I hope I have improved a bit. I am honestly not going to worry about it anymore. It almost put me off, but then reminded myself that this is supposed to be fun. I am just going to write my story. I plan go back through once I am done. I am curious to see how I how I improve as I go. Please keep in mind that their dialog was different from ours. I am trying to get it as close as I can. Now, it wasn't that uncommon for a childless couple to adopt a child from within the family as an heir. Miss Austen had a brother who was adopted by one of their parents cousins. I can't say how common it was to adopt a female, though. Anyways, that is why the family isn't too worked up over it. I am changing the focus from Marianne to Kitty in this chapter. I will occasionally turn the focus onto another character such as the Colonel and Mr. Darcy. I have tried to keep most of the characters true to the book, though some are a bit ooc. Enjoy the chapter and check the bottom for more notes.

Kitty couldn't believe it. Her Aunt Marianne wanted to adopt her. HER! She had never been anyone's favorite. What is this going to mean for her? What about her sisters? This all seemed too fantastic to be real. Kitty tuned back in to Lydia's ranting. She wasn't very happy for her sister, thinking that it should be her to get such an opportunity. Dylan Hall was only 10 miles from Bath. What is Meryton to Bath!

"It's not fair! I should be the one to go! I am far prettier! Kitty is almost as plain as Mary! You won't be the favorite of anyone, I hope you know. I doubt you will be asked for a single dance!"

"Lydia, that is enough," cried Lizzy. "Kitty isn't going on a pleasure trip. She is moving from Longbourn. Dylan Hall shall be her home. Do you not care at all that Kitty is leaving?"

"But I am better company!"

Jane stepped forward and put a comforting hand on her sister. "Lydia, Kitty won't be able to attend any balls or parties for some time. She is only fifteen and our Aunt has she she will not be allowed out until after her seventeenth birthday. She says Kitty will have enough to do with her studies."

"Ugh. Aunt is so droll! I shan't envy you the plans she has for you, Kitty. I dare say your days will be dull indeed. What need do you have for tutors? I bet she'll have you dressing in those awful colors too. And don't forget your new governess. Ha!"

Mary's face held a rare smirk. "I heard Aunt Marianne offering to find us a governess. Your days may well hold the same."

Wide-eyed, Lydia ran from the room, calling for her mother. The remaining sisters turn their attention to Kitty. They had almost forgotten she was in the room. "How are you feeling about all this, Kitty? Are you happy?" asked Jane.

"I hardly know. It has happened so fast. My whole life has been here at Longbourn. It's exciting to think about though. I can't say that I am looking forward to my tutors, but I do love drawing. It will be strange living in a house with only Aunt and I. I am not sure how I will do with the solitude. Aunt Marianne hasn't said much about the neighborhood, but she did say that I am to have a new wardrobe made come spring. I wonder what the fashions in Bath are like?"

Kitty looked at her sisters. Jane and Lizzy were smiling at her. They were happy for her. Their Aunt's generous gifts had taken them all by surprise, but they felt such relief had not having to worry for their futures. Mary looked thoughtfully at Kitty. "I can say that I am happy for you. You will improve greatly with the instruction and you will still be able to pursue your amusements. I remember Aunt being considered very fashionable before our Uncle and cousin passed away."

Though she wouldn't say so to her sisters, Mary was a little jealous when they were first told of the adoption. She had always wanted to be able to study under actual tutors. Not long after the announcement, Aunt Marianne asked her if she would like to receive some instruction and proceeded to offer to find someone for her. That is what started the talk of a governess. Her Mama was not too pleased with the idea, thinking she was doing a good enough job. Mary rolled her eyes at the thought.

"Well," said Lizzy, "Mama couldn't be more pleased. It has only been 3 days and the entire neighbor has been made aware of our new circumstances. Charlotte has been to tell me that her mother has been in an ill mood since Mama went to call. I have decided to save that bit of news. Undoubtedly, she will go into a fit of nerves in the next couple of days, sorting your things Kitty. It will be a good distraction for her."

The sisters share a laugh. "I shall miss you, Kitty. We have never spent much time together, but things will not be the same without you,' Jane said.

