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When Jane arrived at the Gardiners' house, Mrs. Smith was already waiting for her.

Before Jane moved in, Amelia wished to become better acquainted with her friend's niece.

She had met Mrs. Gardiner through the orphanage they both supported, and in a short time, the two ladies had become close companions.

The Gardiners were a family of cultivated manners, refined taste, and generous hearts.

For that reason, Amelia believed their niece Jane might very well be the gentlewoman she needed.

"Tomorrow, the furniture I ordered will arrive, and your bedroom shall be ready for you to move in. Although I do not think we shall spend much time in London, my dear Jane. In another month, we shall travel to Somerset and spend some time there."

"Do you have family in Somerset, Mrs. Smith?" Jane asked politely, though she could hardly concentrate on what the kind lady was saying.

"Yes, my nephew resides—or rather, will soon reside—there," Amelia replied.

She noticed Jane's distraction and recognised that the young woman was not well.

Sensing her unease, she decided it was best to take her leave.

Mrs. Smith felt sincere compassion for Jane's misfortune; she knew the poor girl had lost her father, her home, and her social standing all at once.

As soon as Mrs. Smith departed, Jane could no longer hold back her tears. Mrs. Gardiner embraced her gently and tried to console her, but Jane felt the need to express what had been weighing on her heart. And so, she began to recount the events of the afternoon.

"I am so very sorry, Jane. You ought to have told me what you intended—I would have gone with you," said Mrs. Gardiner.

"No, Aunt. I needed to go alone, to understand once and for all that Mr. Bingley and his family never truly cared for me.

Everything I have experienced in these past weeks has made me reflect.

I must decide what to do. My mother and sisters need me, and I shall not spend another moment weeping…

" Jane wiped away her tears and looked at her aunt with quiet resolve.

"My dear, do not let one painful experience make you distrust the world. You have always been good and generous, and you see the best in everyone."

"And I shall remain so, Aunt. But I can no longer wait for the man I love to decide whether he wishes me in his life. My purpose now is clear: I must help my family, so that they want for nothing—and so that Elizabeth will not be obliged to work."

Mrs. Gardiner said nothing more. Jane's composure, though admirable, troubled her. Mr. Bennet's sudden death had deeply affected her niece, and she hoped that, in time, the gentle, hopeful girl whom everyone loved would return.

Jane soon excused herself, saying that her head ached, and went to rest. Yet her mind was far from still. A plan had begun to form, and from that moment forward, she would devote all her strength to seeing it through.

'I must find a home for my mother and sisters. I do not yet know how, but I shall find a home for them,' Jane thought, gazing at her reflection as she smoothed her hair. She would not allow anyone else to toy with her affections as Mr. Bingley and his sisters had done.

◆◆◆

"What happened, Aunt?" Andrew asked anxiously.

"I believe everything is in order, nephew. However, I was not able to converse with Miss Bennet as I had hoped. She appeared quite despondent, which is entirely understandable, considering all that has occurred in her family these past weeks."

"Do you think she will be willing to help us?" Andrew asked. He felt tense and needed to know whether he might resolve his pressing concern.

"I cannot be certain, Andrew. But her situation is quite precarious, and from the brief time I have spent with her, I have gathered that she earnestly wishes to support her mother and sisters. Perhaps she would be willing to make a sacrifice for them."

"I hope so. When do you plan to speak with her? Or would you prefer that I do it?"

"My dear, you must be patient. I understand your anxiety, but this is not a decision to be rushed.

Miss Bennet is to come to live with me next week.

I intend to tell her the story of our family.

You may join us for dinner, become acquainted with her, and perhaps by the end of the month, we may speak to her. "

"A month is a long time, Aunt."

"No, Andrew. For a matter such as this, it is very little time. Mrs. Berry told me the girls are well, and that Agnes is far more concerned with her own affairs than with theirs."

"I do not want my nieces living under the same roof as that woman. I cannot allow her to hurt them as she hurt my brother and me," Andrew said, pouring himself a glass of water. He needed to calm his nerves in order to think clearly.

Andrew Taylor, Baron Norton, had turned thirty on the very day his life changed dramatically.

His father had married the sister of Horatio Smith, the daughter of a wealthy merchant.

