Sorry that I have procrastinated a bit. I like updating three stories at one time, though I am going to change that soon and just start updating my stories as I see fit, regardless to if I have chapters ready for others. I am actually pretty busy writing this morning, but I decided to go ahead and get a few chapters up instead of procrastinating some more , so I won't be responding to individual reviews right now, but please do not let that discourage you from writing them. I do enjoy reading all the reviews I receive. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
To my esteemed son-in-law,
Though the few letters we have exchanged thus far have been of the intellectual variety, the time has come for me to discuss with you certain other matters. A most alarming issue has arisen. A Mr. Bingley from the North, of some five thousand a year has taken it upon himself to disturb the peace I have managed to claim for myself, by daring to let Netherfield. As you can imagine, my wife has been up in arms over the matter. I did my duty and called upon the gentleman. He has since gathered to his side two sisters, a brother-in-law, and another single, albeit disagreeable, gentlemen by the name of Mr. Darcy. I believe he owns a grand estate in Derbyshire, a county neighboring your own. He is a man who has brought great delight to my youngest daughter, as he was overheard saying he could not be tempted into a dance with my Lizzy. She has born the rejection well, though Lydia cannot be waylaid from her joy over the matter.
Mr. Bingley's offenses towards me could easily be forgiven had he not managed to seek the special attentions of my eldest daughter. And Jane, according to my Lizzy, seems to reciprocate. I had thought to sit back and watch how the spectacle would unfold, but I then received a letter from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who is to inherit my estate when I pass from this world. He wishes to pay us a visit. He claims that his goal is to make amends. I believe it is possible that his intention is to secure the hand of one of my remaining daughters. From his letter, I believe the visit will be most entertaining.
I suppose I should now inform you as to the purpose of this letter. I ask that you and my daughter return to the neighborhood for a time, until after Christmas. Humor aside, I believe Jane has the opportunity to make a match she truly desires and Mrs. Bennet, unable to take credit for her fourth child's happy match, is determined to rectify the matter with her eldest. It is my hope that your presence might ease the attachment if one is to form. Also, I believe it prudent for my cousin to understand that my daughters are not in need of his goodness, as they already have one with whom they can call brother, who will be of comfort to them should I pass unexpectedly. Mr. Collins is to arrive on the eighteenth of November. If you are able to attend us, I pray you do so before his arrival
Your exasperated relation,
Mr. Henry Bennet
P.S. It was recently been brought to my attention that a militia shall be wintering outside of Meryton. My youngest has no fear of me, but her respect for you and your ability to ensure she sees more of the world is likely to bring her to heel. I implore you, sir, please pay us a kind visit.
"What shall we do?" asked Catherine. Oliver had sought her out once he had received the letter.
"I wished to know what you make of it," he leaned back on the sofa.
"It is odd. I had thought my father would gladly sit back and watch the proceedings without thought to Jane's feelings, or any of the family's to be honest. Even Lizzy is not spared Papa's censure should he find reason to mock her," Catherine studied the letter.
"A change in circumstance often encourages a new outlook. Your father did not believe any of his daughters would make a successful match. Now that one has, he would see all of his daughters happily settled if he can help it."
"Back to what I originally asked: what shall we do?"
"I believe we should go. Your father is not a man to ask for assistance lightly, and I do not wish to discourage the notion. Should the worse happen and we find ourselves in the position of moving your family in with us, I shall bear it willingly. However, if we can ensure that there are other choices readily available, especially for your mother, I am eager to be of assistance."
His wife laughed at his words. "I quite agree. I do not think I could be content living under the same roof as my mother again."
"Shall I write to my mother, asking if we might come stay with her for our visit?"
"Yes! Though I look forward to seeing my childhood home, I desire to have a place that I might escape from my relations!"
"Very well. I shall write to your father and inform him that he might expect us to arrive in Hertfordshire on the twelfth of November."
It was hard for Catherine to leave her new home. It would be nearly two months before she would return to it. Julia was especially emotional over the news, though it prompted her own husband to promise he would write to her family to see if that might come and stay for Christmas as well. The news caused much happiness for her friend, as it had been some time since she had been to visit her family. She had worked hard the entire week before their departure to see that all obligations and gifts were arranged for the time they would be away. Mrs. Croft, wonderful woman that she was, would see to it that the tenants received their due and that the house continued to run as Catherine had found she preferred.
Upon further thought, Catherine decided that Mrs. Croft would see an increase in the coming year. She had helped her so faithfully, and went with any change her new mistress wished without fuss. Not that Catherine made many changes in the running of the household, but each was met with encouragement and praise, and Catherine was not one to forget a kindness.
Their bags were packed and ready and they set out on time, arriving the day they had planned to. Their trip had been mostly pleasant, with only a few hold ups due to weather, but her meticulous husband had planned for that. As they came into her old neighborhood, she found herself smiling. There were so many happy memories among the trees and fields, however, she found herself preferring the countryside surrounding Dalton to that of Hertfordshire. The thought pleased her. This was no longer her home.
They drove through Meryton, where she peeked to see that they garnered the attention of many of the residents, her aunt included. As they pulled up to the house her mother-in-law lived in, it began to rain heavily. They were rushed into the house where Diana Andrews greeted them with much enthusiasm, pulling them into the drawing room before even allowing them to refresh themselves.
"Oh, I am so pleased to have you both here! How go the renovations?"
"Wonderfully," she replied. "I hope you will enjoy what has been done."
