The gentlemen from Netherfield took their leave, as Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet sat in silence for a few moments after their departure.

"Lizzy, as I said, I will see that you have what you need in order to deal with everything you learned today. But I think it wise to tell your mother now. Then you can have your time without the anticipation of that chore weighing on you."

Elizabeth agreed to such a sensible suggestion. "Shall we tell my sisters at the same time as well?"

"It is probably for the best. Let us go join them." Mr. Bennet offered Elizabeth his arm, escorting her from the study.

They found the rest of the family in the sitting room. He seated Elizabeth by Jane while he took his chair near Mrs. Bennet. "My dears, we had visitors this morning with the most remarkable information. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Darcy came to-"

"Did Mr. Bingley not come?" Jane interrupted, blushing as she realized she had spoken aloud.

"He did not, Jane. The interview was concerning Lizzy."

"Is Mr. Darcy courting Lizzy? You know, I saw him smile at something Mr. Bingley said once. He is ever so handsome when he smiles. And he is very rich. He is just what a young man ought to be, even if he is not so charming." Lydia's opinion was reinforced by the nods of Kitty and Mrs. Bennet.

Mr. Collins, who was seated by Mary, immediately jumped up. "Mr. Darcy? Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? It cannot be! He is the nephew of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And he is engaged to his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, Lady Catherine's daughter. She is most amiable and beautiful-." His effusions would have gone on for some time if he had not been cut off.

"I thank you for your words of caution, cousin. The gentleman did not come to court Lizzy." Yet, Mr. Bennet thought. "He and Mr. Hurst came concerning Elizabeth's identity."

The presence of Mr. Collins necessitated a quick explanation of Elizabeth's history with the Bennet family. Once provided, Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet related the events Hurst had shared with them. Jane wrapped her arm around Elizabeth as she rested her head on Jane's shoulder. She might have to add a nap to that list of things she needed.

Mrs. Bennet was overcome with tears, hearing of the Hurst's plight. Those tears mingled with ones for her own family. "How miraculous. Oh, Lord! What will become of me? I shall go distracted. I have prayed for this so often. Now that my prayers are answered I should be happy, but I am not."

"Succinctly put, Mrs. Bennet. I think that you have summed up how we all feel."

"Does this mean Lizzy is not our sister anymore?" Kitty asked timidly. "I do not want her to leave us."

Elizabeth reached across to take Kitty's hand. "Kitty, you will always be my sister, you will just have to share me. Whatever may happen, I will not allow myself to be estranged from my Bennet family."

"Are you scared, Lizzy?" Kitty whispered.

"I am." Elizabeth admitted. "They are my family, but they are strangers to me. I do not know when I will meet them, how I should act with them, if they will like me, or even what I should call them. It is very scary."

Suddenly Lydia snorted, disrupting the display of emotion and uncertainty. The snort then turned to peals of laughter. "La, Lizzy! Caroline Bingley is your sister. Can you imagine?"

"You must not laugh so, Lydia, for she will be your sister, too, soon enough." Mary replied playfully, looking at Jane.

"Oh, well played, Mary. A tease for Jane and Lydia in a single sentence." Elizabeth said, as they all joined in Lydia's laughter. "Thank you for that relief. I was in danger of becoming overwhelmed."

"It is nice when we are all together this way. But it will not be like this anymore, will it?" They were all affected by the implications of Elizabeth's discovery of her true family. However, Kitty seemed the most willing to voice her thoughts.

"Kitty, you girls are of an age when you will marry and leave Longbourn. It would not always be like this, even if Mr. Hurst had not recognized Lizzy for who she was." Mrs. Bennet had high hopes for Bingley's attentions to Jane. And, if things went as she planned, Mr. Colllins would be offering for Mary. No, indeed, things were destined to change very soon.