Beginning, Previous Section, Section III, Next Section
I am now convinced, my dear aunt, that I have never been much in love; for had I really experienced that pure and elevating passion, I should at present detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil. But my feelings are not only cordial towards him; they are even impartial towards Miss King. I cannot find out that I hate her at all, or that I am in the least unwilling to think her a very good sort of girl. There can be no love in all this. My watchfulness has been effectual; and though I should certainly be a more interesting object to all my acquaintance, were I distractedly in love with him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative insignificance. Importance may sometimes be purchased too dearly. Surprisingly Lydia appears takes his defection even much less to heart than I do. Mama on the other hand is threatening to never speak to Mr W. again." 1
As it turned out Mrs Gardiner came to them.
Kitty had put on her green pelisse and was just calling for her aunt to hurry up; she had stepped off the last step into the foyer when the footman opened the door to admit Mrs Gardiner.
"Aunt! We were just coming to visit you! How lucky, we would have passed you if we had left any sooner!"
Despite Kitty's reservations prior to the event, she was very pleased to see her aunt and enveloped her in a spontaneous hug.
"Oh do come up! Aberton please tell my aunt that Mrs Gardiner has called and we are in the drawing room."
Mrs Gardiner smiled as her excitable niece preceded her up the staircase.
"I do not have to ask you if you have been having a good time."
"Oh yes, plays and parties and all manner of good things!"
Mrs Gardiner sat down in one of the chairs, covered in striped gold and burgundy damask, and opened her reticule.
"Before I forget, I must let you read Lizzy's letter." Mrs Gardiner handed the letter over. "I trust you will remember that it is not for everyone's knowledge."
Kitty made no comment to that, but skimmed over her sister's letter which imparted all the news that Lizzy felt her aunt would want to know, it was far more newsworthy than many of the letters that reached her. Kitty paused at the point which mentioned Mr Wickham and was all too glad that Mary King had entranced him away, thought she hoped Miss King had protectors enough to keep her safe.
In fact, Kitty thought perhaps it would be best after all to write to Jane. Even though she doubted Jane would publish the information abroad, she was likely to ensure Mr Wickham was not going to try and ruin Mary King like he attempted to do with Georgiana, though of course Kitty could hardly write that into any letter no matter to whom.
"Kitty?"
Kitty looked up quickly from the letter. "Oh! I was just engrossed..."
"I could see that!" laughed Mrs Gardiner.
"Mrs Gardiner, how do you do?" Clara shut the door behind her. "I must apologise for not waiting on you earlier!"
"No please do not apologise, I am glad you did not for the house was all in an uproar, after more than a month's absence!"
"I am afraid you will get little sympathy from me, as this house was all in an uproar after years of absence!"
"I do not envy you a jot!"
"Well Kitty has been helping me so I have not had to do it all alone!"
Mrs Gardiner looked approvingly at Kitty - a look which gave Kitty equal measures of pleasure at being approved of and displeasure in the knowledge that her aunt had thought her incapable previously of such actions.
"Are you looking forward to your niece's visit in March?"
"Yes! We should have loved to have brought Jane back to town with us, even though her absence meant we could visit my relations in Hitchin. We shall have her with us for a whole month, so we cannot be that upset, although I would have preferred to have Lizzy with us more than a day!"
"Perhaps when she comes back from Hunsford she can stay in town for a while!" suggested Kitty.
"You will have to help persuade her that Thomas can do without her!" laughed Clara. "He seems inordinately fond of her!"
Mrs Gardiner smiled, but appeared unimpressed. "You have not seen Lizzy recently have you? She has grown into a very sensible and mature young lady."
"I'm sure she has, but when a father prefers one daughter over all others, nothing good comes of it."
"Only look at King Lear!" injected Kitty, involuntarily.
Clara tried not to let a smile cross her face, but gave into the feeling when Mrs Gardiner barely suppressed her own laugh.
"I would not repeat that comparison outside the family circle my dear, it does little justice to my dear brother."
"Or in fact to me..." replied Kitty, "I'd rather not be Goneril or Reagan."
"Have you any plans for this week?" asked Mrs Gardiner.
"We are to go to the theatre on Friday, perhaps you could come! It would make such a merry party!"
As Clara made no comment, Mrs Gardiner asked who was to be of the party."
"Well, myself, my Aunt, Lady Matlock, her daughter Lady Annabelle, a Mr Fancot, and well then you and my uncle! We are to be in Lady Matlock's box."
"If it is to be somebody else's party, you should not be making invitations!" admonished Mrs Gardiner.
"Lady Matlock would not care!"
"Madeline, I am sure she would welcome you as part of the party, otherwise it shall be just her and I, and the young people."
Mrs Gardiner was forced to accept, and took her leave, feeling quite confident that a note would be sent around cancelling the party.
To Mrs Gardiner's surprise the party was not cancelled and Clara's carriage called in Gracechurch Street to collect them. They were to go to the Lyceum in the strand and see 'The Hyprocrite" which Mrs Gardiner felt was very apt.
Mrs Gardiner wondered if Lady Matlock was aware that she was about to entertain two people in trade. After all if the actions of her nephew and the Bingley sisters (for Mrs Gardiner also blamed them almost entirely for Mr Bingley's defection) were the norm, the hypocrisy and hatred surrounding those in 'trade' still held firm. If sisters whose fortune was made through trade could sneer down their noses at a family who had such connections!
Mrs Gardiner wronged Lady Matlock. She did indeed know that the Gardiners were kept in style by trade and worse still that Mr Gardiner actively oversaw his business. But this did not matter to Lady Matlock. From her discreet inquires she found that they were respectable which is all that mattered. Indeed Mr Gardiner's active endeavours in business made her think better of him, than she would have if she found him eschewing the earning side of his wealth.
By a chance of fate, Lady Matlock also discovered on Friday morning that Mrs Gardiner's French relations were by no means in any way shabby, rather being of good birth, but with the unlucky fate of having to flee the troubles with barely a shirt to their names.
In Lady Matlock the Gardiner's found an affable woman who in no way seemed displeased to have them in her box. In fact she seemed inclined to ask Mr Gardiner all manner of questions about his business. These were not impertinent questions posed to put them to blush instead they were questions designed to discover whether Mr Gardiner would be of use to Lord Matlock in a new business endeavour.
Kitty was glad to see that despite her aunt's reservations she appeared to be quite comfortable. Mr Gardiner indeed looked quite in his element, he always enjoyed being of use to people.
This allowed Kitty to enjoy the play, and of course enjoy the other company.
"Did you find your aunt well, Mr Fancot?"
Mr Fancot smiled. "I did indeed."
"I am glad your suspicions were correct, regarding your aunt"
"So am I Miss Bennet."
Mr Fancot was far from comfortable. Despite being very young at the time, (he called himself so, even though it had only been two seasons ago), he had been one of Lady Annabelle's more devoted admirers. She had treated him appallingly, but he had the satisfaction of knowing she treated all her admirers appallingly, even the one he and everyone else knew she was intending to marry.
It was not that he did not still like Lady Annabelle, he did. He liked her very well, but being two years older and far wiser (at least from his point of view) he could see how like a over grown puppy dog he and his actions must have looked to her and everyone else.
He wondered if she had disclosed this to Miss Bennet, he rather doubted it as that young lady screwed up her nose when Lady Annabelle referred to him as Giles. Something he thought ruefully, that showed just how much like a younger brother she had regarded him. He hoped that Miss Bennet did not think similarly.
Kitty tried very hard not to laugh at Mr Fancot's face. She had a feeling that he was wishing Annabelle at the devil.
From Annabelle's actions Kitty had no doubt that Mr Fancot had dangled after her at some point. Kitty was not at all jealous, more amused. She did however notice Annabelle's blasé yet pointed use of Mr Fancot's Christian name.
While Mr Fancot was attending to something Clara asked him about the play, Kitty took the opportunity to whisper to Annabelle.
"Should you be using his name in that fashion?"
"Jealous?" whispered Annabelle.
"No, I just did not think it was at all proper...." Then Kitty realised she had at least in her head been referring to Lord Ashbourne and Lord Upton by derivatives.
"Kitty, as long as you remember where you are before you speak so, you can do anything as long as you sound confident."
Kitty smiled, and then paused. If she referred to Mr Fancot as anything but Mr Fancot then perhaps he might think... and that would not do? Would it?
At that point the curtain went up for the second act and Kitty did not have to think of anything but the actors.
"Giles, are you still acquainted with Mr Blaketon?"
"That is how I met Mr Fancot, so I can answer for him!" Kitty laughed.
"Indeed Miss Bennet is correct, Annabelle" Kitty noticed that Mr Fancot emphasised his abandonment of Annabelle's correct title and tried not to giggle.
"Well Giles, I must say I thought better of you! Mr Blaketon is such a tedious young man, he has no conversation and when he did have any it was all about such ridiculous things as how many carriage wheels he could scrape past, or whether it was possible to walk backwards to Brighton."
"Is that possible?" exclaimed Kitty much diverted, but also slightly contemptuous of such feats. They reminded her far too much of the Lucas boys and the officers at their most vexing.
Both Mr Fancot and Annabelle ignored her, far too engrossed in their own little tit for tat game.
"I beg you would not disparage my friends Annabelle, such games may be childish but they are not as wild as some of the activities some of your admirers have indulged in."
"I am not disagreeing with you there Giles, duelling for instance is a very wild activity."
"Duelling?! Who pray tell?" interrupted Kitty who was once again ignored.
"I do hope nobody has ever duelled over you... Annabelle."
"I should love it above all things, Giles, if somebody did!"
"I do not think you shall have to wait very long Annabelle, with all your admirers."
"Of which you were one, at least once upon a time you were Giles."
"I am well aware of what a fool I made of myself Annabelle."
"Oh for heavens sake! Do stop this nonsense. Shall I call you Giles too? Would that make you feel less ... piqued about Belle calling you by your given name?"
Both Annabelle and Giles had almost forgotten Kitty's existence until her exasperated voice called them to reason.
"Oh I am sorry Kitty. It is just I fear Mr Fancot is still hurt over my Turkish treatment of him for the past two years."
"Not at all Lady Annabelle, I know that it was not solely directed at myself! I pity the man who offers for you and is accepted."
"Oh I should behave better if I was in love," replied Annabelle contritely.
Kitty snorted and then quickly turned her head. "Does this mean I cannot call you just Giles ?"
"I would be very happy if you did call me just Giles ," laughed Giles.
Annabelle laughed. She had always like Giles, despite what she termed his youth. He did have charm and was usually to be relied upon, both in terms of his ability to achieve things but also in his address!
The fact he appeared to have been, piqued by her gave Annabelle pleasure, but she was glad he had moved past the fawning stage. Only two of her admirers had ever moved past that stage.
This was something that was forcibly thrust upon her during one of the intervals. The inclement weather had brought some of the young bucks back to town. Mr Blaketon was the only one who that came to the box to see how his friend and Kitty did, rather than for Lady Annabelle who he thought was not only above his touch but far too hot to handle.
The others came solely for the gratification of being able to boast of their intimacy with Lady Annabelle Fitzwilliam. That such a rich and beautiful girl was still part of the Marriage Mart despite being out for two years, had set her up as rather a captivating prize, one that most men would take a chance of gaining, or at least be seen to be aspiring for her hand.
Indeed the only reason that Annabelle's name did not grace the betting books at various gentlemen's clubs around town was the existence of my lord Ashbourne, who would have taken great exception to his sister's name being bandied about and my lord Upton who would have taken even greater exception.
Kitty watched in amusement as Annabelle handled her admirer's. Kitty wished she was so adept at handling men, but she wasn't, she never really had the opportunity to learn either. What she was good at was watching men flirt with other young ladies!
"Are you enjoying yourself in town Miss Bennet?" asked Mr Blaketon after questioning Giles minutely about whether he would be participating in an upcoming carriage race.
"Yes I am." Kitty wished people would stop asking her such insipidly inane questions. What was she supposed to answer? No, she hated every moment of it? Kitty resolved that the next person to ask her that question would be receiving a decidedly negative answer, just to see what they would do.
"I am glad of that! Jolly boring play don't you think? Wish m'sisters didn't insist on my escorting them! London is so flat."
Kitty attempted not to roll her eyes, but her action did not escape Giles who made a face over Mr Blaketon's shoulder. Kitty barely restrained her laughter. Another phrase Kitty detested 'London is so flat'. If London was so flat, she had a feeling it had more to do with the person that said it than London itself. One could always create amusement!
"Indeed Mr Blaketon," she replied once she had regained control of her countenance.
