By the time we had arrived for services on Sunday most people in Meryton had heard all the different versions of what had happened at the militia camp the previous week. I was glad that very few people had taken up the story that the colonel's death resulted from a fight over his wife. Mrs. Forster was a flighty young thing but she and the colonel had appeared very devoted to one another. I did not care to think people might ruin her reputation without cause. Mrs. Bennet, Lady Lucas and a few of the other matrons staunchly defended her whenever that rumor surfaced, and I think some people mentioned it just to see their reactions, not because they actually believed it.

None of the militia attended services this week either. We heard the vicar had agreed to go to the camp later to provide a private service and religious council for the men there. Apparently he had done the same the week before and had seen Colonel Forster respectfully buried in the Meryton graveyard. He had kept the secret well.

It seemed odd to be thinking of parties with all the serious matters going on in the militia camp. All the same, Monday was Twelfth Night and we had been invited to a party at the Long's house. I knew Twelfth Night parties could sometimes become rowdy. I did not know if that would be the case here in Meryton, but it was worth reminding Kitty and Lydia to remain on their best behavior no matter what others chose to do.

I also spoke with Mrs. Bennet about the household accounts. Mrs. Bennet was perfectly willing to have Kitty assist her with the household accounts.

"I had forgotten that once Jane marries and moves away she will no longer be able to help me do the accounts. I suppose it makes sense to have Kitty help because she will be the oldest daughter living at home. But should Lydia not also learn? After all she might marry before Kitty and then where would she be?"

"Lydia will be helping Mr. Bennet with the estate accounts like Elizabeth did before she was married."

"Oh, yes, Lizzy is gone away too. I had almost forgotten with them here so much. I heard her tease her father about not being very good at doing sums and he always calls Kitty and Lydia silly girls. Will he be willing to have Lydia help? She is not smart about books like Lizzy is."

"Both girls have already spent time with him learning how the estate accounts are managed and helping him close out the books for the year. He is learning that his youngest daughters can be more than just silly girls. Kitty has been learning to play chess from him and he is happy that Lydia will be helping with the books."

"Yes, he does seem to be learning to appreciate us all more," she said thoughtfully. "I thought he was hurting Lizzy and Mary's chances of marrying well when he had them reading serious books and taught them chess and how to run an estate, but they both married good men anyway. I suppose it cannot hurt Kitty and Lydia to learn as well. Do you play chess, Miss York?"

"Yes, I do. My father taught me when I was little and he also taught me how to do the estate accounts. I am currently playing a game of chess by post, like your husband, with the Duke of Montrose. They arranged it so I send my moves along with Mr. Bennet's and receive the responses when he does."

"You can play the game by post? I thought you needed a board."

"We still use the board, but we do not have to be sitting together at it. Each square has a number like a house on a city street, and each piece has a name and only certain ways it can move. We send our moves by saying which piece we are moving and what its new address will be. Then the other person responds by doing the same. Some people keep track of the game on a real board and some people can keep a picture of the board and how the pieces have moved in their heads."

"That sounds very complicated."

"It can be, but if you like that kind of game then that is part of the fun."

"I think I shall stick to embroidery."

"Lydia thinks the same as you. She would rather do her needlework than learn the game."

We arranged a time each day that Kitty would come learn about how to run the house and do the accounts. I spoke with Mr. Bennet and he agreed to have Lydia join him each day at that time to work on the estate. It was not the way things might have been done in other houses, but for the Bennet family I felt this arrangement would work. Miss Darcy could spend that time with Mildred or me while she was here, or she could join Kitty with Mrs. Bennet. She would be returning to stay with her brother at the end of the week.

Shortly before they went up to get ready, I had my chat with the girls about their expected behavior at the party They took my warning well. I think they had all been more shaken by Lieutenant Denny's attack than they let on. Knowing that her earlier behavior had been part of what prompted the attack made more of an impact on Lydia than anything else we might have said or done. While she still needed guidance and a reminder now and then, Lydia was ready to act properly and Kitty would follow.

As Twelfth Night parties go, the one at the Long's house that evening was tame. They had dancing later in the evening and some silliness, but the participants never became wild and uninhibited as sometimes happened in the Ton. Mr. Thompson had always been very selective about which Twelfth Night parties his family would attend. My former employer did not wish to expose his wife and daughter to the rowdier elements of many parties one found in London on that night.

We arrived in good time and the three young ladies stuck together as they made the rounds to greet the other guests. I saw Maria Lucas join them as they chatted for a time with Miss Priscilla Long. Charlotte made her way to my station at the side of the room.

"No Colonel Fitzwilliam again tonight, I see," she said after we exchanged greetings.

"And no Lieutenant Andrews," I responded, "although I did not really expect to see either of them. The colonel visited Longbourn briefly a few days ago, hoping to catch Mr. Gardiner before he returned to town. Mr. Gardiner has been assisting in a matter related to the Earl of Matlock. The colonel only stayed a few minutes after completing the business that brought him and he told us the soldiers would be confined to camp until the investigation was complete."

"Surely the colonel, at least, would attend local functions even with his men confined to camp?"

"No, he said he would not have time for social events until the investigation was fully completed and the unit was functioning properly again. He was very clear on that point."

"He is a very dedicated man."

Yes, he is most committed to his duties."

We dropped the subject then as Kitty, Lydia, Miss Darcy and Miss Maria came over to join us.

