Thanks everyone. Here's the 2nd to last instalment ...
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The next day the Parker family packed early, and said farewell to Bath. Sir Jeffrey had some urgent business at home, and both parents believed Elizabeth was well enough to travel the distance home. Elizabeth was completely happy with the prospect, especially since Isabel was to stay with her as her companion. Tess and Sean were to come as well, but Elizabeth did not mind, now that she knew they no longer had any influence over her or Max. She enjoyed the prospect of being able to catch them out at their scheming, and show them up for what they really are.
Elizabeth was happy when she started to recognise the land leading up to Huntingdon, and then seeing Huntingdon itself. She had missed her home town and all the familiarity. She had missed all of the local places that held so many memories for her: Bakers Hill, Stanley Park and her orchard. As she took a walk through the grounds she remembered the last month that she had spent there so happily. She would be that happy again soon, when she and Max could finally be together.
The first week back home passed very quickly, spent by Elizabeth resting to recover from the journey. By the end of the week, her parents were no longer concerned about the state of her health, and she was at leisure to pass her time as she wished. She decided to pay a call on some of the tenants who lived in the cottages on her property. She used to visit them regularly, bringing them gifts of food when she came. She felt bad for having neglected them while she had been away.
In particular there was a widow named Mrs Jones, who Elizabeth’s father had let stay on, even though her husband had died. Elizabeth went to call on her first, bringing a basket of bread and soup with her.
“Oh Miss Parker! It is so nice of you to come and visit me. I have missed your visits since you have been away. They told me you were unwell, but I am glad to see you are better.” Mrs Jones began on seeing Elizabeth enter the cottage. She tried to rise to greet her, but being ill, began a coughing fit.
“No please, sit down. Look after yourself. I have brought you soup to make you better. How are you feeling?” Elizabeth said.
“Oh I am much better, I have had my daughter to look after me, poor child.”
“Why poor child? She is not unwell I hope?”
“Not exactly ... Please do not think me impertinent, but ... Has what I’ve heard true? Are you to marry Mr Harding?”
Elizabeth was a bit shocked by the question. Why did everyone believe that was so inevitable? And how had the rumours spread so far?
“No, I am not.” She replied.
“I am so relieved to hear that Miss Parker.”
“Why relieved? Please tell me what this is about? Do you know something of Mr Harding?” Elizabeth questioned.
“Yes I do, and it involves my own daughter. You know that my daughter was working as a nursery maid out a grand house in Brighton?” Elizabeth nodded. “Well six months ago, Mr Harding was a guest at that house. From the very moment he saw her, her pursued her, and convinced her that he was in love her. Well now she is pregnant with his child, and has been sent away from Brighton in disgrace. Mr Harding knows of the child, yet has refused to marry my daughter, or help her in any way. There are rumours that he has great gambling debts and the only possible way he could afford to discharge them is to marry well.” Mrs Jones paused, giving Elizabeth time for it all to sink in.
“This is shocking. I knew he was selfish, but I had no idea he was this bad. I don’t know what to say...”
“I am just so glad that I had the opportunity of telling you before it was too late.”
“Thankyou so much for your kindness. But how is your daughter? Is she staying with you now?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes she is, and she is such a blessing to me.”
The two women talked a little longer, until Elizabeth decided it was time to leave. All the way home she thought over what she had heard. On reaching her bedchamber, immediately picked up a pen and paper to write to Max, asking him to come immediately.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
That night, the family was seated together in the drawing room after dinner. Now that Isabel was staying with them, Elizabeth was able to get relief from Tess and Sean, who were no longer able to monopolise her attention when Isabel was there to stand guard. Elizabeth was extremely grateful for the relief, especially on this night. After hearing the facts of Sean’ background, she could no longer look at him, let alone talk to him civilly.
Elizabeth excused herself earlier than usual from the company, with the reason that she had fatigued herself too much that day. She was never argued with now when it came to her health, so her family were quite content to see her retire. She did not however go straight to he bed chamber, but decided to get some fresh air. She wanted to again be on the balcony outside the ballroom where she had been with Max. It commanded the best view from the house, and also held some of the best memories for her.
