So, so, so sorry! I lost track of time again! You never know what or who will happen during the holidays! I have 401 followers! Woohoo! A huge thank you to all my readers, known and unknown! Starting next week I should be back on a regular posting schedule. I have been working on this and several other stories. I am about six chapter in my Kitty/Oliver story. I have a couple other for the Hobbit and LOTR that I am working diligently on as well. I am stalled on my Mary story. I do well writing her as a secondary character, but I am struggling with her as a Primary. I have noticed that with Lizzy and Lydia as well. Jane and Kitty, I feel, I write very well. My head cannon for them is far more developed. It stinks because I love Mary stories, I am just not that good at writing them.
I now have in my possession an awesome book called The Jane Austen Handbook. If you write fanfiction, I recommend it. It is humorous, but very informative. It is written from the POV of someone teaching a young woman about her place in society. It covers pretty much everything. Makes research a bit easier. My husband is my enabler.
I don't do smut. I know this is labeled as K+ so it was certainly not expected, but I just wanted to put that out there. I allude, I write kisses, cuddles, and such, but nothing explicit.
One more note before I let you go to the actual chapter: Wickham is just going to fade away. Lydia is gone and not going to Brighton. Lizzy is not going to entertain him. There really is no story line for him. He's going to get caught by his creditors and end up in debtors prison. That's it. You're welcome.
Jane stretched as she woke. She felt a bit achy, but her bed felt so nice. She didn't recall her bed being so comfortable. She opened her eyes and stilled. She wasn't in her room at Longbourn. She was in Oliver's Townhouse. One of her new homes. She rose and looked around. She was alone in the room. She wondered where Oliver was. As she lay back down, she thought about the day before. She had gotten married, they had a lovely drive to Town, she had reacquainted herself with the house staff, selected a maid, and… she blushed and decided not to think about what happened later. At least at that moment. There was a knock and the door opened. It was her maid, Maggie.
"Good morning, Madam. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did."
"Mr. Andrews thought you might like a bath this morning."
"That would be lovely. Thank you, Maggie."
Jane enjoyed her bath. She thought she might take one more often. Once she was finished, Maggie helped her dry her hair and dress for the day. She knew she had slept long. Judging by the sun, it had to be later than ten o'clock.
"Maggie, would it be possible to order a brunch?"
"Of course, Madame. If there is anything you ever need, you only have to ask."
"Thank you."
Her hair was finally dry and dressed. She donned her cap and made her way downstairs. Maggie had told her Oliver was in his study, and that is where she found him. She was about to announce her presence when he spoke.
"Did you have a nice lie in?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Yesterday was a rather long day," he said with a smile. "Have you asked about anything to eat?"
"Maggie took an order for brunch to the cook for me."
He nodded and pulled a rope located behind him and against the wall. "I will have them serve it in here, if that is alright. I am feeling a bit peckish myself. Then we can begin to discuss our plans for our time here.
The housekeeper made her way in and he bade her to have brunch served in his study. Once she was gone, they began to go over their plans. One of the big things Jane was to accomplish in the next few days was to look about the house and make a list of changes she wished to make. She had somewhat done so a couple of weeks before, when she first toured the house, but now they would be meeting with a renovator on Friday. There was more than enough time to have everything finished by December, but the sooner they could get it done the better.
They had both mutually decided they would not be dining or entertaining anyone other than her Aunt and Uncle while they were in Town. Jane did plan to do a little shopping, knowing Kitty and Lydia's birthdays would soon be upon them.
"My mother informed me yesterday that she will be joining us in Town next winter. Are you sure you are alright with that?"
"It was my idea. I will need her help if I am to learn how to navigate London Society. I am pleased that she is willing to take the time and see me through my first Season in Town. And for my sisters sakes as well. Lizzy has decided to stay, and she is determined to convince Mary to do the same."
"That is good to know. Make sure Mrs. Friar knows which rooms you would like them to have for their stay."
"I already know which rooms would be perfect for them. I also know which rooms I would like for Mama and Papa. He has already promised that they shall be returning to Longbourn after the New Year. Go ahead. It's okay to be relieved," she smirked.
"I will admit no such thing."
Kitty looked eagerly out the window. Mrs. Andrews had told her that all the land on their right belong to Roxwood. Any moment, they would catch sight of house, her new home. She was so excited. There was a brief moment that she felt a pang of grief when she realized that she did not see Longbourn as her home, but it was forgotten when the house came into view. It was huge! Bigger than Netherfield. She saw large stables and a track. The house was beautiful and the grounds were obviously kept neat and trimmed.
The house drew nearer, and finally, they stopped right outside it. The footmen began to unload the carriage and helping the ladies down. An older woman stood next to the door. Kitty thought she must be the housekeeper, Mrs. Graham. She was proven right a few minutes later when they were introduced.
It was decided that they should refresh themselves and have lunch before embarking on a tour of the house and grounds. Mrs. Andrews said a tour of the stables would have to wait until Oliver returned. Kitty didn't mind that. They were enormous, but she supposed they should be considering their purpose. Once they were in the house, they were met by a few more people. Amelia released her hand and went to a young woman she greeted as Miss Sophie. From talking with the little girl, she remembered that Sophie was her personal maid here at Roxwood. Amelia was very fond of the woman. Mrs. Andrews approached her with another young woman who seemed to be not much older than herself.
"Kitty, this is Lucy. She has been selected to be your personal maid. She will also see you to your room. We'll meet again in about an hour to dine."
Kitty smiled at Lucy and followed her up the stairs and down a few hallways. Amelia, her maid, and Mrs. Whitmore were not far behind.
