So, new update, and this is another rare one. I'm posting two chapters together because it was originally one. Probably best to break them up because the last one, being super long, not the best for reading.

First, to thank you who reviewed and gave some good feedback. One guest reviewer of a couple chapters ago, I appreciated your take on Mary and Georgiana. Maybe they are not suited to be friends? I didn't ever really consider that.

Another guest reviewer made a comment between the two that Kitty has been the one to grow, more so than Mary. I think that's pretty accurate. I may have said it before. I feel like Part 1 centered more on Mary, and Part 2 is finishing her story. Whereas, Part 2 I've been centered more on developing Kitty. In retrospect, I probably should've separated R,C &S into two separate FF for both because I can see how one long one does exhaust some readers. And any new reader that decides to click and explore the first chapter, they're probably like: What is this? Is this supposed to be a fanfiction or War & Peace?

But all that was good feedback. Nobody would know but it's making me take a look at what little is left and really edit what's good and what's unimportant. I have enjoyed writing this, for myself if nothing else.

Chapter 31

The scene that took place when the guests returned from their evening's exploration of the gardens was unsavory. Mr. Wickham quartered downstairs, by Charles and the magistrate, to sort the pressing financial matter on hand. Before they could both sequester Lydia away in her sitting room, a little fuss was made about there being a grand party, and why could not she and Wickham join the party? But what about the children? Jane inquired with alarm when the answer delayed; surely, they would not have forgotten? Oh no, the girls were waiting in the hired curricle. Poor Matilda and Dora, very wearied by the journey and the lateness of the hour, Charles went and removed two rather irritated and crying girls from the vehicle. All this confusion and noise, it quickly drew the attention of Caroline; much to Jane and Kitty's misfortune did she witness the Wickhams' domestic felicity at its finest.

Taking the girls from their uncle, Jane wasted no time and led them upstairs. Davy's nurse was sent for, and between the two women, extra beds were made for her nieces. Lydia thanked her sister for such kindness to her darlings, declaring she was so tired that she was dead. Of course, that didn't prevent her from complaints about exclusion from the ball. All her clothes were packed in her trunk, her entire wardrobe! Surely, the Bingleys would not object, and of course, they hadn't a morsel and were desperate hungry.

"Lydia, would you be so gracious as to tell me, why you, Wickham, and the girls are here?" demanded Jane. "If you were wishing to come visit, it would've been more expedient if you could have written ahead of time. You might have come at a better hour of day, and we'd have places ready for you."

"I thought I did write you… Maybe I didn't. I don't recall," retorted Lydia. "It's been rather an unpleasant business these last couple of days. And you must help us out, Jane, please! It's not our fault. We paid the rent regularly."

"Oh dear, Lydia, don't tell me you all have been evicted."

"Afraid so. We have nowhere else to go. We didn't have much left, so I suggested to Wickham that we make a journey here. For you've always been so good to us, you and Bingley. We could better afford a visit here than to Hertfordshire, or even Derbyshire. Unfortunately… we completely ran out of money on the journey."

"Is that why the magistrate is downstairs now?"

Lydia blushed, giggled a little bashful. "It's not so much that we couldn't pay for our last dinner, but we tried not to pay," she explained. "If it weren't for little Dora hollering when she did, we'd have gotten out the door in time."

"Lydia! How could you do this?" A hand ran across Jane's eyes and forehead.

"Don't worry. It's not much. It's just dinner, Jane!" They'd not had a morsel of dinner?

"You tell me you had no money, nothing to offer as pledge of security for the innkeeper?"

"It's just in the village! We're not that far. I told them we were on our way here, and if they didn't believe us, said Wickham, they may follow us to the door."

"That they did," retorted Caroline, standing in the corner. "And using our name in the village, excellent work Mrs. Wickham."

"Lydia, since we're in the middle of entertaining, we have no proper room for you to stay."

"Not even on the grounds?"

