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Mary was worried about her mother. Mrs. Bennet had spent the last few days in bed, as she had not been feeling well, so Mary was surprised when she saw Mrs. Hill rushing to her mother's room.

Upon entering, she found Lydia and Kitty seated beside their mother.

"Come in, Mary. Please, sit here. Daughters, I wish to apologise for not having joined you at breakfast, but I have been unwell.

I have called you here because I feel it is time to share something with you.

I imagine you have noticed how much I have changed, and I want you to understand that it is not solely due to the death of your father, but also because of another event that occurred several months ago.

" "Mama, I liked it better when you let me chat with my friends and go to Meryton to visit them.

Now you are as dull as the other ladies in town," Lydia complained.

"I know it will be difficult for you to adjust, as you had grown accustomed to behaving otherwise.

Nevertheless, you must." Mrs. Bennet took a breath and told her daughters everything she had overheard about the Bennet family during the Netherfield ball.

"Later, when I returned to the ballroom, I saw for the first time how our neighbours looked at us and spoke of us.

Daughters, I never again wish to expose you to the contempt of others.

My most fervent wish is for you to be comfortable in life—and happy," Mrs. Bennet concluded, weeping.

Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were deeply affected by their mother's words.

Mary felt foolish for believing others admired her voice or her piano playing.

As for Kitty and Lydia, they were ashamed to realise that many regarded them as silly girls who behaved shamelessly.

Mrs. Bennet, greatly distressed to see her daughters so saddened, asked them to remain at her side, but Mary excused herself and chose to retire to her room.

She had promised Jane to keep her informed of everything happening at home, and she thought it best to write to her about their mother's health and what she had just confided to them.

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Jane had not slept well over the past few nights, uncertain of what course to take.

That evening, Mrs. Smith had invited several friends to dine, and Jane knew that Baron Norton would be present and would likely attempt to speak with her.

She felt very sad and confused; at times, she believed this might be the solution to all her troubles, while at others, she feared she could never marry a man she scarcely knew.

Baron Norton was so unlike Mr. Bingley that Jane doubted she could ever fall in love with him.

Andrew Taylor was a grave man who smiled but little.

Moreover, he was not as handsome as Mr. Bingley, though Jane acknowledged that such things were of little importance.

What truly troubled her was the idea of marrying a man who did not love her and of finding herself in a marriage akin to that of her parents.

Jane was in the drawing room awaiting Mrs. Smith when one of the maids handed her the post that had just arrived.

She took the opportunity to read Mary's letter.

Unfortunately, she had not yet received any news from Elizabeth, though she was not alarmed.

Her dear sister now lived at such a distance that her letters would take several days to arrive.

Jane thanked Mary for keeping her informed and planned to write back that very day to share news of her own life.

Mrs. Bennet and her younger sisters remained unaware that Elizabeth was now employed by the Darcy family and residing in Derbyshire.

Jane grew concerned upon reading that her mother had been unwell, though she understood that her mother's sorrow and anguish must surely affect her health.

She had noticed that Mrs. Bennet had changed a great deal in the month prior to their father's death, though she had never fully understood why.

Thus, she was astonished to read the true reason behind Mrs. Bennet's altered behaviour.

'Lizzy was right in everything she said about Louisa, Caroline, and Mr. Darcy!

Oh, my poor sister, who must now work for the very man who holds us in contempt,' Jane thought, horrified.

'If I had any doubt, I have it no longer.

I shall do whatever is necessary to remove my sister from that man's household,' she resolved.

She was now convinced that the only way to end the ordeal her sister must be enduring was to marry Andrew Taylor.

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It was Elizabeth's second day at Pemberley, and she still could not grow accustomed to her new life.

The Darcy mansion was immense, and at times it seemed as though no one lived there.

Miss Darcy was very kind, yet not particularly sociable, and Elizabeth scarcely saw Mr. Darcy—though that did not trouble her.

She was accustomed to a house filled with arguments and laughter alike.

At Pemberley, silence and tranquility reigned.

Elizabeth had written a letter to her mother, informing her that a wealthy family employed her and that they paid her an excellent salary, though she chose not to mention that the family in question was the Darcys.

Mrs. Bennet held a shallow opinion of Mr. Darcy and would not have been pleased to learn that her daughter felt compelled to work for him.

Elizabeth had also written to Jane to describe the journey to Derbyshire and her impressions of Miss Darcy.

Additionally, she had sent a letter to Mary, along with a small sum of money to purchase something for their mother and younger sisters.

It was not much, but it represented the last of her savings.

She now possessed all she needed, and at the end of each fortnight, she would receive a salary she intended to save as diligently as possible.

Elizabeth had always been in the habit of rising early, and though she longed to explore the beautiful garden, it was very cold that morning.

She therefore chose to admire it from the window of one of the elegant drawing rooms. "Mr. Moore, I am sorry to trouble you, but I should like to ask a question," Elizabeth said to the butler.

The servants in that house were as serious as their master, and she did not wish to burden them.

"Please, Miss Bennet, tell me how I may be of service," the butler replied in his usual grave tone.

"Thank you; I only wish to know how I might send some letters I have written to my family.

If you tell me where the nearest town is, I am happy to walk.

I enjoy walking, and if Miss Darcy does not require me, I may go today.

" The butler regarded Elizabeth for several seconds, appearing both surprised and faintly amused.

He and Mrs. Reynolds had already discussed Miss Darcy's new companion and agreed she was quite unlike any young lady who had ever frequented Pemberley.

Just as the old butler was about to respond, a deep and authoritative voice interrupted.

"Miss Bennet, give Mr. Moore the letters you wish to send, and he will see to it that they are posted with the rest of Pemberley's correspondence," said Mr. Darcy.

Elizabeth turned and replied, "I understand.

To whom should I give the money for postage?

You may deduct the cost from my salary if that is more convenient.

" The butler could not suppress a smile at the expression on his master's face.

"Miss Bennet, kindly give me your letters.

One of the servants will be going to town later and shall take them to the post office.

" "You need not pay for the correspondence you send to your family and friends, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy added, motioning for the butler to withdraw.

Elizabeth handed the letters to Mr. Moore and said, "Mr. Darcy, I intend to write to my mother and sisters weekly.

I would not wish you to think I am taking advantage of your generosity.

For that reason, I would prefer to pay for my own correspondence; I should feel more at ease.

As I mentioned to Mr. Moore, I am willing to walk to the nearest town if you would only tell me where it lies.

" "Miss Bennet, Lambton is five miles from here.

Believe me when I say it is unnecessary.

Please entrust the letters to Mr. Moore; he will attend to everything.

Now, it is time for breakfast. Let us go to the dining room—Georgiana must be waiting for us.

" With that, Mr. Darcy ended the discussion and indicated the way to the dining room.

Elizabeth knew the matter was settled and that Mr. Darcy had no intention of prolonging the exchange.

Unfortunately, she was no longer at liberty to tell that gentleman everything she thought of him, so she remained silent and walked toward the dining room.

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