When Charlotte saw Lydia, her heart sank. She knew Lydia was an inveterate gossip who couldn't be trusted with sensitive information. However, Lizzy had told her that Lydia had changed in the last few weeks since their conversation.

Charlotte wondered if somehow she could use Lydia's penchant for obtaining information to help in this matter, then quickly dismissed the thought. Even though Lydia was bold and likely to spread rumors, it would be wrong to involve a fifteen-year-old in such a dangerous undertaking, given what she had already been subjected to.

Without further ado, Charlotte ushered Lydia into the drawing room and poured her a cup of tea. "What brings you here today, Lydia?" she asked with a smile.

Lydia smiled at Charlotte and said, "Charlotte, I've been looking forward to meeting you for the past few days. Lizzy might have mentioned that I am writing a novel?"

"Yes, she did; it's quite remarkable and pleasant that you picked up this hobby,"Charlotte replied with a faint smile, still worried about what had happened last night.

Lydia noticed her uneasiness and inquired,"Is something wrong? You look like something is bothering you?"

Charlotte hastened to reply,"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about the house party my mother is planning to announce my sister's betrothal."

"Ah, yes. Miss Louise, Lady Lucas and Maria paid us a visit to Longbourn to tell us about that . Who would have thought Mr Glouding and your sister would be together? You should have seen your mother's and Jane's faces when your sister showed them her ring! It was hilarious.", Lydia went on talking and Charlotte exhaled heavily, "Old habits die hard, don't they? Lydia may have changed in many ways, but her love of gossiping is still alive." Charlotte shook her head and said, "Lydia."

Lydia kept talking so Charlotte spoke to her more loudly, "LYDIA"

This gained Lydia's attention and she replied absentmindedly, "Yes?"

Charlotte asked suspiciously, "Do you remember what I told you the last time?"

Lydia gave it some thought before replying, "To find something which actually makes you happy and learn to love yourself before loving another."

"And…?", Charlotte prodded.

"And that elopement isn't like in the novels; it can be dangerous," Lydia answered.

"And I also said for you to use your intellect in making decisions in life," Charlotte said with intensity.

The question confused Lydia. "But I am doing that," she said.

Charlotte gazed at her for a long moment before saying, "That includes not gossiping about people—especially your family—to outsiders."

Lydia blushed but quickly responded, "But, Charlotte, you aren't an outsider; you told me we are friends!"

Charlotte sighed heavily and fell silent.

Seeing an opportunity to keep their conversation going, Lydia continued, "That isn't even what I wanted to talk about though. Even though Miss Louise's ring was beautiful, I wanted to ask for your opinion on my story's premise based on our previous discussion."

At this, Charlotte suddenly perked up. "Wait? Louise? ring? premise ? What?"

Lydia narrowed her eyes and replied sarcastically ,"Oh Charlotte. Did you not hear anything I just said?"

Charlotte's started to panic. "This girl reads too much into things," she thought to herself as she grabbed a glass of water.

Lydia studied her intently, clearly trying to figure out why Charlotte was acting so strangely. Then, she raised her eyebrows as if she'd just had an epiphany. "What truly happened to Lizzy that day? She didn't stumble by accident…did she?"

The question caught Charlotte so off guard that she nearly spewed out her drink. Recomposing herself, Charlotte stammered, "Umm…what do you mean 'fall'? Is Lizzy alright?"

Lydia stepped closer with an suspicious gaze, causing Charlotte to take a step backwards. But then, she smiled and said calmly, "You didn't know? It is surprising--the next morning when Lizzy came down stairs wearing a dress that I once saw on Maria." Lydia continued, "I may not be as intelligent as you are, Charlotte, but I never forget dresses and their designs once I have seen them."

Charlotte looked at Lydia for one long minute and sighed. She gave up pretending and admitted that Lizzy hadn't just fallen; she'd been attacked by someone.

Lydia's eyes widened in shock at this new information as she thought of Miss Ashford. "Did... did she?" Lydia asked anxiously.

Charlotte shook her head negatively , "No, we rescued her in time and I will tell you everything but you have to promise me that you will not tell anyone about this," Charlotte said.

Lydia nodded solemnly in agreement.

Charlotte explained what had happened that day, which made Lydia first go pale then become angry on behalf of her sister.

"He needs to be punished!" Lydia exclaimed in a fit of rage before suddenly pausing. "Wait, you said there was a carriage parked there?"

Charlotte nodded in confirmation.

Lydia revealed the events of that morning involving Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley's visit and Charlotte listened with careful attention. When she had finished, Charlotte mumbled, "So it was a maid this time..."

"Yes...her name was Sally," Lydia replied, with a sudden memory flashing through her mind.