Notes: I added a prologue (check Chapter 1). It was originally part of chapter 13, but I thought it fit better at the start of the story.

24 August – 7 September 1812

During the following week, Elizabeth began to recall with increasing clarity various fragments of the events that had transpired over the previous weeks. Among her recent discoveries was Jane's letter which provided the information of Lydia's situation and was found tucked in her reticule.

Elizabeth had been afforded numerous opportunities to explore the exquisite gardens and winding paths of Pemberley. On four distinct occasions, Mr. Darcy had accompanied her during these walks. He graciously introduced her to his favorite spots, including a particularly charming greenhouse brimming with exotic plants. Mr. Darcy explained that this greenhouse had been built by his grandfather for his grandmother, who had been in delicate health and had a profound affection for flowers. He further revealed that, although their marriage had been arranged, his grandparents had experienced a deeply satisfying and joyful union. This contrasted with their discussions about Mr. Darcy's parents, whose marriage, though arranged in the customary fashion of high society, had not been particularly harmonious.

As time went on, the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy continued to flourish, and she found it increasingly difficult to remember the animosity she had previously harbored towards him. She recognized that she thoroughly enjoyed his company, finding him to be one of the most intelligent and intriguing gentlemen she had ever encountered. Although he was not particularly loquacious, his remarks were consistently engaging. Moreover, his kindness extended not only to her but also to her relatives and everyone residing at Pemberley.

Elizabeth observed Mr. Darcy's respect for his servants and his equitable treatment of them. He was well-regarded in the local community for his fairness and consideration towards his tenants, merchants, and the less fortunate. With each passing day, her thoughts increasingly dwelt on Mr. Darcy, and she found it increasingly challenging to recall Colonel Weston, despite her aunt's assurance that she had accepted his proposal to be his wife."

In addition, Elizabeth cherished her time with Georgiana. The young women addressed each other by their first names and engaged in daily duets and discussions on various topics. Until then, Georgiana had not had a friend of her own age—aside from Caroline Bingley—and she grew increasingly fond of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was also conscious that, in a few days, her uncle would be well enough to return to London, making it highly probable that she would never see Mr. Darcy again. Furthermore, she was aware that her family was mired in the scandal surrounding Lydia's elopement.

The situation took a dramatic turn on the morning of September 5th. While having breakfast with the Darcys and Mrs. Gardiner, Elizabeth was presented with an express letter by Mrs. Reynolds. To her concern, the letter was from Jane. Jane had written on the same day she had regained her strength to reassure Elizabeth of her health but also to inform her that she needed to rest for a few more days.

Elizabeth immediately excused herself and, accompanied by Mrs. Gardiner, proceeded to the library to read the letter in privacy. As she perused its contents, her initial relief was swiftly overtaken by a profound sense of despair, and she was unable to contain her tears.

30 August 1812

Dear Lizzy,

I have just received your letter and am greatly relieved to hear of your improving condition. We were all deeply concerned about your well-being. Our mother remains anxious regarding your health, but I am confident that I will be able to reassure her of your complete recovery.

I am pleased to share some wonderful news: our father has successfully located Lydia and Mr. Wickham, and they are now married. I am convinced that Mr. Wickham's affection for Lydia is sincere, which, I believe, motivated his decision to marry her. It is my sincere hope that their union will bring them both happiness.

31 August 1812

Lizzy, I regret to inform you some grievous news. Our father returned from London, and upon learning of your accident, he suffered a heart attack and has sadly passed away. Our mother is in a state of profound distress, and I find myself quite overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation.

I earnestly implore you to return to Longbourn at your earliest convenience.

Yours,

Jane Bennet

Upon learning of Mr. Bennet's death, Mr. Darcy was profoundly moved by a deep sense of sorrow and concern for Elizabeth. He was acutely aware of the profound affection she held for her father and understood the severe emotional toll that her loss would exact upon her. Nevertheless, he found some measure of solace in the knowledge that, as Mr. Gardiner had informed him a few days earlier, Mr. Bennet had successfully broken the entailment of Longbourn. Thus, Elizabeth and her family would not face the prospect of being left without a home or financial security.

Moreover, Darcy had recently learned that Mr. Wickham had married Elizabeth's younger sister. However, since Elizabeth had not referred to this development, Darcy opted to remain silent on the matter.

The truth was that his feelings for Elizabeth, which he had hoped would wane with the passage of time, had only deepened. His love for her was undeniable and profound, and he was keenly aware that he could never erase her from his heart. Even a fleeting encounter with her was enough to rekindle his enduring affection.

After much contemplation over several days, Darcy had resolved to speak with Elizabeth before she departed for Longbourn. He intended to earnestly request a renewed opportunity to court her properly and to win her affection. Should she grant him this chance, he was prepared to follow her to Longbourn or, if necessary, to any other distant location. Although the prospect of Mr. Wickham becoming his brother-in-law was far from desirable, Darcy was more than willing to make such a sacrifice for Elizabeth.

However, with Mr. Bennet's death, the circumstances had shifted. Darcy understood that patience would now be essential, as Elizabeth would be in mourning for an extended period, requiring time and space to grieve her profound loss.

The ensuing hours blurred into a haze of grief and concern, and when Darcy encountered Elizabeth once more, he was profoundly affected by her appearance. Her pallor was striking, and her once bright eyes were now red and swollen from the ceaseless tears she had shed.