She stepped into the ballroom with her single candle in hand. The room seemed so different in the dark and empty of people, but she remembered how it had been that night of the ball so long ago. Elizabeth blew out her candle and stepped onto the balcony. There was a slight breeze in the air, and she breathed in deeply. She again thought of Max, he had scarcely left her mind all evening.
“Oh Max, I wish you were here.” She said out loud. Not expecting any answer besides the wind in the trees, she was surprised when Max came up beside her.
“I am.” he replied, touching her on the shoulder.
“Oh Max! When did you get here?” she questioned, unable to contain her joy.
“Less than an hour ago. I came straight here in the hope of seeing you tonight. It was only by chance that I was walking below when I saw you step onto the balcony.”
“I came out for some fresh air and solitude.” Elizabeth replied.
“It is a beautiful night.” Max said, pausing to look at the moon. “Especially because I have some good news to tell you.”
“So do I. But you go first.”
“Well I saw my friend in Brighton who told me about an alliance between your cousin and one of his servants.”
“Yes, a nursery maid, who is now bearing his child.” Elizabeth continued.
“Yes ... but how did you know?”
“She is the daughter of one of the cottagers, I spoke to her mother today and she told me everything. She also told me that Mr Harding also has significant gambling debts to be paid.”
“Yes I know. I have spoken to many creditors in both London and Brighton, the debt is significant indeed.”
“So what shall we do now? How will we use this information?” Elizabeth asked.
They were suddenly interrupted by the sound of someone coming along the pebble path below. Max took Elizabeth’s hand and they hid in the shadows to prevent being seen. Shortly Sean and Tess came into sight, deep in discussion.
“I cannot believe, out of all the places in England, her mother should live in Huntingdon, and at Beechwood as well!” they could hear Tess say.
“Yes, it surprised me to. I was quite shocked on seeing her today. Luckily she did not see me, or it could all be over for the both of us ... But you know it means that I have to leave, as I can’t risk being exposed. I can’t risk Elizabeth knowing about my past. I would have no chance with her then.” Sean replied. Max held Elizabeth’s hand tighter.
“What are you going to do?” Tess asked.
“I have no choice but to leave tomorrow.”
“And what about our cousin?”
“I am hoping that she will come with me. I am going to ask her again to be my wife. I am confident I may succeed this time. Through none of our doing Max has not been to see her since the accident, and I know that cut her deeply. I am sure that she has now quite given up on him, and ready to love again.” Sean said confidently.
“I hope you are right brother. But what will you do if she denies you for a second time? Have you made any plans?”
“No ... I have tried not to think of that possibility. If she refuses me I don’t know what I shall do. I have too many debts to pay ...” At this point their voices trailed off, and Max and Elizabeth were left in the dark. The silence enfolded them as they thought about what they had heard. Elizabeth began to shiver, partly from the cold and partly from the shock of what she had overheard. Max lead her inside into the ballroom, and enfolded her in his arms to comfort her and keep her warm.
“Are you alright?” He asked.
“Yes ... no ... my money. He only wanted my money ... I cannot believe it ...” she stammered. “I did not believe he could be that bad.”
“Do not worry my love, tomorrow it will all be over. I will come as soon as I can in the morning, and put an end to their schemes and plans. I will never let anyone hurt you again.”
“I know.” Elizabeth whispered.
Max held her tighter, and trying to lighten her thoughts he said, “And now, before I go, may I have this dance?”
“Dance? But there is no music!” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“Can you not hear it. The musicians are over there in the corner,” Max said pointing, “and the candles are lit. Can you see it now?”
Elizabeth nodded, and taking Max’s hand they danced together in the darkened ballroom.
Elizabeth (M/L, TEEN, AU) Complete 19/6/06
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
Thanks everyone. I've been overwhelmed by the amount of feedback for this fic (I really didn't think it was any good 
). This is the last part, so I hope you enjoy it.
Oh, and I should fess up to 'borrowing' the concept of the gig scene from 'Sanditon' which was the book Jane Austen didn't get to finish before she died (later finished by someone else).
