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Yesterday, Aunt Gardiner visited Longbourn all of a sudden. Are you aware of her arrival in town? I did not get to talk to her in private. She met Mamma and Papa and argued with them about your disappearance.

She left in anger and did not say a word to anyone else. I hope you have met her already or will do so.

I would be delighted if you plan to live at our uncle’s house. Please be safe and write to me through Charlotte.

Mariah sends her regards, and she is aware of everything. Be assured she will maintain secrecy. Mamma and Papa can betray you, but we will not.

I miss you!

Yours,

Mary Bennet

So, aunt has gone to Longbourn. I wonder how the meeting went.

She knew soon enough when her aunt visited her that very day.

“I have been to Longbourn,” she said in a vexed tone.

“I know, as Mary wrote to me.”

“I saw for myself how cruel your parents, or I must say your aunt and uncle were. I cannot believe how easily they lied to me about everything that happened. I am sorry that we entrusted your welfare with them, Lizzy,” she said with anger and agony.

“Did you think you could make them confess about everything? Why did you take the trouble of going there? They must now suspect I met you in town.”

“Do not worry; I said nothing about you being here. I met them feigning ignorance of your disappearance, and they had the nerve to tell me you had run away with someone. They said nothing about that man, Mr. Collins, visiting Longbourn, nor did they utter a word about forcing you to marry him. I cannot repeat anything they said about you; I lost my temper and warned them that they would have to face your uncle soon.”

“Have you written to him already?”

“Not yet, but I plan to do so immediately.”

“I do not know what he can do, and I do not want to make matters worse for any of us,” Elizabeth said with worry.

“We must clear your name in Hertfordshire. They have spread such falsehood about you, and I can see how much they hate you as you foiled their plans. I realize now why you fled.”

“Whatever it is, I do not want to be a part of all this. I have left my home and could never return there. And what am I to get out of a confrontation? They would only repeat what they said about my mother and disgrace her. I do not care why she did not get married, and if she withheld information about my father, then it speaks volumes about the trust she had in her own family. I am not accusing anyone here, but I have nothing more to do with Longbourn. The only way I can find peace is by distancing myself from the life I have left behind. All I need is employment. If at all you want to help, please help me in that matter. That is all I am concerned about.”

Mrs. Gardiner left Charlotte’s home in dejection.

She was unaware of any details besides what her husband had shared.

From him, she understood how angry and ashamed he felt when he had discovered Elizabeth’s mother bearing a child out of wedlock.

There was considerable bitterness between them until she died.

Even though her husband repented his actions now, she could understand why Elizabeth refused to stay with her.

I must help her somehow. I must.

Mrs. Gardiner told herself, and within a few days, she returned to Charlotte’s house with a prospect.

“You are asking her to travel to Derbyshire?” Charlotte asked, astonished.

“Yes! I have known Lady Martha for many years. My mother was a good friend of hers, and she owns a huge estate in Derbyshire known as Ashton Park. I wrote to her about seeking a position for Elizabeth, and she readily accepted my request and said she wanted Elizabeth to join as a governess for her two grandchildren. Mrs. Davis, please do not think I am not concerned by the prospect of my niece employing herself. But I have given it much thought and understand why she is making this decision. You can trust me for her safety and well-being at Ashton Park.”

“But she would be so far away from us, and I don’t think I can let her go that far.”

“I will go,” Elizabeth said without a second thought.

“Lizzy, do not be hasty. We can find a good position here, and I can never be peaceful after sending you far away.”

“I think it is quite to my advantage, Charlotte. I will be far away from Hertfordshire, and if I employ myself in town, I will have to live with the fear of being discovered here.”

“But you do not have to fear them anymore. We are here, and you have your aunt as well. I am sure they would not dare to threaten or harm you in any way.”

“I cannot risk it, Charlotte. I do not want to put you both in any discomfort,” she said.

In her heart, she knew she was running away from trouble .

It was decided that Elizabeth would leave for Derbyshire within a couple of days. Her aunt discussed her responsibilities as a governess and informed her about the family in general.

“Lady Martha is the mistress of Ashton Park. She is a widow, and you will be taking care of her two grandchildren. A girl and a boy; they are twins.”

Elizabeth listened keenly.

“The children lost their mother last year, and Lady Martha’s son, Lord Ashton, remarried a couple of months ago.

The family is in need of a good governess at present.

I am sure you will be well there, Lizzy.

Lady Martha and my mother were best friends,” Mrs. Gardiner said with confidence; as much as she wanted Elizabeth to stay with her, she did not want her to work in an unknown household.

Elizabeth needed no further assurance and made up her mind. By the end of April, she left Charlotte’s home and started her journey to Derbyshire. Before she left, Elizabeth wrote to Mary about her decision and promised to stay in touch through her letters.

“Remember, Lizzy, you can always come back to us,” Charlotte said, withholding tears.

“I know, and I am forever indebted to you for all you have done for me. I will miss you,” Elizabeth said and parted ways.

As Elizabeth’s carriage sped away towards Derbyshire, Darcy was headed out of town.

What a surprise it will be for Georgiana when she sees me .

He thought, on his way to Ramsgate.