"Miss York," said Kitty as she came up to me, "they are about to open the pianoforte. Lydia and Maria think Georgie and I should play our new duet. What do you think? Are we ready to perform it?"

"You played it well together when you practiced this morning. You could probably polish it with further practice, but as it is I do not think you will embarrass yourselves by playing. Do you both feel confident in your parts?"

They nodded. The piece was a simple one that would not be appropriate for a London audience, but the neighbors had already shown themselves willing to offer encouragement to Kitty with the simple Christmas piece they had performed the previous week. In this company they would do no harm and could build confidence by performing.

"Wait until some of the other young ladies have performed, then do your duet. You do not want to appear too eager, like you are pushing yourself forward as an expert. Miss Darcy, do you feel up to doing a small solo performance after the duet?"

"I can do that. I picked out and practiced a piece that does not strain my arm just in case I was called on to perform tonight."

"Good. I am sure your brother will be pleased to hear you perform with both hands again. I see he and Elizabeth have arrived."

The young ladies thanked me with their smiles and went off to greet Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.

"I am glad to see Kitty taking such an interest in the pianoforte. I feared she would never find enjoyment in anything beyond bonnets and soldiers." She smiled at the irony of that statement, considering our interest in two particular soldiers. "It is a shame Lydia does not wish to play."

"Kitty will never be an exceptional player, but if she continues to practice she will gain enough proficiency to make a good showing at any event she is likely to attend. Lydia does not wish to practice, although she admits she would enjoy being able to play. It is the work involved to play well that puts her off. I am teaching her to sing. That also requires practice, but it is not as easily discerned as work when you are not tied to a physical instrument. One can practice singing anywhere. Both girls have pleasant voices."

"I will do what I can to encourage them," said Charlotte.

"Thank you. One must be sneaky with Lydia. If she feels forced into an activity she will sometimes take stubbornly against it even when she would really enjoy the activity."

"Eliza can be like that as well, but she is more likely to laugh herself out of her stubbornness. Mrs Gardiner refused to allow her to pout or sulk."

"Lydia is also learning that pouting and sulking gain her little but trouble. It will take time to erase the habit entirely, but she is already much improved."

"I certainly agree. Honestly, I hardly recognize her at times."

The pianoforte was opened at this point and the performances began. Charlotte and I chose to listen quietly as the ladies played their pieces. Miss Darcy and Kitty played very well when their turn arrived. I could hear a few places where the performance could be improved with some practice, but it was still well done and the audience were quick to offer applause. Miss Darcy then did her solo, which was was equally well received. As expected, Mr. Darcy was delighted to see her playing with both hands, finally free of the splint which had been a constant reminder of Mr. Wickham's attack.

After a few other young ladies played their pieces one offered to play some dancing music. The furniture was moved aside and sets formed up. After the first two sets I went over and volunteered to play a few as well. I played two and was relieved by one of the older ladies who said she preferred joining the dance from the bench rather than on the floor. She played several lively pieces, much enjoyed by the company.

Towards the end of the evening Mr. Darcy sought me out. "I wanted to let you know that Elizabeth and I are leaving for London tomorrow and we will be staying until just before Jane's wedding. I have been asked to speak with Bishop Parkhurst and the other church officials who are investigating Mr. Collins. They feel I will be a good witness because I met Collins several times and was present at both parties he helped disrupt and I am also related closely to Lady Catherine. We have decided to take Georgiana with us, with her agreement. She will be ready to leave by nine o'clock tomorrow morning. Do you think Mrs. Annesley is truly well enough to travel at this point? I would not wish to endanger her health by having her travel in the cold and snow if she is not."

"I believe she would tell you she is well enough, Mr. Darcy, but I do not think she really is. She still has a very nasty cough and tires easily. I suspect she might become ill again if exposed to a long cold journey."

"That was my feeling as well, but I have not been around her as much lately and I know you have. I would like to propose a temporary trade in responsibilities, assuming you and Mr. Bennet are willing. As I said, I do not wish to endanger Mrs. Annesley's health. I also do not wish Georgiana to be in our London home alone if Elizabeth and I are out. I would prefer they both have company if they decide to go out shopping or visiting without me. Would you consider coming along with us while Mrs. Annesley watches over Kitty and Lydia?"

"I have no objection if Mr. and Mrs. Bennet do not. Mrs. Annesley is very aware of the lessons the young ladies are working on and there should be few parties or other events to tax her strength until Jane's wedding. She would probably be relieved to avoid the travel."

"Excellent. Shall we go speak with Mr. Bennet?"

Mr. Bennet had no problems with the plan. He knew his daughters would be in good hands with Mildred and he agreed she was probably not well enough yet to travel. Mrs. Bennet was also happy with the idea. She, too, felt that Mildred needed to regain her strength. I think Mrs. Bennet enjoyed having someone to fuss over.

Mr. Darcy asked if I would be comfortable explaining the situation to Mrs. Annesley myself or if he and Elizabeth should stop by Longbourn on their way home from the party. I told him I would speak with her. If she took too great exception to the plan I was sure he would find her packed and ready alongside Miss Darcy the next day. He laughed and told me that was my place.

Considering Miss Darcy's need for an early start the next day, Mr. Bennet decided to leave the party a little early. I did have time to speak with Charlotte and let her know I would be traveling with the Darcys. Elizabeth had apparently already told her about the trip. She wished me a safe journey and I wished her good luck in crossing the path of a certain lieutenant. We were both laughing as we parted ways.