Sorry it took so long to get to this one. I have been working on FMAC. Since I am now a head on it again, I shall be posting on this one more often, too.

Thank you for your comments. I especially appreciate the lengthy ones, and I thank you, criminalmindslover27, for your comments. I always have a hard time making myself not defend my work, because everyone is entitled to their opinions. I have had friends rave about books that I absolutely could not stand. Just know, I write based off of the knowledge I have on the topics I discuss. I write how I think a situation will play out with the characters involved. I can be wrong sometimes, and I am happy when people let me know it so I can correct it. I love it that so many of my readers are honest, even when they don't like how the plot turns.

I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Kitty had just finished getting ready for bed when she heard a knock at the door. She called out for the person to enter. She was slightly surprised that it was Jane.

"Jane, did you need something?"

"I wanted to see how you were feeling after today."

"I am fine. I should have expected something like this to happen. Lydia is not pleased with my defection from her side and ideas of fun. She actually told me it was for my own good and that I had begun to think too highly of myself."

"Kitty, about today, Mama has it wrong. Mr. Andrews is not my suitor."

"It's alright, Jane," she said sadly, "I told you before that I hold no hope of gaining his attention."

"He is as fond of me as I am him; not even a little."

"You talked for quite a while."

"Yes, well, he introduced an interesting topic, but we spoke of Mama's expectations and we both agree that we do not suit one another."

"Mama will not be pleased."

"No, I daresay she won't be, but I am sure some event will come along to brighter her disposition."

"Your marriage is the only thing that would do so," chuckled Kitty. "You had better hope someone comes along soon that you can tolerate well enough."

Jane smiled at her before growing serious again. "Kitty, what do you think of Mr. Andrews?"

"I have already told you…"

"Kitty."

"Alright. He is… I don't know. I have not met many men outside of our family and close friends. Most of the men in the neighborhood are a mystery to me. I like Mr. Andrews a great deal. He is everything, I think, that I would find appealing in a gentleman."

"If he were to offer for you, would you refuse him?"

"Goodness, no! I would accept him! I would consider myself a fool to turn him away! I really do not like discussing this, Jane," she said desperately, "I know he would never have me, and it pains me to think of it. I can be content as I am. One day, he will marry, and his mother will return to his home, I am sure, once there are children to spoil. I shall not have to think of him again."

Jane smiled sweetly. "Who knows what tomorrow holds. Which reminds me; I need to visit the milliners in Meryton tomorrow. Would you accompany me?"

"What about Lizzy?"

"Lizzy and Lydia are to call on the Lucas' with Mama tomorrow. I thought it would be nice for you and I to take a trip into the village together. I asked Mary, but she is determined to take advantage of our absence."

"I would love to."

The walk into Meryton had been very enjoyable. Kitty and Jane had laughed over the silliest things. Once in the village, they greeted many friends and acquaintances. They walked into the shop and Jane went forward to make her selections. Kitty went over to look through their new patterns. She had barely begun to peruse their selections when she was interrupted.

"See anything you like?"

She shrieked. "Mr. Andrews! You shouldn't surprise a lady in such a manner! What would your mother say?"

"I do so at least once a week. She calls me incorrigible."

"Well, you are," she laughed. "What has brought you out into Meryton today?"

"My mother's birthday is in a few months and there is no guarantee I shall be able to return at that time. I came to see what the shops here have to offer. I prefer to present her gifts in person."

"Oh, will you be leaving soon?"

"In a few weeks. It is almost time for the planting and I prefer to be on hand if there are any issues."

"Well, we shall miss your company… when you leave."

"Perhaps you would be so kind as to help me?"

"I'm sorry?"

"I asked if you would help me select something for my mother. For her birthday."

"Oh, right! Yes, it would be my pleasure."

They discussed several possibilities. Never once did Kitty think of her sister. After Mr. Andrews turned down another idea, Kitty had a thought.

"Does Mrs. Andrews still draw, Mr. Andrews?"

"Yes, and paint, when she is in the mood for it. How did you know?"

"She mentioned it one evening. The shop across the street has a rather large selection of art supplies. I am sure you could find her something there!"

"Mother did mention she was out of canvas and that she could use some new brushes. Yes, I believe that might work. Will you accompany me?"

"Oh, I don't know," she said looking around, remembering her sister for the first time. As if by magic, Jane appeared at her side.

"Are you ready, Kitty? We should be heading home. Mr. Andrews, it is a pleasure to see you."

"Miss Bennet. Actually, I have enlisted your sister's assistance in selecting an early birthday gift for my mother. It should not take much longer, if you will permit it."

"I see no harm."

