So this is pretty much a filler chapter.

All the house was awake and moving about. Today, the two eldest daughters of Edward and Fanny Bennet were getting married. Servants were running all over, doing as directed by their mistress, who could not be made to sit down.

"Think of the child you carry, Fanny!" cried Marianne.

"If I do not see to it myself, it will not get done. This wedding must be perfect. I'll not allow for there to be any room for it to be said that something was lacking. The Earl and Countess of Matlock will be in attendance. You know their son has taken to our Kitty. It would not do for them to see something that could deter the match."

"It is safe to say that that is not likely to happen. Their son is mad for her, and they both adore Kate. She will be married from Dylan anyway, so whatever they may think of Longbourn, it does not matter."

Fanny got quiet. Marianne noticed she looked a bit sad. "That's right. My Kitty is not my Kitty anymore. She is your Kate."

Fanny promptly began to bawl. It took Marianne a half hour to calm her. "Whatever brought this on? You have never minded the fact before."

"I don't know. I just realized that she really isn't mine anymore, not really. I have no say in what she does. I will have to stand aside while you plan her wedding with her. You will be the one to guide her through all the steps and vows. What am I?"

"You are her mother and you always will be. Yes, you gave her over to me, making me her guardian. For that I shall always be grateful to you. Yes, I shall help her plan her wedding, I will be there as she raises her children, but so shall you. I will never replace you in her life. She loves you."

This seemed to calm the expectant mother a bit. She began calling for the help again, giving out more commands. Marianne quickly exited the room to search for her nieces. The youngest sisters were standing up with the brindes, as was Georgiana. Lydia and Mary were tending to Jane, while Kate and Georgiana tended to Elizabeth. Marianne stood in the doorway and watched the girls for a moment. They were all such lovely young ladies. She, not for the first time, reflected on their changes. Jane and Elizabeth had not changed so much in manners, but they were far happier than before. Kate and Mary were far more refined than they had been, and Lydia was longer the as spoiled and petulant. The three youngest were certainly no longer what one would call silly. She could also pinpoint changes in Georgiana, since she first met her almost one year ago. She was not so shy, and she smiled almost all the time. Marianne knew her brother and cousin were appreciative of this.

"I see you are all almost ready. Only a little over an hour to go."

"Hello Aunt!" beamed Lizzy. "Has Mama calmed any?"

At that moment, they heard their mother bellow, "No, no, no! That is all wrong!"

"I suppose that answers your question," said Marianne.

"Mrs. Bennet! I insist that you desist!" thundered Mr. Bennet.

"But Mr. Bennet…"

"No buts! You are not in a condition to be carrying on so. Mrs. Hill, please see Mrs. Bennet to her room."

They heard Mrs. Bennet mumbling as she went down the hallway.

"Well, I must say, I am pleased that my brother is firm with her in at least this area. So, what more have we got to do?"

"Now we wait for our signal to walk to the church. Papa said that you and Mama shall arrive ten minutes ahead of us as a signal for everyone to take their places. Georgiana and I have been watching the window for the guests to begin arriving," answered Kate. Despite the fact that he had been residing at Netherfield for the past few days, she had only been able to catch a glimpse of Richard. Today would be the first time she will have been able to speak with him, since he left them in Town back on February.

The girls chatted, Marianne fawned over them, and they watched as the guests began to arrive.

"Oh, look! It's the Earl and the Countess! Mama will undoubtedly live in triumph about this fact for months. We do not have many neighbors how can boast about such a connection. Except for Sit Lucas, perhaps" said Lydia, looking at both Lizzy and Kate.

"My Aunt is quite excited about it, as well. She looks forward to having a closer claim, in fact," teased Georgiana. Kate responded by tossing a pillow at her friend.

"The gentlemen have arrived! Who is standing up with whom?" asked Lydia.

"Richard is standing up with Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Bingley has enlisted Mr. Williams to stand up with him. They have apparently become very good friends since they met this past December."

"Yes. Charles does enjoy his company. He and Mr. Williams share many interests, I believe."

"The Hurst's have arrived, with Miss Bingley in tow. And there are the Lucas'," observed Mary.

"Well, I believe it is time to for me to collect your mother. We shall have to head to the church soon."

Before long, the young women found themselves making their own way to the church. As they took their places, Kate found herself almost unable to take her eyes from Richard, and he seemed to be in a similar state. Several times, she forced herself to focus on the two couples and their service, but her eyes strayed several times to meet those of the retired colonel. But, in the end, the marrying couples held most of her attention, and she shed tears with all the other ladies in attendance. Though, at least one was crying over what she considered her lost opportunity to be known as Mrs. Darcy.

Very soon, they found themselves at the wedding breakfast. Both couples had eyes only for their beloveds. Mrs. Bennet floated around the room, enjoying the attention she received from her neighbors for all her good fortune. Two daughters married to very respectable, wealthy gentlemen, expecting a possible heir for the estate, and it looked as though another daughter would soon be making a most advantageous match. No one present at the wedding or breakfast, missed the looks that passed between Miss Kate Westfield and the youngest son of the Earl of Matlock.

Kate and Richard just enjoyed being near one another again. Richard was especially in high spirits. His business manager had informed him that, because of his investments, he was earning four thousand per annum, and, with his savings, could afford to let an estate all on his own. He had made his own fortune! He was his own man, and finally felt worthy of his Kate. Before her, it had never really bothered him that he would have to marry a wealthy heiress to maintain his standard of living. The fact that it troubled him that someone would think he would only marry Kate for her wealth, gave him his first indication as to how deep his feelings ran for her. He had not told anyone beyond his father and Darcy. He had no desire to draw the attention of any other young woman, or their family.

The time came for the couples to take their leave. Everyone made their way outside to say their goodbyes, waving the couples off. The newlyweds paid little attention to their guests, but no one seemed to mind, and, in fact, laughed it off. The close friends and family went back inside to fellowship a little longer. Mrs. Bennet had managed to corner Lord and Lady Matlock.

"Should we be leaving your parents alone with my mother?" asked Kate.

"They'll be fine. My mother fully expected to be commandeer at some point. Truly, your mother is no different from any other over exuberant mother in society. I believe she is far more innocent as well."

Kate gave him a disbelieving look, which only caused him to chuckle.

"I am serious. Your mother can be a bit conniving, but she is nowhere near the level of most society mothers."

"Well, thank the Lord for that!"

They looked back at their parents and noticed that they watched the two of them with fond eyes. Clearing his throat, Richard turned back to Kate.

"So, I understand that you, Georgiana, and your remaining sisters will be headed to London this afternoon. Mother is most excited. I cannot recall a time that our home was filled with so many females. My father is frightened."

"We are excited as well. I had thought that my aunt would be against it, but she reminded me that you stayed often enough with us."

"I have been forbidden from showing my face until two days before the party."

"You poor thing. Well, what will you do with yourself in the meantime?"

"I will be staying with Andrew and Thomas. I had thought to stay at Netherfield, but with your house so emptied, and the company at Bingley's lacking, Purvis Lodge calls to me. I may drop in on your father and aunt, however."

"My Aunt will enjoy that, but be cautious, Mama is also in residence."

Richard glanced over, once more, and noticed Mrs. Bennet smiling at them.

"I think I will be fine."