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Posted on Tuesday, 1 January 2002
It is a truth universally acknowledged that middle sisters are often forgotten. Well, not in my story.
"But Mama! We were particularly invited!" Kitty whined. "You must let us go!"
"Certainly not! If you two leave, I shall be left with no one but Mary, and she has no compassion for my nerves," Mrs. Bennet replied. "All she does is quote from her books all day."
"Mama!"
"Well she does! And it pains me to know that she will never marry to some rich gentleman!" Mrs. Bennet cried.
"But Lizzy wishes us to be there!" Kitty cried.
"I don't care if his majesty himself invited you, you are not going. I cannot spare two of my daughters now, only two months away from Christmas!" Mrs. Bennet clucked. "What of all the coming balls and parties? All of the eligible young men?"
"But Lizzy promised to take Jane and myself to many balls while we're in town, and I am sure that we'll be thrown into the paths of very rich, single bachelors!" Kitty argued.
"Jane already has the attentions of Mr. Winterbury, and I am sure that he will soon be proposing," Mrs. Bennet replied with another cluck. "As for you, you are only nineteen, and hardly that at all!"
"But there may be men with more than two thousand pounds a year in London that will fall in love with Jane and propose to her," Kitty added.
"I would rather have a certain two thousand than a possible ten thousand!" Mrs. Bennet screeched.
(I must take the time out to say right now that Mr. Winterbury is still in admiration of Jane, God help us. After Lizzy and Darcy's wedding, he, to Mrs. Bennet, tragically had to sail out to America in order to finish up a business deal. He returned only a few weeks ago, after being gone for over a year, and immediately sought Jane again, much to everyone's displeasure but Mrs. Bennet's.)
"If Jane cannot go, then at least let me! I have no suitors here in Meryton, and it would be a very good experience for me to be in town!" Kitty argued, and Mrs. Bennet's resistance began to weaken.
"All right! You may write to Lizzy and tell her that you will be arriving in a few days. But only for a month! I will not have you gone during Christmas!" Mrs. Bennet said firmly. "But all of this has left me very distressed! I just hope you do find a husband, or this will be a wasted trip!"
"I am sorry, Mama," Kitty replied sympathetically.
"Oh, where is Hill! I am in dire need of some tea to calm my nerves!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, placing her hand to her forehead as she walked towards the kitchen. Kitty just sighed and rolled her eyes, making her way up to Jane's room, where she knocked quietly on her door.
"Come in," Jane's voice answered, and Kitty opened the door quietly. "Oh, Kitty, it's you! I thought it might be Mama. Come in!"
"I regret to inform you that I'm the bringer of bad news," Kitty said with a small sigh.
"Mama refuses to let me go."
"You are right, as usual Jane," Kitty replied with a heavy heart.
"It should be expected. She just assumes that Mr. Winterbury will propose shortly," Jane said slowly. "Although I wish he wouldn't."
"There isn't a written law that you have to accept his proposal, Jane," Kitty said, remembering a time when this statement was true. "Just refuse when he asks."
"I sincerely want to Kitty, but ... who's to say that I'll ever be proposed to again?" Jane asked, small tears in her eyes.
"Jane, the sooner he asks, the sooner you refuse, the sooner you can stay with Lizzy! Mr. Darcy must have some friends who would make a good husband for you!" Kitty exclaimed, and Jane smiled.
"But think about how much comfort it would be to our family if I married someone with two thousand a year," Jane added.
"Jane, Lydia is married to Mr. Collins, insuring that we will never have to give up Longbourn when our father dies. Lizzy is married to Mr. Darcy, who has ten thousand a year, and two homes. Our family has enough comfort!" Kitty replied, slightly agitated, and Jane smiled.
"I suppose you are right, but I don't want to embarrass him refusing him ..." Jane trailed off.
"Then pray he dies in a carriage accident tonight," Kitty said with a smirk as she left the room, all the while feeling sorry for her sister. However, Kitty shook off the feeling as she went to her room and began to pack for her trip to London.
Posted on Tuesday, 1 January 2002
"Kitty!" Elizabeth cried, running up to her sister and scooping her up in her arms. "It is so good to see you!"
"You as well!" Kitty replied happily. "You don't know how happy I am to see you!"
"It's seems like ages since I've seen you! Oh, how I've missed you, and the rest of our family!" Elizabeth cried, hugging Kitty once more.
"Come home then! You can't imagine how crazy our lives are! Just image what Longbourn will be like if Jane leaves!" Kitty cried, and Elizabeth laughed.
"I think I'll try not to." Kitty noticed that Elizabeth seemed to be glowing, but that could be expected from someone so happily situated in life. "Come, you must see the baby."
"Oh, really? I absolutely must?" Kitty teased in a snooty, high voice that sounded very much like Lady Catherine's, and Elizabeth just laughed as she dragged her down three halls towards a bluish sitting room, where a small cradle lay nearby an armchair.
"I will not be disturbing him, will I?" Kitty asked cautiously, looking at the tiny form in the cradle.
"Of course not! He's just awoken from his nap, if it makes you feel any better. But he loves attention, the little ham he is. He was even patient for half an hour while Lady Catherine foretold all of the great events of his life," Elizabeth said, placing the baby gently in Kitty's arms.
Kitty looked down to see the most beautiful little boy, her nephew, in her arms. He had bits of fine, dark black curls on the top of his head, and very smooth skin. His nose and lips were very fine and dignified, and his little fingers had the strongest, yet gentlest, grip Kitty had ever felt. But the most noticeable feature of her little nephew was his eyes. His dark, laughing eyes that were the exact replicas of his mother's.
"He has your eyes, Lizzy. I imagine he looks almost like you, when you were a baby," Kitty exclaimed, and Elizabeth just smiled.
"That is just what William says, but I have to admit that I see more of him in our child than I see of me," Elizabeth said with a small sigh. "Not that it's a problem or anything."
"You named him William, didn't you?" Kitty asked, looking down at the four-month old baby in her arms, who gurgled in reply.
"William Richard George Darcy. William for his father, Richard for his favorite cousin, and George for his grandfather," Elizabeth said proudly. "Which reminds me. I have something to tell you that you probably won't like."
"What is it?" Kitty asked, giving Elizabeth a curious look.
"We have another visitor," Elizabeth said quietly. "An ... an acquaintance of William's and myself."
"Oh, if that's the problem, I don't mind one bit! I should be glad to meet any acquaintance of your family's!"
"The thing is, you've already met him."
"That's ridiculous!" Kitty exclaimed. "I don't know any of your husband's friend except for.... oh dear."
"We had no clue that he was going to stay with us until yesterday, Kitty, when he appeared out of no where," Elizabeth said quietly. "William hasn't seen him since, well, Kent back when we were visiting Lydia. William said he hasn't had one single letter or note from him since, and he's been worried sick. We couldn't very well just tell him to come back some other time, or we may never see him again."
"I see," Kitty said slowly. "I suppose it had to happen sometime, as we are slightly related now. How is he?"
"He has some money now, although I don't know how or how much," Elizabeth replied. "He's also been made a general. I don't know the particulars, but it seems it happened a few months after our wedding."
"Good for him."
"I thought so as well."
"So why is he in London? To flaunt his new title around?" Kitty asked snootily.
"He's probably here to discard his role as the bachelor in the family, find himself a wife. It would do him some good, and bring some cheer back into his demeanor," Elizabeth added. "I'd have to admit that he's very changed since you saw him last."
"I shall try not to cry," Kitty said sarcastically.
"He did seem very interested when I mentioned you were to be staying with us."
"Fine and dandy."
"Kitty!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Try and be a bit cheerier while you're here!"
"Fine. Where is he now?"
"William went to speak with his attorney this morning, and Richard went with him. I believe they may stop by at Mr. Bingley's afterward, and perhaps go to a club," Elizabeth replied.
"Good. I won't have to face him until the evening."
"Kitty, that was very rude of you to say!"
"He's probably ready to rip my head off for what happened in Kent," Kitty added. "He's probably been given some very powerful weaponry now that's he's a general."
"Kitty ..." Elizabeth started before bursting out laughing.
"He's probably ready to rip my heart out and send it to the French. Or send it to some cannibals in the West Indies. I'm sure they'd love the delicacy of a human heart."
"Kitty ... I just want to know that you're all right with Richard staying here," Elizabeth asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course I am!" Kitty lied. "Don't you worry one bit about me! I'll be fine. Besides, I'm sure he won't try to kill me while you and William are around."
"Kitty!"
Posted on Tuesday, 1 January 2002
The gentlemen did not return home until late, after Elizabeth and Kitty had both finished up their dinner and retreated to various parts of the house. Elizabeth was in her chambers, as she had already put William to sleep. Kitty, on the other hand, was in the library, reading a book of Shakespeare that she had found on the table when she heard the door open. Her head flew up in surprise, and her eyes widened with shock as she saw Colonel (now General) Richard Fitzwilliam enter the room.
"Oh, pardon me. I thought from Elizabeth that you had retired already," Richard replied, his voice emotionless.
"It's fine. I was about to retire soon, so no bother," Kitty replied quietly, turning her head back towards her book.
Richard just sighed and walked towards a shelf nearby, looking intently at each book's title, pulling book after book from the shelf only to reject each. Kitty had to admit, as she stole glances in his direction, that he was still very handsome. His light brown hair was still wild, and she laughed inside as she watched him try to tame one piece. He was a bit taller, but no taller than her brother, William, but seemed to be built now as a general. And his eyes were still piercing blue, but now looked icy rather than laughing. Kitty just sighed as she turned back to her book, as it was no concern of hers.
Richard took this time to look back at her, and cleared his throat. Kitty, hearing this, pretended to be deeply engrossed in what she was reading, which happened to be one page that she'd been reading for the past five minutes without success. Richard coughed again, and Kitty looked up, slightly agitated.
"I suppose we'd better talk, and clear up any differences we have now, so we can rule out any unpleasantness while we are both here," Richard said, looking at her intently. "For your sister and my cousin's sake."
"I suppose."
Richard walked towards Kitty and sat down in the armchair next to hers. He took a deep breath and then looked at her.
"I just want you to know that I hold no grudge towards you for what happened in Kent, and I hope the same assurances from you," Richard said quietly. "I also, sincerely, hope that we can become friends now, as we are both cousins through marriage."