"Within a day or two, I believe there will be room for you," said Kitty. She dared not chance a look in Caroline's direction. "You're most welcome to sleep with me in my room."

"That is just sweet of you, Kitty, but what about Wickham? Where is he to sleep?"

Jane answered: "I'm sure Charles can have him make up a bed one night here in the library. We'll figure out the rest of your accommodations tomorrow."

Her cheeks inflated then blew air, as she slumped back on the settee, and in doing so, revealed another surprise beneath her over-sized traveling coat, a slight plumpness. "I did not think it would be such a great matter. If I thought it was going to be such a fuss and inconvenience, we might as well have stayed at the inn one night before trying to come."

"I would rather that you had come than stay, and give the innkeeper false expectations," Jane reprimanded. She, too, had observed it. "I don't wish to cut your evening short, Kitty, but would you mind at least showing Lydia to your room before going back downstairs?"

"It's alright, Jane. I was already about to retire anyway. Come Lydia."

Sleep came in snatches. At most, Kitty lulled then was stirred awake by the events of the ball and the sound of Lydia's soft moans. She had not been one much given to snoring in their days back home. Such repose gave her sister opportunity to vary the pace and direction of more painful thoughts. It was best to use the time to hide a few things. Kitty slipped to the vanity, and locked up her Italian language book, as well as her diary—Lydia's old diary. For all the changes in her, the old inclination for snooping and turning up secrets was never to die, worsen if anything. That sweet little orchid couldn't be put in a drawer, but Kitty could trust a plant better than a person to keep her secret.

Morning brought about the release of the Bingleys' uninvited visitors. Not only Miss Sothern, but all the London party, made their humble thanks at breakfast for the marvelous entertainment and hospitality of the Grove House. All of them, except Miss Sothern, bid adieu to Miss Bingley. Kitty was bestowed a cheerful farewell from the flirt, with a keenness, with sincerity, with a manner of respect accorded a respectable rival. Happy to bid one another farewell forever, yet not with a flame of loathing—they parted, with far greater respect than she bestowed 'her dear friend.' At least, the family had one relief that morning in that neither Lydia or Mr. Wickham joined them in the dining room. Lydia received a tray in Kitty's room. He had not yet stirred from the library sofa.

When the post arrived, Jane dismissed herself from breakfast to receive her correspondence. In her step was a liveliness and sense of urgency, rather unexpected after retiring to bed after four o'clock in the morning. Kitty waited some minutes before following her. Of course, there was curiosity about the mail, but while they could be alone and early in the day, now was as good a time as any to make Jane aware of her sister-in-law's conspiracy.

"May I come in?"

"Please, come in, Kitty."

"Is there anything of interest?"

"Well… not good news, not the sort I was hoping for anyway."

"Two letters?"

"This one," the one in hand, "is from old Mr. Murray. The other is a letter from… Oh, I thought for a moment it was Lizzy. No, it's from Mr. Darcy, from Grovsnor Street, but it's addressed to us both." Jane had not done with Mr. Murray yet, and Mr. Darcy would wait a few more minutes. "Before the birth, Lizzy and I had been wanting to make arrangements for a visit together. Once she is more recovered, and once the doctor has sanctioned travel, they're planning to return to Pemberley."

"Jane, last night, the ball was just wonderful. But I must tell you soon. I don't know how soon this will happen." Despite already having bad news, Kitty cringed relating to Jane in the shortest way possible, of all that transpired between Caroline and her friend. "In short, I wanted you to know, in case she still has it in her head to spread these lies about Signore Andreozzi and Miss Sothern. I don't care much about her friend's reputation, but Signore Andreozzi and his family do not deserve that."

"I shall speak to Charles at the earliest opportunity," Jane agreed. "Oh Kitty, this is going to be a day. I'm actually afraid of myself, afraid of what I'm going to say."

"What's to be done?"

"… I'm going to make her leave the house, today."

