Dear Kate,

The Militia has come to Hertfordshire. Mama and Lydia have been so excited. Not that Lydia should be, Mrs. Blakely is not likely to let her any where near them. For that, I am very thankful. I can only think that she would make herself and her family look very ridiculous. I feel I cannot be too hard on her though, for she has shown more maturity of late. She has not bestowed on us a tantrum in well over a month. For her, that is a great accomplishment indeed. I will not lie to you; she is still angry at you and our Aunt. When she does decide that she has been silent for too long, she makes sure to complain about how unfair her life is. It is my hope that she will continue on this path of maturity. Jane thinks that I ought to not tell you how Lydia has been, but I think you deserve to know the truth as to why you have heard nothing from our sister in months. Do not let it bother you. It was not too long ago that you were that age. She will get over it within the next couple of years. Papa has said she may be out on her seventeenth year, same as you. As we have learned from watching you; a lot can happen in two years.

Papa has shared with us a letter he received this week. Apparently, we are to host the man who is to inherit Longbourn after our father passes, a Mr. Collins. I believe you and our Aunt would take great delight in how he presents himself. Papa and Lizzy sure have. Truly, he sounds like the silliest of men. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy took up residence in Netherfield about a week after they happened upon our sisters. They seem to appear everywhere we go. They have been invited to every social we have. Though I do feel it is a bit beneath me, I must tell you that Mr. Bingley is rarely far from Jane's side, and she quite enjoys his company. Upon some advice from Charlotte, she has been careful not to show the same regard to anyone else. Mr. Bingley's sisters arrived this past week. I do believe that they are utterly miserable here. For reasons I do not understand, Lizzy takes great delight in that.

I think she has become too involved in the goings on of Netherfield. She and Mr. Darcy have struck up an odd kind of friendship. He has not really taken the time to become acquainted with any other families. Mr. Darcy has confessed to not being a lover of dancing. When he does dance, it is with Lizzy, Jane, Charlotte, or, surprisingly, me. Though his reason for dancing with me was to avoid Miss Bingley. She does seem to latch on to him every chance she finds.

I must stop this letter here. It appears that all the time Mama is forcing me to accompany her is showing forth. I refuse to become a busybody. Give my regards to Miss Darcy and thank her for her song selections. They have indeed been challenging. Mr. Darcy has promised to introduce her to us come Christmas, since we shall all be in Town. I look forward to meeting someone with as great a love of music as myself.

Mary

Dear Kate,

You were right about Mr. Darcy and I am glad to have taken your advice. He still seems like a very proud kind of man, but I find I cannot fault him for it. He has been nothing but kind in his dealings with our family and is very encouraging to his friend in his affections for our Jane. It really is very sweet to see. He also does not seem to mind that I am so well read. We find many things to discuss. In the month they have been here, we have seen them no less than five times a week, be it in Meryton or the private home of a friend. On two occasions, they decided to stop here on their daily rides. I do not think their rides would take them this direction so often if Jane were not here. But we shall keep that between us.

The dreaded cousin has finally made somewhat of an appearance. He sent a letter to Papa asking if he may come to visit. It has apparently been encouraged my his 'esteemed patroness', Lady Cathrine De Bourg. He shall arrive here in two weeks and shall stay for a fortnight. Papa is looking forward to finding out if he is as nonsensical as he sounds. I find myself almost as eager. Papa believes it possible that he may be in search for a wife. He has encouraged us to discourage his affections and has warned Mama that she is not to interfere. She was non to happy about that. She is eager to see her daughters married.

Mr. Bingley's sisters have arrived and they have not disappointed. Mrs. Hurst seems to think herself very fine in having married well. Mr. Hurst spends his time sitting in corners, partaking of beverages. It is very clear that Miss Bingley has set her sights on Mr. Darcy and she is disinclined to release him. I liken last night to a lion in hunt of prey. Care to guess who fits which role? He spent the better part of last evenings dinner party escaping her. Mary's face when he asked to dance with her. Our sister took it in stride, though. She will never admit it, but I believe she took delight in the entire situation. Be sure to pass on to the Colonel that his cousin is very swift of foot.

Speaking of the Colonel, you neglected to tell us he is the son of an earl. The company you keep has improved indeed, Kate. He was mentioned at last nights dinner and I felt that I would not be doing my sisterly duty if I did not inquire of him. I could be wrong, but your letters of late mention him a great deal. Even Miss Bingley could find nothing negative to say about him, though it is obvious no man can measure up to Mr. Darcy. I understand that there is a great chance we shall meet the Colonel in Town. Mr. Darcy has expressed his desire to introduce us to his sister. Mama is of course very please. Expect a letter from her soon. The knowledge of his connections could not be kept from her. She is sure you will need her guidance to 'catch' him. Do not think she is free to profess it to the neighborhood. Papa has told her she is, under no circumstances, to brag about any engagements that have not been made official. If she does, she will find her social calendar clear and he shall accompany us. Mama was horrified.

Give my regards to the household. I look forward to seeing you.

Lizzy

Darcy,

A little bird has informed me that you have been partaking in the art of evasion. Tell me, are you enjoying your time with Miss Bingley? I am told it is like watching a lion on the hunt. I must say, this greatly amuses me. Georgie and I laughed long about it. The imagery is just too great.

