A/N: Hello! Terribly sorry for not consistently updating but real life has been a little crazy. I hope everyone came out of the pandemic really well. I am not sure when I will be posting again but I'm thankful for everyone who has enjoyed my little story here. I will do my best to continue. Enjoy!

The Meryton Assembly was in full swing when the party from Netherfield arrived. They were expected a few weeks ago but were delayed. The Country folk were excited and curious about them and everyone wanted a glimpse of the new addition to the neighborhood.

"Welcome Mr. Bingley, I am glad that you could make it to our little gathering this evening." Sir William Lucas, head of one of the wealthier families in the neighborhood, took it upon himself to be the master of ceremonies and introduce the Bingleys to their new neighbors.

"It's a pleasure to see you again Sir Lucas. I am glad we made it in time for this assembly. May I introduce my brother-in-law Mr. Robert Hurst and my sisters, Mrs. Daphne Hurst and Miss Caroline Bingley."

The party made polite greetings to all that were introduced to them, though the younger sister seemed a little aloof. Bingley was friendly to all and greeted everyone with, enthusiasm. He was very happy to finally see the Bennet party ahead.

"Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, it is good to see you again." He introduced his family to the older couple and their daughter. Miss Bingley had been criticizing everything that she saw in her head. As the Bennets were introduced to her, it gave her pause. They were better dressed than everyone she had been introduced to so far and the eldest Miss Bennet was no doubt a classic beauty. "This is Edward's family." Mr Bingley started, then introduced his family. Miss Bingley did not really pay attention to Charles' younger friend as she found out early on, from the man himself, that he had no important connections or significant wealth.

Bingley asked for Miss Bennet's hand for a dance and was soon off enjoying her company. Mr. Hurst stayed in the company of Mr. Bennet while Miss Bingley dragged her sister to a corner of the hall and proceeded to complain about everything.

"Louisa, I could not bear to stay here all night. I do not know what our brother was thinking by accepting this invitation. They all look like savages! And such self-importance! Why, if Mr. Darcy were here, he would not deign to dance or socialize at all."

Mrs. Hurst was not at all like her sister. She simply tolerated her as she felt responsible for the way she turned out, having taken care of her after their mother died. "Come Caroline, it is not all that bad. The Bennets seem acceptable. Their mode of dress is in fashion and their manners are quite above all the others."

"Yes, well I would not object to knowing them more. They seem the most genteel out of all these people. But they are Charles' younger friend Mr. Bennet's family and I remember him saying that he was only inheriting a small estate in the country." Miss Bingley stuck her nose up. "So really they are nothing to our society in London."

At one point, she observed her brother's obvious infatuation with the eldest Miss Bennet and resolved to learn as much as she can about the family. She started stalking around the room, engaging in conversation when she heard anyone talking about the Bennets. Since most of what was said was common knowledge and Meryton was but a small country town, the townfolk felt comfortable enough to share what they knew with their new neighbors. She found at the end of the night that the Bennets were not suitable at all and remembered everything she learned in order to dissuade her brother from forming any attachments to his new angel.

In addition to the new neighbors, another exciting development has happened in the little town of Meryton. The Militia have come and are currently stationed just a quarter mile out of town. All were happy to receive the officers, the merchants for their money, and the mothers, as potential suitors, for their single daughters.

"Mama, may I please go to visit Maria today? I have a book that I want to share with her." Lydia said as she came into the sitting room.

"If Jane or Mary can go with you then, of course, you may." Mrs. Bennet replied.

In her excitement, Lydia burst out with the real reason why she wanted to visit Maria."Oh please Jane, we must go! Maria told me on her last visit here that the Militia is in town and all the soldiers looked wonderful in their uniforms! I would love to hear more about it." Lydia burst out excitedly.

Hearing this, Mrs. Bennet sternly said. "Lydia, you are far too young to be talking of soldiers and uniforms. Have you finished all of the homework that your father has assigned you?"

Lydia replied in the negative and was sent back to her room to finish her assigned work. She left the room, stomping her feet, closing the door to her bedroom loudly to show her displeasure.

Mrs. Bennet sighed, distressed about how to correct her youngest daughters behavior.

Mrs. Hill, the long-time housekeeper of the Bennets came in and said. "A note for Miss Bennet ma'am."

"Jane dear, a note from Miss Bingley arrived for you." Mrs. Bennet said as she handed her the slip of paper.