Kitty sighed and thought about this for a moment.
"I don't hold anything against you either, and it would be a lie to said I did," Kitty replied after much thought.
"So we are friends now?"
"If that is how acquaintances become friends, I suppose we are," Kitty said, and Richard let loose a small smile.
"Well, then, let us talk like friends. I have not seen you for over a year, and you seem to have changed quite a bit since then," Richard replied, and added hastily, "In a good way, of course. In maturity, and what not."
"Thank you for the complement, although that is due to the absence of my younger sister, Lydia."
"Mrs. Collins?"
"Yes. When we were younger, she was very wild, and I, being the closest to her age, followed her in suit. But when she married, I was more in Elizabeth's, and later Jane's, company, and it made me who I am now," Kitty stated.
"It was a very good change, I will admit. You seem very old for your years, and very wise."
"Thank you. But what about you? I hear you are a general now," Kitty asked, curious as to what he could be doing for so long without writing to his favorite cousin, William, at least.
"Yes, I was promoted shortly after your sister's wedding to my cousin (helped along in my station by an elderly relative of mine), and I was sent farther north, near the border with Scotland," Richard related. "A few months later, I heard word that one of my aunts (and Darcy's as well) had died, and, having no children, left me one of her estates in a county nearby Derbyshire (only twenty miles from Pemberley) and an annual four thousand pounds."
"How fortunate for yourself!"
" I suppose I am. I believe that, as the younger son, she felt sorry for my situation and left it to me, thinking I would be grateful for her to bestow such kindness from me."
"You are not grateful?" Kitty asked, surprised.
"No, I am. I took leave from my office for a few months to get my affairs situated, but I have to confess that I missed the army while I was in Bath."
"Are you to return?"
"Yes, after Christmas, and after all my affairs are in secure order. I believe that the estate will do fine while I am away," Richard added. "I have left Darcy in control of any major problems that arise while I am away, and the housekeeper will manage all other affairs. Although hopefully there will be no more serious problems that need my direct attention."
"It seems you are very devoted to the army to return. I am sure that many younger sons would immediately start living highly in London, and would not wish to work for a living once more," Kitty added. "Which is not always the best solution."
"I suppose I'll retire from the army when I marry. It can only be expected," Richard said quietly.
"Suppose your wife wishes you to continue? Surely she would not want you to give up something you enjoy so much?" Kitty asked. She had always envisioned marriage as true love between two people, and this did not sound like true love to her.
"You don't know the women of London, nor the unwritten code of marriage," Richard said, raising his eyebrows and pretending to laugh. Kitty could tell that deep in his eyes he was talking seriously, from the heart. "Any single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife, and that wife must be rich. She must be well bred, high in society, and must be a socialite of all parties and gatherings. No woman from a good family would wish to give up her London high life to be a general's wife."
"Sounds very snobbish to myself. Is that really how it works?" Kitty asked.
"In most situations."
"I'm glad I didn't grow up in London," Kitty replied. "And Lizzy never had a problem, it seems."
"She and Darcy seemed to be made for each other," Richard added. "I was very glad to hear that they had married, for they seemed on the verge of it at Rosings."
"Now, if it were only so easy to find your soul mate as it was for those two, life would be very easy."
"Indeed? For yourself?" Richard was quite confused at what she had just said. Kitty just laughed.
"No, for my sister, Jane."
"Does she have a problem finding a suitor?"
"No!" Kitty exclaimed with a smile. "Quite the opposite! You see, lately she's been receiving unwanted attentions from a Mr. Winterbury, who resides near our home."
"These are unwanted?"
"Mr. Winterbury is the worst kind of man possible! He is very short, twice as fat, with very oily hair and a greasy complexion! He snivels and snarfles, but always seems to have some greasy complement to impress someone's mother!" Kitty added, rolling her eyes.
"I see."
"Oh, my mother loves the man! She's practically planning Jane's wedding to him as we speak!"
"How does your sister feel about the man?" Richard asked. How did we ever start up on this crazy topic?
"Horrible! She wants to refuse his proposals, which I said she should do, but instead, she feels sorry for the poor man! I mean, he could do with a good refusal to knock him off his high horse!" Kitty exclaimed with a smile.
Instead of smiling back, Richard became very uneasy and shifted his attentions to his hands, which were busily wringing in his lap. Kitty, realizing her fault, quickly bit her tongue, wishing that it would bleed so she would be in pain too.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it as a reference towards yourself," Kitty said quietly.
"No, no. It is quite all right. Don't distress yourself over it," Richard replied, while still looking hurt.
The clock in the room struck eleven, and Richard scratched his hair.
"I suppose I should retire now. Good evening, Miss Kitty." Richard said with a bow.
"Good evening, General," Kitty added with equal diplomacy, as she watched with a slight twinge of jealousy and guilt as he exited the room. And with a sigh, she continued back to her book.
Posted on Friday, 4 January 2002
It should so happen that Kitty went to her first party only two days after arriving. The party was actually a small social gathering for a few families (all of high status, of course) by a close friend of Darcy's, Sir Robert Allen.
Sir Allen was an elderly man, married, and had one son who was currently at the University. Kitty found Sir Allen very pleasant, and not at all like Sir Lucas. Sir Lucas was selfish, and boasted of his title and place in court (as did his wife), while Sir Allen was benevolent, and Kitty did not hear one word of praise come from his mouth that was not about someone else. Lady Allen was very genteel, with an amiable smile and friendly manner, and Kitty enjoyed conversing with her.
However, out of the corner of Kitty's eye, she noticed a tall, slender girl, perhaps a few years older than herself. She sat in the corner of the room, in a light pink dress of fine material, her blonde hair perfectly placed and her blue eyes scanning around the room for a familiar face. The girl looked uneasy, and Kitty hated to see her so.
"Sir Allen? Forgive me, but ... who is that young lady in the corner?"
"Ah, that is Miss Woodridge. She has just arrived in town, and is staying with her Aunt, the Lady Richardson on Williams Street," Sir Allen said with pride. "Would you like me to introduce you?"
Kitty nodded, and Richard just shrugged and followed (as he had become quite her shadow for the afternoon) Kitty as Sir Allen moved gracefully across the room to the corner where Miss Woodridge sat. Miss Woodridge looked startled as she saw the group walked towards her, and her eyes darted to and fro, as if searching for the rightful owner of the party's attentions. Noticing no one around her, she quickly stood up.
"Miss Catherine Bennet, General Fitzwilliam, may I introduce to you Miss Eleanor Woodridge," Sir Allen said with a smile. "I shall leave you youngsters off to your conversations now." With that comment, he walked away chuckling.
"It is very nice to meet you both," Miss Woodridge replied sweetly. "I have not been in town long and I don't know very many people."
"It is very nice to meet you as well," Kitty added, and Richard just nodded his head in agreement.
"Excuse me, ladies," Richard said, obviously not wanted to join in at any frivolous conversation that he assumed the two would talk about. Miss Woodridge glanced at him as he walked away, looking longingly at him, sighing.
"Have you been in town long, Miss Bennet?" Miss Woodridge asked, and Kitty shook her head.
"I just arrived two days ago, from Meryton. I am staying with my sister and her husband," Kitty replied. When Miss Woodridge looked confused, Kitty added, "The Darcys."
"Oh, they are your relations? How splendid. My aunt talks very highly of the Darcy family. What of the handsome General you were with?" Miss Woodridge asked, her eyebrows arched.
"We are not engaged, if you mean that. He is Mr. Darcy's cousin, and is staying with them as well," Kitty said quietly, and Miss Woodridge's face changed a bit towards a happy demeanor. "And you? Have you been in London long?"
"Oh, only a week. I am staying with my aunt, on Williams street, as I have just recently come out," Miss Woodridge replied. "My parents believe it will do me well if I stay with her, as she can point me in the right direction towards a suitable suitor."
"I see," was all Kitty said, as she found this comment somewhat presumptuous and haughty.
"Excuse me for my bluntness, Miss Bennet, but is there something less ... formal I may call you? I find formality a bit stuffy, especially if we are to be friends," Miss Woodridge asked. She's assuming a bit much, thought Kitty.
"Most of my family and friends call me 'Kitty'."
"That will do nicely, Kitty, and you must call me Ellie. I've never like the name Eleanor much," Ellie said, wincing slightly. "I would have much rather been called something noble, like Victoria or Alexandra. But I suppose one cannot be choosy. Besides, my mother was determined to name me after her favorite aunt, and there is no way my mother changes her mind once she's settled on something."
"I see."
"But I know, dear Kitty, that we shall become excellent friends while we are both in London, and afterward, for I am an excellent writer," Ellie said, and Kitty inwardly rolled her eyes.
"I am sure we shall," Kitty lied (but only slightly).
"Oh, you are so good to come and talk to me! I confess that I knew not one person throughout the entire group, and I was growing into the depths of despair!" Ellie replied gracefully. "You are much too pretty and good, dear Kitty!"
"Thank you, Miss ... Ellie, but I do not deserve your praise."
"Kitty! I have a grand idea! We must do something tomorrow!"
"Um," Kitty said, biting her lip. "Like what?"
"There is a beautiful park near my home. You shall come for tea in the morning, and then we shall go on a long walk, and you can tell me all about yourself!" Ellie replied, quite satisfied with her plan.
"I suppose, after I have checked with my sister and ensured that it is all right..."
"No, dear Kitty! I shall be selfish and proclaim that you will attend, with or without her permission!" Ellie said, grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the punch bowl. "Oh, we will be such good friends!"
What have I gotten myself into? Kitty thought.
Posted on Friday, 4 January 2002
How did I get here? Kitty asked herself, as she sat sipping tea with a fake smile on her face. Kitty had been sitting with a smile plastered on her face for the last hour in the yellow tearoom of Lady Richardson's townhouse, where every minute seemed like a day. Focus, Kitty told herself. Don't be rude by daydreaming, even if you'd rather be with Lizzy and William and ... yes, the General.
"So I told him I would not dance with him if he was the last gentleman on earth!" Ellie said with a laugh, and Kitty giggled lightly. "Can you not imagine the look on his face?"
"Oh yes. He must have been dreadfully upset," Kitty replied.
