CECILY, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction
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CECILY
Blurb: While Elizabeth Bennet is visiting Mrs. Gardner in London, they meet an injured young woman with a mysterious past.
Chapter 1
(Warning: The subject of sexual assault is raised in this story.)
Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn, in Hertfordshire, was half way through a four-week visit in London with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner. It was a pleasure to be with her mother’s brother and his wife, with whom she felt a special bond, and she was in London as often as her family was willing to part with her.
Walking was one of Elizabeth’s favorite pastimes, and at home she would range near and far around the countryside. In London, circumstances were different. Her aunt, concerned for Elizabeth’s safety, would not allow her to walk about alone, but would accompany her on her walks. On this particular day, they were enjoying the cool spring weather in a park near Gracechurch Street, the location of Mrs. Gardiner’s home. The park was large and contained many paths and walks, some of them providing a feeling of solitude despite being in the city.
“Aunt,” began Elizabeth, “thank you for accompanying me on my walk. The weather is so pleasant, and I cannot imagine remaining within doors the entire day.”
“Lizzy,” scolded her aunt, “I have walked out with you everyday since you have been here. You sound as though you were a caged bird. You are not trapped in the house.”
“I know, and you are very kind to do so I know the children keep you quite busy. Perhaps we can bring them with us tomorrow?”
“Well, Lizzy, you know the younger ones cannot walk fast or far.”
“I know, but we could walk just a short way.”
“That is a wonderful idea, Lizzy. Thank you for suggesting…”
“Aunt, look,” cried Elizabeth as she pointed to the side of the path, “there is a girl on the ground by those trees.”
“That is odd that she should be there.”
“She is crying. She could be hurt. We should go to her,” said Elizabeth as she left the trail to walk towards the young woman.
“Be careful, Lizzy.” Having lived in town for quite a while, Mrs. Gardiner had learned to be suspicious of strangers. For all she knew, this could be an attempt to entrap her niece.
Elizabeth, on the other hand, grew up in the country where she was innocent of the knowledge of the dangers of the city. All she saw was a person in need of her assistance. That she might be putting herself in danger was the farthest thing from her mind.
“Lizzy, what seems to be the matter?” asked Mrs. Gardiner as they approached the girl.
“I do not know, Aunt.”
Addressing the young lady, Elizabeth asked, “Are you hurt? Do you need help?”
She did not reply.
“Here,” continued Elizabeth, “are you able to stand?”
The girl whispered in the affirmative.
“Let us sit on the bench over there. Here you go.”
The young lady allowed herself to be guided to a bench and sat down next to Elizabeth. In other circumstances, she would be considered a pretty girl. She was perhaps sixteen or seventeen years of age. Her dark hair was in disarray. She wore a pearl white gown, and though it was soiled, it appeared to be made of costly fabric.
Her appearance suggested that she had spent the night out of doors. It was obvious to Mrs. Gardiner that this was a girl of some position in society, who had found herself abandoned and alone in a London park. The girl had been weeping when Elizabeth came upon her, and it was her cries that drew Elizabeth’s attention.
“My name is Elizabeth. Will you tell me your name?”
Elizabeth took her hand, and it felt chilled, which explained why the girl was shivering. She took off her shawl and put it around the young woman, pulling it tightly around her.
“There, we must get you warm,” said Elizabeth.
“I…I cannot tell you my name,” whispered the girl. As Elizabeth continued to look at her, she realized that not all the marks on her face were from dirt, but that someone had beaten her. Elizabeth felt her anger rise.
“Oh, no! Where did you get those bruises? Who did this to you?” pressed Elizabeth.
“I cannot tell you. Please forgive me.”
Elizabeth was not completely surprised at her reticence. She was, after all, a perfect stranger.
“Please, let me help you. Where are you from?”
“I no longer have a home. After what I did, I cannot see my brother ever again.” She started to cry, and Elizabeth took her in her arms. The girl leaned heavily against Elizabeth, as if she were starved for love and affection. Elizabeth stroked her hair and shushed her into silence.
“I am certain that he loves you very much and is very worried about you.”
“He does not know what happened, for he is away on the Continent. He must never know, so I cannot see him ever again.”
“Will you tell me what happened?”
“No!” cried the girl. “I can never tell anyone. I wish I could forget it, but I cannot. I can never tell!”