"All the fellows are still in the country! Though this inclement weather will soon draw them back into town and then we shall have some fun!" He then turned to Giles. "I am going to attempt to beat Lord Ashbourne's feat of three hours and forty minutes to Newmarket."
"I beg your pardon," exclaimed Kitty involuntarily.
"Carriage race Miss Bennet! Going to see how long it takes from London to Newmarket! It's above sixty miles; I've had a curricle specially designed. The bets are against me I know, but for Mr Gale to dare say it would take me above four hours to get there!"
At this point Kitty would have astounded her acquaintance and relations at Longbourn, with a supreme feat of mental arithmetic - "But that is above 17 miles an hour!"
"Indeed," replied Giles. "I would not even attempt it. I am not a non-pareil. And neither are you...."
"Bet you a pony I am!" replied Mr Blaketon promptly.
"And this is a race that has been held before?" asked Kitty.
"Oh yes, though it is difficult to beat! " replied Giles before Mr Blaketon could start prattling on about all the people to attempt it.
"And you are attempting to beat Lord Ashbourne's record?"
"Devilishly good with a pair in hand..." mused Mr Blaketon. "But if one is going to be so dammed good at such things, one has to try and beat a non-pareil. Though I do not think he has walked backwards to Brighton."
"I should hope not!" exclaimed Kitty before opening her program in disgust. Men! Did they not have anything better to do!
Giles senses Kitty's annoyance and reprimanded his friend for both using such language in front of a lady and for boring her at the same time.
1. With one or two additions, Jane Austen wrote it far better than I could have, text from Pride & Prejudice, Chapter III of Volume II (Chap. 26)
...you will find it hard to believe, I know, but our party was enlivened by my nephew's absence, despite this severely reducing the party! I do not pretend to know what goes on in D's head but I wish he would either share his annoyances or learn to govern them better. His temperament spread to B., normally such an affable man. Indeed, I know no one better tempered than B. even, last Christmas, when R came close to shooting his head off. The standards of the British army have clearly fallen in recent times! The weather is appalling, and government calls, so you will see me in London earlier than expected, though I understand London is almost full of our relations already! I hope you will have time for your poor husband...
Lady Matlock was holding a family party that night; enjoying the fact she did not have to make small talk to people she did not know.
Kitty liked these parties. At home, she detested nights or days when she saw no one but the same people over and over - especially when those people were her family. However she enjoyed playing childish games like spilikins and speculation when it was just the Matlock party - which this evening including Miles as he and Ash had returned from their Leicestershire sojourn that morning.
"The only fault of my dear Edwin!" exclaimed an exasperated Lady Matlock, "and he must pass it on to our children! Why can none of them be specific! Well of course apart from Ash...who states dates and then doesn't keep to them!"
"I resemble that remark," smiled her undutiful son. "By the by does Richard come with my father?"
"Why should I know that? I'm only his mother!" laughed Lady Matlock. "I think he intends to go North to see how Darcy does. Though what Darcy is doing in the North I do not know. Some business with Mr Bingley, but why he should need the counsel of both my nephew and son I do not know."
There was a pause. "Unless...you do not think, Darcy or Richard has developed a tendre for Miss Bingley?!" The expression on Lady Matlock's face was one of barely masked horror.
"I don't think you have anything to worry about there ma'am," laughed Ash, from his position lounging in one of the chairs. He had one leg negligently thrown over one of the arms, as he leant back, clearly comfortable.
"From Richard or your cousin?"
"Either! Miss Bingley is not the woman to attract either my brother or Darcy."
"Can you be sure of that?" questioned Kitty.
Clara turned her head at her niece's question, Kitty had been uncharacteristically quiet this evening. She had wondered if she was feeling quite the thing, as over the past week it had become almost impossible to keep the noise down when Kitty, Annabelle and Georgiana had been together. Not to mention that Kitty had also been spending a great deal of time with Miss Blaketon and her friends. She hoped it was not the presence of the men that was restricting Kitty, because it would be a great pity if she did turn out to be one of those horribly missish girls. For it was either that, or somebody had told her how flattered and important she should feel that she was spending a convivial family party with either of the young gentlemen currently present. She had no doubt that Fanny had drummed into all her daughters head the worth, of well....money, and while even Fanny did not expect her daughters to set their caps at unpleasant gentlemen, there was not that impediment here.
"Tolerably certain," though the group could sense that Ash's tone had become less certain.
At this moment, both Kitty and Georgiana realised what Ash was suddenly reminded of.
"You should be more than tolerably certain," laughed Miles. "Even if one of them has fallen into her clutches a word from you should dissuade them! I remember Darcy when you returned to England! Such a gudgeon! You would not think it to look at him, but his attempts to try his hand at tying his cravat just like yours!"
Miles lost in this amusing recollection, did not notice that it did not raise a smile on Ash's face. Indeed a black expression crossed his face.
Kitty felt very sorry at this point that she had even brought up the topic, and even though she felt herself on shaky ground that he could have been as absurdly youthful to ...she infinitely preferred that topic of conversation to the one at present.
"Did you know Mr Blaketon was racing to Newmarket soon?"
Ash raised his eyebrows "No, I did not..."
"Giles - I mean Mr Fancot told us, apparently he is attempting to beat your record. I would have thought you would have better things to do then race your carriage..."
"Of course not, I have nothing better to do than to race my curricle and shop for tie pins....do not I beg you Miss Bennet think that I am anything more than a fribble!"
Kitty laughed. "One does not become a brigadier general by being a fribble."
"Indeed one does, you cannot promote someone who does not know how to take care of the uniform, and of course they must appreciate shiny badges...."
Kitty heroically ignored this bait. "You do not look as though you care that Mr Blaketon is attempting to beat your record."
"That is because he won't."
"You sound awfully sure of yourself."
"It's a requirement if one is an officer....and certainly if one is a nobleman."
"Now that is certainly funning!"
Ash smiled, completely losing the stern countenance he had had for most of the evening. "Perhaps, though I assure you if it was almost anyone but Blaketon I would not be so sure of myself."
"I have never seen a more cow-handed person!" adding Miles. "He is a tolerable rider, but he should never be let near a pair or a team!"
"I am surprised. For G - Mr Fancot, one of Mr Blaketon's particular friends, is a very good with a pair, and a good rider. We went riding yesterday morning together. You would have thought he would have taught Mr Blaketon!"
"Fancot is a bruising rider. I am surprised he has only followed one of the hunts this season," commented Ash. "As for your last comment, I do not think Blaketon is the type to take direction from anyone. "
Miles coughed and muttered under his breath something that sounded suspiciously like "except that one time you told him to sell those greys."
Ash shot Miles a darkling look.
"This is tedious!" exclaimed Annabelle earning a slightly hurt look from Georgiana who had been trying to show her how to play a concerto.
"Indeed. You should be entertaining me!"
Even Georgiana glared at Ash's presumption.
"We could play cards," offered Kitty.
This was shot down as tedious by Annabelle. Various other solutions were offered and found equally tedious by that lady. Clara and Lady Matlock withdrew to the fire, and let the young people sort themselves out.
"I know a theatrical! An impromptu theatrical! I am sure we put one on before!" Since it was her own suggestion Annabelle had no objections.
Ash groaned. "Do not remind me of that awful ..."
"It was not awful! Just because you had to play opposite Louisa Hurst."
Ash shuddered.
"What was the play?" asked Annabelle.
"If you were in it cannot you remember?" asked Georgiana surprised, closing the piano, realising that her idle playing would be overborne.
"It was a Midsummer's Night Dream."
"Really? Miles was it? Oh that is right we cut out most of that awful Bottom stuff... we should still have the scripts around somewhere. I remember copying them out most faithfully in my best copperplate!" Annabelle exclaimed before dashing off to find the scripts and ignoring her brother's heartfelt protestations.
"You cannot object to playing opposite to any of us! Surely I am not as bad as Mrs Hurst!" exclaimed Kitty.
"I do not know," replied Ash plaintively. "I have not seen you act."
"And that of course was your chief objection to Mrs Hurst." Kitty's tone was sardonic.
"Indeed it was...did you think it was otherwise?"
"Well, I shall just watch," commented Georgiana rescuing Kitty from having to answer the viscount.
"You will do no such thing!" exclaimed Annabelle as she returned to the room bearing handfuls of paper.
She handed around the scripts. "We cut it down to seven characters! And look we have seven people. 'Tis fate!"
Clara accepted one of the scripts happily; she had not been in a theatrical since she was a girl...and Fanny had always stolen the best characters and done them very ill. Not all characters should be played with a healthy fascination for their nerves. Lady Matlock had to be convinced, but she was soon powerless in the face of her daughter's pleas.
"Now who shall be what role?"
Kitty looked at the dramatic personae and tried to remember the play from her brief reading of it when in Hampshire. "I will be Puck."
"I claim Oberon, who shall be my Titania?" Ash stood up at this point, looking about, "Anyone?"
"Well it cannot be me," replied Lady Matlock. "I'm not making love to my own son."
Annabelle wrinkled her nose. "And it would be farouche to be making up to your brother."
Georgiana at this point had gone bright red and was wondering how she would refuse without looking entirely silly, she already felt silly. It was ridiculous to compare her cousin, to Wickham (or, indeed, any other gentlemen). Clara noticed her discomfort and volunteered her services as Queen of the Faeries.
"Nothing would make me happier ma'am," replied her king, bowing over her hand.
"I claim Demetrius," announced Miles.
"I do not like all this claiming being done by the gentlemen!" exclaimed Annabelle. "I shall be Helena."
"How very surprising," commented her brother.
"Well my dear," smiled Lady Matlock, towards her niece, "That leaves you and I as Hermia and Lysander, do let me be the boy!"
The party soon found that the play was not so much a play as sections of the play designed to allow as much dramatism as possible (plus the inclusion of all the romantic parts. Kitty sensed a scheme there, but wondered if she was indeed correct.)
"Who else was of your party when you did the play last time" she asked Ash.
"Apart from myself and Mrs Hurst there was Annabelle, Darcy, Miss Bingley, Mr Bingley and Richard. I was Demetrius."
"Mrs Hurst was Helena?"
"Yes, Richard was Puck, Bingley was Lysander and Annabelle was Hermia, it was not so farouche then to play opposite one's brother, though I suppose it was acceptable considering Hermia does not love Demetrius.!"
"Leaving Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley as the king and queen! Gracious, I do not think your cousin would have been very happy."
"He was not. I believe he tried everything to get out of it, but the Bingley sisters are not to be stopped."
"Come this is not getting our brief rehearsal done!" scolded Clara. "Your line my lord."
"Ill met by moonlight, proud Titania"
"What jealous Oberon!..."
Kitty dutifully watched the script to make sure they made no mistake, all the while imagining Mr Darcy so very formal and stiff playing the Fairy King.
"My gentle Puck come hither..." Ash repeated his line as he saw his faithful attendant was caught up in reading ahead. He stretched out his hand and gained her attention by lifting her chin with two fingers.
Kitty started. "Oh this is my part." She exclaimed before getting into her part. Ash's hand dropped back to rest between them on the chaise.
The performance was hardly a professional one, the stage was mocked up by marking it out with some ropes stolen from the drapes hanging in the windows enclosure, there was no curtain instead it was imaginary. The set was equally non existent. The play passed off well, and the evening was an enjoyable one doing much to distract all in the room from any other concerns they may have had running through their heads. Though there was one moment that set itself above the rest.
"I am your spaniel; and Demetrius, The more you beat me, I will fawn on your. Use me but as your spaniel, spurn me, strike me, neglect me, lose me, only give me leave, unworthy as I am, to follow you. What worse place can I beg in your love - than to be used as your dog?"
This was an impassioned speech by Helena given equally passionately by her portrayer.
Georgiana leant over to Kitty and whispered "How could she say such things without blushing. It is most...It could be taken seriously!"
Kitty whispered back. "I think Belle does mean it."
Annabelle seemed surprised that her almost open declaration was not immediately met with a proposal, and expressed this feeling to her friend the following day while walking in the park.
"I think he is punishing me."
Kitty tried to frame a suitable response, she did not think her friend would wish to hear the truth, which was from all accounts, she had behaved very stupidly with regards to his lordship and was paying the price - a lengthy wait.
Kitty had no doubt that Miles would ask Annabelle to marry him, but it would be on his terms, something Kitty wholly supported. She wished that someone would treat Lydia in the same fashion; it would do wonders for her complexion.
"Kitty? Did you not hear me; I think he is punishing me!"
"Yes I dare say he is, and if what you said to me about playing with a dozen men's, including his, affections, is true than I cannot and will not blame him."
Annabelle looked put out at this forthright speech and then sighed. "You are right. I wish I had learnt sooner how very dangerous it is to toy with someone's affection! He might never ask me now!"
