Thank you for your reviews!

To Caraea90: I can understand how you feel about that, but if it helps, I'll clarify. Mary did apologize and sent her letter. So she did make the move. It's just that her letter didn't make it in time before the regiment decamped from Brighton. And as of right now, she has no forwarding address.

To Colleen S: Thank you. You're one of my regular reviewers. Not to worry, as far as Mrs. Bennet goes. She's not going to be a prominent player in Part 2 either. Like Lydia, I can only take so much of Mrs. Bennet too.

To an unknown Guest: You bring up another interesting topic. It's a detail that is never disclosed in P&P, and has been portrayed very differently across the many adaptations. How old is Caroline Bingley? I came across another interesting video on YouTube: "Let's Talk about Caroline Bingley" by Books and Things. The reviewer does a pretty in-depth character analysis, which actually opened my eyes to things I didn't ever think about before. Adaptations often portray Caroline as older, more that age where people in that time would've called her an old maid. But that actually may not be the case. I encourage you or anyone that's interested to watch it. In P&P, her age is not given, but there are indications in the book that suggest she may be quite a bit younger than a lot of us assume. Particularly the passage with her and Lizzy, after she tries to warn Lizzy about Mr. Wickham at the Netherfield ball, Lizzy calls her: "Insolent girl." Girl... There's more to it than that, of course, but it did change how I started writing Caroline Bingley.

To r1965rd: Another very loyal reviewing reader, thank you. I won't go so far to say that Mary is overly attached to her mother, especially based on P&P. But it's more, I think, that concern for her mental well-being is there, especially as Mary becomes an essential part of her mother's society at the end of the novel. I will not disclose much about Lizzy's situation as that will be in a future update. So stay tuned.

One or two other reviewers were concerned about Mary and why she wasn't any better, but the sad truth of it is, female conditions are often managed, not cured. They always warn us: never expect anything miraculous. Mary's problems are not forgotten. I'll also explain a little more in updates coming soon, just a little at a time.

Chapter 2

Their arrival, Kitty's first welcome to town, had been a stormy one. A manservant held out an umbrella to the ladies, but misjudging the distance of her step, her ankle was totally submerged by a puddle in the sidewalk. Her petticoat and hem did not escape it. Jane fared a little better. Of course, carrying a child in her arms made for an additional challenge. Luggage came down. Servants bustled to get trunks out of the rain, and as soon as possible, get the ladies out of their wet clothes.

Everyone proved very kind, all whom she encountered. Jane's maid assisted her out and into a clean dress, rang for tea, and escorted her down to a waiting fire in what seemed to be the library. How Mr. Darcy managed such a large collection between Pemberley and his house in town baffled a girl, who had scarcely read more than twenty books in her life, not including the Bible. Each room visited or passed was exquisite and comfortable, very much in the style of Pemberley. It was only smaller in scale: the library, the collection of artwork, the number of staircases and chandeliers. A party of fifty might easily take place in the great hall downstairs, while the ball room at Pemberley might accommodate as many as three hundred. Whenever the Darcys wished, or if they wished for a ball of that number but wanted for space, the terrace door might be thrown open, and take on another hundred. If one's house could not host a ball of at least one hundred, Kitty deemed it too small a house for her personal taste.

As a way of conversation, she attempted to ask Miss Bingley her opinion on the subject when she came in to tea. The woman dipped a curtsy and made some perfunctory greeting upon her first time visiting London. Though they sat and took their tea near one another, conversation laboured worse than a dying man's breath. Miss Bingley thought large crowds for a ball rather disagreeable. The ball at Netherfield, which she had hosted some two years ago, was a bit overcrowded. Did she look forward to dancing at her brother's new house? No. Her single syllables eventually discouraged from further advances on the topic of balls. They were clearly not of the same mind on that score, and very likely many other subjects as well. The heavy rain pattered on the windows, to be followed by a short rumble.

"What a shame to have such inconvenient weather," sighed Kitty. Miss Bingley stared into the fire. "I'm sure it prevents you from getting about town, when it rains as hard as this."

"Yes."

"I… do hope that it will let up some before we make our way to Nottinghamshire."

"We have at least a week here. We shall see."

What a long week, to be certain. This endeavour, despite all Jane's sympathies for her sister-in-law, seemed meaningless. "Have you seen blueprints of the new house, Miss Bingley?"