The three made their way to the shop across the street. Kitty took only a little time to find the selections she wished to recommend, wanting to spend more time with Mr. Andrews, but not wanting to make her and her sister late returning home. It was a mile to Longbourn. Mr. Andrews inspected her choices, and to her great pleasure, he said he would take her expert opinion. She tried to reply humbly, but she could feel her smile widen when he looked at her. She did not notice the warning look her eldest sister sent to the man over her head, nor did she see his answering nod. Jane stepped up and urged their departure. The sisters said their goodbyes and went on their way. They had almost made it to the edge of the village when Jane urged her to walk faster.

"Aunt Phillips has seen us and she is heading our way. If we are lucky, she will give up quickly or someone else will beg her attention."

And they were lucky. Their aunt was waylaid by one of her nearest neighbors. But still, her presence posed a problem; they would not be able to conceal their encounter with Mr. Andrews. Jane had almost been certain that they would not have been able to anyway, but now it was certain. Kitty agreed that they should try and not make a big deal out of it. In the end, it went as well as they thought, which was not well at all.

"See! Did I not tell you, Jane? He favors you, dearest! Oh, you shall be Mrs. Andrews by summer! And Kitty, I hope you have learned your lesson and decided to leave Mr. Andrews alone."

"Mama, I have never initiated anything…"

"Kitty, I would like to speak with Mama alone."

Kitty looked shockingly at Jane. She had never asked for a private audience with their mother before, at least not with that tone. Kitty acquiesced and left the room, pulling the door closed behind her. She was about to head to her room when she decided she was more curious about what was happening in the sitting room. As was the habit of all the Bennet women, she crept to the door and listened to the conversation within.

"What do you mean you do not like him?! Jane he has six or seven thousand a year!"

"It is his manner I disapprove of. He is worse than Lizzy when it comes to speaking his mind. He is not right for me. I do not think that we could be happy together."

"Not be happy together?! What do you mean you couldn't be happy together?! The very idea is ridiculous! You would turn away a perfectly good match because you do not think you could be happy together? Jane, think of your family! When your father dies, we will be thrown from the house, forced to live off of the goodwill of others. We will be pitied and mocked! No, if he makes you an offer, you will accept him!"

"Mama, he will not make an offer for me. Out of my sisters and I, it is not me that he favors."

Kitty felt bad for Jane. She knew she did not like confrontation, especially confrontation with their mother, but she found herself very interested in what she was about to say.

"What are you talking about? Who else is as beautiful as you? Lydia perhaps, but they have yet to have even one conversation."

"Kitty, Mama. Mr. Andrews seeks her out anytime we are present at the same gatherings. Kitty has never approached him first. Lydia was trying to stir up trouble because she is angry with Kitty for deciding to improve herself instead of partaking of Lydia's schemes."

"Lydia does not scheme!"

"She purposely caused you to become upset with Kitty."

Kitty head footsteps in the foyer and quickly made her way up the stairs and into her room. Jane couldn't be serious. Mr. Andrews didn't favor her. He was leaving in a few weeks, if he liked her, surely he could remain in the neighborhood. Kitty was sure that Jane told her that so that she might ease up on her expectations of her eldest becoming Mrs. Andrews, only, she wished she wouldn't. In the unlikely chance that their mother would believe her, Mrs. Bennet would be most upset with Kitty when Mr. Andrews left the neighborhood until he decided to visit his mother again. No, Jane could not be serious at all.

It had been three days since Kitty and Jane ventured into Meryton and encountered Mr. Andrews. Just as they had thought, their aunt gave her account of their encounter with Mr. Andrews. Mrs. Bennet had sent Jane triumphant looks through the entire exchange, causing Kitty to be thankful that she would not be the cause of her mother's disappointed hopes, and sad for Jane as she was sure to catch it from their mother the moment the gentleman left the neighborhood.

That night, they were to attend an assembly. Kitty was almost as excited about this one as she was the last. She had hoped that she would be able to dance with Mr. Andrews at least one other time before he took leave of them. They arrived just before the first dance was to begin. The meeting house was crowded, as usual. They found their favorite area still free of occupants and made themselves comfortable. Lydia had already run off to demand a partner for the first dance. Kitty was looking about the room for a familiar face. It wasn't until the dance was well underway that she found him and his mother amongst the crowd. She thought they might be headed in their direction. Her estimation was proved correct a few moments later.

"Mr. Andrews! Mrs. Andrews! Is it not a fine evening?"

"It is indeed, Mrs. Bennet," said Mrs. Andrews. Mr. Andrews began a conversation with her father about farming. Kitty tried not to be too disappointed. During that time, Mr. Bloomberg approached her and asked for her next set. Seeing no reason to decline, she accepted. The last dance had just ended and the dancers for the next were coming together.

She felt eyes on her person, but couldn't tell for certain from which direction they came. Once they had begun, however, she was fairly certain she knew who was watching her. Mr. Andrews was now standing just outside the floor with many other spectators, scowling. Jane and Lizzy stood with him, though they were positively giddy. It was odd seeing the fierce look upon his face, which usually sported a smile. She struggled to keep her attention on her partner, who seemed pleased to be dancing with her. Jane leaned over and said something to Mr. Andrews, causing his expression to deepen. What had she done to upset him?

