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"Dear sister, allow me to speak with Mr. Collins and see how we might resolve this matter," said Mr. Gardiner, taking his sister's hand.

"I greatly appreciate your help, dear brother. But my daughters and I must address this matter ourselves. We must learn to solve our own problems, for we cannot always trouble you. You have a family and children of your own to care for," said Mrs. Bennet.

Jane and Elizabeth stood at their mother's side, ready to support her in whatever way was necessary, while Mary remained with Kitty and Lydia.

Mr. Collins entered Longbourn with his head held high and a triumphant expression on his face.

All that was now his, and he could scarcely wait to become the new master of Longbourn.

For her part, Charlotte had come to ensure her husband would behave with the proper decorum.

It was his task to inform Mrs. Bennet when she and her daughters would be required to vacate the only home they had ever known.

"Mrs. Bennet, dear cousins, I understand this must be a difficult time for you, yet I believe we must speak of the future. Regrettably for you, I am now the rightful owner of this estate and must soon assume my new responsibilities. Moreover—"

"My dear, why not tell Mrs. Bennet what Lady Catherine has proposed?" Charlotte interjected, hoping to spare her husband from further impropriety. She felt deeply ashamed to see him boasting before the widow and her daughters, who were still in mourning.

"You are quite right, my dear. Lady Catherine, in her boundless generosity, has suggested that I allow you a few months to recover from the loss of my esteemed cousin and to secure alternate lodgings.

Furthermore, my noble patroness is in need of a new clergyman, and I cannot abandon her after all she has done for me. I owe much to Lady Catherine…"

"Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine requires my husband's presence for another six months. Thus, you will have at least half a year to make arrangements and prepare for your new life," added Charlotte.

"We are truly grateful for your generosity. Six months will surely be sufficient to find a new place to live," said Jane, in her customary gentle tone.

"Thank you, Charlotte," added Elizabeth, knowing full well it was her friend who had likely persuaded Mr. Collins to grant them such grace.

"As a man of God, it is my duty to show mercy to those less fortunate than myself.

However, I must caution you not to misunderstand—or abuse—my immense generosity," Mr. Collins added.

Then, looking at Elizabeth with evident condescension, he continued, "My solicitor and I shall commence an inventory of the house and all possessions belonging to the estate.

I would also like to review the accounting books and receive a detailed monthly report regarding the property's finances.

Needless to say, I trust there shall be no impropriety or misuse of my kindness. "

"Do not concern yourself, Mr. Collins. My daughters and I have no wish to retain anything that does not rightly belong to us. Moreover, we shall endeavour to leave as soon as we are able," said Mrs. Bennet, unable to hold back her tears.

Mr. Gardiner was indignant at Mr. Collins's callous behaviour, but Mr. Phillips stepped forward to reprimand him.

"Mr. Collins, I find it appalling that scarcely a week after the death of my brother Bennet, you come here to trouble his widow and daughters. Precisely because you are a man of God, you ought to show greater decorum."

"I believe I have been more than fair and patient…" Mr. Collins began, but Mr. Gardiner interrupted him.

"Mr. Collins, my brother Phillips, and I shall keep you informed regarding all matters concerning Longbourn. If you have any enquiries, kindly direct them to us. We all intend to cooperate so that my sister and her daughters may grieve in peace."

"I understand. I shall allow Mrs. Bennet and her daughters the necessary time to mourn my cousin. Now, I must speak with my solicitor, who is waiting in the vestibule. We shall begin the inventory and review the books today."

"I shall accompany you," said Mr. Phillips.

Once Mr. Collins had left the room, Charlotte offered her sincerest apologies to her friends and expressed her condolences to Mrs. Bennet. Regrettably, her husband had done all he could to remind the Bennet ladies that the house was no longer theirs and that he was now its rightful master.

That night, once the house had grown silent and all were asleep, Mrs. Bennet locked herself in her late husband's study for several hours, seeking solace in the memory of the moments they had shared. Though exhausted, she could not sleep, worn from crying and from thoughts of the uncertain future.

"My dear, I believe you ought to go and rest," said Mrs. Gardiner gently.