This time, a yawn. "I've seen them, but Charles has described it in better detail."

"And… what are your thoughts about it?"

"I like the house," declared Caroline, decidedly. "I think it meets all the modern standards for elegance, but nothing too high-blown and extravagant. Still, improvements are planned of course. It's been over five years since this residence had an occupant. A good three or four thousand will be needed to restore the house to its former glory."

"Heavens!"

"Of course, that is a drop in a bucket for the family," she shrugged and smiled at ignorance. "And that's nothing to speak of the work required on the grounds. For that, my brother has hired experts to help with its renovation. We are very fortunate to have Signore Andreozzi for the design of the gardens. He's in high demand on the Continent, and this will be only his second project in England. So we are very favoured to have a famous name in our gardens."

"Well, that should be exciting," Kitty lied.

"We also have a contractor, Mr. Levingford, recommended by Mr. Darcy himself, who is to oversee renovation work on the house itself. So we can expect good workman, and good quality work, nobody that will attempt to cheat Charles."

How sickeningly sweet of her to mention Mr. Darcy. Kitty had not the keener observations of her sisters Lizzy or Mary, but it didn't require astute observation to have known that Caroline Bingley much admired Mr. Darcy two years ago. His marriage had been most devastating, no doubt, but she seemed determined not to let him fall in her regard or affection. When all of them had been at Pemberley together, she monopolized conversation whenever Mr. Darcy was involved, and on every occasion possible, Miss Darcy received excessive praise for her skill at accomplishments and exclusive attentions from Miss Bingley. Anybody else present in the room was shut out of conversation. It had been maddening to watch. Yet, Elizabeth, so coolly and artless, refused to acknowledge her behaviour. Of course, a wife and sister had every right to demand respect in her own home. To have called her out, though, might have only pleased Miss Bingley too much.

Elizabeth once gave her advice about how the ego of a person works. 'The surest way of disappointing him would be not to inquire about it.' The comment, in its context, had been directed at Mr. Darcy, at the time. The simplest, and most efficient method of dealing with arrogance and grandiosity, was to deny the substance of its existence. What reason did Mrs. Darcy have to be jealous of Miss Bingley? And care was taken, by the former admirer, that Elizabeth was treated with nothing but the utmost civility. Anything less might incite the disapproval of the master of Pemberley. Any fault of behaviour or manners might exclude her from Pemberley forever. If the title of mistress of Pemberley was never to be achieved, she might at least boast of her family connection to it. 'My brother's sister-in-law is the mistress of Pemberley in Derbyshire. The finest house in the country!'

Before each one could sit long in the judgment seat, Jane entered equally refreshed from the journey. Her greeting to Caroline, after more than half of year since seeing each other, was just what it ought to be: formal, on Jane's side kind and thoughtful, on Caroline's side maudlin and quickly bored. Dinner was expected in little more than an hour. Before then, at best, Charles hoped to meet with his hired workman. Though perhaps Mr. Levingford might have been offended by the term workman, even foreman. His work was all supervisory. Contractors. That was made very clear when he came to the library with Mr. Bingley.

He was a man of fifty some years, a bit stout, and walked with a stride that befit his humbly exalted station: a contractor for the rich of London. The blueprints were laid out on the table, notes taken, and the costs discussed. Once the terms were out of the way, he raised his head to master and mistress, with a doting smile, monocle set to the eye.

"Now, do you have any specific directions for the house's renovations?"

"Jane, would you like to go first?" her husband suggested.

"Very well… Perhaps first on my list," she began a bit bashfully, "I must address the dining room. It's a good size room, Mr. Levingford. I do love its prospect, with the windows facing east. That will make the room very light in the mornings. But the colour of the room will not do."

"Won't do?" Caroline rose from her seat. "Why Jane! The murals in the dining room are exquisite. They must be allowed to stay. They're part of the beauty of the house."

"I'm sure it's beautiful. But when murals are put in a room with a lot of light exposure, you have to take account of fading. And according to my husband's account, the walls are very faded. Besides, I'm not… Forgive me, Mr. Levingford. But those particular murals are not at all my preference in art. I think it very unnecessary and unsavory, especially for younger members of the house."