"More embarrassed than anything else, but I wouldn't have dance with him for anything in the world!" Ellie exclaimed. "And then there was Mr. Bickerstaff, who was only tolerable for my taste."
"Why was that?"
"He only had three thousand pounds a year!" Ellie said. "Can you imagine marrying someone so lowly?"
Kitty just sighed.
"I know! That's exactly how I felt! But at least he knew that I only found him tolerable - I made sure to mention that to his friend while he was nearby." How rude! Kitty thought to herself, desperately trying to think of a way to change the subject.
"It is a beautiful day out, Ellie. Might we go for a walk?" Kitty asked, tired of being cooped up indoors.
"You are so brilliant, Kitty! Of course we can! Let me just go get my wraps and a bit of money; you never know when you might spot something absolutely splendid when you're walking by!" Ellie giggled, and Kitty laughed. She sounds so much like Lydia!
The girls walked down to the park; slowly, of course, because Ellie was too busy talking to walk quickly, and due to the fact that she kept noticing bonnets that she wished to buy. Kitty, after three stops, persuaded her to look later, as they wouldn't want to walk around with the hatboxes. Ellie giggled and exclaimed that Kitty was too bright for her age, and the two walked on towards the park, one joyfully and the other reluctantly.
"Oh, look at the beautiful trees! They are absolutely exquisite!" Ellie exclaimed happily. "Oh, I wonder what kind they are!"
"I do not know, and wonder just the same. I suppose I could ask William when I return home; he would know something like that," Kitty replied, and Ellie shook her head.
"No, no! I could not wait that long to find out! I must know now what kind they are, or I shall go distracted!" Ellie replied. "Look, let us ask that man there!"
"Ellie, I don't think that is very wise. You don't know what kind of people may be in this kind of a park..."
"Oh, he seems to be a gentleman to me, and a very handsome one at that! Come along, Kitty; let us ask him!" Ellie added, pulling Kitty with her as she walked towards the young man, standing near a grove of trees.
"Excuse me, young man, but do you know what type of trees those are?" Ellie asked.
"Which trees, ma'am?" the man asked.
"Those trees!"
"Which?" Ellie grew impatient.
"Those! Or those, over there! Really sir, I demand to know!" Ellie clucked.
"Oh, those over there!" the man exclaimed, as he grabbed Ellie and Kitty and pushed them towards the grove, out of sight. Ellie just looked at Kitty with a curious look, and Kitty noticed that the man looked very grim.
"All right, you giggling nitwits, listen to me. Give me all the money you've got, along with those fine necklaces, and I'll let you go peacefully," the man said in a gruff voice.
It took a minute for Kitty to realize that they were being robbed, and Ellie, also realizing this, began to cry as she took off her jewelry and gave it to the man. She also slowly handed him her purse, and the man counted it to be nearly twenty pounds.
"Now for your necklace!" the man said loudly to Kitty. Grandmama's necklace? I'm not giving this up without a fight Kitty thought.
"No."
"Kitty! Give him the necklace!" Ellie said through gritted teeth.
"No! I will not give him my grandmother's necklace!" Kitty said determinedly. "Besides, what is he going to do if I don't?"
"Unless you'd like to feel cool steel against your bone, I'd hand over the necklace," the man said angrily, as he pulled out a knife. Kitty swallowed heavily, but stood firm.
"No."
"Kitty!" Ellie shrieked. "Kitty, don't!"
"Is that your decision, young lady?" the man asked, an evil glint in his eyes.
"I'll never give up this necklace without a fight..." Kitty replied, as she spat in the man's face.
The man, confused as he wiped the spit off of his face, looked angrily at Kitty. He pulled the knife out a bit more, and grabbed Kitty's arm, trying to pull her closer to him. In response, Kitty kicked him in the leg, injuring him for a moment's time, before he regained control over Kitty.
"Kitty!" Ellie screamed again, moved a bit as if to help. The robber, sensing an attack, pushed Ellie down, and she lay on the ground, too afraid to move. The robber then decided to turn on Kitty.
"Believe me, young lady, I'll get that necklace from you!"
Kitty closed her eyes, trying to prepare for death, the best she could. And then, out of nowhere, came a voice.
"Unhand her!"
Posted on Tuesday, 8 January 2002
" Unhand her! " a voice cried. This startled the robber, causing him to drop both the knife and Kitty's arm. " I repeat, Unhand her!"
Kitty looked up slowly, to see an unrecognizable gentleman standing nearby. He was very tall, and handsome, with flashing, deep green eyes and elegant dark brown hair that looked as soft as the feathers on a swan. He seemed to be dressed as grandly as her brother, but with a pleasant, rather than dignified, look on his face.
"I wasn't doing nothing!" the robber cried, looking to his left and his right for a quick getaway. "I swear!"
"Somehow, I don't believe you, sir. Constable, search this man!" the handsome gentleman replied, his loud voice echoing amongst the trees.
The robber was obviously frightened by the man, and was doing his best to hide his fear. The constable, who seemed to have appeared out of thin air, immediately began to search the man, patting down his sides and searching through his coat until he discovered Ellie's purse and necklace.
"Are these yours, ma'am?" the constable asked Kitty, who shook her head.
"They are my companion's ... who seems to have fainted," Kitty observed as she looked at her new "friend" who lay motionless on the ground.
"Is there anyone else who can vouch for her ownership?" the constable asked.
"Yes, her aunt, Lady Richardson on Williams Street," Kitty replied. The constable seemed satisfied with this reply, and handed over the belongings.
"As for you, sir, it is to the prison for you," the constable said gruffly as he pulled the kicking and screaming robber away.
Kitty looked at this sight until the man was far out of view, for she did not know what exactly to make of the situation right in front of her. The most important thing to be done was bring Ellie back home, but how would that be accomplished.
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet?"
"Ack!" Kitty yelped as she felt a finger touch her shoulder. She turned around quickly and found herself face to face with the gentleman.
"I am sorry. I have forgotten what you and Ellie have been through today," the man replied sincerely.
"It is fin ... how do you know my name?" Kitty asked, giving him a quizzical look.
"So sorry. Let me introduce myself - Mr. Henry Woodridge, at your service ma'am."
"Woodridge? Then you are ."
"Eleanor's brother. Yes, you are quite right," Henry replied with a smile. "And you must be the famous Miss Catherine Bennet."
"That is correct ..."
"Ellie left word that you two were to go on a walk together, to this very park. I only arrived here in London an hour ago. I had planned to surprise you, but I see you've had enough surprises for today," Henry replied, and Kitty laughed.
The more she looked at Henry, the more she felt her knees weaken, until she nearly fell to the ground. However, she grabbed furiously onto Henry's shoulder, and he buckled his knees to support the new weight.
"I am sorry, Miss Bennet. You are probably very shaken, and we should return Ellie home as soon as possible," Henry said. "I had hoped she would awaken, but she seems almost asleep."
"Yes, we should get Ellie home," Kitty agreed. "I hope she will be alright."
"Oh, don't worry, Miss Bennet. Ellie will be fine - she's a strong girl. I remember once, though, when she was ten, she fainted at a party and was out for three days straight!" Henry laughed at this remembrance. "Oh, the good times. Anyway, we should be off."
With this comment, he picked up Ellie and began walking slowly yet quickly towards his aunt's home. Kitty had to quicken her pace to keep up with him, and tried to find some topic of conversation that the both could talk about.
"Do you often come to London?" Kitty asked, and Henry shook his head.
"No, although I come more often than I wish to," Henry answered. "I much more prefer the country, with its clean air and enchanting people."
"I see."
"Where are you from, Miss Bennet? You seem to carefree to be from London. Not that it is a bad quality in a woman," Henry said quickly.
"I am from Meryton."
"Ah, Meryton! I believe I looked at a home nearby, called Netherfield. Charming place, really."
"Netherfield is but three miles from where I live," Kitty said with a small laugh. "We were almost neighbors."
"There is still a chance that we may be, Miss Bennet, for I am still looking for an estate of my own," Henry replied with a grin, and Kitty smiled inwardly.
"It is a very fine estate, with many offers, although one can't find why no one has lent it yet," Kitty added.
"Indeed. It is a fair enough property, I grant you, and the neighborhood is quite charming. I should be happy to stay my whole life there," Henry said contentedly.
"I must agree with you," Kitty said. "Although my opinion is somewhat bias." This let out a laugh from Henry, and Kitty could not help but laugh as much herself.
"Kitty!?" a voice cried from behind.
Kitty turned around to look, and saw Richard hurry towards her with a confused look on his face. Kitty tried to smile to show that she was all right, but a tear escaped from her face after the realization of what had happened that day.
"Good Lord, Kitty. What is the matter?" Richard asked, and, after noticing Ellie's limp body, "What happened?"
"I ... we ... we..." Kitty began, stuttering instead of speaking.
"Miss Bennet and my sister were involved in an attempted robbery this afternoon in the nearby park," Henry replied formally. "I, however, as I passed by, noticed what was taking place, alerted the constable, and stopped the robbery from happening."
"Oh," was all that Richard could say.
An awkward pause took form, and Kitty searched for something she could say to ease the uneasiness of the group.
"Um, Richard, this is Mr. Henry Woodridge, Eleanor's sister. This is my brother's cousin, General Richard Fitzwilliam," Kitty stuttered, wishing at that moment that she had more confidence in herself.
"Please to meet you," Henry said delightedly with a bow.
"Likewise," Richard replied with a bit less joy. "Kitty, my carriage is not too far away. Would you like me to escort you home?"
"I..."
"It would save the trouble of using one of the Woodridge's," Richard insisted, and Kitty nodded.
"Yes, that would be fine," Kitty replied. "But I do not want to leave Ellie..."
"Nonsense, Miss Bennet!" Henry said. "You may call upon Ellie tomorrow, when she is sure to be awake."
"But..."
"Do not worry, Miss Bennet. As I said, Ellie is very strong. She'll recover and be out shopping for new bonnets by tomorrow morning," Henry assured, and Kitty just smiled.
"Well, I suppose we'll be off. Give my regards to your aunt, and Ellie," Kitty replied with a small smile, and Richard just gave a heartless nod in Henry's direction.
"Good day, Miss Bennet. General," Henry replied as he continued to walk down the street towards his home.
