Sorry for the delay. I have had some laptop and internet problems. In fact, I usually post a chapter for this after FMAC, and my internet crashed before I could do so. It's getting frustrating! I thank each and every one of you who stands up against internet bullying, especially to Oparu, who I cannot send a personal message to but I wanted to acknowledge. It honestly does not bother me personally. I actually laugh at most of them, but it's still nice to see those who will defend others. I was following stories from a few authors on here who either quit writing altogether or moved their works to other platforms because of it. No worries, I am not going anywhere.
This is a light, happy story. Mostly.
I hope you enjoy the chapter!
The Andrews' and Bates' dined with the Bennet's the first two days they were in the neighborhood. They had arrived far earlier than projected. That evening, however, they were to attend a party at the Richards', put together for Oliver and herself. Lizzy had just finished her hair.
"Will you wear them tonight?" she asked, gesturing to the lovely box that held the diamond set Oliver had gifted her on the day of his return.
"I don't know. I always dreamed of wearing such items, but it almost seems like too much. It still feels as though this is all a dream."
"Well, if it is a dream, you had better wear them," she teased.
Kitty smiled at her and asked her to assist her in putting them on. This would be the first time she wore them. When Oliver gave them to her, she could barely bring herself to touch them. Once they finished, she hardly recognized herself.
"Kitty, you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Lizzy."
They went to assist their other sisters, who were still readying themselves. Soon, they were headed downstairs. Lydia was in a foul mood, jealous over her sister wearing such beautiful jewelry. She cooled a little once Jane loaned her a set their father had gifted her the year she came out. It wasn't as fine as Kitty's, but they mollified her. Mrs. Bennet, of course, gushed over them both.
"Oh, Lydia, you look so mature! How kind of you Jane! And Kitty! Mr. Andrews is very, very good to you! Just think, there are likely more waiting for you at his estate!"
Kitty blushed, something she found herself doing a lot of, and begged her mother not to make such a fuss over them.
"The Richards are his family and I am sure they will know what they mean. Please don't point them out to others. Let someone else bring them up in conversation."
After a small argument and her father's support, Kitty felt relief. How she could have ever been amused by her mother's outbursts, she'll never know. Mrs. Bennet had her sit with herself and Mr. Bennet, so she would have a little more room and not look the least bit crushed. Usually, this kind of deference was saved for Jane. For a moment, Kitty was sad over the fact that soon, her sisters would not have to worry about fitting so tightly in the other seat. She would be gone and having one less person would leave plenty of room.
They were the first to arrive. Since the gathering was in honor of her and Oliver's engagement, she would be required to greet their guests. She took a deep breath before they were admitted into the house. Only a few more days and they would be married.
"Yes, Oliver, we had hoped you would make a more advantageous match, but we will not begrudge you your happiness."
"Thank you, Uncle, I appreciated the sentiment," he replied dryly.
"There are certainly worse matches you could have made, and Miss Catherine has greatly improved from the last time I had seen her myself, which I admit, was more than a year before she entered Society. My wife did not hold such hope at first, but seeing her improvement has set her mind at ease. The Bennet's may not be one of the most sought after families in the area, but they are one of the better liked families."
"Indeed. They certainly do not lack in friends."
"Mrs. Bennet tends to at times be a little vulgar…"
"She is no worse than many other mothers I have encountered, especially those you find in Town. She is enthusiastic."
"Perhaps. In any case, I am pleased for you. I only hope you do not live to regret it."
"You would have done better to end our conference letting me know you are pleased for me."
"Well, you didn't receive your blunt nature from your father's side of the family, God rest his soul."
Oliver rolled his eyes and accepted it for what it was: his uncle's support. He went back downstairs to await Catherine. She would be arriving soon. He had been in the entrance hall for less than five minutes when her family was announce. She looked beautiful, and his choice of jewels were perfect for her. She smiled lightly and approached him.
"You look breathtaking," he declared.
"Thank you. You look dashing as always."
"Are you ready?"
"Yes. Your mother told me to expect most of the prominent families, but mainly our friends."
"Yes. Mother and I asked my aunt why she didn't simply label this a ball. Her only reply was that there would be considerably less dancing."
"Will there really be so many people?"
"It won't be too terrible, my love," he said, before turning to greet her family. He was aware of what he said. He noted her blush at his words. She was certainly a surprise, and not one he would regret. She fit him and his lifestyle so well. There was a fire within her that called to him, and she never batted an eye when his friends said or did something outrageous. Not that they made a habit of doing so when they were in the eyes of the public, but in private, or in the presence of friends and family, it was a different story. Yes, he was very pleased with his choice of wife.
Mrs. Bennet fawned over him, Mr. Bennet and his other daughters smiled at him, and Catherine beamed from his side as well. His cousin, Emma, saw them into the rooms his family had open for the evening. His mother, Thomas, and Julia then arrived. After them, it was a steady stream of guests. Oliver was not a fan of these trivialities, unnecessary show to make oneself look good and make the guests feel important. If they weren't at least a little important, they wouldn't have been invited. As one particular guest appeared, he groaned. Catherine looked at him and then around to see what was the matter.
"Miss Sims," she said, strangled, "we are pleased to see you."
"Mr. Andrews," Miss Sims purred, "I did not know you would be visiting your mother this spring. Had I but known, I would have insisted we return home earlier."