"You are right, Madeline. I cannot continue wasting time dwelling on what I failed to do. Now, I must turn my thoughts to what lies ahead."

"You have been strong, Fanny, and I admire how you have borne all of this. I believe your daughters are proud of you as well."

"I hope so, Madeline. I shall not lie to you—I am terrified, for I do not know what I must do to protect my poor girls.

I need your advice and your help more than ever.

Thank you for opening my eyes. You know, my dear?

That dreadful Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley's harpy sisters did me a favour…

I shudder to think what might have happened had my husband died believing he had married a hopeless fool," said Mrs. Bennet.

"Do not say such a thing, Fanny."

"I say it because it is true. Madeline, Thomas, and I were able to dispel so many misunderstandings.

I came to see that I had not been the loving wife he once adored and trusted.

And he… he told me he had always loved me, and that he could not comprehend how we had grown so distant.

Madeline, our last month together was… I miss my husband so dearly.

" Mrs. Bennet could say no more, for tears overwhelmed her.

"It is time for you to sleep, Fanny."

"I know, but first, Madeline… please promise me you will help me to continue learning—that I may count on your wise counsel when I am uncertain what to do…"

"Of course, my dear. You may always count on me. But now, you must rest," Mrs. Gardiner said. She then helped her sister-in-law to her chamber and remained with her until she had fallen asleep.

Mr. Gardiner returned to London to attend to his business affairs, but Mrs. Gardiner and the children remained several more days to keep the family company.

◆◆◆

Two weeks later…

"Lizzy, you need not do that; your uncle and I shall find a way to—"

"Mama, we have already spoken of this. The little money my father managed to save will suffice to rent a property for you and my sisters.

If I find employment, I shall be able to assist with the expenses of your new home.

Uncle Gardiner has a family of his own to protect and provide for, and it is not just that he should bear yet another responsibility," Elizabeth replied firmly.

"Oh, my dear, you are a wonderful daughter.

Thank you for wishing to help me and your sisters.

I know you are strong and capable of overcoming any hardship—you are so very much like your father.

But Jane—my poor, delicate Jane—will have to work…

" Mrs. Bennet could not finish her sentence, for she had begun to weep.

"I agree with you, Mama. That is why I spoke to Aunt Gardiner, and we decided that Jane should take a position with Mrs. Smith.

She is a close friend of my aunt, and Jane shall be safe in her care.

I, meanwhile, shall seek employment elsewhere.

Uncle Gardiner has recommended an excellent agency that may help me find a well-paid position with kind and respectable employers. "

"I pray that all of this will be but temporary, and that in time, we shall find a way out of this dreadful misfortune," Mrs. Bennet said, embracing her daughter once more.

Jane had overheard part of the conversation between Elizabeth and their mother.

It strengthened her resolve to find a lasting solution to her family's troubles.

Though she had accepted the offer to work for Mrs. Smith, the true purpose of her journey to London was another.

She intended to reach out to Louisa and Caroline and attempt to see Mr. Bingley.

She was in love with him, and if he still cared for her, perhaps he would be moved by her present circumstances and wish to help.

Jane had not abandoned hope—she still believed that she might marry the man she loved, and that Netherfield could become a new home for herself and her family.

At last, Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughters bid farewell to Jane, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Gardiner.

The parting was sorrowful, yet all the Bennet ladies promised to write faithfully and remain in close contact.

They clung to the hope that some miracle might yet occur, and that they would all be reunited in happier times.

◆◆◆

"Mother, are you certain Darcy has agreed, and that you are not making decisions without his consent?" Richard asked. He was well aware that his mother could at times be somewhat intrusive.

"Did you not say you were late for your appointment with General Sullivan? Son, I do not like it when you question my decisions. I know perfectly well what I am doing, and you, as Georgiana's legal guardian, must support me," replied the Countess with a touch of severity.

"Well, mother, I must go immediately. We shall continue this conversation later.

" Richard kissed his mother on the cheek and took his leave.

He wished to arrive punctually for his appointment.

Perhaps his mother was right, yet he and his cousin had not always known what was best for Georgiana.

After the incident with Mrs. Younge, it was clear that nothing should be left to chance.