chapter 3

Three weeks to the date of Lydia's wedding and the house was in an uproar once again. It seemed that Mr Bingley had returned to Netherfield. So Mrs Bennet proceeded to coach her eldest daughter Jane on how to secure him. She would say ,"You need to smile more my dear when he is around... Make sure you wear your most becoming dresses...perhaps we shall go to Meryton for some new ribbons to go with your blue dress..." alas Mrs Bennet was disappointed when he didn't call on them for some three days after his arrival.

Kitty observed that Elizabeth often blushed when anyone mentioned Mr Darcy in conversation. It didn't make much sense since Elizabeth had always declared how she didn't care one wit for the gentleman. She decided to be bold and ask her about it, "Lizzy, why do you blush so, when mama mentions Mr Darcy? She seems to dislike the man as you always claimed to. But I wonder has your opinion of him changed?"

Mrs Bennet was not present when Kitty questioned Elizabeth, but Elizabeth still looked around before she responded, "Yes, I saw some of him in Kent as he stayed with his Aunt Lady Catherine. We also happened to see him on our trip to Derbyshire. I confess my option has changed and I now find him quite amiable." She blushed again and since she is rather perspective she said, "I am surprised you noticed my change of opinion, usually you and Lydia always seemed to be in your own world and never noticed everything going on around you."

"I myself have changed quite a lot in recent months. I actually find myself surprised no one has noticed." Elizabeth looked shocked as she thought about Kitty, for it was true her sister had not done anything to cause embarrassment in a long while. Elizabeth could not respond however because Mrs Bennet came rushing in the room with a bewildered Jane in her wake.

"Mr Bingley has come, quick Jane sit over here for that is where the light is the best." Mrs Bennet directed. Then she took her seat not far away from Jane. A few minutes passed and all of them made sure to adjust their dresses so as to look their best.

Then Mrs Hill knocked, stepped in and announced their visitors. "Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy ma'am."

The women all curtsied and sat. Mrs Bennet after offering the men a seat started exclaiming "Oh, Mr Bingley we are so glad to see you in the neighborhood once again. We all missed your lively manner at our assemblies... And Mr Darcy, what a surprise to see you again." Kitty could tell her mother was truly not happy to see Mr Darcy, as her voice held a bit of contempt as she addressed him. The man in question didn't reply to her at all, not that Mrs Bennet cared. She just kept talking with Mr Bingley. At some point in the conversation Elizabeth suggested they all go on a walk, Kitty assumed it was to avoid their mother monopolizing the conversation.

It proved effective as Mrs Bennet remained behind as they left. She hoped this would be the prefect opportunity for Jane and Mr Bingley to renew their previous acquaintance. Her thought were also of course on the pin money and carriages that her eldest daughter would have. Kitty and Mary ended up following the couples as they strolled though the gardens. Mary commented on her latest piece of music she was learning, she also surprised Kitty by her next comment.

"I was wondering how your singing is progressing Kitty? I have heard you practicing with Miss King on her last visit."

"oh...I am progressing tolerably. Miss King has done most of the work I am afraid, but I hope to develop a few new accomplishments." Kitty replied.

"Do you think she would mind if I were to join the both of you on her next visit? I feel I could use a little direction with my voice as well. I should hate to embarrass myself in the future as has been my habit in the past."

"She is very kind, I dare say she would be up to the challenge. I know Lydia always disliked Miss King, but she has indeed proved to be a dear friend to me…. Mary, if you would like perhaps we could learn some duets together?"

Mary accepted the idea readily, for it was the first time one of her sisters had reached out to include her in anything. They were by far very different from each other. However, both were the daughters that had been overlooked their whole lives. Perhaps together they could grow and mature to become very proper and distinguished ladies. They figured it was worth a chance, so they set out on their new path to friendship together.

In the mean time Jane felt the first bit of hope she would allow herself since she was in London. Mr Bingley even apologized to her, for he admitted he was unaware of her presence their. He went further and declared how nothing could have kept him away had he known. He was very sincere and bluntly told her of his desire to court her. He really wanted to marry her right away, but after such a separation he decided to start slowly and gain her trust.

Mr Darcy had admitted to having deceived him when he withheld the knowledge that Jane was in London. They had quite the argument about the subject, but as good friends always do they worked it out after a week or so. Quickly thereafter that they made plans to travel to Neitherfield together, both with a goal of their own.

Kitty could see the bonds both of these men had with her sisters and she was happy for them. The two gentlemen prepared to leave after their stroll in the garden, but they both promised to call again very soon. Jane and Elizabeth simultaneously blushed from head to toe, for they both knew that the gentlemen were referring to seeing them again. Their mother gushed as the door closed behind them. All of her daughters tried to quiet her down as the gentlemen were most likely still within hearing distance. As it so happened the gentlemen were within hearing distance, but they were also both resolved with what they wanted in life. So they simply ignored the obnoxious Mrs Bennet.

The rest of the day passed very joyfully for the household. Mrs Bennet was positive that her eldest daughter was well on her way to matrimony, so her nerves were thankfully absent. Mr Bennet was even present with the women in the drawing room after dinner. Kitty could not ever remember such a momentous thing ever happening before. There father after all could only handle their mothers ranting so much, and therefore would usually hide away in his book room.

The next day the gentlemen called again, and it came to be that they were to be found at Longbourn at least three times a week. So it came of no surprise when Mr Bingley and Jane announced their engagement about a month later. A few weeks following such a joyous announcement, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth had an announcement of their own. Mrs Bennet when in raptures and all of the sudden Mr Darcy was one of her favorite people. She also denied ever having disliked the man, not that she said it in his hearing of course. Most of the family admitted to having been in shock upon hearing of Elizabeth's engagement, even Jane who was always the closest to her. Kitty however was not, she had observed Elizabeth's changed attitude towards the man. And more recently she noticed how Mr Darcy always seemed to have eyes for Elizabeth alone. He did talk with the family of course, but his gaze always quickly returned to Elizabeth.

Kitty retired for the night with a bunch of mixed feelings. She of course was happy for her elder sisters, but her own lost love was still ever present in her mind. She pulled out a few papers she had hidden in under her mattress. Lydia always looked though her stuff, so Kitty had gotten into the habit of hiding her most prized possessions as well as anything private. Her other sisters never would do such things, but Kitty kept up the habit so that she didn't need to explain what was on the papers.

She unfolded the first paper and the striking image of Captain Stanford looked back at her. She had drawn it several months ago, as she was afraid of forgetting what he looked like. She had drawn what his expression was closer to the end of their friendship, when his eyes seemed to be lit up with love for her. She felt the suppressed despair creep up in her chest and the air around her seemed to thicken. She was determined not to cry, after all she would eventually need to move on with her life, marry someday. But she could not hold back the tears and the silent sobs that racked her body. He was everything she wanted in a husband, and everyone else seemed wanting. Perhaps she would be the spinster of the family, for at the moment she felt that even Mary would marry before she would be even remotely ready. If in fact she ever was….