"You will be in the family wing. Mr. Andrews has had rooms set aside for Amelia for some time now. He wrote and requested that you should not be situated too far apart, however, if you are unhappy with the arrangement, other provisions can be made," said Lucy.
"No! It is no bother at all. My room has always been near one of my sisters. It was always a bit of a comfort. I do not mind being so near Amelia. Though I am her aunt and not her sister, I hope my presence will be a comfort to her as well."
They finally came to a stop. Amelia and her guardians went to a room across the hall.
"Looks like we are neighbors, Amelia! How exciting!" exclaimed Kitty.
Amelia, beaming, hopped over to her and gave her a hug. She was very excited as well.
"I can't wait to see my new room now! I am so glad it is near you! I was a little afraid when Papa said I was to have new rooms away from his."
They separated and Kitty went into her new room. It was beautiful, and huge! Her room at Longbourn had been nice, but this looked like something she thought belonged in a palace. It was easily the size of her old room two times over!
"Mr. Andrews said to let Mrs. Graham know if there are any changes you wish to make, and that you should feel free to do so."
"No! It's perfect!"
The room was done in a soft green and crème. She though it suited her very nicely. She went to the windows and saw that she had a very pretty view of the garden. Lucy went about unpacking some of her things, and once Kitty found herself shooed away from helping, she explored her new room. Her closet was massive and she had her own bathing chamber! When asked, she told Lucy which dress she would like to don. Kitty used the water she found in the washroom to wash her face and hands, and allowed herself to be dressed.
The hour was nearly up, so Lucy led Kitty back through the house, telling her any of the servants will be happy to help her get around until she knows the hows well herself. She arrived just after Mrs. Andrews. Mrs. Whitmore showed up to inform them that Amelia had fallen asleep. The ladies sat down for their meals and Kitty was informed in full as to what her days would be filled with. Kitty felt a bit overwhelmed. She was going to receive a life's worth of instruction in seven months. The two matrons pointed out that many of the things she would learn she may already know, or were things most young women learned as they grew. She was glad for the encouragement, but it didn't take away from the fact that there was a lot she would have to learn. One good thing is that they would work on enhancing the talents she already possessed. She could draw and sing very well. Kitty had never cared to play, and the ladies saw no need to make her learn to play the piano forte, or anything else.
Once they had finished, Mrs. Andrews along with Mrs. Graham showed her around the house. Every room was lovely. The ballroom was spectacular, and she thought it a shame that is hadn't been used since before Amelia's birth. Their last stop was the library. This was done on purpose, for Mrs. Andrews thought Kitty would like to stay awhile in there. She was, of course, correct. She spent the rest of her day there, strolling from bookcase to bookcase, getting a feel of the room. She finally found a section of books she wanted to start with. She planned to write to her father and sister, Elizabeth, all about the library. She was positive they would be green with envy. Knowing such a vast library could be at his disposal might just get her father to leave his home for a little while. Wouldn't her mother be happy.
Lizzy wandered around the estate. Everything was so quiet. It had been a week since the wedding. Her mother was off visiting neighbors, still telling everyone who would listen of their good fortune. Mary had been unfortunate enough to cross their mother's path and had been dragged out the door with her. Lizzy knew if would not be long before she would start in on her younger sister about her wardrobe. Mary was certainly about to be overwhelmed.
Their father had been especially quiet. On more than one occasion, she had witnessed him looking wistfully at Jane, Kitty, and even Lydia's normal places. He didn't appear to know what to do with himself, anymore. It would take some time, but she knew they would settle into this new norm. Though Lydia's situation was not meant to be permanent, Lizzy doubted she would settle into a quiet country life well again. She wondered how Jane was doing and when she would hear from her or Kitty.
She finally made her way back to the house. Her mother and sister were not back yet. She went to her father's study.
"Hello, Lizzy," he said, not looking up from his bookkeeping. To his family's amazement, he had spent the better part of the last week reviewing them. He had never spent so much time on them before.
"Papa. I thought I would see how you were today."
He laid down his quill. "Better, I think. I am not sure I shall get used to having so much quiet. For years I have dreamed of it. I keep expecting to hear Kitty and Lydia getting into an argument over something trivial, or running into the house to share the latest neighborhood gossip. I miss your mother's complaints, if you can believe that. I find that her nerves truly have been my constant companions. I am not sure what to do without them."
"Do not worry, Papa," laughed Lizzy, "I am sure they shall very soon make an appearance. Lydia has yet to write to us. I am sure that if she is unhappy at all, she will make sure Mama knows about it, and Mama will let you know her displeasure at being kept in the dark of the true purpose for Lydia's going to Bath."
He chuckled. "True. I supposes I should enjoy the reprieve."
"You must have found something interesting among the books for them to keep your attention as they have."
"No, my Lizzy, they are as dull as ever, however, I find I needed to see just how much I am going to be put back for new wardrobes for Mary and yourself."
"Pardon?"
"New wardrobes. Since you and Mary, whether she wishes it or not, will be spending the winter in Town, you will need more fashionable dresses and adornments."
"Papa…"
Mr. Bennet put down his quill and looked his daughter in the eye. "The last several weeks have shown me my failings, Lizzy. I cannot go back and change what has been done, but I can affect how things play out from this point. I will no longer leave my responsibilities to others. I will see to it that you and Mary are properly outfitted. I am sure when the time comes, a trip to Town for you, Mary, and your mother should cool her anger towards me, if she is too terribly upset over Lydia."
Lizzy laughed and went to put her arms around her father. They were going to be ok.