With utmost gentleness, he took her hand and addressed her with sincere compassion, saying, "Miss Bennet, please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. A few minutes earlier, Mr. Harrison examined your uncle and recommended that he remain at rest for a few additional days. Regardless of whether your uncle adheres to this advice, I want to assure you that if you wish to return to Longbourn, my carriage, my servants, and I stand entirely at your service."

Elizabeth, observing the genuine concern reflected in Mr. Darcy's eyes and hearing his comforting words, took a deep breath to compose herself and restrain her tears. "I am profoundly grateful to you for all that you have done and continue to do for us. I do not wish to further impose upon your kindness-"

Darcy gently interjected, "Miss Bennet, please be assured that you are not imposing on my generosity. It is a privilege for me to offer support to you and your family during this period of profound sorrow."

He then squeezed her hand reassuringly and handed her his handkerchief, allowing her to wipe the tears that continued to flow down her cheeks.

Perhaps it was the tenderness of Mr. Darcy's gesture, but at that moment, Elizabeth was acutely aware of the risk she faced of falling deeply in love with him. The only response she could muster was a faint, weary smile before she swiftly made her way back to her uncle's room. She was eager to return to Longbourn with the utmost urgency to provide support to Jane and the rest of her family.

PPP

Despite the significant swelling and pain in Mr. Gardiner's ankle, which was aggravated by bearing weight, he resolved to disregard the physician's recommendation of continued rest for at least three more days and his wife's earnest entreaties. That very afternoon, he determined to rise from his bed and set out for Longbourn.

Mr. Gardiner was well aware that Elizabeth was prepared to make the journey to Longbourn by coach. Moreover, he had been informed that Mr. Darcy had graciously offered one of his carriages along with servants and even proposed to accompany her. Nevertheless, Mr. Gardiner was reluctant to impose further on Mr. Darcy's generosity, particularly considering that his children—who had been left in the care of his sister and Jane— needed his presence and support.

In addition to these concerns, Mr. Gardiner was troubled by his wife's belief that Mr. Darcy harbored a deep interest in Elizabeth. While Mr. Gardiner himself suspected that this might indeed be the case, he had not had the opportunity to observe their interactions closely enough to confirm it. His wife had voiced her apprehension, noting that she had seen them together walking in the garden on several occasions and observed their lively and animated conversations. She feared that Elizabeth might contemplate ending her engagement to her brother.

By early afternoon, two sturdy footmen were completing the loading of the carriage in preparation for the long journey. At that moment, Miss Darcy approached Elizabeth, who was lost in her thoughts and embraced her warmly. They stood in this silent embrace for several moments, having promised each other to maintain a regular and heartfelt correspondence.

Subsequently, Mr. Darcy approached Elizabeth with a demeanor of gentle concern. He took her hand with a delicate grasp and addressed her in a subdued, respectful tone. "Miss Bennet, please convey my deepest sympathy to your entire family." He gazed at her with profound tenderness and, lowering his voice even further to a whisper, added, "I realize this may not be the most appropriate moment to mention this, but I intend to travel to London after the harvest. If you find it agreeable, I would be deeply honored to visit you at Longbourn."

Elizabeth, noticing the sincere and compassionate concern reflected in Mr. Darcy's eyes and moved by his comforting words, drew a deep, shuddering breath as she struggled to maintain her composure. Her cheeks flushed with a mixture of emotion and embarrassment, and her heart pounded with the intensity of the moment. Given her current engagement, she felt it would be highly improper for Mr. Darcy to visit her. She closed her eyes momentarily, attempting to focus on Colonel Weston, but her mind was overwhelmed by a torrent of thoughts concerning Mr. Darcy. How had she come to such an emotionally tumultuous state? Unlike her younger sisters, who seemed to change their affections with every new gentleman, Elizabeth had never before experienced such a profound internal conflict. Moreover, Mr. Darcy remained unaware of the full ramifications of Lydia's scandal. Elizabeth was deeply apprehensive that, once he was fully informed of the details, he would entirely sever all connections with her.

Interpreting her lack of immediate response as a definitive refusal, Mr. Darcy said with a trace of sadness. "Please pardon me for intruding upon you at such a distressing time."

In a moment of emotional impulse, Elizabeth placed her hand gently upon Mr. Darcy's arm and responded with earnest concern, "Mr. Darcy, there have been several significant developments in recent weeks that, once you are fully informed of them, I am certain will lead you to distance yourself from my family. My younger sister—"

Mr. Darcy promptly interjected, his voice steady but grave, "I am already aware that she has married Wickham."

Elizabeth's astonishment grew upon receiving this confirmation, and before she could articulate her thoughts further, her uncle, assisted by a footman, made his way towards them. Mr. Gardiner extended his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Darcy for his considerable kindness and support during this challenging time.

Given the interruption, Mr. Darcy surmised that Elizabeth's hesitation to accept his request to visit her at Longbourn was due to the scandal involving her sister. Elizabeth, for her part, was profoundly taken aback that Mr. Darcy, despite being aware of Lydia's scandalous marriage, still wished to maintain their acquaintance. She realized that, while time and distance might ultimately alter Mr. Darcy's feelings, she needed to clarify her own emotions and resolve her internal conflict.