I hope everyone has had a great week! Thank you for your comments, opinions, follows, and favorites! I really have no other comments, so on to the chapter!

ETA: I realized after I posted that I put the line cutting the scenes in the wrong place. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Bingley made his way downstairs. He didn't know what to do about his sister's letter. Now that some time had gone by, his anger had cooled immensely. He could tell that she was miserable. There was a part of him that felt she deserved to be as miserable as he had felt, but time had already begun to settle his heart. Did he send for her, or leave her be for a while longer?

It had been three months since he got news that Miss Jane Bennet was to wed another. He still hurt over it, but he was more accepting of the circumstances. Before he had heard about her being in Town, he had been enjoying himself well enough, and would have continued on in that fashion had he never encountered Mr. Andrews. It was her being there, right under his nose, and obviously harboring some affection for him that made him angry. Had he known, he would have called on her directly.

But that was the past now. There was no point in dwelling on what could have been. Bingley had had a nice chat with the local clergyman. He had listened to him and given him very sound advice: he would never find peace if he did not let go of the past. That, and yearning for another man's wife would only bring about more troubles, and he was very sure that Miss Bennet was now Mrs. Andrews. He needed to focus on moving on.

Darcy and his sister were returning to their home. While he had enjoyed the solitude of the estate (something he can never recall having enjoyed before) he was happy to have company. He had forgiven Darcy. He had tried to make amends, and though Bingley did not know if he were truly regretful of his action or not, he accepted that his friend acted in a manner he considered best. Bingley couldn't say he would not do something desperate for the sake of a friend. In any case, he was headed to the front of the house now to greet them. They were walking into the house when he made the landing.

"Darcy! Miss Darcy! I was sure I would beat you both to the door!"

"Hello, Mr. Bingley," smiled Miss Darcy. "I was pleased to learn you were still here. I was surprised when my brother said that the plans to host the party were canceled, but it was nice to hear that you would still be visiting us."

"It was for the best. The Hurst's found themselves needed elsewhere, and Caroline had to leave to attend our aunt."

"Bingley, you are looking well," Darcy stated cautiously.

"I am well. I am very well. I now see the merits of having a country home. I believe I am now more convinced than ever that I need one of my own. Thank you, Darcy. You are a great friend."

He saw his friend visibly relax. They had had no real contact in the past months, other than Darcy's writing to inform him of their arrival. There would be time for talks later. The siblings left to change and refresh themselves. He headed down to the music room to await them.

They had a very enjoyable afternoon and evening. Miss Darcy told him all about their trip, Darcy slipping in here and there with some tidbit. They had dinner and Miss Darcy retired earlier than usual, saying the drive had worn her out. Bingley was pleased in any case. He and Darcy went to his friend's study where they sat and talked for some time.

"So, you are not going to write me off then?" asked Darcy.

"No. I do not believe you were acting entirely selfishly or maliciously. You thought she did not care. I hope I would say something if I thought you were about to do something that would cause you misery."

"I am happy you see it that way, though I am still sorry I caused you pain."

"It is best to leave it in the past. I do not want you to think you cannot speak your mind, so long as you understand that I will now act as I see fit."

"Understood."

"And what will you now do?"

"About what?"

"Miss Elizabeth. I understood, even in my own despair, that you harbor affections for her."

Darcy remained silent, not sure how to speak of this subject with his friend. Bingley rolled his eyes.

"I am not some delicate flower, Darcy!"

Darcy sighed. "She is going to be in Town next winter. We are likely to attend the same functions, and I am going to pursue her."

"How do you know she will be in Town next winter?" His friend gave him with a look. "Ah, and how is the new Mrs. Andrews?"

"Happy."

Bingley nodded, but did not make eye contact. "Are you sure you will be allowed near her?"

Darcy recounted the encounter. He did not miss his friend's wince when referring to his former 'angel' as Mrs. Andrews.

"I now truly understand what you meant when you said you wanted to hate him. The man is far too smug."

"So, he has improved the entire family's situation? That is good. They were all sweet girls."

Darcy didn't reply.

"I do wonder, though, how this indicates that he will not keep her from you."

"If he desired for me to keep my distance, he would have told me to stay away. Instead, he reminded me that I had the power to acquire what I wanted."

"Hmm. Well, I wish you the best. I am not sure I shall attend the next Season in Town. I have decided to quit Netherfield and search for a permanent residence."

"If you are interested, I have had my steward keep an ear out for any properties that come up for sale. I received a letter last week informing me that Payton Park is to be put on the market. It is here in Derbyshire, about twenty-five miles away. It is a profitable estate. Old Mr. Tiller is apparently selling because he does not want his nephew to have the opportunity to ruin it. He wants to sell to someone who will care for the place as he and his wife did. I can put in a good word for you."

"Yes. That would be brilliant. Do you think we could go and see the property?"

"I'll have Mr. Riches send a letter of inquiry."

"Good. Caroline has written, begging me to recall her. Perhaps, if I like the place, we can quicken the sale and she and I can settle there."

Darcy snorted. "If you like, you may send for her now. Georgiana would enjoy having another lady around, besides Mrs. Annsley."

