Welcome back! I had to take a bit of a hiatus for a couple weeks. Crazy couple weeks. I had already turned in my resignation at my old job because I live in a dangerous area with a lot of crime, and the company wouldn't provide us a security guard. So we've had so many security incidents. A couple weeks ago, during business hours, someone set fire to our office building, where there were no cameras and the debris was dangerously close to our gas main. Then, our regional director says go back in and reopen when the fire department gives us the go-ahead. Well, there was smoke and fumes that we couldn't properly ventilate, and I went home with irritated eyes, throat, and short of breath. I'm doing okay, but after that incident, I told my manager after this Saturday, I quit now instead of next week. So, long story short, I'm starting a remote job from home that has been taking up my time and my brain these last couple weeks. Also just got a new laptop that I've had to integrate all my info from the old one to the new. But hey, this story is still going.

Chapter 26

Dear Mary,

It was a delight to get your most recent letter, for several reasons. Hearing of your latest success in publication, as well as professional advancement, could not have made me happier. What a relief that your little Chop is no worse for wear following his adventure after the opera. Kitty misses them hanging about her, and related a number of quite humorous stories from their frolicking at Longbourn. You'll probably be indifferent to know, but Kitty is determined that both cats need a new collar soon. It's her preference, for these ones, the ribbon colours will be red and purple.

As far as to the matter of great importance, you wish to consult my own personal experience. I don't know if my advice would be helpful, unable of being completely devoid of partiality. Of the one gentleman, I know a good deal more, and of the other, I am not acquainted. In that way, only you can be the best judge. As regards myself and Charles, since you ask it, I shall relate it as best I can. When Mr. Bingley first returned to the neighbourhood, I confess, my first feelings were shock upon hearing it. When he first visited us, shock ebbed into embarrassment. On the night of the small card party to follow in a few days, I had come to the conclusion that I had misjudged his attentions for affection during his first visit. I'd had enough of embarrassed feelings, and determined to myself, that no matter how much my mother insisted otherwise, I would not make a fool of myself all over again. Of course, all misunderstanding was cleared up and rectified in due course. That doesn't mean, necessarily, that I was disposed to look on his long absence as if it were nothing.

Though our mother meant it all kindly, I was angry by her insistent attentions and hospitality to Mr. Bingley. I can understand why Lizzy will not counsel you, one way or the other. There is nothing more tiresome or distressing, even oppressive to the human spirit, as false hope. I could see her, Lizzy, and our neighbours getting their hopes back; how they endeavored to excite my hopes all over again. I am relieved that we both came together, a much happier outcome than I'd have dared to hope again. But it did take Charles some time and explanation to bring me to forgiveness, to bring himself to proposing. For his share of faults, he justly took responsibility, but other circumstances had been working against us. I could not have known about some of those circumstances.

While it has been a very happy union, there are plenty of aspects about my behaviour I wish I might relive and have done differently. For one, I wish I had been more candid and honest in my emotion. Such proof of warm attachment may have convinced him better than the advice of family or friends. I also wish I had not entered his circle of acquaintance with the high expectations, that being friendly and agreeable would make me readily accepted by them. I've learned the hard way. Some people of the world have a small circle of friends, and everyone else can be used at will and disposed of when they grow tiresome. Had I suspected such idle inclinations, perhaps, I'd have been more cautious. Perhaps I'd have ridden back home after my first dinner at Netherfield, instead of being persuaded to stay and nurse my headache.

In practical application, I'm sure I need hardly instruct you. Your situation also bears some distinct differences to my own. Where there are two gentlemen involved, exercise even greater caution. One note of advice that I can give from experience, is not to make up your mind based upon the acquaintance of the gentleman alone. Try to know his family and his own circle of friends. These familial ties and friendships will become apart of marriage, for better or worse. Do these people share his values? If not, why not? Will your own life and marital felicity remain agreeable, or will these connections be maintained, even to the detriment of you both?