Kitty turned her head so Annabelle would not see her roll her eyes. She had seen how Demetrius, looked at Helena, and she placed no confidence in Mile's acting abilities.
Annabelle and Lady Matlock, left Clara and Kitty to continue walking in the park.
"I'm sure I do not need to guess what her ladyship was talking of," commented Clara. "Harriet says she is full of the subject, and that she would never have guessed Lord Upton could be so clever as to embark on such a good plan."
"I do not think it is a plan, or rather that it is a plan to win Belle, I think it is purely self preservation. Oh, look there is Miss Blaketon."
Kitty abandoned her aunt to walk ahead to greet Miss Blaketon and a gaggle of her friends.
"Oh Kitty, just the very person we wish to speak to! We are planning a house party at Richmond, just for a weekend and you and your aunt must come. Do say yes Mrs Sutton."
Clara had walked into range of Miss Blaketon's speech to only hear the entreaty; luckily the group was quite happy to repeat the request, with more information.
Kitty had interrupted her aunt's response, saying that they had no plans, which pushed Clara into having to say that they would attend.
It was not at all what Clara would have wanted. The Blaketon's set reminded her far too much of her sister-in-law. It was not a matter of amusement, but a matter of gossip and curiosity. London thrived on it, but at least in other circles one might be reasonably able to point out one's friends, people that one could count on.
"Though what we shall do I do not know!" giggled a Miss Thompson. "London has been so boring!"
Kitty rolled her eyes and was almost caught when Miss Rebecca Hopkins asked her what she had been doing recently.
"Oh, last night we put on a very impromptu theatrical."
Clara's fingernails gripped her reticle when she heard Kitty's answer. She hoped that only Miss Rebecca had heard, for she had no hesitation in saying that Lady Blaketon would countenance such an activity, if it got into the girls' heads.
Unfortunately it did, especially once Kitty had mentioned who else had been a party to the impromptu play. Clara foresaw trouble.
It is to be such fun! Everyone is coming! And we have chosen a play, Congreve's Love for Love, and you are to be Angelica and Mr Fancot is to be Valentine. We have it all decided. We have made up red curtains for the stage and have made Father bring furniture down from Blaketon Court. He was not at all amused, but we cajoled him until he submitted to our wishes! There are even a few other families coming to see us perform! It will be such fun! Here is your script! Do learn your part as best you can for we shall not have much time to rehearse.
Kitty looked at the wad of paper that Miss Blaketon had sent over via her footman. Then she re-read the letter. Kitty had not meant that they should take the theatrical seriously, or that she would have to perform in front people other than those involved.
It was not a feeling that sprung from reasons of proprietary, it was self preservation. She was quite sure she was an appalling actress!
Reading the play did nothing to allay her fears. Even in her estimation some of the sections were quite... well, there was no other word for it but warm.
To be saying such things in public! And to Giles, not to mention some other gentlemen she did not know!! She was not sure she could do it.
After a brief moment, Kitty dismissed the idea of begging her aunt to feign illness and stop them going to the house party. The idea of turning down a party of pleasure was abhorrent to her. Not to mention that for the first time Kitty found herself liked for herself, for there was no sister for whose sake they felt that had to be kind to Kitty.
She decided she would just have to steel herself to take part in the play. It might not even go ahead; surely one of the chaperones would object. Giles might even refuse to play the part. Kitty was not sure whether she wanted him to or not.
Kitty declined going with her aunt to pay some calls in favour of curling up in the morning room that had once been her uncle's study. It was called a morning room, though its use neither she nor her aunt had managed to discover. It seemed that it was all at once part music room, part study, part library and part sewing room.
Kitty was attempting to consign to her memory all her lines. She hoped that the performance would be one that allowed the use of scripts. Otherwise she was going certainly give a memorable performance!
She heard a knock at the door, and only briefly looked up to try and hear who might be at the door. She heard the butler deny her aunt.
"If your mistress is from home, I should like to leave a note for her."
That voice made Kitty leave her seat; she slipped out into the entrance.
"My lord, perhaps I could give my aunt your message?"
Ash looked slightly discomposed, as if he were embarrassed at being caught in the act of removing his gloves. "I would prefer to write it down."
"In case I forget? You do not trust me?"
Ash did not respond and Kitty dismissed the butler and led the viscount into the morning room. Despite being on the ground floor, she was fairly positive that allowing a gentleman to visit one alone in one's morning room was vastly improper. But it was Ash.
"Here is some paper and a pen." Kitty returned to her seat and looked in askance at her visitor.
"I had thought your aunt would have warned you about receiving gentlemen on your own." Ash sat down at what probably was a relic of Mr Sutton's study and dipped the pen in ink.
"Well we are on the first floor, and while this house certainly has bedrooms, you visited me. Or at least you visited my aunt."
Ash glanced briefly at what Kitty was reading. "Practicing your speeches?"
"Yes."
"How many speeches do you have?"
"Too many!" Kitty flung the script aside. "I wish I had never put the idea into any of their heads! Why should I be the heroine?!"
"Indeed, you are very unlike a heroine."
Kitty giggled. "Is that a compliment?"
"It depends on what kind of heroine you wish to be, Miss Bennet?"
"Well I would rather not be one like in Mrs Radcliffe's tales. To be fainting all over the place, and she was in love with such a - annoying little...I would have much preferred Louis."
"But Adeline is a perfect heroine." Ash's face held no hint of a smile, though his tone proved to Kitty he was not serious. "Have you mastered any of your part?"
"Some," replied Kitty.
"Do you foresee any problems with the production of the play?"
"Miss Blaketon assures me that there will be none. Oh well, it is something to pass the time and will be all amusement I daresay."
Ash replaced the pen and folded up his note. "You may give this to your aunt when she returns."
"Wait, I must ask you something. Does this sound at all believable - 'Am I? Well, I freely confess I have resisted a great deal of temptation.'"
"Have you?" Ash looked curious.
"It is a line from the play!" laughed Kitty.
"Oh, then you are very believable."
Once he had departed, Kitty unfolded the note. He had not sealed it, and even if he had she would have opened it.
My dear Miss Bennet, has anyone ever told you how rude it is to open other people's notes? Your devoted servant Ash.
Kitty glared at the closed door.
The place where they were to spend the weekend was Lady Blaketon's sister's house.
The minute Kitty was shown the 'theatre' she knew this wasn't going to be a private theatrical thrown together at the last moment. While the audience would be very select there would still be an audience.
"I am not sure - " Kitty tried to address her concerns to Miss Blaketon but it was impossible. Miss Blaketon was in alt and would brook no interruption.
"Oh and it will be such fun! Even though I am only to be Mrs Frail! Rebecca was so cattish when we made her be Miss Prue! An awkward country girl indeed!"
"I could be Miss Prue! After all, I am an awkward country girl!" Though reading the play she did not think she could escape embarrassing moments by changing parts.
"Oh no! It was your idea, you must play the heroine."
Clara still had a sense of foreboding, especially on overhearing this. It was not that it was improper; well, it was not entirely improper...
She wished she had accidentally fallen down some stairs, and had to remain in London, with Kitty by her side.
She was ashamed to admit to herself that she was partly testing her niece. She only hoped Kitty would pass it and that she would not have to know that her niece's first season was ruined due to her lack of care.
The weather was perfect theatrical weather - dark, grey and cold.
Giles put Kitty at ease almost instantly, for which he had her eternal gratitude. She was also glad that the other gentlemen in the play were all known to her from that first party at the Blaketon's. There were no problems there when reading her part. They took it all in the manner in which it was to be taken; it was all for pleasure, nothing else.
However it was the actions of the young ladies that put Kitty on her guard. It was obvious that they expected a match to be made between her and Giles and that she had accepted the role opposite his confirmed it.
"You are the perfect Angelica! And do not you think Mr Fancot plays Valentine to perfection?"
"Yes, to be able to play madness so convincingly is a talent," Kitty remarked caustically before begging to be excused and retreating to the seat below the window. She had claimed feeling limp from the heat the fire was producing, and it was not completely a lie. Kitty was feeling drained.
She was beginning to see why no respectable woman became an actress. It seemed impossible for people to see that you were just pretending. Though not all people were like that. No one at Grosvenor Street thought she was really a fairy attendant!
Not to mention the gossiping that occurred amongst the participants regarding other participants! She also found that the other girls were inordinately interested in her telling them about the theatricals at the Matlocks. Kitty could understand why they were interested, after all it was only natural that they wish to compare, but they began to harp upon it in such a way that Kitty could not mention any of her acquaintance in that circle without feeling uncomfortable. Except of course to Giles, any comment she wished to make on her friends, she could easily do to him.
Kitty got as far as the rehearsal in front of the rest of the guests (the audience would not arrive until the next morning). It was at this rehearsal that she fully comprehended the giggles and expectations of the assembled party. It was insupportable.
Not only did she never really want to put on play, but she had certainly not asked to be the heroine, she was completely unsuited to playing an heiress! Nor had she asked to be coupled off with Giles. She supposed she was lucky it was Giles, not one of the other young men, who could not be counted on as Giles could to act within the bounds of propriety. But even then he was acting in this play, which was not the action of a good friend, was it? Kitty was sure it was not.
So Kitty did the only sensible thing, and for the first time in her life fainted. The only disappointment was that Ash was not there to see her become a proper heroine.
Clara listened to the doctor tell her in a very grave tone that Miss Bennet was in grave danger and needed to be blooded immediately. Clara wondered if she should agree to it just to teach her niece a lesson.
Clara had not thought she could be as worried as she had been when right in front of her eyes Kitty had dropped lifeless to the floor.
At that moment, she could only be thankful that Giles had been so very quick in scooping her niece up and depositing her on a couch. He had taken charge, calling for a doctor and then carrying Kitty up to her room as though she had only weighed a feather.
It had taken all of a minute to realise once she had shut the door on Giles and the rest of the party that Kitty was perfectly fine, well, was not on the verge of lifelessness!
The most abominable girl! But even Clara had to admit as an escape plan it was flawless. All Kitty had to rely on was her aunt's intelligence and ability to insist that transportation back to London immediately was necessary (and considering that was exactly what Clara had done, it had hardly been a risk).
Indeed Kitty's indisposition seemed to have affected only one out of the party, Giles; the rest of the group simply re-cast the role of Angelica and went on with their amusement. Clara was interested to note that Giles resigned his role as well.
He came to the carriage window after the rest of the party had made their rather rushed goodbyes.
"I am very sorry - " He didn't get much further.
"What have you to apologise for?" asked Kitty, surprised.
"I should have realised - "
Kitty waited. Was he about to say he should have realised she was unwell, or should have realised that the play was a bad idea?
At this point Clara waved him aside. "Yes, yes Mr Fancot, this is all very touching, but I must get my niece back to London."
In Kitty's opinion, Giles showed himself to be a very poor sort of man when it came to dealing with aunts, as he allowed himself to be waved aside. But not before grasping Kitty's hand in his and drawing it towards him, but instead of dropping a kiss on her hand, he turned it over and kissed the inside of her wrist, before releasing her and stepping back. Kitty stared at her hand and was relieved to find that her aunt had been distracted by giving commands to their coachman.
"I hope you have learnt a lesson from this," Clara had not meant to preach. She had always said she would never be that sort of authority figure, but now she actually had someone to be authoritarian to she found it was impossible to suppress the lecturing.
"Yes aunt."
"What have you learnt?" Kitty's voice had been suspiciously quiet.
"That it is best to say no very early."
Clara made a disapproving clucking sound and then felt mortified with herself. She was turning into her mother.
Kitty laughed at the expression on her aunt's face. "No, I have learnt that what might be appropriate for a small party is not appropriate at other times."
"Very well," Clara tried to sound stern and failed. There was a pause. "Though I wish you would tell me how you managed to faint so convincingly. I never could do anything as convincing."
As it turned out, Kitty's acting skills were not as extraordinary as she or her aunt thought; the next morning, she awoke with a slight head cold and felt rather faint.
Bents was of the opinion that it was best to treat such an illness immediately, especially considering what was supposed to be the opening crush of the season was only a little over a week away.
Clara agreed wholeheartedly with her dresser; Kitty could not be looking anything but her best for Lord Merton and Lady Jennifer's party. Indeed it would be also good if Kitty kept to her bed for a little while, considering she was supposed to be very ill. Clara had enough feeling for Lady Blaketon for her not to want it to come to Lady Blaketon's ears that both Clara and Kitty had fled Lady Blaketon's party under false pretences.
The only person who saw anything wrong with the idea of staying in bed was Kitty herself, until Clara promised to persuade Lady Matlock to let Georgiana bear her company.
