I have been super busy, but this story is not abandoned. Here is a new chapter, and if you are interested, I will be posting chapters to some new stories! Enjoy!
Oliver caught his father-in-law as he was entering his study.
"Mr. Bennet. Might I have a word?"
"I do not believe I have a choice. Am I going to regret inviting you?"
He took a seat in front of the desk. "No. However, I wish to have a word about Lydia. My mother says she has been making a spectacle of herself of late, especially where the officers are concerned."
Mr. Bennet sighed. "That, unfortunately, is the truth. Her mother has filled her head with nonsense about them to the point that she has declared a man looks as nothing without a red coat. Foolish child."
"Why do you do nothing?" Oliver was baffled.
"She will not accept a word from me about it. If I were to try and forbid it, she would do something far worse, I am afraid. It is my fault, I know. I never thought to rein in any of my daughters until you sought my Kitty. She has no respect for me, but she does for you, as I said in my letter."
Oliver could see the desperation in his eyes. "Let me understand this clearly: you wish for me to make your youngest behave."
"I have no fear for Jane, Lizzy, or Mary; they know how to properly conduct themselves, however, I find myself more inclined to defer to you on the matter of their futures. My wife I can handle, but Lydia must see the advantage to behaving herself. Otherwise, she sees it as simply ruining her fun."
Oliver groaned. He should have seen this coming. They had corresponded monthly since he wed Mr. Bennet's daughter. "Very well. I believe I might know what will make her behave."
As he stood to leave, he noticed Mr. Bennet wished to say something else. Reseating himself, he indicated that Mr. Bennet could continue.
"I do not wish for any of my daughters to have an unhappy marriage. I will not regret my life choices, for I have five daughters that, despite what people might think, I love very much. That said, my life choices have lead me to wish for my daughters not to make my mistakes. It is my hope that you shall help them in this endeavor. I wish I could say that it was a job I could do competently, but I would be lying."
Oliver, knowing that it was hard for him to say, simply nodded and left his father-in-law to his study. He, himself, went in search of his wife's youngest sister. He found her on the swing outside.
"Miss Lydia, I would have a word, if you please."
Catherine and Lizzy were ushered into a breakfast room. Remembering the names of those who resided at Netherfield, it was easy for her to ascertain that it was everyone bar her sister. It was a little odd for them to still be taking their breakfast at this time, but then, she was given to understand that those in Town tended to adhere to a later schedule than those in the country. Their faces displayed their curiosity over her presence. She doubted they gave much thought to her existence, though she was sure her mother had spouted all about her fourth daughter's recent, advantageous marriage. A man she suspected was Mr. Bingley jumped up and greeter her sister, who traded pleasantries before introducing her.
"Mr. Bingley, allow me to introduce my sister, Mrs. Andrews. She and her husband decided to surprise us with a visit, and upon our learning of Jane's illness, wished to join me in coming to our sister's side."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Andrews," the man smiled kindly. He introduced her to those remaining.
"I am very pleased to meet you as well. Please forgive our appearing as we have. Jane is so rarely ill. I haven't seen my sister in many months and arriving to hear that she is in such a state has me very worried."
"It is no trouble at all! I shall take you to your sister myself," he declared as he began to direct them back out the door they entered.
"No, by all means, please finish your meal," Catherine insisted.
"I am finished, Mrs. Andrews. I would be delighted to see you both to your sister."
His own sisters tried to negate him, but he would not hear it. They walked and made small talk as they went. They reached her sister's room quickly and entered. Once in the room, they heard a quiet groan. Lizzy and Catherine traded looks before rushing to the bed.
"Oh, Jane. You look truly ill!" exclaimed Lizzy.
"I feel really ill, and truly, I must be, for it looks as though Kitty is here and I know she is far away."
"No, Jane, I am here. Oliver and I are here to stay until after Christmas."
"I'm sorry, Kitty."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. What was Mama thinking sending you in the rain?" she growled.
"That she would like to see Jane as Mrs. Bingley," sassed Lizzy.
Catherine scoffed. "Well, from meeting him myself, I doubt this little escapade was necessary. Oh, Jane, is there anything I can do for you?"
The sisters stayed only a little while, once Jane fell asleep, they slipped from the room. A maid was waiting outside to escort them to the drawing room. Once more, Mr. Bingley stood quickly when they entered. Mr. Darcy followed only a little slower.
"Mrs. Andrews, Miss Bennet, how did you find your sister?" Mr. Bingley sounded almost desperate.
They shared a look, and she nodded for Lizzy to speak. "She is very ill, Mr. Bingley."
"I shall send for Mr. Jones right away. And you must stay for your sister's comfort."
"Oh, no Mr. Bingley. I do not wish to impose," Lizzy asserted.
Catherine noted that the sisters looked as though it would very much be an imposition to them.
