Beginning, Section II, Next Section
"Kitty, you may not leave, and that is the end of it," said Lizzy defiantly, crossing her arms.
"Oh, I may Lizzy. Mama said I may, and Papa made no objection. I do not see your objection at all. You adore Miss Darcy."
"Miss Darcy I may, but Mr. Darcy..." Lizzy paused. What could she say?
"Out with it, Lizzy."
"Mr. Darcy does not approve of our family so I do not approve of him."
"Perhaps he was once a disagreeable man, but that did not stop you from conversing or dancing with him then. And it shall certainly not stop my friendship with his sister now. It was you that allowed Mrs. Hurst to bring Miss Darcy to your home. You must not object so very much to her brother, or you would not have allowed it."
"Does Mr. Darcy know of his sister's impetuous invitation?" Lizzy asked. Of course he does, she thought. He has some other plan at work here.
"I believe he does. Does your husband know of your forbidding me to leave his house?"
"He is more forgiving than I."
"Well then, you should obey him, as you promised, and bless my going to Pemberley."
Lizzy sighed. She had no recourse. Kitty had proven herself to be a responsible young woman as had Miss Darcy. And if Darcy was sincere in his invitation, she had to be equally willing in allowing Kitty to go. He had made his bet. A sister for a sister. She would call his hand, and see where this game would end up when all the cards were on the table.
Before she could speak, they were interrupted by the entrance of Miss Darcy. All three women blushed and looked awkward. After sitting and exchanging greetings, the unrelated woman finally commented.
"I have had a letter from my brother. He has given the details of when he will send the carriage for Miss Bennet and me. He had left one in London expressly for that purpose. He says he is looking forward to my return."
"I am sure he is," said Lizzy kindly. "Who could not with such a sister?"
"My brother," said Georgiana fondly, "is my dearest friend, even to the exclusion of Mrs. Hurst and you Miss Catherine. "He can be temperamental, but he is the best of men. I do not know what I shall do if he ever marries. I do not think I could share him. I suppose I shall have to marry as well."
"Why has he not married?" asked Kitty, glancing at her sister, who had suddenly taken an interest in the pattern on the carpet.
"Oh Miss Catherine, just wait until you meet some of the women who wish to marry him. They are fortune hunters all."
"I recall once hearing that your brother was supposed to marry your cousin, Miss DeBourg," said Mrs. Bingley weakly
"Anne?" asked Georgiana incredulously. "Anne is too ill to marry. Who told you such a thing?"
"I believe it was your Aunt, Lady Catherine, herself," said Lizzy, after a pause. "I have been to Rosings Park you know and she often shared her opinions." She then smiled and said in a more playful tone. "I believe she shared many opinions, as to my dress, the parsonage at Hunsford, the arrangements of the plates, and of course, the placement of the bees in my cousin's hives."
Georgiana laughed, and a casual air was restored to the conversation. Shortly after, Lizzy made her excuses and left the room.
"Is Mrs. Bingley upset about my invitation?" asked Georgiana. "Is it your father? Are you sure you can leave him?"
"My father? Oh, he does not care much for me or Mary as long as Lizzy visits every day. She was always his favorite."
"So it is because Mrs. Bingley does not like my brother," said Georgiana, knowing the woman had full reason to dislike him.
"Perhaps, but I believe their relationship is a complicated one. Miss Darcy, have you ever known your brother to stare at a woman?"
"No, I believe not," answered Georgiana, somewhat shocked.
"That is interesting indeed. I would have sworn otherwise."
A rush of thoughts ran through Georgiana's mind but she was too shy to ask Kitty her meaning.
Lizzy had stood outside the door for a moment. She had been listening but walked away when Kitty mentioned her father. It was true that he was still indifferent to his younger daughters. Mrs. Bennet had favored the visit and Mr. Bennet had acquiesced without asking any type of proper question- not even inquiring if his son-in-law approved of the invitation. Instead, he had agreed, blinking once and motioning to the papers from London. He would be read to, but the well-being of his younger daughter was neither here nor there.
"After what happened to Lydia, he will not even take the time to care," she muttered, as she nearly ran into her husband walking in the other direction.
"Beth, love, what is distressing you?" he asked, seeing her frown.
"I'm not entirely sure. I just wish that someone besides myself would question the wisdom of Kitty's visiting Pemberley."
He led her into another room and shut the door. He took her hand and spoke softly.
"I do not understand your hesitation, Beth. Miss Darcy is mistress at Pemberley. She is a proper and careful young lady. She made an invitation to an equally proper and careful young lady. They will have an escort on the road, and they will have Georgiana's companion with them at Pemberley. Even if Mr. Darcy were not in residence, they would come to no harm. I do not wish to sound like your mother, but to have Miss Darcy of Pemberley as such a close acquaintance is quite a boon for Kitty."
"Do you think Mr. Darcy has anything to do with this invitation?"
"I'm not sure, but I suspect not. I have a feeling that Miss Darcy knows her own mind."
"It is true that he would hardly refuse Miss Darcy the honor of asking Kitty to his home if he is serious about our families reconnecting."
"No I think not. And he would have no harm come to his sister, so we may trust him with Kitty."
She sighed. "No doubt more than we may trust my own parents."
Bingley shook his head. "Now my love, that smacks of bitterness, and we have promised each other not to be bitter."
"So we have. I had forgotten."
He touched her chin. "And you will not forget again, for I have not." he scolded, smiling.
"No you have not. No more bitter Bingley."
"And no more bitter Beth."
She grinned. "I am so glad no one heard that conversation. No one would accuse you of good poetry the day you called me ‘bitter Beth.'"
"But it made you smile didn't it?"
"I hardly knew who you were talking of. No one had called me Beth in my life."