"I cannot believe you even agreed to be in that play!" exclaimed Georgiana for the tenth time in ten minutes.
"You have said that," Kitty blew her nose with her handkerchief. "Repeatedly."
"Sorry," though Georgiana did not look that sorry. "I was thinking of this dress for Lord Merton's ball...."
Kitty magnanimously allowed herself to be distracted. Georgiana was fussing about in Kitty's wardrobe, pulling out dresses and twirling about holding them close.
"You will look so very pretty!" exclaimed Georgiana.
"Unlike I usually do?"
Georgiana opened her mouth to protest, then correctly read her friend's expression. "Do not tease me Kitty! You know you look very pretty all the time."
Kitty rolled her eyes. She did not quite agree, but she did own she looked much better than she ever thought she would, which just proved that one's appearance did rely on clothes.
"And no, it has nothing to do with your clothes!" injected Georgiana sensing what Kitty's next remark would be.
"Well, perhaps not for you only have to look at the gentlemen to see that the same clothes do very different things to different people."
Georgiana giggled and then flushed red.
This was not entirely what Kitty had been expecting. Georgiana followed her giggle with a string of words muttered in such a low tone that Kitty could only hear "most handsome..."
It was again apparent that Georgiana's exposure to the male sex had not made her any more confident around them, though exposure to Wickham in particular did not seem to have made her want to eschew the male sex.
Instead of trying to get Georgiana to elaborate on a subject she was embarrassed about Kitty reached for one of the many ladies magazines on the bed and became engrossed in trying to figure out one of the dresses.
"Oh Kitty!"
This breathless utterance made Kitty look up to see the door to her bedchamber had opened and one of the maids was being almost dwarfed by a vase of flowers.
Georgiana almost pounced on the vase as soon as it had been placed on the chest of drawers.
"There is a note! Oh what am I saying, of course there would be a note, it would be rather disturbing to receive flowers without even a secret admirer's note."
"They are most likely from my uncle...you may open the note!"
Georgiana opened the sealed billet hurriedly; she had always wished to receive flowers, proper flowers not ones a relation had hurriedly picked for her, and not the ones she had purposely forgotten about that had come from George. No proper flowers from an admirer!
It was such a pretty selection of crocuses and hyacinths, all in shades of blues and purple, except for a lightly coloured red hyacinth here and there.
Kitty thought it looked very becoming as a contrast from the rest of the room.
Georgiana's eyes widened when she read the note. "I do not think this was meant for my eyes!"
Kitty took the note.
I hope these flowers brighten up your room. Forgive me for not dressing like a chimney sweep and discovering the colouring of your room. I hope blue does not offend your sensibilities or your eyes. Your devoted servant Ash.
My dear Georgiana, Bingley and I hope to be in town by the 11th. I had hoped to reach town earlier than this, but B. has business that cannot be avoided. Unfortunately this means that I shall be in town only for four days, before our departure for Rosings. Unless... are you sure I cannot persuade you to accompany R. and me to our aunt's? It seems pointless then to remove you from Lady M for such a short period of time, but when I return in April it may be time for you to return home. I hope that Lady M has managed to keep you entertained, and you have not let An. convince you that you would like to come out this season. I know you would not enjoy it...
Georgiana did not need such a letter from her brother to make up her mind that she did not want to come out that season. She could easily live vicariously through Kitty. (And certainly no correspondent, not even her beloved brother could convince her to visit her Aunt Catherine.)
It had not taken long for Kitty to feel better. Kitty was by nature delicate and often prone to coughing, but Clara and Bents had secret recipes that were jealously guarded by both, which restored her to health.
Very little had happened between rising from her sick bed and the night of the first true ball of the season; gentlemen had raced to fit in more sport before they would be commanded to squire their mothers and young ladies around the town and ladies made their last trips to the modistes, to make sure they were properly attired.
The only alarming thing had been that Kitty had met Lord Matlock. She should have known to reverse her assumptions; she had expected a tall figure imposing figure, due to the nature of his son, but Lord Matlock was significantly shorter than his eldest born and was not as imposing. Indeed he was quite affable with the same laughing eyes.
He had been incredibly welcoming of her, calling her by her Christian name as his wife did, and within days had pinched her chin in an affectionate manner. Kitty had never been treated in such a fatherly fashion before.
"So whose bouquet are you going to favour?" Georgiana looked longingly at the two bunches of flowers.
There had been three, the third had been from Lord Matlock but Clara did not think it would be correct to carry those to the ball, even if they had been given in an avuncular fashion. Both girls thought it had more to do with the fact that Clara wished to carry the flowers, in a continuation of some private joke between her and Lady Matlock.
"Could I not favour both?" Kitty was averse to deciding, even though she knew a decision had to be made. A small part of her wished to have both because then she could show the world how favoured she was. Not that it was much more than friendship.
"Well Annabelle..."
"Might be displeased if I carried Lord Upton's flowers?" Kitty continued, agreeing with Georgiana.
So Lord Ashbourne's flowers it would be. Both had sent charmingly written notes, and requests for dances to be kept for them.
It was a triumph, to already have four dances reserved before one even attended a London ball. Kitty was used to not sitting down at a ball, but Clara had warned her that this was certainly not to be the case at the Merton's ball.
"You must tell me everything that happens! Everything!"
Kitty smiled. Once the veil of shyness had been removed, Georgiana was far stronger in will than Kitty could ever have imagined on that first day they met; it was probably something she did share with her brother.
Kitty was wearing pale lilac dress, over a white sarsnet, the dress had a small demi-train which Kitty had to be mindful of as she walked. The décolletage was low, and all the seams were trimmed with beads. La Belle Assemblée had the dress accompanied by a demi turban, something which Kitty felt turned her into her mother, so she instead opted for a headdress of flowers and pearls.
Lady Jennifer had outdone herself preparing for what was shaping up to be the first real crush of a party, the ball that signified the start of the season. Flowers were seen everywhere and, considering it was only the end of February this in itself was considered a major triumph.
So too were the guests; at least four Almack's patronesses were there, and a gratifying number of Corinthians and Dandies. Not to mention all the Incomparables and Toasts of the ton and of course those young ladies aspiring to take their places. There was plenty to gossip about too; the maiden speech to the House of Lords of a most promising young lord for example, was most talked of in some circles.
In such company, Kitty almost felt herself unworthy, after all she was only seventeen, had no money and was from the country!
She hoped, rather than knew, she acquitted herself well when again she was presented to countless people, she tried to at least remember names and their faces. That was the most important thing, she knew the worst thing she could do was forget someone's name or appearance.
She had had that experience in Meryton when she had forgotten the name of one of the officers' wives and had the uncomfortable experience of being cut in a fit of pique. Lydia had not been impressed, for if Kitty was cut, the ladies of Meryton often took the opportunity to exclude Lydia as well.
It was with considerable relief that Kitty espied Miss Blaketon.
"Oh you are quite recovered!" Miss Blaketon said when Kitty had reached her and her friends.
"Yes, I do hope the play was not spoiled. I would have made a frightful Angelica anyway."
Miss Blaketon nodded, a bright smile plastered across her face, "Well the play was quite a success."
But there was something in her tone that made Kitty swallow her next question regarding the play and allow Miss Blaketon to introduce her to the girls of her party with whom she was unacquainted.
It was soon time for the first dance, for Clara had warned against arriving early when Kitty had been pacing the parlour urging her aunt to call for the carriage. Kitty had no partner, but Miss Blaketon and many of her friends did, leaving Kitty with a young lady who appeared some years older than herself.
Miss Greysan moved over on the sofa to allow Kitty to sit down. "Have you been in town long?"
"Since mid-January, I have been staying with my aunt."
"I understand from Miss Blaketon that you are acquainted with Lady Matlock."
Kitty tried to suppress a small frown; that was something she was beginning to perceive was of utmost importance to people.
"Pray don't be offended, I just meant that my mother went to school with Lady Matlock and I was hoping that you could tell me if she planned to attend, my mother has commanded me with a list of messages for her."
"Yes, I do believe she is here, though why did you not - "
"Call on her before this? I am staying with one of my own school friends, a Miss Jones, a very worthy family but how do I put it delicately? I do not think I can, so I shall be very frank. Mrs Jones would impose on Lady Matlock."
Kitty gave a small smile and wondered just how many people imposed on Lady Matlock. She hoped no one thought that of Clara or herself.
"Indeed Mrs Jones is very desirous of gaining an entrance for her youngest daughter, Sophia, a very beautiful girl; I think you may have met her?"
"Oh yes, Miss Jones! At Lady Blaketon's party!"
"She took over your role in the play."
"Oh I hope she did it much more justice than I could have!"
"I believe she acted creditably, but I was witness to such a scolding of Lady Blaketon by Mrs Jones for allowing the amusement to go forward. For she believes Sophia's chances with the Duke of Kerle, or any other rich nobleman, have been destroyed by her acting in public."
"But it was not public!"
"It was enough for Mrs Jones. Any social misstep and ...." Miss Graysan let her sentence trail off and looked at Kitty meaningfully.
It was only then that Kitty realised what a escape she had, though she was intelligent to realise that it might have also been the play's subject matter that had made it even more fast in the eyes of society.
Private theatricals where the subject matter was unexceptional and where young single ladies were not acting opposite single gentlemen had to be acceptable. It would be stupid if they were not, especially when Lady Matlock had sanctioned one, but then Kitty thought of the St James rule.
She did not have much longer to ponder the seeming contradictions in societal rules, as the first dance was over and the ladies were returning. Miss Blaketon's partner was a roguish looking blonde.
"Sir Christian Montgomery. A rake!" hissed Miss Graysan at Kitty.
Sir Christian was very handsome and had laughing eyes that reminded Kitty very much of the litter of puppies that she and Maria Lucas had fawned over the past summer.
Miss Blaketon introduced her partner to Kitty, and suggested that perhaps Sir Christian should squire Kitty for the next dance.
Sir Christian was about to reply, when he was cut off by the arrival of Giles.
To Kitty, Giles looked slightly out of breath; a slight flush had risen in his face, clashing a little with his hair.
"Miss Bennet, you have not forgotten my dance have you?"
Kitty tried not to gape. She had not promised Giles a dance. She had hardly discussed the ball with him; surely she had not agreed to dance with him and forgotten about it. If she had managed to do that then she shuddered to think of who else she may have in an abstraction agreed to dance with. Not that she minded dancing with Giles. Indeed since their parting at the house party, Kitty wondered if she should be thinking of Giles in a different light.
"Giles, I - "
Giles interrupted her by bending over her hand and kissing it, then without so much as a by your leave dragging Kitty into the newly forming set.
When the dance allowed him, he scolded her.
"You should not be speaking to such a man."
"Why?"
"He is a .... I dare not say it in front of you."
"A rake? Miss Graysan told me. But what do you expect him to do here?" Kitty also thought that she could handle a rake.
"That is not the point. He - " here Mr Fancot lowed his voice, "has engaged in the most licentious behaviour."
"Like Mr Blaketon?"
"No! Of the most... these are not the excesses of youth..."
The dance separated them at this point, leaving Kitty to wonder at why it was that Giles felt it was his duty to warn her, and wondering just what type of excesses he was talking of. Sir Christian did not look like the type - but then again, Mr Wickham had all the appearance of charm and he had a cold wicked heart. Then on the other hand, some excesses were just childishness or boredom, Kitty had seen that enough in the officers.
"What sort of excesses?"
Giles looked surprised, like he had assumed that Kitty would not need further explanation.
"Women....gambling..." Giles stuttered and then gave up, "and other things that should not come to your ears, Miss Bennet."
"Has he ever pretended to love a woman, in order to use her for her money? Abducted a respectable woman? " Kitty had blurted that out, she did not know why and hoped that Giles had taken it as just a comment rather than something she may have personal experience of.
"No, he is not such a man as that! But he is wild, a libertine, and I forbid you to have anything to do with him. " Giles sounded quite shocked, so Kitty did not say any more. She had thought Giles was not as prudish as this; after all he had flirted quite admirably with her, and countenanced Mr Blaketon's pranks.
Kitty was also slightly offended by the fact he thought he had any right to forbid her to do anything. He had no right beyond that of a friend, and even if he did have the right, Kitty rebelled against the idea. She knew that she had to obey her father and then would have to obey her husband. It was preposterous; her father had never taken enough interest in her to forbid anything and while she hoped her husband took more interest in her than her father, she was not sure if he was going to go around forbidding her to do things that it was a fair trade.
As the dance ended Giles turned to her, "Who would you like me to return you to?"
"My next dance is with Lord Ashbourne." Kitty replied stiffly. "I hope you do not think he is unsuitable." Kitty tried to convey with her eyes that if he dared to continue with his strictures she might have to stamp on his foot.
