Thank you for your support! Thank you for your reviews and comments. I do enjoy them. I do not promise to reply to each one, but know that I do read them and appreciate them. A special thank you to criminalmindslover27. I do not let the trolls bother me anymore, but it warms my heart to see someone stand up and defend someone else's work. Several authors in other fandoms have recently pulled all their stories from because of trolls and bullying. Some of them are refusing to post anymore, while others are posting on other sites. No worries about me making such a move.
I enjoy writing 'what-if's' and messing with the cannon. It's fun for me. It adds to the story, or gives it a new spin. I am actually writing a Lizzy/Colonel story. I don't start posting until I am at least 10 chapters in on my writing, so it might be a while. I actually have a few that I am kicking around on just starting to post because, despite my procrastination on my other stories. End result, I will have a few WIP, but there will be more stories out there for you to enjoy. I favor Kitty, overall. Quite a few feature her. I have also began a few of my own original stories. If I decide to publish those, I will let you know.
I hope you enjoy the chapter. Oliver is Oliver. I have written him the same as I did in FMAC, so if you don't like a man who is bold, blunt, and a 'go-getter' this is not the story for you. He does what he wants.
Not being sure what to do, Oliver finally broke down and sought his mother's advice. At first, she did not know how to reply. On the one hand, she wanted her son to be happy, on the other, and even though she had brought up the Bennet sisters into the conversation before, she had always hoped her son would make a match with a young woman who would bring both wealth and connections to the marriage. Miss Catherine brought neither, and she wasn't even the eldest. Deciding that she would respect her son's choice in whomever he chose, she asked only one question: "What would you me like to do?"
It had been a while since his mother had paid the family a visit, so she decided that day would be sufficient. Oliver accompanied her. Their carriage came to a stop and the mother and son descended from the vehicle. They were announced and led into the drawing room he remembered seeing nearly two years before. He was not surprised to find Mrs. Bennet and all her daughters present, and he was also not surprised to see a nervous Miss Bennet displayed as a focal point in the room. He and his mother had discussed this. They were well aware that Mrs. Bennet believed him to be taken with her eldest. His mother would interfere.
"Mrs. Andrews. Mr. Andrews. How wonderful to see you today!"
"Mrs. Bennet, we see each other so often, I had quite forgotten that it has been so long since I have called on you. I must say, Mrs. Bennet, that you have one of the loveliest gardens in the neighborhood."
Her praise did exactly as they hoped. Mrs. Bennet and his mother began discussing the best and worst gardens found in the neighborhood. Oliver took in the room. Miss Bennet was closest to him, with Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lydia nearby. Miss Mary and Miss Catherine were on the farthest side of the room, the former reading and that latter working on embroidery. They were too far away to be a part of any conversation.
"Are you enjoying the neighborhood, Mr. Andrews?" asked Mrs. Bennet. His mother's distraction did not last very long it would seem.
"Immensely, Mrs. Bennet."
"I do hope you plan to stay for a long while yet, Mr. Andrews. We do so enjoy your company at the many parties and assemblies. I have heard it said that we have engaging conversations and pretty partners." She said the last with a glance to Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet's smile seemed strained. He was certain she found him as unlikely a choice as he found her.
"Miss Catherine," started his mother, "I see that you are working on your needlework. Pray, will you show me that stitch you told me about? Your instructions were wonderful, but I am more of a visual learner. I do not believe that I have quite gotten it right."
Miss Catherine seemed almost afraid, glancing at her mother. He saw the severe look her Mrs. Bennet was sending her and wondered what it was about. Miss Catherine smiled at his mother and approached.
"Well, it is a shame so many young people should be inside on such a fine day. Girls, why don't you show Mr. Andrews the garden. Jane especially enjoys taking strolls through our garden, and she is sure to know where the best blooms are," smiled Mrs. Bennet. He thought it looked a bit mercenary. Knowing his duty as a gentleman, he agree and allowed the sisters to go before him. "Not you, Kitty. Mrs. Andrews needs you to show her your needlework."
Something was going on, and Oliver was sure he would not like to know what. One last glance back in the room and he caught his mother's patient smile and Miss Catherine's sad expression as they left. He followed the four other Bennet sisters. He knew Mrs. Bennet was trying to isolate Miss Bennet and himself, but why was she determined to keep Miss Catherine away from him? Did she suspect something? Once outside, Miss Lydia bounded away with a giggle, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary fell well behind, leaving Miss Bennet and himself to go on alone. With a glance at Miss Bennet, he decided there was no point in keeping a front.
"Miss Bennet, I am positive I possess certain qualities that you find insufferable and that leave you unable to tolerate the idea of marrying me, and, as lovely and sweet as you are, I have not felt the type of spark I believe is required when seeking a bride, so let us not continue with this façade."
She visibly relaxed. "I do not believe I have appreciated your boldness until this moment. Thank you, Mr. Andrews."