He leaned in closer. "But it made you smile, didn't it?"
"Yes, I suppose it did."
"Well, a year ago, I may have been happy with a smile. But today I will do with no less than a laugh."
She smiled.
"Beth, I would have you laugh." His hands moved to what he knew to be a ticklish part of her back. She giggled, trying to evade his grasp, but he had backed her into a sideboard. Conceding defeat, she hoisted herself up and sat on the edge of the cabinet.
"Laughing Lizzy," he leaned in and brushed her lips with his own.
"Mrs. Reynolds, my sister is to bring a guest with her when she returns to Pemberley, a Miss Catherine Bennet... the sister of Mrs. Bingley."
"That is excellent, sir. Mr. Bingley was such a kind young man, so genial. Where would you like me to put her?"
He thought a moment. "The blue room should do. As we have no other guests, we should not strand her in the west wing alone."
She winced slightly. The blue room was in dire need of redecoration and the windows were high and narrow. "Yes sir."
"Mrs. Reynolds, I have known you my whole life. Out with it."
"May I give her the room across the hall instead? It is far nicer, and done up like a young woman might like. Miss Darcy saw to the decorations herself, when her friend Miss Saylor visited last year."
"Mrs. Reynolds, do whatever you wish. She is to be treated as well as my sister as long as she is a guest in this house, no matter what her behavior might prove to be."
"I should expect nothing less from you sir. Any word on the young lady's preferences as far as habit or dish?"
Darcy shrugged. He could remember very little of Kitty Bennet. She danced with officers and occasionally coughed. He thought of Georgiana's letters.
"I believe she draws. But I know little else."
"Lovely, sir. I shall have the small easel brought up and see what Miss Darcy writes in her orders. Is that all, sir?"
"Yes, Mrs. Reynolds."
"Very good, sir. You are leaving then?"
"Just for a fortnight. I am standing up for my cousin. But I shall be home the morning of Miss Darcy's arrival."
"Very good, sir. Have a safe ride, sir."
He nodded brusquely.
Posted on Monday, 25 February 2008
"Now Kitty, you must make sure to have a very good time. You must take every attempt to enjoy yourself."
"Yes, mama."
"And you shall leave Netherfield tomorrow at first light? I suppose I cannot convince you to delay your journey and come again to dine tomorrow, Miss Darcy."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Bennet. Our travel plans are set."
While Mrs. Bennet graciously allowed Georgiana to decline her invitation, she was not finished conversing with the girl. "I suppose, Miss Darcy, that you entertain some very illustrious personages at Pemberley."
"We entertain but rarely in the summer, Mrs. Bennet."
"But you must have many guests."
"Only a small party. Indeed, these past two summers, it has been only my friend Eleanor, who is now Mrs. Grey. We are to stay with her, you know, on the way to Pemberley."
"Does Mr. Grey have an estate?"
"Yes, Mrs. Bennet. His father, Sir John, has lately passed on."
"And is he a younger gentleman?"
"I should hardly call him young. He is some years older than his bride."
"And does he have younger brothers?"
"Mama," said Kitty. "We shall be at the Greys only a night. Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister."
"Well it does not hurt to ask. A girl might ensnare a man in only a half hour if she is in good looks."
"Mama!" Kitty glanced at Miss Darcy. But she had underestimated her friend, who had proven to be adept at handling Mrs. Bennet.
"Oh, I certainly agree, Mrs. Bennet. My own cousin Fitzwilliam became besotted with his future bride in just under ten minutes, I believe."
Mrs. Bennet nodded triumphantly. "There, you see Kitty, you must be on your guard."
Kitty looked at her friend, but Miss Darcy tended to be capable only of only one clever and amusing statement in company before retreating into shock at her own daring. Luckily, Mrs. Bennet did not often need replies.
"Mary, you must learn from such a woman. Mr. Edwards should have made an offer by now."
Mary was so flustered by this statement that she could not say a word.
"But I suppose you all think that you are so very above the likes of Mr. Edwards now. Mr. Bingley does not know how he has spoiled you. A little bit of dowry and you both thumb your noses at every eligible match. Three thousand pounds may be enough to tempt a pauper, but it is not enough to reject an eligible man. Now Miss Darcy, you are a lucky woman. Is it true that you have a dowry of thirty thousand pounds?"
Miss Darcy could only nod weakly.
"Kitty, you must thank Miss Darcy for showing you such condescension. For she is ten times your worth and she still invites you to Pemberley."
Kitty was mortified. Even Mary knew that she ought to be.
They were interrupted by Lizzy coming from her father's room.
"Mama, Mary, we must take our leave. Charles and Mrs. Hurst will be back from their ride by now."
Miss Darcy stood.
"Mrs. Bennet, you have been such a gracious hostess during my time in Hertfordshire. I even wrote my brother that you lay the best table in the neighborhood. Please accept my thanks for your generosity this past month."
Mrs. Bennet was overwhelmed by the compliment and stood as well. "Oh Miss Darcy, such condescension from a woman of such means. It is I who must thank you. Such, a dear, sweet girl you are. I did not expect to like you, but I do. I shall miss you, Miss Darcy."
Miss Darcy nodded and stood aside while Kitty said goodbye to her mother and sister.
Mrs. Bennet saw them to the door and waved her handkerchief after them.
"Oh, do be a good girl, Kitty. I shall miss you so!"
"It is not too late," Darcy said to his cousin, who was pacing the room.
"I beg to differ, Darcy. Can you imagine the action Sir James would take if I broke the engagement now, an hour before we are to be married? My fiancée's father is not to be trifled with in such a way." Colonel Fitzwilliam laughed.
"Better that your father lose some funds than you marry a woman you do not wish to marry."