Sadly, Alice passed away when Andrew was two, and his brother Samuel was five.

The young Baron Norton had remarried, choosing a woman of society in the hope that she might help raise his sons.

But the young and beautiful Agnes had little time for such responsibilities, and during the early years of her marriage, she paid them no mind.

Unable to have children of her own, the vain young baroness grew to despise comparisons with her husband's first wife. The late Alice had been kind and graceful—and had given her husband two healthy, strong sons.

Over time, Robert lost interest in his second wife, and as the years passed, Agnes vented her frustrations on the children. While the illustrious Baron Norton spent his time with a mistress, Agnes subjected Samuel and Andrew to constant criticism and harsh punishments for every minor offense.

The boys found true happiness only during their extended visits to the Smith household. Horatio and Amelia were loving, full of good humour, and genuinely cherished their nephews. Having no children of their own, they embraced the boys as if they were their sons.

When Robert died, Samuel was twenty. He inherited his father's title and all the family's assets.

One of his first acts was to send his stepmother to the dower house and inform her that she was no longer welcome at the family estate.

For his part, Andrew entered his uncle's business and became heir to the Smith fortune.

The brothers were devoted to one another and worked tirelessly to restore the family's name and honour.

But misfortune again darkened Andrew's life.

Just three months prior, his beloved brother and sister-in-law had perished in a tragic accident.

Andrew thus became the new Baron Norton and heir to the Smith business.

Upon hearing the news, his father's widow returned to the family estate under the pretext of caring for her late stepson's daughters.

Andrew could not allow it. Determined to prevent that woman from using his nieces, Clara and Matilda, as she once used him and his brother, he resolved to marry and provide the girls with a true family.

However, Andrew had no intention of repeating his father's mistake by choosing a wife from among the vain and superficial ladies of society.

Those same women who had once ignored him when he was the younger son of a ruined baron now suddenly wished to make his acquaintance.

He sought, instead, a good woman—one who would be willing to become the mother his nieces deserved.

His Aunt Amelia believed Miss Bennet might be that woman, and he prayed she was right—for he knew he had no time to waste.

◆◆◆

"Miss Bennet," said Mr. Darcy, visibly surprised.

"Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth replied nervously. She could hardly believe her misfortune—she was once again face to face with that haughty and proud gentleman.

"Excuse me, but do you know each other?" asked the Countess, noting her nephew's evident discomfort.

"Yes, Aunt. I met Miss Bennet in Hertfordshire. I imagine you recall that I spent a few months with Bingley on the estate he leased, teaching him how to manage the property."

"Of course I remember. What a small world," said the Countess. Then she sat beside Georgiana to allow her nephew to speak with Elizabeth.

"Miss Bennet, I…" Mr. Darcy hesitated; he did not know how to proceed. His aunt had told him that the young lady seeking the position had lost her father and was now obliged to work to support her family.

"Well, Mr. Darcy, much has happened since you and your friends left Hertfordshire," Elizabeth said, uneasily. Yet she wished to clarify matters and depart as quickly as possible. "My father passed away, and I decided to seek employment to assist my family."

"I am truly sorry, Miss Bennet. Please accept my sincere condolences—for you and your entire family. I had no idea…"

"Do not trouble yourself, Mr. Darcy. You were under no obligation to know."

"Are you living in London?" Mr. Darcy asked, concerned.

"Yes, I am residing at my uncle's house, near Cheapside," Elizabeth replied, meeting Mr. Darcy's gaze. She would not allow him to humiliate her with false compassion.

"And your mother and sisters?"

"My mother and three younger sisters remain at Longbourn, until my uncle Phillips is able to secure a house for them.

Jane and I are here in London, staying at my uncle's home.

I thank you for your concerns, Mr. Darcy, but I believe it is time for me to take my leave," said Elizabeth, hoping to bring an end to the conversation, which she found both pointless and humiliating.

She was certain Mr. Darcy would never offer her the position, given his opinion of her.

The Countess, having overheard part of the exchange, surmised that Elizabeth was uncomfortable being reminded of her father's death.

"Elizabeth, dear, please join us for tea. Then my coachman shall take you home," she said kindly.