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“ S o, you say the second daughter disappeared, and no one knows where she is?”

“I believe so, sir. According to their parents, she ran away to live with her aunt and uncle in town,” his valet said, inwardly surprised by his master’s interest in the matter.

“The servants here are mostly new and unaware of the details. Mr. Bingley has brought them from town. But the housekeeper may know the exact details.”

Darcy nodded. He did not want his valet to question people about the Bennet family.

But the mystery piqued him, and his thoughts circled around Mary.

He didn’t have a decent opinion of the Bennets except for her.

There was something sincere in her demeanor.

He wanted to know how Mr. Collins was related to the Bennets and asked his valet to enquire about the same.

His valet got the information from some villagers, and Darcy learned about the entailment.

“Most people say Mr. Collins visited Hertfordshire to see the Longbourn estate because of the entailment. They say there was some disagreement between Mr. Bennet and him, and he left in anger. It seems the daughter disappeared the same day he left the estate.”

Darcy was extremely puzzled by the matter.

He knew enough of Mr. Collins during his visits to Rosings to understand that the man lacked sense.

His aunt had written to him in detail about his wife’s death in Kent as well, and now Darcy wondered if Mr. Bingley knew anything about the Bennets and their missing daughter.

All families have some secret, he thought as he fought hard to erase the memories of Georgiana’s near elopement in Ramsgate.

Darcy was pleased that Mr. Bingley was no longer in danger of forming an attachment with Jane and was somehow grateful that Jane chose to divert her interest towards himself so that his friend could see her true colors.

In the meantime, he received Georgiana's letter, pressing him to return before the harvest ball.

Darcy knew he had to return to Derbyshire soon.

He was aware that Elizabeth would also return to Ashton Park and struggled at the thought of seeing her again. Darcy doubted his self-control in her presence. Every day, he was torn between the need to see her and fought against the same.

Could my feelings truly be so one-sided? How could I feel so much for her if she hated me ? Does she genuinely hate me? I have seen something in her eyes that proves otherwise.

He could not forget the look on her face when he saw her the last time. The tears in her eyes, disguised by anger, were those of struggle. The pain in her voice was engulfed with guilt.

Darcy knew she would never be comfortable being in the same room as him.

What if I go back and she leaves Ashton Park because of me?

He was well aware of her stubbornness and willpower.

She could easily quit employment and leave. Elizabethis at least safe there; I will ruin her life if I return. Elizabeth will never be my wife. If I return to Pemberley, she may also not be Georgiana’s friend.

He thought and decided it was best to be absent from the ball and wrote to Georgiana about his decision. Though he was guilty of forsaking Georgiana during an important event, he felt he had no other choice.

He wrote to the housekeeper to make arrangements and knew Mrs. Reynolds would not be pleased with the news.

***

At Grovnor Park, Elizabeth prepared for her return.

She was happy about returning to Ashton Park, but the prospect of meeting Darcy again distressed her.

She could not forgive herself for the suffering she had caused him, and from Georgiana’s letters, she understood that he had not returned yet.

She was uncertain of what was in store for her.

A week passed, and they left for Ashton Park and Lady Isabella’s parents accompanied them.

Elizabeth was still suspicious of Lady Isabella.

After overhearing the conversation between mother and daughter, she was certain she needed money to pay someone.

The children were excited to return and meet their grandmother.

Elizabeth was eager to resume her routine at Ashton Park, but when she reached the estate a few days later, she was in for a surprise.

The house had new additions, and it was none other than Lady Martha’s elder brother and his family.

The journey from Grovnor Park had been uneventful, and they arrived in the early hours. The household was still asleep except for Lady Martha. She welcomed them with warmth. The children werejoyous to see their grandmother.

“This is a surprise indeed. Why did you not mention Uncle’s visit in your letters?” Lord Ashton asked in surprise once he became aware of the guests.

“He wanted it to be a surprise. They have been here only for a week, and your uncle is looking forward to making your acquaintance,” she said, looking at her daughter-in-law.

Lord Ashton and Lady Isabella headed straight to their rooms to change. Elizabeth understood that it was Lady Isabella’s first meeting with the guests.

“I am glad to have you all back home, my dear,” Lady Martha said to Elizabeth with warmth.