She was extremely disturbed by whatever had happened to her, but Elizabeth would not tolerate her spending another night out alone.
“Aunt, would you be willing…”
“Yes, Elizabeth, of course,” said her aunt, understanding from the look on Elizabeth’s face what her request would be. Then addressing herself to the girl, she said, “My name is Mrs. Gardiner, and I live nearby. Lizzy and I want to take you home where we can give you food, shelter, clean clothes and a place to stay until matters can be decided. Come with us.” Her voice was that of a mother speaking to an injured child. She was gentle, but firm and not allowing for opposition.
“If you knew me,” said the girl, “you would not want me in your house.”
“That is not true,” replied Elizabeth. “We want you to come with us. Please come.”
The young lady closed her eyes as if in some kind of internal struggle. At last she spoke.
“Very well. Thank you,” was the whispered reply.
Elizabeth stood and helped the girl to her feet. Mrs. Gardiner assisted by taking the girl’s other arm, and together they supported her for the short walk to the Gardiner residence.
~~~//~~~
Once inside the house, Mrs. Gardiner called for tea. While observing all the rules of etiquette and good breeding, it was obvious that the girl was nearly starved, and she ate with enthusiasm all that Mrs. Gardiner provided for her.
“Will you tell me your name, Miss? My name is Lizzy Bennet.”
“Please do not be angry with me, but I cannot tell you my name. I fear you will seek my family, and I can never return to them.”
“I am sure you are mistaken and that your family loves you.”
“My brother will not once he learns what I have done. He will be pained, and I cannot bear to hurt him.”
Elizabeth wondered just what it was that she had done, for it appeared to her that she was a victim of cruelty and hardly possessed that faculty herself.
“Very well. If it will make you feel more comfortable, then I will not ask your name again. You need not tell me anything you choose not to reveal.”
“Thank you. Lizzy, please do not be angry.
They sat in silence for a moment as they finished their tea. When it appeared that the young lady had eaten all she desired, Elizabeth spoke.
“Aunt, will you call for some bath water?” Then turning to the girl, she said, “I am certain you will feel much better after a bath. It is almost evening. You can bathe and dress in a nightgown I have for you, and then we will put you to bed. You must be very tired.”
The young woman appeared to be much revived from having eaten and did not require assistance climbing the stairs to Elizabeth’s dressing room, where warm bath water was awaiting her.
“Is the water too warm for you?” asked Elizabeth as she tested the water with her hand.
“No, it is comfortable,” replied the girl when she had dipped her fingers in the tub.
“Do you need help undressing?”
“NO! I mean, no, thank you. I shall manage,” she answered, and then said more calmly, “I do not mean to cause you so much bother, Lizzy”
Elizabeth smiled at the girl. “Here. Ring this bell when you are dressed and I shall immediately come to you.”
“Thank you, Lizzy.”
“You are very welcome.”
~~~//~~~
“Are you feeling any better?” asked Elizabeth when the young lady had bathed and dressed.
“Yes, thank you. Oh, Lizzy, I am so sorry for all the trouble I am causing you. I can hardly endure your kindness. I do not deserve it, but I have no place to go, I…”
Elizabeth stopped her with an embrace. “Please, there is no reason for you to say such things. You are very welcome here, and I am glad to have you for a companion. That does bring up a little problem, though.”
Elizabeth felt the girl tense at the suggestion of a problem.
“Oh, I did not mean…I know that you cannot reveal your name, so may I choose one for you? I have to call you something, you know,” laughed Elizabeth.
“Yes,” smiled the young woman, “I suppose you must. What name will you choose?”
“I will call you Cecily.”
The young lady wrinkled her nose and asked, “Cecily?”
“Yes. Cecily Neville, because she was the mother of kings and duchesses and was as beautiful as a rose.”
The girl turned her head away from Elizabeth and her eyes began to tear. “None of those things are true about me, Lizzy, they never will be.”
~~~//~~~
It had taken some coaxing on Elizabeth’s part to persuade Cecily to lie down to bed. She was to occupy the other bed in Elizabeth’s bedchamber, but was concerned that she was intruding on Elizabeth’s privacy and begged to sleep on a sofa in the drawing room. Elizabeth, of course, would not hear of it.