Posted on Tuesday, 8 January 2002
The carriage ride home was very quiet, as Kitty was too embarrassed to say anything, and Richard was trying desperately to think of what to say, as his mind drew up a blank. However, after what seemed to be decades, the carriage pulled in front of the Darcy townhouse. As soon as they were inside, Richard broke the ice.
"It still can't comprehend how two girls were in an 'attempted robbery' in a large park full of people," Richard said with a weird look on his face.
"Robberies can happen anywhere, General. Besides, if I had to make a choice, I would have rather it didn't happen," Kitty replied bitterly.
"I suppose one of you must have walked out with a purse full of coins."
Kitty just cleared her throat while she thought an answer. Not able to think up a good lie, she stuck with the truth.
"Ellie did."
"Oh, well, nothing says 'rob me' better is a young girl with a purse full of pounds jangling about. No wonder you were almost robbed," Richard said with a bit of sarcasm on his tongue.
"No, Ellie was, as I refused to give him my necklace," Kitty said, then, realizing, bit her tongue.
"You refused to give him your necklace!" Richard cried as they entered the yellow sitting room, and both Elizabeth and William looked up.
"What happened, Kitty?" Elizabeth asked softly. Kitty was about to answer, but Richard beat her to it.
"You'll never believe this one. Kitty goes off, nearly gets herself robbed, and has the audacity to refuse to give the robber her necklace," Richard said loudly. "I'll bet he pulled a knife on you."
"You were robbed?" William asked with concern.
"Really, it was nothing at all," Kitty lied. "Just a small mishap."
"Kitty, what happened," Elizabeth asked. She had always been able to see through lies, and this lie was no different. Kitty sighed.
"I was out with Eleanor, you see..."
"Who just happened to be carrying a purse full of money," Richard added, and Kitty threw him an angry look.
"Yes, and she wanted to know what kind of trees were in the park..."
"The maples," Richard added, and Kitty threw him another look.
" Yes, the maples, I suppose. So Eleanor goes up to this man nearby and asks him what kind they are. Before we know it, he's got us in a small patch of trees, holding us at bay with a knife and demanding that we hand over our money and jewelry," Kitty said quietly.
"Knew it was a knife," Richard muttered, and William threw him a warning glance.
"What happened next, Kitty?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well, Eleanor gave him her purse and her necklace, and then he turned on me for my necklace," Kitty began.
"So you gave it to him?" Elizabeth asked.
"You know, the one grandmama gave to me before she died," Kitty replied, changing the subject.
"But you gave it to him, correct?" Elizabeth asked again.
"Well ..."
"No, Elizabeth, she didn't. Actually, from what I hear, she plain flat out refused to," Richard stated with a sweet look. "I bet the robber wasn't happy with that."
"Kitty, you didn't!" Elizabeth asked, in shock.
"Well...I did. I didn't mean to! I just didn't want to give up grandmama's necklace without a fight!" Kitty said persistently.
"So what did he do?" William questioned.
"He pulled out a knife, and I believe was ready to kill me for the necklace," Kitty said quickly.
"Oh, Kitty," Elizabeth replied, tears coming to her eyes. "How foolish for you."
"Luckily, however, Eleanor's brother came and rescued us from the robber. He was so brave, and took charge so well," Kitty gushed.
"Mr. Henry Woodridge," Richard added.
"Really?" William asked, looking at Richard intently. "I wonder what he's doing in town."
"Probably nothing good," Richard replied.
"I found him perfectly charming," Kitty retorted.
"You would," Richard muttered under his breath, but Kitty heard him. I wonder what that means?
"Anyway, Kitty, that was a very foolish thing for you to do! I cannot believe you would put your own life in danger over a silly necklace!" Elizabeth scolded.
"I'm sorry, Lizzy. But I didn't want him to get my necklace without a fight. I must have messed up terribly," Kitty said, a tear rolling down her cheek. "You must think I'm a terrible sister."
"Now, now, Kitty, it's all right. You're safe here, and you're not harmed, which is the most important thing about all this," Elizabeth said, giving her sister a big hug. "Besides, I'll always love you, no matter what silly things you do."
"Thank you, Elizabeth," Kitty said, before the sound of the door opening was heard, and all four people turned their heads abruptly towards the sound.
At the door stood a girl in a muddy dress, wet from the rain that had just begun. Her hair was limp, damp, and clung to her face. Her eyes had lost their shimmer, and were rimmed with red from an obvious amount of crying. More tears were running down her cheeks at that minute, and after taking one step into the room she fell down, just barely catching the arm of a chair for support.
"Jane!"
Posted on Wednesday, 16 January 2002
" Jane! " Elizabeth screamed, rushing over to her sister. "William, ring the bell for some blankets and tea!"
William, following his wife's instructions, immediately rushed over to do so, while Kitty hurried over to Elizabeth to assist in getting Jane to her feet. Kitty had to shudder when she first touched Jane, as she was sopping with cold wetness, while also covered in thick mud. As soon as towels were brought into the room, Elizabeth laid several down on the couch while directing Jane to sit down.
"Jane, dearest, are you well?" Elizabeth asked with tears in her eyes. Kitty noticed that Elizabeth seemed two seconds away from breaking down completely, along with Jane, who seemed as if she would burst out crying once more.
"Yes ... I am fine," Jane lied, as tears fell down her cheeks.
"Jane, you are not well! Why are you here unaccompanied? Where are your things?" Kitty asked with concern, and Jane shook her head.
"I traveled ... on the post, walking the ... rest of the way ... here, and ... I didn't bring ... anything with me," Jane said through sobs.
"Alone? Why, Jane?" Elizabeth asked. "What is wrong?"
"I couldn't ... stay. I couldn't..." Jane sobbed.
"Jane, what is wrong? Is it Mama? Papa?" Kitty pressed. "Please, tell us!"
Elizabeth shushed her for the moment while she continued to dry Jane's hair with a towel. Kitty just stood there, her arm's folded in front of her, a scowl on her face. Consideration for Jane's condition was not an issue here; Kitty wanted to know what was wrong, and no amount of shushing from Elizabeth would stop her.
"Jane, what happened?" Kitty pressed, and Jane just gave a small gasp.
"It is too terrible," Jane said quickly, taking a small sip of the tea Elizabeth had just handed her. "You will hate me ..."
"Hate you for what?" Kitty asked impatiently.
"Jane, what's troubling you?" Elizabeth asked as well, suddenly too interested to worry about Jane's condition.
"Nothing ..." Jane mumbled.
"Jane, what is wrong?" Kitty said forcefully, and Jane was silent for a moment.
"Mr. Winterbury ... proposed to me," Jane replied unhappily.
"Oh my word ..." Elizabeth said, her mouth open, her own teacup shaking two inches from her mouth. "When?"
"Yesterday evening, after dinner," Jane replied. "It was ... quite romantic. He even bent down on one knee ..." Something sounds familiar, thought Kitty.
"Oh Lord," Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Please tell me you didn't accept him," Kitty said in a crackling voice.
"I didn't. I couldn't, you know that," Jane said, defending herself to no one in particular.
"What happened then?" Elizabeth asked, finally putting down her wobbling teacup, to Kitty's thanks, and Jane shook her head.
"I don't know! This morning, Mama ... a note came from Mrs. Winterbury, his mother, asking if there was some way I would reconsider the engagement," Jane began.
"I can tell where this story is going," Kitty muttered, and Elizabeth smacked her ... hard.
"What did Mama say, Jane?" Elizabeth asked softly, with curiosity.
"She ... she threw a fit when she found out, telling me that I was disobedient and ungrateful. She immediately wrote back to Mrs. Winterbury, telling her that I had changed my mind and would marry him," Jane sobbed.
"She did that? Did you not tell her you didn't want to marry him?" Kitty questioned.
"I did! Over and over, and she ... she would just tell me that a 'true daughter would marry Mr. Winterbury, for her sake and the sake of her family's,'" Jane replied in a high, annoying voice. It normally would have been humorous, but not today.
"What did Papa say?" Elizabeth inquired. "Surely he would not have given his consent to such a marriage!"
"Mama ... she somehow persuaded Papa to see that it was my duty as a daughter to marry him, and he ... he ... he said I either had to marry Mr. Winterbury or leave his house ..." Jane wept.
"So you left," Kitty said, finishing Jane's sentence.
"I did. I didn't know what else to do," Jane cried. "I couldn't marry Mr. Winterbury, for I did not love him."
"Jane, no one blames you for refusing him," Kitty said gently.
"I never wanted his attentions," Jane said to her lap. "Never. I never encouraged them one bit."
"Jane, we know that," Elizabeth insisted.
"I know, but I feel as if ... as if ... as if I've let down our family!" Jane whimpered. "You should have seen the look on Mama's face before I left ..."
"Mama is only upset because now she cannot brag to Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long about being Mr. Winterbury's mother-in-law!" Kitty said angrily. "About having a daughter settled so well, when neither Charlotte Lucas nor Mrs. Long's two nieces are married!"
"Kitty, hush," Elizabeth scolded, but Kitty just kept pressing on.
"She does not care about your true feelings, or your wishes, in this matter. Mama is being a very selfish creature who is taking it upon herself to make you feel terrible because you followed your heart and did what you wished to!" Kitty replied, very irritated.
"Kitty, that was very cruel to say!" Elizabeth scolded, and Kitty just laughed.
"And what Mama is doing to Jane isn't?" Kitty asked, in semi-shock and semi-mock confusion. "Look at Jane! Look at how much our dear sweet mother has hurt her!"
"Kitty, let us not get into an argument. I understand your arguments, but now is not the time or place for them," Elizabeth said coldly. "Come, Jane. I will take you upstairs and we'll get you out of these cold clothes."
"I'll be fine," Jane whispered softly to Kitty before getting up, a small, fake smile plastered on her face. "Don't worry."
Kitty just sat there for a moment, silent in her thoughts, forgetting that there were two other people in the room. William quickly excused himself, muttering something about urgent business to attend to, which was something he always said when unpleasant situations arose. Kitty's attentions immediately turned to Richard, who had a very weird look on his face. He hastily exiting the room, but gave Kitty a very hurt glance.
