I appreciate all the reviews. Here is where my story is going to take a very distinctive turn. Someone asked about Marianne's circumstances and they are talked about a little in this chapter. She is very well situated. I am kind of relearning all the rules to grammar, so I may miss many mistakes. It has been years since I have done any kind of writing. For our own reasons, we have seen fit to homeschool our son, and while it is causing me to relearn everything, there's a lot that is not gone over in first grade. lol. Feel free to message me. A person never really stops learning. Enjoy this chapter. I am eager to see what you think.

Two days after Christmas, Marianne decided it was time to approach her brother with her propositions. She was due to leave in 12 days. No point in putting off the inevitable.

"Edward, I am afraid I must impose upon you. I have a matter of some import that we must discuss."

Mr. Bennet eyed her for a moment. "I thought there was something on your mind. What can I do for you?"

"As you know, because we had no other children, I inherited everything after the death of my son and husband. Even if I could be persuaded to marry again, there will be no children. You have 5 daughters with little to recommend themselves besides their charms. You and I both know that is not likely to be enough for them to make a decent match. You and the girls are all I have in the way of family. Bertram was an only child and his family are all gone or the connection is too stretched. I would like you to allow me to settle some investments upon the girls to improve their circumstances. With them, each of the girls would have 10,000 or more."

She watched her brother while she spoke. His face was currently unreadable, which was strange. Anyone who new Edward Bennet could easily tell what he was thinking. Mr. Bennet finally broke the silence. "I must say, Mari, I don't know how I feel about this. On the one hand, I feel I should be offended that you think me incapable of providing for my daughters. On the other, it solves a problem I have spent far too long trying to ignore. I see no real reason to turn down such an offer, except for your unintentional slight upon my pride. I do, however, discern that there is more you want to say."

"How well you know me, Brother. There is another matter I wish to discuss. I am afraid it will be a sensitive topic and I do not wish to offend you further."

"How ominous. Well, do not leave me is suspense, Mari. Out with it."

"I must say that I have quite enjoyed my stay here. Your daughters are a true delight. I treasure the time I have been able to spend with them. I have especially taken to Cathrine. Outside of her youngest sister, she is a very different creature. This brings me to what I wish to discuss with you. Now, before I start I want you to know that what I have offered to settle on the girls does not hinge on your acceptance of my request. I am lonely, Brother. As I have already stated, you are all I have. I could seek out a companion, but I desire to have family. I have no heir. No one to take care of me in my old age. I have thought to leave the estate to all the girls, but it breaks my heart to think of selling it. I desire to see it in the hands of family always. Brother, I would like to adopt Cathrine."

Silence prevailed once more as Mr. Bennet regarded his sister through wide eyes. He certainly never saw this coming. Adopt Kitty! "You have left me speechless twice in one day, Sister. That is a feat not easily met. I believe I shall need some time to think on this. I may actually need to involve Mrs. Bennet. I believe the girls were planning to go to Lucas Lodge. Perhaps you would like to accompany them. Please ask Hill to send Mrs. Bennet to me upon the girls departure."

Marianne, seeing his desire to clear the house for such a discussion, quickly took her leave and went at once to dispatch his requests.

"What has that nosy, unfeeling sister of yours done now?! I know she requested to see you this morning. No doubt she has found fault with all she has seen. With an estate such as hers, I imagine she finds all others as lacking. Is our garden too small? Are our sheets scratchy? Do I not run the house to her satisfaction? Well, perhaps she should cut her visit short and shrivel in her solitude."

"Have a care of what you say, Mrs. Bennet. You may find yourself very repentant of your words. My nosy, unfeeling sister, as you call her, has decided to settle some very hefty investments upon your daughters. The girls will not have to settle for the first man to make an offer. I dare say, your nerves will no longer have cause to vex you over the matter."

"Oh ho ho! Mr. Bennet! And so she should! She has no children and more than enough wealth. Who else should she see fit to settle upon. Oh, I cannot wait to tell Lady Lucas!"

"Hold that thought, dearest. She had yet another request, though she made sure to stress the fact that is has no bearing upon her gracious gift. Seeing as she has no heir, she has asked to adopt Kitty. Upon her death, all her other assets will be passed to her. She wants the estate and other holding to stay with family."

"Why Kitty?! Why not Lydia?! My Lydia is certainly deserving of it!"

"Yes, but I imagine she sees that it would pain you too much to be parted from your Lydia, for you must realize that she would be removed from Longbourn. I do not believe you would wish to be parted from your Jane just yet either. Lizzy is certainly out of the question. I admit I am not ready be parted from her. Mary, despite being her namesake, does not have the temperament to live with Marianne. No, Kitty is the clear choice. They are very much a like and you will not long so much for her company."

Mr. Bennet allowed time for what he said to sink in. So his wife was not upset at the idea of Marianne adopting a daughter, just annoyed at the choice she made. After thinking about it, Mrs. Bennet conceded and began to dream of the advantages of one day having a daughter settled as Mistress of Dylan Hall in Somerset! And a house in Town! Oh, Mrs. Bennet will have much to spread about her families new circumstances.

Mrs. Hill met Marianne as she and the girls made their way into the house. "Mr. Bennet would like to see you, Madame."

Already? Have they reached a decision so soon? She made her way into her brothers book room. "You asked for me, Edward?"

"Yes. No point in dragging this out. You are leaving in under a fortnight. Best to give Kitty time to adjust."

"So you have decided to grant my request?"

"That much should be obvious. I am almost ashamed to admit that it did not take me long to come to the conclusion that was you ask is not so hard. Mrs. Bennet, too, didn't take long in rejoicing at the thought of a daughter so well settled. It would prove us very poor parents to deny Kitty this oppertunity. Now, I asked Mrs. Hill to give us a few moments. Your new charge shall be joining us shortly."