At least this time when I tell you how important you have been to me, how much you have given me, you are not able to argue the point with me.
You made the last 10 years of my life a pleasure to live. Even when I was temporarily fooled by Lady Catherine’s machinations, you stood by me. When I saw the truth of the woman who boreme, you never said, or even in the smallest measure hinted at your knowing, she was beyond redemption.
I cannot but agree with Papa and Jenki that you gave me the will to live far beyond that which was expected of me.
Lizzy, I need to ask you a favour. I am fully aware Papa has made sure Jenki never has to work again if she chooses not to. Knowing her, she will not be happy without a purpose. If she decides to continue in service, please take her as your companion. Even when you marry William (as I am sure you will) as long as she has the desire, keep her with you. When she is ready to retire she will be happiest close to you given the common bond you both share.
(Miss Lizzy, as you know I am writing for Miss Anne. If you will have me, I would love to work for you and your family. Jenki.)
Now to explain what I meant when I said, ‘You may be in danger from my mother.’ You know it has always been her avaricious dream to own all of Papa’s property and wealth. As you are reading this, I am sure you are fully aware all which she coveted is now yours.
John and Brian and their men will be with you to make sure you are safe, and I believe Papa has set in motion that which will finally have my mother pay for her transgressions.
Until that occurs, you must be vigilant and never go anywhere without John Biggs and Brian Johns with you. For the rest of eternity, I would never be able to forgive myself if the gift from Papa and me leads to your being harmed, even a little. I want to see you again Lizzy, but not for many decades.
And yes, Lizzy, you deserve everything Papa and I have bequeathed you. No one else in the family is being deprived because of everything coming to you.
Before he was given Cloverdell, Richard was Papa’s indirect heir. As I know you are aware, Richard and Mary will have more than enough when they marry. I can hear you now; you arethinking if (when) you marry William, you too will have more than enough.
True but you will do something great with everything Papa has bequeathed you.
In closing, I would like to remind you of my request you name one of your daughters for me.
Remember I will always love you as my sister and best friend. Now go live your life. (yes, after the mourning period.)
I will always be watching over you.
Your best friend,
Anne
Chapter 32
Lady Catherine de Bourgh stared at the black edged letter written in her brother’s distinctive script as she held it reverently. She hoped and prayed it was the notice she had been waiting for, but it could be one of her other traitorous family members who had died. She had been disappointed before.
She took a deep breath and began to break her brother’s seal. Surely if her brother was the sender, it was the news she had waited so long to hear. With great anticipation she opened the page and began to read.
12 October 1810
Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire
Catherine, it is with profound sadness I write to inform you your husband and daughter were both called home to God this morning. By the time you read this, we will be on our way to Kent with the earthly remains of both Anne and Lewis.
Elaine and I, as do the rest of those here, all condole with you…
Lady Catherine stopped reading. She was free! Her damned husband and sickly daughter were finally dead. Ten years too late thanks to the interference of that Bennet chit, but dead nonetheless.
Now she would finally get her due! Soon enough everyone who had ever crossed her, especially the interfering Bennet girl would pay for their actions. She had waited ten long years, and now Lady Catherine was impatient to have things move in the direction she wanted. At the same time, sheknew she needed to exercise a little more patience. Only a little.
Had she not been concerned for the guards seeing her, she would have danced a jig. Lady Catherine stood and walked in her normal stately way to her sitting room. As it had been since her return to Rosings Park, two of the guards—who she would soon have the pleasure of sacking—followed her and took up station in the hallway outside the room. The sooner she was rid of them and the rest of the servants, the better.
Once there, she retrieved the will she had and then dated it. She decided it would be prudent to date it two days earlier, on the tenth day of October. On presenting it, she was sure there would be questions as to how it came into her hands. She had a very plausible answer prepared; one she had made sure her man was well versed in.
She wrote a letter she would give to the solicitor to post for her. After removing the will which would give her all from its hiding place, she secreted the document and letter in her gown and returned to the drawing room where she rang for the butler.
When the butler entered, she made a show of dabbing her eyes. “The house will go into mourning. My husband and daughter have both gone to their final rewards.” Lady Catherine pretended she was drying her eyes. “I need to see my solicitor, Mr. Neil Mink, whose offices are in Westerham. I must prepare for the upcoming changes.”
The butler expressed his condolences and then exited the drawing room. He informed the housekeeper and sent a note to the steward. Next, he asked one of the guards to ride into Westerham to summon Mr. Mink.