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
The next morning Elizabeth and Isabel were strolling through the orchard together after breakfast. Elizabeth had been telling Isabel of what she and Max had discovered, and Isabel was shocked by the news. Before Elizabeth could reveal to Isabel Sean’ intention to propose again, they were interrupted by Tess who had come to claim Isabel for Lady Nancy. Elizabeth did not want Isabel to leave her side, but there was no refusing a request from her mother, especially without arousing any suspicions in Tess.
Isabel had not gone for more than a few minutes when Sean came up behind Elizabeth. He seemed distracted, or anxious about something. Elizabeth could only guess that it was what she was afraid of - he had come to propose, sending Tess to remove Isabel from Elizabeth’s side. Elizabeth had desperately hoped that Max would arrive before Sean found a chance to speak to her. She looked around nervously, to see if Max was in sight, but found she and Sean were quite alone.
“Yes we are alone.” Sean began, following her gaze. “And I am glad because there is something particular I need to ask you. You have probably guessed what it is, you can’t but have helped noticing that my feelings for you have not ceased since the last time I spoke to you. I am here again to ask you to consent to be my wife.”
“Mr Harding please!” Elizabeth exclaimed, not wanting to hear anymore.
“How can you be surprised? Just because you found inconstancy in one man, you expect to find it in every man. But I am hear to say it is not so.” Sean replied.
Elizabeth spun around and stared him in the eye.
“What are you talking about?” she demanded.
“Why, of Mr Evans.”
“How do you know about that? I have never mentioned him.”
“Um ... well ... Isabel must have mentioned it one day. Yes I am sure that is where I heard it.”
Elizabeth just continued to glare at him, knowing the true source of his information.
“All I am saying is that if Mr Evans had been constant to you, he would be here right now. But he is not, and I am. Does not that prove my love for you? Does not that show you we are meant to be together?” He asked.
“You do not know what you are talking about. You know nothing of Mr Evans, and you know nothing of love. The love you believe you feel is a selfish love. You only want me as a possession, and I refuse to be someone’s ornament... Please do not ask me again, I have already told you that I shall not marry you, and I will tell you again and again if you persist in asking. Now I shall return to the house, excuse me.” Elizabeth said as she turned up the path leading to the house.
“Elizabeth wait!” Sean called. “Surely you cannot be refusing me! I need you.”
“Need me? I believe you mean you need my fortune! You never loved me; you loved the money that came with me. I am just a quick way of getting rich, with little inconvenience to yourself. Tell me, what would you spend the money on first, you gambling debts, or your child when it is born?” Elizabeth said, her anger rising.
“What? How did you know about that?” Sean said, his face going deathly white.
“Huntingdon is a small place Mr Harding. Secrets do not stay secret for long.” she replied.
By this stage they were standing at the entrance of the manor, where there was a gig harnessed and waiting.
“Well Elizabeth, now that you know everything there is nothing left to lose.” Sean said as he grabbed her by the arm and placed her in the gig. Elizabeth tried to struggle, but was no match for his strength. Sean took the reigns and the horses bolted off at full speed.
“Where do you think you are taking me?” Elizabeth shouted.
“To a little place known as Gretna Green. I presume you have heard of it.”
“Are you mad?”
“No quite sane thank you. For months I have spent all of my time and energy on pleasing you, and attending to you. That time will not have been spent in vain! You owe me, and you shall marry me!” He exclaimed.
“I do not owe you anything, and there is certainly no way I shall consent to be your wife!”
“Well it does not seem you have much of a choice. No one knows where you are, and by the time they do it shall be too late. I know a clergyman who will marry us, even without the bride’s consent! You see, nothing can be done to stop the inevitable. You might as well get used to the idea that you will soon be my wife.”
Elizabeth was so angry that she could not speak. She could not believe how ridiculous Sean being. How did he honestly believe that he would get away with this, especially trying to elope in a gig!
Eventually the horses began to fatigue so the gig began to slow. Sean let them canter for a while, believing them to be far enough away from danger. Elizabeth thought she would try to talk sense to him, hoping it was not too late to stop this madness.
