April 25.

Jane got a phone call this morning from Caroline Bingley. She's been invited to go with them this weekend to a house they have by the lake. (How many houses do these people need, anyway?)

Mom almost flipped when she heard.

"She's practically part of the family already!"

"Mom, please," Jane said as she packed her overnight bag. "I'm only going because I've gotten to be really good friends with Caroline and Louisa. Besides, Charlie won't even be there. He's been at some meetings in Stamford for the past week, and Caroline said that they don't expect him to go to the lake house at all."

"Well, that's just awful luck," Mom said as she tossed one of Jane's fancier dresses onto the bed. "You'll need that to make a good impression in case he does come up to see you."

"Mom, she's not going to a fancy cocktail party!" I picked up the dress and hung it back in the closet, while Jane silently mouthed a 'thank-you' over Mom's head.

Later, as we said goodbye to her, I noticed the sparkly, midnight blue fabric peeking out of the zipper. Mom must've stuffed it in there when Jane wasn't looking. I feel bad for Janie; Mom's going to drive her up to meet Caroline and her sister at the Netherfield mansion before they all leave together for the lake house, and I know she'll be in full lecture mode.

(Later, around 2 p.m.)

It started to rain heavily not too long after Jane left with Mom. No lightning, but I did hear a rumbling of thunder a few minutes ago, which scared Breck and he decided to ride out the storm by hiding under by bed.

Mom had a really weird smile on her face when she walked through the door.

"How was the drive?" Dad asked her as he walked in from his study. "Did the rain give you any trouble?"

"No, not really. But we were about ten minutes away from the house when the car stalled. Can you believe that?" She was still smiling as she said it, so I instantly became wary. Turns out, Mom made Jane walk to the house from where the car was!

"That's almost a twenty minute walk!" I exclaimed. "And in this downpour? Are you crazy?"

"Watch the way you talk to me, Lizzie. She was late enough as it is, and I didn't want to make her any more late by waiting for a cab."

I knew Jane didn't have the nerve to disagree with Mom (something Jane has envied me for, while at the same time she said I should have more respect), so she probably sighed and hopped out of the car, no umbrella, no rainboots. Poor thing.

"Well, if you think about it this way, if the rain doesn't let up, she'll have to spend the night at the mansion. And when Charlie hears that she's there…" Mom trailed off in a sing-songy voice that reminded me of Lydia.

I texted Jane when I came upstairs, but still no answer yet. I hope she's okay.

April 26 (around 9 a.m. Still gloomy)

Finally heard back from Jane.

Sorry didn't txt back. Caught a bad cold from the rain. The girls are super nice. They don't want me to move until I'm better, so tell mom we're not going to the lake. Throat hurts, so I can't talk. Luv u.

I jumped out of bed and raced downstairs to where Mom was pouring a cup of coffee. Lydia wasn't up yet (on the weekends, she stayed out until dawn and slept in until noon), but Mary and Kitty sat together arguing over whether or not it was gross that Kitty put ketchup on her eggs. Dad had just walked in with Breck after walking to the corner store to grab his Saturday morning newspaper, and clicked his tongue when I finished explaining about Jane.

"Well, sweetheart," he addressed Mom, "I hope you feel better knowing that Charlie Bingley was a noble enough cause for Jane to get so sick that she ends up in the hospital. And, might I add, all because you said she should walk in the rain."

"Oh, stop it. She's absolutely fine. It's just a cold, Lizzie said so herself. Plus, I think they'll take very good care of her over there." She smiled smugly.

Frustrated with Mom's lack of sympathy, I announced that I was going to go see her. Mom almost choked on her coffee and ordered me back to my room. But I stood my ground.

"She's all alone over there. She needs me, and I need to make sure she's okay."

"You won't be taking my car then. And your father's car is being repaired. So, what do you say to that?"

"I'll ride my bike."

Kitty burst into a snort. "Yeah, right. It'll take you all day."

"Hey, genius. I run every day, remember? A bike ride is nothing."

"No Lizzie," Mom still didn't let up. "It's still soggy out there from the rain yesterday."

"Then I'll wear my rainboots. I've made up my mind."

Mom looked to Dad for help. His answer didn't surprise me at all. "Be careful, and text us when you get there."

I've stuffed a backpack full of meds and a 'perk-me-up' kit for Jane, change of clothes for me, and this diary. I've got a feeling that what happens there will be worth writing about.