Lizzy once said that if disobliging Mr. Bingley's sisters was more than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, then I ought to, by all means, refuse him. This advice came after his departure for London, followed by a farewell of sorts from Miss Bingley. While now I can say, I would not give up Charles for anything in the world, the slight to a husband's family is not to be taken lightly. We are never really warned, Mary, about the changes that occur within the family circle afterwards. A wife is an outsider, a stranger, if you will. And yet, of a sudden, this stranger enters the family and supplants mother, sisters, father, brothers, every other family relation—regardless that they have held precedence all his life. As you may imagine, that is not an easy situation for anyone in the family, not even yourself. Try to inquire and if possible, acquaint yourself with the gentleman's family and friends. How do they treat you? Do they like you? Would they accept you, love you for yourself? Or, do they require of you, for the sake of appeasement, to put on any pretenses? Do they have some misconstrued picture of your character? If those misconceptions were clarified, would it change their opinion? When it comes to their family and friends, you must know the difference between friendship and flattery.

Forgive my many words. What I'm writing, do not take for distrust of yourself, nor should you think that I am an authority on the subject. My experiences are my own, just as yours will be your own. You will make your own decisions. I've no doubt you will come to a wise decision. Please give my love to Lizzy, as well as Mr. and Miss Darcy. I am glad you have each other for companions. Especially in music, I don't believe there are two more kindred spirits. Please, let me hear news when Lizzy's child is born. I intend to come visit London soon, along with Charles and Kitty. I wish I could be there for her time, but I fear with all the obligations we've committed to here, as well as completing some business with the estate, I shall miss it. Kitty sends her love, Mary, and so do I,

Your sister, with fond love,

Jane

After being cornered in the drawing room behind the sofa, once was enough to keep Kitty from seeking refuge there again. Instead, she sought out the library. It wasn't a large or impressive collection yet like Pemberly, with only a fraction of the shelf space in use. There was less opportunity of being encountered by either Miss Bingley or Mr. Murray. There was the chance of encountering Charles or Jane sitting down writing letters. If she would have company, they would be ideal, as neither would disturb her nor she disturb them. It was nearly two o'clock. Dinner was to be served between three or four hours, and they were all expecting guests from London. As the maids had begun preparing the rooms, somehow, the number of guests coming had been miscalculated. Apparently, according to Mrs. Montgomery, more house guests were expected than the original number given. The concern was carried up to the mistress of the house. Jane and Charles knew the number they invited; the additional four were surprises by the goodness and generosity of Caroline.

Kitty did not linger long in the hallway to hear that discussion between Jane and the housekeeper. It was already maddening enough. This must not always have been the case with them. As time had gone by, Caroline was getting bolder and less subtle in her efforts. Hopefully, old Mr. Murray was not some foolish, sentimental man. Taking Jane's advice, she slipped in and closed the door behind her. The rattling of a tea cup behind her caused a wild start.

"Forgive me, I'm sorry," chuckled Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Didn't mean to frighten you, Miss Bennet. Are you hiding too?"

She gaped and blushed a moment. "What made you suppose I was hiding?"

"Coming in on tip-toe, closing the door softly. I would've tried to alert you quicker, but I knew any sound was going to have the same effect. If you wish to be alone—"

"Oh, you needn't go! I've just come to read."

"Well, if we're both to stay, I'll have to leave the door open." He folded his paper and placed to the side. "Don't mistake my intention for distrust. I would not wish either of us to be supposed of ulterior motive."

"Good heavens, no." Since Kitty was closer, she ventured to open the door herself and spare the trouble. "I'm not offended. That is very thoughtful of you… May I ask—you just said, are you hiding too? Does that mean you are hiding?"

"… Well, I could've said differently, but in a way…" Now he blushed. At that moment, Kitty could hear the sound of the piano forte coming from the drawing room.

"I understand," replied Kitty, nodding. "There is a great deal of good to be had in one's own company. And it can offer as much pleasure as the company of others."

"Well, a balance of both, I find, makes life a real pleasure overall." They both sat down to chairs near the unlit fireside. "Actually, the real reason I've hidden myself away was to enjoy some letters in the post."

"Oh?"

"Family, and others. One long letter from my mother, the longest from my aunt, and one from Sussex. The shorter of them but the most interesting."

"Isn't that infuriating? That the most interesting and amusing of our acquaintances must write the shortest letters."

"Well, I probably could not call this one an acquaintance. And yes, it is most infuriating," he answered, with his own tease.

"Not to be morbidly curious, colonel, but… is this acquaintance, a lady?"

