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I feel deeply disappointed in you, Darcy.

I still cannot believe that you kept Mr. Bennet's death from me, and that Miss Elizabeth is working for you.

Darcy, I need you to explain why you did not tell me what was happening, and inform me of everything you know aboutmydear angel.

.. The letter contained several paragraphs written so hastily that they were scarcely legible.

Mr. Darcy concluded that his friend had been quite distraught while writing, and in all likelihood, furious.

...I ask you, please, and in the name ofourfriendship, to tell me everything you know, and to send me your response by express post as soon as you read this letter.

Mr. Darcy felt somewhat irritated by Mr. Bingley's accusations and his demanding tone.

Although the letter was lengthy, it reiterated the same request with growing insistence.

His own reply, in contrast, would be brief, clear, and direct.

Bingley, although it may be difficult for you to understand, I chose not to share the news of Mr. Bennet's death in order to protect you.

At the time, I believed it was the proper course.

You often act on impulse and make decisions without considering the consequences…

Mr. Darcy proceeded to explain the reasons why he, together with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, had advised Mr. Bingley against returning to Hertfordshire.

As he wrote of the Bennet family's lack of fortune, social standing, and propriety, he suddenly paused.

For several days now—especially during the quiet moments between wakefulness and sleep—he had found himself entertaining the idea of uniting his own life to a Bennet.

'It is absurd,' he thought, 'that I would warn Bingley and yet consider making the same mistake myself.

I must cease deceiving myself and building expectations I shall never be able to fulfil.

' After several minutes of silent reflection, Mr. Darcy resumed writing.

This time, he resolved to be entirely honest with his friend and to bring the matter to a close once and for all.

I understand your frustration, and I admit that I ought to have informed you earlier of what had occurred to the Bennet family.

For this, I offer my sincere apology. However, I have little information to share.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet speaks almost nothing of her family.

What I do know is that both she and Miss Bennet have sought employment, and that Mrs. Bennet remains at Longbourn with her younger daughters.

They plan to move to a house that Mrs. Bennet's brother intends to lease in a few months' time.

He sealed the letter, rang the bell, and instructed the butler to have it dispatched to London without delay.

That afternoon, the sun finally emerged, and Mr. Darcy felt the need for fresh air and exercise.

He ordered one of the grooms to prepare his horse for a ride.

After luncheon, Georgiana told Elizabeth that she wished to rest, having stayed up late the previous evening reading a book her aunt had recommended.

Elizabeth, however, was not feeling well.

Lately, she had missed her family more than ever—particularly her father.

The day before, she had received letters from her mother and Jane, both of which had unsettled her.

Mrs. Bennet now sounded like a different woman—sadder, more grounded, and evidently more aware of her family's circumstances.

Jane's letter, by contrast, had been brief.

She had merely stated that she would soon be travelling with Mrs. Smith, offering no further details.

Despite Georgiana's warmth and Mr. Darcy's kindness, Elizabeth could not shake the melancholy that had settled over her.

No matter how much she tried to lift her spirits, the feeling remained.

She wandered toward the stables, where she knew she might find a measure of comfort.

The horse keeper was always pleasant, and he had a gentle dog and a kind old cat to whom she had grown attached.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Turner. May I play for a few minutes with Oscar and Nora?

" she asked kindly. "Of course, dear lady.

Though my beloved pets are growing old and do not always have the energy to play," Mr. Turner replied with a smile.

He had noticed that Miss Bennet sought the company of animals whenever she was feeling down.

Though all at Pemberley were discreet and respectful, most of the staff knew that Miss Darcy's companion was still in mourning, having lost her father only recently.

Elizabeth sat on a bench overlooking the vast forest that framed the estate.

Nora, the old cat, curled up in her lap, while Oscar rested his head upon her foot.

These two ageing creatures, without knowing it, offered her a quiet affection that reminded her of home and the family she missed so dearly.

After half an hour, as a cloud drifted across the sun and the air turned colder, Elizabeth rose and bid farewell to Mr. Turner and his cherished animals.

She chose the garden path to re-enter the house from the back.

As she rounded the southern side of the garden, she suddenly found herself face-to-face with a rider approaching the stables.

Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was Mr. Darcy.

She stopped to greet him—but to her surprise, he turned his horse and took the path that ran along the lake.

'What have I done now to displease this man?

' Elizabeth wondered, puzzled and disheartened, and then continued on her way.

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