Ok, so I broke up the chapter. I decided to get something out. This has been surprisingly hard to write. I have so many ideas for the Bennet family. Enjoy this chapter.

They had decided before hand, that the Hurst carriage would be first and that Richard would alight last of all, to allow for proper introductions. Richard took the time he had to study the family before while he waited his turn. The father looked both amused and bored. He watched as he rolled his eyes at his wife. The aforementioned woman was praising her guests in a very high pitched voice. 'That was could get annoying quick', he thought. He looked to the eldest sisters. They were very beautiful, indeed! He could see how Bingley and his cousin (though said man would not yet admit it) could give their hearts to them. The blonde, who must be Jane, had a very sweet and shy smile. The darker haired sister had a wide smile and looked very mischievous. Looking at both ladies, he saw his Kate. She was a mixture of the two. He next eyed a very proper looking young woman. 'Mary,' thought Richard. She had a small smile, but she didn't look as strict as he was told she once was. Last, he saw a very petulant looking young woman. 'Must be Lydia.' She would one day be a beauty, if she could learn not to show the world her contempt.

Soon, it was quickly Richards turn. Darcy motioned him forward so he could make the introduction. "Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, please allow me to introduce my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."

"Oh it is a pleasure! We are so happy you could join us."

"Quite right, my dear," said Mr. Bennet. "These are our daughters; Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, and our youngest, Lydia."

"It is a pleasure ladies," said the Colonel with a brilliant smile. He could not help but notice that the older sisters now had wider smiles and sparkling eyes. Even Mary. 'Well, this is interesting.'

The Bennets led their guests into the house, where Richard was introduced to a few more of the neighborhoods families; the Lucas', Phillips', and a Mr. Collins. He noted that the eldest Miss Lucas gave the same smile as the sisters and the youngest just stared with her mouth slightly agape. 'Hmm, curious,' he thought. Dinner was announced before he could really ponder more on the looks he had received.

He to his left and noticed Mary standing there with a pained look. With a glance around, he notice Mr. Collins making his way their direction. He was a short, stiff kind of man. With a grin, Richard turned to Mary and extended his arm. She took it, relief gracing her face. Both heard the affronted sound from Miss Bingley. She was looking to both himself and Darcy, who had taken the arm of Miss Elizabeth. He only smiled wider as he led Miss Mary to the dining room. He found himself placed between the two youngest Bennets, across from the two elder, who were, themselves, seated next to Bingley and Darcy. Well, this was advantageous.

After some small talk, Mr. Bennet turned his attention towards Richard. "Colonel, am I right in assuming you are the cousin who is currently residing in Somerset?"

"Why, yes sir, I am." He knew where this was going.

"Ah, so tell me, how were my sister and daughter faring before you came this way?"

"They are all quite well. I last saw the ladies of Dylan two Sundays past."

"Do you spend a great deal of time at Dylan, Colonel?" This came from Miss Elizabeth. From the look on her face, he suspected she could answer her own question.

"I admit, I take every opportunity I can to visit. I need to be sure my young cousin stays out of trouble," he said with a wink.

"Which cousin is staying in Somerset, Colonel?" asked Miss Bingley.

"Georgiana. She made the acquaintance of Miss Westfield and her Aunt this summer, at Ramsgate. They became fast friends and denied being separated. Since my regiment is stationed in Somerset, we saw no reason not to allow it. The influence Miss Westfield has had on Georgie has been very good, I am happy to say." He looked at his hosts. "I believe you shall all meet her this next month, in Town. She shall be staying at Carter House as well." Richard watch the varying emotions as the crossed Miss Bingley's face. He saw the shock, anger, and resentment before she schooled her features and hid behind her glass.

"We look forward to it, Colonel. Our sister has told us much about her and she seems like sure a pleasant young lady. I understand she is very accomplished on the piano forte. Mary enjoys her correspondence with her," said Jane.

"Yes, I would like to thank you for permitting her to write me, though we have not yet met. I am sure Kate was growing weary of having to exchange the information for us," added Mary.

"It was no problem. Very few enjoy music as much as Georgie. I am glad she has someone she can now discuss it with to her hearts content."

"Has Kitty enjoyed the entertainments of Bath much? I have tried asking her, but its like she spends all her time at home," asked Mrs. Bennet.

"Kitty?"

"Kate's childhood name," said Elizabeth.

"Kate! She has always been, and always will be, Kitty to me," said Mrs. Bennet.

"And me," added Lydia haughtily.

"I believe Kate is far more fitting for her now than Kitty ever was. Regardless, Mama, I believe we should respect her wishes. I cannot imagine her being called anything else," put in Mary.

"Indeed, but that won't keep me from teasing her about it though," said the Colonel. He decided he should try and steer the conversation away from Kate, at least for the moment. He looked at Mr. Collins and noticed he was looking from himself to Darcy repeatedly. How odd. "Mr. Collins, I am afraid I have not had the pleasure of hearing of you before now. Have you been long in the neighborhood?"

