“I hardly know where to begin.” Elizabeth’s hands trembled as she removed her cloak, revealing the small traveling bag. “What I am about to tell you will strain belief, but I swear it is true. You must promise not to reveal this to anyone.”
Charlotte’s expression grew serious as she took Elizabeth’s cold hands in her warm ones. “You know you may trust me with anything. Come, sit closer to the fire.”
Elizabeth settled into the chair, grateful for the warmth that seemed to reach only her skin, leaving her core still chilled with dread and uncertainty. The room, with its comfortable furnishings, had always represented security and friendship. Now it felt like her last refuge in a suddenly hostile world.
“First, you must promise secrecy,” Elizabeth insisted. “What I’m about to tell you could put us both in danger if known.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened, but she nodded firmly. “I promise. Not a word shall pass my lips without your permission.”
Elizabeth drew a deep breath and began her tale—the mysterious letter, her true identity as Elizabeth Rose Darcy, her parents’ murder, and the inheritance that awaited her if she could only reach Pemberley and secure the necessary documents before her twenty-first birthday.
As she spoke, Charlotte’s expression shifted from concern to disbelief to grave attention. She did not interrupt, though her grip on Elizabeth’s hands tightened at the mention of murder.
“Mr. Bennet confirmed it all,” Elizabeth concluded, her voice hoarse from the telling. “He is my uncle, not my father. He hasraised me as his daughter to protect me from those who killed my parents.”
“Oh, Lizzy,” Charlotte whispered, her eyes bright and watery. “What a burden to carry.”
“You believe me?” Elizabeth asked, scarcely daring to hope.
Charlotte squeezed her hands. “I believe that you believe it. And I believe Mr. Bennet has confirmed something that has shaken your world. Whether all the details are as the letter claims…”
“You doubt me?”
“Not you, never you.” Charlotte rose and moved to a small cabinet, returning with two glasses and a decanter. She poured a measure of cordial for each of them. “But anonymous letters and fantastic claims of inheritance deserve careful consideration. Drink this—you’re still trembling.”
Elizabeth sipped the sweet blackcurrant cordial, its warmth spreading through her chest. “I know how it sounds. If anyone else told me such a tale, I would think them delusional.”
“And now you intend to… what? Travel alone to Derbyshire to claim an inheritance with no proof beyond an anonymous letter?” There was no mockery in Charlotte’s tone, only gentle concern.
“I need to find the documents mentioned in the letter. My parents’ marriage certificate, my baptismal record, and a witness statement confirming my identity. Then I can claim what is rightfully mine before my twenty-first birthday.”
The door opened suddenly, and Lady Lucas swept in, her ample figure draped in a morning dress of subdued green. “Charlotte, dear—oh! Miss Elizabeth! What a delightful surprise.”
Elizabeth hastily wiped her eyes, hoping her distress wasn’t too apparent. Charlotte, ever quick-witted, moved smoothly to intercept her mother.
“Mama, Lizzy has just brought some distressing news. Mr. Collins intends to propose to her this afternoon.”
It wasn’t a lie, merely a selective truth, and Elizabeth felt a surge of gratitude for her friend’s discretion.
Lady Lucas’s face registered first surprise, then calculation, then a quickly masked disappointment. “Indeed? How… felicitous for your family. Sir William had thought perhaps… but no matter. The ways of Providence are mysterious indeed.”
“Lizzy came to seek my counsel,” Charlotte explained. “Might we have some privacy? The matter is rather delicate.”
“Of course, of course.” Lady Lucas’s gaze drifted to the valise now partially visible beside Elizabeth’s chair. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Though I would advise caution, Miss Elizabeth. Decisions made in haste are often regretted at leisure.”
“Thank you, Lady Lucas,” Elizabeth managed, forcing a smile. “Your wisdom is much appreciated.”
Once the door closed behind her mother, Charlotte moved to ensure it was properly shut, then returned to Elizabeth’s side. “Now, you were explaining your plan.”
“I had hoped…” Elizabeth hesitated, suddenly aware of how presumptuous her request would sound. “I had hoped you might accompany me. Two ladies traveling together would attract less attention than one alone.”
Charlotte’s face softened with genuine regret. “Oh, Lizzy. Where are you planning to go?”
“To Pemberley. To claim my birthright.”
“Pemberley? In Derbyshire? Now?”
“I have little choice. My birthday is in a little more than a fortnight, and I must secure proof of my identity before then.”
