whatever I can to keep you and your…mother…safe." He might as well acknowledge the emotional connection between the two, for it was clear—by how close this daughter was standing close to Lady Shaw—it was firmly in place. "Is that fair enough? For now, at least?"

"Yes, S…Father." Jocasta instantly apologized for almost saying sir. "I am sorry, it has become habit."

"No worries, let us get you inside before the Lucases get home. That woman's mouth has not gotten any better." He did not discuss the situation about Charlotte; it was none of his business and, somehow, Mr. Bennet figured if anyone knew what had happened to Mrs. Collins—it would be these two ladies.

Soon enough Lady Shaw and Jocasta were shown into the guest rooms. Lydia would have been given her old room back only the way her eyes kept darting to Lady Shaw Mr. Bennet thought it best to allow her to choose. It did not surprise him when she chose his second guest room.

The room Jocasta was put in was modest yet comfortable, with a large four-poster bed draped in rich, rich burgundy velvet curtains. The bedspread was deep rich, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise cool room. A small fireplace crackled in the corner, its flames casting a soft, flickering light that danced across the walls. The room was furnished with a mahogany wardrobe, a writing desk, and a plush armchair positioned near the window. Heavy drapes framed the window, which offered a view of the frost-covered gardens below. The scent of lavender lingered in the air, a calming presence amidst the tension of the day.

"Mr. Bennet." Lady Shaw turned to Jocasta's birth father. "May we speak? In private? I am sure Jocasta is capable of unpacking on her own; she knows all the safety precautions to take; there will be no open curtains in the room, and she will not be wondering any halls when company is here, nor will she pass by any uncovered windows—there is no need for me to be with here at the moment."

"We can talk in my upstairs study, it is not large, but we would not need to go downstairs to discuss anything."

Thomas led Lady Shaw down the hall and ushered her into a room that was not large but was functional. It had a couple of built-in bookshelves, a small desk, a couple of chairs, and a comfortable sofa—with one small, round table in the center. Lady Shaw sat in one of the chairs -away from the window-and Thomas in another.

"First, I do want to thank you for opening your home. Although I did not allow my concerns to show to Jocasta, I half-feared your strained relations of the past with your youngest—not to mention her name change and, well, her calling me mother—would result in even more of a strain. Causing you to lock your doors even tighter. And second, did Mr. Hurst mention to you a Mr. Matthew Thompson?"

"He mentioned a gentle creature and referenced a cow. I take it that is Mr. Thompson and he works with cows?"

"Yes, he is a dairy farmer; quite a successful one, doubles as a blacksmith. Thirty-four years old far more mature than many of his age." Lady Shaw gave him such a glowing recommendation any reservation that Mr. Bennet may have had instantly evaporated. "I know she really wants you to walk her down the aisle this time around."

"I do thank you for putting my mind at ease." Thomas let out a very audible breath of air. "I do not mind the idea of my youngest not marrying into great wealth, nor am I against walking her down the aisle this time around; nonetheless, I admit I was dreading the idea of another marriage to one like Wickham though I blame myself for it." When asked why, he explained his and his late wife's marriage. "We made peace before she died but, sadly, the damage for Ly…Jocasta had already been done."

"Jocasta has healed in many ways; nonetheless she still has 'that' scar. Your willingness to help out is doing much in that area. She may, if this mess can get settled, go back to her birth name." Lady Shaw's face took on a forlorn look—as if without knowing it—as she stood up. "As to your marriage. Count it a blessing you got peace, some are never offered it. No, often they are stuck with ex-husband walking around with what might as well be iron hot daggers poking their way every chance they get -if they knew where the woman was. Using their clout to do what they can to ruin their name to the point they have no choice but to …" Then, as if realizing she had said far too much, Lady Shaw backpedaled. "I am sorry, I need to go check on Jocasta. Thank you for allowing this talk to be done in private."

Thomas watched her hurry out the door. So, Mr. Hurst's other letter, one he had received- and read- in private was true. People thinking Lady Shaw had never married was not true. Her common ground with his youngest was they were both divorced. And, as divorced women, their lives were not easy. And, whoever Lady Shaw had been married to, either had a title or power through some channel. He had to correct, her words- not to mention look in her eyes- shouted it. No wonder Ly...Jocasta now called Lady Shaw mother.

"Looks like I have extra guests that will remain hidden on this upper floor until Mr. Hurst tells me any different. And, I would say it is a good thing Horace is due here this evening. I hope he comes alone. I better warn the women just in case anyone comes with him." That reminded him; Mrs. Philips was not going to get invited to Sunday dinner...even if it made her furious at him.