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Jane was seated in the carriage beside her husband, her heart so full of happiness that she could not help but smile continually.

Andrew was a loving and attentive husband, ever mindful of her needs and wishes.

She often marvelled that, when they first met, she had thought him plain—for now, whenever she looked at him, she was convinced no man could be more handsome.

Andrew, for his part, stole every opportunity to gaze at his wife.

He held her hand gently in his, and that simple touch filled him with contentment.

When he first met Jane, he had thought her one of the prettiest women he had ever encountered.

But now, having discovered the goodness of her heart and the grace of her nature, he was certain that no other woman could be more beautiful or more perfect.

He loved her deeply and was determined to do all in his power to ensure her happiness.

Jane was his wife, and she was the love of his life.

"How do you feel, dearest?" Andrew asked, brushing her cheek with a tender kiss.

"I feel wonderful. This gown aunt Amelia gave me is simply exquisite," Jane replied, lightly stroking her husband's chin.

"Clara and Matilda said you looked like a fairy-tale princess in it—and I must say, I quite agree," Andrew whispered fondly.

"You cannot imagine how grateful I am that you are coming with me tonight.

I know you would much prefer to be at home.

" "I shall not deceive you, my love. An evening at home with you and the girls is always my first choice.

But I know how important it is for society to see us together.

I shall not allow baseless gossip to touch you.

Fortunately, aunt Amelia is with the girls.

To them, she is their grandmother, and they adore her.

" "Thank you, Andrew, for giving me a family and welcoming me into your life," Jane said, her voice catching with emotion as tears welled in her eyes.

Her husband's kindness always moved her deeply.

"My beautiful wife," Andrew murmured, kissing her softly.

At that moment, the carriage came to a halt.

"I believe we have arrived." Andrew stepped down first and then helped Jane alight.

Offering his arm, he led her with pride toward the entrance.

Meanwhile, inside the house, everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Baroness Norton.

"Darcy is still in Kent but will return shortly," said the Countess.

"Mr. Bingley, you must help me persuade him to remain in London for a time.

It would do him good to rejoin society. I dislike seeing him shut away at Pemberley like a hermit the entire year.

" "My lady, I believe you know your nephew well enough to understand that no one can persuade him to do anything he does not wish to do," Mr. Bingley replied with a polite smile.

"Do not say that, Charles. Do not worry, my lady—we shall speak to Mr. Darcy.

We are his closest friends, almost like family," Caroline added with her most charming smile.

She was delighted to be conversing with the Countess.

"I thank you very much, Miss Bingley," the Countess responded, though inwardly she found the young lady's constant interruptions rather tiresome.

For that reason, she was quite pleased when she caught sight of Lord and Lady Norton entering the room.

"Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, if you will excuse me, I must greet Lord and Lady Norton.

They have just arrived." As soon as the Countess departed, Caroline looked around for Louisa, whom she found chatting with a group of ladies, while Mr. Hurst drank brandy and conversed with a few gentlemen.

Mr. Bingley joined his brother-in-law, having no particular desire to make new acquaintances that evening.

"What do you think of Lord Norton, Louisa?

He is tall, and though I would not call him handsome, he certainly possesses the dignified presence of a nobleman," said Caroline.

"I find him quite handsome, and he seems agreeable too.

Titled gentlemen are usually so full of themselves," Louisa replied, glancing toward Andrew.

"I suppose the woman holding his arm must be his new wife.

" "Most likely, dear. If I had married a young baron, I would not let go of his arm either," Caroline said with a chuckle, prompting her sister to laugh as well.

"Shall we ask Mrs. Brown to introduce us to the guests of honour?

" "That is a good idea, Caroline, but we should wait a few moments—until they have finished speaking with the hosts and the Countess.

" Louisa and Caroline continued observing the couple from a distance.

From where they stood, they could see Lord Norton clearly, but only the back of his wife.

They took the opportunity to study her gown and hairstyle, and both agreed they were exquisite.

"It is a pleasure to have you in my home," said Mrs. Brown warmly.

"Many people have come especially to meet the new Baroness Norton, and I must say, they will be quite impressed when they see how beautiful you are, my lady.

" "Thank you, Mrs. Brown. My wife and I are deeply grateful for your invitation, and of course, we are more than happy to support the noble cause you champion," Andrew responded graciously.

After spending a few minutes with their hosts, Jane and Andrew greeted Countess Matlock and engaged in polite conversation.

Shortly thereafter, Andrew spotted some familiar gentlemen and decided to introduce his wife to them.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Hurst rejoined Caroline and Louisa, curious about the newly arrived couple.

"This is the first time Lord Norton and his wife have attended a social gathering.