"Come now Darcy, Isabelle would not appreciate you defaming her so. I would not have made it to five and thirty without marrying if I did not know how to avoid a woman I did not wish to marry. Come now, you are supposed to congratulate me and wish her well."
"Congratulations cousin, on attaining the lady, and her substantial dowry as well."
"Darcy, you never used to be the cynic. What happened to that lively man who enjoyed company?"
Darcy shook his head. "He is the same as you have always known him."
"He is not the same. Come, now, you were always serious but you used to be a gentleman. If I wished to insult you, I would say you have become quite rude."
"Certainly not."
"Perhaps not to your servants or your tenants, but in society you are simply no longer a pleasant acquaintance." Seeing Darcy's scowl, Fitzwilliam smiled. "Now, when this wedding business is over, I shall come to Pemberley and make you enjoy yourself for a change. Georgiana writes me that you are not at all happy."
"Georgiana told you I was not happy?"
"Yes, she wrote me that she was going into Hertfordshire and she was worried that you wouldn't talk to anyone in the month she was gone."
"I am talking to you now, am I not?"
"You have me there man. What was my cousin doing in Hertfordshire anyway? I have been remiss in my guardianship these last few months."
"She is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. You remember Mrs. Bingley, I am sure. She is the former Elizabeth Bennet. She stayed in Kent while we were there, a few springs back."
"Bennet, yes, of course. Lovely girl. Small dowry. So she married Bingley? I thought you and he had a falling out."
"We did, and Georgiana is determined to fix our relationship."
"Has she had any success?"
"I believe so. She brings with her to Pemberley one of Mrs. Bingley's sisters."
"Well, I hope she succeeds with this girl. Two summers and she couldn't marry you off to Miss Saylor."
"What are you talking of Fitzwilliam? All of this wedding talk has gone to your head."
"You are a blind man indeed if you don't think that Georgiana meant to marry you to Miss Saylor. She takes prodigious care of you, you know. Miss Saylor was a lovely girl. Such a shame that she was already engaged to Mr. Grey by the time I met her."
Darcy shook his head. "I think it's time we got you to the church."
"I thought we agreed there would be no vacillation regarding Kitty's visit." Bingley enjoyed conversing with his wife during her habitual evening toilette, and tonight watched her adoringly. She was brushing out her own hair, having dismissed the maid earlier. But she seemed ill at ease and kept glancing in the mirror.
"But it is odd, isn't it? Kitty grown up and visiting. And I am not even worried for her as I once might have been."
"And Miss Darcy as well. When I knew her, she was but a child. And now she runs her brother's households."
Lizzy smiled. "She seems such a sweet girl. I hope her brother is kind to Kitty."
"I think Darcy plans to make up every arrears to our family. He will be a perfect host to Kitty. Besides, you never saw him among his own circles. At Pemberley he is everything charming and amiable. His guests would never want for hospitality."
"That is why I prefer you sir. You are charming and amiable in all company."
"Well that, I believe, is a hint to show my charm." He smiled and put his head on her shoulder so she could see them both reflected in the mirror. She smiled as well and set down her brush. If one were to have a handsome and attentive husband, one should take full advantage of such a situation.
By the second day in the carriage, Kitty welcomed the chance to spend an evening and day with Georgiana's friend, the former Miss Saylor, who happened to live not five miles out of their route. They were to add a day and a half to the usual journey. While the carriage sent to fetch them was a splendid one, both girls were ready for a break from the constant jolting on the road. But it was not to be. Upon arrival they found that illness had struck among the servants and the couple, sending their most gracious apologies, could not receive visitors.
"Well I suppose we might as well go on to an inn tonight, and come to Pemberley early," said Georgiana, sighing as they traveled away from the house. After Kitty consented, Georgiana added, "I shall send word ahead to Mrs. Reynolds. I am sorry that my brother will not be home to greet us. He was only to come home the same day we were."
"Where is he this time of year?"
"Standing up for my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. My cousin is to be married to a Miss Umbridge in about two hours time," she said, glancing at her small timepiece.
"You did not wish to attend the wedding?" asked Kitty, surprised.
"I had the convenient excuse to not be in Derbyshire at the time of it," said Georgiana smiling. "In truth, Miss Umbridge is a pretty woman with a large fortune but I do not care for her." She then added in a shy whisper. "I would not call her an overly agreeable woman."
"I see. And my sister has said that your cousin is quite an agreeable man. ‘Tis a shame. But men often are not the best judges of character," she added darkly.
"Does Mrs. Bingley know my cousin?" asked Georgiana, ignoring her friend's outburst against the masculine gender.
"A little. They were in Kent together some years ago, when we still were on speaking terms with my cousin Mr. Collins. She was great friends with Mrs. Collins at one time. It is only with Lizzy's marriage that Mrs. Collins has been permitted to write her again."
Georgiana thought of her brother's letter to Bingley. "I believe my brother was at Kent at that time as well. Mrs. Bingley and he had some disagreement I think. Fitzwilliam has referred to it."
Kitty smiled. "They were only thrown together a little in Hertfordshire, but I believe disagreement was their habit. They even fought whilst dancing, as if the rest of us could not hear their conversation up and down the line. What else did your cousin say?"
"Oh, my cousin Fitzwilliam did not speak of it. My brother's name is also Fitzwilliam. It is he who told me of Mrs. Bingley's visit to Kent."
Kitty remembered that she had known that. "Fitzwilliam is a very noble sounding name, is it not? Unlike Kitty."
"Or Georgie," laughed Georgiana. "Come now, at Pemberley you need only be Miss Bennet, and Catherine shall do for introductions."
Kitty smiled. "I have never been the only Miss Bennet in my life before. And never will, I suppose, for Mary shall never marry, no matter what Mama might hope."