“If you turn the gig around right now it is not too late. I shall not tell anyone what you tried to do, and you shall leave Huntingdon with your dignity.” Elizabeth offered.
“You are joking! Why should I give up everything now? Give me one good reason.” Sean exclaimed.
“Because there is no possible way that you will get away with this. There are certain people who will chase you down. I am giving you the opportunity to at least leave with something.”
“And who are these people that I should be so afraid of.”
“Mr Evans for starters.” Elizabeth said coolly.
“Mr Evans! He is more than twenty miles away in London!” Sean laughed.
“Actually he is not; he is about twenty yards away, coming up behind us on horseback!” It was Elizabeth’s turn to laugh.
“What!” Sean yelled as he turned around, just moments before Max came up next to the gig. Sean tried to spur the horses on, but they were too fatigued to outrun a single horse.
When Max came up beside them he had to fight a strong urge to punch Sean in the face, but he restrained himself and grabbed the reigns instead. The horses quickly stopped, glad of the chance to rest.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?” Max said as he jumped down from his horse.
Elizabeth got down from the gig, and ran over to embrace him. Sean looked at them in shock.
“I am fine Max. Just a little shaken, that is all. But how did you find me?”
“I arrived less than five minutes after you left. Isabel told me what direction she had seen you leave in, while Miss Harding was busy trying to persuade me that you had simply gone for a country drive. She will find it very uncomfortable when your parents are told the truth. And as for you sir,” Max said addressing Sean, “I should horsewhip you for attempting to kidnap my future wife!”
“Future wife!” Sean exclaimed.
“Oh yes, you are not the only one with secrets Mr Harding, and believe me I know all about yours. Soon all of your friends and relatives will know of them.” Max threatened.
“You wouldn’t, you can’t!” Sean exclaimed.
“Just try me!”
Sean went pale for the second time that morning. He looked confused and scared. He grabbed the reigns again, and the horses bolted. Max went to jump on his horse to catch him but Elizabeth persuaded him to let Sean go.
“I am just glad I could reach you in time,” Max started, “I am just sorry I was not five minutes sooner this morning.”
“Do not worry, no harm was done, and I am sure we will not see Mr Harding again in the near future. And his sister will not stay long at Beechwood Manor once the truth is told.” Elizabeth said in comfort.
“Let us go home.” Max said as he lifted Elizabeth onto his horse. They had a slow journey home with Max walking beside.
When Elizabeth’s parents were told the full story, of Sean’ history and his behaviour that day, they were obviously shocked. They could not believe that someone so closely related could act so terribly. Once the shock began to fade, it was Tess who felt the brunt of their anger. She tried to defend Sean, and herself for that matter, in vain. Within an hour she was immediately sent out of the house with the instructions never to return. After the house began to settle, Max and Elizabeth announced their engagement to her parents, who were overjoyed to give them their blessing. Isabel was the happiest of all, now finally having Elizabeth as her true sister. Even happier, when no more than a week later a proposal to herself from Mr Whitman followed, which she gladly accepted.
The weddings took place within the month, and the two couples moved to London. Max and Elizabeth settled in Max’s newly inherited house and Alex and Isabel found a situation no more than a few doors away. The four friends were in each others company almost every day, and made frequent visits back home to Huntingdon. Within a year the first children were born, and the two cousins were best friends from the very beginning.
As for Sean and Tess, they were no longer accepted into good society, and after a number of years their whereabouts were completely unknown. Sean had been forced to repay his gambling debts as well as provide a sum of money for the upbringing of his child. Neither Sean or Tess ever married, living in squalor together until their dying days. Max and Elizabeth on the other hand moved in the first circles wherever they went, and were both admired for their grace and their beauty. What stuck people most, however, was that after twenty years of marriage it was obvious how much they loved each other, just from the way they looked into each others eyes. This was definitely one couple who could honestly say they lived happily ever after.
). This is the last part, so I hope you enjoy it. Oh, and I should fess up to 'borrowing' the concept of the gig scene from 'Sanditon' which was the book Jane Austen didn't get to finish before she died (later finished by someone else).