Rumour has it they were both in mourning," Louisa commented.

"It seems he is introducing her to acquaintances.

If we remain here, we may have the opportunity to be introduced by Lady Margaret," said Caroline.

Mr. Bingley, Mr. Hurst, Louisa, and Caroline watched intently as the couple made their way across the room.

Then, as Jane and Andrew turned in their direction, the four observers finally saw the Baroness's face.

Jane immediately noticed their astonished expressions.

She tried to remain composed, determined not to let anything spoil her first evening in society with her dear husband.

At last, Mr. Bingley could no longer restrain himself.

He stepped forward, his eyes wide with emotion.

"Miss Bennet, you cannot imagine how overjoyed I am to see you.

If you only knew all I did to find you after I heard of Mr. Bennet's passing.

But now that I have found you, I—" "Good evening, sir.

Forgive me, but who are you?" Andrew asked coolly, tightening his grip on his wife's hand.

Jane flushed—not with embarrassment, but with indignation.

She could not comprehend why Mr. Bingley would dare to address her in such a familiar way, especially in front of her husband.

Yet she would not allow him—or anyone else—to spoil her evening.

"My dear, allow me to introduce you to Mr. Bingley.

He was a neighbour of my father's for a brief time when we lived in Hertfordshire," Jane said with composure.

"Mr. Bingley, this is my husband, Lord Norton.

" Mr. Bingley stood frozen, speechless. He stared at the woman he had once called his angel, now resting gracefully on the arm of another man—her husband—unable to grasp the reality before him.

Louisa, Caroline, and Mr. Hurst were equally stunned.

The revelation had struck them so profoundly that none could find the words to express their astonishment.

◆◆◆

"Cousin Elizabeth, you really should not miss the opportunity to visit Rosings.

I daresay you shall never receive such a generous invitation again—particularly now that your circumstances have changed so drastically," said Mr. Collins, clearly relishing the opportunity to remind Elizabeth that she no longer held the status of a gentleman's daughter, but was now a woman without fortune or consequence.

"My dear, Eliza has a headache; I believe it would be best to let her rest," said Charlotte gently, attempting to spare her friend further discomfort.

"I am truly sorry to miss the visit to Rosings, but tomorrow at breakfast, you must tell me everything—especially what Lady Catherine had to say.

She always has something wise to share," Elizabeth replied with a faint smile.

"You are quite right, Cousin Elizabeth. Lady Catherine is ever so generous with her wisdom.

.." "My dear, you know Lady Catherine dislikes tardiness in her guests.

" "Quite right, my love; we must not delay.

" As soon as the Collinses left the parsonage, Elizabeth retired to the small sitting room with the intention of writing to Jane.

But sadness overtook her, and instead she chose to go out for a walk to clear her mind.

She knew she ought to speak with Georgiana, but she preferred to wait until they were in London.

She could not bear to be near him—not after what she had overheard the previous day.

Mr. Darcy, meanwhile, awaited Elizabeth's arrival with growing impatience.

He longed to speak with her, to learn more about her intentions, and to help her understand that she need not sacrifice her happiness.

He had made a decision, and he hoped to share it with her once they returned to London.

When the Collinses arrived at Rosings without Elizabeth and explained that she was unwell, Mr. Darcy's concern deepened.

He had sensed her melancholy and wished to be certain of her well-being.

Informing his aunt that he had some documents to review, he promised to return in time for dinner.

Lady Catherine objected, but he paid her no mind and departed as swiftly as he could.

On his way to the parsonage, he spotted Elizabeth walking toward the meadow near the small lake and resolved to follow her.

Elizabeth's thoughts were consumed by Jane, her mother, and her sisters.

Despite everything, they were well and full of hope—ready to begin anew and pursue a better life than the one they had left behind.

Suddenly, a voice called out to her, pulling her back from her reverie.

"Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins informed us you were unwell.

How are you feeling? Is there anything you need?

" Mr. Darcy asked, his tone uncertain. "I am feeling a little better, sir.

The walk has helped, and my headache is nearly gone.

I thank you for your concern," Elizabeth replied.

Despite herself, her voice came out sharper than she intended.

Mr. Darcy could see that Elizabeth was troubled—sad, unsettled, perhaps even resigned.

He recalled what Anne had told him and feared that Elizabeth had resolved to accept a life far removed from his.

He realized there was no reason to wait another moment.

Now was the time to say what he had longed to say for so long.

"Miss Bennet, in vain have I struggled. It will not do.

My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.

" Elizabeth stared at him in disbelief. She could not comprehend what she had just heard.

It felt like a dream—one that had suddenly turned into a nightmare.