"I thought you were waiting on Mr. Murray—"

"Mr. Murray is a kind man and father, but he sees matters the way I used to see them. This is a shame, but we ought to persevere and be gentle with Miss Bingley in her moods and fits of temper. He has no idea. We can expect nothing from him. I'm…"

At the sight of trembling hands, Kitty cleared her throat. "Jane, perhaps Charles—"

"No, I'll not hide behind my husband. I know he would gladly speak for me, but in this, I must say it for myself. Caroline has made me feel things about myself and about her, that I've never felt before, and I would not wish on anyone. I'd already made my mind up before your information of last night. I don't wish to be unkind—"

"I know."

"But this is not justice to those she hurts."

"Including yourself. With you, Jane, it's easier to fight and serve other people, but you are a person too." Her sister had changed a good deal. That ease of countenance and fair smile seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a pallor. However, the grimness and growing sharpness in the eyes gave light to Kitty's heart. Her sister was a kindled flame; all she needed now was firewood.

"What if there is talk? If she wishes to talk?" taunted Kitty.

"… If the family calls it disgraceful, then they ought to prove themselves the good person and take her in."

"Yes!"

"Well, we shall see how it all turns out. I still hope for the best. I'd rather she be agreeable and go on her way quietly. If she chooses to be the injured party, that's not a fight I will win and have no desire to dispute, as I've told Charles. I never wanted this… Forgive me. I'm getting carried away. I'm glad you came Kitty. For I never got the chance to hear from you last night, about Mr. Murray."

"Oh! I almost forgot myself."

"He has been rather keen, very fond of you since he came. Still, I couldn't help notice that you don't seem to take the same pleasure in his company."

"Has it been very obvious? I was not trying to offend him, or Charles."

"It's alright, dearest."

"From the first day he came, the first dinner, I've felt… Forgive me, Jane, this is not kind. His company and conversation, at best, is boring, at worst—irksome. He is a fine boy, but he's just a boy. We quarreled last night about card placements at the table, so I doubt his preference will continue now. I don't find it very complimentary that a man should fall in love because there is no one else for him to notice. I think I can safely say he does love, and I've been doing all in my power to avoid him. When I could not, I'd try to redirect him towards the thought of meeting other ladies. Proves my desperation, doesn't it? Wrestling a sow in the mud or scolding him like an older sister has not scared him off."

Jane laughed in pain. "Oh Kitty!"

"Don't scold me now. At least, I'm glad it's you and not Charles to ask."

"I wouldn't scold you for that. Kitty, why, I cannot tell you how proud I am!"

"Proud? What have I done? Proud of me for being insulting?"

"Don't you know that many girls would pursue an eligible young man like him, for the same reason he's pursued you—for the sake of being in love and married. If our mother were here, she would heartily disagree with us both. It's not a choice most girls would make, but you judged yourself and his character as you should, and your reasons very sensible. I am very proud of you!"

Before Kitty left the room, it was not without a rather tender embrace. Not only on her own account but Jane's, both women made themselves ready to celebrate and ready for a victory, once the battle had been got through. Kitty suggested they both take a walk. Better to be with Jane than too alone, too unoccupied to think anymore of Paolo. Keeping a distance until the day of final goodbyes would be reasonable; he'd probably thank her for it. Already, multiple times in the night, Kitty repined and wished both their attitudes and replies had been different.

Of course, Jane wished to peruse her letter from Mr. Darcy before they might go. She was willing to wait, but a strange change worked upon her sister, in a matter of minutes. The more she read through the letter, life returned to countenance and even a fresh glow to the eye. Something excited her. Whatever it was, Kitty was not to know until later in the afternoon. Jane asked if Kitty might be willing to take the air alone this time. "Something rather important has come to my attention," she explained. "If you do not mind, Kitty, I think I need some time alone to think about this." If it had produced such a result, her younger sister was agreeable to the notion of solitude. All courage would be needed to face off with their common adversary.

Alright, now for the moment we've all been waiting for...