A/N- Recently, I haven't been feeling very inspired and most of my other stories are still incomplete. I hope to work on them soon, but till then, I present to you the Journal of Jane, story of the eldest Bennet sister, intended to be canon compliant. I apologise for any errors and poor writing, and hope you enjoy this.

Dear Diary,

I am Jane Bennet of Hertfordshire, eldest of our parents' five daughters, and I am very pleased to be gifted this notebook.

My younger sister Elizabeth Bennet, or Lizzy, as I prefer to call her, walked to Meryton with Lydia and Kitty, my youngest sisters, and returned clutching two beautiful notebooks.

"One for me and one for you", she said.

Lizzy chose the red one and I took the blue one, and we both agreed to write in our diaries as often as we were able to. Lizzy says she intends to write all the rude things that she thinks but cannot say in public in hers. Honestly, though, Lizzy is scarcely ever rude, only very witty.

I couldn't think of anything to write at first, but then I decided to stop worrying and simply let the words flow, and it seems to have worked. I have filled an entire page without even realising it.

I suppose I should describe our household, so that if anyone should ever read this, they would not feel all muddled up. Not that it is likely that my diary will be found, for only Lizzy knows about it and we solemnly swore that we wouldn't look through each other's diaries.

Even so, a brief description of the house is in order.

My parents, Fanny and Thomas Bennet settled in Longbourn soon after their marriage. The estate is entailed away to our cousin, so we shall have nowhere to go should Papa die before any of us are married. Thankfully, both Mama and Papa are likely to live for several years.

Papa hoped to have a son who would inherit the house, but after five daughters, he was forced to acknowledge defeat and simply hope that we would end up well settled.

I was born soon after my parents got married, and Lizzy was born a year later. Being so close in age, we became close friends as well. There is nothing that we hide from one another and I often feel fortunate that I have a sister like her. It is Lizzy who brought me this diary, but of course I've already mentioned that.

Two years after Lizzy's birth, Mary was born. Mary was often unwell as a child, but she grew up to be a fine young woman. Mary is very accomplished indeed. She reads several books, like Lizzy does, except Mary chooses to read far more serious content while Lizzy's playful spirits seek a different kind of literature. Mary plays the piano forte very well indeed. She practices so dedicatedly that the rest of us often feel embarrassed by her diligence, for we tend to ignore our own practice more often than not.

Kitty is a year younger than Mary. They are as close in age as me and Lizzy, but sadly not as deeply attached to each other.

I struggle to describe Kitty. She is very energetic and good hearted. All of us dance well, but I'd say Kitty has the most practise. Kitty used to draw very well when she was younger, but ever since she came out, she hasn't had much time to keep up with it. I still have some of her finest sketches. Truly, she is very talented.

Lydia is two years younger than Kitty, but that is easily forgotten when one looks at them. They spend much time in each other's company. They look alike and even talk so similarly that on occasion they have been mistaken for twins.

Kitty is very energetic, but Lydia surpasses her. With her elaborate pranks and vivacious personality, Lydia keeps us on our toes.

My description does not seem to do her justice. Lydia is only fifteen, the youngest of Bennet girls. Indeed, some people may criticise our parents for letting her out so young, but it seems unfair that she should not have her share of fun before her marriage.

I suppose the best way to describe Lydia is this- she is the person to turn to if you wish to know the latest fashions or gossip. I do not mean this as criticism. Lydia is incredibly aware of all that happens around her, far more than I was at her age. I cannot help marvelling at the ease with which she seems to soak in all information that interests her.

There, I have written a brief description of our family, and I suppose more details should only bore the reader.

I have written about my sisters, but I quite forgot to say any about our parents at all. Lizzy would find that very amusing.

Our father is very learned indeed. Lizzy is said to take after him, for they share the same interests and delight in mocking anything ridiculous and often spend hours together in the library.

Our mother, Frances Bennet, was a lawyer's daughter, but after marriage to Papa, she became a gentleman's wife instead. I have heard that she was bright, cheerful, energetic and very beautiful in her youth, much like Lydia. She became an excellent Mistress of Longbourn and has lovingly cared for the house ever since she came here.

I feel as though I could go on and on, describing all our relations and everything that lives in this house, but my hands are cramped from holding the pen for so long and it shall be time for supper, so other details must wait for another time. Until then, I remain

Yours faithfully,

Jane Bennet.

A/N- Thank you for reading this story. I'd be very grateful for your feedback and suggestions. I'm looking for a beta for this story, so if you are interested, do PM me.