Jane took the note and started reading. "It appears that Miss Bingley has invited me to have dinner with her and her sister as the gentlemen have been invited to dine with the Militia this evening." Jane said. "She writes "This invitation extends to Mrs. Bennet as well. We would like to get to know our nearest neighbors. You would do us a great favor if you come, as Louisa and I would surely be bored with just the two of us.".

"Unfortunately, Mary and I have an appointment with the dressmaker today and I dare say we would not be home in time to prepare. Would you be alright going on your own?" Mrs. Bennet replied.

"Yes, Mama. I look forward to getting to know our neighbors better."

"Thank you, Jane. Send my apologies to Miss Bingley. You had better send a reply and get ready. I will have the Blue carriage prepared for you." She looked out the window. "Hopefully, John would not need their oilskins."

It turned out that the Bennets carriage driver did require his oilskin as the heavens opened up midway through the journey to Netherfield. He was able to safely deliver Miss Bennet to the doorstep of Netherfield warm and dry, however.

Miss Bennet and the Bingley sisters spent the time they had together enjoyably. Without the gentlemen and with no one to impress, Miss Bingley was a consummate hostess and had great skill in conversation, though it centered mainly around gossip and the latest fashions. Suddenly, Miss Bingley was called away on matters of the household and Miss Bennet was left with Mrs. Hurst.

Without Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst was able to converse more naturally. The two ladies found that they have a lot in common. For example, they both have a love for animals.

"We had a dog when we still lived in Yorkshire. It was the sweetest little thing and would follow me everywhere. Sadly, we had to leave him behind when Papa moved the family to London."

"Why do you not get one now? Does Mr. Hurst not like dogs?"

"Oh no, he loves animals as well. He had a dog of his own in his boyhood. It is only that Caroline lives with us and she is not very fond of animals."

"Perhaps when the time comes that Miss Bingley marries, then you and Mr. Hurst may have one.

"Yes." Mrs. Hurst paused contemplatively. "Please, won't you call me Louisa?"

"Only if you call me Jane. I feel as if we have many things in common."

Suddenly, there was a commotion at the front door and both women went to see what was wrong. There stood Mr. Charles Bingley soaked to the bone.

"Charles! Are you alright? Why are you all wet?" exclaimed Mrs. Hurst.

In came Mr. Hurst soaked as well but covered in mud. "Robert! Oh, my dear. What happened to you."

Mr. Hurst stopped his wife from progressing. "Luisa my dear, I am alright. Do not come any closer as I do not want the mud to ruin your pretty dress. Do not worry, a nice hot bath and all will be well."

Mrs. Hurst was about to call for their valets when there was a shriek from behind the party assembled and Miss Bingley's voice was an octave higher than usual.

"Charles! Robert! You are ruining the carpet! Hurry over to the floor instead!"

"It's nice to know how much you care for us, dear sister." Mr. Bingley said, exasperated. "The river has swelled and the road has been flooded. It was quite the struggle to get back here."

"Mr. Bingley, perhaps you and Mr. Hurst should warm up to avoid catching a cold?" Miss Bennet said.

"Yes thank you for your concern, Miss Bennet." Mr. Bingley replied, his admiration for the young lady rising even more. " I do not think it wise to attempt to journey back to Longbourn as a carriage would not survive that flood. Perhaps when the rain dies down, we can have someone send a message to your family. We can arrange a room for your carriage driver for the night as well."

"Yes Jane, please stay. We are about the same size and I can lend you one of my nightgowns for tonight." Mrs. Hurst added.

Both Mr. and Miss Bingley noticed Mrs. Hurst's use of Jane's first name. The former was happy to see that a bond has formed between his sister and the woman he is attracted to. The latter was annoyed that she did not foresee this happening and did not want another of her siblings to form an attachment to these Bennets.

"Thank you for your hospitality." Miss Bennet accepted the kind invitation knowing that it would be best to do so.

With that, both gentlemen bowed to make their way to their respective rooms. A messenger was sent to Longbourn when the rain died down and everyone retired for the night.

"You really mustn't be so quick to judge sister. I think the Bennets are lovely people." Mr. Bingley said to his sister. They were in the morning room the next day, where Miss Bingley decided to convince his brother to give up on Miss Bennet.

Miss Bingley sniffed. "They are simply well dressed. I overheard the matrons at the assembly and even deigned to talk to some of the villagers to find out more about the Bennets. Did you know there is another sister who resides in town most of the year? No one knows why though she is thought of as a proper young lady. It sounds quite scandalous to me! The estate only generates 3000 pounds a year! And the daughters have only 1000 each as dowries to be split up when their father dies! How they can even afford those dresses is questionable."