His brow rose. "What gave you that impression?"

"You tip-toe around the identity of the writer," she remarked, with a bit of a giggle. "If it were an old friend, you'd simply say so. Am I wrong?"

Now, he chuckled. "No, you're not wrong."

"Why, Colonel Fitzwilliam! Am I to congratulate you?"

"No, no, no, it's not so far, not that far along yet, but… Well, I think we have a high regard for one another. I'd like to convince my family of that, too. In the meantime, however, I rather like the privilege of discretion, especially before one has a chance to make up their mind."

"Naturally."

"I really ought not to have confided this much, but I trust you'll keep this to yourself."

"Oh, of course! I shall not speak of it. However, if I may, colonel, perhaps I ought to warn you that others may have different expectations. You're not to blame at all. But, I'm just saying—"

"Yes. It's alright. I understand what you mean," he assured. "I hope by keeping to myself and keeping occupied elsewhere will cool and silence any of that. Please, if you will also, keep that to yourself. I don't wish her ill."

"Of course not."

"You know, I've been holding onto this secret for four months now. It's rather a relief to finally, openly acknowledge it to someone."

"I'm sure. Four months is a long time to be silent. For both your sakes', I hope it shall not be too much longer. I know too well how it feels to silence oneself, careful not to let anything out."

"Really? Well, Miss Bennet, have you any secrets of a similar nature to share? I'm teasing, though. You need not oblige that."

"… I suppose you could say so, but I have similar motives to your own."

"He is a most fortunate man."

"Thank you. Will you tell me about your lady?"

Neither one of them lingered long, as the sound of carriages could be heard coming up the drive. London had arrived! It would be dutiful, as a sister of the mistress of the house, like Caroline, to go down with Jane and Charles to greet the newcomers. She made it as far as the staircase before changing her mind and not going down. This party of guests had come at the bidding of Caroline, and therefore, the wish or curiosity to meet these town acquaintances had no root in her heart. They were not really welcome. Perhaps one or two of them, an exception, but the ten people of the traveling party that were invited had not been approved by Charles or Jane. Just another proof of malice, what would Caroline not do? If Jane were to openly disapprove or make a scene about it, with guests present and unloading their luggage, Charles and Jane would look like inhospitable hosts. So calculated.

As it turns out, neither master or mistress of the house were to be seen welcoming at the door. Caroline took all the pains herself, chatting lively with the women and playfully scolding the men for tardiness or this or that. Colonel Fitzwilliam had declined to make his presence visible until dinner, but Mr. Murray, far be it from him, to welcome more sportsmen and be chivalrous to newcomers. More guests were to be expected soon, but they'd not receive a smooth transition from their weary travels to the comfort of their apartments. The friends that Charles and Jane were receiving, between the number of them, there would not be enough rooms in the house.

Surely, it would be worked out somehow, but the results, which may include another fruitless argument with Caroline, was best left unheard. As soon as everyone was out of the way and distracted, Kitty stole away with her hat and gloves for the gardens. She would probably be of no use today. For the Andreozzi family was now busily employed with the debated bridge. By the time she'd met up with them, the old bridge, with each board had been almost entirely stripped away. Ilaria did her best at comprehensible explanation, while her husband pointed, making explanation entirely Italian. Next to come, the framework would be knocked down. It was all too far gone for repair. Signore Andreozzi, along with his brothers, were taking measurements of the ground. Marc held a pick. Niccolo positioned the welded iron, and between the three brothers, they drove the rods into the ground that would support the new framework.

"We can do nothing yet," said Ilaria. "They not ready for the wood here. They should not be long. That is why most of the women remain back at the cottages."

"That would make it a lot more sturdy," surmised Kitty. Ilaria called out to her sister over her shoulder, and the both of them, along with Luciana, took themselves to a nearby ledge out of the way of the work. Out of the way but within view. Luciana gladly thrust the water bucket behind her and gladly indulged the guilt-free idleness with a smile and swinging her legs over the ledge. A few yards ahead lay the gulf where Jane crossed with her own horse.

"You are out late," Ilaria noted. "Mistress will want you back at the house?"

"My sister has a lot of duties today. We have guests just arrived from London."

"You not happy?"