"Well, the Miss Bennet you shall be, unless your sister shall visit as well."
"I doubt it highly. We have a difficult enough time convincing her to leave the house. Several days in a carriage would not suit her at all."
"It is not suiting me at the moment," smiled Georgiana, staring out the window. It was still morning and would be many more hours until dusk.
The two girls arrived by early afternoon. They were met by a kindly Mrs. Reynolds, who immediately offered to take them to their rooms to be refreshed after the long carriage ride.
"Did you prepare Miss Saylor's room for Miss Bennet?" asked Georgiana, remembering that she had not included those instructions in her last letter.
"Yes, Miss Darcy, the Master ordered it so."
"Excellent. Miss Bennet, let me show you, for I had it redecorated myself."
"Oh thank you, Miss Darcy! And you must thank your brother for me as well," gasped Kitty upon seeing the room. "For I have never slept anywhere so lovely in my life. Not even at Netherfield."
Georgiana glanced smiling around at her handiwork. It was a light, airy room, in plain dusky tones, but quite feminine in styling and features.
"I'm glad you like it. I admit I designed it to my taste. I imagine yours are a bit different."
As Kitty protested (as was polite), Georgiana yawned.
"I am sorry to say, that after that ride I need to lie down for a short nap. After which I must go over some things with Mrs. Reynolds. Would it be agreeable if I left you to the servants for a few hours- as soon as we have changed out of our traveling clothes and have had some refreshment, of course?"
"I had thought I might wish a walk for the same reason. Would it be suitable if I explored the grounds when we are settled?"
"Certainly, I will have Mrs. Reynolds fetch a gardener whenever you are ready."
So it was a few hours later, that Kitty found herself exploring the grounds at Pemberley flanked by both a maid and gardener. Unused to so many servants she felt a bit uncomfortable. When she had gotten a short tour, she asked to ramble along a bit along the wooded path by herself. They acquiesced, retreating back toward the house, and Kitty set boldly off alone. After a quarter of an hour, she came across a small seat next to the stream, and sat, admiring the beauty around her. She had brought with her paper and chalk and took them out to work.
"I hope, Mrs. Hurst, that the house is not too quiet, now that your friend and my sister have gone," said Lizzy as the women walked through the garden.
"I only mind the quiet when it gives evidence of loneliness. The quiet at Netherfield is just the right kind of quiet, Mrs. Bingley. You and Charles are so very happy."
"Are we that obvious?" Lizzy stopped to examine a blossom, hiding her blush.
"My dear sister, do not feel anxious at your happiness. A lively girl such as yourself should acknowledge the joy you feel."
Lizzy looked up. "My natural disposition is such that joy overflows to mirth. So whenever you hear me laughing, Mrs. Hurst, you may suppose that my happiness, like my cup, overfloweth."
"Well, then I must be satisfied with your laughter. Charles is a lucky man indeed that you do not save your breath to cool your porridge. Rather you give yours to fill Netherfield with laughter."
Darcy grimaced, thinking of the wedding breakfast. The new Mrs. Fitzwilliam, it turned out, had a younger unmarried sister. The family had practically thrown her at his feet, as if they expected an instant proposal. She was a pretty enough woman with a large fortune. And like him she had an Earl for a grandfather. But she was not a pleasant woman, and Darcy could only feign politeness.
He had been able to escape the festivities a day early, at least, and looked forward to returning home to ready the house for his sister and her guest.
On a whim, he set the carriage along the path before they came in sight of the house and exited to walk the way himself, along the woodland path, which curved along the stream to the right.
After a few hundred yards he came around a curve and stopped. There ahead of him, engrossed in her work, was the very image of Jane Bennet. He gasped.
Posted on Monday, 3 March 2008
At the sudden noise, Kitty looked up and immediately stood, pulling her sketch pad towards her chest.
"Mr. Darcy!" she cried, out of more surprise than politeness.
"Miss Bennet," he said guardedly, when he had recovered himself. For when she had turned and stood, he saw that she was on a smaller scale than her eldest sister, and had slightly different features, less perfectly symmetrical than Jane Bennet's. Her expression, he noted as well, had not the serenity of the late woman.
"I am sorry for that reaction just now. I must admit you surprised me, for Miss Darcy was not expecting you until tomorrow... Welcome home Mr. Darcy."
He stared at her a moment longer. She waited patiently, her lips slightly pursed. There were no more outbursts, no coughs, no giggles. She was the vision of genteel respectability.
"It is I who must welcome you to my home," he finally said. "Forgive me for my abruptness. I was also surprised at finding you here-- for I had not expected you to arrive until tomorrow evening. I trust you and my sister had a pleasant journey."
"We did, sir. The carriage was quite comfortable. Unfortunately, the Greys had an illness in their household, so we were unable to visit. Hence our early arrival."
"I see. And your parents and Mr. Bingley and your sisters- are they all in good health?"
"They are all well. My father is making great strides forward in his recovery. He can now speak a few words at a time."
"That is good news indeed." He paused again, searching for a point of conversation. "Pardon me, Miss Bennet, but where is my sister?"
"She is seeing to your household, sir. I absented myself while she tended to her duties."
"Ah, yes of course. Well do not let me interrupt your drawing."
"It is all right, sir," glancing at the position of the sun, which had sunken deeply into the western horizon. It was getting somewhat dark in the woods. "For I meant to go in before this." She paused patiently and waited for the proper invitation. He stared at her and finally recollected his duty.
"Ah. Yes. May I escort you back to the house?"
"You may, Mr. Darcy." She tucked her sketches under one arm and took her place beside him.
They walked in silence until he felt the need to speak.
"I understand you have been staying at Netherfield with Mr. and Mrs. Bingley."
"Yes, my sister was gracious enough to invite me. Longbourn can be... confining... at times."