Elizabeth sat with Cecily until she was assured that she was asleep and then retired herself. It was some time before she could sleep as she pondered the mystery of the young woman now known as Cecily.
Elizabeth was awakened by a scream and saw Cecily thrashing around in the bed, pulling the bedclothes up around her chin. She had rolled in the blanket and appeared trapped and confined. Clearly, she was panicking. Elizabeth sat on Cecily’s bed and carefully moved the blankets aside. The cool air seemed to calm the girl. Elizabeth bent down and stroked her face while murmuring soothing words. It was not long before Cecily began to relax, became quiet and fell back asleep.
~~~//~~~
Elizabeth woke up before Cecily and sat quietly brushing out her hair. She was able to observe Cecily awakening by watching her reflection in the glass. Setting down her brush, she crossed the room to Cecily’s bed and sat on the edge of it.
“Good morning, Cecily.”
Cecily glanced at Elizabeth with a curious expression on her face before recollecting herself.
“Good morning, Lizzy. Forgive me, but I am not used to that name.”
“You will grow accustomed to it. How are you feeling? I fear you did not sleep well.”
“I am tired. I know you came to me in the night. I was terrified that it was happening all over again.”
“That must have been horrible for you. Will you tell me what happened?”
“I am afraid of what you will think of me.”
“I will always think well of you, Cecily. Please do not fear me.”
Cecily nervously shook her head. “No, I cannot tell you.”
“Very well, but whatever happened, it will not happen while you are in this house.”
“You do not know how much that means to me.”
Elizabeth got up from the bed, pulled the curtain aside and looked out the window. It was a delicious morning.
“What shall we do today, Cecily?”
Elizabeth could see darkness suffuse Cecily’s countenance.
“I…I think I should probably leave you. It is not right that I stay here.”
“And why is that the case?” asked Elizabeth as she took her hand. “You are very welcome to be here. Indeed, until I am assured that you have a home with people who love you, I shall not part with you.”
“If you only knew me, you would despise me.”
“Cecily, I will not despise you. I think you would be comforted, though, if you would confide in me.”
“You will hate me.”
“I will not hate you! I like you and enjoy being with you more with each passing moment, and nothing you can say will change that.”
“Are you certain? Are you very sure? Your good opinion is all that I have now.”
“And it shall always be yours. Please, trust me.”
“I will tell you all but my name. I cannot risk that you may wish to return me to my family.”
“If that is what you want.”
Cecily began her tale. “My brother is ten years older than I. He raised me after the death of our parents. I never knew my mother, and I was quite young when my father died. I have very few memories of him. Before my father died, he made arrangements for the son of his steward to be raised with me by my brother. His parents had died, and my father had assumed his sole care and maintenance.”
A shudder passed through Cecily.
“His name is George. He was always very kind to me and we spent a great deal of time together. I confess that when he left for school with Fitz… I mean, my brother, that I missed him, but I had my studies to interest me. Well, recently he returned to …,” Cecily hesitated, then continued, “…my home. My brother was away on business on the Continent. George began to talk and act strangely. He said he was in love with me and began to touch me in ways I did not like. I was uncomfortable, yet I trusted George. He had always been my friend and was my brother’s friend.”
Elizabeth felt a cold, sick feeling develop in her stomach. Hiding the emotion, she encouraged Cecily to continue her story.
“One day, George said that we should be married.”
“When was that, Cecily?”
“A few days ago. I do not know. I am only sixteen, Lizzy, and I trusted George. He said we would go to Scotland and be married. He said it would be a very beautiful journey.”
“‘What about Fitzwilliam? Shall we not wait until he can join us?’ I asked of George.” A sigh and a smile escaped Cecily. “That is my brother’s name. Well, George thought that my brother would not approve of our marriage until after it had taken place, and then he would give his consent. Once again, I trusted George. Late one evening, just before we were to leave for Scotland, he came in my room. Although surprised to see him, I thought nothing of it, until he started to touch me again. I did not like it, and I told him so, but he said it was something that married people do, and since we were to be married, I should not be afraid.”
A sob escaped from Cecily, and she began to cry.
“I am so sorry, Cecily. You do not have to tell me any more. This must be difficult for you.”
“Lizzy, I have to unburden myself. I have to tell someone. I must tell you!”
“I just do not want to see you hurt again, that is all.”