"I don't care really," shrugged Kitty. "It's probably the polite thing to be present for the arrival of company. I have done it plenty of times in my life. These are my sister's sister-in-law's friends, not mine. That's how I figure anyway. I have no duty toward them."

Luciana begged to know more of what was said. Ilaria translated to the best of abilities. While both their language skills met with improvement as of late, both their grammar still lacked some structure. Either way, little sister did not find it of great interest. She shrugged her shoulders with as much indifference as Kitty. There was a little tug on the sleeve of Ilaria's work dress, a couple furtive whispers, and Ilaria scolded her.

"What is it?"

"My sister!" she groaned, with a roll of the eyes. "I tell her it's none her business."

"What is it, please?"

"She wants to know what you think of Signore Murray."

Kitty blinked. "Oh, that's what she wants to know? Why?"

"You need not explain. She should not ask."

"I have no opinion of him."

"Perhaps I am cruel to say, but she finds him handsome."

Indeed, it was perhaps cruel to tell upon her younger sister's folly, right before her face, unable to understand any of their English. Regardless, Kitty couldn't help laughing. "Oh dear. Your sister would be better off running after redcoats… Pardon me, what I mean to say: If your sister be interested in hunting and shooting, poetry, Greek mythology, then what a splendid match," retorted Kitty.

"I tell her, too, he is not very nice."

"He is good-mannered, most of the time, but manners are for the benefit of other people. He may be good-mannered but good-natured?"

"Is it arranged?"

"Beg your pardon?"

"… Your family, they arrange marriage?"

"Oh! No, no, not my family. Thank heavens, no!"

"Back in our country, they often do."

"Were you and Signore Masin arranged then?"

She smiled. "No. I was bad daughter, Katerina. We fall in love. We choose each other."

"I didn't know that!"

"Mio padre era molto arrabbiato. Mia madre lo ha scacciato dalla proprietà con una pala." Her father was very angry. Her mother did something that involved a shovel, which excited a hundred possibilities to Kitty's mind, bringing her to laugh along with Ilaria. Luciana proceeded to make her own declaration, which when repeated back, was a resolve not to be arranged in marriage. She would choose a mate for herself.

"Well, for whatever reason, it seems to have worked out well," observed Kitty. "You two are happy. You celebrate your anniversary, and the family celebrates with you."

"It take time," she agreed. "I don't think our mother ever come to like him. Paolo change her mind about Enzo. He liked him."

"Did he? And he supported you both, when none of the family did?"

"Yes. Now, we still work with the family, and we all live happy together."

"That is so sweet, for a brother."

"I wish he marry," she whispered. "But he a stubborn one. Arranged marriage, oh, no, no."

"Can't say we have it much easier here in England. We have some power of choice, but I think many of our parents would like to make the matches themselves. The richer people are, it seems, the less choice they have in that regard."

More dialogue passed between sisters, which Kitty did her best to follow. From what little she could make out between two rapid tongues, Luciana suffered many of the same aspirations as any Lydia did at sixteen, wanting more but having not. Life was more than carrying around a water bucket; she knew that well enough. Once the foundation was set, the iron framework came neck, then the laying of the new wood planking. By fitting the boards together into the framework instead of nailing them into another wood frame, the bridge would endure longer. The wood, of course, would not have its life lengthened, but bad and rotting planks, in future, could be ripped out and replaced much easier. While the Andreozzi brothers tended to the riskier business, the three young women pitched in to unload the cart of the new planking. All was done and complete in little time.

"Much better, is it not?" approved Signore Andreozzi. "It'll support multiple persons or a horse and rider."

"I like too that it now has a railing," added Kitty. "So it's safe now?"

"All clear. I'm glad to get this done. I've been worrying about it ever since you told me."

Having done with that project, there was tending to more of the south border of the grounds. The work of the rest of the family was not hard labour, just more planting of lavender as well as box hedge. Work had come to a dip, a small incline, and the older women, including Signora, were busily pruning thick areas where the brush grew too close in on the lane. A lot of water containers had been exhausted by that point, and Luciana was suddenly swarmed with thirsty family members.

"It's hard to believe, we nearly done!"

Ilaria's statement came out of nowhere, so casually spoken between the pruning of the brush. "What? Nearly done?" echoed Kitty.

