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When the Countess learned that Mrs. Annesley would be leaving her position as Georgiana's companion, she immediately offered to select a new one.

Although Lady Margaret did not know all the details of what had transpired with Mrs. Younge, she knew that the woman had failed to care for Georgiana properly.

Later, her nephew Darcy had chosen a lady who was kind and courteous, but she had not succeeded in helping Georgiana overcome her shyness or step beyond her solitude.

Thus, the Countess thought it best to engage a younger woman—someone who might help her beloved niece enjoy life more fully and face the world with less apprehension.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and thanked her uncle for accompanying her.

The employment agency had sent her to that address, where she was to spend the afternoon in an interview to determine whether she was the most suitable candidate for the position.

If she were successful, the salary would exceed her expectations and enable her to assist her mother while saving for the future.

Upon seeing the elegant mansion, Elizabeth understood that the family must be quite wealthy, though she knew nothing more.

After bidding farewell to her uncle, Elizabeth approached the front door and knocked on it. A distinguished butler opened and informed her that Lady Margaret was expecting her. He then escorted her to a refined salon, where an elegant lady received her warmly.

"Thank you for coming, Miss Bennet. I am Lady Margaret, and I requested your presence because I am seeking a companion for my dear niece. Please, do sit down so that we may speak."

"Thank you very much for the opportunity, my Lady. As you know, my name is Elizabeth Bennet. I am entirely at your disposal."

Once both ladies were seated and a maid had served tea, the Countess posed her first question. Observing Elizabeth's black dress, she suspected she already knew the reason behind the young lady's presence.

"The first thing I should like to know is why a young woman such as yourself has been obliged to seek employment."

"I understand, my Lady. The truth is that my life changed abruptly when my father passed away just over a month ago." Elizabeth explained that her father's cousin had inherited the estate and that her mother and four sisters had been left with very little upon which to live.

"I am truly sorry, Miss Bennet. However, allow me to express my admiration for what you are doing for your mother and sisters. Now, tell me more about yourself—your interests, your pastimes, your talents."

"I greatly enjoy reading and studying history; I am fond of poetry, and I have read extensively on philosophy. My father taught me much of what he had learned at Oxford. I also embroider with some skill and play the piano, although not as well as I ought."

"And why do you believe you ought to play better?" the Countess asked with interest.

"Because the teacher I had as a child said I had a natural talent, and, to be honest, my Lady, I never struggled to memorise music. The problem is that I lack the patience to practise regularly."

"And why is that?"

"Because I have always preferred to spend time in nature. I love walking and delighting in life beyond the confines of home." Elizabeth felt quite at ease with Lady Margaret and recounted numerous anecdotes from her childhood and her life in Hertfordshire.

The Countess was utterly charmed by her.

Elizabeth was not only engaging but possessed a natural grace and a radiant smile.

Without doubt, someone like her was precisely what Georgiana required—someone full of vitality, who would encourage her to try new things and overcome the timidity that so often prevented her from enjoying life as she deserved.

After nearly two hours, the Countess was convinced that Elizabeth was the right choice. She had interviewed two other young ladies, but neither possessed Miss Bennet's refinement or distinction. However, before reaching a final decision, there remained one further test.

"Miss Bennet, might you return tomorrow afternoon? Do not trouble yourself about transportation—my coachman and one of my maids will collect you from your uncle's home. I would like you to meet my niece before making a final decision."

"Of course, my Lady. And thank you for arranging my transportation. My uncle will be occupied tomorrow and is unable to accompany me."

After nearly three hours and many pleasant conversations, Mr. Gardiner arrived to collect Elizabeth, and they returned to Cheapside. Upon entering the house, Elizabeth found Jane conversing with Mrs. Smith, with whom she would begin living the following week.

That night, both sisters were melancholy. The next day, Jane intended to visit Louisa and Caroline, and she was nervous. For her part, Elizabeth knew that soon she and Jane would be separated and might not see each other for quite some time.

"Good night, Jane," said Elizabeth softly.

"Good night, Lizzy," replied Jane, embracing her dear sister.