"I insist. I shall send to Longbourn for your things at once," he smiled at his decision.
"You are too kind, sir."
"Mr. Bingley, I shall be returning to my family's home shortly. I shall have my sister's things made ready and delivered," Catherine smiled.
"Will you stay and take tea with us, Mrs. Andrews?" his smiled turned to her.
"I'd be delighted."
She and Lizzy took a seat. Catherine prepared herself for the interrogation she knew would come.
"Mrs. Andrews," started Mrs. Hurst, "I understand you are very recently married. I thought I heard it said that Mr. Andrews's estate is in Nottinghamshire."
"Yes, it is," she nodded.
"I haven't had the pleasure of venturing into that particular county, but as it neighbors Derbyshire, I am sure it is quite lovely. Have you been to Nottinghamshire, Mr. Darcy?" asked Miss Bingley, batting her eyes. Catherine barely smothered a giggle. Did the lady realize how obvious she was?
"Yes. The county is very fine. Whenever I pass through, I can never successfully tell where Derbyshire ends and Nottinghamshire begins," answered the man.
"Mr. Andrews wishes to take me on a tour of the neighboring counties in the summer. I look forward to doing so."
"If your husband does indeed take you on a tour, I invite you to stop and take a tour of my own estate, Pemberley. I believe it holds the best impression of the county," he said with a small smile.
Catherine grinned back, teasingly. "I believe I sense some bias, Mr. Darcy, but what man does not favor his own estate. I would be happy to do so. I am sure my husband would reciprocate that invitation. He does enjoy showing off his own estate."
He studied her curiously. She noticed his eyes glance between Lizzy and herself.
"And when might we have the privilege of meeting Mr. Andrews?" asked Mr. Bingley eagerly.
"I cannot say, Mr. Bingley, but I am sure it will be sometime soon. Word of our visit shall quickly reach the ears of the neighborhood. I know that there is no planned assembly, but any excuse will do to hold a party."
"Well, should you wish to call upon us to see to your sister's health while she resides here, I pray you would bring Mr. Andrews, for I would enjoy making his acquaintance." His sisters did not seem too pleased, but smiled wanly.
"I will need to speak to him, but I do not believe we have any fixed engagements for the morrow. If I find it shall be impossible, I shall send a note to Lizzy."
Mr. Bingley seemed pleased over the prospect. Lizzy took a moment to ask after the Bates.
"They are well. I believe they are soon to set off for Somerset, to spend Christmas and the New Year with Mrs. Bates family in Bath. Mr. Andrews and I are considering meeting them there and staying through the end of January. I am quite excited. I have never been to Bath."
"Would you not prefer to spend some time in Town?" asked Mrs. Hurst.
Catherine genuinely smiled at her. "Like my father, my husband does not care much for Town. Though I know we keep a house there, it is not often visited by our family. Oh, I can never remember exactly where it is located, only that Mr. Andrews said it is very near Grover Square." She did not notice the wide-eyed looks of the sisters, though she did wonder at Lizzy's amused look. "I do not anticipate visiting London soon, but it will be nice to see Bath, even if it is slightly out of season." Noticing the time, Catherine stood to take her leave. "Thank you for your hospitality and seeing to my sister's wellbeing. I fear I must go now. I have left Mr. Andrews in the care of my mother for far too long."
This time she did notice the wide eyes and amused expressions from the room inhabitants, especially Mr. Bingley. Her sister saw her out with a smile. "I believe you have surprised our new neighbors on more than one front. Shall I see you tomorrow?"
"I see no reason why you wouldn't. Oliver wishes to inspect Mr. Bingley and he now has a prime opportunity with little interference. I shall see to the packing of your things as well as some for Jane."
That evening, husband and wife discussed many things. That they were going to pay a visit to Netherfield the next day was a given. The matter of her younger sister was delicate.
"I cannot believe you bribed her. She is my sister, and I love her, but I fear she is very set in her ways. If she knows this is important, she will exploit it for everything she can. A simple bribe is never enough."
"But the bribe is contingent on her behavior. If she refuses to behave herself, she will not receive her reward. I am well prepared for people such as herself. Your father has given me leave to do as I will. I have dangled not only a reward in front of your sister, but a threat as well: if she continues in her wild behavior, I shall send her to the strictest finishing school or nunnery I can find. I have no qualms with her need to enjoy life, however, she needs to learn that within Society, there are limits and expectations that cannot be ignored. Thomas and I may enjoy our adolescent activities, but we keep them away from the prying eyes of Society, and behind the walls of our private homes. She must learn to do the same."
She agreed with her husband and hoped her sister would see it for the olive branch that it was. They did not seek to change her, only to reign in her more wild behavior.
The morning came quickly, and the couple made their plans for the day made known to his mother. She would meet them at the Bennets that evening for dinner.