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Story: A New Beginning

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy went out riding to clear his mind.

He had barely slept the night before. Once again, Lady Catherine had launched into a tirade of implications regarding his supposed engagement to Anne.

As always, she spoke as though it were a foregone conclusion.

He had long ceased attempting to correct her illusions, but last evening, out of sheer exasperation, he had tried once more—only to be met with the same stubborn declarations and pointed silences.

As if her meddling were not enough, Rosings's ledgers were in utter disarray, as they seemed to be every time he visited.

He would now have to spend hours shut away in the study, attempting to rectify the mistakes his aunt either could not or would not see.

Yet even those frustrations paled in comparison to the matter of Elizabeth.

Fitzwilliam had scolded him with surprising severity for having quarreled with her before leaving for Kent.

And while Mr. Darcy had initially been too angry to admit any fault, his cousin's words echoed in his mind.

Elizabeth had done nothing wrong. She had arrived on time, exactly as agreed.

Her uncle had spoken to the coachman in good faith.

Yet somehow, he had chosen to take offense, to lecture her as though she had failed him.

What troubled him most, however, was the look in her eyes when she said perhaps the contract should be terminated.

She had meant it. He clenched the reins tighter.

'She cannot leave—not yet. Georgiana still needs her.

Perhaps I do as well.' He recalled the fire in Elizabeth's voice, her defiance.

It stirred both frustration and something far more dangerous—something that made his carefully ordered world begin to unravel.

'If that woman—Mrs. Smith—has offered her a position, I shall double her salary.

I doubt anyone in that household has greater means than I do.

' But another thought intruded—one he had tried to suppress.

'Perhaps it is better if she leaves. Then I can finally seek a wife suitable in rank, someone who can give Georgiana the sister she needs, the protection she deserves.

' Yet even as he formed the thought, it rang hollow.

He knew that no one could love and protect his sister as Elizabeth did, and that Georgiana could not love and admire anyone as she admired that worthy lady.

Suddenly, his horse shifted beneath him, its gait becoming uneven.

Absorbed in thought, Mr. Darcy did not at first notice.

But within moments, the animal gave a sharp jolt, faltering on the rocky path.

Before he could react, the horse braked abruptly, and he was thrown forward, the reins slipping through his hands.

He hit the ground hard, and the breath was knocked from his chest. For a moment, everything was still.

Then, pain surged through him—sharp and immediate.

He lay on the cold ground, blinking up at the sky, his mind spinning with confusion and alarm.

Somewhere in the distance, his horse whinnied, now standing motionless.

Mr. Darcy tried to rise—but a searing pain in his side stopped him.

He shut his eyes, breathing slowly, forcing himself to remain calm.

He had fallen. He was injured. And he was alone.

And in that moment—aching, humiliated, and helpless—he realized with startling clarity that the only person he wanted near him was the one he had pushed away. Elizabeth Bennet.

◆◆◆

The last few days had been most pleasant for Georgiana.

She had visited the art museum and the botanical gardens in the company of the Countess and Elizabeth.

During these outings, she had the opportunity to meet several young ladies who appeared amiable—though regrettably, most seemed more interested in discovering the date of her brother's return to London than in forming a sincere acquaintance with her.

Nevertheless, Georgiana was untroubled by their lack of genuine interest, for she knew she had found true friendship in Elizabeth.

Though she might have chosen to reside with her sister, she had preferred to remain at Darcy House, desiring to stay close to her friend.

Moreover, Elizabeth had informed her that Lord Norton had extended an invitation to spend part of the summer at his estate in Somerset.

Georgiana no longer felt alone—she had found a faithful companion, one who would remain by her side.

That afternoon, Georgiana sat in the drawing room, quietly working on her embroidery, while Elizabeth read a letter from her mother.

The butler then entered and handed her a newly delivered message.

"It cannot be! My brother—my dear brother!

" Georgiana exclaimed, breaking into desperate sobs.

Alarmed, Elizabeth rose at once, retrieved the note that had fallen to the floor, and read it, seeking to understand what had so distressed her.

"Good heavens, I pray Mr. Darcy is safe and unharmed," she whispered anxiously.