Author's note: In my imagination, Kitty's romance with Mr. Elliot is similar to Catherine Morland and Henry Mr. Tilney...
"... Aunt I know it wasn't your fault anything that happened." She paused "I had a lot of time to think about everything that happened during the years I lived in Longbourn and in London." She smiled, "If it wasn't for Johnny, I would never have lived in Longbourn as I always felt so loved in your house, especially by you."
"I had to have done much more! I should have insisted that my husband take a more active role in Johnny's interests…" she sighed, "I let myself be convinced it was better for Johnny to be raised as a gentleman at Longbourn than in a merchant's house in London."
"There is no irreparable damage. Longbourn and Sandstone are leased, and in a few years, they will be very productive." she squeezed her hand. "I know Uncle Gardiner has long been concerned about his company and the future of your children. I know that in recent years due to the conflicts on the continent and in America, you have had to cut costs. I noticed because you have fewer servants, and I know Uncle Gardiner had to take £500 of your dowry." she smiled, "However, you never took any money from Sandstone, nor did you take any money for my support while I was living with you in London."
"Lizzy, you were always like a daughter to me…"
After that conversation both were satisfied; Lizzy because after seriously reflecting on the past since her parents' death to her marriage to Darcy, she realized that her aunt Madeleine had always been by her side; and Madeleine because she wanted to apologize long ago for no paying more attention to Johnny.
A week after William's birth, the Gardiners returned to London. Lizzy invited Kitty to stay at Pemberley at least until the end of the year. Miss Taylor also stayed with them, and within a few days, she began teaching at Pemberley's school again and convinced Kitty to help her.
In the second week, Kitty was living in Pemberley, she met Mr. Robert Elliot. Perhaps a few years ago Kitty would never have been interested in a 'boring' clergyman, but the truth was that within a few weeks of meeting him, she admired him deeply. He was an intelligent, sensible gentleman who listened carefully to her when she spoke, and always said something interesting.
At first, Robert thought of her simply as a very sweet and naive young lady, almost a child. But as the weeks passed, perhaps in part due to Kitty's interest, he began to pay more attention to her and take a genuine interest in her...
Octubre 1813
Within three weeks of William's birth, Richard and Lady Catherine arrived at Pemberley. Lady Catherine promptly declared that Elizabeth had done her duty and the child was identical to Darcy, and also vehemently protested that Georgiana was being courted by a gentleman who only earned £4,000 a year...
"Darcy, how can you allow that 'gentleman' to court your sister? Georgian must marry the son of an earl, or at least a baron!"
"Aunt, Mr. Elliot is an exceptional gentleman, I have known him for many years, he is the heir to a very prosperous estate."
"I'm not saying otherwise. I also know the Elliots and so far, I had nothing bad to say about them. But Mr. Elliot should not aspire to marry above his social level."
"Aunt, Georgiana is the daughter of a gentleman, and Mr. Elliot is the son of a gentleman. In that aspect there are equals."
"Yes, but my sister was the daughter of an earl. Who is Mr. Elliot's mother? She is simply the daughter of a priest!"
"Remember that many times younger sons have to live from a profession. Richard is the son of an earl and yet he had a profession because Lord Matlock doesn't have an estate for him to inherit." He paused, "Mrs. Elliot's father was the third son of an earl, and chose to be a clergyman. That implies that Mrs. Elliot is also well connected." he sighed, "But the most important thing is Mr. Elliot loves my sister and she loves him…"
Although Lady Catherine was not very convinced, she didn't protest anymore... Perhaps it helped that Mary spent a lot of time with her, and also she had to 'advise' Kitty on the best techniques to play the piano well – although she never learned – to draw well – although she never learned – and everything a young girl like Kitty should know…