Unfortunately, Giles took the opening offered to him, "There is nothing to object to there! Leader of the ton! Very respectable, could learn a lot from him."
Kitty almost felt herself in a forgiving mood when she saw how adorable Giles looked when he tried to straighten his cravat when they approached the doorway that Ash appeared to be lounging in. Kitty suspected he had chosen that position so he could escape through it, in either direction, if someone he did not like came his way.
"Miss Bennet, Fancot. My dance is it?"
Giles bowed awkwardly before leaving them, Kitty felt too much for him to coldly ignore him as she had wanted to several moments before and instead bestowed a warm smile and a press of her hand before turning back to the viscount.
"Well my lord, I do believe it is your dance."
It did not take Kitty long to realise Ash was a far superior dancer to Giles, and she enjoyed the dance far better than she had her last, not least because Ash showed no compulsion to scold her as if she was a naughty little girl. She noticed the looks they were receiving both within the dance and without it, but she ignored it, she had faith in her ability to dance without making a fool of herself.
In-between dancing and talking of inconsequential things, Kitty caught sight of Sir Christian stalking about on the side of the room. He had a searching look in his eyes and Kitty wondered what he was looking for.
"Find something more fascinating than myself? I am hurt."
Kitty laughed. "No I was just looking at Sir Christian Montgomery. Do you know him? "
Ash inclined his head. "Yes."
"G- Mr Fancot, told me that I should not know him, in fact he forbade me from speaking to him, that he was a libertine, indulging in all the worst excesses."
Ash smiled and replied in a dismissive tone. "Yes, his friends could possibly wish he would grow up."
The dance parted them. Kitty pondered his statement. Did that mean that they were friends? Or just that he did not feel Sir Christian was as black as he was painted.
Ash must have sensed her confusion. "Sir Christian does not care for the opinion of the ton. There is nothing that angers the ton more especially when you do not care to the extent that you are indiscreet in everything you do."
"Why was he even invited?"
"Well, he is young, and at the moment rich. If he does not gamble it all away and I do not believe he will as he is anything but stupid. Does that answer your question? But really as he is, he is no suitable companion for a female, especially a delicate female."
Kitty ignored the teasing tone, or the implication that she was a delicate female. "You are not going to also forbid me from having anything to do with him?"
"I would never do anything so unwise."
The dance ended and Ash led her back to her aunt who had extricated herself from her contemporaries.
"Are you having fun Kitty?"
"It has been enlightening," replied Kitty.
"That is very enigmatic of you."
Kitty smiled at her aunt and was about to respond when a young man who she had previously been introduced to, a Mr Wilhem Reinke who part of the Prussian Ambassador's staff. He was a very earnest man who put all that earnestness to use when soliciting Kitty's hand to dance. Kitty liked him immediately, a view that was reinforced by his not patronising her instead engaging her in a conversation about the war, and the likelihood of Prussia re-joining it.
At the end of their dance, she saw her aunt entering the card room, and allowed Mr Reinke to leave her, at the threshold of the room.
However it was not Clara, it was a hook-nosed woman who was dressed remarkably similarly to her aunt. That was the problem of relying too much on the magazines for dresses Kitty supposed, everyone else used them too!
Kitty felt slightly exposed in the card room, with all the older gentlemen and ladies staring at her.
"Lost Miss Bennet?" Kitty wheeled around to see Sir Christian.
"Sir Christian."
"Well? Why has such a beautiful young lady hidden herself away in the card room?"
"I am sure you have seen women far more beautiful than myself. I know your reputation, Lord Ashbourne informed me of it!"
Though what she had heard was sketchy, from her experience and from her aunt's colourful descriptions of men she should avoid, Kitty was fairly sure that did know his reputation.
"Touché Miss Bennet" there was a pause. "I assume do you know French?"
Kitty was not about to say her knowledge of French consisted of a couple of words, several of which were not very complimentary.
"May I remind you, Sir Christian that we are at war with the French?"
"I thought we were at war with Napoleon?"
Kitty ignored him. "Since you have a fascination with the French, I assume you know how to play piquet. You will play with me."
It was the only way to deal with men like him, forceful, plus a man of his reputation would hardly refuse, and Kitty did want to play with someone she knew would not let her win.
Sir Christian was certainly not letting her win. In fact she was glad she had thought to bring a pile of coins with her. However Kitty was starting to have suspicions that although her partner was not allowing her to win he had deliberately set the price for each point considerably low. He had also revised his behaviour towards her and was acting almost brotherly. If one had a brother who was a rake, that is.
Kitty's suspicions were due to the surprised looks they kept being given, by the young gentlemen who had escaped to the card room as soon as they could abandon their female charges.
Kitty had experienced a pang of anxiety over her rash declaration to play cards with Sir Christian, especially since several eyes had fixed on them and the owners of those eyes' had then had whispered conversations with the people around them.
But Kitty saw that others were playing in a similar fashion and refused to be made feel like a social outcast. Besides she could always claim she had no idea who Sir Christian was, Giles and Ash would not betray her and Miss Graysan did not seem the type to do so either.
The game was almost over when a third figure joined them at the table.
"Miss Bennet, I hope you have not forgotten our dance?"
Kitty looked up expecting Miles to be looking either worried or furious, she was not far wrong, he had manage to combine the two expressions admirably.
"Of course I have not. Is the dance beginning soon? The game has not long to go I believe. Though the ending I can already foresee."
Kitty tried to concentrate on which card to discard, but when she looked up not only did she see Ash approaching but she also saw Miles look approvingly at first the stakes that Sir Christian had set and then at Sir Christian himself.
It was beyond enough. She was not a child. Nor was she ignorant of the pay or play rules that governed polite gambling.
"So I see that you are above letting me win, but not above treating like child. May I point out that neither you, nor Lord Upton, nor Mr Fancot, are either my father or my brother? I do not require any of your proffered filial protection. I shall await you in the ball room, for our dance."
Kitty threw down the cards in disgust and with her head held high retreated to the ballroom. She had not meant to look back, but she did.
Sir Christian was staring at her in shock, she supposed young ladies didn't often run from his charms, Miles was looking at Ash in the same state of disbelief.
And Ash? He had an amused look on his face and she could almost make out what he said in that dry drawling voice that always made you pay attention.
"That was well done. I have never seen a thing done so well." To whom he was referring, Kitty never could tell.
...I know this is grossly improper, for a single gentleman, to write to you, a single lady, your widowed state offering no protection from this attack on your unimpeached reputation. Nevertheless I write to you, in this gross imposition, to beg you to lend your presence to my opera party. Your presence would lend the much needed respectability that my company of friends lacks. We go on Tuesday. By all means bring Miss Bennet, I would not wish her to feel neglected...
Clara sat in Mrs Gardiner's drawing room, awaiting the sisters to return from Kitty's inspection of Jane and Lizzy's new articles of clothing.
Clara felt that she could detect the hand of more than just Miles in the letter she was re-reading; indeed, one could almost sense an evil genius by the name of Lord Ashbourne. Either that or he was drunk, or possibly both even.
Nevertheless, it was a highly flattering letter and couched in the exact terms necessary to make Clara comply. Not that there was anything at all indecent or licentious about a party of Miles' making. She was also not at all misled by the throwaway reference to Kitty. Clara was shrewd enough to realise that her niece's attendance was becoming perhaps necessary to more than one gentleman.
The week since the ball that had so deftly opened the season a month earlier than normal, had been filled with all manner of social engagements. Even now on-dits and rumours swirled around London. Clara knew that Kitty had become such an object of attention. For a young lady to attract the attention of such diverse men as the Viscount of Ashbourne, Earl of Upton, Sir Christian Montgomery and Mr Giles Fancot, at the first ball of the season, meant that she would of course be considered an entity in the season.
Rides, walks in the park, morning balls, Venetian breakfasts, card parties, routs and pleasure excursions appeared to be becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Clara's musings were interrupted by the return of her nieces.
"Jane has the most beautiful rose coloured dress; she looks like an angel, well even more of an angel in it!"
Jane blushed at her younger sister's praise.
"Jane will you never learn to take a compliment," scolded Lizzy, laughing. "Now I wish you would tell me, aunt, of what you and my sister have been doing in London."
Kitty collapsed on one of Mrs Gardiner's fine couches, exhausted. How she would survive the season she did not quite know. She was happy however. So many parties and people!
The Merton's ball had ended happily, something for which Kitty was eternally grateful.
Kitty knew that it was supposed to be an honour to be protected and that she deserved to be so looked after, but she railed against it. She was not stupid, or a child! Though she knew she was not intelligent, that she could be silly and not realise her actions had consequences.
She had realised that the minute she had left the Merton's card room. Everyone had seen her flare-up at the gentlemen, though she doubted anyone had heard the entirety of her outburst. Luckily, Miles had saved her from looking ridiculous by almost immediately joining her and leading her out for their dance.
She had apologised to him, and been surprised when he apologised himself. For he knew he did not have the right, but from his expression it was clear he was not thinking of Kitty when he spoke so sadly of holding no position that allowed him such liberties.
Instead of examining her feelings, Kitty much preferred convincing the handsome Earl that to have the right to spoke as he chose, all he had to do was ask and that Annabelle would not say no.
"Kitty? Aunt Clara asked you a question?" Jane, in her gentle way, roused Kitty from her reverie.
Kitty blinked, confused, causing her aunt to laugh, "I was just proposing that we all visit the theatre tonight, since Elizabeth will be leaving early on Monday, when Sir William and Miss Lucas come to collect her."
"Of course! Do you have to go, Lizzy? I know you would wish to see Charlotte, but Mr Collins!"
Lizzy smiled. "I am looking forward to seeing Charlotte and even time may have changed Mr Collins," Lizzy's tone contradicted this statement, "plus I have a great desire to see the great Lady Catherine."
"Lord, yes! You must write to tell me what she is like! Such a harridan that even Ash pretends to be terrified of her!"
"Ash?" Lizzy looked at her younger sister quizzically.
Clara cleared her throat and wondered when her niece had decided to call him by his nickname, she had heard Kitty call Mr Fancot "Giles" and wondered what to do about that, it was far too confusing! She had worried that her plan would come to naught and now it appeared that instead of having one course open to her, Clara had multiple.
"Oh, I mean Lord Ashbourne, Lady Catherine's nephew, and cousin to Mr Darcy."
This chance comment, made Kitty suddenly realise she had never written to Jane about Mr Wickham. How could she be so selfish? She had forgotten it all in the enjoyment of London.
Lizzy did not look happy at the mention of Mr Darcy. "Is Mr Darcy in town?" Lizzy was not sure why she expected Kitty to know whether this was so or not, Mr Darcy was far too proud to be associating with people outside his sphere, as he saw it at least. What his cousin was doing, Lizzy could hardly speculate on.
"No, he and Mr Bingley," Kitty watched her eldest sister stiffen at this name, and wondered if that denoted disgust or love, "are in the North. So are the Bingley sisters, thank goodness!"
Clara noticing Kitty's change in demeanour, took heart that her charge would watch her conversation in the future, took her leave to go help Mrs Gardiner with her young children.
Kitty was glad that Clara had left the room; it allowed her to speak more openly with her sisters. She would have preferred to have written what she had to say, but it was her own fault for forgetting.
"Mr Wickham? Is he still in Meryton? Still dangling after Mary King?" The abrupt sentences were all Kitty could think to say to open the subject.
Indeed it was a change in subject that confused both her sisters. Jane had hoped the conversation would turn away from Mr Bingley, the subject of many hours of inner lamentations and the cause of many wet pillowcases. Lizzy, however, had hoped to ask her sister more about her acquaintance in town.
"He had pursued her most doggedly, but I believe her uncle is averse to the idea. He will most certainly forbid the banns, and she is under age."
"She will not elope with him will she?"
"Kitty, that is no joking matter!" exclaimed Jane.
Lizzy wondered why her sister would ask, "No, even if it was in her nature to do so, her uncle keeps a strict watch over her."
Kitty's sigh of relief was palpable, and caught the attention of Lizzy.
"You seem concerned for Mr Wickham?"
"No! I am concerned for Miss King. But if you think she is safe!"
"Concerned for Miss King?"
"Mr Wickham is not a respectable man."
Jane looked shocked. "Whatever do you mean Kitty?"
Kitty paused before speaking. She could hardly tell either of her sisters about Georgiana, it was not her secret to tell. "I have learned that Mr Wickham is not a respectable man. I trust my source implicitly."
"Who is your source? This Lord Ashbourne?" Lizzy spoke hotly, and even she was taken back at her vehemence. "Did he know the particulars?"
"Well no but he -"
"Then he has had his account from Mr Darcy!"