Cecily lowered her eyes. “It is too late for that.”
Elizabeth could not respond, and they sat for a moment in silence until Cecily began again.
“George undressed me, and kissed me and did things to me that hurt. I was ashamed and terrified and asked that he stop and go away, but he would not leave. He did it again and again. I cried and yelled, but no one came. I fought to get away, but he pulled my hair and hit me many times until I stopped struggling. It was light outside before he left me.”
By now, Cecily was safely enclosed in Elizabeth’s arms as the memory of that night’s horrors nearly overcame her. Elizabeth made no effort to silence her tears, believing that they must eventually be shed. When she was quiet, Elizabeth asked a question that had troubled her.
“Did no one hear you when you cried out?”
Cecily shook her head.
“I found out that George had sent all the servants away so he could be alone with me. I was so sick after he left. I could not stop crying.”
Elizabeth’s heart broke that Cecily had suffered so much at the hands of man she trusted. Where was she to turn for comfort and safety if she could not receive it from her brother’s friend?
“I felt dirty,” continued Cecily. “I tried to wash myself, but I could not get clean. I had been disgraced. I knew I could not allow my brother to see me, and I was afraid that George would return, so I ran away. I had no place to go, so I gave my money to a man at the coaching inn at Lam…and he brought me to London. He asked where he could take me, but I would not answer. I knew of no place I could go where my brother would not find me. Finally, the coachman just stopped the carriage, lifted me out and drove off.”
Cecily’s voice grew louder and her speaking became more rapid. “That was two days ago. I wandered to the park, and you found me hiding under that tree. I was so afraid at night, but I did not know what to do. I stayed hidden and very quiet. I was so hungry and the bruises on my face hurt and I…”
“You do not have to…”
“…I know you must hate me now. I am so afraid. I do not know what to do. I wish I could die, but I fear that, too. I no longer have a family. I have no place to go.” Bitter tears poured down her cheeks and for a time she was insensible to anything that Elizabeth said.
“Oh, Cecily, please do not say that. I do not hate you and you do have a place to go.”
Elizabeth embraced her while Cecily’s tears dried. She grew quiet, and it was with a great deal of satisfaction that Elizabeth realized that Cecily had fallen asleep again. Knowing that rest would be the best thing for her, Elizabeth rose silently from the bed.
Assuming a chair where she could vigilantly watch over her young charge, Elizabeth settled in with a determination that no matter what, she would not abandon her. She would take her home to Longbourn and to the care of her brother and sister.
~~~//~~~
In the days that followed, Cecily gained in strength and confidence. After learning that she was not condemned by Elizabeth and assured that she would not repeat what she had told her in confidence, Cecily allowed herself to feel at home at the Gardiner’s residence. Elizabeth’s aunt cared for her with the attention of a mother, and she bought Cecily all the clothes and personal articles that she needed. Cecily, in turn, became more at ease and cried less. She never left Elizabeth’s side, though, and could not be prevailed on to leave the house. However, her time indoors was pleasantly spent and she enjoyed helping with Mrs. Gardiner’s young children.
Although Cecily spoke of many things to Elizabeth, she did not speak of George again, and despite Elizabeth’s prompting, would not be prevailed on seek a reunion with her brother, no matter how much Elizabeth assured her that he would love and protect her.
~~~//~~~
At the end of two weeks, it was time for Elizabeth to return to Longbourn.
“Cecily, tomorrow I travel home to Hertfordshire.”
“I know.”
“While I am certain that Mrs. Gardiner would allow you to stay here, I would like you to come with me.”
“What will your family say about me?”
“They will only know you as my dear friend from town.”
“Will you tell me about them?”
“Of course. I have an older brother and sister. First there is Edward. He is five years older than I am. At four and twenty, he is remarkably handsome and very well read. He is kind, gentle and pays a great deal of attention to his two younger sisters. My sister, Jane, is two and twenty. She looks like an angel with her golden hair braided in a crown around her head. She has piercing blue eyes and is the gentlest creature I have ever met. I am very blessed to have such loving companions.”
“And your parents?”
“My mother died in childbirth six years ago. Both she and the baby died. I would have had a younger brother. My father died the following year. He used to say he could not live without my mother. It appears that he was right.”
