Author's Notes

Hello everyone! I have addressed several issues that people brought up and I hope it cleared some of your objections. Also, since everyone seems confused by the age's of the Bennets, I'll explain.

Jane Bennet: 15yrs. Elizabeth Bennet(Fitzwilliam): 12yrs (believes she is eleven years old)

Mary, Kitty and Lydia ages are not important, you can assume their canon ages.

A major thanks to LizzieB! This chapter would never have made it out if it weren't for you!

And my sincere thanks to all the people who reviewed and added this story to their favourites. All this feedback is so very encouraging. Love you all! :)

Without further ado. The story.

CHAPTER 4

The study at Longbourne suddenly became the quietest place in Longbourn. Not that that was much of a difference from the norm, Mr Bennet thought wryly. However, this silence was an extremely odd one. The two men across from him had frozen as soon as the words had left his mouth. There wasn't much else he could have done, he admitted to himself. Not when faced with such frankness other than to lie blatantly.

He had no qualms about lying if it meant saving face in dire situations, but it was more probable than not that his lie would have been found out. The gentlemen before him had all the means of discovering any falsehood he related to them and all the reason to make life miserable for him once they did.

Mr. Bennet shifted his attention back to them and watched as the Earl, whose face had betrayed not the slightest emotion when accusing him, now filled with relief. Lt. Fitzwilliam on the other hand looked thunderous. "You are admitting to have abducted my sister!?" His tone was so wrathful that the Earl felt it necessary to place a restraining hand on the young man's shoulder.

Mr. Bennet hastened to correct him. "No, sir. I did not in any way kidnap your sister." The Earl's voice was hard and cold as steel, despite how he still held his son back. "Yet, she is here. I fail to see how she came to be in your care, if you were not in any way related to the kidnapping."

Once more, Mr. Bennet wondered if he could lead them astray with a story that would place him out of any danger, but just as quickly dismissed it. Should his scheme be unsuccessful, the consequences would be swift and harsh.

After all if he relayed the truth of the matter, they could not fault him his decisions, could they? Disapprove, yes. But in the circumstances, he had no other choice. So he rationalized, anyhow.

"Sir, I believe I would like to explain to you both the entire story." He paused here, looking upon the Earl for permission to proceed. When they had each nodded their acceptance, he took a deep breath and cautiously began his tale.

"I am sure you know, as the information is widely spread," he said bitterly. "My family was in dire straits some years ago. This was because of some minor land matter that went much further than I had assumed it would. I am not, shall we say, the most impeccable estate owner of these parts and at the time I had believed that we could come out of that phase. However, I had chosen to disregard my wife's frivolity and her lack of economy. Due to these reasons and many more, Longbourn was on the brink of bankruptcy and I was desperate. We had a daughter at that time you see and I was quite at a loss on how to provide for them." Here Bennet paused, lost to the past emotions of fear and worry. Soon though, he shook himself and continued.

"At around that time, a very wealthy investor* by the name Mr. Saunders had entered Meryton. And although his occupation is not looked upon very favourably** he was an extremely affable fellow and soon the entire town was prone to think well of him. At one of my weakest moments, I approached him about the subject of money. He then persuaded me to borrow quite a sum from him, on the pretext of lowering the interest substantially.

"Following said persuasion, first from Mr. Saunders and then my own wife, I proceeded to extract heavily from him. He was very generous, providing me a period of two years to pay off the debt. During this time, my family often travelled to London as I had several things to deal with in regard to pooling the money. On the day that he arrived to collect, Saunders was in a most urgent state, demanding the money from me immediately on the claims that he had important business to conduct. Of course, I did not yet have even quarter the money I owed him and he was furious. He went so far as to threaten to send me to Debtors prison! With accord to the sum I owed him, the threat was very real.