Lizzy was beginning to see Mr Darcy as this malevolent figure destroying the lives of all those he did not like, or approve of.
Kitty did not know what do say to this, she could contradict Lizzy and confess Georgiana as her source, but then how to confirm Georgiana spoke the truth, only revealing the truth in all its glory would do that. For no one would ruin their reputation as part of their brother's revenge.
Jane, sensing the uncomfortable nature of the topic for both her sisters, deftly changed the subject.
The theatre was enjoyable that night; Kitty heard all the news from her sisters, and imparted her own. Though Kitty was more interested in hearing the Meryton news, she did not think her own London tales would be of any interest to her elder sisters, so she kept them to a minimum. If she examined her feelings more minutely she would also find she did not want to share her triumphs with her sisters.
However, Lizzy was suspicious of Kitty's silence on what she had been doing in London. Lizzy had seen the long letters she had been writing Lydia, who had giggled over them but refused to let anyone else read them, claiming that Kitty only wanted her to know. Anything that could only be said to Lydia could be nothing good.
On the other hand, Kitty was so convinced that Wickham was disreputable, and this Lord Ashbourne must have been very convincing because Wickham was handsome and charming. Lizzy knew these were severe obstacles to overcome before her younger sisters could dislike someone.
Even Mrs Gardiner appeared to have been wary of Wickham, calling him mercenary in his attention to Mary King. Lizzy had defended her former favourite, but now wondered if she should have. Someone who could be so open about switching his allegiances...
It was now Lizzy's turn to be roused by her aunt speaking to her.
"Elizabeth, may I present you to Mr Fancot?"
Lizzy had not noticed that the curtain had come down and that people were entering and leaving the boxes.
Kitty greeted Giles warmly as he took the vacant seat next to her. She had long since forgiven him for his actions at the ball, especially since he showed no sign of repeating them.
She was even more inclined towards him because despite being polite towards Jane and Lizzy, he showed no inclination to show them more attention than that. Kitty had always had the experience that when a gentleman met any of her sisters, well apart from Mary, that one of them became far more fascinating to him than her.
They talked for a short while, Kitty delighting in telling Giles about all the parties she had attended which he had not, particularly delighting in telling him about how they had had a picnic which had been soured by rain and how she had laughed so much at the gentlemen, including both Ash and Miles, caught in the rain. She had had to shelter under some trees with both the men in question and Annabelle until the rain had dispersed.
"I am sorry to say, Miss Bennet, that I must leave again...."
"Your aunt?"
"My aunt. Though I suspect you will not miss me!"
"Of course I shall, after all you promised to save me from sitting down during dances." Kitty gave Giles an impish smile. "Now when you return you must promise to coming riding with me in the Park, Lord Ashbourne when he condescends to ride with me complains so! You would not be so unhandsome?"
"Indeed I would not ma'am."
After the weekend Lizzy departed with much food for thought and Jane did not expect to see much of her younger sister, despite them being both in London!
Both Jane and Lizzy had listened, astonished, to the amount of parties that Kitty had been invited to and expected to attend.
Clara had reassured them both this was perfectly normal and that Kitty was acquitting herself perfectly.
They perhaps would not have been so reassured it they had seen the dress Kitty went to the Opera in.
The modiste had made the décolletage too low.
This fact had been discovered only an hour before they were to depart for the Opera. It was hardly immodest, but it was not the sort of dress a young lady should wear, certainly not on a regular basis.
After a hurried consultation with Bents, Clara saw nothing materially wrong with the dress. It was not as shocking as dampening one's petticoats and only the highest stickler would find anything wrong in its being worn once.
Kitty however was torn; she did not want to be seen in a bad light, yet she had her heart set on the dress. It was a beautiful pale violet gossamer gown over white satin, with the bosom, sleeves and bottoms trimmed with embossed white silk bindings. It was provoking, for she had received it just in time for the Opera and had been overjoyed, for she had already tried on all her dresses in an attempt to find one she wanted to wear.
The combined opinions of Clara, Bents and herself was that it would be acceptable to wear the dress as it was just this once. After all, she could stay towards the back of the box and wear the concealing shawl at all other times.
Indeed the dress did not even warrant a raised eyebrow. Annabelle greeted her warmly and even complimented her on the dress.
"It is such a pity my mother could not be here, she would catch a trifling cold right at the start of season!"
"Better than catching it in the middle of season," said Clara knowing it was useless to remonstrate with Annabelle.
"That is very true. But Mama, has Georgiana with her this evening, so she will be happy. Though it was an effort to tear Georgie from Darcy."
Kitty turned her head, slightly upset. She had heard of nothing from Georgie but 'her brother this' and 'her brother that' over the past days, and now it appeared that Mr Darcy was actually in town. She did not know what he had done to earn such loyalty but he could not deserve it.
But she was not going to let such thoughts spoil her night at the opera.
Indeed, it was a very merry evening.
They were only an intimate party of herself, Clara, Annabelle, Miles, Ash and their mutual acquaintance Mr Blacksel.
Kitty dismissed Mr Blacksel as 'an other', the moment she saw him, he was inclined to portliness being considerably older than the other gentlemen, but apart from this physical defect he had an annoying bray-like laugh and he tended to laugh at anything.
Kitty suspected he was chosen as the third gentleman because of these assets; he could in no way outshine his friends, though Ash had leant to whisper apologetically to Kitty that he was in fact a 'friend of the late Earl of Carlon and my father's.' Kitty understood those type of acquaintances; she was forever being stopped in Mertyon by her mother's friends, and she knew what a scolding she received if she snubbed any of them.
His role was clearly to entertain Clara, who had known him back in her ton days. However Annabelle had spent most of the evening flirting outrageously with him.
It had only taken Kitty a moment to realise why. Annabelle was desperate. She was frantic to rouse the jealousy of Miles and she was desperate enough to use whatever came to hand, including Mr Blacksel. Though it must be said Mr Blacksel was probably a good choice considering he was supremely unlikely to take the flirtation seriously.
However, this meant that Miles was unlikely to take it seriously; indeed Kitty wondered how Annabelle thought that he ever would take her protestations to Mr Blacksel that he was still in his best looks, and that she would so enjoy riding next to him in his curricle, in seriousness.
In revenge, Miles flirted with Kitty.
Kitty had then the choice between a return flirtation with Miles, or saving Ash from the ignominy of being ignored to flirt wildly with him. Kitty was uncomfortable with either choice, so chose to flirt with everyone.
During a break in the Opera, Miles opened his snuff box.
"Did you know, Miss Bennet, that a man used to take snuff from the wrist of his lady?"
"Really? Would that not tickle?"
"For the lady or the man, Miss Bennet?" interjected Ash.
"The lady, why should I care what a man feels?"
Kitty held out her hand, palm upwards towards Miles.
"Well? I am sure you did not make that comment idly."
Miles, smiled at Kitty's challenge and carefully tipped some of the snuff onto Kitty's wrist.
Kitty almost flinched when he brought his head down to take the snuff.
"It tickles! I knew it would."
She quickly brought her hand away laughing. "But there is some left!" Kitty made to brush away the remnants but Ash stopped her.
"First rule of snuff taking, Miss Bennet; do not waste it."
"Even if it is a bad sort?" asked Miles smiling.
"Especially if it is a bad sort. You save that to rid yourself of annoying guests. Or to give to very foxed gentlemen who would not appreciate a good sort."
Kitty stared at Ash who was still holding her wrist. "Are you going to give me back my hand, sir?"
"I was waiting for permission."
"Very well, you have permission."
He brought her hand, smiled at her, wickedly, and removed the rest of the snuff. Kitty blushed and did not attempt to reclaim her hand.
"I say, you cad! Release Miss Bennet at once, "Miles exclaimed.
Laughing, Ash did that, leaving Kitty to wonder why she felt disappointed.
She turned back to Miles. "I have never tried snuff, may I?"
"I am very glad you asked me, for Ash refuses to let any disreputable - " at this Kitty opened her mouth to protest, " or - let me finish - untried person take his snuff."
Kitty turned firmly away from the viscount. "Then it is very good that I would like to try yours, I am sure yours is much better anyway."
Miles smirked, and held out his snuff box.
"If you are going to do this damned foolish thing, then at least promise to try mine afterwards," drawled Ash.
"I fear yours will be second best, my lord," replied Kitty as she tried to emulate the actions she had seen many gentlemen make.
It caused a small coughing fit, and a small sneeze.
"You see, Miles, Miss Bennet was right, yours really will be second best."
"I meant yours," Kitty gave a shudder and waved her hand in Ash's direction. "Oh that is awful. I cannot understand how you would ....I am afraid - "
Kitty wrinkled her nose, and found a strong arm around her guiding her to the back of the box.
Clara, who had been trying to divert Mr Blacksel's attention away from Annabelle, looked at her niece disapprovingly.
"Whatever are you doing, Kitty? Taking snuff is not a lady's pastime."
"Unless one is a dashing, out of the common, female," replied Ash.
"I am very glad I do not want to be a dashing, out of the common, female."
"I am very glad you do not want to be one either!" replied Clara.
Mr Blacksel proved his worth by fetching a glass of water for Kitty.
While Kitty drank, he tapped Ash on the shoulder. "Is that not your cousin?"
Kitty looked up and spotted, in a box almost directly opposite, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley.
Almost nervously she turned to look at Ash, a guarded expression had fallen over his face.
Miss B{ smudge }. I had not realised you were in {smudge} do forgive me for the presumption of this { smudge } but I do hope that you are { smudge } and your parents and all your { smudge }'s. Pray are they all still at { smudge }? If it is not too much to ask, may I { smudge} on you? Sincerely Charles { smudge }ly.
Darcy watched as Bingley fumbled trying to fold up the scrap piece of paper he had found. Bingley also dropped the stub of a pencil he had scrawled his message with.
"Do you really not think I should go around there in person?"
"No, I think it would be most unwise."
Darcy had cringed when he noticed very early on in the evening just who was in the box opposite them.
He was separating Bingley from Miss Bennet for Bingley's own good, anyone could see that. But he thought it was slightly beneath him not to mention that one of her sisters was in town, especially when his sister had seemed to have formed some attachment to her!
But he had sworn to Miss Bingley, Mrs Hurst and himself that he would not do so.
He had not counted on her being present at the Opera, and in a box with his own cousin!
Darcy had spent most of the Opera, instead of watching the performers, fixated on Miss Catherine Bennet cavorting in the box opposite wearing a most inappropriate gown, and seemingly encouraged by his cousin.
He wished Ash would not do such things. He did them in jest and while Darcy did not disapprove (indeed he had wished more than once Ash would play such a trick on Miss Bingley) he did not approve either.
Watching the flirtation happen in the other box, Darcy was even more assured he had made the right decision... but how to prevent Bingley from reacquainting himself? But perhaps there was no danger, after all Miss Catherine had shown little interest in Bingley in Meryton; she was unlikely to pose a danger to Bingley by reminding him of her sister. Maybe she would forget to mention it to her mother. Darcy internally shuddered at the reaction that letter would have on Mrs Bennet.
"Well, cousin, you have managed to escape Georgie."
Darcy turned, his musings had meant he had not seen Ash leave the box.
"Ash." He stood and greeted his cousin.
Bingley greeted Ash enthusiastically.
"My lord, can I beg you to give Miss Catherine Bennet this note?"
Ash, quizzically raised his eyebrow at Bingley's pleading tone.
"I can do better than that Bingley; I can suggest you go around and give Miss Bennet the note yourself. I was instructed to bring you back to the box."
Bingley needed no more encouragement than that and shot out of the box.
Darcy frowned and returned to his seat, turning his head away to hide his annoyance.
"Have I done something to offend you?" commented Ash, taking a seat also.
Darcy smiled, "Of course not." There was a small pause. "You did not spend long at Matlock."
"There was far more amusement elsewhere."
Darcy tried to suppress a frown and a flicker of his eyes towards the opposite box. Ash was looking at him far too closely. But it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. It was one thing that Darcy had always tried to emulate, and never quite mastered.
"After all, you and Bingley were not such good company. It seems to run in the family. Georgiana has not been in spirits."
Darcy was very glad at that point he was watching the movement down in the stalls.
"She was missing me. I am sure," Darcy smiled.
"I do not think that was it. I wonder what the true reason was."
There was a pause. Darcy tried to turn the conversation towards the Opera but Ash was stuck on the subject.
"It must have been something important, for Georgiana may be shy but she had such a sunny nature."
"I do not think I shall ever understand women, otherwise I would be happy to enlighten you."
Whatever Ash's response to that was going to be, Darcy was forever glad that the signal for the resumption of the Opera was given.
Bingley looked pained.
