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"They invited me too, and I believe many of them are in love with me, not you, Lydia," Kitty added, exasperated.

"That is not true—"

"SILENCE," cried Mrs. Bennet. "You will not go anywhere this afternoon.

If the officers wish to see you, they may come here, and you may walk about the garden under Lizzy and Jane's supervision.

And you had better listen to them, for they know how to behave.

And you, Mary—put that book on that chair; you may read it later.

For now, you are having breakfast with your family. "

The five daughters exchanged glances, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Mrs. Bennet had changed considerably, yet she had not explained to anyone the cause of her altered demeanour.

The only thing Jane had observed was that her mother now wrote to Mrs. Gardiner each week and would often shut herself in her room for hours to read the lengthy letters her sister-in-law sent in reply.

"You heard your mother. Either those young men come here to visit you, or you shall not see them," Mr. Bennet added with a smile. Then, without anyone noticing, he lightly touched his wife's hand, and she, unable to conceal her emotion, looked at him and blushed.

◆◆◆

"Darcy, I cannot believe you do not wish to return with me to Hertfordshire. I thought you would spend the entire winter instructing me in the management of an estate. Well, I suppose I shall have to learn on my own—perhaps I can ask Mr. Bennet for guidance," said Mr. Bingley.

Caroline and Louisa exchanged glances with Mr. Darcy. They knew he was the only one capable of persuading their brother to forget that place filled with savages. your duty lies with your family. When do you plan to travel to Scotland?"

"I hope to depart before Christmas, if that would not be inconvenient to you."

"No, of course not. Naturally, you wish to spend the holiday with your daughter."

Mrs. Annesley left the study, and Mr. Darcy was left troubled by the knowledge that he now had scarcely a month to find a suitable replacement for Georgiana's companion. They were to spend Christmas with the Fitzwilliams, and he would postpone his search until they had returned to London.

◆◆◆

"You do not know how happy I am to have you here, my dear Madeline. I do not believe I could have endured all this alone," said Mrs. Bennet, wiping away her tears.

"You must have faith, Fanny. Your husband is a strong man, and with proper care, he shall recover," replied Mrs. Gardiner, taking her sister-in-law's hand.

"I hope you are right, my dear. Just when things had improved so greatly between us, this tragedy occurs.

Thanks to your advice and guidance, I have come to understand so many things I did not know how to face for years.

Oh, Madeline, what shall become of me and my daughters if Mr. Bennet does not recover? "

Jane and Elizabeth looked upon their mother with deep pity, though they were not as hopeful as their aunt. Mr. Bennet grew weaker with each passing day, and the doctor had informed them that there was nothing more he could do.

Elizabeth felt not only sorrow, but also guilt. Had she accepted Mr. Collins's proposal, at least her family would be spared the loss of both their father and their home. But it was too late for regret, and she had to find another way to protect those she loved.

"Lizzy, I know you well and can guess your thoughts. Please do not feel guilty—none of this is your doing," Jane whispered in her sister's ear. It pained her greatly to see Elizabeth so distressed.

"Jane, I swear that if our father… I shall be the one to protect you. I do not yet know how, but I shall ensure that you, Mama, and our sisters have all you require," Elizabeth replied, embracing Jane.

"Fanny, your husband wishes to speak with you," said Mr. Gardiner, emerging from his brother-in-law's bedroom. The expression on his face told the rest what was happening.

Mrs. Bennet immediately went to her husband's side, while Mr. Gardiner comforted Lydia and Kitty, and Mrs. Gardiner held Mary in her arms.

Over the past month, Mr. Bennet had been encouraged by his wife's transformation to do more for his family. He had begun rising early and undertaking the tasks he had once left to others.

Sadly, a contagious illness had spread through Meryton, affecting some of its inhabitants, including members of the Bennet household.

Lydia, Mary, and Mr. Hill had been gravely ill but eventually recovered.

Mr. Bennet, however, had not improved, and the physician, who had already witnessed Colonel Forster's death, feared Mr. Bennet's case would end the same.

"Fanny, my dear, I want you to know that despite everything, and…" Mr. Bennet could not continue; a harsh, rebellious cough stole what little strength he had left.

"Thomas, please rest," said Mrs. Bennet, attempting to steady her nerves.

Once Mr. Bennet was able to suppress the cough, he summoned his remaining breath to say all he felt he must: "Fanny, I have always loved you. Forgive me for not being the husband you deserved."

"I was not the wife you deserved either, my dear Mr. Bennet," replied Mrs. Bennet, kissing his cheek.

"My dearest, I wish you to know that I invested a modest sum in Edward's business. The interest it yields shall allow you to rent a small property in Meryton… I know it is not much, but at least you shall have a place to call home."

"I know—my brother told me. We shall manage. I… I promise to be the mother our daughters deserve, my dear Thomas," said Mrs. Bennet, unable to keep from embracing her husband and weeping uncontrollably.

"My love, send for the girls. I wish to be with all of you when the time comes," Mr. Bennet murmured, almost with his final breath.

A few minutes later, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia entered their father's chamber and gathered around his bed.

"You do not know how happy I am to see the five silliest girls in all of England here with me," said Mr. Bennet, provoking a tender laugh from his daughters.

Nearly an hour later, Mr. Bennet passed away, surrounded by his daughters and at peace.

Though he knew his wife was far from composed or prudent, he was proud of her for having chosen to change, for having realised how wrong she had been in recent years.

He had long considered himself intellectually superior, yet it was she who had led him to clarity and made him wish to become a better man.

Jane and Mrs. Gardiner assumed the responsibility of restraining Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls, while Mr. Gardiner took charge of the funeral arrangements.

For her part, Elizabeth fled to the top of the hill in search of solace.

'I must weep and overcome this sorrow as quickly as I can. I must find employment—my mother and sisters need me, and I shall not fail them,' Elizabeth thought, unable to restrain her tears.