Then Kitty realized it. Richard had put two and two together from the conversation. When Jane had said that she had refused Mr. Winterbury because she did not love him and that she never wanted his attentions in the first place. And somehow, Richard had made a connection between Jane and Kitty, which could mean only one thing.
He thinks I do not care for him. Kitty thought. He thinks that I played him, and sought his attentions before shooting down his addresses. But, no matter. What do I care if he thinks I feel nothing but civility and love towards him as a cousin? I have never sought his love or affections before!
But deep down, that was not the correct answer.
Posted on Wednesday, 16 January 2002
The next morning, immediately after breakfast, Kitty decided to pay a visit to Ellie and inquire after her health. Deep down, Kitty genuinely wanted to see Ellie again. But then again, Kitty was just glad to get out of the house, away from all of the problems there.
Jane was feeling better, and seemed in better spirits than before. However, she was unnerved at the prospect that her parents, and Mr. Winterbury, may come and retrieve her soon. (It was common knowledge that Mrs. Bennet would not let her daughter get away from such a brag-worthy marriage if she had anything to do with it.) All through breakfast, Elizabeth kept trying to boost her spirits, but it was no use. Jane was in a terrible mood, which was something Kitty did not want to be in.
Also, Kitty wanted to get away from Richard, who had been acting strange all evening. After the mishap in the sitting room, Richard had locked himself in his room for the remainder of the evening, not coming out until breakfast, when he scarcely spoke two words to Kitty. He was friendly to everyone else, however, and Kitty was becoming a bit angry at his hostility. So she left.
She was greeted warmly by the housekeeper, who informed her that Lady Richardson and Mr. Woodridge were currently out of the house, but that Ellie was awake and would be glad for some company. Kitty just smiled, someone saddened at the news of Henry's absence. She tried to maintain her composure as best as possible, assuring herself that he would probably be home soon.
How nice it will be to talk to him again, Kitty thought. Some friendly male company.
Kitty was led up the stairs to a nicely decorated room of lavender. The bedding, the curtains, and, remarkably, the armchairs were all painted in light lavender, and the walls had a dark lavender border around them. It almost made Kitty want to gag, but she suppressed that urge and she walked towards the bed.
"Miss Bennet to see you, ma'am," the housekeeper announced before hastily retreating with a scared look on her face.
"Kitty! Oh, my dearest friend, I knew that you would not stay away long!" Ellie exclaimed. "You are too good, though, to honor me with a visit, after what I caused yesterday!"
"It was not your fault, Ellie," Kitty reassured. "It was an honest mistake."
"Oh, Kitty, you are too good to ignore my faults, but I must have your forgiveness. If you can, somehow, deep down, put aside my mistake, I would be very happy indeed," Ellie cried, flopping her head down onto the pillow.
"Of course I forgive you," Kitty replied hastily, and Ellie just sighed.
"You are too good," Ellie said, before bursting out laughing.
"What is the matter?" Kitty asked, and Ellie just giggled.
"I just realized! I never found out what kind of trees those were!" Ellie exclaimed. "Now I shall never know and go on quite distressed."
"I believe that they are maples, according to my cousin, Richard," Kitty replied softly.
"Really? Maples, do you say!" Ellie said happily. "They are handsome trees."
"Indeed."
"And, I must add, so is your cousin," Ellie replied with a merry glint in her eyes.
Kitty almost choked at this response. Did she just say what I think she did? Kitty asked herself. Does she find the General ... handsome? Or, is it that she is perhaps delirious from all of yesterday's activities?
"The General?" Kitty asked finally, and Ellie nodded.
"Don't you think he's divine?" Ellie asked with a sigh.
"Um ..."
"I'll tell you what, Kitty! Since you are my best friend, and the best friend any girl could have, I will tell you my secret," Ellie said ardently.
"Your secret?"
"Yes, although you must promise me faithfully that you will tell no one of it," Ellie replied with wide eyes.
"I promise, Ellie," Kitty said sincerely, and Ellie just giggled.
"I ..." Ellie said in a whisper. "I am going to make the General fall in love with me!"
"You're going to what!" Kitty asked, in shock. Did I just hear what I thought I did? I must be going mad!
"I'm going to make him fall desperately and madly in love with me!" Ellie exclaimed, and Kitty gave her a horrified look.
"You ... you are?"
"Oh, Kitty dear, don't worry! I have the full intentions of marrying him, when he proposes. I doubt I will have to wait for very long, for who could resist being my husband?" Ellie asked, not in a humorous manner but a very serious one. Conceited.
"Do you suppose he would?" Kitty asked quietly.
"Oh, of course he would! Why wouldn't he?" Ellie asked, quite in shock over her friend's questions.
"Do ... do you suppose you are the right woman to be a general's wife?" Kitty questioned.
"Oh, do you expect that I'll be the wife of a general?" Ellie repeated, before bursting out in to hysterical laughter. "Oh, my word, Kitty dear, you are too good!"
"But ... you ..."
"He'll just have to retire, dearest! Honestly, to be degraded as the wife of a general!" Ellie replied bitterly. "He has a fortune, I hear, of at least four thousand pounds, and a very nice estate (yet not grand) in Derbyshire, besides whatever he earns as a general (really, Kitty, do you expect me to know particulars?). That will do quite nicely for now, until, with my guidance and help, he is furthered along in society."
"You ... you believe he would go for this?" Kitty asked.
"Who wouldn't?
"Ellie, do you love him?" Kitty asked flat out.
"Love is not an issue here, Kitty dear. Love doesn't buy you new dresses or a place in society. I suppose I could grow to love him," Ellie said thoughtfully. "Yet, he should feel lucky that I have chosen him, among all of them men I could marry, to be my husband. What an honor!"
"Indeed," was all that Kitty could say. She had a sickly feeling in her stomach, and couldn't bear to look at her friend. How could she say such things? To make it sound as if she was doing Richard a favor in life? How abominably contemptuous, proud, egotistical, and selfish!
"Kitty dear! Are you quite all right? You act as if you've just seen a ghost!" Ellie exclaimed. "Really, it is very rude to tune out your friends, although I could never call you rude."
"No, I am fine, Ellie. I just remembered that I must be home shortly, and that I should go before my sister worries about me any further," Kitty replied halfheartedly.
"Oh, I am so sorry to keep you from your family. Give my regards ... especially to Richard," Ellie said with a wink.
"Yes," Kitty said without thinking. "Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Kitty dear!"
Kitty hurried quickly down the stairs. All she wanted to be was far away from Ellie and her cruel, sick mind. Kitty was so lost in her thoughts that she was unsure where she was going, until she ran into someone near the foot of the staircase.
"Miss Bennet! A pleasure to see you again!" Henry said happily.
"Mr. Woodridge!" Kitty said in surprise.
"Well, I can see you were not expecting me," Henry said with a laugh.
"I ... I am very sorry for running into you like that, but I will be late getting home ..."
"And you don't want your family to worry about you," Henry added, finishing her sentence.
"Yes ... how did you know?" Kitty asked in shock.
"You and I seem to think alike, Miss Bennet," was Henry's reply, followed by a devilish smile. "However, I am saddened that I will not get the honor of talking to you this afternoon."
"Yes, so am I," Kitty replied.
"I am sure, however, that I will see you again before long, Miss Bennet, and I will wait patiently for our next encounter," Henry said with a dashing smile.
"Yes, as will I," Kitty answered, her knees nearly melting into the carpet.
"Until then," Henry replied as he began walking up the stairs. Kitty began towards the door until she remembered one bit of information.
"Thank you!" Kitty shouted.
"For what?" Henry asked.
"For saving my life!" Kitty answered, and she could see Henry's smile before she left the grand house.
For the first time that day, Kitty felt serene, and went home thinking of Henry's face and dazzling smile.
Posted on Tuesday, 26 March 2002
Jane sat restlessly in a soft chair of the blue room as she picked at her stitches. The three sisters had been sitting in the pale blue room for over four hours, working on their embroidery and catching up on their reading while the weather was still decent. Once Christmas season rolled around, everyone would be busy with the various parties to attend and all of the festivities that were called for by society and tradition. So the afternoon had been split between needlepoint, reading, and writing various letters (in Elizabeth's case).
Jane was in better spirits that day, but was still as anxious as before. Jane knew that her parents, especially her mother, would not let her get away with not marrying Mr. Winterbury, and that frightened Jane more than death. Jane, as well as her other sisters, knew that Mrs. Bennet loved anything rich that moved. Since Mr. Winterbury fit that description, Mrs. Bennet would do everything in her power to secure him as a son-in-law. She did not love Mr. Winterbury, and knew that while he may love her, she could never stand to be his wife. So she had done what Kitty had recommended and refused him, which, as she recalled, had shocked him ...
"Miss ... Miss Bennet ... dearest ... " Mr. Winterbury had stammered. "I ... I do not understand. Why can you not marry me?"
"Mr. Winterbury, I thank you for your complements and attentions, but I do not desire them. I mean no disrespect to your person, but my heart forbids me to marry you," Jane had stuttered back softly, which was not the answer that Mr. Winterbury had wanted.
"Miss Bennet, I am the most eligible bachelor you will probably ever meet! I ... I have my own estate! I have two thousand pounds a year, plus connections that your family would die for!" With this comment, Jane gasped in horror. "I ... I am everything that a good young lady would wish for in a husband, yet you are rejecting me. Why, my dearest? Why?"
"Because I do not love you," Jane had quickly replied before running off out of his garden and back home to Longbourn, never once stopping along the way ...
But those had just been memories, and terrible ones at that. Jane struggled to subdue those terrible thoughts from entering her mind as she sat, waiting for her mother and father to come collect her. It was almost like a lamb being led to the slaughter. She knew what her inevitable fate was, and that was being forced to marry Mr. Winterbury. But Jane didn't know how much longer she had left of her new freedom. Suddenly, she was pulled from her mind back into reality by a squeaking door.
"Mr. Bingley, ma'am," a servant exclaimed formally with a required curtsey to Elizabeth, who just nodded in reply. With that, the servant whisked away from sight, and a young man of elegant height and stature strode into the room, taking Jane's breath away. She tried to compose herself, but it was evident, to Kitty at least, that her sister's cheeks were a bit more red that before.