"Ah yes, I recall." To her ears, his tone sounded rather offensive.
"I doubt you can, Mr. Darcy," she said, coloring slightly. "For it is a very different place from when you saw it last. When you were our guest, it was always lively. I would have never have called it confining."
"I apologize, Miss Bennet. I meant no offense. I imagine with only two sisters left at home, the situation at Longbourn has changed much."
She shook her head. "Everything changes, Mr. Darcy." When he did not respond she added, "But change in itself is not always an unwelcome occurrence. I find that the instance of change often challenges our previous behavior." She blushed, thinking about her own previous behavior and hoped that he took her meaning,
"Indeed. I have always found that it is how we react to such a challenge that determines our character." What on earth is she getting at? he thought to himself.
"Indeed," she echoed. He seemed not to notice her admission of previous poor behavior, so she changed the subject. "Take my sister, Mrs. Bingley. I have seen her both angry and sorrowful. But now she has willingly taken on the role of a loving wife. I know she is of good character for a lesser woman might continue to harbor feelings she can no longer afford to keep." Kitty glanced at Darcy and confirmed her suspicion. He colored and looked agitated.
"Afford, perhaps is not the best choice of words, ma'am. For I know your sister to do less than affords her well, if her feelings are otherwise engaged."
"I do not know what you mean, sir. But I do know my sister's feelings are currently entirely engaged by her husband. Mr. Bingley is a good man. If all men were as he is, I would not fear for the world."
"Do you make a habit of fearing for the world?" he asked coldly, turning to stare at her and stopping her mid-step. They were almost at the edge of the wood and would be back on the main garden path in a moment.
His stare was rather severe. She raised her chin definitely and stared back. "I do, Mr. Darcy, for I find it a dark place."
"Shall we return to the house now?" he asked in a warmer tone, offering her his arm for the first time. She took his arm, and they stepped out of the woods into the bright light of the setting sun.
Lizzy sat agitated, her eyes glancing at the letter before her.
Lizzy,
This is just a short note to tell you that we have arrived safely and early, for we did not stop at the Greys after all. Pemberley is a beautiful place. I have never seen a house more perfectly situated. Miss Darcy is less shy in her own home and runs it well, as you might expect of such a genteel young woman.
Mr. Darcy has been polite and welcoming, if still a little frosty in manner towards me. He mentions you a great deal, and stares at me when he does so, in the way he used to stare at you. Will you not tell me whatever went on between the two of you at Hertfordshire and Kent or shall I ask him? Do not think me a simpleton, for I know you have in the past. There is more than meets the eye here, and I plan to find out the entire story.
I have not forgiven you, you see, for trying to refuse my visit. To see Pemberley is worth the wrath of more than one of my family.
Affectionately yours,
Kitty
Upon hearing her husband's voice, she almost tore the letter into shreds. But changing her mind she called him to her.
"Charles, I've a letter from Kitty and I want you to read it."
"Did she arrive safely? You look a little shocked."
"She is fine, and far more observant than we give her credit for, apparently."
He raised an eyebrow and quickly scanned the letter. "Do you think Darcy is still in love with you?" he asked.
"I don't know."
"Well, Darcy is an honorable man. So if he is, he will hide it for all of our sakes."
"That is quite a reasonable assumption to make, Charles."
"Overly so, I know, but I cannot help but think the best of Darcy even after all that has happened. Besides, we cannot make so much of this one letter."
"What if Kitty mentions Kent, as she threatens to do?"
"Then there will be quite an uncomfortable moment in the Darcy home. But we will be safe at Netherfield, so it is none of our concern."
She laughed but sobered quickly. "I can't help but think that we have thrown Kitty into a lion's den without sufficient knowledge."
"Come now, Lizzy. The Kitty I know is hardly without claws."
"In my reply I will tell her to use some discretion."
"Absolutely. You are my wife, and all of our acquaintance would be good to remember it."
Georgiana was playing and Mr. Darcy reading at the other end of the room. Kitty took the opportunity to open the letters that had arrived earlier that day. She read through Mary's and then opened Lizzy's and smiled wickedly when she saw the opening. There was no denial.
Dear Kitty,
In response to your earlier letter I have little to say. Whatever may have happened between Mr. Darcy and myself has been rendered inconsequential by our separation and my marriage. Please do not speak of it again.
"Miss Bennet," Kitty looked up to see Mr. Darcy had approached her. She blushed.
"Pardon me, Mr. Darcy, I was just reading a letter from my sister."
"Ah yes, how is your sister?"
"Well, my sister Mary is well but I have not yet finished Lizzy's letter," answered Kitty. "I imagine she is well. She is married to Mr. Bingley after all. Can you imagine him ever upsetting her?"
She had been purposely taunting him for over a week now but he seemed not to notice and continued to mention Lizzy in conversation.
"No I cannot," he said darkly. He said nothing else but sat beside her, making it hard for her to finish the letter without him seeing it. Finally, she looked at him and asked him kindly, "Would you like to read the letter, Mr. Darcy? I imagine it would not interest you so much."
He looked at it for a minute, hesitating. Then he stood again.
"If there are any parts of either letter you think that Georgiana or I would find diverting, I would welcome you to read them."
"I will, sir," she said, and proceeded to read aloud Mary's account of the kitten who would jump into Mr. Bennet's lap no matter how many times it was shooed away. Georgiana paused her playing to laugh and even Mr. Darcy smiled.
"And what are your plans this day, ladies?" he asked when Kitty had finished.
"We are to walk to see Mrs. Fulton," answered Georgiana. "I promised to bring her some of the early strawberry crop." Mrs. Fulton was the mother of the man who had the living at Pemberley and kept house for him.