"Well it would not do to leave Darcy alone!" A short bow and he left, upset that instead of being able to question Miss Catherine about her sister, or to search for some of Jane in her face, he had been accosted by her aunt. A very worthy woman but not who he wished to speak to.
"So that is the young man who has my house," commented Clara as Bingley left.
"Why did you not tell him that you owned Netherfield?" asked Kitty. She had been waiting for that to come up in their short conversation but her aunt had kept it to pleasantries.
"I should not wish to embarrass him! Now that it seems he will go there no more. He may suspect that I only tell him to find out what is wrong with the place, and that secretly I am offended with him."
Kitty thought that perhaps her aunt just liked keeping everyone in the dark.
"Besides, Kitty, he could hardly say to me it was a whole family of Bennets that was keeping him away could he?"
Kitty giggled.
However the chance meeting at the Opera set in motion in Kitty's mind a plan. A perfect plan - to either prove the love Mr Bingley had for Jane, or to allow Jane some measure of revenge. Neither option would Jane force herself, which was why she had four sisters to do those things that were distasteful to her!
Jane walked beside her sister wondering exactly how much money her aunt had outlaid for Kitty's wardrobe, not that she was jealous or begrudging of it, she just hoped that her sister would not become used to such luxuries.
But looking at the way many of the other young ladies of the ton were dressed, it did not appear that Kitty was so very fine after all.
Even so Kitty was elegantly dressed out in a muslin walking gown, lemon coloured chip hat (with matching gloves and shoes), pale pink sarsnet scarf and matching parasol. She looked very smart, even with the feather curling down from her bonnet. The best part, Jane decided, was that she seemed completely unconscious of it. Not that Jane ever expected she would be, as Jane found it incomprehensible that anyone would be conscious, let alone appear conscious of such a thing!
"The Opera was so much fun, next time you must come with us!" Kitty was trying not to mention the presence of Mr Bingley, because Jane could (very rarely) be stubborn and it would be best not to arouse that side of her at this point.
Jane and Mrs Gardiner murmured some comment in response, but Kitty espied her target and excused herself to walk very fast (not run for that was very unladylike, but one would be hard pressed to see the difference) towards the sighted carriage.
"Lady Matlock, I see you are quite recovered!"
Lady Matlock stretched down her hand and patted Kitty on the cheek. "Yes I am quite recovered, now I wonder if you are pleased for my sake, or because I am well enough to do as you requested?"
Kitty pouted, something she had not done since leaving Meryton. "How could you ask me such a thing?"
"I am only funning, my dear. Now I have done what you asked! And may I say that I have no idea what you shall do to make it up to me, but it shall have to be something very large!"
"Yes, yes, but what did they say?!" Kitty was impatient as Jane and Aunt Gardiner were slowly but surely closing the gap between them.
"Inviting that horrid Bingley woman, and her sister and husband too, to my ball, just so their brother would come! You would be well served if they had accepted and he had refused!"
"He did not?"
"No he did not, they all accepted! And I know that all of Miss Bingley's acquaintance have heard the story exaggerated to the point where I could not have organised the ball without her and how it is given in her honour. Her conceit knows no bounds." Then inexplicably Lady Matlock added, "Poor woman."
Kitty clapped her hands together happily. One obstacle down.
"Ah, Mrs Gardiner, I was on my way to visit you, but I thought perhaps I would see you here. I come to issue an invitation for you, and your niece and Mr Gardiner to my Ball on Friday. It is very short notice, but I have been ill, so you must excuse me."
Jane looked uncomfortable, even after her introduction to Lady Matlock, but Mrs Gardiner deftly answered. "I am afraid I shall have to decline for myself and my husband, but I see no reason that Jane should not go. I assume Mrs Sutton would be willing to escort her."
"But, Aunt, I cannot - "
"And why not, pray? You deserve some fun - "
"And dancing!" Kitty interrupted her aunt. "With all the handsome men!"
Jane blushed, and gave her acceptance sotto voce.
Kitty suppressed the urge to clap her hands together gleefully. Twice in one day was probably too much.
Friday could not come soon enough for Kitty. She was almost impatient with her newly forming court of admirers and was impatient with those who had known her longer.
Georgiana had simply scolded her, informed her tartly that matchmaking never worked and insisted she help sew the chair cover she was making for her brother's return from Rosings. Kitty had resisted the urge to incorporate a rude message on it, she had seen Darcy watching her for the rest of the Opera and he had radiated disapproval. Kitty had never more wanted to slap someone with her fan.
Clara had directed her niece's energy into constructive channels and everyone else had ignored her restlessness, though she had sensed that Giles had been offended or hurt by her shortness with him. Kitty had tried to make amends by only expressing her frustration with those who were impervious to it, namely Miles and Ash.
Georgiana giggled as Kitty yelped.
"Ow!"
"Well, sit still! Otherwise I shall keep sticking these pins into you!"
Georgiana was helping dress Kitty's hair for the ball. They were discussing all the events that Kitty had already been to, and all the people she had met. Kitty had not had much time to tell Georgiana all about her season, due to her brother.
But his last days before leaving for Rosings seemed to suddenly be taken up by urgent business with Bingley. So Kitty, apart from that brief glimpse at the Opera, had not seen him.
Sadly, she had not seen the Colonel either; she had seen a portrait of him that Lord Matlock had shown her and from his and Ash's description of him, he sounded like someone Kitty would love to know.
And now they were both at Rosings, and Kitty hoped that Lizzy was giving one of them, at least, her best effort with regards to teasing and being provoking.
"There, finished." Georgiana stood back and admired her handiwork.
"Thank you," Kitty gave Georgiana a kiss on the cheek.
"Now, how many dances do you have free?"
Kitty rolled her eyes, and looked at her dance card. "Not that many."
Georgiana and Kitty giggled. "A success! I hope though you saved dances for my cousin!"
"Of course, it would be very churlish of me not to considering he was so obliging to bring me into fashion."
Kitty picked up her reticle and her bouquet of flowers and checked herself in the looking glass. "Whether he meant to or not."
Georgiana frowned. "You are being very flippant - you do like Ash...?"
"Of course I do."
Georgiana was not convinced by this and looked worried. "But - "
However at this point Jane entered the room; she was dressed all in white and looked like some fairy princess, but far more elegant than the school room misses that often tried this look.
"Well, I think Aunt Clara is ready to leave..."
"Oh have I kept you both waiting?"
Georgiana complemented Jane's gown profusely, and Jane almost as vehemently shook her head with an accompanying "no, no"
Kitty laughed. "I should never have thought to see you both arguing with each other thus!"
"We are not arguing, Kitty!" exclaimed Jane
"Oh no, but she will not see that she looks so very beautiful," returned Georgiana.
Jane was forced to concede for the sake of harmony.
"It was very kind of you to have this dress made for me, Aunt Clara...I -"
"Oh shush, you are my niece and very beautiful, do I need any other reason to spoil you in this way? What negative construction have you placed on my action?!"
Jane realised she was outmanoeuvred, as she did not think her aunt seriously thought she was being suspicious!
Jane's dance card was not empty, as Kitty had made sure she had introduced her sister to as many gentlemen as possible. It would not do for Mr Bingley to see Jane again, and for Jane to have all the time in the world for him, even if this is what she most wanted to do.
And from the reaction of the gentlemen when they arrived at Lady Matlock's, her remaining dances would be soon solicited.
Kitty hoped this would not happen before Mr Bingley arrived.
"What are you planning, Miss Bennet?" came a voice from behind her.
Kitty frowned. "I am not planning anything my lord, and you really should not sneak up on people like that."
Leaning down Ash looked over Kitty's shoulder at what she was looking at - the door.
"If you are awaiting Mr Bingley, I am afraid he was not invited for dinner. Not even you could cajole my mother into that. I do not think anyone could. "
Kitty sighed. "But that means that Jane might not have any dances left for Mr Bingley."
"Mr Bingley can have my dances."
Kitty turned and frowned. "You asked my sister to dance?"
"It was only polite, but more importantly she is very beautiful."
Kitty suddenly found a burning desire to flirt with one of Lady Matlock's nephews, Mr Andrew Bassett.
As the table for dinner was set according to precedence, Kitty had ample opportunity to do so before the ball actually began.
"Why are you hovering over here near the door?"
"I am waiting for the Bingleys, Belle!"
"Why?" Annabelle sounded horrified; she avoided Miss Bingley whenever she could.
"Never you mind!"
"But..."
Kitty waved frantically at her friend to be silent, because Jane, who had been talking to Clara had moved their way.
"Jane, do you see anyone we know?"
"So many people, and Aunt Clara says there are many more people to come. And who do I know in town, Kitty?"
"I don't know, we may have some acquaintance." Kitty tried to sound innocent.
"You mean you have some acquaintance! So many people, I wonder why people prefer town to the country!"
Jane looked at the milling people and was alarmed, how she did wish she had someone comfortable to talk to. Kitty was as far from comfortable as you could get; she was so at home with all the people, and could not understand at all why Jane could not be.
At this moment Kitty noticed the Bingleys arriving and clutched her sister's arm; indeed it had to be them, for who else would wear such a virulent shade of orange and green together than Miss Bingley?
"Jane, he has come!"
"Who has come?" Jane turned back to her sister in surprise. "Kitty?"
"Mr Bingley!" Kitty hoped she sounded surprised.
Jane looked towards the door, and indeed saw it was Mr Bingley. Then he saw her.
Jane tried to turn away and flee, but Kitty had too strong a grasp.
"Miss Bennet!" Bingley had entirely ignored the etiquette of greeting his host and hostess and had made straight for them.
"Miss Bennet I cannot tell you how delighted to see you! It is...almost three months since I last saw you at the ball at Netherfield. You look so well."
"Mr Bingley," murmured Jane with a simple curtsey.
Annabelle stared at Kitty, Kitty smiled back. It was as if Mr Bingley could see no one else but Jane. Annabelle had hardly ever seen anything like it.
"Indeed. Well, I hope you have a dance available for me Miss Bennet, being such old friends...."
Jane blushed and stared at the floor. "I am afraid sir, that all my dances - "
"Do not be silly Jane, you have the Boulanger, I'm sure you would like to dance that with Mr Bingley," interrupted Kitty firmly.
Jane looked alarmed and whispered at Kitty, "No, Kitty. Lord Ashbourne has already asked for those dances."
"Hang Lord Ashbourne, he is not Mr Bingley!"
Jane looked horrified. "But he will - "
"He won't care, I assure you. I'll dance with him, one Bennet sister for another."
Bingley had a glazed look during these hurried whispers, he only heard snatches of the conversation and wondered what Lord Ashbourne was to Miss Bennet.
"I am not engaged for the Boulanger, sir."
Bingley beamed.
Kitty and Annabelle chose this moment to abandon Jane to Bingley.
Kitty and Annabelle giggled in the small window enclosure they had found.
"I have never seen my sister commit such a social faux-pas!"
"She must love him then," replied Annabelle. "Besides it is only Ash, though he is a stickler for such things."
She paused. "But it is you! I'm sure you could persuade him to do anything."
Kitty's brow furrowed. "Well yes, I think I am becoming very good at making people do things, only look at your mother!"
"That is not what I meant, Kitty."
Kitty ignored her.
1. Minuet | Mr Andrew Basset
|
2. Country Dance | Lord Ashbourne
|
3. Quadrille | Mr Fancot
|
4. Reel | Mr Blaketon
|
5. Cotillion | Mr Simpson
|
6. Country Dance | Mr Gilmore
|
7. Le Boulanger | |
8. Reel | Sir Louis Peppertree
|
9. Cotillion | Mr Bradford
|
10. Country Dance | Sir Christian Montgomery
|
11. Allemande | Lord Ffourkes.
|
12. Sir Roger de Coverley | Mr Soperton |
Kitty examined her dance card happily. Not one dance would she have to sit down unless she chose to ask her partner to do so. She could almost feel that she was back in Meryton. But at least there was no Lydia here to spoil her fun. Though if Kitty were truthful, she would have preferred Lydia's boisterousness to Jane's endless serenity; it was hard to tell if Jane was enjoying herself and whether Kitty's plan was working.
The ball was opened, as usual, according to precedence thus Ash as a son of the house (indeed the only one present) had to lead out the second highest ranking lady in attendance. It was also only polite for Annabelle to do the same with the highest ranking gentlemen.
Kitty danced with Mr Andrew Basset, who had amused her so over dinner. He had also engaged her for these dances several days previously when she had seen him at a drum given by his mother, Lady Marianne. He was a pleasant young man who had decided Kitty was a welcome distraction from the tediousness of the school room misses thrown in his direction by his mother every year.
The dance, however, was forgettable.
