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Lydia and Kitty walked to town to distract themselves.

Although they still lived in Longbourn, life was very different than a few months ago.

Now, they did not have funds to buy anything that was not absolutely necessary, and they could not participate in social events of any kind because they were still mourning.

Behind them, Mrs. Bennet walked accompanied by Mary.

They were going to leave letters at the post office and visit Mrs. Phillips.

Mrs. Bennet could no longer use the carriage as before because the only horse they had was used in the land work.

In addition, some of the maids had to look for work in other houses because she could no longer pay them a salary.

Furthermore, walking helped Mrs. Bennet not feel overwhelmed by grief and loneliness. Fortunately, it was not too cold that day, and the twenty minutes of walking were very pleasant. She discovered that Mary was excellent company; she spoke little and rarely complained.

After leaving the letters for Jane, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Gardiner, Mary, and her mother went to visit Mrs. Phillips.

Finally, it was time to return home, and Mrs. Bennet said goodbye to her sister and headed with Mary towards the commercial zone of the town where they had agreed to meet Lydia and Kitty to return home.

Mr. Wickham was curious to know what had happened to the older sisters of the Bennet family.

She had heard a rumor that Jane Bennet had traveled to London to demand that Mr. Bingley marry her.

If that was true, he knew that Bingley was wealthy, and perhaps he could find a way to obtain funds from the gentleman.

"My dear Lydia, you look very pretty even though you are wearing mourning clothes," Wickham whispered to Lydia while Kitty chatted with Denny and another officer.

"Thank you very much, my dear Wickham. You do not know how horrible it is to be locked at home all day, and my mother does not allow us to invite friends. But seeing you always makes me happy," Lydia replied with a flirtatious look.

"And how are Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth? I have not seen them for many days. I hope they are not ill," Wickham said casually.

"They traveled to London and are at my uncle's house, although not for long."

"Why? Do they plan to travel somewhere?"

"No, I imagine you know that with my father's death, things have changed a lot in my house.

Jane and Lizzy will work because we shall have to leave Longbourn in a few more months and live in some small house here in Meryton.

" Lydia could not help but feel sad, and in order not to get melancholy, she approached Wickham and said flirtatiously, "I hope you do not miss Lizzy too much.

Do not forget that you have other friends here in Meryton.

" Lydia approached Wickham and touched his chin.

Wickham did not have time to react because he heard Mrs. Bennet's voice.

"Lydia, Kitty, it is time to go home."

"Mama, I do not want to go home. Please, let us stay here for one more hour and talk to my friends," Lydia said.

"Excuse me, sir, but my daughters and I must return home immediately."

"But Mama…"

"Not another word, Lydia. Kitty, say goodbye to the officers because we must return home now!"

"Yes, Mama," Kitty replied. Her mother was distraught, and she preferred not to press her.

Finally, Lydia had no choice but to resign herself and return home. In the first part of the walk, she complained and tried to throw a tantrum in the middle of the road, but Mrs. Bennet ignored her. Mary and Kitty remained silent to avoid trouble.

But as soon as they entered the house, Mrs. Bennet spoke with her daughters. Mary and Kitty were surprised because their mother began to scold Lydia like she had never done before.

"Lydia, I never want to see you flirting like that with officers again in a public place where everyone can see you and gossip about us. The only thing we have left is our reputation, and for no reason, I want to cause malicious rumors, especially now that we are in mourning."

"Mama, it is unfair that I must be locked in this house all day. I cannot talk to my friends or attend balls," Lydia protested.

"Of course, it is not fair. Or is it fair that Mr. Collins owns all this and not my daughters?

Or do you think it is fair that while you complain because you cannot converse with your friends or dance at balls, Jane and Lizzy have to work so you can eat?

Of course, it is not fair because life is not fair.

But life is even more unfair to women who do not know how to protect their reputation.

Lydia, I do not want to hear you talk like a spoiled child again; I want you to reflect and understand that our lives have changed forever and that nothing will ever be the same again. "

"I do not care…" Lydia shouted, crying. But she remained silent when she saw that her mother was not feeling well.

"I do not want any more complaints; now, we have to be more united than ever," said Mrs. Bennet. But she could not continue speaking because she could not breathe.