Caroline laughed. "Oh Jane, that is the style! Charles!"

"What would you prefer, Mrs. Bingley?" asked Mr. Levingford.

"I've always wanted a dining room with sky blue walls. Any fading will be much easier to address with a solid colour, instead of murals or wallpaper. And I like the colour. It's so cheerful, and I want it to be a cheerful room. And if it's not too much trouble, take down those green drapes. I'd like a white or ivory curtain in their place."

"No trouble at all, madam." The man scribbled.

"Charles, this house should be a showcase for the county," protested Caroline. "Your art and your murals are part of the draw. The public will be admitted so many days a week to see the house. Forgive me, Jane, for I mean no criticism to your taste. But nobody will care about plain, blue walls."

"Now Caroline, it's my wife's house. What the lady wants, she will have her way. Isn't that right, Mr. Levingford?"

"Indeed, Mr. Bingley." The man nodded.

"Oh very well, then!"

"Now Charles, I still wish to consult opinions."

"But you will have your own way. Unlike Netherfield, we can arrange the rooms as we wish, change little things we don't care for, and you need not consult anybody. This is your home now." Kitty blushed; for perhaps this was too warm a conversation for others' ears. Jane saw the colour rise in her sister's face, but it was too endearing to miss hearing.

"I appreciate that very much, but I'm not so selfish. I'd like Caroline to have one room where she might have her way." A little too generous, even for Jane herself. "Caroline, is there a particular colour you like in your room? It'll be your apartments always, whenever you come to stay."

Miss Bingley smiled, feeling herself humoured. "That is very kind. I like dark colours for my bedchamber. Anything in the way of red, purple, or green… Rich, dark colours." Her brother made a face that spoke annoyance.

"Will you make note of that, Mr. Levingford?" said Jane. "Miss Bingley's apartments will be in dark colours… Kitty? What about your room?"

"Why? It's not my room, Jane!" cried Kitty. "I'm only a guest."

"It will be your room whenever you come to visit, or any of my sisters. Yours will be facing the groves and the lane, on the north side."

"How lovely! Well… I haven't given it much thought, but I suppose, if I must choose… I do rather like a light colour. Like peach crème."

"I like that!" agreed Charles. "That also would be a fine colour for the nursery and school-room. Don't you think, my dear?"

"Certainly! That does put the thought in mind, actually… Mr. Levingford, can the carpets be removed from the nursery."

"No carpets, madam?"

"Yes. The hard floor will do better, and just put down some more inexpensive rugs. Something easy for the servants to clean. If you've had children, you ought to know."

"Ah, yes!" he chuckled. "Very smart. Yes, remove the carpeting. Done! Anything else?"

"One more thing," remembered Mr. Bingley. "That's a rather heavy front door. I know that was once the old way with some of these grand houses, but do we need a seven foot tall door? I've yet to hire staff, but whether an older, feeble man or a younger lady goes to answer the door, it would be nice for them not to have to struggle to open it single-handedly."

Mr. Levingford agreed with these little points of change. Though, by the dance of his eyebrow or twitch of mustache and upper lip, he did not expect them to have many opinions. Caroline certainly did not approve the majority. She returned to her chair and to her tea, with some comments about how she wished Louisa were here. Louisa, apparently, would not have stood for the destruction of murals. Of course, she carefully kept her grumbling from the ears of those who wouldn't care to hear it. Respect and tolerance had been instilled. If Jane's own goodness had not done it, without a doubt, it was a brother's stern tongue that bridled the most arrogant girl in England.

"Beg your pardon, sir, but Signore Andreozzi is here, and an associate."

"Excellent! Show him in, please."

This one proved to be a bit different from the stout, genial Mr. Levingford. Everything the opposite of Mr. Levingford with funny monocle and simpering expressions stepped into the library, accompanied by a man near his age. If it had to be guessed, his age might be placed somewhere between his early to middle thirties. Impeccably dressed and fashionable in his burgundy coat but his hair, so full of curl and lacking discipline, couldn't support its own weight, and gave his head the appearance of a mushroom. He bowed dutifully to each member of the family that was introduced, smiled not at all, and declined any tea.

"Would your associate care for tea?" asked Jane.

"He is fine, thank you. Actually, this is my uncle, Gazarra." The older gentlemen that stood by the door acknowledged the company with a bow like his nephew.