"Do not thank me yet. I am sure you shall continue to find me far too bold for your tastes. Why has your mother determined to keep Miss Catherine behind and away?"
Miss Bennet looked at him shocked. She would start to say something, only to remain silent. They walked a few paces more. "Why the concern over my sister, Mr. Andrews?"
"Would it shock you to know the reason for our visit this morning was to get to know your sister a little better?"
"You are interested in Kitty?"
"Why should this shock you? Do you think your sister incapable of catching the attention of a gentleman? One who holds no interest in yourself?"
"No! Kitty is a wonderful person! I simply wonder at your attention to her."
"Your sister has intrigued me. No other lady has managed to do so before, and many have tried, with and without the aid of their mothers."
"Kitty is not to be toyed with," she glared.
"Nor do I wish to do so, Miss Bennet. I simply seek to know her better. I must return to my estate in a few weeks' time, and I would like to have the matter settled in my mind before I leave."
"What matter?"
"On whether I wish to seek her hand. If I decide we suit one another, I will ask her to marry me."
"What of Kitty's feelings?"
"I will not force her to accept me," he laughed.
"That is not what I worry about. We have been concerned that Kitty might already be attracted to you. If you were to begin to show her favor, and then decide to leave, it would break her heart."
"And if I took her with me when I left?" She looked at him startled. "Married of course. You will do her no favors if you continue treat her in this manner. Eventually, she will encounter heartache; it is part of living."
"But she has had enough heartache! Only recently have I realized how difficult it has been for my younger sisters. Kitty craves attention, but she has never truly received any from our parents, other than when she drew. Papa was always pleased with her talent. She has taken it up again, thanks to your mother, I believe. I am happy that she has chosen to go about garnering attention in another way, instead of mirroring Lydia… but then today…"
"What happened today? And what do you mean she has chosen to gain attention in another way?"
"It all centers around you, Mr. Andrews. She confessed to me that you did not request her hand for a second dance at her first assembly, but that you were merely avoiding Lydia. When she asked you why, you told her that a gentleman's daughter should behave as her station requires. Kitty and Lydia's education has been almost non-existent. She came to me, requesting that I help her learn how to do so, and I have, while stressing that it is important to remain herself.
"Today, Lydia pointed out to our mother that you tend to migrate towards one another. She made it seem as though Kitty orchestrated it on purpose, to steal you away from me. No argument would sway our mother away from Lydia's false information, so, Mama arranged us to where Kitty would be out of the way. She wanted to send her upstairs for the duration of your visit, but Papa, Lizzy, and I forbade it. So, she was told to sit on the farthest side of the room. Mary volunteered to sit with her.
"Lizzy and I have questioned her on her affections for you and she only says that she is not foolish, and that she would like to think that at some point she might gain a gentleman's favor. Do not question me over my worry for my sister's feelings. She is dear to me and I would not see her hurt if it can be avoided."
"I promise you, Miss Bennet, is not my intension"
"And now that you know she might hold you in high regard?"
"I am even more intrigued, especially at her denial of it. Can I count on your aid, so that I might not cause your sister harm?"
"Kitty is emotional. She is expressive and her feelings often overcome her. She can anger easily. She was a bit delicate as a child, and while she is quite robust now, she often has a cough. Mama believes she only does so for attention, but I do not."
"Are you still trying to dissuade me, Miss Bennet?"
"No, I am giving you a broader view of my sister, Mr. Andrews."
"Jane, are you alright?" asked Lizzy. She had apparently seen them in an intense conversation and wished to rescue her sister if need be.
"I am fine, Lizzy. We are discussing a sensitive matter," Miss Bennet said dismissively. Lizzy eyed them both but returned to her place.
"You see her smiles, and her manner with others outside of our home. You know she is almost as free with her thoughts as yourself. She is also sweet, but she grows bored very easily."
"Are you finished?"
"Yes. I ask only that you greatly consider her feelings before you embark on your task."
"I am already fairly certain of my feelings, Miss Bennet, I merely wish to know her more to be certain we will suit. I shall, however, consider all that you have shared with me. Shall we return to the house?"
"Yes, we should."
"And might I recommend that you and you sisters take a stroll into Meryton tomorrow afternoon?"
"We shall see."
"That woman! I do not believe Mrs. Bennet is a malicious person, but she is a determined one. Anytime I said anything remotely positive about Miss Catherine, she would spout off something 'her Jane' does better. I cannot wait until this is behind us. How was your stroll?"
"Miss Bennet is aware that I do not seek her hand, but that I do seek her younger sister's."
"And her response?"
"She is worried for her sister's heart, should I show her too much attention and then decided we do not suit. I did learn some interesting information, however."
"What?"
"Her family is certain that she harbors affection for me. I am happy to know it for it will allow me to be a little more bold, and at the same time, careful. I only hope her sister brings her to Meryton tomorrow. I doubt their mother will give me much chance to speak with her otherwise."