"Eventually, we managed to come to the agreement that I would work for him as long as it was required to pay off the debt. It was then that he proceeded to explain to me, in detail, my new 'occupation'. I was to house abducted children for the time required to gather a ransom. When I balked at this, again he reminded me of the other options open to me. Namely, debtor's prison and the taking of Longbourne to pay the sum owed. Of course, this was unacceptable. Thus, I agreed, albeit reluctantly." Mr Bennet looked up to see if he would be interrupted by the two gentlemen, seeing them not make any move to do so, he carried on.

"Within a few weeks, I received my first assignment and I immediately attempted to ready all the essentials needed to carry out my plans. I even decided to rent out an apartment in the more discreet section of London, to effectively house the children that would be coming under my care. When I entered the place where I was to collect the child, I found that I was kept in the dark about this operation. I was to house the daughter of an Earl for two months. It was at that moment I realised that something had gone terribly wrong. As I am sure you understand, it is so very dangerous to meddle in the affairs of peers, especially for long periods of time. However, there was no way of extracting myself from the situation and I accepted.

Elizabeth was entrusted to me and I decided to remove her to my wife's relations, the Gardiners. They knew of my situation and were deeply disappointed in me for getting into this mess. They did not, however, know that I had agreed to house kidnapped children and had assumed that I had worked out some other sort of deal with the Mr. Saunders. Therefore they believed me when I told them that the man wanted me to take care of his niece for a while, to partially repay the debt. Here, I could be certain no one suspected me of my dark deed.

Three months passed without any word from Saunders and I was growing increasingly anxious. I was most concerned about the authorities intercepting this entire operation and myself being jailed with the rest of the criminals. Finally, Saunders arrived but not bearing any good news. He said that the person behind this operation had made it clear that under no circumstances must the girl be returned to her family. When I questioned him on what to do with her, he merely told me that she was now my burden to bear and that he was leaving the country. He told me to consider the debt paid and then disappeared from the premises.

I explained to the Gardiners that he had abandoned the girl, leaving out the reason for doing so of course, and that she was now my responsibility. They urged me to keep her and I must admit to having grown fond of her in the time we were together. Therefore, I informally adopted her as my own daughter. The Gardiners were persuaded to keep all this hushed up, as the scandal that would result from the public being informed would be very great indeed.

"After much plotting and thought, I decided on a suitable plan to introduce Elizabeth as my biological daughter to the people in Hertfordshire. Along with myself, my family arrived in London a little over three years back as I was attending business there and we remained for some time before she returned to Longbourn. Using that information, I now devised an explanation. I would say that Mrs. Bennet had conceived and given birth in London. I would also say Elizabeth was kept there due to illness arising from complications during her birth. The severity was such as to give cause to believe she would not survive; therefore no announcement was given concerning her birth. It was an extremely risky plan and bordering unbelievable. But the people of Meryton are a simple folk, who do not give much pondering on such things for all that long. There is always gossip at the beginning, which soon goes stale."

Lt. Fitzwilliam chose to interrupt him here, unable to keep silent any longer. He was fairly bursting from questions.

"So you have acted as parent to my sister for all these years? How did your wife react to all this?"

Mr. Bennet blanched. The lieutenant before him was perceptive for his young age. It seemed as if he had witnessed the coldness that Mrs. Bennet displayed towards Elizabeth. Grimacing, knowing nothing could justify his wife's mistreatment of the child, he became defensive.

"Mrs. Bennet was not pleased to have to put up with another child. She considered Elizabeth a burden, but I could not fault her for that. She was, after all, not her own daughter. I admit to Mrs. Bennet being very harsh and on some occasions even cruel to Elizabeth, but I attempted to diffuse the situation as much as I could by taking her under my wing. She is a bright child and immediately began to seek refuge in my study to get away from her mother," his eyes widened at that point, "that is- I did not mean to imply that Mrs. Bennet is her mother-" he was cut off brusquely.

"If I find that she was abused in any sort of way-" Lord Chesterfield began quietly, his voice strained with barely controlled anger. Mr. Bennet immediately attempted to placate the Earl.

"Sir, I assure you that she was not harmed physically in any way. She only suffered verbal tirades from my wife who was, at the time, growing frustrated at not being able to conceive an heir. Elizabeth has long since held my fondness and I would allow nothing of that sort to occur."