The evening was pleasant enough. Oliver and his mother had arrived and greeted all of her neighbors. His mother helped him to make their way over to the Bennets. Once there, they began to make polite conversation. Oliver decided he should engage Mr. Bennet. He had had little contact with the man that did not involve at least one other gentleman. They began by talking about a new method that one of his tenants had learned from a cousin that had wielded positive results in the two years they have applied it. He kept Miss Catherine in his peripheral.

He had spent so much time trying to dissect his attraction to her. Only the day before, he decided he would simply stop questioning it. There was just something there. His father had once told him it had been that way with his mother. Most of the men who traveled in their circles married for money, power, and connections, however, Jamieson Andrews said that the moment he laid eyes on Diana Richards, he was taken by her. It was her friend that he had originally approached. A wealthy heiress who met the requirements his family set for him. As was common, he received an introduction and commenced to pouring out the flattery that ladies expected. The lady's smile was a bit strained, until a gentleman came to claim her for a dance. A gentleman that the lady's strained smiled turned bright for. It was her laugh that drew his attention. She laughed at him! His mother then told him that her uncle, who was a Colonel in His Majesty's Armies, once told her that you yield better results when you know your quarry. A few inquiries would have informed him that her friend cared for another. He spent the next week learning everything he could about his mother from those who were familiar with her, then spent the following three months trying to convince her to marry him.

He always smiled when he thought of his first encounter with Miss Catherine. He enjoyed the fact that she never acted falsely in his presence, or spent her time complementing his finer qualities, as other ladies had in the past.

His attention to his conversation with Mr. Bennet was diverted when a young man came and asked Miss Catherine for the next dance. This did not please him, at all. He struggled to maintain his conversation with Mr. Bennet. Finally, the older man's attention was taken by his wife who had inquired about something in their house. The young man, a Mr. Bloomberg he believed, was leading Miss Catherine to their positions. He stood at the edge of the crowd and watched them. Only a moment later, he felt a presence at his side. A very amused Miss Bennet and a confused Miss Elizabeth had joined him. Miss Elizabeth looked baffled as she looked between himself and her younger sister. It was soon replaced with the same amused expression present on Miss Bennet face.

His attention was on Miss Catherine once more. He knew the moment she noticed his watchful eye was upon her. She looked confused and concerned about it.

"I have heard it said that young Mr. Bloomberg admires Kitty. It was not so subtly hinted that her tendency to be silly caused him to be cautious, but since she has entered society, her demeanor has quite changed," stated Jane.

He frowned as he watched the dancing couple. The 'boy' had only graduated from university in the last year. His cousins had once referred to him as having the disposition of a spoiled toddler. According to his uncle, he was unnaturally attached to his mother.

"Are you trying to warn me that your sister might favor him?"

"No, Mr. Andrews," snorted Miss Elizabeth, "she most certainly does not. However, if Mama believes it to be true, she is likely to give Kitty a firm shove in that direction."

Oliver recognized the truth in her words. The sisters continued to stand next to him, Miss Lucas joining them on Miss Elizabeth's other side. The two whispered back and forth, occasionally glancing at him. He didn't care. Let them say what they will. The dance finally ended and Miss Catherine was returned to her family. Oliver made sure to be standing nearby when she returned. Her eyes were on him and he smiled at her, earning him a smile back. She seemed relieved. He was not so kind to Mr. Bloomberg. Miss Catherine had turned to Miss Bennet and he locked eyes with the boy, giving him, he was sure, his fiercest frown. The boy faltered and looked to the other sisters.

"Um, Miss Elizabeth? I have not seen you grace the floor this evening. Might I have your hand for the next set?"

"You may," she answered, smirking at Oliver before following her partner. Miss Catherine watched them leave with a sigh of relief.

"Sad to see your partner leave with another?" snarked Oliver.

"No. He is a decent partner, but he can be a bit clingy."

"Did you enjoy your dance?"

"It was nice."

"My mother loved the canvases and brushes."

"You already gave them to her?" she chuckled. "I thought you were going to wait until you were ready to depart." He watched her sober at her own words.

"I have never been able to keep gifts a surprise," he grinned. He watched her smile return. "You have not lost me yet, Miss Catherine."

"It will be a sad day, indeed, when you leave the neighborhood," she blushed.

"Perish the thought. I understand you recently took to drawing again?"

"Yes, sir. I now wonder why I ever allowed myself to quit."

"We all have our reasons, but I am pleased to hear you are enjoying yourself. Do you have any skill in the area?" he teased.

"Well, I, um… my sisters say that my work is wonderful, and my father used to enjoy looking through my drawings."

"Will I be able to see a sample of your work?"

She blushed. "Perhaps."