Due to his social position, one of the excellent fine qualities Lord Sebastian developed over the years was his powers of observation and a keen ear for hearing what was being said around him. At Lucas Lodge, he had heard Lady Lucas say the names of Lydia, Kitty, and Mr. Stevens several times. Knowing that they were talking about Mrs. Barton's younger sisters and mother, he tried to pay attention to what they were saying while pretending to listen to Mr. Lucas and other gentlemen were saying who wanted to get to know him better.

Even though the gossipy ladies were relatively close to him, he couldn't understand everything they were saying, but he figured that he had to intervene as soon as possible, otherwise Lydia and Kitty Bennet would surely ruin their lives and affect the Bartons.

When the ladies began to talk about other subjects related to the price of lace and the latest fashions in London, Lord Sebastian feigned coughing several times and went to the slightly open window to 'breathe easier'. No one suspected that his reason was to talk to Georgiana and Miss Bennet who were conversing near that window.

From time to time he secretly observed Mr. Collins, since he did not like the way the gentleman's eyes followed Mrs. Barton. Unfortunately, he had seen that kind of look on several men with low morals, and many times these men acted inappropriately and even imposed themselves on women who were helpless. Since he was a very powerful man who could ruin Mr. Collins if he wished, he decided that he should visit him to clarify a few truths...

PPP

Miss Pratt was a sweet, intelligent, and sensible young lady who genuinely appreciated the Bartons, especially Mrs. Barton as she lent her books. In addition, since her father was disabled, they invited her to go with them to parties where her mother could not accompany her.

Therefore, very early in the morning the day after Sir William's party, in great concern, she visited the parsonage to have a serious conversation with Mrs. Barton. The day before she had overheard Mr. Collins and Lady Lucas talking vulgarly about Mrs. Barton's younger sisters and Mrs. Stevens. Although she had never been a gossip, she realized that what Mr. Collins and Lady Lucas were insinuating and saying was delicate and could have dire consequences.

Both Mary and Elizabeth were surprised to see Miss Pratt so early in the parsonage, especially when they noticed that the young lady was visibly nervous and even doubting whether or not she should speak...

After Miss Pratt drank chamomile tea, and two failed attempts to start a conversation with her, finally she embarrassedly told them what she had overheard the day before, "Mrs. Barton, Miss Bennet, before I tell you what I overheard yesterday, I want you to know I was very hesitant to talk to you, but my mother convinced me that it is important you know as soon as possible what is implying and saying about your sisters." She paused and sighed nervously, "I don't want you to think I'm a gossip or I have a tendency to listen to gossip, but I did hear Mr. Collins and Lady Lucas say some very ugly things about your younger sisters and also several people claim they have seen them blatantly flirting with some officers. Unfortunately, the latter is true."

Concerned Elizabeth looked at Mary, and Mary replied, "Miss Pratt, please, do not worry as we know very well you are an educated and sensible young lady and you are not a gossip. We have never heard you speak ill of anyone, let alone repeat or invent some malicious gossip. For this reason, and since we trust you, we ask you to tell us what else you have heard that visibly worries you."

Miss Pratt nodded, "The most serious thing I heard was Lady Lucas say that Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia had anticipated their wedding vows to Captain Shaw and Captain Denny respectively. She further said she discovered them both in a very compromising situation in an alley in Meryton, the one very close to the milliner. She even hinted that your sisters probably do favors to other officers. Lady Lucas used more derogatory words, but I suppose you understand what I mean. Mr. Collins vehemently claimed that he had no choice but to break his secret engagement with you, Mrs. Barton, because your sisters and your mother are women of very low morals, and a man of his social standing could not be involved with a family like yours."

Neither Elizabeth nor Mary were too surprised that their sisters were left without supervision since Mrs. Stevens was not exactly a sensible or virtuous woman. They understood the gravity of the situation and the repercussions it could have on the lives of their sisters and even their own. But both were even more outraged by Mr. Collins's lies about his alleged engagement to Mary. Ironically, the one most offended was Elizabeth, "Secret engagement, nonsense! That man is a liar and certainly, he has a great imagination! He was the one who was and evidently still is obsessed with Mary. Mr. Gardiner had to intervene urgently to protect Mary from that despicable man."

Miss Pratt nodded, "Mrs. Barton, Miss Bennet, I know very well that what Mr. Collins said is not true, and I don't think anyone in Meryton believes such a story. But what they say about your sisters is likely partly true, or at least most people will believe it..."

At lunchtime, Mary and Elizabeth told Mr. Barton in great detail what Miss Pratt had told them. Mr. Barton had also heard these gossips, and he had decided it was opportune that he once and for all speak to Mary's sister and mother about their inappropriate behavior. If it didn't work, he would to talk to Mr. Stevens. He knew that for years Mary's younger sisters had mocked her, his wife had a noble heart and despite everything she still loved them.