As they walked towards Netherfield, Kitty struggled to keep up with Lydia's brisk pace. Her bonnet was securely tied beneath her chin, and the sun glinted in her eyes. "Lydia!" she exclaimed with distress. "You cannot be seriously walking all this way!"

The pace of Lydia's stride became more rapid, her lips pressed into a firm line. "If Lizzy can traverse these miles, I am certainly capable as well," she asserted resolutely. While Elizabeth possessed an unparalleled degree of strength for walking, three miles were not too much for Lydia. Kitty continued after her with dismay, though she was met with deaf ears as Lydia maintained her course. The road seemed unending - that is until she finally spotted the familiar silhouette of Netherfield Estates afar.

Lydia's heart began to swell with expectancy; she hastened towards the imposing structure and soon enough, a footman emerged from within. "Ah, Will," Lydia greeted him cheerfully. "We have come to visit the ladies and gentlemen here. Pray, inform your mistress we are present."

Will complied willingly; he had been familiar with the Bennets for quite some time now.

A few moments later, the door to the house swung open, a man's figure emerged from the dimly lit room. It was Mr. Bingley, not Miss Bingley as expected, who welcomed them. He ushered them both into the drawing-room and invited them to take a seat near the pleasant warmth of the hearth.

"Did you walk all the way from Longbourn?" he inquired with concern.

Lydia responded,

"Oh no, we don't mind. It has been two days since my dearest sisters left for home, and we're anxious for any news. What progress can you report on discovering who harmed Mr. Witting that evening? Surely it must be concerning to have an unwelcome guest with wicked intentions invade your home."

Mr. Bingley's expression darkened at Lydia's words. "Indeed, it is a troubling matter," he shared solemnly. "Since our unfortunate encounter with Mr. Witting, we have been investigating without rest. Regrettably, though, nothing has surfaced yet. We have searched every inch of this estate but in vain for how the villain might have gained access."

Lydia was struck by Mr. Bingleys' words. "But how is this possible?" she exclaimed in disbelief. "Surely someone must have seen or heard something? Or perhaps there is a trace that was overlooked?"

Mr. Bingley nodded solemnly. "We are still investigating the circumstances, and have strengthened our guard and surveillance. Yet I would prefer that you both had returned to Longbourn; we do not want to unduly alarm anyone, especially after what occurred recently."

"No." Lydia's chin jutted out in defiance as she glared challengingly at her future brother. A flame of ire ignited inside her chest and spread through her veins with an unstoppable force. Despite Mr. Bingley's words of assurance, she was by no means sure that enough was being done to uncover what had happened.

Kitty cajoled, "Lydia, let us go home."

"I will not!" Lydia spat curtly. "I must bring this mystery into the light and learn who was responsible! I shall not rest until I know the truth."

Just then, Mr. Darcy entered the room and stepped forward. His authoritative yet kind words resonated around them: "Miss Lydia, your determination to seek justice is admirable, though you should not venture out alone without sufficient precautions. Might we accompany you both during your investigations in order to ensure your safety?"

Lydia's eyes widened in disbelief at his unexpected offer and agreement. Her initial response was to deny him, but she realised how foolish that would be; after all, who knew when another opportunity like this one might come again?

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy," she said, her eyes beaming with gratitude. "Your aid is sincerely appreciated, Mr. Darcy."

He nodded respectfully and swiftly moved to the writing desk to compose a note for Mr. Bennet, just in case the younger Bennet sisters were missed at home.

Kitty heaved a sigh of resignation. "Very well." She would have much rather returned to Longbourn and worked on her gift for Jane's wedding, but she contented herself with assisting her sister.

"Who do we question first? Abigail or the housekeeper?" asked Mr. Bingley. "We have already spoken to all the servants, but it would not hurt to speak with them again. Perhaps something has been remembered."

"We already know that Abigail was scheming. Perhaps she did more. Left a door unlocked, for example?" Lydia pondered aloud.

Kitty and Mr. Bingley nodded in agreement, but Mr. Darcy dissented. "It would be unwise to overlook the protocols and precedence set by the estate staff. We must start our investigations with the housekeeper."

Lydia scrunched up her face in frustration but ultimately conceded as she understood he spoke truly. To uncover the truth of this mystery, tact and diplomacy would be necessary.

The party granted entry into the housekeeper's chambers as soon as the request was made. Taking a few steps in to the sitting room, they found the space surprisingly cosy despite its dated furnishing. Antique wooden chairs and a settee, handcrafted with intricate carvings, surrounded a small tea table. The walls were lined with portraits of the elderly woman's family members, and lace curtains hung in the windows. The warm red-brick fireplace was lit with a cheerful fire, and the shelves were stocked with an array of pottery cups and saucers.

The inviting smell of fresh herbs and aged wood permeated the air, intermingled with the pleasant scent of freshly-baked goods. Mrs. Nicholls graciously invited her guests to be seated, offering them a cup of tea and biscuits as refreshment. She then took her own seat, appearing greatly pleased by their presence.

"We should like to ask some enquiries, if at all possible," Lydia said in her most amiable tone, "Do you remember anything peculiar occurring the night of the event?"

The housekeeper hesitated before speaking. "I was asleep during most of the time, though I woke during the night to a sound. I just assumed it to be the house settling and went back to sleep."