"Less than two weeks now. Then, we done for the year, and will go home."

Kitty continued to snip the hedge, but slower. "You must miss it very much, your home."

"Yes. Do you miss your home?"

"… Quite honestly, I don't think much of home. I like being away. I feel like there's more fun, more adventure away from home."

Signore Andreozzi joined them, with more lavender wrapped in canvas.

"Do you all miss home? Or maybe it doesn't matter."

Seeing the puzzlement on his sister's face, he glanced back Kitty's direction. "What are you two talking about?"

"I was asking your sister whether you all miss your home. Everyone must be anxious to return, as you've been here over two months."

"It's rather hot back home, but we're not in the city. It is bearable. I should like to return and see to my own garden. My aunts take excellent care, but I don't trust anybody with my herbs and vegetables, no matter how trustworthy they are," he shrugged. "And I expect our hives will have grown some excellent combs by now. They have not been disturbed many months now. Will one of you please hand me that razor there?"

"I can cut the canvas."

Kitty volunteered readily, taking up the spare blade from a workman's bag. He did not argue. He let her have her way, and by this point in their acquaintance, and with plenty experience, Kitty could slice the canvas as easily as a piece of bread. Signore Andreozzi, with her help undoing the canvas, managed easily with the new lavender into the hole. Still on her knees, Kitty smoothed the soil; both planters pushed and compacted the new bush with the earth.

"I predict, when you return home, you're going to do planting yourself."

"I've thought some about it, but I don't feel ready to go home yet. As I was telling Ilaria, I haven't really longed for it, missed it. There's a part of me, a small part, that would like never to go home." They moved to the next lavender. All the bending and bumping into the foliage unsettled Kitty's hat, loosening a few strands of hair, which she did her best to fix back into place. She bothered not to remove the gloves, and a patch of dust smudged one side of her face. It already smelled of the lavender's fragrance.

"I'm sure your sister will not mind. You seem quite the fixture."

"I think I'd be very happy to stay here, but that's not for me to say. I'm rather anxious that our mother will write soon and request that I return. My sister, Mary, is also in London. Mama quite depends on Mary for company. I cannot imagine what she's doing without her or me. I am glad, for her sake. Like me, for Mary being at home, it can be peaceful but also stagnant. In London, she's now becoming quite popular, composing music…"

While both of them were listening with interest, it was unhappily broken by Kitty's most common misfortune in life: interruption. A small party was coming their way along the path, headed by Caroline Bingley herself. She and all the ladies behind her, armed with parasols, came to survey the landscaping work and contractors under her brother. Like a tour guide walking in upon them, like she owned it all, as if she were responsible for every lavender bush, every dug hole, every bloom and bee thriving by the work of her hand. Each lady that followed in tow were as smartly dressed as herself, colourful and the height of fashion. They smiled and nodded to every bow received by the men. One in particular, wrapped in a sweet blue cape, wearing a plain, white muslin walked arm in arm with Caroline. Their whispers were close and tight-knit.

"Ah, Miss Kitty! I was wondering where you've been," declared Caroline. "I was expecting Jane or Charles to help me receive, and they are nowhere to be found. Are they here with you?"

"No." That was no, they were not here with her, and no, she did not know where they were to be found.

"Naughty girl. Well, I suppose I must take charge as hostess then. May I introduce some friends from town. We've come to see the progress on the gardens."

"Good afternoon, ladies." With a dangerous mixture of good manners and hostility, coiled into a curtsy, she returned the condescending smiles of Caroline's train. Most of them were looking at her dirty frock and the smear across her face. "So you see, our progress."

"You have a smudge of dirt across your face, Miss Kitty," Caroline informed. "Would you like my handkerchief to clean that off?"

"I'll clean it off when I'm through for the day. No sense cleaning it now." One girl with dark curls and a bright yellow frock made a face at her last statement, one of revulsion. It was amusing to smile back at her, watch her skin crawl at the thought of dirt.

"I had hoped that I might introduce the sister of the mistress of the house, but I'm afraid this is all I have to offer, ladies. Miss Katherine Bennet. You must forgive her. She's rather an enthusiast when it comes to gardening. And now," turning to her friend in arm, "may I introduce the famous, Signore Paolo Andreozzi. Signore, my friend here is quite the admirer of your work."