Kitty smiled, "It was very clever of you to choose the Boulanger."
Ash looked quizzical, as the dance forced them to part.
"Because now," resumed Kitty when she could, "Miles, to whom I was engaged, can dance with Annabelle, and Bingley can dance with Jane. It is all perfect, and between us we have managed to help two couples."
"Well, it has not happened like that yet, Miss Bennet."
"You won't insist on dancing with Jane." It was hardly a question, rather a statement before they separated again.
Ash made no response to it, instead commenting "Two couples?" In a tone that implied Kitty was wrong.
A quick revision made Kitty look at Ash as though he was silly, "Yes, two couples. "
"If you say so, Miss Bennet."
Kitty laughed. "Well perhaps three couples, if you count us? But you would much prefer to dance with someone else than me I am sure, thus I do not."
Ash made no response to this which, if Kitty looked deep inside herself, hurt. She had expected some glib response where he disclaimed any such thing.
"My next dance is with Mr Fancot, sir."
"Not Giles?"
"I can hardly call him that here!"
"Why not, Miss Bennet?"
"It's hardly proper..."
"Says the young lady who has just engineered grave affronts against the rules that govern a ball?"
Kitty smiled. "But that was in a good cause."
Giles sensed Kitty's nervousness, and most likely attributed it to a different cause than from whence it sprang.
Upon joining the set, Kitty had seen Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst talking quite animatedly to Jane. That could not be a good thing.
Annabelle had spoken much of the Superior Sisters to Kitty and laughed when Kitty had divulged the name that Lizzy had bestowed upon them. So much so that Kitty could, despite the distance, guess what they were saying. Most likely they were talking of Georgiana and how she was madly in love with Mr Bingley and how Mr Bingley was madly in love with Georgiana.
She had tried to beg off from the dance, but Giles was being unusually firm.
"Kitty?"
Kitty jumped and turned to her partner.
"I am sorry but you were most distracted..."
"I am just worried about my sister sir, I hope that she is enjoying herself."
"Well I promise to make her dances with me as enjoyable as possible."
"You asked Jane to dance?" Kitty blinked. Why was everyone asking Jane to dance?
"Of course, as your sister I could hardly do less?"
"You asked her to please me?"
"Of course I asked her to please you. You would not wish to see your sister slighted at a ball, you are too generous."
Kitty smiled. "Thank you, Giles."
This earned her a quick kiss on the hand as they moved with the steps of the dance.
Kitty had no opportunity to talk to her sister, or indeed anyone else but her partners and those she met just off the dance floor in between sets forming, until they all went down to supper.
Mr Gilmore, as her last partner before supper, led her down to it, but asked for, and was granted most politely by Kitty, leave to abandon her to her aunt.
Kitty was beginning to realise how skilful some men could be at avoiding even the hint of the 'parson's mousetrap.'
Kitty sat down with Clara and Jane.
Clara looked at her niece, "How nice of you to join us, Kitty."
Jane smiled. "Aunt Clara, Kitty cannot help being asked to dance every single dance, or that unlike me, she chooses to dance than ask her partners to sit down with her!"
"Are you enjoying yourself Jane?"
Here, Jane's smile disappeared. "Yes, but I should not have told Mr Bingley I would dance the next with him, it's very improper ..."
"Nonsense," injected Clara. "He wishes to dance with you, you wish to dance with him. I wish you would pay no mind to what the Bingley sisters said to you."
"But aunt I was already promised to - "
"What did the Bingley sisters say to you?"
Jane turned to Kitty. "Just how glad there were to see me in town, and how - " here Jane could not continue.
So Clara continued for her, having torturously dragged it out of Jane earlier in the evening. "and how Mr Bingley was promised to Miss Darcy, which both of us know is not the truth."
"Georgiana would faint if she heard she was supposed to be marrying Mr Bingley. I assure you, Jane, she knows she is not the woman for Mr Bingley, and I think she has her own ideas on who would be."
"Oh well I do hope that she is a good woman." Jane tried to eat a spoonful of the repast before her and failed.
"Oh yes, she is an excellent woman, and I can say that having known her all my life."
Jane blinked, "Me?"
"Yes, Georgiana thinks you make an excellent couple."
Jane blushed. "Well I do - "
But she was interrupted by the arrival of the man himself.
"May I?"
Jane nodded and allowed him to sit next to her. Thus she was lost to them, for the entire supper she did nothing but speak quietly to Mr Bingley.
This left Clara and Kitty to talk to the rest of his party.
"So, Miss Kitty, I see you are enjoying London."
"I am Miss Bingley."
"And this is your aunt?"
"Oh do forgive me. Aunt Clara, this is Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley this is my aunt, Mrs Sutton."
Miss Bingley smiled thinly, noting how Kitty had presumed that Mrs Sutton was her social superior.
"And how are you finding having two nieces staying with you, Mrs Sutton? I do hope it is not too cramped."
"Well I only have Catherine with me; Jane is staying with another aunt and uncle"
"Oh, and which aunt and uncle is this?"
"The Gardiners, my mother's brother's family," Kitty responded.
"Oh yes, of course. In Cheapside, what street was it?" commented Mrs Hurst.
"Gracechurch Street," replied Clara smoothly.
"We should call on them, when we are next in that part of town," smiled Mrs Hurst.
"I am sure they would welcome the visit," returned Clara.
Mrs Hurst tried to hide her smile, from the other side of the table, but her sister who had taken a seat next to Clara noticed it and returned a much clearer smirk.
"So do you intend to be in town for very long?" Clara sensed that Kitty had no interest in speaking to either of the sisters and thus it was up to her not to allow the conversation to lull.
She would have to speak to Kitty about that; as much as you may not like some people, sometimes you had to put on a fake smile and pretend, not pick at your supper.
"Oh yes, the entire season, though it will not be the same, unless dear Mr Darcy returns. Are you acquainted with Mr Darcy?"
"I? No, I have never met the gentlemen, though I have heard of him from my nieces."
"He is currently visiting with his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, at Rosings Park in Kent."
Kitty wrinkled her nose in distaste. Miss Bingley sounded triumphant, and Kitty wished she would just vanish.
Clara nodded vaguely, which annoyed both Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, why was she not impressed by such relations?
"Are all your other sisters are home, Miss Kitty?" questioned Mrs Hurst.
"No, Elizabeth is visiting her friend Charlotte Lucas as was, now Mrs Collins at Hunsford. I believe Lady Catherine is Mr Collins' patroness."
It was now Miss Bingley's turn to look disgusted. Miss Eliza near her Mr Darcy. It was insupportable. But Miss Bingley consoled herself with the knowledge that Mr Darcy would return even more strengthened in his resolve to separate her brother from Miss Bennet. Yes, Miss Eliza's presence would only serve to remind Darcy of their utter want in conduct as a family.
Though Miss Bingley did wonder how with such low connections, the Bennets, had managed to be invited to such a prestigious event as this! She did not have long to ponder this, or indeed ask Mrs Sutton, as she had been planning, just to what lengths had she gone to receive an invitation.
Her sister flashed a warning look towards her, making Miss Bingley take in her surroundings. Walking her way was a picture of manly excellence, and certainly would be on her list of gentlemen to earn the devotion of, if it wasn't for Mr Darcy. Sadly she had met Mr Darcy first, and she wasn't stupid enough to think that Mr Darcy would appreciate her flirting with his cousin. She didn't doubt that Darcy had lost the devotion of many women's hearts to his cousin, and adding herself to that list would be stupid. As handsome and eligible as Lord Ashbourne was, he was an enigma and didn't escape matchmaking mama's and daughters, as much as somehow failed to be on their lists, to be blunt, he just eluded them.
No, Darcy was a much safer bet, even though his cousin was by far the bigger prize. Caroline had dreamed often of being one day the Countess of Matlock, but she was quite willing to be Mrs Darcy of Pemberley. Darcy would be an easy husband, she was quite sure of that, and she was equally certain Lord Ashbourne wouldn't be.
However Darcy was not present, so a slight flirtation was not out of the question.
"My dear Lord Ashbourne, how are you?" cooed Miss Bingley.
Ash paused in his movement across the room. He allowed one hand to rest on the back of the nearest chair as he bowed to acknowledge Miss Bingley.
"I am very well, Miss Bingley, and yourself?"
"So glad to be back in town. There are so many amusements here."
"Indeed."
"Though I do not wish you to think that I found either your brother or your cousin poor company!" she laughed.
"No, it would reflect badly on my family if it were so," smiled Ash.
Miss Bingley did not quite understand his lordship so she changed tack, "Do join us?" she tried to surreptitiously indicate the empty seat beside her.
Kitty who had been concentrating on her supper, had turned when Miss Bingley had hailed Ash in such a friendly fashion. He had paused beside her chair, laying a hand on the backrest.
Kitty tried not to smile when she saw him clench ever so slightly when Miss Bingley mentioned his brother and Mr Darcy in such caressing terms. He should be careful she thought, Miss Bingley may take it as jealousy!
Ash nodded his acceptance of Miss Bingley's invitation and smoothly slid into the seat beside Kitty. Miss Bingley blinked in surprise and she and Mrs Hurst shared a look of discontentment.
"Mrs Hurst, Mrs Sutton, Miss Catherine." Then Ash cleared his throat. "Bingley, Miss Bennet."
Bingley looked up from his intense conversation and smiled. "Hello, have you met Miss Bennet? Oh of course you have..." trailing off slightly confused.
Jane blushed. How could she get up from supper to go dance with Mr Bingley if the person she was actually promised to was sitting almost directly opposite her?
Bingley saw Jane's blush and frowned but he chose to ignore it.
"Caroline, Miss Bennet and I were talking about how nice it might be to take a trip out to Richmond..."
Miss Bingley frowned, "But Charles..."
"I think it's a lovely idea!" injected Kitty. "As long as the weather holds...and if it does not I am sure we could move the party indoors?"
"An excellent idea, Miss Kitty! What do you say, Caroline? Louisa? Tuesday perhaps?"
"I am afraid that we have promised to visit dear Georgiana."
Bingley's face fell - "What about - "
"And we are much engaged around town, you know that, Charles," replied Mrs Hurst.
"I am sure Georgiana would be happy to accompany you on Tuesday, Bingley, thus fulfilling everybody's wishes."
Bingley looked gratefully at Ash. "Well? Miss Bennet foresees no problems, and of course Mrs Sutton, Miss Kitty, you would be welcome as well, for you are as - "
Bingley stopped here, realising that a public announcement of his feelings would not be appreciated by many, especially perhaps Miss Bennet, considering he still did not know if Darcy was right and that she did not feel any decided partiality for him.
"We would love to accept." Clara smiled. She had to hand it to Kitty, she was turning out to be a very adroit matchmaker. Though she had an easy couple to work with, two people who no sooner had to look at each other again than to wish for nothing more than to speak to each other, and only each other.
Miss Bingley frowned. A whole day with Bennets and nothing more than a day of attempting to separate Charles from Jane! Though Georgiana would be with them; Miss Bingley genuinely liked Georgiana, despite not understanding her shyness. She just needed, in Miss Bingley's opinion, a push in the right direction. But a day where Charles would be comparing both ladies, Georgiana would not emerge victorious.
Miss Bingley sighed. She could do nothing to stop the planned amusement now, she would just look uncivil and unmannered. But she could attempt to make the day more enjoyable.
"Lord Ashbourne, will you not come to chaperone your cousin? Indeed I think another male in our party would not go amiss."
Kitty rolled her eyes slightly. Miss Bingley would do better to not be so transparent.
Under the table Clara, remonstrated with her niece by tapping her arm sharply.
"I would be delighted Miss Bingley, that is if Bingley does not mind?"
"Of course I do not mind! It would be delightful!"
Supper was soon over and Miss Bingley could hardly contain her disappointment when Lord Ashbourne rose from the table.
"I believe this is my dance Miss Bennet?" he said holding out his hand.
Miss Bingley noticed the change of colour that diffused Jane's face and wondered. Perhaps Jane would accomplish what it seemed neither Charles' sisters or friend could do. It was not so incredible that perhaps she would like Lord Ashbourne more than Charles.
Charles looked confused and Miss Bingley wondered exactly what was happening, until Miss Kitty stood up and placed her hand in Lord Ashbourne's.
"I believe this is our dance my lord."
Miss Bingley was perturbed to see the look of disapproval and remonstration on Miss Kitty's face, and was even more perturbed by the inscrutable look of response on his lordship's.
**** Dance Cards. Oh how difficult the internet is about them. Also I don't know if "two dances" that each lady danced with a partner was one dance on the list? Anyway I tried. Also I have a feeling that, yes, Kitty standing up twice in one ball with the same man would be remarked upon.