Kitty smiled at her sisters. Except for Lydia, it seemed that her sisters weren't going to hate her over it. Now she just needs to get through the next eight days.

"Lydia, those are mine!" cried Kitty. She had come in from making final calls on their neighbors to find Lydia going though all her packed things. She and her Aunt were leaving in two days.

"I don't see why you should take them! You will be able to buy nicer things once you get to Bath. You would leave me with nothing good! Mama! Mama! Tell Kitty she must leave these slippers for me!"

"Oh, Kitty, let her have them. I am sure you will have much finer once you get to Dylan. They're just slippers!"

"But Jane gave them to me for my birthday this year and they are my favorite! You let her have everything that is mine!"

"Have some compassion for my nerves!"

Before Lydia had the chance to gloat, she found the slippers taken from her hands. She turned to find Marianne looking pointedly at her. "It is not polite to take things that do not belong to you. If there is something you want, you ask. And Cathrine, that tone is not flattering. Ladies do not whine, they speak clearly and with confidence."

Fanny's face was turning a nice shade of red. "I can handle my own daughters, thank you!"

"I am sure that you can, I was merely attempting to spare your nerves. Now Cathrine, how do those slippers fit?"

"They are a little tight, but they are still my favorites."

"Wearing tight slippers will only cause you pain. Perhaps you should consider leaving those for your sister, if she can ask for them."

Lydia glared at her Aunt before turning to her sister, "May I have these slippers?"

Kitty thought about it for a moment. They were her favorites, but she didn't wear them much anymore because of the pinch. "Oh, alright. But stay out of my things. I know you hid my lavender dress. Leave the rest of my things alone. Mama has already promised you my allowance. You will be able to buy a few new things yourself."

Lydia made a face and ran off with her new slippers, her mother trailing after her in search of Mrs. Hill. "I do not think I will miss her at all. She has all but said the same to me. I do not think she cares at all for me."

"She loves you, just as your mother loves you. Some people just don't know how to properly show it. I do hope, though, that my Brother takes seriously my recommendation to hire a governess. There is still hope for her."

"We have turned out well, not having had one."

"You say that because you do not know better. I know that this may anger you to hear, but you will see for yourself once your lessons begin. There are many things you are lacking due to your mothers refusal to teach or have you taught. Now, let's go repack your trunks. Be sure to give me the key once you have locked it."

They turn from the drive with her family's farewells still ringing in her ears. Her mother had been tearful, making a scene. Lydia stood stiff with her arms crossed as Kitty hugged her goodbye. Jane and Lizzy sent her off with watery smiles and waves, extracting promises to send letters upon her arrival at Dylan Hall. Her father showed a little emotion as he hugged her and told her to be good. Mary surprised her by initiating a hug and promising to write. It was the first time that Kitty could recall having so much attention directed at herself.

"I am so glad to be going home. I love our family, Cathrine, but there are some things that are just not good in large doses."

Kitty stared at her Aunt. She hated being called Cathrine. "Aunt Marianne, why do you call me Cathrine? Why can you not call me Kitty like everyone else?"

Marianne scoffed. "Kitty does not suit you. It makes you sound like a giggling, little girl without a thought in her head. If you insist upon a nickname, let us think of another one. One that doesn't sound so childish."

They were silent for a while, each admiring the country. When they stopped at an inn that evening, they took their dinner in their room. Marianne looked over at Kitty and said "how about Kate?"

"Kate... Kate..." Kitty mulled it over and over in her mind for a bit. "You know, I like it! Kate Bennet."

"Kate Westfield."

I mentioned a name change in my first chapter, I believe. To me, giving her a new name magnifys that she is going to become a new person. Her personality is going to be a bit between Jane and Lizzy. She is going to be sweet and compassionate, with a bit of spunk. I am wanting to round her out. We will see. I am thinking of doing the next chapter as letters. I am impatient to get to certain parts, but I don't want to do such a huge time skip. Pride and prejudice will still play a huge part in my story. Some things will change, and others will stay the same. I want to do the letter to show a little of the change that will take place in the girls. The letter will all be from them. Let me know what you think. I pretty much have the entire story outlined, but I am open for suggestions.