"Oh, sir, I have only arrived yesterday. I am staying here at Longbourn with my cousins. I happen to be the new rector at the estate of a great relation of ours. Lady Cathrine De Bourg is my patroness. I cannot tell you how honored I am to dine in the presence of two of her esteemed nephews. She speaks greatly of the two of you. Such dutiful relatives, visiting her every spring."

Richard struggled to keep his composure. He had heard from Anne that the new rector was a flatterer his Aunt enjoyed greatly. Few truly gave her the regard she thought she deserved, so when she found them, she incorporated them into her life. Mr. Bennet wasn't the only man to relish follies. Darcy gave his cousin a look. While he, too, couldn't help but be amused by the man, he knew Richard had fewer reservations and would no doubt goad the man.

"Are you really? Anne has written to tell us of Rosings new rector. And here I thought I would have until Easter to have this privilege."

"You do me honor, sir. I am sure there is no grander estate than Rosings. Miss De Bourg is an excellent young woman. Lady Cathrine has told me Miss De Bourg always looks forward to you and Mr. Darcy's visit most particularly," he said with a nod in Darcy's direction. Unfortunately for Darcy, he happened to be taking a sip of his wine and promptly choked.

"Are you alright, Mr. Darcy?" asked Elizabeth, trying desperately to keep her laughter at bay. He had told her of his Aunt's plans.

"Yes. Yes, I am quite alright. Do you spend a great deal of time with our Aunt, Mr. Collins?"

"She invites me to dine with them at Rosings at least once a week. She takes such delight is offering her advice. She is a truly great Lady. She has been so kind as to renovate my humble abode. I believe she is currently replacing some of the fireplaces and moldings in Rosings. Ah, but I shouldn't have said anything. She wanted to surprise you."

"Well, our Aunt does enjoy a good blaze," said Richard. He locked eyes with Darcy. They had discovered a new reason for their Aunt's holiday visit. She had no doubt overextended her funds again. She was not as well off as she would like people to believe. The sole reasons Richard and Darcy never missed their visit to Rosings was to help keep some sanity in their cousin's life, and to set a budget for them to live comfortably on for the year. Lady Cathrine never seemed to be able to stick to it. The cousins suspected that this was why she was so desperate for Darcy to marry Anne. No one in the family, other than the lady herself, recalled Darcy's mother ever saying anything about her desire for him to marry the De Bourg heiress. In fact, Darcy recalls her telling him to choose a wife wisely. That he would not want to live a miserable life for anyone. Though this has been brought up to Lady Cathrine time and time again, she always fiercely denied it to the point no one brought it up. Darcy had decided to tackle the issue when he actually takes a wife. That will cause issues, but so does constantly correcting her now. In any case, neither he nor Anne wanted the match. The only one to be truly upset will be his Aunt.

Dinner continued and conversations broke out all across the table. Miss Lydia decided to question the Colonel a bit. "So, you see a lot of my sister?"

"I see her often enough."

"I am sure she basks in her success. I do not think I am wrong in thinking she shops a great deal and spends her time at parties and in the company of many great persons," she said bitterly.

Richard took no time in offering his reply. "Actually, it is quite the opposite. She and Georgiana spend a good deal of time at Dylan. She really doesn't enjoy parties much, unless they are among people she calls friend. The Ladies take to Bath every other weekend for a little shopping, but they never truly buy much. She does buy a great deal for her family, however."

"Yes, well, we do receive things quite often from her," said Lydia, a little above a whisper.

"I know she misses her sisters. I have understand that you and she once shared a close bond."

"Yes."

"She misses you, you know. You hardly ever write her."

"She has no need of me. She has the company of your cousin now, and yourself."

"Siblings, you will find, are irreplaceable. And, Georgiana looks forward to making your acquaintance as well. She is less than a year older than you. She will only be sixteen this January. And your birthday is just passed, I believe?"

"Yes, this past August."

Lydia considered the man before her. She had grown a bit weary of her anger towards her Aunt and sister. Though she resented much that was thrust upon her, she could understand the benefits a little better now. Maybe it was time to let go. "You like Kate, don't you?"

Richard smiled at Lydia. "I like Kate a great deal," he whispered to her. They shared a smile as they went back to their food. The other sisters, though they did not hear the exchange, certainly noticed it. Lydia look relaxed and content for the first time in a very long time.

As I mentioned above, I have plans for the Bennet family. I had thought to write a couple of one shots for Mary and Lydia, but I am thinking of just working them into this. Things are going quicker for Richard and Kate than I planned. I am leaning towards a doctor for Mary. I am not sure about Lydia yet. She is young and just now showing maturity. Changes coming for Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as well. I want Charolett to have a happy marraige, I am just not sure if it should be with Mr. Collins. Give me your opinions. Next up the gents have drinks, Mr. Bennet and Richard have a talk, and conversations in the Drawing room.