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
The next morning Elizabeth and Isabel were strolling through the orchard together after breakfast. Elizabeth had been telling Isabel of what she and Max had discovered, and Isabel was shocked by the news. Before Elizabeth could reveal to Isabel Sean’ intention to propose again, they were interrupted by Tess who had come to claim Isabel for Lady Nancy. Elizabeth did not want Isabel to leave her side, but there was no refusing a request from her mother, especially without arousing any suspicions in Tess.
Isabel had not gone for more than a few minutes when Sean came up behind Elizabeth. He seemed distracted, or anxious about something. Elizabeth could only guess that it was what she was afraid of - he had come to propose, sending Tess to remove Isabel from Elizabeth’s side. Elizabeth had desperately hoped that Max would arrive before Sean found a chance to speak to her. She looked around nervously, to see if Max was in sight, but found she and Sean were quite alone.
“Yes we are alone.” Sean began, following her gaze. “And I am glad because there is something particular I need to ask you. You have probably guessed what it is, you can’t but have helped noticing that my feelings for you have not ceased since the last time I spoke to you. I am here again to ask you to consent to be my wife.”
“Mr Harding please!” Elizabeth exclaimed, not wanting to hear anymore.
“How can you be surprised? Just because you found inconstancy in one man, you expect to find it in every man. But I am hear to say it is not so.” Sean replied.
Elizabeth spun around and stared him in the eye.
“What are you talking about?” she demanded.
“Why, of Mr Evans.”
“How do you know about that? I have never mentioned him.”
“Um ... well ... Isabel must have mentioned it one day. Yes I am sure that is where I heard it.”
Elizabeth just continued to glare at him, knowing the true source of his information.
“All I am saying is that if Mr Evans had been constant to you, he would be here right now. But he is not, and I am. Does not that prove my love for you? Does not that show you we are meant to be together?” He asked.
“You do not know what you are talking about. You know nothing of Mr Evans, and you know nothing of love. The love you believe you feel is a selfish love. You only want me as a possession, and I refuse to be someone’s ornament... Please do not ask me again, I have already told you that I shall not marry you, and I will tell you again and again if you persist in asking. Now I shall return to the house, excuse me.” Elizabeth said as she turned up the path leading to the house.
“Elizabeth wait!” Sean called. “Surely you cannot be refusing me! I need you.”
“Need me? I believe you mean you need my fortune! You never loved me; you loved the money that came with me. I am just a quick way of getting rich, with little inconvenience to yourself. Tell me, what would you spend the money on first, you gambling debts, or your child when it is born?” Elizabeth said, her anger rising.
“What? How did you know about that?” Sean said, his face going deathly white.
“Huntingdon is a small place Mr Harding. Secrets do not stay secret for long.” she replied.
By this stage they were standing at the entrance of the manor, where there was a gig harnessed and waiting.
“Well Elizabeth, now that you know everything there is nothing left to lose.” Sean said as he grabbed her by the arm and placed her in the gig. Elizabeth tried to struggle, but was no match for his strength. Sean took the reigns and the horses bolted off at full speed.
“Where do you think you are taking me?” Elizabeth shouted.
“To a little place known as Gretna Green. I presume you have heard of it.”
“Are you mad?”
“No quite sane thank you. For months I have spent all of my time and energy on pleasing you, and attending to you. That time will not have been spent in vain! You owe me, and you shall marry me!” He exclaimed.
“I do not owe you anything, and there is certainly no way I shall consent to be your wife!”
“Well it does not seem you have much of a choice. No one knows where you are, and by the time they do it shall be too late. I know a clergyman who will marry us, even without the bride’s consent! You see, nothing can be done to stop the inevitable. You might as well get used to the idea that you will soon be my wife.”
Elizabeth was so angry that she could not speak. She could not believe how ridiculous Sean being. How did he honestly believe that he would get away with this, especially trying to elope in a gig!
Eventually the horses began to fatigue so the gig began to slow. Sean let them canter for a while, believing them to be far enough away from danger. Elizabeth thought she would try to talk sense to him, hoping it was not too late to stop this madness.