Lord Chesterfield sighed, raising his hand up to pass over his face. Again, the heavy silence of before settled in. Except this time it was laden with heavy thoughts and doubts. Finally he spoke.

"I understand that, given the circumstances you could not have acted in a better way. I do not condone your actions which brought you into this situation in the first place. Neither am I particularly happy with you for attempting to conceal this from me. Your wife, as is coming to my attention, is a very hard hearted and single minded individual, but I am of no mind to begin censuring the character of people, however much they anger me, when there are much more important things to consider.

I will be taking Elizabeth back with me and you will do well to stay out of our way. If you do so, you have my word that my family will not exercise its considerable influence to ruin you for your misdeeds." He heaved in a deep breath at this point, raising his head to meet Mr. Bennet squarely in the eye.

"I also feel that I owe you my gratitude for taking care of my daughter."

Lt. Fitzwilliam scoffed slightly beside him, still glowering darkly at Mr. Bennet but allowing his father to finish saying his piece.

"Do not think that this one good deed pardons your sins. However, I have no interest in showing my disdain for your low morals in agreeing to partake in illegal activities. You have done all you could to care for my girl and for that, I will thank you. Pray expect no more than this."

It was at the end of this quiet, yet resounding speech that Mr. Bennet drew in a sigh of relief. To think that he had managed to extricate himself from the situation unharmed was an outcome he greatly appreciated. After allowing himself a few seconds of time to calm, he faced the two men in front of him, mentally preparing to discuss the subject of Elizabeth moving away from him and thus the only sensible conversation to be had in the house.

Elizabeth peeked her head in through the backdoor of Longbourne, carefully inspecting the area before allowing herself to ease through it. She trotted quietly into the kitchen, smiling brightly at Hill on her way up.

The older woman smiled as she watched the young girl slip in through the back. The girl had learnt very well from her past mistakes. Mrs. Bennet's open disapproval of the young girl was a known fact and Miss Elizabeth learning from it, took great pains to avoid being caught by her in these sorts of situations. The back door of the house had become her most favoured entrance, resulting in her appearance becoming accustomed to in the kitchens.

Elizabeth quickly scanned the halls and scampered off, brushing ineffectively at her slightly soiled gown as she took the stairs two at a time. She was passing her father's study on her way to the room she shared with Jane when she heard them. Low voices resonated in the study.

She could hear the muffled voice of her father speaking somewhat resignedly. Brow furrowing in confusion and curiosity she remembered her father's views on eavesdropping and forced herself to move further down the hall, slipping quietly into her room to further ponder the situation.

It was strange that he was receiving callers this early. It was strange that he was receiving callers at all. There were a few who came to discuss matters with him and the few that did, did not usually wish to retire to his study so suddenly.

Shrugging away these thoughts, she quickly called in Betty to help her brush off her gown, apologising guiltily when confronted with the face that her maid made at the sight of her. Elizabeth then moved downstairs to find Jane. Perhaps she would know who Papa was speaking with.

Elizabeth found her sister working on some embroidery in the parlour, Mrs. Bennet sat nearby going over some designs she had purchased. Her nose scrunched slightly at the prospect of bringing about this conversation in front of her mother, but having nothing else against it she sat down slowly.

"Jane, did you know that Papa has some people with him in the study. I heard them discussing something or other and Papa was speaking in hushed tones. Strange is it not?" She asked, picking at a crease in her skirt. Attempting to make herself as unobtrusive as possible so as not to anger her mother.

Jane looked up, "Yes, Mrs. Hill told Mama that Papa had callers. She did not say, but I think it was Lt. Fitzwilliam. I saw a red coat." She explained.

Mrs. Bennet looked up at this, her eyes lighting up at this piece of information.

"Oh! I heard from town that he is the son of an Earl! Goodness me! He would be a very good match for you, dear Jane!"