"Mrs. Darcy, how very nice to see you again. I hope I am not interrupting you and your guests, but I had come to speak with Darce ..." Mr. Bingley said quickly, stumbling over his implied apologies, and Elizabeth just smiled.
"Mr. Bingley, it is good to see you again. Mr. Darcy just popped down to the club with his cousin, the General, and should be back in no time," Elizabeth replied with a smile. "Please, have a seat, and I'll ring the bell for tea."
"No, I could not impose on you or your guests. I shall come back later ... " Mr. Bingley began, but Elizabeth had already jumped up from her seat and had rung the bell. Kitty knew well enough that Elizabeth would take 'no' for an answer from Mr. Bingley.
"Not at all," Elizabeth replied, settling back down in her chair. "We have been working all morning and are ready for a small diversion from our handiwork."
"If I am not to be a bother, than I would love to take tea with you and your guests," Mr. Bingley said after a small pause with a large smile towards Jane and Kitty (though mostly Jane). Kitty was oblivious to this, but Elizabeth picked up on his look.
"Mr. Bingley, may I introduce two of my sisters, Miss Jane Bennet, the eldest, and one of my younger sisters, Kitty Bennet," Elizabeth added, and the two girls nodded their heads in acknowledgment as Mr. Bingley bowed and walked towards Jane. Taking up a seat between her and Kitty, he immediately began to pursue her conversation.
"It is very nice to meet you, Miss Bennet, and your sister," Mr. Bingley began, and Jane nodded.
"Likewise." Jane blushed as she looked down into her lap and pretended to work diligently.
"How long have you and your sister been in town?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Kitty piped up, noticing her sister's discomfort and shyness.
"Jane just arrived three days ago, but I have been here for almost two weeks," Kitty replied, and Mr. Bingley just gave her a small smile, as he was evidently disappointed in Jane's lack of conversation.
It was no doubt that Mr. Bingley found Jane pretty, for Jane was very beautiful and Mr. Bingley was easily falling in and out of love. But Jane seemed different to Mr. Bingley, and he was quite interested in pursuing a discussion with her, to see what kind of a person she was. Mr. Bingley could tell that she was obviously shy and sweet, but he wanted to know more about her, and strained his brain to think of a complex topic.
"You are from ... Herefordshire, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Bingley asked, and Jane nodded.
"Yes. My family lives just a few miles outside the village of Meryton," Jane replied, and was rather surprised at herself for her long reply. "Have you heard of it?"
"Ah, yes. A delightful village full of such wonderful people. I was looking at an estate nearby, called Netherfield, I believe, that I was quite close to purchasing a year or so back," Mr. Bingley exclaimed.
"Netherfield is not three miles from where I live," Jane said, blushing slightly for her outburst. "We would have been neighbors."
"If only urgent business hadn't arisen, then yes, Miss Bennet, we likely would have become neighbors," Mr. Bingley agreed with a smile. "It was a very beautiful area, I recollect."
"Yes. To me, there is no more lovely a place than Herefordshire," Jane added. "I've lived there my whole life, and there is no place I would rather spend my years."
"I agree with you fully, Miss Bennet. I know that I have only been there once, but I found Herefordshire to be as beautiful as you claim it to be," Mr. Bingley agreed, and Jane blushed yet again.
The two continued in conversation, some quite humorous and some quite intimate. Kitty and Elizabeth just worked on, exchanging small comments under their breath to each other, and sharing looks. This was until Kitty finally became bored with her needlepoint and threw it to the ground. Spending the day doing idle crafts was not what she had come to London for. It fell with a dull thud in the quiet room, which startled Jane, Elizabeth, and even Mr. Bingley. Kitty had to blush as three pairs of eyes stared at her in wonder.
"Excuse me," Kitty piped up, apologizing as she picked it up from its resting-place. "It slipped. I'm just going to go upstairs and grab some paper to write Maria Lucas and Mary. Is that all right, Lizzy?"
"Of course," Elizabeth replied, briefly looking up from her sewing as she watched Kitty run out of the room.
It was quiet in the room, except for a few whispers coming from where Jane and Mr. Bingley sat. Elizabeth wished that she could share in Kitty's fate and leave her work, but as long as Mr. Bingley was part of the group that would not be possible. Although Elizabeth enjoyed having the company of her sisters and cousin, she deep down wished that things would return to normal, with just Georgiana, Fitz, William, and her. Elizabeth sat with those thoughts until there was a sharp knock at the door and Miss Wallace, William's nanny, appeared.
"Excuse me for the interruption, Mrs. Darcy, but Little Master William has been crying for a few minutes, and I thought I'd best call you," Miss Wallace replied as Elizabeth jumped up from her seat.
"Yes, of course," Elizabeth replied before hesitating as she looked at Jane and Mr. Bingley. "I am sure that Kitty will be back in a few moments. I must see to William." Jane just nodded with a smile, but Mr. Bingley said nothing.
With that, Elizabeth tore out of the room and ended up colliding with Kitty in one of the hallways. The two girls fell into a heap on the floor, confused, stunned, and amused by what had just happened.
"Lizzy?" Kitty asked, and Elizabeth laughed from her place on the floor. "What are you doing out? I thought you were in the blue room, with Jane and Mr. Bingley?"
"William is crying, and I am on my way upstairs to tend to him. I knew that you would not be long upstairs, and I doubt any real harm will come from our absence in the room," Elizabeth replied.
"It is very improper for Jane and Mr. Bingley to be ... alone, even if they are only new acquaintances," Kitty observed, and Elizabeth nodded.
"That is why you must hurry downstairs," Elizabeth said quite blatantly as she rushed up the stairs before hearing Kitty's voice once more.
"You have to admit, they would make a very darling couple," Kitty said with a huge grin before she raced out of Elizabeth's view.
Posted on Tuesday, 26 March 2002
Two days later, during breakfast, a letter came for Kitty. It was unexpected, and everyone peered at Kitty, asking with their eyes for some sort of explanation. Kitty herself was unsure of who the letter was from, and almost expected it to be from Mary, or Maria Lucas, with the latest information about Jane and Herefordshire. But, after close examination, Kitty finally put her finger on the letter's author.
"It is from Eleanor Woodridge," Kitty said hastily, which seemed to satisfy everyone's curiosity. With that, Kitty peered down and quickly read the letter.
Dearest Kitty,It has been quite some time since I have been honored with a visit from you. I am feeling a bit better, and would be honored if you would visit with me today, as I have much to speak with you about.
Your dearest friend,
Ellie Woodridge
"She invites me to her home for a visit this morning. May I go, Elizabeth?" Kitty asked quietly.
"Of course. We can always postpone our outing until you return, or until tomorrow," Elizabeth replied, and Jane nodded, agreeing with her sister.
So that was how, two hours later, Kitty could be found outside of Ellie's residence, with a plump housekeeper giving her the once over with her eyes. Kitty remembered the housekeeper from her previous visit, and tried to act as cheerfully as possible to the woman.
"I am here to see Miss Woodridge," Kitty said, and the housekeeper nodded.
"Yes, I remember you. A Miss Bennet, if I am correct?" the housekeeper added, lowering her guard a bit.
"Yes," Kitty replied with a smile.
"I will go upstairs and see if she is well, Miss Bennet," the housekeeper replied as she moved her plump body up the stairs. Kitty, meanwhile, began looking about the foyer at all of the beautiful paintings, until a voice startled her.
"Why Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to see you! To what do we owe this great honor?" Mr. Woodridge's voice bellowed, and Kitty turned with a huge smile on her face to see Henry walking towards her with an equal smile.
"Mr. Woodridge," Kitty replied with a curtsey. "I received a note from Eleanor calling me to visit her, but I did not expect to see you as well." With this, Henry's face fell as he cleared his throat.
"Miss Bennet, I am sorry to inform you that Ellie is not well enough to receive any visitors," Henry replied, and Kitty looked at him with wide eyes. "Do not fret, though. It is nothing serious; only a trifling cold that will soon pass. However, the doctor wishes her to remain in her bed and get some much needed rest, which requires that she is not interrupted."
"My goodness. If I had known ... "
"It was quite sudden. She was feeling better this morning, but sank back down into sickness not an hour ago. But I am sure that in a day or two she will be well enough to receive company, and I know that she is quite eager to see you again," Henry replied with a smile, and Kitty nodded.
"Give her my regards, Mr. Woodridge," Kitty replied as she turned and headed for the door.
"Miss Bennet, I ... this may sound a bit forward, but would you like to go for a ride with me in my gig?" Henry asked, blushing slightly, as Kitty turned to face him with wide eyes. "I was just about to go for a scenic drive through the country before I encountered you, and that way you would not be a wasted visit. It has been quite a bit warmer today, and seems almost more like summer than winter, and there would be blankets to keep you from catching your death ... "
"Thank you for the offer, Mr. Woodridge, but I would not wish to disturb your solitude," Kitty said quickly, and Henry shook his head. "I would just be a nuisance to you."
"I would enjoy having some company on my ride, Miss Bennet. I assure you that you would not be a bother," Henry stated. "Come, Miss Bennet. I will not take no for an answer."
"Well ..." Kitty began, biting her lip as she thought. "I do not wish to stay out so late ... my sister would worry ..."
"I give you my word that we will return before sunset, and that you can write your sister a quick note informing her of your plans," Henry added.
"I suppose ..." Kitty said hesitantly, and Henry's face lit up.
"Wonderful!"
With this comment, Henry practically pulled Kitty's arm out of its socket as he pulled her violently towards a desk and thrust paper in front of her. After Kitty finished writing, he pulled her along to his gig with a beautiful chestnut mare impatiently dancing about on the street. Kitty stopped and gasped at the beautiful horse.
"I know, she is a beauty," Henry said proudly, as he helped Kitty get into the small gig.
The two were out quite late, riding through the lands outside of London. Kitty was in awe of the many sights she saw, from some barren trees and yet some large firs and pines. Kitty watched as they passed small frozen streams and large, bubbling lakes further on. The gig traveled on for hours, until it finally stopped on a small hill overlooking the setting sun.
"Oh, look at that sunset! Isn't it beautiful?" Kitty asked, shivering as she pointed as she and Henry watched the sky turn from a subtle blue to a bright aura of colors. Reds and yellows danced about in the sky as pink hues traced borders along the clouds.
