PP AU NON-CANON GENERAL REGENCY

Ashes to Honor

Previously:

Going to the kitchen just as Mr. Hill came in and read the note, Aimee sat down and tried not to dwell on the secrets that Longbourn seemed to hold. And, from what she could tell, none of them were good. Maybe, it was she, who needed a backup plan in case her marriage went over a cliff.

Conversation on the Road

Ch. 19

Wondering about any nearby marital cliff was nowhere near Fredrick's mind; however, keeping a very annoyed attitude in check was. His butler of the estate—the smaller estate—had messed up by introducing his boss formally to Sir Jeffrey Cumberland instead of informally, and now Fredrick was having to quickly correct things. He was just thankful the man had not come before Larissa was out of sight, but only because the gentleman wished to have a chance to speak to her family before the lady was present.

"Please, Sir Jeffrey, I prefer not to draw attention to my title. If you could find it in yourself to simply call me Mr. Montgomery I would appreciate it." He then continued, "Are you by chance the same Sir Cumberland that is a beau to Miss Catherine Bennet? More commonly called Kitty?"

"If that is what you wish and yes, I am." Sir Jeffrey asked. "And you, by chance, are related to a Lady Dunkin and her son Anthony?"

"I will claim relations to Lady Dunkin. I have disowned that son of hers, as has she. He now sits in a prison we have no intentions of bailing him out. He does not represent our family. I have come down here to repay anyone he has conned but, no, he is not being set free. Has Mr. Dunkin..." Fredrick might as well have pinned Sir Jeffrey to the wall with his stare, "taken money from you using his mother's name or my own?"

"No, but you might want to talk to the Darcys. While I do not think he succeeded with them he may have tried. And he may have done so with the de Bourghs over in Kent."

"I may have to use my title with that bro... lady; otherwise, I doubt she will listen."

Jeffrey was polite enough to ignore what Mr. Montgomery had almost called Lady de Bourgh and, secretly, agreed with the gentleman. "I have to go over that way, why do I not take you with me?"

"That is fine. Let us leave now, for there is something else I need to discuss with you and then with the Darcys."

As the carriage rumbled along, Fredrick and Jeffrey settled into the plush seats, the rhythmic motion providing a sense of calm very much appreciated by Larissa's intended. It was only when the two men were in the coach and heading away from Fredrick's third estate did Mr. Montgomery speak. "What do you honestly think of Kitty's mother? I mean about the rumors that are spread about her?"

"I..." Jeffrey was stunned to hear Lord... Mr. Montgomery asking such a question; however, he replied honestly. "I have decided I side with Kitty. There is no way for us to know what caused the fire and I have no reason to doubt her mother. Why do you ask?"

"Because in the short time I have known her..." Fredrick spoke slowly. "She has proven to be an extremely honest person. Maybe not always right but, nonetheless, honest. So, when the lady tells me her hand had nothing to do with the fire, I believe her."

When asked what else was going on, Mr. Montgomery gave a lopsided grin. "Word is you and Kitty wish to be married."

"We do, but she is wishing to wait for her mother's return. Says even with her father being gone, it would still be nice to get a blessing from Mrs. Bennet. And I cannot say I really blame her."

"Would a blessing from a father by the law be good enough?"

"Are you and her mother married?" Jeffrey asked in shock.

"No," laughed Fredrick and grinned wide. "Not yet anyway." He sobered up. "I have asked her, she has accepted, and I paid for a special license on our way down only..." The man sighed. "My dear Larissa is hesitant to say anything out of concern of what her family will think. Originally, I was to only talk to the Darcys as Mrs. Darcy, apparently, cannot see the forest for the trees."

"Elizabeth can be like that but she has been coming around, I saw her going over a letter the other day. I think she is simply struggling on what to write."

"It is a start." Fredrick shrugged his shoulders. "Anyhow, on our way down here, I convinced her to let me talk to anyone that would be connected to Pemberley and, since you were heading to the Darcys, I decided to bring up the subject to you first. Mainly because you know the family better than I do and while, yes, Kitty's mother has given me her point of view, I need another."

"In other words, how do I suggest you approach the matter—especially when it comes to Elizabeth?"

"Yes, and...with what I know of my intended's past, well, when you, and I, were introduced I thought any advice would help."

"First, I suggest you talk to Fitzwilliam Darcy alone, then talk to the rest of us in a group with him present. He then would have a heads up on what you will be saying. Second, acknowledge Elizabeth's struggles are due to how close she was to her father. Although, and this you did not hear from me; that lady has traits that are too similar to her mother's but she would never admit that. And neither should you at this point. I dare say only Fitzwilliam—tactfully—ever gets away with that. And third, when you are done simply step back and give her time. Nothing more you can do."

"Seems to me if she takes too much time the lady will lose more than will be gained."

"Perhaps, still there is nothing more you can do."

The scenery along the drive to Pemberley was breathtaking, with the vibrant colors of late spring might as well have been buckets of paint spilling over and coloring the landscape. Fields of lush green stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with blooming wildflowers in shades of yellow, purple, and white. The trees were full and verdant, their leaves moving gently in the breeze. Occasionally, a babbling brook would appear, its clear waters reflecting the sunlight in sparkling patterns. The carriage passed by tiny cottages and well-tended gardens, adding to the charm of the countryside. Birds fluttered about, singing their beautiful melodies, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers filled the air.

As they approached Pemberley, the grandeur of the estate became apparent. The impressive manor house stood majestically atop a gentle rise, its stone façade gleaming in the sunlight. Well-kept lawns and meticulously arranged flowerbeds framed the pathway leading up to the entrance. The carriage came to a halt at the steps of Pemberley, and Fredrick squared his shoulders as if preparing himself for the conversations that lay ahead.