Chapter 10

Family

As our trio returned to Longbourn House, its other inhabitants were in their usual positions: Mr Bennet was steadfast in his study, Mary studied at the piano, and Mrs Bennet was in her dressing room. All were predictably placed bar Kitty.

Since Lydia's removal, Kitty had been unsettled. In childhood, she had gradually grown dependant on her more wilful younger sister. Lydia had always fuelled their girlish jaunts and games. Now Kitty was a young woman, suddenly without playmate or guidance.

She sat now on a window seat, abandoned embroidery on her lap.

Her mother had retired for a rest, tired from instructing Kitty and the maid how best – in her opinion – to imitate the latest fashions. Kitty was herself thankful for the rest. With Mr Bingley's eager early arrival, then Lady Catherine de Bourgh's, it had been a busy morning even before breakfast's end.

Kitty looked out from her window, out on the garden, and hills and fields beyond; and saw three figures heading towards the house. Even from afar, Kitty could make out their identities – they were that of her eldest two sisters and Mr Bingley. It appeared they were returning from a walk. She would wave to them, when they got nearer, but for now she simply watched them. She watched as Mr Bingley took her eldest sister's hand, and stole kisses, when Elizabeth's head was turned. She watched as Jane blushed, and Lizzy smirked. This play amused and cheered Kitty, and she laughed lightly at her contrary sisters.

Immersed so, the trio failed to notice Kitty waving from her window.

They entered via the back door, refreshed from their outing.

How warm the hall felt in comparison to the great outdoors. Charles took of his hat, from which he brushed off a few small leafs.

"What a lovely walk!" Praised Charles.

"You liked the location?" Asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, and my company." Replied Charles, looking to Jane.

He removed his overcoat and passed it to a servant.

"I believe Luncheon may be soon – " Noted Jane.

"You will join us of course, Mr Bingley." Added her sister.

"Gladly" His merry reply.

The reader will be glad to know that a merry luncheon was soon had. Thoughts of absent sisters and lovers were put on hold, as mutton was eaten, wine drunk, and the happy couple celebrated.

At the table, Mr Bennet whispered to his favourite daughter.

"Am I papa no longer and father now?"

He referred to her one word greeting to him in the hall earlier that morning, when Elizabeth had donned Mr Bingley's hat and overcoat.

With twinkling eyes, he continued.

"Though I saw through it, it was quite a fetching disguise you wore. Is Mr Bingley gifting out his clothes now?"

"Only to his favourite new sister." Elizabeth replied.

"Then I hope he procures something special for his father-in-law."

"He has already, sir," She looked to Jane. "His daughter's happiness."

Mr Bennet smiled in content defeat.

"Then I will overlook his odder gift-giving."

"Thank you, papa." Said a grateful Lizzy, and gave a kiss to his cheek.

How different was the luncheon had by Fitzwilliam Darcy that day. It was taken alone in his London residence. A sober affair conducted between two business meetings.

His sister was at Pemberley. The house felt dormant without her piano-playing.

Meanwhile Mary Bennet's earnest tinkerings soon recommenced and animated Longbourn, as at Kitty's request and Mrs Bennet's insistence, she reluctantly played a jig after luncheon.

Jane, Charles, Kitty and Elizabeth danced to Mrs Bennet's delight.

Laughing and dancing with her elder sisters now, Kitty felt included. Her youthfulness, which some looked down upon, was utilised in dancing to a pretty effect.

Uncharacteristically Mr Bennet did not make instant retreat to his study after luncheon. Instead, he sat with his wife.

For once this contrary couple were of one mind: they watched their pretty daughters and future son-in-law with pride.