Sorry it was so long between updates. I got a bit distracted this week. I really do intend to put chapters out at least every other day.

Dear Lizzy,

I am not so surprised to hear of your meeting with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Before I had a chance to read your letter, Georgiana had shared with me a letter from Mr. Darcy himself. He made mention of having the pleasure of making your acquaintance. Mr. Darcy is very like you, Lizzy. He watches and observes people, though it is not for the sake of being entertained. Well, most of the time. I found that I liked him very much. I, of course, was introduced to both he and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, through Georgie this summer, so my interactions have been a bit different. I have only seen him as open and friendly, but I have been told by both Georgie and the Colonel that he struggles in company he is not too familiar with. Once he is comfortable, you will see another side of him. I will leave you to discover more about him on your own. Just, give him a chance.

I did share some facts about my family with him. Mama being one of them. I knew that it was a possibility that he could one day meet my family. Truly, Mama is no more insufferable than most of the matchmaking mothers you find in our society. I thought it would be beneficial to us for him to know that, thought she is silly, she is harmless.

You have an advantage over me, sister. Though I have heard a lot about Mr. Bingley, I have yet to make his acquaintance. I assure you, I have only heard good things about Mr. Bingley. In fact, I believe his disposition matches that of our Jane. Georgie and I cannot wait to hear more about their interactions. The Colonel, too, said he wondered how things would turn out. I supposed you see us as busy bodies, and in this you would be right.

Since I have not met Mr. Bingley, I have not met his sisters either. I believe they shall bring you great delight, Lizzy. One of the reasons Georgie was so adamant about spending the rest of the summer with me was because of Miss Caroline Bingley. She apparently has set her sights on Mr. Darcy. He can do no wrong in her eyes. Whenever Georgie is around, Miss Bingley goes to great lengths to get in her good books with constant praise and encouragement. She also tries to get whatever information she can to turn Mr. Darcy's affections in her direction. The Colonel seems to enjoy seeing his cousin squirm in her presence and asks that you enjoy it for him. I know little about the other sister, Mrs. Louisa Hurst. She has been married for just a little and Mr. Hurst prefers to spend his time pursuing entertainments. The Colonel says she is very much like her sister.

There is nothing much else to tell you. I am excited about spending Christmas with you all. Aunt was wondering if the Gardiners would like to join us as well. They will be right there in Town, even if it is only for a meal, though Aunt has expressed an interest in them joining all of the festivities. I will be attending my first London Ball once we arrive in Town. I cannot wait. The Colonel has stopped by this weekend to check on Georgie. His regiment is stationed less than a days ride from here. The ball is to be thrown by his mother, who has expressed her desire to make our acquaintance. After our Aunt had accepted, the Colonel asked if he might have the honor of dancing the supper set with me. You would enjoy his humor. The first time he came to call on us, we had been out. We came into the sitting room talking about the days events, when he broke into our conversation, scaring the life out of us. He was just sitting there, waiting for his opportunity to do so. Aunt asked if he will ever send word of his coming and his response was that there would be no fun in that.

Tell everyone hello for me. I haven't heard from Lydia in a while. I hope that she is doing well. Tell everyone, also, that I am sorry I have not been so diligent in my writing, but neither have they. I expect more letters coming in. Be well.

Kate

After reading the letter from her sister, Lizzy went in search of Jane to share some of the contents. She did not want to stress her sister over the idea of strangers being so interested in her personal life, so she planned to omit those few sentences. Jane smiled as soon as Lizzy finished.

"There, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are men of good character. I am very pleased to have made their acquaintance, though I wish it had been in another manner."

"Yes, but I do wonder how a man of good breeding could have such a hard time with strangers."

"Lizzy, you judge too much. We do not know what may have lead him to be so cautious. He is a man of great fortune, I imagine he must constantly be on his guard."

Lizzy pondered that for a while. "I suppose you are right. In any case, he shall add something to our current society. What else do you think of the new information we have on the gentlemen?" asked Lizzy with a sly smile.

Jane cocked her eyebrow and said, "I am more interested in this Colonel Fitzwilliam. I think our younger sister holds him in high esteem."

"Do not think I am overlooking your avoidance, but I wonder about him too. If he is a Colonel, he must be a younger son. Do you think he has intentions towards Kate?"

"I do not know. He may very well just be very devoted to his cousin. Whatever the case, Aunt must approve of him if he stays with them for his visits. I believe our Aunt mentioned him in a letter last month. She keeps a room for him. She would not do that if she thought he was a danger to Kate."

"Hmm. I shall ask Aunt Mari what she thinks in my next letter. I am looking forward to meeting Mr. Bingley's sisters. I must be sure to have something of interest for Kate to convey to the Colonel."

"Yes. Come, lets send a letter to our Aunt Gardiner about Christmas."

Dear Fitzwilliam,

I think it is marvelous that you have met Kate's family and that you will be near enough to get to know them. I cannot wait until I, too, make their acquaintance. I must confess, I shared your letter with Kate, Mrs. Westfield, and Richard, as he decided to descend upon us this weekend. Kate received one from her sister, Miss Elizabeth, the same day, also with her version of the encounter. It is unanimous that Mr. Bingley finds Miss Bennet agreeable. I know you despise matchmaking, but we simply cannot help ourselves. You must keep me up to date on the happenings of Meryton. Kate has often shared the goings on in Hertfordshire, but now I feel I am personally invested in the area.