“I am very sorry, Lizzy. What will you say about me to Mr. and Miss Bennet?”
“They will only know you as my dear friend whom I met in town. They need know nothing else about you. I know they will love you very much, so do not be afraid.”
“I am not afraid when I am with you, Lizzy.”
“Cecily, at some point you are going to have to seek out your brother. He must be suffering greatly not knowing where you are.”
“I cannot embarrass him. I will not shame him. I love him too much to cause him to feel more pain. I will not allow him to see what has happened to me.''
“You once told me your brother’s name. You called him Fitzwilliam.”
“Yes, that is his name.”
“Do you miss him?”
“Terribly, but you know why I cannot return to him. I can never see him again, Lizzy.”
“Well, then, you shall always stay with me. You will like Hertfordshire very much. The country is beautiful there, and I spend much of my time outside. I will take you to all my secret places.”
“Secret places?”
“Yes, I have discovered many places where I can go and be all alone and never disturbed. It is peaceful and relaxing.”
“Hertfordshire sounds like beautiful place. I have not told you before, but I am from Derbyshire.”
“Oh, I have never been there. What is it like?”
“It is truly lovely. That is where the Peaks are, you know.”
“I would like to visit there someday,” commented Elizabeth.
~~~//~~~
Fitzwilliam Darcy was in Vienna when he received a letter that would change his life forever. It was from his housekeeper at Pemberley informing him that his sister, Georgiana, was missing and could not be found anywhere. The gravity of the situation was further impressed on him when he realized that the person delivering the message, a young man named Quincy, was a member of the household. Apparently Mrs. Reynolds was not satisfied with the speed of the post, but wanted the letter personally delivered.
Darcy’s first thought was to hurry back to Pemberley, but after the initial rush of pain and anger, he realized that by the time Mrs. Reynolds sent the letter, surely all of Derbyshire would have been searched by the Pemberley staff, tenants and friends. Wherever Georgiana was, she was not in Derbyshire.
He felt absolutely helpless. He was hundreds of miles away from home, and there was nothing he could do. The pain and frustration nearly made him ill. He called to his valet asking him to inform his traveling party that they would be returning to England immediately. He spent the rest of the afternoon writing letters of apology to his associates in Vienna. All he told them was that he had been called home because of an illness in the family.
Darcy felt that returning to Pemberley would be fruitless. Instead, he would go directly to London. In the meantime, he wrote letters to his solicitor explaining the situation and begging him to begin a search in London for his sister.
Chapter 2
(Warning: The subject of sexual assault is raised in this story.)
Darcy’s trip across the continent and into England had taken nearly three weeks. His first thought on arriving home was to call upon a friend for assistance.
Charles Bingley was ushered into Darcy’s library by a servant. He was a lifelong friend of the family and considered his relationship with the Darcys to be that of a brother. Anything that concerned them affected him, and upon receiving Darcy’s urgent letter to come to his townhouse, he immediately resigned his dinner table for his horse and rode over in great haste. Something must have happened. Darcy was to be in Vienna for another two months.
“Bingley, thank you for coming,” cried Darcy, standing at his entrance to the room.
“What is the matter? You were to be gone much longer.”
“Georgiana is missing!” cried Darcy.
“Missing?!”
“Yes, Bingley. Please read this note from Mrs. Reynolds. She can explain the situation better than I.”
Pemberley, near Lambton, Derbyshire
Mr. Darcy,
I write to inform you of a circumstance more horrifying than any other. I cannot prepare you. Your dear sister, Miss Georgiana, is missing.
Two days ago, when Miss Darcy did not come down to breakfast, I went to her bedchamber to see if she was ill, but she was not there. I called for her maid, who reported that she had not been summoned by Miss Georgiana, and when she presented herself at the door, there was no answer, and she assumed Miss Georgiana cared not to be disturbed.
While her room was not in disarray, her bed and the nightstand were quite disturbed. If I could bear to imagine it, I would suggest that there was some kind of struggle.
She must have left in a great hurry. No clothes were taken. Her jewelry is all here. I know of two or three places where she saves her money. These were empty. I conclude that while she left in haste, she did have time to take money with her. I do not know how much she had. It could not have been much.