Mary and Kitty were frightened when they saw how Mrs. Bennet had lost color. Then, they helped her sit and asked if she was feeling better. Mrs. Hill brought a glass of water, and after ten minutes, Mrs. Bennet managed to feel a little better.

"I am sorry, Mama," Lydia said, guilty for making her mother feel indisposed.

Mrs. Bennet stood and hugged Lydia, "I hope you understand that everything I have told you is for your own good and that of your sisters. Now we are alone, and we have to support each other."

Lydia hugged her mother and began to cry. Mrs. Bennet also began to cry. Then she opened her arms, and Mary and Kitty hugged her, too, crying. Although they all felt sad, at least they knew that they were not alone.

◆◆◆

"Mr. Darcy, I…" Elizabeth did not know what to say. She had been so convinced he would not offer her the position that she had not even considered whether she truly wished to work for him.

Mr. Darcy became even more nervous upon seeing Elizabeth hesitate.

She likely had the same doubts as he did.

If their relationship had been improbable a few months ago, it was now impossible.

He hoped she would understand his intention to help her, but also that she would acknowledge their relationship must now be strictly formal and nothing more.

"That is correct, Miss Bennet. My aunt believes you are the proper person to accompany and guide my sister. And Georgiana had a favourable impression of you, which led me to decide to offer you the position."

"I understand. I appreciate you taking the time to come here to inform me of your decision," Elizabeth replied. She needed time to think, though she suspected Mr. Darcy desired an immediate answer.

"You see, Miss Bennet, I am a very busy man, and due to the many responsibilities I must fulfil, I am not always able to remain close to my sister.

Furthermore, Georgiana is at an age where she needs the company and guidance of a lady.

Well, I suppose you already know that, as you discussed it with my aunt. "

"Yes, Mr. Darcy. Lady Margaret explained to me what my duties would be as Miss Darcy's companion," Elizabeth replied.

"So, are you still interested in the position?" Mr. Darcy asked. He could not understand why Elizabeth did not give him an immediate response. She ought to have been pleased to know she would work for an honourable family who would treat her with respect, yet she seemed rather troubled.

"Of course, I am interested, but until you speak with my uncle, I am afraid I cannot give you a definitive answer." Elizabeth had too many doubts, especially when Mr. Darcy addressed her in such a high-handed manner. Perhaps it would be better for her to seek employment with another family.

"Naturally, that is precisely why I came. I wish to speak with your uncle and resolve this matter once and for all. Do you think I may wait until he arrives, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked.

"Yes, of course. He and my aunt must be arriving soon. Please, sit down," Elizabeth said, indicating an armchair.

She asked a servant to bring a tray of tea and served Mr. Darcy a cup while they waited. She attempted to converse to ease the awkwardness of the moment, but he replied briefly and then remained silent. At last, Elizabeth lost her patience and resumed her embroidery without another word.

Mr. Darcy chose to ignore Elizabeth's engaging conversation.

Under the current circumstances, they would both need to maintain a cordial, yet strictly professional, relationship.

Fortunately for Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner and Jane soon returned home.

She introduced the gentleman to her aunt; though respectful, he greeted Mrs. Gardiner and Jane and said little more.

Ten minutes later, Mr. Gardiner arrived and invited Mr. Darcy to his office to discuss the contract and Elizabeth's responsibilities as his employee. The meeting lasted approximately twenty minutes, and both men were satisfied with what was agreed upon.

Mr. Darcy had expected the negotiation with Elizabeth's uncle to be more difficult. The man was a merchant and Mrs. Bennet's brother. Yet despite these two aspects, he found Mr. Gardiner to be quite decent and well-educated.

After nearly two hours at the Gardiner home, Mr. Darcy took his leave and returned to Darcy House, convinced that Elizabeth would soon be Georgiana's new companion.

"Have you made a decision, Lizzy? I must say that I found Mr. Darcy rather serious for someone so young, and I can understand why he has a reputation for being proud.

However, we must admit he was kind enough to come personally to speak with your uncle.

Gentlemen of his wealth and position usually entrust such matters to their employees," said Mrs. Gardiner.