"I see no reason for that, Miss Sims. I found myself quite preoccupied," he said, smiling at Catherine. "There would have been no need in shortening your trip for my sake."
Her smiled faltered. "Yes, well, Kitty, you look lovely."
"Thank you."
Oliver felt a great amount of relief when she moved on. He began to wonder how some of the ladies in his neighborhood would take to the knowledge of his marriage. He remembered their reception of Julia. Many of them were still quite cool to the new Mrs. Bates. At least Catherine would have the comfort of having Julia by her side. He needed to remember to warn her of the welcome she was likely to receive.
The evening went smoothly. They smiled and accepted her neighbors' congratulations. He was almost sure the smile would stick on his face. Thomas took obvious enjoyment from his uncomfortable position, but then, he had endured the same when he married Julia. Only three more days and she was his.
As exciting as it all was, Kitty could hardly fathom that this day had come at all. She was getting married in only a little over an hour. Fully dressed and ready, she and her sisters talked and laughed gaily together. Even Lydia was in a good mood. Lizzy said it was because she realized that Kitty's marriage to Oliver would afford her more attention. Though they had no fortune, the Bennet sisters would carry the connection of a wealthy brother-in-law, as well as the connection to his well-respected uncle and mother. Anything that gave Lydia an edge made her happy.
Once Kitty had her fill of gazing at herself, she turned to study her sisters. This was the last time they would sit and talk like this as they were, not that they had done this often. The next time she came, she would be a guest. There was, also, no guarantee that she would be able to return when any of her sisters married. She often wondered why she had never thought of it before. It was a known fact that young women were expected to marry. When a woman married, it was she who would have to leave her family home, except on the occasion, unlike in their case, that a young woman inherits an estate. Yet for her, she had never truly thought of it.
It was Mary, who was not nearly as severe looking with her brighter dress and looser curls, who kept track of the clock. When their time was up, the sisters sauntered downstairs and met their parents. Their mother was a mixture of tears and excitement. For the very first time, Kitty thought she might be serious in her assertion that she would be missed. Up until that moment, she had thought that her absence might not be felt at all. Her mother and sisters went on ahead of them and she was left with her father. She felt extremely awkward standing there in the foyer. It was rare that she was alone with her father.
"Well, Kitty, I can honestly say that I did not think you would be the first of my daughters that I would be forced to part with. I had thought there would be many years in which you would transverse the neighborhood with your sisters, carrying and sharing gossip amongst the masses. Perhaps at least a few years of having your pictures grace my study once more. And yet, here we are. I wish you the greatest happiness, Kitty, for you and Mr. Andrews. And I hope you will visit often, and allow my visits once all my daughters are gone, and the silence becomes unbearable."
Kitty thought she might cry. As was the theme for the day, never would she have imagined her father would say something so meaningful to her. She was close to convincing herself that it was all a dream. Before she could talk herself out of it, she leaned forward and embraced her father. She felt him stiffen.
"Kitty, you do not want to muss your dress."
"I don't care."
She felt his arms circle around her and he laid a kiss upon her brow. Knowing he had limits, Kitty released him and accepted the handkerchief he offered to her, and then they were off to the church. In all, Kitty's memories would always be precious. She would always remember the look Oliver gave her when she entered the church, the warmth of his hand when her father handed her over into his care, his reassuring smile, his voice as he said his vows, and then speaking her own vows. She would even remember signing her name along with his in the church registrar. It would be forever clear in her mind.
Their wedding breakfast was nice. Those who attended were her Aunt and Uncle Phillips, the Lucas's, the Richards', Mrs. Andrews, the Bates', and of course the Bennet's. She walked around and spoke with all of her guests with her husband. She loved that she could call him that. At one point, Kitty excused herself. She didn't know why she did it, but she crept up the stairs to the room she had always called her own. It had been full when she went downstairs to be married, but now it sat almost empty. There were a few things scattered about that could identify it as her space, but most of her things were now gone, taken down to the carriage by Oliver's footmen, most likely. With one last glance, she closed the door and went back to her wedding breakfast.
The time came for them to take their leave. Though they would be in separate carriages, the Andrews' and Bates' would be traveling to Nottinghamshire together. Kitty gave her family very fond farewells. She didn't know when they would next be in the neighborhood, but with both their families residing in the neighborhood, it was not likely to be too long. Oliver helped her into the carriage and followed quickly behind her. Both smiled and waved as the carriage moved away. Once out of sight, they both sat back. "Well, Mrs. Andrews, what do you think of married life so far?"
"It's hard to tell. It has only been two hours and I have only just gotten my husband to myself. He may yet prove to be a scoundrel."
"Then let me show you the man you have managed to claim for your own," he declared, shifting her into his lap. She giggled at him. She sobered a moment as she looked him in the eye.
"I know it's a little late, but are you sure you would not have been happier with one of my sisters?"
"Never. I considered them all, and found them all wanting."
She felt tears filling her eyes and her throat was a bit tight. "I think I might love you, Mr. Andrews."
"That's good. I am quite certain that I love you."
He leaned forward to kiss her, and she was sure she had never experienced something so perfect!
I could end the story here, but I won't! We've got to see how having a well-connected, wealthy brother-in-law might affect the story! How will Darcy respond? Will Bingley act on his feelings with fewer reasons for his friends and family to object? How will Oliver respond to Mr. Collins? We shall find out!