Charlotte was on the verge of losing her cool. She didn't think it could get any worse than Louise, but then Lydia Bennet walked in. Charlotte wondered if she should avoid anyone whose name began with an 'L.'

"Why are these intrusive thoughts invading my mind?" she muttered to herself.

Lydia's amused expression made Charlotte feel like a zoo animal on display. It was too much. Charlotte screamed at Lydia, causing pain in her own throat.

"Lydia Bennet, are you completely oblivious or were you born without any sense of propriety? Don't you have a single thought about what could result if someone overheard you talking about elopement? Or do you not even know what that entails and the trials those couples, and their families, go through when they attempt it?"

Charlotte spoke with such an edge that even Lydia was surprised, taking her back a few steps. But she was still Lydia—untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy and fearless. No one could keep her intimidated for very long.

Once her initial surprise passed, Lydia met Charlotte's eyes with the same force and said, "How can you not understand the definition of elopement? Haven't you read a single romantic novel in your life? Think about all the stories where the heroine runs off to marry a dashing officer or pirate despite their family's wishes! That plot leads to a thrilling story of love. If you want to get rid of that grumpy demeanor, maybe you should read more novels. Anger will only make you look older."

Charlotte couldn't believe how fearless Lydia was being. "Do you really think elopement is something to be taken lightly? Just because it's a fantasy from some romantic book? What about the aftermath? The humiliation it would bring to your family and the damage it could do to your own life?"

Lydia rolled her eyes with contempt. "Charlotte, you simply don't comprehend the passion for true love and adventure. I know what I desire, and that is to be with my very own dashing soldier, without any obstacles standing between us."

Charlotte frowned. "You're too trusting, Lydia. Many of these soldiers cannot even support a wife. Why are you so sure he'll be faithful? Most of them will say anything to get their way."

Lydia's expression turned sour at the implication that she would get used. Charlotte could feel her heart racing at the sheer stupidity of Lydia's thoughts. "You're playing a dangerous game, Lydia. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. You could end up alone, destitute, and disgraced. Is that really what you want?"

Lydia's eyes narrowed. "I don't need your lectures, Charlotte. I know what I want, and I'll get it."

Charlotte sighed in defeat. She knew there was no reasoning with Lydia. She knew she had to open Lydia's eyes regarding the risks of elopement before it was too late. She had to show her the difference between the real world and the world that only existed in novels.

Charlotte gathered her thoughts and realized that she needed to be more persuasive to get through to Lydia. "Lydia," she said, using a softer tone, "I understand your fascination with soldiers, but please consider the long-term consequences of your actions. What will happen if things don't work out between you two? What if he doesn't love you back? And what if he leaves you stranded in some distant place without any money or means to return home?"

Lydia's face softened for a moment, but then she shook her head. "I'm willing to take that risk, Charlotte. I know what I want and I'm not afraid to go after it. I don't want to end up like you, an ape leader."

Charlotte's blood boiled at the insult, but she took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. "Lydia, you may not understand now, but true love is built on trust, respect, and commitment. It's not just a fleeting infatuation. What you feel for soldiers is just an attraction for their red coats and charming smiles; however, you don't know the reality behind their dreamy lifestyle. Most of them don't have enough income to afford marriage, and some just take advantage of silly girls who fall for their charms."

Lydia scoffed. "You're just jealous because you don't have anyone who loves you. You're always preaching about being sensible and logical, but where has that gotten you in life? You're just a dull, unremarkable person with no real purpose."

Charlotte felt a pang of hurt at Lydia's words, but she knew she couldn't lash out in anger. Instead, she decided to take a different approach. "Lydia, I understand that you want to be with someone who makes you happy, but you need to be realistic. Not all soldiers are like the ones in romance novels. In fact, most of them are just ordinary men, trying to make a living. You need to think about your future, and what's best for you in the long run. And I'm not dull or unremarkable. I have a purpose in life, and that purpose is to help others, including you."

Lydia looked at Charlotte with a mix of annoyance and confusion. "What do you mean? How could you possibly help me?"

Charlotte took a deep breath. "I can help you by showing you the truth about elopement. I can inform you about the real consequences, and what could happen to you and your family if you go through with it. Additionally, I can assist you in understanding the true intentions of those around you, so that you do not fall prey to their charm and deception. Lastly, I can be your friend, Lydia, and guide you towards a better, more satisfying life."

Lydia stared at Charlotte for a long moment, weighing her words carefully. Finally, she sighed and looked away. "You make it all sound so complicated, Charlotte. I just want to be happy, and I thought that eloping with a handsome soldier would make me happy."

Charlotte placed a gentle hand on Lydia's shoulder. "I know, Lydia. But happiness comes from within, not from external factors. You need to learn to love yourself first, before you can love someone else. And you need to be patient, allowing love to develop naturally, rather than rushing into something that could end up hurting you and those you love."

Lydia looked up at Charlotte, her eyes moist with tears. "I... I never thought of it that way. Thank you."

Charlotte smiled and realized that while trying to convince Lydia, she herself started feeling much lighter and happier as if she had found some purpose in life. While trying to guide this silly child, she ended up guiding herself. She was no longer feeling disappointed about Louise's situation.