I know you will do what you can to watch out for your friend, so I feel I must pass along some things that Kate has shared about her sisters. Jane is as sweet as she appears. She sometimes has a hard time expressing how she feels, but both Elizabeth and Kate seem to think Jane found Charles' attentions pleasing. Neither Miss Bennet or Miss Elizabeth feel in a rush to make a good match. Since their fortunes have changed, they are content as they are and seek to be happy and not just comfortable. As you may have witnessed, their parents are not the most commendable couple and they seek to avoid such a union. Their sister Mary is very involved with her accomplishments, so you may not hear much of her. She avoids many social engagements. Lydia is only 15, but she has been known to be a silly as her mother. She has been a bit discontent the past couple of years. She was once allowed to run wild, but has since been pulled in by her governess. Kate doesn't like to talk about her life before her aunt adopted her. She fears what may have become of herself.

Aunt Julia is planning a Christmas Ball. I know that Richard is going to write you about it. I do hope you agree to let me attend. Kate and Mrs. Westfield have been invited. Richard has already said I am only allowed to dance with the two of you and a few other close, male relatives. I would love it so much. There are a few things I want to witness, though I cannot tell you what at this moment. I am sure you will know soon, it is just not mine to share.

Kate has told me to inform you that her mother is not the only matchmaking mother in the area. Meryton has an apparent shortage of men. Remember, they are not much different from the mothers you face in London. Travel safe and I hope you are settled soon.

Georgiana

'Good to know,' said Darcy, after he finished his sister's letter. Though there was much Darcy enjoyed about his position, the matchmaking got on his nerves.

"What is good to know?" ask Bingley.

"Miss Westfield has been kind enough to warn us that there is an abundance of ladies whose mothers seek to see them settled. We should be on our guard and are be expected to dance many dances."

"Oh, what a travesty for you, Darcy. I, for one, look forward to getting to know our my neighbors."

"One in particular, I assume."

"I will not deny that I desire to meet with Miss Bennet again. She was an angel. I do not think I have met another quite like her."

Darcy rolled his eyes. "Yes, well I am sure you shall have ample opportunity to. I know little of her, but there are those how think you will enjoy each others company."

"What are you talking about, Darcy?"

"I sent my sister a letter about our meeting with the Miss Bennets. Apparently, Miss Elizabeth sent a letter to her sister as well."

"What was said?"

Darcy grinned at his friend. "I do not think I am at liberty to say."

"You can't start off like that and leave a man not knowing! What was said?"

"That Miss Bennet is as sweet as she seems and that you have similar temperaments."

"What do you think?"

"I think you have a hard time not liking anybody and you do not know Miss Bennet enough to have really formed an opinion."

"There's the Darcy I know. I trust your sister is in good health?"

"Yes. I cannot remember a time she was so happy. She has never really had a friend before. Miss Westfield has been very good for her. I know Georgiana will have a hard time separating from her come the New Year. Miss Westfield will be having her first Season in Town, so she will not see much of her. I plan to take my sister to Pemberly for a few months, after Christmas. She will have a chance to get to know her new companion, Mrs. Annesley. I have been thinking of bringing her to Town at the end of February. Though she is not out, she may still visit with her friend."

"That is very good of you. I do wonder at your interest in Miss Westfield. Do you hold some affection for her?"

"Not in the way you are referring to. She and her aunt did a great thing for my sister. I will not tell you what because it causes great pain to myself, but I am indebted to them. Besides, I believe her to be a better match for my cousin, Richard."

"Matchmaking Darcy?"

"No. As my uncle pointed out to my cousin, her situation is very favorable to him. She stands to inherit a great estate. He has been subtle in his letters, but I know he is feeling out the situation. He has time. She is only seventeen and has expressed to my sister that she intends to wait a while before she settles down. Another point towards her being a good influence on my sister. Mrs. Westfield and Mrs. Whitmore, Miss Westfield's governess, have spent a great deal of time to teach the young ladies who they should avoid."

"So you approve of the her and her family?"

"I approve of the Westfield's. I do not know enough about her other family. I do know that their circumstances are favorable thanks to Mrs. Westfield, and the elder Miss Bennets' manners and reputation are above reproach. They have relatives in trade, here in London, but they are very well off and also have great reputations. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are another matter, but I do not think it is much of a hindrance to them any longer. Does that satisfy your curiosity?"

"You know me well. For now. I trust you will let me know your opinions on the matter should they change."

"Of course."

"Well, I must be off. I have to disappoint my sister and tell her you will not be able to attend a dinner this week. You have too much to do before we leave."

"For that, I thank you."

"I have tried to tell her, you know, but she will not be moved."

Darcy shook his head and showed his friend out.

So, Georgiana and Kate try and slip some helpful tips to their siblings. I know there wasn't much from Elizabeth and Jane, but it is what it is. Elizabeth isn't thinking too much on Mr. Darcy yet and Jane is keeping her lips sealed. Who would have thought the guys would be more open to talk.