"Not as beautiful as you are," Henry replied, putting his arm around Kitty's shoulders.
"I am not beautiful. Now my other sisters, Jane, Elizabeth, and perhaps even Lydia, are beautiful, but I am one of the plain girls in the family," Kitty argued as she continued to watch the colors sparkle in front of her.
"I would beg to differ, Miss Bennet," Henry replied with a smile, and Kitty just laughed.
"You have to say that, Mr. Woodridge, for you are my friend's brother. What would Ellie say if she knew you had been insulting her dearest friend?" Kitty teased, and Henry laughed.
"She would think I had gone mad," Henry replied as he began to trace his finger along Kitty's cheekbone towards her chin. His touch was soft and gentle, and Kitty responded by setting her head upon his shoulder and closing her eyes.
"It is so peaceful here," Kitty replied.
"It is," Henry replied, and Kitty opened her eyes to look at him.
Two pairs of eyes locked together, both sets of eyes twinkling with the deepest of emotions. Softly yet quickly, Henry pressed his lips gently upon Kitty's, who had no hesitations about returning his kiss. And the two sat surrounded by peace and beauty, lip locked, with nothing to bother them except the prospects of the end of the kiss.
It was quite late when Kitty returned home, but she felt as if she was floating on air. Kitty felt as if she could have died that night, for her heart was content and she had no misgivings with the world. But as she walked towards her brother's study door to let him know that she had returned home, her mood quickly changed as she heard angry voices within.
" ... You have to talk to her, Fitz. Look at her, scampering about the country with a man that she hardly knows! Do you know what kind of scandal could involve from this?"
"I sure it is harmless, Richard."
"You know what kind of man he is. You know what he tried to pull, and what he may be trying to do again ..."
"Richard, he may have changed. You do not know what has happened to him over these years ... "
"Fitz, do not try to defend that man. Henry Woodridge will always be the same rascal and scoundrel that he was years ago; not even time can change that!"
" ... I ... I will talk to her, Richard, if it makes you feel any better ..."
With that, Kitty raced down the hallway towards her own room, too confused to do anything but sit in one of her chairs, with the door locked, and cry. Cry because she was happy and cry because she was sad. But most importantly, cry because she didn't know what to expect anymore. Love was once again going to thwart her happiness.
Posted on Friday, 17 May 2002
The next day, a party invitation was received, and three days later the group was off once more to partake in the obligatory festivities that required the attendance of everyone who was anyone in London's good society. It seemed to Kitty that no one in London stood still for one moment, for, despite the afternoon embroidering with her sisters, Kitty had always been bustled around each day. There were always new places to go and more people to chat and gossip with, whether or not you cared for the people you were speaking with. The more Kitty saw of London, the more she wished she was back at Longbourn. It may be a simple town, but it was pure and not full of the falseness of London.
The party that night was to be at the home of a Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Talbot. Upon entering the home, Kitty felt as if all of London (only the elite, of course) was all present and crammed into that one house. As it was too crowded to meet with either host or hostess, Elizabeth had informed Kitty that Mr. Talbot was a gentleman in his early forties with one son, a Mr. Edmund Talbot. Mr. Talbot was already on his third wife, as both his first and second wife had both died in childbirth. Mrs. Talbot was a young, child wife of eighteen with the face of a muskrat and a disposition to match. Mrs. Talbot was rumored to have only married Mr. Talbot for his money (which constituted the reasoning of about ninety-percent of London's elite), while having a "friend" on the side. Whatever the truth was, Kitty was sure about anything that was being told to her. All she knew was that she would rather be anywhere but at the Talbot house on that evening.
"It seems that all of London turned out for this little gala," Richard remarked.
"Most people will go anywhere for free food and all the wine they can handle," Darcy added with a grimace. "It is quite disgusting when you think about it."
"Remind me again why we're here," Richard asked. "I would much rather have skipped this entire commotion."
"To give the cook a night off," Darcy teased. "Where else could we find somewhere to feed you and your appetite?"
"Because we have to," Elizabeth replied sternly, giving her husband a nudge. "I assure you, I'd rather be at home with William, but we have to be here. Could you imagine all of the grief I'd get from Caroline Bingley if we didn't attend this party?"
"Doesn't Richard have some weaponry that could fix that problem?" Kitty asked seriously, while the rest of her party tried to stifle a laugh.
"Darn, I seemed to have forgotten it," Richard teased.
"How disappointing. I thought that was the only reason your parents sent you into the army," Darcy said sarcastically.
"My guess would be to improve his manners," Kitty teased back, and Richard gave her a look of hurt.
"Oh, I am wounded. How will I ever go on now that I have been offended so horribly...?" Richard replied.
"Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth exclaimed, interrupting her cousin-in-law's dramatics performance. "How good to see you!"
"Elizabeth, Darcy, I had not known you were to be here tonight!" Mr. Bingley confessed. "This is indeed an excellent surprise."
"We had prior engagements, but they cleared up at the last minute," Darcy said with a grimace. "Besides, you know that we would never miss a party." With this last comment he looked with a smile at his wife, whose only response was to elbow him in the stomach.
"So true," Bingley said, nodding as he smiled. "Ah, General Fitzwilliam! Congratulations on your promotion. And Miss Bennet and Miss Catherine Bennet. So good to see you all as well!"
"Mr. Bingley," the two girls said in unison as they curtseyed.
"I understood from Mrs. Darcy that you have not been to any balls in London before?" Mr. Bingley asked slowly, and Kitty shook her head.
"I have been to one, but my sister, Jane, has not," Kitty corrected.
"Really?" Mr. Bingley asked in disbelief, and Jane nodded.
"This is indeed my first ball in London," Jane replied quietly.
"Then, Miss Bennet, may I be so bold as to claim the first two dances of this evening?" Mr. Bingley asked. "If this is your first ball, then you must dance the first two dances."
"Of ... of course, Mr. Bingley. I would be delighted," Jane stammered with praise.
"I will be anxiously awaiting our dance," Mr. Bingley said with a huge grin on his face as he looked into Jane's soft eyes. After realizing what harm he could be doing by not asking Kitty to dance (and, not wanting to slight Jane's sister), he decided to ask Kitty to dance as well.
"And, Miss Catherine, if you would be so kind as to dance the third dance with me," Mr. Bingley politely said, and Kitty just smiled.
"I would love to, but I fear that you may be too tired from the first two dances to want to dance a third with me," Kitty replied, and Mr. Bingley laughed.
"I am sure I will not tire out with such a beautiful partner as your sister," Mr. Bingley added, before looking past the girls towards another group. "Ah, I had best see what my sister wishes of me. I will be back, though, to claim my dances, Miss Bennet." With that, Mr. Bingley rushed off towards the other side of the room, and Jane exhaled deeply.
"I believe that Mr. Bingley may have some feelings for you, dearest Jane," Kitty remarked after a period of mutual pause.
"Kitty, you know that is not true. He was simply being kind to the sisters of his dear friend, and nothing more," Jane said with a disbelieving, wistful look on her face.
"Did you not see the overjoyed look on his face after you agreed to dance with him, Jane? He is not dancing with you out of obligation," Kitty argued.
"He is just being considerate, Kitty," Jane replied. "Besides, he asked you to dance as well."
"He asked me because he had to. Mr. Bingley did not want to upset you by slighting your poor sister," Kitty said dramatically. "I could tell that he had rather danced the third dance with you."
"Kitty! You know that would not be right! The scandal that would entail!" Jane exclaimed.
"Believe what you wish, Jane," Kitty said. "I'm off to find something to drink. If I don't return within half an hour, you may send a search party for me."
"You have my promise, Kitty, although I doubt it would do much good in this mess," Jane replied softly, tried to joke as she could feel a thousand butterflies dance in her stomach.
Kitty just walked away from her sister, laughing to herself as she remembered his sister's poor attempt to discredit the attentions from Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley was just what Jane needed, and the sooner she realized that, the happier those two would be. But Kitty's thoughts were not on the non-existent couple for very long, as Kitty soon grew frustrated at squeezing between couples and happy groups on her quest for the punch bowl. She had become quite exasperated, and it was not until passing by one large, finely dressed group that she heard a voice cry out from behind her.
"Kitty!" the cheerful yet slightly grinding voice shouted. Kitty turned around sharply before realizing that it was Eleanor's voice. Suppressing a grimace, Kitty replied with a manner of false joy towards her friend.
"Eleanor!" Kitty replied. "It is so good to see you looking well again!"
"It is so nice to be well again. It is so tiring to spend your days up in bed with nothing to do. I confess I should have gone mad if I had not been determined to stay sane. Besides, Henry was a great comfort to me," Eleanor replied emotionally.
"I am sorry to hear of your discomfort," Kitty said politely.
"Don't be so sorry, dearest Kitty. I wish you had written to me, for it would have been something to keep me occupied, but my sickness is all in the past. I am glad that we shall now be able to continue our friendship from where it left off," Eleanor replied with a smile as she linked arms with Kitty and pulled her out towards a quieter area of the room.
"I am sorry that you were not well enough to see me a few days ago," Kitty said, trying to make conversation after a while. "I was looking forward to seeing you again."
"You came by a few days ago?" Eleanor asked in confused, and Kitty nodded.
"I received your letter on Tuesday, inviting me to visit," Kitty stated. "Your brother, however, informed me that you were not well enough to receive visitors that day."
"My letter?" Eleanor asked, tilting her head to one side as if trying to pull the information out of one of her ears before a calming look came over her face. "Oh! Oh yes...the letter I wrote you. I have become dreadfully forgetful as of lately. I am sorry as well, for I was in much better spirits when I wrote the note."
"It is quite all right," Kitty replied, yet not satisfied with Eleanor's explanation. Something about it did not seem right to Kitty.
"You must come over next week, to make up for our missed meeting. It has been ages since we have talked like friends," Eleanor moaned. "However, I did hear from my brother that you two had gone for an...outing together." Eleanor had a sly smile on her face, and Kitty just laughed.
"He ... he invited me for a ride though the countryside with him," Kitty confessed with a slight blush coming to her cheeks. "It was quite nice of him."
"From the look on your face, I will jump to the conclusion that your outing was more than "nice"," Eleanor replied with a grin. "Oh, I have a feeling that we will one day become sisters, dearest Kitty. Perhaps I am being too presumptuous with this comment, Kitty, but please don't reprimand me for it. I would love it above all if we did."
