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Lady Lucas glanced around with greedy eyes.

Very soon, all of it would belong to her daughter, and she would finally taste revenge.

Mrs. Bennet had long been the leading lady of the neighbourhood—her husband, the gentleman with one of the most prominent estates, and her daughters, the most beautiful.

But none of that mattered now, for Mrs. Bennet had lost everything, and Lady Lucas had come to remind her of it.

"Mr. Bingley called earlier and asked for you, Mrs. Bennet.

Such a pity you were not at home—especially dear Jane.

How is she? Is she adjusting to her new life…

working?" Lady Lucas asked with feigned concern.

"My Jane is very well and happy in her new life," replied Mrs. Bennet calmly.

Months ago, she might have proudly declared that her daughter was now a baroness, that she had a kind and considerate husband, and that she was mistress of a beautiful estate in Somerset.

But she did not wish to expose Jane's life to gossip.

If Lady Lucas had come to provoke her, she had made a grave miscalculation.

"I am glad to hear she is content… working.

My dear Charlotte is also quite satisfied with her husband—and all the more so now that she will become the new mistress ofthisestate," said Lady Lucas with pride.

"And I am truly pleased that my successor is Charlotte.

She has always been a good friend to my daughters and a most intelligent young woman.

If she wishes, I shall gladly offer her any advice she might need to adapt to her new role," Mrs. Bennet responded with grace.

Lady Lucas continued her attempts at provocation, offering barbed remarks wrapped in polite tones, but Mrs. Bennet countered each with kind words and well-wishes, disarming every blow.

After nearly half an hour, Lady Lucas took her leave, clearly displeased.

She had not succeeded in witnessing Mrs. Bennet angry, flustered, or desperate.

Mrs. Bennet, though weary, felt satisfied that she had managed to remain composed.

She recalled Mrs. Gardiner's advice—not to concern herself with those who sought to harm her—and now understood just how wise that counsel had been.

"Mama, I liked how you handled Lady Lucas.

She came to upset you and failed," Mary said approvingly.

"You should have told her everything she deserved, Mama!

Andrew is a baron, and he is not ugly and ridiculous like Mr. Collins," Kitty and Lydia exclaimed indignantly.

"Mary is right. Besides, I do not wish to argue with anyone, my dear girls.

Charlotte has always been kind to me, even when I was not always kind to her," Mrs. Bennet said tenderly.

"I am very sorry, my dears, but I am quite exhausted.

I must lie down and rest." "Mama, may we go to Meryton?

" Lydia asked eagerly. "We promise to return in one hour," added Kitty quickly.

"Very well, but do not do anything that will draw attention.

Remember, we are still in mourning," their mother reminded them gently.

Mrs. Bennet retired to her bedroom, while Kitty and Lydia prepared to go out.

They had been confined to the house for far too long and were eager to share their recent adventures in London with their friends.

Mary, meanwhile, went up to her room to write to Jane.

She was increasingly concerned about their mother, who seemed constantly fatigued.

Mary understood that the recent events had deeply affected her health and spirit.

For that reason, she thought it best that a physician examine her—just to ensure that all was truly well.

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"I thank you sincerely for coming, my lady.

Georgiana is very anxious, and her aunt's message has left her deeply distressed," Elizabeth said.

She had sent for the Countess, hoping her presence would help them reach a sensible decision.

Lady Margaret read the message and offered a calm smile.

"Georgiana, I am quite certain your brother has suffered only a minor accident, and Catherine is merely using it as an excuse to keep him at Rosings for a longer period.

" "Aunt Margaret, Lady Catherine said that William must not move, and that the physician has recommended a full month of rest. That must mean the accident was serious," Georgiana said, her voice trembling with tears.

"If anything severe had occurred, Georgiana, Richard would have written to us at once.

I am convinced this is simply one of Catherine's manipulations.

You must try not to worry," the Countess reassured her gently.

"Aunt, I want to travel to Kent and see for myself that my brother is well.

Lizzy, will you please come with me?" Georgiana asked, sobbing.

"Of course, I shall accompany you, Georgiana, but I would prefer Lady Margaret's consent before we travel.

I would not wish to act against Mr. Darcy's wishes," Elizabeth replied respectfully.

"Very well," said the Countess with a resigned sigh.

"If the alternative is to have you here weeping and nervous, then it is better you go and confirm that your brother is indeed recovering.

Do not worry, Elizabeth—I shall write a letter to Darcy and another to Catherine.

Georgiana, be sure to tell your aunt that Elizabeth is your friend.

Otherwise, she shall torment her with questions and likely place her in a room as far from yours as possible.

" "Thank you for your help, Lady Margaret," Elizabeth said sincerely.

"My friend Charlotte is married to the clergyman at Hunsford.

I would prefer to stay with them, to avoid placing any burden on Mr. Darcy or his family.

" "I believe that is an excellent idea, Elizabeth.

The farther you are from my sister-in-law, the better," Lady Margaret replied with a knowing smile.

Elizabeth wrote a note to Jane, informing her of the situation and her urgent journey to Kent.

That afternoon, the Countess instructed her coachman and footman to make all necessary preparations, as they would be escorting Georgiana and Elizabeth to Rosings the following day.

That night, Georgiana barely slept, overwhelmed with concern for her brother's condition.

William was the most important person in her life, and the thought of him injured or suffering was unbearable.

The following morning, Elizabeth and Georgiana departed for Kent, hoping fervently that they would find Mr. Darcy well and steadily recovering from his fall.

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