I am glad that you are giving such a good impression to the good people of Hertfordshire. Now, I must have your account on your friend, Bingley and Miss Bennet. Georgie says she cannot get a word of it from you. All we have are the views of Miss Westfield's other sisters. Have pity on those of us who are too far away to enjoy this diversion. If you do, perhaps I shall find it in myself not to tease you about another Miss Bennet you seem to write about in every letter you send. Careful that you do not send one such to our Great Aunt. She may be jealous for her daughters sake. Nothing must stand in the way of such a great happiness.

Speaking of our Great Aunt, it appears that she may descend upon us this Christmas. Anne was kind enough to send me the warning. Her mother grows more and more adamant that you must set a date. I swear, she is going mad. Anne has tried telling her that neither of you are inclined to marry the other, but she will not hear of it. According to our cousin, her new rector is no help either. She says he is a simple man, meaning no real harm, but his complete loyalty to her is doing no good. Be on guard. She would have sent the letter to you, but her mother has been monitoring her mail. She does not want to add to the problem.

Georgie is truly doing well. I find myself visiting her and the Ladies of Dylan every couple of weeks. It gives me rest from the blithering idiots that I find myself in command of. I feel as though I am being punished, having to train so many noble's sons. Was I this bad? I grow more and more weary of this life. So, you can see why I take it upon myself to check on our charge so often. The bed chambers are an improvement over the barracks as well. I have decided to escort the Ladies to London this December. I am hoping to have you invite to stay with you. I have no desire to be so available to my mother. I would be greatly indebted to you.

Richard

Lizzy,

I am happy that you have taken my advice on Mr. Darcy and that you both have such engaging conversations. You must tell me more of Jane and Mr. Bingley. Your snippets are simply not enough. It is times like these that I despise being so far away. I hope that I am able to make his acquaintance soon as I have heard only good things about him. It is amusing to read that Miss Bingley measures up to her reputation.

I do not know if you have mentioned to Mr. Darcy that you have a cousin coming to visit, but there is something feel I must impart to you. When you said his patroness was Lady Cathrine De Bourg, I nearly died with laughter. Lady Cathrine is the aunt of Georgie, Mr. Darcy, and the Colonel. Oh, how small our world is. Georgie writes her cousin, Miss Anne De Bourg, frequently and we have shared many laughs over the things he says and does. I believe if he could, he would saint Lady Cathrine. I feel a bit bad for taking so much delight in his antics, but I can't help but feel he does it to himself. We all agree that he needs a good woman. Perhaps you could be on the lookout for one for him. Someone to help manage the poor man. Miss De Bourg says that he is a simple minded man.

I will not lie to you, Lizzy. I find I quite like the Colonel, but it is nothing serious at this time. It would be a very good match. He has little inheritance, but he has a respectable occupation and comes with very good connections. He is also very kind and does not partake in much drinking and does not gamble outside of a friendly wager. I am still very young. I am not sure I am ready for marriage, but I have resolved not to shut him out should he have any honorable intentions towards me. Mama's letter mortified me. I received it first and he was in the room whilst I read it. I think I shall read my sisters letter first, always, so that I may receive the warnings offered. Aunt Mari didn't know if she wanted to laugh or be offended that Mama has no faith that she could steer me right. And the advice. I am blushing as I write to you. I do hope she does not try and share her wisdom with Lydia. Surley she did not 'catch' Papa in any such manner. I am sending the letter back for you and Jane to read. Please burn it after.

I am glad Papa is taking her in hand. Give my love to our family.

Kate

Richard,

I am so pleased that my hardships provide you with such amusement. It makes me feel as though my life has meaning. As I have told Georgiana, Bingley's business is his own. I shall not share anything he has not expressed in the open for all to know. I will say that his regard has grown for Miss Bennet, but that, I suppose, you have gathered from your other informants. I do not appreciate your assumptions. I have a great respect for Miss Elizabeth. I cannot say I have ever known another like her. I will not lie, I am intrigued, but I am not in search for a wife just yet. I have far too much I must contend with at present. Do not think for one second that I believe you appear at Dylan so often to escape your men and to see Georgiana. Your mother is very pleased.

I thank you for the advanced warning. I shall be sure to make myself as unavailable as possible. I would be happy to host you this Christmas. The house is much too large for Georgiana and I. I will take delight that I can keep you in line with the threat of being sent to your mothers.

Richard, since writing the above, a most alarming event has occurred. I need you to come to Netherfield quickly. Wickham has joined the Militia stationed here at Hertfordshire.

Darcy

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow American's. I hope this year has caused you to have many things to be thankful for. If you are one of the people who like to brave the sales on Black Friday; stay safe. There are some really crazy people out there. I will do my shopping online. If I venture out, it will be in the late afternoon, while the early morning shoppers are sleeping it off. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next will not be letters, but the Colonel will be in Hertfordshire. Yay! There will be some Lizzy/Darcy interaction for those who have been asking for it. The Colonel will meet the family and Mr. Collins makes his appearance. I might have to break it up into 2 or 3 chapters. This fic is getting longer than I thought.