"As long as you continue to behave as a child, you shall be treated as one," said Ms. Richards calmly. Lydia had been staying with her for two months, and to an outsider things would appear to have gotten worse, but Ms. Richards felt otherwise.

"But I am not a child! You are horribly unfair! First, you inform me that we will not ever be going out, and now you and your staff treat me as though I am a simple minded child!"

"As I said, you are being treated according to how you are behaving. You are acting no better than a young child, therefore I treat you as though you are that age. Once you decide that you shall act your age, I shall gladly treat you as the young lady you are supposed to be."

"It's not fair!"

"And what exactly is unfair, Miss Bennet? I have brought you into my home in a very respectable neighbor, located in a popular city. The only one keeping you from enjoying anything is yourself. All I have asked of you is to attend your lessons and allow me to help shape you into a respectable young woman, as I was tasked to do. You are the one who insists on sitting in your room all day."

"I do not need instruction!"

"Really? You honestly believe your behavior is acceptable in any society? Miss Bennet, why do you believe you have been sent here? I know I have told you many times, but I am interested in hearing what you believe."

"I was sent here because Kitty is jealous and somehow convinced Jane that I needed to be 'handled'. She somehow became Jane's favorite when she went to London and then Jane told your nephew to do something about me!"

"So you blame your sister, Catherine, for all that has befallen you?"

"Yes! Everything was fine until she went to Town! Then she came back bragging about getting a Season and recieving all manner of fine things! She never would have had anything if it weren't for me! I was Mama's favorite, even more than Jane. She never would have had attention or nice things if it weren't for me! It's not fair that she is getting rewarded while I am made to suffer!"

Ms. Richards scoffed. "You really do believe that, don't you? Well, allow me to clear this matter up for you. My nephew, Mr. Andrews, has been intimate with your Aunt and Uncle for years. He has been very aware of your family's circumstances, and your maternal family's concerns. After he met your eldest sister, he decided to pursue her as a possible wife, and with that in mind, he did as he always does and planned ahead.

"Those plans included your separation and education. So, you see Miss Bennet, before he had actually asked for your sister's hand, before he even became acquainted with your sister, Catherine, these plans had already been set into motion."

Lydia stared at her, wide-eyed.

"During my time in Hertfordshire, I inquired of you from most of your family and neighbors, wanting to get a broad picture of the type of young woman you are. The picture painted for me was one of a child who has no self-control and no care for the feelings of others. You have been spoiled since infancy. Your time here has shown me that you are not acquainted with refusal, believing that if you act out enough, you shall receive exactly what you want. That attitude will do you no good in this house. Had I not already assisted my nieces in seeing the reality behind their own behavior, I would find it hard to believe that you do not see yourself as a child whilst you go about behaving as one.

"Miss Bennet, your entire family, your mother now included, believes you are in desperate need of intervention. The evidence you have provided for me while dwelling in my house has only proved that fact further. You are not alone in this. Your sister, Catherine, has also been receiving a much needed education, though she entered my nephew's household with her eyes wide open to the fact."

"They all knew," Lydia said, tears welling in her eyes, "they all knew what my coming here meant."

"Yes, before you left, all of your family, bar your mother, knew the reason for you coming to stay with me."

"Why wasn't I told?!"

"They did not believe you would come willingly. From what you have told me yourself, you see no wrong in your behavior. You have shown no restraint in your actions connected with others, especially young men. Your father told me that you once tried to sneak up on soldiers having a swim, and that on more than one occasion, you tried to appear at the camp before the young men would be properly attired. Do you realize how inappropriate that would be for a young woman? Do you realize that your reputation, and the reputation of your family could have been severely damaged by your actions? Had you actually been a child, it would be laughed at, but you are not a child, as you so often try to remind others.

"At a ball, in the presence of a gentleman who had given every indication her would make an offer for your sister, you and Miss Catherine embarrassed your family by allowing yourself to be chased around the dining room and exclaiming loud, brash statements. You insult your sisters and friends in the presence of any and every body. You mock those in authoritative positions. You steal your sisters' possessions. When you do not get what you want, you whine and yell until someone gives in. These are not the actions of a grown young woman, they are the actions of a child."

Lydia had long looked away, but Ms. Richards heard her sniffle. She retrieved her handkerchief and sat down next to the young woman. Lydia accepted the cloth, but pushed away any other form of comfort.

"I understand that you are hurt. Your father and sisters meant no harm, they only want what is best. I know Jane is regretful for allowing you to come so far without proper correction. You have been given a chance to change your future. It was bleak, given your circumstances and actions. Now, when you enter society, you shall be armed with a proper education and connections. When you are ready, you may seek me out."

Ms. Richards rose and left the young woman on her own. She had daily reports on Lydia from the maid assigned to her. Lydia had become very quiet and reserved. Two weeks after their encounter, Lydia finally sought her out.

I had forgotten Lydia was in this chapter until I reread and made some changes. I figured it would be a good surprise! Next chapter, I am introducing a new OC. Yay! Have a great weekend! Stay safe!