"I ... you flatter me, Eleanor, but I find it too soon to believe that to be so," Kitty stammered, trying to find the right words to say in that moment.
"I believe that you may soon be eating those words. If I know my brother correctly, you are quite mistaken," Eleanor added.
"What about me?" Henry asked, walking up to the girls with a large grin on his face. "Are you gossiping about me?" Kitty was horrified to think of what Mr. Woodridge might be thinking at the moment, but his sister was cool and calm, and easily dismissed the matter.
"Dear Kitty and I were talking about your ride through the country last Tuesday," Eleanor replied quickly. "She was telling me how beautiful the sunset was. I must detest, Henry, that you are a liar, for you told me that it had no brilliance!"
"I spoke truthfully, sister, for I said that the sunset had no brilliance when compared to other attractions that afternoon," Henry said with a secret glance at Kitty. Kitty immediately began to blush, but turned her head away to hide her reddened cheeks.
"Well, Henry, I doubt that you came all this way to tell prove me wrong. What is your motive for this friendly visit?" Eleanor asked, slightly unnerved at being proved wrong (for she was hardly ever).
"I came to solicit a promise from Miss Bennet for two dances this evening, if not already engaged," Henry confessed. "Is that quite all right, Miss Bennet?"
"I am not engaged, sir, except for the third dance, and would be honored to accept your solicitation," Kitty said with a smile as Henry's look changed for the worse.
"I see someone has already beaten me to the honor of being the first to claim any dances with you," Henry said almost coldly, which (inwardly) shocked Kitty.
"It was Mr. Bingley, who is a friend of my brother's. I confess I believe the only reason he asked for the dance was not to slight me, as he had already solicited the first two dances with my sister," Kitty added hastily. "I believe it would have been against propriety if he had slighted me so in such a public place."
"Yes, yes, you are right, Miss Bennet," Henry responded without emotion. "I suppose you have a point."
"But I would love to dance with you this evening." Kitty held her breath as she hoped Mr. Woodridge would return to his state of utmost happiness, which he did.
"Then I shall return in a few moments to claim your hand in those dances, Miss Bennet," Henry replied, a smile coming to his lips. "Until then."
"Until then," Kitty repeated softly as she watched with a happy heart as he walked off into the crowd.
"Yes, dear Kitty, I believe that we may be sisters after all," Eleanor clucked happily, as she once again pulled Kitty over to another spot in the room.
Posted on Friday, 17 May 2002
Henry came back to solicit Kitty's hand for the first two dances after a good half hour. By that time, the dances were beginning, as most of the people invited had already arrived and were beginning to settle down and engage with partners. Kitty walked smugly yet happily with Henry as they approached the dance floor, holding her head up high as to show that even a girl from the country could attract a man from London's elite. She could also see Jane and Mr. Bingley walk out onto the floor, their eyes attached in a loving gaze that anyone could see was the truest of loves. With a happy sigh, Kitty took her place across from Henry, and waited for the music to begin.
The two danced without words for most of the first dance, just gazing at each other with looks of adoration and, almost, love.
"You dance like an angel, Miss Bennet," Henry said with a large smile. "You seem to float along the floor with the grace and beauty of a...a swan."
"Thank you, Mr. Woodridge, but that is because I have such a graceful partner, for it does take two to dance well," Kitty admitted with a slight blush, and Henry just laughed.
"A compliment from Miss Bennet! I believe I can die a happy man tonight," Henry teased, and Kitty just blushed once more.
"And why would that be, Mr. Woodridge?" Kitty asked in mock confusion.
"Because I am dancing with the prettiest girl here, and have half the men in wild jealousy," Henry whispered with a devilish twinkle in his eye. "Your cousin looks on quite intently. I wonder why?" Kitty looked in the direction that he was gesturing to notice Richard looking at the two of them with a hard, curious look. Kitty just laughed and turned back to her pretty partner.
"He is probably noticing all of the flaws in my dancing, which you, I might add, seem to have missed," Kitty said with a laugh, but Henry shook his head.
"I see I will have to be careful that you do not sprain your ankle while we dance, or your cousin will have my head on a platter," Henry replied seriously.
"Don't worry, Mr. Woodridge. He has promised me that he left all of his weaponry at home, so you will be safe for one more night," Kitty replied.
"Still..."
"Oh, Mr. Woodridge, do not worry so! Richard must just be bored by the party, for I know that he would much rather be someplace quiet than at such a loud and exciting ball," Kitty said, trying to convince Henry of something that she herself was not all entirely convinced of.
"If you say so, Miss Bennet," Henry replied coldly, as if all of the attention from Richard had made him less than enthusiastic. Just then, the music ended, causing both Henry and Kitty to exhale a breath of disappointment and anger.
"It was a pleasure to dance with you, Miss Bennet," Henry said with a formal bow as Kitty curtseyed. "I would ask you to dance again, but I don't suppose it would be looked on quite favorable here if I were to do so."
"You are right, Mr. Woodridge. I hope you see you soon, though, as I have promised Eleanor to call on her next week," Kitty added with a small smile.
"Then I shall look forward to your visit," Henry replied, and with another small bow he was off into the crowd. Kitty just looked at him with a wistful look before shaking her head and moving away towards someone new to speak with.
The rest of the evening seemed to fly by for the group. Elizabeth and Darcy were busy mingling and socializing with many well-bred families in the room, even though neither one of them wished to. Jane had been occupied most of the evening speaking with Mr. Bingley, except for the few minutes when he had taken his dance with Kitty. She was happily occupied with him outside on one of the balconies, with no intentions of leaving the happy conversation any time soon. And Richard, well, Kitty wasn't sure where he was, but had a sneaking suspicion that wherever he was, he was speaking about his new promotion and inheritance.
Kitty had been speaking with an elderly woman, a Lady Wilkins from Partsbury Lane, when she had first noticed the couple. Lady Wilkins had mistook the shock on Kitty's face for the look she had been hoping for when she had first told the young girl about her son's unadvantageous marriage, so Lady Wilkins had continued on talking without a moment's worry. Yet Kitty could not get the image out of her head. She searched both faces for a look of obligation, of forced submission to dance with one another, but there was none. Only the look of two happy people as Kitty watched Richard and Eleanor dance together.
"...and Mrs. Figginsworth had the audacity to state that my son had led on her daughter, so the marriage must take place, but I knew it was a false statement and immediately told her that my son would not be trapped in such a marriage by her fortune hunting daughter," Lady Wilkins boasted, bring Kitty back into reality.
"Yes, of course. Naturally," Kitty said unemotionally, never once pulling her glance away from the happy couple.
"I am so glad that you agree, Miss Bennet. But I must tell you about my other son, Robert. It seems that..." Lady Wilkins began once more on her lifeless moaning and ranting, and Kitty just smiled as she tried impatiently to tune her voice out of her head, and make some sense of the image in front of her.
Kitty's mind was still bubbling with confusion as she was helped into the carriage, where she was surprised to find Richard already sitting. He gave her a weak smile, then turned down to look at his hands. Kitty sat, shocked, looking outside of the carriage and praying that one of her sisters would emerge from the grand house to accompany them home. As much as she likes her cousin, she was not in the mood to be stuck in a carriage with him and him alone for the ride back to the Darcys'. But when the servant closed the door, Kitty realized that her sisters were not to travel with them, and Kitty put her head against the seat in anger.
"Your sisters and Darcy have already left about half an hour ago," Richard stated, as if being able to read Kitty's mind. She just sighed and gave him a weird look, as if to say that she did not wish to talk at the moment. However, Richard was not in the mood to be quiet when he had something on his mind, and proceeded to continue with the conversation.
"I note you danced the first two dances with Mr. Woodridge," Richard observed.
"I did indeed," Kitty replied. "I suppose I can make the observation that you are not having any trouble seeing correctly."
"If I were you, I would not be spending so much time with Mr. Woodridge," Richard stated firmly, and Kitty waited a moment for him to expand on his declaration. When Richard made no move to do so, Kitty responded with the ferocity of a lion.
"That is why you are not me," Kitty retorted.
"Be serious, Kitty, for this is no teasing matter! You do not know anything about him except for what he presents, and his looks are about as false as a baby is young," Richard replied, trying to keep his calm from rising into anger. "He is not to be so trusted."
"I do not know why you chastise Mr. Woodridge so when I saw you dancing at least one dance this evening with his sister, Miss Woodridge!" Kitty exclaimed angrily. "I feel as if you are punishing me for stealing a cookie while you help yourself to the entire jarful."
"Yes, I did dance with Miss Woodridge, but only to get her to leave me alone," Richard said in exasperation. "You did not notice, I assume, how she followed me around the entire evening like a sick puppy, commenting on the dancing around me as if hinting as to her intentions. I did the only respectable thing I could so as to not slight your friend or make her feel unwelcome, which she was!"
At that moment, the carriage could be felt coming to a grinding halt. Kitty's back was sharply forced into the seat, and for a few moments she could not speak any reply. It was not necessary, for at that moment a servant appeared to open the door. A look out one of the windows provided the information that the carriage was in front of the Darcy townhouse, and Kitty couldn't have been happier with the timing of their arrival. One more minute in the same carriage with Richard, and Kitty believed she would have gone mad.
"If you ask me, you did not act as if her actions were 'unwelcome," Kitty remarked angrily yet sweetly as she flounced out of the carriage and made her way towards the house, leaving a stunned Richard in the carriage to manage his own thoughts.
Kitty made sure she was safely in her room before trying to decipher her own feelings. In the beginning of her acquaintance, she had never known Mr. Henry Woodridge to be anything but the gentlemanly brother of her friend, Eleanor, who had saved her and her friend from a most terrible fate in the park. But now, Kitty realized that he had long transformed from that man into the charming, pleasant man that had held her hand on a long ride through the country, complemented her dancing with sincerity, and given Kitty her first real kiss. What could be so wrong in this man that Richard, and Fitzwilliam, could distrust and dislike him so? What could they see in him that Kitty couldn't, if they did see anything at all?
So, with the happy memories of Mr. Woodridge swirling around in her brain, and Richard's words in the carriage, Kitty fell into a fitful sleep that night.