One of my focuses in this group read has been the silent sisters, Kitty and Mary, who have very little to say. To this group I must also add Maria Lucas, who is conversable enough with Elizabeth at Hunsford but is too frightened to speak at Rosings and now seems to have very little to say at the inn where Kitty and Lydia meet up with the three returning travelers.

Very clever of JA to catch us up on the story by having Lydia repeat gossip. And how clueless is our Lydia? In front of Maria -- whose sister has married Mr. Collins -- Lydia says that Mrs. Phillips thinks Lizzy should have accepted him although she herself doesn't think it would have been fun. Then in the carriage, Lydia says that poor Jane, who is still getting over her heartbreak, "will be quite an old maid soon," and that she would be ashamed if she were still unmarried at 23 -- Charlotte was older, and Lydia would know that, but obviously doesn't care that she may be hurting Maria's feelings.
Meanwhile, Kitty is just along for the ride.