"Come now Caroline, these are just rumors. You do not know if they are real or not. Let us-"

"Quiet Charles. I know that you have formed a liking for Miss Bennet but you will stop it now. I am not to be connected to such a family. They are simply overdressed paupers in my opinion! What would my friends in London say!"

"She is the most beautiful angel that I have ever seen and you do not have -"

"Yes, I do Charles! Did you not say the same thing about Miss Fletcher? And what about Miss Hamilton? Was it not just a few months ago that you proclaimed her a most beautiful angel as well? The heavens must be lacking them if they are all here."

"But Caroline, this time it's different-"

"No Charles. I would have preferred that you courted them instead of this country girl. You must uplift our reputation. Father would be disappointed if he was still alive to see this!"

Bingley much rather preferred his peace and there was no winning an argument with her. He decided to let the matter drop.

Jane had been on her way into the morning room when she heard the voices. Thinking it rude to interrupt she decided to wait some distance away from the door but Miss Bingley's shrill voice carried through the door and she overheard the whole conversation. She had hoped that the initial assessment of her mother was not correct but here is the proof of it. She was also correct in her assessment of Mr. Bingley. He indeed was just like a puppy.

"I am terribly sorry that you had to hear that Jane." Miss Bennet turned around to see that Mrs. Hurst was behind her, looking quite embarrassed.

"It is no trouble, Louisa. Your sister is simply wanting the best for your brother." Mrs. Hurst smiled at Jane's kindness.

"Would you care to take a turn about the gardens if it is not too muddy? I dare say Caroline will not be done anytime soon and I would rather break my fast in peace." Jane agreed to accompany her new friend.

"You are too kind in your response. She was such a dear girl when she was little." Mrs. Hurst said as the two women found a dry seat by the gardens. "When our mother died, she was beside herself in grief. Father did only what he knew to do and that was to shower her with gifts and give her all that she wanted. Charles and I were the same. We spoiled her rotten." Mrs. Hurst let out a sad sigh.

"I am sorry to hear of your loss, Louisa. Losing your mother at such a young age must have been hard. For all of you." Jane answered.

Louisa caught the meaning of Jane's words and felt great relief as well as sadness. Relief that someone understands and sadness that it took so long to find such a friend. "I know that we are only just beginning this friendship but I would like you to know how happy I am that we have met."

The women spent a few more minutes talking then decided to head back to the morning room to break their fast. As they entered, the three other occupants of the house were there. Greetings were exchanged and Mr. Bingley invited Miss Bennet to the seat beside him.

"Mr. Bingley, thank you very much for your hospitality. If the roads are now passable, I will be making the journey back home today."

"I will have someone check on the roads Miss Bennet, but if they are still not manageable, you are welcome to stay as long as you like."

She gave a small smile as thanks and proceeded to fill her plate. It was confirmed that the roads were muddy but a carriage would likely be able to pass. Mr. Bingley was sad that he did not have more time with his angel but resolved to find a way to meet her again. Perhaps the budding friendship between her and Louisa would help.

Miss Bennet was safely delivered back to the loving arms of her family.

After luncheon, she was seated with her mother, Mary, and Kitty in the sitting room, talking of her impressions about their new neighbours.

"You were correct in your assessment Mother. Indeed, Miss Bingley believed the rumors of our family's wealth and does not want to associate with us further than Hertfordshire. Mrs. Hurst however improved upon further acquaintance." She told her mother about what she overheard and her conversation with Mrs. Hurst.

"I feel sorry for Miss Bingley." Kitty commented. "I do not know what I would do if we lost you mother." She said as she stood and walked to give her mother a hug.

"Indeed. Jane was correct not to judge too quickly. For we do not know what others have been through." Added Mary. "Though I do not excuse Miss Bingley's behavior, it is nice to have an insight as to why she behaves this way."

Everyone agreed and after a short pause, Mrs. Bennet asked Jane. "You are not disappointed over this I hope?" Jane was surprised at the question and it must have shown on her face for Mrs. Bennet continued. "I noticed your reaction to Mr. Bingley when he first came to our home."

Jane was silent for a while, thinking of how to phrase her response. "I was attracted to him at first, but I found that he was too much of a pup."

"Jane." Mrs. Bennet smiled at the description while the other girls giggled.

"I do not know how else to describe it Mama and I do hope that he realizes his mistake of spoiling his sister. Louisa certainly does."