“Do not press yourself to join us for breakfast if you want to rest.”

“I am not tired unless you want it to be a family affair,” Elizabeth replied.

“Even if it is a family affair, you will be a part of it. My brother is eager to make your acquaintance.”

Elizabeth agreed to join them and headed to her room.

She felt a familiar sense of safety as she stepped inside.

She wondered why she felt such a sense of belonging at Ashton Park and understood it was not just because of Lady Martha.

She felt it was also because of Darcy. The thought of his presence in Pemberley had comforted her in the past months.

Even before she realized her love for him, she felt safe and happy in his presence.

In her heart, she knew his love was true. He did not care about her status, and Elizabeth was certain he would not forsake her because of her past.

But whatever I did was to protect him. I must accept that. He can never be happy if he marries me.

She quickly changed and headed to the breakfast parlor, anticipating the introduction of Lady Martha’s relation, and encountered Mr. Anderson in the hallway.

“I am happy to see you again, Miss Smith,” he said in a happy tone.

“I am delighted to be back as well, sir. The children have missed your company,” she said with a smile.

They walked into the breakfast parlor, and Lady Martha sat with an older gentleman, and Elizabeth assumed it to be her brother.

“Ah! There she is. Mark, meet Miss Elizabeth Smith. She has been a delightful addition to Ashton Park; the children love her. Miss Smith, allow me to introduce you to my eldest brother, Lord Mark Anderson.”

Elizabeth curtsied and noticed the gentleman observing her keenly.

“I am happy to make your acquaintance,” he said in a deep voice. Elizabeth immediately noticed that his demeanor was different from his sister's. He seemed serious and had a scrutinizing look.

Lord Ashton and Lady Isabella joined them, along with Lady Isabella's parents. Once the introductions were made, Lady Isabella tried to converse amiably with her husband's uncle, and Elizabeth was curious to meet the rest of the family.

“I am glad you are here. We hope you can stay until Christmas,” Lord Ashton said to his uncle.

“That might not be possible. We plan to leave in six weeks.”

“I will be returning along with them,” Mr. Anderson said. Elizabeth noticed Lord Anderson’s gaze fixed on her and was tempted to raise her eyebrow in response. To her, he seemed a stark contrast to his siblings.

“Now, where is my cousin?” Lord Ashton asked. Just then, entered Lord Anderson’s wife and daughter. Lady Martha made the introductions between them and her daughter-in-law.

Lady Anderson was a lean, tall woman with sharp features.

Her daughter resembled her and was almost the same age or a year younger than Elizabeth.

Elizabeth immediately noticed their hostility towards her.

They seemed to be surprised that the governess was joining them for breakfast. They sat down to eat, and she sat opposite Lord Anderson.

“Are the children awake? Will they join us?” Lord Anderson asked Lady Isabella.

“Yes, they are and should join us soon,” she replied confidently.

Lady Martha looked at her daughter-in-law with doubt.

“Is that so, Miss Smith?” she asked, well aware that the children were sleeping and would not join them for breakfast. Elizabeth did not know how to reply and knew that Lady Martha was taunting her daughter-in-law, as Lady Isabella never involved herself with the children’s welfare or needs.

Elizabeth saw the distress and embarrassment on Lady Isabella’s face.

“Yes! They should be joining us soon unless Mrs. Davidson feels they could benefit from a quick nap,” she replied, fully aware that they were sound asleep.

Lady Martha smiled at Elizabeth. You amaze me, Elizabeth.

Lady Isabella realized how Elizabeth had saved her from embarrassment without revealing that the children were fast asleep.

Her mother-in-law often belittled her for not devoting time to the children.

She looked at Elizabeth and smiled gratefully.

Elizabeth was shocked to see such a reaction from her.

“We are elated to meet you during this visit, Lord Anderson. It is such a wonderful surprise indeed,” Lady Isabella’s father exclaimed.

“The pleasure is mine,” he replied without emotion. Conversation circled around Pemberley, and Lady Anderson expressed her displeasure about the absence of Darcy.

“It is indeed disappointing not to see Mr. Darcy this time. Did Miss Darcy mention anything about his return?” he asked her daughter.