"I'm surprised, I confess," he replied dryly. "For I've only recently come taking contracts here in England."

"Oh no, not from England, but from Provence, Turin, and Verona. Verona was perhaps my favourite," answered the friend. And with the sound of her voice, a full, thick-blooded accent, everyone within hearing was transported out of England and into Verona. Caroline's friend spoke as a native, without flaw, without halting, in the most silky rapidity. So quick, Kitty's training ear could comprehend almost nothing. All of the Andreozzi family turned heads and looked at her. They heard her with perfect understanding. Signore Andreozzi, with a raised brow and obviously surprised, responded in Italian. Just like he was amongst his own family, his natural speech patterns reemerged amongst a native. All that could be gathered between them were questions about favourite features, which estate or property she saw, and why that was so fascinating to her. Even if nobody else understood, every answer was one of intellect; all with the same smoothness and charm of a couple meeting in a ballroom.

Only one word came to mind: revolting. It was the most perfectly, innocent conversation; in all truth, it was a perfect first introduction with the best first impression. It was everything Kitty had wished her first introduction could have been, if it had been in her power. And when he had finished, accepted her compliments with thanks, the lady continued to engage him with more conversation. How rude of her to block out everyone else by keeping it strictly in Italian. And how forward is the lady, to initiate conversation with someone scarcely an acquaintance, and smile so familiarly—just because of common nationality. Who was she? With a warm tone to her skin, dark hair and features, she was aesthetically and naturally beautiful. Why? And worst of all, Kitty so unfortunately caught a glance from Caroline's eye; she was smiling on it all, upon her friend. That thin, curved lip glared back at Kitty, with narrow eyes and arched brows.

Finally, some younger member of the group complained of being bored of all this 'Italian idle talk' and desiring to get on with the tour of the grounds. They would not complete the whole of it before dinner; it would have to be completed on the following day. This seemed to excite the lady, who hoped to meet Signore Andreozzi again. He bid her farewell with all politeness. His sister bowed to her with all the usual civility. Kitty hastily excused herself before they got too far ahead and out of sight. They all rounded a corner, where the growth of brush grew thicker.

"You ought to head back to the house. You should really wash up and take a little more pride in your appearance, Miss Kitty."

The hair bristled. Caroline's voice came from behind, causing Kitty to curse her own stupidity. She should've known that Caroline might predict her next move. "I am proud to be dirty," she retorted. "I prove my worth, and my place here."

"And that is what? What is your place?"

"I earn my keep. I help keep the house and the grounds. I assist my sister in her daily duties. Therefore, I have a place. What is your place?"

"By that description, your place is no different than a common servant… Honestly, I used to think if you were going to bring any disgrace on this house, it would not be in this way."

"And in what way have I brought disgrace? Jane keeps a vegetable garden in the hot room—"

"That is one thing. Labouring on the grounds with the gardeners, fraternizing with foreigners, keeping lonely company with the head contractor… You play with fire, Miss Kitty."

Kitty's eyes narrowed. "If you're so against my fraternizing, what was your dear friend about with Signore Andreozzi? She's a rather tawdry, little flirt."

"Her preference has nothing to do with me," she chuckled. "That tawdry, little flirt is one of the most famous singers in London. Miss Rietta Sothern. She hails from Italy. Naturally, her and Signore Andreozzi: I think it would be a most charming match."

Baffling. "You have no objection to your friend, as a match with a poor Italian laborer?"

Caroline blinked. "Well, he is a common man of trade, but if you suppose he is poor, you are very much mistaken. Do you not know that Signore Andreozzi's grandfather was a contemporary of William Kent?"

"Who is William Kent?"

"One of England's most celebrated architects and landscape architects. His grandfather and father were associates alongside the best of them: William Kent, Capability Brown, Henry Hoare, Humphry Repton. Have you heard none of these names?"

"I believe I know a little of William Kent, but…"

"Famous men. Architects and designers of gardens. You think that you've mastered the field? You think you're so much smarter now that all of us? You have a lot to learn… This family worked alongside and studied from the works of these men. When you talk hundreds of contracts and the commissions on those projects, these men, if they're worth their salt, make large fortunes. I can see though, how easily one is fooled by a dirty appearance and undertaking the sweaty hard labour himself. He strikes me as a bit of an eccentric, but no, he's not a poor man. He's the owner of a family enterprise. My friend would not degrade herself."