"My first impression of him is that he is a good man. Friendly and easy-going but has a good head on his shoulders. I am sure Mr. Darcy and your brother would not be close friends with him if he wasn't. He only needs some resolve and perhaps a little more maturity." Her mother put in.

"And perhaps a need to escape the talons of his falcon of a sister?"

"Why is she a falcon, Jane?" Kitty asked with a laugh.

"Because she is always looking down on her prey and grabbing on to what she wants with her sharp talons!"

The women laughed. "Dear Jane, it is only in times as this that I realize how similar all my children are."

That evening when Mrs. Bennet retired to bed, the conversation with her daughter came back to her. She felt sympathetic to the Bingleys' plight as her youngest daughter seemed to be heading in the same direction. When Mr. Bennet came into their bedroom and laid down beside her, she decided to ask her husband about what they should do about Lydia's behavior.

"I am not sure my dear. This afternoon, while we were having lessons, she would not sit still and it took me raising my voice to make her pay attention." Mr. Bennet sighed. "Perhaps we should have found another governess when Mrs. Halloway left."

"Should we send her to finishing school?" Mrs. Bennet suggested. They have talked about this option before but Mr. Bennet kept putting it off as Lydia was still young. He also did not like what most of these schools taught to the young ladies. He had not found a school that had a holistic approach to the education of girls and instead concentrated on skills that the narrowminded society approved of.

"I will try to find more information on schools that would be appropriate. Perhaps there are new ones that have opened since I looked into it a few years ago."

With a solution forthcoming, the couple talked of more pleasant things and soon fell asleep.

The following weeks saw the Bingley and Bennet household exchanging visits more often. Specifically Mrs. Hurst and Jane. Both being the eldest and used to being patient and understanding, they found in each other, a kindred spirit of sorts though the former is 5 years' the laters senior. The rest of the Bennets were also introduced.

Mary or Kitty would sometimes tag along with their older sibling. Mrs. Hurst saw the relationship between the sisters and sometimes envied them for it. She wished that she had the same with her younger sister as well.

On one such visit, the sisters were talking of their other sister who resided in town.

"Has Lizzy written to you recently Jane?" asked Mary

"Yes Mary, I received a letter from her just yesterday. Why do you ask?'

"I have asked her to purchase some sheet music for me and I was only wondering if she perhaps forgot about it."

"Oh dear! Please excuse me." Jane rushed out of the room leaving Mrs. Hurst, Mary, and Kitty looking quite bewildered. Jane returned with a bound booklet in her hand.

"I am terribly sorry Mary. Lizzy did not forget but I did!" Jane said chuckling as she handed the booklet to Mary.

Mary smiled as she flipped through the booklet. "That is alright Jane, thank you. Please excuse me." She stood and exited the room, most likely heading for the piano in the Music room.

Mrs. Hurst watched all this with amusement and mild curiosity. "Jane, if you don't mind my asking, why does your other sister live in town and not here with all of you?"

"She has a great talent in painting and our aunt insisted that she should stay with them most of the year so that she can have better access to Masters to better her talents. All the paintings you see in our house are her pieces." Not wanting to repeat Edward's blunder, she added "Except those signed otherwise."

Mrs. Hurst was impressed as she had noted the quality of art that the Bennet house displayed. To think that most of the pieces were created by a member of the family.

"You must miss her quite a bit with her gone most of the year." Mrs. Hurst commented.

"Yes, I do miss her quite a bit. But then Elizabeth and Edward come home during the break after Easter term and the whole extended family usually spend Christmas time together."

"Oh, are your extended family coming to Longbourne for Christmas?"

"No, we will be heading to London a week before Christmas to pick up family that is there and head for Northamptonshire where my mother's family hails from. It has been a tradition to spend Christmas there with Mother's family and then back to London to see Father's family as most of them reside in town for the season."

Mrs. Hurst was about to ask why she never saw them in town during the season when her brother came into the sitting room as it was time to leave. Mr. Bingley was always with Louisa when she visited. At first, to be closer to Jane. But since she was almost always talking to Louisa, more often than not Mr. Bingley spent his time visiting with Mr. Bennet instead. He started learning about what it took to manage an estate, farming, crop rotation, and managing his tenants. With the absence of Edward, Mr. Bennet was happy to share his knowledge with Mr. Bingley and the young man found that he had a fondness for the older fellow as well.

Miss Bingley avoided any interactions with the Bennets as much as possible, though they never really sought her company in the first place.

This was how the remaining weeks passed until the time that the Bennets were to leave for London to see their family.