"I hope you do not find our society here too...confining. I believe Miss Saylor was disappointed in our small circle last summer." said Darcy to Kitty. They had had callers and had made calls-- but the Darcys generally enjoyed a quiet social schedule while they were at Pemberley.
"Indeed not. For in the last week I have met more people of fashion and rank than I ever have before. Though I must admit I prefer visiting the parsonage most of all. Mrs. and Mr. Fulton are such lovely people, so kind and engaging."
"Oh, I hoped you would think so," said Georgiana. "I am sure that if more men of our society and rank were like Mr. Fulton, I should have no hesitation in marrying. Is that not right, Miss Bennet?"
"Yes, except that Mr. Fulton would be thought of as being of my society and rank, so I should not say much, except that he seems a fine young man."
Georgiana giggled. It was quite obvious to all in the room that she had already matched Kitty to the young clergyman in her mind. Even the quiet Mrs. Annesley, recently returned from her sister's home, raised her eyebrows slightly before returning to her silent repose.
"I think I may accompany you ladies," said Mr. Darcy, frowning slightly.
"Miss Darcy writes that Miss Catherine has settled in at Pemberley quite nicely," said Mrs. Hurst to the others as they sat at breakfast.
"That is excellent news," said Bingley pleasantly. "And is she enjoying the company of her guest?"
"Indeed, for they are both riding out every day and Miss Darcy writes that Mrs. Annesley is helping Miss Catherine with her drawing."
"I do hope the grooms at Pemberley help Kitty with her form. It always surprises me that she does not fall off the horse," said her brother.
"I think she has fallen between Longbourn and Netherfield a few times," replied Mrs. Hurst. "That old mare has such a look of apprehension when Miss Kitty rides her out. The horse is obvious in its preference for Miss Bennet."
"It is true that no one would ever accuse Kitty or me of being the horsewomen in our family," said Lizzy.
Her husband laughed. "No, indeed."
Lizzy glared at him. "You agree a bit too readily to that statement."
"I will admit that you look quite smart in your riding habit."
"Such a compliment to give your wife, Charles!" Mrs. Hurst exclaimed.
Lizzy shook her head at her husband. "And how is Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Hurst?" asked Lizzy. "Is he enjoying his guest?"
"Apparently so," said Mrs Hurst. "Miss Darcy writes that they often have spirited conversation. She may have even used the word ‘alarming' in her description."
"Alarming? Kitty? Good Lord, I hope she did not show him her artwork," said her sister-in-law.
"Indeed, that is excellent news," said Bingley, responding to Lizzy with a similar shaking of his head. "Thanks to you, Louisa, we shall soon all be as we ever were." He watched Elizabeth's reaction closely.
"Perhaps not as it ever was, but how it should be now," said Lizzy, returning her husband's smile.
"Excellent, excellent," Bingley was relieved.
"Ah, but you have not heard my other news. Apparently the young clergyman at Pemberley is quite smitten with Miss Catherine, though Miss Darcy is unsure if she returns the affection," Mrs. Hurst said, not fully comprehending the exchange between her brother and his wife. The others questioned her, delighted with the possibility of Kitty securing a reputedly pleasant catch. Miss Darcy had written that the young man in question was nine and twenty, of a respectable family, and not at all unhandsome. He was kind, of a moderate temper, and gave fine sermons. His mother was a kind woman, if a bit vacant at times, and not without connections in the world, though the only son had only five thousand pounds invested in the four percents beyond the living itself.
"But I understand he might go far in his profession," said Mrs. Hurst. "And it would be a better prospect than anyone hereabouts."
"For that is certain," said Lizzy. "Young Lucas would be in danger of gambling away his bride, if he ever got one."
"Well I am happy for her," added her husband. "If this match should come to pass, I will toast them myself."
"If it does not turn out to be an idle rumor," said Mrs. Hurst.
"If we tell my mother, she will have them married in a month, idle rumor or no," said Lizzy merrily.
Posted on Sunday, 9 March 2008
"Georgiana, I shall not have you making matches," said Darcy glumly, as he stared out at the window where Kitty was sitting at the small easel, drawing the garden nearest the house.
"I have made no match brother. Mr. Fulton fancies her. You could not have an objection to her marrying him, could you?"
"Indeed I do."
"But why? Has she not proved herself a sweet and amiable girl, without any great fault?"
"Besides her wish to vex me at every possible turn, yes."
"What has she done to vex you? I think she has been a most pleasing houseguest."
He ignored the question. "Georgiana, I did not allow you to invite her here so she could fulfill her mother's wish for her to find a rich husband."
"I would hardly be doing do. Mr. Fulton has under a thousand a year."
"And she has nothing."
"On the contrary, the Bennets are not without means. She will bring with her almost 3,000 pounds- a fortune nearly equal to his."
He glanced again at the girl out the window. "You mean to say that Bingley has settled some funds upon her?"
"Perhaps. Why does it matter? What are your objections to the match?"
He shook his head and hardly knew what to say. "Perhaps I do not wish a reminder of my folly to be settled so near me."
Georgiana saw the look on her brother's face. Could she say it? She stuttered at first and then asked softly.
"Which folly? The one with Bingley or the one with his wife?"
"I might ask," he said coldly, his mind racing but his words slow, "the source of the information you claim at the moment."
"I know no details and neither does Miss Catherine. But neither of us are so blind as you might think. But I feel I must ask, if we all are ever to be friends again. What was the nature of your relationship with Mrs. Bingley?"
Better the truth than girlish suppositions, he thought.
"I asked her to marry me, three years ago April. And she refused. And if you retain any respect for my authority as an elder brother you shall ask me no more, and say nothing of it to anyone ever again."