Immediately following this discovery, the servants were assembled and the tenants summoned to appear at the house. An extensive search of all the property was made, but no trace of Miss Georgiana was found. In the afternoon, I sent riders to the surrounding estates and into Lambton and Bakewell to announce her disappearance and beg for help searching for her.
At dark, the numbers of those searching thinned significantly, however, I am pleased to say that all the servants and tenants that knew her personally searched long into the night.
Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that Mr. Wickham left Pemberley this morning. He did not indicate his destination. I must say I am disappointed that he refused to stay. He should be helping with the search.
This morning, I received word from nearly every family in the neighborhood that they had searched their property, but with no success. A representation from both Lambton and Bakewell reported that many of the residents had searched near and far around the towns to no avail. When I learned this, I determined to write you and will give this letter into Quincy’s hands. He has assured me he will find you in Vienna.
I am very sorry, Mr. Darcy. We await your instructions.
Sincerely,
Agatha Reynolds
~~~//~~~
“Is it certain,” cried Bingley, “absolutely certain?”
“It is certain, Bingley, Georgiana is missing.”
“What have you done about it?”
“She has been missing for so long, Bingley. I came back as soon as I received Mrs. Reynolds letter, but Vienna…How could I have come sooner? I have done everything I could, Bingley.”
“I am sorry, Darcy.”
“I have no idea where to begin to look for her. All of Derbyshire has been searched. I have written to my solicitor who has sent men out in search of Georgiana, and whom, I am certain, has employed all his means to find information concerning her. Other than that, I know not what I can do. It certainly does not seem like much.”
“She will be found, Darcy, do not fear.” Bingley realized the vanity of his words and wished them unsaid. Darcy did not acknowledge him.
“I cannot say. She took none of her possessions with her except some small amount of money. But there is something else.”
“What is that?”
“George Wickham left Pemberley the next day without revealing his destination. He did not participate in the search.”
“You do not think that…”
“He has been a friend of our family for a long time, Bingley. I refuse to believe that he could be responsible for Georgiana’s disappearance. Indeed, he looks after her with all the affection of a brother. I would like to know where he went, though. It is unlike him not to leave word where he can be reached.”
~~~//~~~
The carriage ride to Longbourn was uneventful, and the young ladies arrived in good time. Elizabeth’s brother and sister were gathered outside to receive them. Elizabeth had sent a letter indicating that she would be accompanied by a young woman named Cecily Neville, and that she would be staying with them for the foreseeable future.
Mr. Edward Bennet, Elizabeth’s older brother and Master of Longbourn, opened the carriage and handed the ladies out. Elizabeth was the first to alight. Embracing her brother, she kissed his cheek.
Edward Bennet was a tall, good looking young man. He had light hair, piercing blue eyes and a look of intelligence about him. His voice was deep and resonating, and communicated warmth and goodwill towards others. He was fit from hours spent on horseback overseeing the interests of his estate and was considered to be a most eligible bachelor by the young ladies in the country.
“Oh, Edward, thank you for being here to meet us.”
“Welcome home, Lizzy. How was the trip? Were there any surprises?”
“No. It was fine, thank you.”
Edward reached in the carriage once again and assisted Cecily out.
“Miss Neville,” he said as he bowed to her, “you are very welcome to Longbourn.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Cecily, please allow me to introduce my brother, Mr. Edward Bennet, and my sister, Miss Jane Bennet.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” replied Cecily shyly.
Edward stepped away from the group to give directions to the coachman. Elizabeth was pleased to see Jane go to Cecily and engage her in conversation.
“Elizabeth,” said Edward in a soft voice as he came near her, “I am curious about your companion, Miss Neville. Who is she?”
Elizabeth took his arm and they began to move to the entry way closely followed by Jane and Cecily.
“A young lady I met in London, that is all.”
“Is she a relation of the Gardiners?”
“No, she is a stranger to them.”
“Then she must be related to friends of theirs.”
“No, she is not.”
“Then how did you become acquainted with her?”
Hesitantly, Elizabeth answered. “We met at the park near Gracechurch Street and quickly became friends.”
Edward took Elizabeth’s elbow and gently stopped her progress.
“I think there must be more to the story of your acquaintance, my dear sister. What are you not telling me?”
“While it is true, Edward, that I am not revealing all the details of my relationship with Cecily, please trust me. It is absolutely necessary, and I beg that you will not make any effort to discover the secret.”
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