If that's true it escaped me. Doesn't it seem unrealistic? In this case, surely house servents will notice the master, who rarely ventures out is now going on an extended trip? And what about Mrs Bennet's caterwhaulings upstairs? I can't believe she wouldn't blabber to Mrs Hill. If Lydia never returned home servents will ask themselves why. And may go so far as to ask 'Is Miss Lydia in good health?'. They'd notice the flurry of letters and perhaps no letters from Lydia. Surely their older servents will be more trustworthy than Kitty? I guess Lizzy and Jane were trying to protect the family name and honour but as you say, they have more important things to worry over. It appears to create an unnecessary burden