Chapter 1

After Hunsford, Mr. Darcy leaves for the continent to rid Miss Elizabeth Bennett from his heart and mind. He is followed by Mr. Bingley, and his sisters, along with Miss Georgiana Darcy and the Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. They have set off for Italy across the continent and no knowledge of Lydia Bennett’s elopement has come across Mr. Darcy’s path.

As Countess Daresta de la Chavanne sat on her death bed, with her only companion throughout this past year, Elizabeth Bennett, she had come to her in hopes of a housekeeping job that previous summer. The Countess though had seen something far greater in the poor girl, and offered it to her, that she be her companion. Elizabeth had at first been reluctant, but upon knowing the poor old woman better, she heartedly accepted.

Now as Elizabeth sat next to the dying Countess, she looked upon the closest thing she had ever had to a mother. She had been taught so much in so little time by this woman who now lay dying before her. Several tear proceeded down Elizabeth’s face that she quickly wiped away.

“Ahh, my dear dear girl, you should not shed your tears for me, for I have lived life,” raising her hand she brushed some tears away, “You have been everything I could have wished for in a child, a daughter of my own.”

The Countess took on a sterner look though as she proceeded, “But I have not always been right in my life decisions. I chose to alone, and with that comes no children of my own, and no comforts that which could be bestowed by love, that was until I found you, my girl,” the look in her eyes drifted off and she smiled, “You were quite a wretch when first met, asking for a housekeeping job, but an honorable wretch, not wanting to have your sisters work…Oh, now how are your sisters?”

“They are fine, and thank you for all you have given to myself and them, I’ll never forget you, and nor will they,” then with a laugh she continued, “I am sure though that Kitty will never forget, of all my sisters.”

“Yes, Catherine was quite good fun, I believe she has the potential to be like you.”

“Oh, I should hope none of my sisters were to turn out like me,” Elizabeth said as she glanced down to her lap.

“Now Elizabeth, I don’t know what could,” several awful coughs resounded from the elder woman that shook her chest, but she continued, “prompt you to say such things, but you are wise, witty, kind, and all other things that make a reasonable heiress.”

“Excuse me, but I am no such thing,” Elizabeth said with a puzzled face.

“You were right until today, for my Lizzy I have left everything to you,” she smiled kindly and continued, “You shall be my sole benefactor after my death. Call for Mr. Witton to read you the will. I want to be here when he does.”

Elizabeth walked across the ornate bedroom, to the door where she in hushed tones, summoned the Mr. Witton. An elder man, who had seen his fair share in life walked in, followed by a boy of about seventeen. The boy was his students learning everything to one day become the family’s lawyer.

Mr. Witton smiled kindly, “Ah, my dear I see we are coming to our ends.”

“No Mr. Witton we are coming to our next beginnings. Now read the will to Lizzy…”

From such was this day, that the death of the Countess Daresta de la Chavanne, that the next to her place. In all claims hereafter, the former Miss Elizabeth Bennett had become the adopted daughter and benefactor of the dead Countess, and was now the new Countess. The one Miss Elizabeth Bennett without a cent to her name after her sister, Lydia’s disastrous elopement, was now one of the richest women in Europe. She now help property, in Ireland, a large chunk of northern Scotland, which was titled, land in Ulster, England which was titled, and finally a part of southern France formerly known as Aquitaine.

Elizabeth Bennett, now Countess Elizabeth Chavanne could want for nothing and sitting in her new London townhouse she summoned her remaining sisters to her. Jane, Mary, and Kitty arrived within two days, astounded by what had occurred.

Elizabeth’s lawyer, the old Mr. Witton, had each of their names last name changed to Chavanne, and had them drawn up allowances for them. Finally Elizabeth came to the grand finally; she was sending her sisters to the continent for travel. The last thing Elizabeth asked of Mr. Witton was that he find her last sister, Lydia. And that our reliable Mr. Witton did.

Please comment

I hope to update soon.