"I am sure I shall. I am excited to see them. I was thinking I might come for a visit in the Spring and stay for a little while."
"We would be pleased to have you, Mother."
The elder woman smiled widely at her daughter-in-law. The longer she knew the young woman, the happier she was at her son's choice. She finally released them to take care of their needs. They returned for tea, where Diana began to inform them of the recent happenings in the neighborhood.
"My father's letter was the first I had given any thought to your newest neighbors. Mary and Jane had written of their arrival, but I thought nothing of it. I had no doubt that Mama would work to see that Jane was presented to them, but Papa made it seem as though she might be over doing it."
"Well, your mother has been quite in raptures over their arrival. She has made it known to many that she will see Jane as Mistress of Netherfield. So far, she has not been too invasive, but as your father fears, it will not take much for her to do something drastic."
"Let us hope it is nothing beyond her usual."
It continued to rain throughout the day, but they had no plans in any case. However, the next morning, they did plan to invade her family home for breakfast, which her father fully expected them to do. Oliver called for the carriage, as the roads were far too damp for a proper lady to walk or ride through, and made their way to Longbourn. Their arrival caused quite the stir.
"Oh, my Kitty! And Mr. Andrews! How good it is for you to come and visit! Have you come to stay with us?"
"No, Mama. We are staying with Mrs. Andrews. Papa thought it would be great fun to surprise you, as we shall be staying through Christmas."
"But you must stay here, my dear."
"No, Mama. Longbourn is quite full and Mrs. Andrews lives alone but for her staff. But we shall be to visit nearly every day." Catherine looked around at her sisters and frowned. "Where is Jane? Is she unwell?"
They sat down for breakfast as her mother began to tell her all the news from her point of view, as well as the happenings of the day before. Catherine noticed her husband's not-to-subtle look towards her father. Catherine hardly knew how she felt about it herself. Her mother's actions nearly crossed the line, though many other mothers' would also try to take advantage of the situation in a similar manner. Breakfast was nearly over when a letter arrived from Jane.
"My dearest Lizzy,
I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday. My kind friends will not hear to my returning home till I am better. They insist also upon my seeing Mr. Jones- therefore do not be alarmed if you should hear of his having been to see me- excepting a sore-throat and headache there is nothing much the matter with me.
"This is ridiculous!" cried Lizzy, after reading the letter aloud.
"Well, my dear," said Mr. Bennet, "if Jane should die, it will be a comfort to know it was in pursuit of Mr. Bingley."
"People do not die of little trifling colds. No, Jane is fine where she is. I shall call on her in a day or two."
"I must go to her at once," claimed Lizzy.
"Is that a hint for me to call for the carriage, Lizzy?"
"No, Papa. I shall walk."
"You will do no such thing!" cried their mother. "You will not be fit to be seen. Jane is fine, she does not need your interference."
"You may travel as far as Meryton with me, Lizzy. I plan to drop in on Captain Carter," chimed Lydia.
Catherine watched her husband shoot another look to her father, the latter looking a bit contrite. "Actually, Miss Lydia, today is not a good day to visit with your officers. As we traveled here today, we saw them going through maneuvers outside of Meryton. The ground is a bit too soaked for a young woman of your position to watch the proceedings. You should plan your excursion for another day."
Lydia glared at his interference, and more so when her mother praised her son-in-law for his care. She turned his words back on Lizzy just as Catherine made to catch her husband's eye. Seeing approval for whatever plan she had. "Lizzy, I wish to call on Jane, as well. She usually has such a strong constitution that this has me worried. I shall have our carriage brought around so that we might make haste to her side. Besides, I require an introduction so that I might be permitted to see Jane."
Recognizing it for what it was, both sisters readied to leave. Catherine could see clearly that Oliver had something on his mind, and as well as she knew him, it was likely about her youngest sister. His mother had told them of her wild behavior around the militia. He was determined to put a stop to it. He kissed her cheek as her mother fluttered about it in the background. She and Lizzy climbed into the carriage and they were off. She giggled as her sister gaped at the vehicle.
"I am told that there are finer carriages. Oliver cares about the fine quality of the materials used, but there are some trimmed in gold, inside and out."
"Why did you wish to come with me?"
"To see Jane, of course, and to do damage control."
"Damage control?"
"Yes. According to Mother, well, Oliver's mother, Mr. Bingley's sisters think very highly of themselves and little of the local residents. Mama, well-meaning as she is, is going to cause more problems than not if she continues as she is. Papa wrote to Oliver and asked that we come to visit. He believes that if Jane cares for Mr. Bingley as you suspect, that we might be of some assistance."
"Papa wrote to you of this?"
"To Oliver. My husband is less than pleased over news of Lydia's interactions with the militia. He hopes to curb that as well. Overall, however, Oliver wishes to see if this is a suitable match for Jane and to ensure her happiness if we are able."
Lizzy smiled. "They like each other very much."
"Mother said Mr. Bingley is the male equivalent of Jane."
"He is very amiable, and like our Jane, is reluctant to see the bad in a person."
"Well, we know that is not true. There are aspects of Oliver's character that Jane does not like."
"Yes, but she did not show her feelings until you became involved. Anyone will react on their feelings with the proper provocation. We are almost there. Let me prepare you for the Superior Sisters."
Catherine has matured quite a bit. Keep in mind that she has been married for over six months by this point, and was under the guidance of a good friend and a faithful housekeeper. I bet you can't wait for the next chapter!