By the last words, his voice was a shout, and Georgiana practically ran out of the room. Darcy took one last look at the girl through the window, sighed, and poured himself a snifter of brandy. He sat down and thought. There he was disturbed half an hour later by his sister slipping a note under the door.
F.D.
"It would be odd, don't you think, to have Kitty settled near Derbyshire," said Mrs. Bingley to her father in their daily talk. She had said nothing to Mrs. Bennet as of yet. Miss Darcy had sent another letter to Mrs. Hurst confirming the young clergyman's intentions, though Kitty had barely mentioned him in her short account of the previous weeks.
"Why?" he asked. It was garbled, but the previous month or two had shown a vast improvement in his speaking. He rarely attempted full sentences, however.
"I just never thought any of us would ever leave Hertfordshire," she said. "But I suppose it would be better for her. A fresh start. No one there would know of Lydia."
For all of his infirmities, Mr. Bennet could still roll his eyes.
"Oh Papa, it must be hard on Kitty!" she cried. "For she is a sensible enough girl when she wants to be, if a bit trying at times. Had we taught her more sense long ago, all of the heartache she has gone through might have been avoided. And she would still be the happy girl she was as a child. Before they both went wild."
He said something she could not understand.
"What was that, Papa?"
He merely lifted his working shoulder and smiled out of the side of his mouth. Lizzy shook her head. In the weeks between the time Lydia had run away and the time he had taken ill, her father had never once acknowledged his failure as a parent.
"Well, sir I must go now," she said though she normally sat another half hour. "Mary and I are to walk to Meryton. I do not want to keep her waiting and Mama has been quite trying. As you no doubt know." Angry, she walked from the room, nearly running into her sister.
"Mary, are you ready for our walk?"
"Mama has sent me to fetch her mending."
"I shall get it for her. Go and get your bonnet."
Lizzy walked to the sitting room where the family sat in the evening to pick up the basket, and turned around again to go to the parlor where her mother spent most of the day. Mrs. Bennet sat alone.
"Mama, here is the mending. Mary and I are to walk into Meryton now."
"Thank you Lizzy." She looked despondently at her lap. "I suppose I shall get through this basket in the hour. There is so little to do now with all my girls gone. And only one of you married." Mrs. Bennet looked so forlornly around the room that Lizzy felt momentarily guilty. Her father was clever enough to know of his failings; her mother was not.
"Mama, there is talk that a young clergyman in Derbyshire is courting Kitty. Apparently Mr. Darcy looks on him highly and you know the Darcy family controls the livings of three parishes."
"Oh Lizzy! Is it true?! A clergyman! How wonderful! Oh bring me my wrap, I must call on Mrs. Long! Her Bertie is nothing to a clergyman!"
Lizzy smiled as she walked to the entranceway where her sister was waiting. "Mary, would you deliver Mama's wrap to her while I put on my bonnet?"
Lizzy waved off the groom, who did his best not to look alarmed as he retreated back to the stables. "Charles, I believe Huntley thinks your wife is not to be trusted on a horse."
"He would be correct if he dare think such a thing. For if you fall off your mount again, I intend to leave you in the fields. It would be too much work to bring both you and the horse back to the stable."
"I did not fall, I slipped. There is a great difference."
"Yet, the horse remained upright and you found yourself on the ground." He set his mount walking, and she quickly trotted up to his side. She then slowed her own mount to match his leisurely pace.
"Yes, but I had the foresight to remove my foot from the stirrup. I slid down the side and landed on my feet. A fall would imply some sort of overturn I think."
"We must join a scientific society so you may regale the members with your subtle theories on gravity. Such a fine discernment you have in your thoughts, my dear.
"Now, now Mr Bingley. I do not tolerate such teasing. For I am Mistress of Netherfield you know, and that is a great thing," she finished in a mimic of her mother's voice.
"Yes, yes Mrs. Bingley. A very great thing. At least I think it is a great thing that you are Mistress of Netherfield."
"It is nearly a year now since you first asked me to marry you."
"Over a year, my dear. A year and a day exactly."
She was pleased with his good memory. "I'm glad I said yes."
He laughed. "Seven months later."
"I find in cases such as these that a good memory is unpardonable," she echoed his laughter. "But..." she said sobering. "I do not think you truly wanted to marry me when you asked the first time. And, besides, I did not say no."
"'Ask me again, sometime' is hardly reassuring to a man, Beth."
"And yet here we are. And we are happy."
"Yes, we are very happy. I would kiss you now, but I am afraid that you would not stay on the horse."
"Frustrating man! I would challenge you to a race but you have too much of an advantage riding astride."
"Yes, yes, do not speed up, or your sliding technique may not work so well when you next lose your balance."
"Insufferable!" She laughed, and motioned the horse into a light canter. He did the same.
"Miss Bennet, may I speak to you?" asked Mr. Darcy. Georgiana had gone with Mrs. Annesley to call on an elderly neighbor and Kitty had chosen to stay at home. She had been walking the gardens as was her wont, and had thought him in his office.
"Of course, sir."
"Miss Bennet, I do not know you well, but I have some business of a rather personal nature that I must discuss with you."
"Oh?" Kitty was rather perplexed. Mr. Darcy was not a man to look unsure of himself and if she did not know better she would have said that he looked quite nervous.
"Yes, well, Mr. Fulton called here this morning to ask my advice."
"Indeed?" Kitty raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it was a business matter. Is he planning on buying an estate?"
He eyed her cautiously. She must know Fulton is not particularly wealthy. Suddenly he realized that she was teasing him.
"No indeed, it is of a far more personal nature." She glanced up at him, a serene expression on her face, the smile that made her appear most like her sister Jane.
