Fanny Bennet Takes Charge: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Take Charge Series) by Shana Granderson & A Lady

Author:Shana Granderson & A Lady [Granderson, Shana & Lady, a]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Pre-Canon, Others POV, Interquel
Goodreads: 208889216
Published: 2024-03-27T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Uncle Gabriel’s coachman handed Fanny a note just before she followed her daughters into the conveyance. On the rear step were two mountainous footmen none of the Bennet ladies had ever seen before. In addition there were four outriders.

“What is that, Mama?” Jane enquired.

“Until I read it, I will not know, Janey dear,” Fanny smiled.

Hattie and Frank Philips stood and waved to their family as the coachman put his team of two matched pairs into motion. The extremely well-sprung coach gave a little jerk forward as the horses took up the strain and began to pull it. The six ladies within waved to the Philipses until they could no longer see them.

Before the coachman guided his vehicle onto the main road in Meryton, the shades had been lowered. Fanny was not too worried, but better safe than sorry. Soon enough they turned onto the road which led to the main turnpike to London. It was ironic they would pass Longbourn on the way. As her husband never ventured beyond his study unless he had no choice, and with the fact even if the corpulent parson saw the coach, he would not recognise it, Fanny was confident they would be well out of his reach before Thomas missed them.

She relaxed into the comfortable squabs as she relished in the knowledge she was free of having to put on any sort of act for Thomas. Fanny was never happier than when she could be her true self.

She opened the missive once they were past Longbourn and the shades were raised once again.

15 November 1810

23 Gracechurch Street

My dear niece Fanny,

Do not be alarmed when you do not arrive at the houses on the above street. I have instructed Smithers to drive you directly to Holder House on Grosvenor Square. As an aside, it is bracketed by two of the houses we own in London.

All of the girls’ and your clothing has been moved to your sister-in-law’s house. I did this out of an abundance of caution just in case that indolent man who is your husband stirs himself to come seek you and arrives before you have moved to the Carringtons’ house. If he is willing to try to force our Lizzy into a marriage with the son of a murderer, who knows what else he is capable of doing.

On that subject, I agree with your assessment; your husband is a fool to think his cousin has suddenly forgotten his grievances against him. Based on your letters and the girls letters describing him, when he discovers Lizzy is no longer at Longbourn, he may become angry and vindictive. To that end I have employed some footmen guards. The two small men command them. They are former Royal Marines named John Biggs and Brian Johns.

Like where you are staying, I am not willing to take a chance with any of my nieces’ safety. Fanny, I think it is time for you to show that waste of a man who you truly are. Do not concern yourself about anything that is yours.

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