They fell asleep in each other's arms, both aware that, before long, such moments would exist only in memory.

◆◆◆

Elizabeth attempted to begin a conversation with Georgiana, but the poor girl merely nodded.

She introduced herself in a voice so soft that Elizabeth could scarcely make out her name.

Without doubt, Lady Margaret's niece was nothing like her aunt.

Though she appeared to be a kind young lady, she was painfully shy and unable to sustain a conversation for more than a few seconds.

Elizabeth felt a pang of sadness at seeing the girl so uneasy, and so she resolved to speak a little about herself and her family, in hopes of putting her at ease.

"Well, I should like to tell you that I have four sisters, so you may assume I have considerable experience in dealing with girls."

Georgiana raised her head slightly and said, "I have only one brother."

"I would have loved to have a brother," Elizabeth replied, unable to suppress the thought that, had she and her sisters had a brother, perhaps they would still have a home of their own.

"I wish I had a sister…" Georgiana murmured, blushing. Then she added, "But I have the best brother in the world."

"I am very glad for you. I love my sisters dearly as well—though I must admit, my younger sisters have tested my patience more than once."

"Why?" Georgiana asked, her curiosity briefly overcoming her shyness. She quickly added, "Forgive me—I did not mean to be impertinent."

"You are not impertinent at all; please, do not trouble yourself. Let me share a few of my sisters' escapades, and you may tell me what you think—if you wish, of course."

"Yes," Georgiana replied shyly. Then, almost in a whisper, she said, "I have never had the chance to know other girls… I…”

Noticing her discomfort, Elizabeth came to her rescue and began describing what a typical day was like in the Bennet household.

At first, Georgiana could hardly believe that such energetic young ladies existed, but before long, she found herself smiling at the stories.

Gradually, she even began to laugh and ask questions.

When the Countess approached the drawing room to observe how her niece was faring, she was pleased to hear the sound of animated conversation and laughter.

Without question, Elizabeth was exactly the person Georgiana needed—someone who would encourage her, keep her company, and guide her in the months leading up to her formal introduction into society.

When the butler announced her nephew's arrival, the Countess instructed him to show Mr. Darcy into the study, as she wished to speak with him privately. She did not want him to interrupt the cheerful exchange taking place in the drawing room.

◆◆◆

Louisa and Caroline were astonished when the butler announced Jane's visit.

Fortunately, Mr. Bingley was to spend the afternoon at his club with Mr. Darcy and other acquaintances.

Still, they could not risk the possibility of his encountering Jane.

They resolved to receive her for ten minutes, invent a pressing engagement, and ensure that she would not dare trouble them again.

They were eager to learn the purpose of her visit and just as eager to prevent any future ones.

"Dear Jane, how delightful to see you," said Louisa and Caroline in unison. They were both taken aback to find Jane dressed in somber blue, thinner than before, and noticeably pale.

"Louisa, Caroline, I am likewise very pleased to see you. Much has happened since last we met," Jane said, attempting to conceal her sorrow.

The sisters invited her to sit and inquired how long she intended to remain in London. Jane, unable to suppress her emotions, shed a few tears and explained that her father had passed away, and that she planned to settle in the city permanently.

"We are very sorry to hear of all that has transpired," said Louisa, offering a polite expression of sympathy.

"And of course, we extend our sincerest condolences to your mother and sisters," added Caroline. "So, are you intending to seek employment?"

"A friend of my aunt was in need of a companion, and I shall reside with her. But…”

"As we mentioned, dear, we are truly sorry for your circumstances. However, we were not expecting callers and must soon attend another engagement," said Louisa, glancing at Caroline.

"Yes, we are calling on our dear friend Georgiana Darcy. Later, we shall join Charles at Darcy House. He and Georgiana grow closer with each passing day. She is such an elegant and refined young lady…" said Caroline.

"And she possesses a dowry of thirty thousand pounds and is the niece of an Earl," Louisa added.

"Friends such as the Darcys are precisely what our brother requires to secure his place in society. He understands this well and is aware that, as the head of the Bingley family, he must act in accordance with his duty and our shared interests," Caroline concluded.