“If you turn the gig around right now it is not too late. I shall not tell anyone what you tried to do, and you shall leave Huntingdon with your dignity.” Elizabeth offered.
“You are joking! Why should I give up everything now? Give me one good reason.” Sean exclaimed.
“Because there is no possible way that you will get away with this. There are certain people who will chase you down. I am giving you the opportunity to at least leave with something.”
“And who are these people that I should be so afraid of.”
“Mr Evans for starters.” Elizabeth said coolly.
“Mr Evans! He is more than twenty miles away in London!” Sean laughed.
“Actually he is not; he is about twenty yards away, coming up behind us on horseback!” It was Elizabeth’s turn to laugh.
“What!” Sean yelled as he turned around, just moments before Max came up next to the gig. Sean tried to spur the horses on, but they were too fatigued to outrun a single horse.
When Max came up beside them he had to fight a strong urge to punch Sean in the face, but he restrained himself and grabbed the reigns instead. The horses quickly stopped, glad of the chance to rest.
“Elizabeth, are you alright?” Max said as he jumped down from his horse.
Elizabeth got down from the gig, and ran over to embrace him. Sean looked at them in shock.
“I am fine Max. Just a little shaken, that is all. But how did you find me?”
“I arrived less than five minutes after you left. Isabel told me what direction she had seen you leave in, while Miss Harding was busy trying to persuade me that you had simply gone for a country drive. She will find it very uncomfortable when your parents are told the truth. And as for you sir,” Max said addressing Sean, “I should horsewhip you for attempting to kidnap my future wife!”
“Future wife!” Sean exclaimed.
“Oh yes, you are not the only one with secrets Mr Harding, and believe me I know all about yours. Soon all of your friends and relatives will know of them.” Max threatened.
“You wouldn’t, you can’t!” Sean exclaimed.
“Just try me!”
Sean went pale for the second time that morning. He looked confused and scared. He grabbed the reigns again, and the horses bolted. Max went to jump on his horse to catch him but Elizabeth persuaded him to let Sean go.
“I am just glad I could reach you in time,” Max started, “I am just sorry I was not five minutes sooner this morning.”
“Do not worry, no harm was done, and I am sure we will not see Mr Harding again in the near future. And his sister will not stay long at Beechwood Manor once the truth is told.” Elizabeth said in comfort.
“Let us go home.” Max said as he lifted Elizabeth onto his horse. They had a slow journey home with Max walking beside.
When Elizabeth’s parents were told the full story, of Sean’ history and his behaviour that day, they were obviously shocked. They could not believe that someone so closely related could act so terribly. Once the shock began to fade, it was Tess who felt the brunt of their anger. She tried to defend Sean, and herself for that matter, in vain. Within an hour she was immediately sent out of the house with the instructions never to return. After the house began to settle, Max and Elizabeth announced their engagement to her parents, who were overjoyed to give them their blessing. Isabel was the happiest of all, now finally having Elizabeth as her true sister. Even happier, when no more than a week later a proposal to herself from Mr Whitman followed, which she gladly accepted.
The weddings took place within the month, and the two couples moved to London. Max and Elizabeth settled in Max’s newly inherited house and Alex and Isabel found a situation no more than a few doors away. The four friends were in each others company almost every day, and made frequent visits back home to Huntingdon. Within a year the first children were born, and the two cousins were best friends from the very beginning.
As for Sean and Tess, they were no longer accepted into good society, and after a number of years their whereabouts were completely unknown. Sean had been forced to repay his gambling debts as well as provide a sum of money for the upbringing of his child. Neither Sean or Tess ever married, living in squalor together until their dying days. Max and Elizabeth on the other hand moved in the first circles wherever they went, and were both admired for their grace and their beauty. What stuck people most, however, was that after twenty years of marriage it was obvious how much they loved each other, just from the way they looked into each others eyes. This was definitely one couple who could honestly say they lived happily ever after.
"Do you see what we’ve done?
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves..."
Paramore - Decode
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves..."
Paramore - Decode