"What a pleasure!"

"Signore tells me his wife is very fond of her gardens," he started out. Every sentence, the timbre of his voice, was like churned cream. "Tell me, what do you desire for your home?" He spoke a bit slowly, a compensation no doubt. If it were any quicker, his audience would be lost trying to understand words through such heavy accent. Jane elaborated on her own plans, even producing a rough sketch of her own creation. She'd not had access to the blueprints of the house until that evening, so inconsistencies were easily forgiven. A fountain was discussed, as the current one on the terrace had become overgrown and in poor condition. It would be replaced most definitely. Kitty never really stopped and considered the depths of her sister's interest or knowledge. Jane produced a book from her personal collection, opened to specific pages, having studied the style of Italian gardens. For this reason, he was the man for such task. He listened intently, before thumbing through nearby pages. The spine was turned over to get the title.

"I'm very impressed, Mrs. Bingley. Most ladies here in England would prefer rose gardens."

"Well, I've been used to growing roses so many years. While I am fond of them, and wish to have some about me, I'd like a good change. Besides, roses do require a good deal of care, and if we're looking at the whole estate, that's asking a lot of the gardeners. We need something that will be hardy, able to grow with little attendance."

"I see your mark on this other page," he noticed, turning back three pages. "Lavender."

"Yes! I think lavender would do quite well. Don't you think so?"

"Indeed! It has its many uses, both for beauty and practical. You know something else that's good about them. Lavender attracts a lot of bees."

"Bees?" echoed Charles.

"Yes. Actually, that's something else we need to address. What are the groves over here like? Are there a lot of wildflowers here or in the surrounding area? Are there any fruit or nut-bearing varieties in the vicinity?"

"I'll have to find out that one."

"It's nothing to fear. Birds and other insects will do the same, but the honey bee, that's their life's work. I would recommend, Mr. Bingley, that you inquire with your neighbours, tenants, or nearby towns for a few good hives. Hives in full production, already ready with honeycombs, are going to be several years along. But if that's not possible, get an empty house ready and give it a queen. She'll draw more and slowly, little by little, you'll get a colony. Bees ensure a healthy garden, and they can be a source of income."

"Income? We're not farmers," muttered Caroline.

Pretending not to hear his sister, he answered: "I had never considered that, but that does sound sensible. I'll send out inquiries tomorrow."

"I have only one problem with your plans, Mrs. Bingley. In your plans, as well as some of these pictures you've marked, you wish to keep an orangery."

"Is that an impossible thing?"

"Without a greenhouse, they're not going to do well. Oranges and numerous other natives of Italy, Greece, Spain, even parts of France require warmer climate. Now, it can be done, but if you want a crop of oranges every year once the trees reach maturity, that will not be attained if they're exposed to frosts and harsh, drastic changes in winter."

"That does make sense, though a greenhouse will be a greater expense to construct."

Kitty wished to cheer and encourage Jane to have it, pursue it, with all her heart. For knowing nothing about gardens, she knew something about having her heart's desire, and what that meant to a girl. Jane should have the most beautiful garden in England, but it was not to be taken on lightly. In the end, it was considered that perhaps scaling back the scope of the grove might be more appropriate. Though Mr. Bingley wished to argue it, and regardless there being plenty of money, these improvements were not being undertaken with a view that the purse was without limit. This one was to be considered during the week, decided on their arrival to Nottinghamshire.

Signore Andreozzi further added: "You've picked up on an essence of the Italian gardens that many overlook. I like this. Near the house, you intend to keep some herbs and vegetables."

"Certainly! This is something small enough that I should be capable of keeping it myself, or if I'm from home, at least one of the gardeners. Another domestic economy, to be sure."

"We can fix this up for you in less than a day," he assured. "Doesn't take much time to build some nice beds, bring in some good soil, and you're ready to get your hands dirty." The couple laughed at what Miss Bingley must consider a vulgar expression. "I also couldn't help notice, Mr. Bingley, that the estate lies near a river of some kind."

"Actually, it cuts right through the estate, our western border."

"Have you given much thought what you'd like to do about it?"