"Who was on duty that night, besides Abigail?" asked Lydia

"Only William-the head footman-was on duty then," Mrs. Nicholls replied with confidence, "He is an honest and dependable man. Although, as I was not awake myself, I cannot know who else might have been stirring. Likely at least one groom or stable hand as well."

Mr. Darcy remained silent as though lost in thought. After a few moments of contemplation, he spoke. "Mrs. Nicholls," he said, his voice gentle yet commanding, "I suggest we also speak to the other servants who work on the estate to see if anyone else noticed anything strange. I would also like to discuss with William what he saw that night before we challenge Abigail directly. Her loyalty and guilt are not to be so easily ascertained."

"Of course, sir," said Mrs. Nicholls, "A shame that someone would wish to harm Mr. Witting. He is so very kind."

"Indeed," Mr. Darcy replied, with a hint of sadness in his voice, "and this incident has put everyone on edge. I have no doubt that we will get to the bottom of this, Mrs. Nicholls."

"I do not know if you will wish it, but my sitting room is fully available for your use if you wish it," offered the aged housekeeper.

"That is very kind, Mrs. Nicholls," said Mr. Bingley. "I believe that might be a good idea, as my study is rather intimidating for a servant to be called into. If you could assist us with a list of names and duties, that would be very helpful."

Mrs. Nicholls welcomed Mr. Bingley's request, her aged face beaming with a contentedness that only comes from having served the same house for many years. She knew the servants well and was quite eager to provide them with all the information they may require. With an enthusiasm unbefitting her age, she scurried away to the supply cupboard in search of quills, inkwells, paper and other materials.

When she returned, her nimble fingers began carefully writing each name one by one, along with a detailed explanation of their tasks and any family ties to those who worked in the nearby mills. As she wrote, delightful memories of conversations past floated back into her mind - stories about how each family member had been since they last spoke; humorous anecdotes about unexpected surprises throughout their days; any gossip circulating round the house...

When she returned with the first dozen names, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley thanked her for taking the time to provide them with such a comprehensive list of information, and silently began their task of questioning each servant one by one while Mrs. Nicholls worked on the rest of the list.

The servants were all summoned to the sitting room, one by one, throughout the day. As Mr. Bingley questioned each of them about any strange affairs that night, they all shook their heads in confusion and denial – save William. The footman declared he had espied a female figure making its way toward the family wing around midnight, though it was difficult to discern who it was due to the distant and dim lighting. He had assumed it to be one of Mr. Bingley's sisters and had thought nothing of it at the time.

Mr. Bingley's face grew hot with embarrassment as he moved on to the next question, but nothing else had been observed until Colonel Fitzwilliam returned home. And after his arrival, no further odd occurrences had been sighted.

"Who do you think the lady was? Should we ask your sisters, Mr. Bingley?" asked Kitty, innocently.

"I, ahem, I do not think that is necessary. I do not think the matter applicable, as it was in the family wing."

"But mightn't it have been one of your maids, in league with the villain?" asked Lydia eagerly.

"I am quite certain it was not," said Mr. Bingley, his face scarlet.

As Mr. Bingley wrestled with his thoughts, Mr. Darcy watched him keenly. He could see the turmoil brewing beneath the surface, and he thought he knew why.

"Do not worry, my friend," Mr. Darcy said quietly so only his friend could hear. "We shall handle this situation with the utmost care and discretion."

Mr. Bingley looked up at him, gratitude and relief flooding his features.

"Thank you, Darcy," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I do not know what I would do without your friendship."

Mr. Darcy nodded in acknowledgement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He was glad to be of help to his friend, but at the back of his mind, he was shocked by Bingley's actions.

A knock sounded then on the door, and Bingley bade the person to enter. Mrs. Nicholls stepped into the room, anxiety writ over her face.

"Mrs. Nicholls," he said, his voice firm and authoritative yet gentle at the same time, "It seems you have taken quite an interest in this list of names and duties you are working on. Do you perhaps know something we do not?"

Mrs. Nicholls hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I believe I may have uncovered an important piece of information, sir," she replied slowly, emphasising each word with careful thought and deliberation.

Bingley leaned forward in his seat, his interest piqued. "What is it, Mrs. Nicholls? Please, do not keep us in suspense any longer."

The woman's eyes darted between Bingley and Darcy before settling on the floor. "It's about William, sir. The footman. One of the maids too, Polly. She is his cousin. They are related to several workers at the mill in town." Mrs. Nicholls glanced up, gauging the men's reactions. Bingley raised his eyebrows, but Darcy's expression remained unreadable.

"I " Bingley cleared his throat. "I understand your concern, Mrs. Nicholls, but let us not jump to conclusions. We need concrete evidence before accusing anyone of a crime."

Darcy nodded in agreement. "Indeed. But it is worth looking into their ties to the mill, as it may provide a motive for possible involvement in the break-in."

Mrs. Nicholls nodded in agreement. "Yes, that is what I was thinking as well, sir. William has always been a loyal servant, but appearances can be faulty."

Bingley leaned back in his seat, deep in thought. "We must handle this situation delicately, but we must also uncover the truth. Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Mrs. Nicholls."

After Mrs. Nicholls departed, a silence fell over the group. It lasted for a long time before Lydia spoke. "Why would they pay Abigail then, if they already had people in the house?"

"That is a good question, Miss Lydia," said Mr. Darcy. "Just because they have relations at the mill does not make them guilty."

"It doesn't make them innocent, either," Lydia replied with a smirk.