Guarded, he thought thinking back to Elizabeth's words about how Jane had been-- reserved in showing emotion. "I had wondered whether Georgiana should be the one to tell you but I feel she might unduly influence you. It seems..." he turned his face toward the path in front of him, not able to meet her eyes. "... that Mr. Fulton intends to court you. He has asked for my permission to do so while you are under my protection. He, of course, inquired about your family and situation, and whether your father might give his blessing if asked."
"It is not my father he should worry about," she said glumly.
"I did speak of your father's situation, suggesting he write your brother, who could better assess your father's mind on the matter," said Darcy carefully. He had taken his sister's scolding to heart and did not wish to cause offense.
"I assure you that my father knows well his own mind. However little of it he dedicates to opinions on my welfare," she colored slightly as she spoke. "Mr. Fulton should sooner seek my permission, if he is worried."
"I believe he means to if he is encouraged."
"You did not encourage him?" She glanced up at him sideways. He caught her eye briefly and looked back towards the path.
"I had thought you might have an opinion on the matter before I gave him an answer." His voice was purposely neutral.
"Mr. Fulton is a kind and good man." She glanced at him again, forcing him to meet her eye.
"I would assist him in his career. He is not rich but his situation allows him to support a wife."
"I do not care about marrying a rich man."
"Believe me, it has been a long time since I believed a Bennet capable of marrying for money." He stopped, realizing he had implied the opposite to Georgiana barely a fortnight before.
"Certainly Bennet girls always refuse a first proposal," she said, her smile shifting from serene to playful, despite her sustained blush.
"All of your sisters refused a proposal?" he asked her, his color rising to match hers.
"Indeed, Mr. Darcy, except my youngest." Kitty closed her eyes for a moment, her expression returning to its originally guarded state. "My eldest had an offer when she was seventeen. Mama never knew, or Jane would have never heard the end of it. Mary refused that cross-eyed clerk just last month and has not heard the end of it." She gave a wide smile as she paused. "And Lizzy, as much as we all desired it, did not wish to become Mrs. Collins."
"Mr. Collins?" he managed to spit out, barely recovering his composure.
"Indeed sir, I assumed you knew of it. It was quite the talk of the neighborhood." Kitty grinned. "I have always suspected she refused more than one proposal, but then of course I should not gossip," she said very playfully as Darcy sped up on the path. But she continued to look at him and would not walk faster. "And we have strayed far from the question at hand. Shall I encourage Mr. Fulton, do you think?"
"I believe my sister would like you to," he said, trying to calm himself. "She has few friends her own age in the neighborhood."
"Ah, but if that be the case, then I could merely trespass on your hospitality for as many years as you wish. Now, tell me honestly what you think. I would like to hear your opinion."
"I believe, as you say, that he is a good and kind man, and that it is an eligible match. Beyond that, you must decide," he said in a low tone.
"Ah, that is the practical answer. But I do not believe you are a practical man when it comes to marriage, or you would have married your cousin many years ago-- or so Georgiana tells me."
He colored again. Georgiana had truly taken the girl as her confidante. "That is true. I have little interest in Rosings Park. But you may have an interest in the parsonage."
"It is a well-suited house, but not enough to induce me into matrimony."
"Then you must decide, Miss Bennet. What would induce you into matrimony?"
"I believe that only the very deepest of affections would do. And I believe the man in question must be the very best of men. I do apologize, sir, if this conversation is more than you wanted to undertake," she added when he continued looked uncomfortable. Her own playfulness had vanished.
"It is no matter, Miss Bennet." There was a pause. "I believe Mr. Fulton is a very good sort of man," he finally repeated.
"He is." She sighed. "But I do not think much at all about him, I am afraid. And I cannot believe that he feels so much for me."
When he did not answer, they walked on, in silence.
"You must think me a fool!" she finally said. "I should welcome a good man, for I have known wicked ones. But I have known the best kind too. For instance, Mr. Bingley is the very best of men, but he is not so unfeeling as Mr. Fulton. In fact, he is quite the opposite."
"That is why I do not think you a fool," said Darcy with great warmth of emotion. "If a man will propose marriage, he should have the decency to be heartbroken when he is refused, and I do not think Mr. Fulton would mind so much at all."
"I see we are in agreement, then," said Kitty. "I observed his shallow nature but I needed to know I was not alone. I do not wish to be the object of any man's indifference... I have been that all my life," she added in a low tone that Darcy knew was not meant for him.
They walked on, each lost in their own thoughts. Eventually they came to the end of the path, and Darcy knew he should return to the house.
"May I escort you back to the house, Miss Bennet? My sister should be home shortly."
"Please go ahead, Mr. Darcy. I would prefer to remain in the garden for a time. I thank you for your company."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Bennet. What would you like me to do in regards to our conversation?"
"Will you tell him?" she asked. "Is he to call again for your advice?"
"What will you have me say?" he checked his watch disinterestedly.
"Just tell him that you have reason to believe that my affections lie elsewhere. Would it be the proper way of letting him down? I am not so experienced in this as my sisters."
"Do your affections lie elsewhere?" he asked her, turning. She looked down at the path, searchingly. After a moment, she gave him a shy glance.
"I believe they may," she said in a rather wicked tone. He looked at her in alarm, and her face shifted into the same serene expression she had had at the beginning of their tête-à-tête. "For I have great affection for all my family, and Miss Darcy, and Mrs. Hurst, and, of course, for these lovely grounds. You see now- it will not be a lie."
"Touché, Miss Bennet," he was amazed at her daring, but could not bring himself to smile.
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
I do not wish to vex you, for I love you dearly, and will abide by your wishes. If I have a wish, it is to treat Miss Bennet as her own person. She has come to Pemberley without her family, and you should not let any or all of your feelings for them affect your treatment of her as a guest in your home. She is my friend.
My most sincere apologies,
G. D.Chapter Seventeen