Notes:

1 - I made some changes in chapter 1, Jane inherited her mother's settlement, but it is not 12.000 pounds. There is an explanation about her dowry.

2 - Jane is not 'evil' in this story, quite the opposite. But she is deeply disappointed and doesn't understand several things.

PPP

The Gardiners had been an influential family in Meryton for three generations. Mr. Gardiner, the head of family, was the only solicitor in town and had earned a reputation for his legal expertise and integrity. Twice a month, he would travel to a nearby town, which was about 10 miles away, to assist his childless uncle – who also was a solicitor. He would stay there for three days before returning to Meryton.

The family had suffered a great loss, Mr. Gardiner's wife had passed away when their youngest daughter, Fanny, was only three years old. The couple had two other children – Edward who was five years old, and Maria, the eldest daughter, who was seven years old at the time.

After his wife's death, did not want to remarry. Rumours about Mr. Gardiner's personal life had spread around the town. Rumours said that he had a wealthy, widowed mistress who lived in the other town where he travelled. Nevertheless, he continued to be a respected member of the community, and his family was well-regarded in Meryton.

Fanny and, to a lesser extent, Maria, grew up without much supervision in their education, since Mr. Gardiner only had time to dedicate to Edward's education, who eventually became a successful solicitor like his father.

Maria, at the age of 19, met Mr. Phillips, who was a young apprentice working under her father. The following year, they became engaged. Meanwhile, Edward, at the age of 18, left for university, as his father wanted him to have all the advantages of a good education as a gentleman.

On the other hand, Fanny, who was just 16 years old, convinced her father to let her go to the monthly Meryton assembly with her sister and Mr. Phillips. Since Fanny was beautiful and also flirtatious and lacking in common sense; she was quite popular amongst gentlemen. As soon as she arrived at the assembly, her dance card was filled, and she never had to sit down during a set.

Within a few weeks of her entry into society, a regiment of soldiers was settled close to Meryton, and that was Fanny's downfall.

One of the soldiers, Captain John Terryl, was the eldest son of a wealthy gentleman, his father had enlisted him as a form of punishment for his misbehaviour. He was a man of great charm and charisma, with a handsome face and friendly demeanour. However, he also had a reputation for being a liar, seductive and having a weakness for young women.

Amongst the young ladies of Meryton, there were several who found themselves drawn to Captain Terryl's charms, and amongst them was Fanny. With little supervision, Fanny found herself shamelessly flirting with Captain Terryl, who was all too happy to reciprocate.

As time went on, Captain Terryl began to take liberties with Fanny. At first, they were subtle gestures, but as the days went by, they became bolder and more daring. Fanny, in her naivety, did not question that they were seeing each other secretly. She believed Captain Terryl when he told her that he loved her and wanted to marry her.

Three months after meeting Captain Terryl, Fanny's father was out of town for a week, leaving Fanny with the perfect opportunity to secretly meet his beloved John. Fanny gave him her virtue and was convinced that they were going to get married. That week, they met three more times in the same place.

However, the course of Fanny's life took a drastic turn when her father returned to Meryton. Her dear John started ignoring her completely. Days later, he left for London without any explanation.

Fanny was left heartbroken and confused by his sudden change in behaviour. She soon found out that her beloved John had resigned his commission and gone back to his father's estate. A young soldier took pity on Fanny and revealed a shocking truth – Captain Terryl never intended to marry her. In fact, he was already engaged to one of his cousins.

This revelation shattered Fanny's dreams and left her feeling betrayed. She could not believe that someone she trusted and cared for could deceive her in such a callous manner.

Fanny was deeply distressed and everything got worse as the weeks went by and she realized that she did not have her menses. Desperate, she decided to tell everything to her sister, who was visibly worried about her...

"Fanny, please, do not cry any more. You have to forget about that scoundrel completely. There are other gentlemen out there, even more handsome than Captain Terryl," Maria consoled her sister.

But Fanny continued to cry and said, "Sister, you do not understand... I have to tell you something..., promise me you will help me."

"Of course, Fanny. I will always be here to help you."

"Mr. Terryl took advantage of me..." Fanny trailed off.

Alarmed, Maria asked, "What did he do to you, Fanny? Please, tell me!"

"I swear I did not want to, and I tried to stop him," Fanny continued to cry, "but he was stronger than me and forced me, and then abandoned me."

Maria was shocked and after a long pause she said, "Fanny, we must talk to Father and report him. He should pay the consequences of such a vile act; he should marry you!"

"No, I don't want to report him..." She took a deep breath, "Ayyy, sister, I am scared… the last time I have my menses was seven weeks ago."

"No, it cannot be Fanny. We have to talk to Father urgently so he can do something."

Distressed, Fanny shook her head, "Father doesn't care about me, and he will probably throw me out of the house... I cannot take such a risk... Please, Maria…"

After thinking for a few minutes, Maria said, "Fanny, you have to get married as soon as possible, and Mr. Terryl has to take responsibility."

"But Mr. Terryl left the militia. Captain Miller told me that he told him that he was promised to his cousin, and probably he is married now..."

Maria was so worried about her sister that she even confided in her fiancé, hoping he could help her find a way to resolve Fanny's situation. Two days later, Mr. Phillips came up with an idea. He suggested that at the upcoming monthly assembly in Meryton, they could carefully orchestrate a plan to compromise a gentleman, but Fanny could make it appear that a gentleman was taking advantage of her in front of all the neighbours. This way, Fanny could save her reputation, and the gentleman would be forced to marry her.

Three possible honourable gentlemen had ties to the Gardiners, and due to the scandal and censure of the town they would be forced to marry Fanny; they were their cousin Frederick Carey, Mr. Goulding and Thomas Bennet.