"So your friend, Miss Sothern, is a social climber. Well, that explains your friendship."

"I know what you're thinking," warned Caroline. "Don't make a fool of yourself, chasing after our contractor. He's not for you."

"Well, he's not yours to command, no more than this house is yours to command."

Now, with the nerve touched: "What a fanciful idea—"

"Is it now? Louisa, make you marry the repulsive suitor? Jane and Charles are so cruel and unkind to you… None of my family in the north wants me. Oh, Luis, how kind of you to intervene for me. You have no idea what it's like being a stranger in your own home—I know it all."

"You eavesdropped!" "And you lie!"

"How dare you call me a liar!"

"Why? You're not fooling anyone. You think Jane and your brother are fools. You think old Mr. Murray is wrapped around your little finger. And you'll use your naive cousin against them. And you will lie as you have all along… If you had any sense, you'll stop before it's too late, before everyone turns against you. And if you had any decency, if you had any courage, you'd admit it and throw yourself on Jane and Charles' kindness."

"You're the greater fool. If they want me turned out of the house, they are free to do so, at any time."

"You're just waiting for that, aren't you?" Kitty taunted. "You'd love nothing more than to make gossip and trouble. And if you do, Caroline, if you open your mouth informally to friends or to a publisher in London, I warn you I can be as spiteful as you. I will defend my family."

"Do you really want this? I could ruin you, easily. I have friends in London."

"You couldn't ruin me without a shadow being cast on your own name. If you want to go about it that way, it's at your own risk." Kitty turned on her heel, retreating for the house.

"You'll regret this, Miss Kitty. You'll wish you had never left Longbourn. You'll wish you'd have married one of those pretty redcoats when you had a chance."

Both women burned internally, but Kitty, with greater indignation, looked back over her shoulder. She didn't look Caroline in the face, just at her red parasol. "That's a very serious threat. Where's your horse, Caroline? Have you been out riding lately?"

So I did a little research. Caroline actually named off a few historical figures of the mid to late 1700s. William Kent (1685-1748) and Capability Brown (1716-1793) were a couple big names in their time. Monty Don talked a bit about these men in one of his documentaries. Kent was a landscape architect. His contributions and his works garnered a lot of fame, though it sounds like he had a bit of a Lord Byron reputation. Then there was Capability Brown. From one source, Brown had developed a stellar reputation for his work, always on time and followed through (which earned him the nickname), and a gross income that came to about 6,000 a year. Later in the 19th century and in the early 1900s, women started to break into the field, including one named Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932). While not a well-known profession, architecture and landscaping was not considered a lowly profession. Not to say it was among the 'genteel trades', like how the Gardiners are described in P&P. I don't know where this profession falls in the social hierarchy. But for a trade, if you have the skills, you have good connections, and the landed gentry want your services, you're going to be in demand and you can set the price of your contract.

Thanks again to all who have been following, reviewing, and keep coming back. Sorry to those who have been hoping for Kitty/Colonel; not going to happen but he certainly deserves a good ending, even though he's a minor character here. Just because he's not a major player or a love interest doesn't mean I don't like him. I think I've said it before, if Mr. Darcy had never come on the scene in P&P, he'd have been a great choice for Lizzy. And I do enjoy FF that features him as a main love interest.

So, worlds collide! Rietta Sothern, first in Mary's world, now Kitty's! Looking forward to the ball, and more to come for Mary... I do like that one or two reviews actually took a sympathetic view of Mrs. Carter. Yes, she wasn't very nice to Mary. Very easy to not like her, and in a way, she might seem like another Mrs. Bennet. Whether it's Mrs. Carter, Rietta, Cummings, Andreozzi, it's awesome to see your future predictions for the OCs and main characters. Keep them coming! I will try and keep going again, but because of my new job, updates will definitely come in slower. I haven't been writing these couple weeks. Just trying to detox from the stress of the old job and not bring that into the new one. I'm already feeling quite a bit better not working in that kind of environment anymore. Hope all of you enjoy your coffee/tea break, but still enjoy your job too.