Elizabeth tried, very unsuccessfully, to stop herself from rolling her eyes. Her mother had not let up on speaking about finding a husband for Jane since John Lucas proclaimed her to be 'a very handsome woman'.

"What does it matter that he is the son of an Earl. Should not Jane marry for love?" She demanded, instantly regretting it when her mother began lecturing her, throwing in a few of the degrading comments to her person that she had come to expect. Not willing to sit by and listen, she excused herself as quickly as she was able and practically raced from the room. How Jane could stand to listen to all that spiel was beyond her.

She decided that she would go upstairs to retrieve a book, then eventually return to the parlour. By that time, her mother would have forgotten her impertinence. She did not admit to herself that she was also curious to see what Lt. Fitzwilliam was about, visiting her father.

Sparing not another glance at the entrance to the parlour she stepped up the steps into the hallway. She was startled to see the door to the study swing open and two men emerge.

"I will speak to you more on the details tomorrow. If-" the man stopped speaking abruptly when Lt. Fitzwilliam, who had spied her standing at the stairs, nudged him discreetly.

He turned around and Elizabeth recognized him as Lord Chesterfield. She hastily dipped into a curtsey, cringing inwardly at the uncomfortable look on her father's face, he was quite strict about not listening in on doors, particularly his study.

"Miss Elizabeth. I had thought that you would be enjoying the outdoors at this time?" Questioned Lt. Fitzwilliam with what seemed to be forced cheerfulness. He moved to her side, immediately engaging her in conversation and offering to escort her down to the parlour. Relieved that she had found an excuse to escape her father's displeasure she immediately accepted, consequently forgetting about her book and they all retired to the front.

The afternoon was not a very enjoyable one for Elizabeth that day. Her mother was extremely embarrassing with her thoughtless questions and prying nature, making both men uncomfortable with her insinuations. She was also disappointed to see that both the Earl and Lt. Fitzwilliam, who were all that was amiable with her, did not seem very happy in the lack of propriety shown by her family and seemed disdainful almost, towards her parents.

When they bid their leave half an hour later, Elizabeth was not satisfied with the afternoons call. Lt. Fitzwilliam had seemed quite withdrawn, not half his usual self and she could not help but speculate on what they had discussed with her father. She was not surprised, however, when she was called to attend her father soon after they left. Guiltily, she made her way up to the study, entering quietly and closing the door when bid.

"I'm sorry Papa. I did not mean to eavesdrop. I was jus-."

He interrupted her. "Did you hear what we were discussing?" His face did not betray any emotion. But she was certain that he was not pleased, and if she was not so concerned about her possible punishments she would have noticed his pallor.

"No, Papa," she said quickly.

He nodded. "I did not call you to talk about eavesdropping again Elizabeth."

He said slowly. "In fact, what I am about to tell you will please you, most probably."

Elizabeth was startled. She had entered her father's study under the mistaken belief that she would be receiving a stern scolding. Instead, Mr. Bennet carried on, not even waiting for her to formulate a reply.

"I understand that you are becoming fast friends with Lt. Fitzwilliam?" It was not posed as a question. She answered it anyhow.

"Yes sir," her face drawn into confusion.

"He has said that you remind him of a relation that he loved most dearly, apparently his father has the same views. Lt. Fitzwilliam proclaims you as a bright young girl that he would like to further his acquaintance with. They have offered to take you to London with them and to supply an education.

I have no doubt that they have a large, extensive library that you would like to explore, they are after all, very wealthy." The bitterness wrapped up in his statement, such as it was, went unnoticed by Elizabeth as she was still trying to absorb the information that was being expounded to her.

"While you have first formed a familiarity with Fitzwilliam the young, the Lieutenant may be going over seas in a short while and as such the Earl is in want of company," he continued, glancing at some papers on his desk with an air bordering on nonchalance.

Elizabeth blinked. She blinked again. Could it be? This was truly going to happen, not a dream she would soon wake from?

"They want me to accompany them London? To educate me even?" she asked finally.