This ended up being a confusing question. Before Mr. Bingley could express anything, Signore Andreozzi dismissed his own inquiry by declaring he'll have to see it for himself, and think about what might be desired for the stream; a number of things were settled by procrastination. Husband and wife could not be more thrilled at the prospects ahead. Miss Bingley couldn't bring herself to show her pleasure, though her interest and longing was visible below the surface.

The two Italian gentlemen were asked to stay for dinner, but Signore Andreozzi thanked the Bingleys and dismissed themselves to their own lodgings. Upon their departure, having dispatched all business, Mr. Bingley slipped out to see his son, who would be waking from a nap too late. Miss Bingley had letters to write and excused herself, leaving both sisters entirely alone with their tea. Jane took Caroline's place, settling close to Kitty.

"Since coming, I've just had some news from Charles, and news that will interest you."

"Oh?"

"In several weeks, one of Charles' cousins is coming to stay at the Grove. Do you recall a young man from the wedding named Luis Murray?"

"Wasn't he the one to stand up as his best man?"

"Yes! The very one. He's taking a holiday from his studies at Oxford. Once the renovations are well along and the house is settled from all the noise, paint, and mess, we're hoping to keep the young man for a few weeks." Suddenly, Kitty comprehended all, and her countenance fairly brightened, for the first time in too long. An Oxford student. Just as well, for having had her fill of regimentals and death announcements.

"How old is he?"

"He's just turned twenty-two."

It was like the sun slowly rising in the morning. "What is he like?"

"Now, I don't really know him that well, Kitty. He does well in his studies, and by report, Charles says he's an amiable young man. He, like Charles, was brought up learning the family trade, and will eventually come to oversee some of Charles' holdings. Given that he's working towards such aims, I'm inclined to think him a steady, responsible man."

"Oh yes. It sounds very safe and steady in a man's character."

"Of course, this is all just a recommendation. Don't take what I say for matchmaking."

"Of course not," laughed Kitty.

"Funny, when Charles told me about his visit, he indicated what an advantage it would be for the two of you to meet and get to know one another. So, the idea is very agreeable to him. However, and I did caution him as I caution you, that none of this is a certain thing. Do not rush to judgment. Don't be quick to form an attachment unless you feel regard for him and you both are really agreeable to each other's character."

"I'll do my best, Jane. I'll do my best not to repeat my mistakes of the past."

"We both want you to be happy, my dear. I know the past is still very close to you, and if nothing else, getting away from home will bring the horizon within reach. I want you to know, Kitty, that you have a choice."

"What do you mean?"

"The way we were brought up, our choice of husband was to be based always on nothing less than a marriage to a large fortune. If it should be the man you love has a large fortune, that's convenient. Financial stability does merit consideration. However, between a large fortune and good character, his character should always be the priority. If you do choose otherwise, as long as he be a good and dependable man, you have both mine and Charles' support."

"I promise I shall do better this time… Jane, I know you and Mr. Bingley hosted a ball within the last three months at Netherfield, but now that you've moved away, into this fine house, will you give a ball when we're all settled?"

Jane smiled sweetly. "I'll see what I can do about that. I'm sure it can be done."

"If you do, let me assure you, I'll help in any way I can; I'll be like your second hostess. I'll stand by at the doors to welcome all your guests. We'll open together with the first dance. I'll help the servants decorate the banquet hall—"

"Yes, yes, you can do all that. And don't forget about a new gown."

"I've been saving up just for the occasion. Oh Jane! What fun we'll have!"

Well, I've exchanged Lydia for Caroline. Sorry Kitty! So as promised, I'm planning to take this to the Bingleys' new estate in that neighboring county to Derbyshire. Since the county was not specified, I took the liberty. Like Meryton, the town and place is also fictional. Just a disclosure there.

If it looks like wild spending is going on, don't worry. From P&P, we're told that Mr. Bingley's family did make a large fortune in trade, something in the area of 100,000 pounds. His late father had planned on buying an estate but never achieved that during his lifetime. So, it's not like they're just going crazy spending this whole fortune. Jane Austen actually touched a little on this in Mansfield Park. It was common of the gentry, especially those with a lot of money, to remodel and design your own landscape. And not just in England in Austen's time, this actually dates back centuries and permeates many countries and cultures. Just unfortunately, left to Mr. Rushworth and his imagination, that project at Sotherton would never get very far.

More on that another time. But at least, Kitty will not be bored.