September–October 1811

There is an old saying that says that none is more blind than the one who does not want to see, and another that affirms that 'love is blind'. Motivated by his love and lust for his beloved Fanny, he sold his bookshop and bought Purvis Lodge.

The truth is that Fanny, with her 'arts and allurements, had once again achieved her objective, and this time she was sure she could handle her new husband better than Mr. Collins.

Of her four husbands, Patrick was the one she loved the most. Her first husband was a youthful mistake. If she could go back in time, she shouldn't marry him. With her unparalleled beauty, she could have aspired to marry a rich man. With Thomas Bennet, she managed to rise in social position; with Mr. Collins, she managed to stay in Longbourn; and with Mr. Stevens, she was once again the wife of a minor landowner, although previously a merchant. Besides, Mr. Stevens adored her and did everything she wanted.

The first thing Mr. Stevens did—even before she asked him—was to include her in his will as the owner of Purvis Lodge. Since she was aware that in moments of intimacy, Patrick agreed to everything she 'suggested', she proposed that they share a room. Needless to say, Mr. Stevens very happily complied with this request and felt very fortunate for the devotion shown by his beloved Fanny.

To the couple's delight, Fanny believed she was pregnant. It was still too soon to be sure, but she had not had her menses for three months. She was excited since she had tried for several years without success.

Lydia and Kitty spent most of the day unsupervised, and they often went to Meryton to visit their aunt, Mrs. Phillips, and flirt with the officers who had recently camped close to Meryton.

Kitty, by nature, was shyer than Lydia, but she tried to imitate her in the poses and gestures she made. One of the main differences in their characters was that Lydia loved to be the center of attention, and Kitty used to get nervous when somebody paid her too much attention.

PPP

A few days after Fanny and her youngest daughters had settled again in Hertfordshire, Mary came to visit them, but Fanny would not receive her. She was still furious with what she called her 'ungrateful daughter'. And she did not want to deal with her again. She could not forgive Mary for choosing a simple parson over Longbourn's heir and the well-being of her family.

Sadly, Mary understood the message, and the first time she saw her sisters was in Meryton after many months, and she was perturbed about what she saw. Lydia was wearing a gown that was too tight and low-cut, emphasizing her ample chest and leaving little to the imagination. She was blatantly flirting with an officer and needlessly touching his arm. Kitty was flirting with another officer, albeit in a less scandalous way.

The surrounding neighbours looked at the Bennets—especially Lydia—with disapproval and even disgust. Mary hesitated for a few moments, then approached to greet them, saying, "Lydia, Kitty, how are you?"

They greeted her in unison, Lydia made introductions, and the officers promptly left.

Mary added, "A few days ago, I visited you at Purvis Lodge, but you were not there. Can you join me for a few minutes to talk?"

The two looked at their sister, very surprised by the invitation since they had not seen her for months and had honestly not missed her.

Mary invited them to her house, which was only half a mile from Meryton; reluctantly, her sisters accepted. Upon arrival, she asked them if they wanted tea with some snacks.

"You have a nice house," Kitty commented.

Mary smiled and said, "Thank you. Are you glad to be back in Hertfordshire?"

"Yes, it is more fun than living in London, and some of the officers are so nice and handsome, especially Denny. Today he told me I was the prettiest girl in Meryton", Lydia exclaimed.

"Lydia, you are still too young to flirt with officers." Mary admonished her.

"La, Mary! You are not my mother to tell me what I can or cannot do. You are envious because Denny is more handsome than your boring husband."

Mary sighed, saying, "I am not your mother, but I know what is right and wrong. You are not yet 16."

Despite Mary's best efforts, her sisters, especially Lydia, ignored her. Lydia was convinced that Mary envied her success with the officers, and Kitty was unaware of the great danger her behaviour represented. Given Mrs. Steven's example, they did not realize their behaviour was wrong.

Kitty and Lydia returned to Purvis Lodge half an hour later. Mary was distraught because she realized her sisters were on their way to doing something foolish, while Kitty and Lydia were laughing at how old-fashioned and boring Mary was.

PPP

In London, Jane Smith had many doubts about what she should do. She had not seen Mr. Bingley in several weeks and realized he must be avoiding her. She had learned by chance that Mr. Bingley had leased Netherfield Park for at least a year. Her mother had invited her to live with her at Purvis Lodge. At first, she thought of declining the invitation, as she felt she had a better chance of getting married if she stayed in London. Neither of the two gentlemen interested in her lived up to her expectations. One because he was 20 years older than her and the other because his income was only about £200 to £300 a year.

She was very attracted to Mr. Bingley, and he had £5,000 a year. According to the Gardiners, the gentleman was still too young to marry and seemed uninterested in her. Perhaps, she thought, if they met one more time, Bingley might change his mind. She had nothing to lose by going to Hertfordshire for a few months. Besides, she would see Mary again, and Elizabeth would be there.