"You heard me perfectly well, Lizzie. Although I suppose they may take you with them to their estate in Chesterfield, Derbyshire." Mr. Bennet said in his usual lackadaisical manner. "Anyhow they will pester me, no doubt, about all the arrangements to be made." Elizabeth stared at him a moment longer, then jumped from her chair. In a flurry of motion she hugged Mr. Bennet and withdrew, a broad grin stretching her lips.

"Oh! But this is wonderful! Think of all the books I may read there, and the fashionable ladies out in society, and spending days with the Lt. , who has a great many stories I should think, and they will educate me even?" she continued in this vein for a moment longer until she was cut short by her father.

"It is a comfort to know that you are so eager to get away from us, here at Longbourne." Mr. Bennet commented dryly. This time, his chagrin was noted by Elizabeth, who immediately hastened to reassure him.

"It is not so much as getting away from Longbourne, this is my home Papa. You shall forever have my love, of course. But, I do so enjoy Lt. Fitzwilliam's company and," she bit her lip at this point. "Mama has become more irritated by me recently, her speech at times.. it would be nice to avoid that for a while." This admission was spoken so softly that Mr. Bennet had to strain to hear her. He was not given the chance to reply, as Elizabeth's mind was already away and whirling.

"Do you not think it strange Papa?" She suddenly changed topics. "Lt. Fitzwilliam and I have become good friends, but I wonder at his father agreeing to this scheme. He does not know me all that well, perhaps we should not get on with one another. He may think me coarse or ignorant." She furrowed her brow in contemplation, Mr. Bennet did not seem much eager to debate on this topic.

"Who are we to question the eccentricities and notions of the rich? I suggest you take this sudden opportunity, as I doubt you will see one of it's kind again. Arrangements shall be made; it is decided already. You may see yourself out now, Elizabeth." He finished shortly, pointedly snapping open a newspaper.

Elizabeth was more than happy to race out of the study. She had to speak to Jane! She was going with the Fitzwilliams! It seemed as if she could only think in exclamations at the moment and she worried briefly if her mother was beginning to influence her.

This random (and admittedly, impertinent) thought ended up halting her movement. Her mother would react very badly to this piece of news, she was sure. She would no doubt be disappointed that it was not Jane going to London. And she, Elizabeth, would be charged with snatching away Jane's chances of entering society until the guilt removed all joy she currently felt.

Deciding on leaving it up to her father to broach the subject, she set off at a more sedate pace to find her favourite sister. Jane's presence would be a comfort, even if she could not yet share her news. Elizabeth would be content to wait until bedtime.

That night as she crawled into bed with Jane, she told her everything that Papa had mentioned to her, conveying her excitement by rolling about under the covers.

Jane was very happy at the presented opportunity and the both of them talked and laughed about all that Elizabeth could occupy her time with while away. Mirth left them quickly however, replaced by a sudden mutual sorrow at having to be parted for so long.

"But Jane, do you not think it strange that they have issued me the invitation? And so soon?" questioned Elizabeth. The same question to which she had not been able to extract a sufficient answer from her father now weighed heavily on her mind all the more.

"I'm sure that they were just eager to invite you Lizzie. They were both such amiable gentlemen." was her sister's reassuring answer. Then she let out a small giggle.

"And I do believe the Lieutenant is very much eager for your company," she added in a startlingly un-Jane like fashion.

"Jane! What are you implying?" asked Elizabeth, a mixture of shock and amusement colouring her tone. Jane laughed softly. "I was merely teasing Lizzie. But surely you have noticed that he is very interested in you and your wellbeing?"

The idea made Elizabeth feel sick in the stomach for some reason and she begged off the matter, claiming that he was far too much her senior and merely a friend. Jane, never one to intentionally cause another discomfort, returned to the imaginings of all Lizzie might do in the future. When the two girls could scarcely keep their eyes open, Elizabeth bid her sister goodnight but gave one more wiggle of joy. She could hardly wait to see what more information the morrow would bring.

*in the 18th/19th century, people who lent money without any other credit based transaction were termed as investors.

**their profession wasn't considered a very honourable one.