CATHERINE (Pride & Prejudice continued.... Book 2)

by Sue Barr

  What a kettle of worms he’d opened with one innocent remark. When he failed to keep that promise, she’d be the one to bear the brunt of her mother’s displeasure. Just then a stable hand returned with Buttons, who’d been brushed down and given water.

  “Well, girls, come give your Papa a proper hug, and remember to listen to your Aunt and Uncle Gardiner.”

  She and Mary hugged Papa and then Mama, who by this time had come to stand beside their father. She was surprised to see tears forming in their mother’s eyes.

  “Goodbye, Mama. I shall write often,” Kitty whispered as she kissed her mother’s cheek.

  Lord George first offered his hand to Mary and once she was settled, turned toward Kitty. He helped her up into the carriage and she couldn’t help but notice his hand lingered longer than was necessary on the small of her back. A tiny frisson of warmth crept through her body, which she immediately crushed. Having fanciful dreams about the handsome Lord was one thing, to act upon them was quite another.

  No. She intended to maintain a polite civility between them, for when they arrived in London, he’d remain among his own set and forget the two lowly misses from Hertfordshire. Of that she was positive.

  ***

  George swung up into the saddle and cursed his momentary lapse of judgement. Given the blush on Catherine’s cheeks, she was very much aware his hand had lingered on the small of her back longer than propriety allowed. He had to give her time to become used to him, much like breaking in a new filly. You first started with a light blanket and slowly progressed to a saddle.

  He waved a salute to their parents and Mrs. Bennet began waving a lacy handkerchief at the carriage as it trundled down the graveled drive. Both girls leaned out the window and waved back, only retreating to the interior when they turned onto the main road and moved out of sight of Longbourn.

  He was most anxious to contact Lord Grayson and hand over the damning documents found in Stanhope’s study. He’d deduced the initials S.P. stood for Spencer Percival, the Prime Minister who’d been assassinated. All along he’d felt there was a conspiracy behind Spencer’s untimely death, now he had irrevocable proof. But more disturbing were the initials P.W., which had been stroked out. This lead him to believe P.W. had been the original target and something happened to change the conspirator’s plans.

  If it had been just him and Buttons, he’d have ridden as though the hounds of hell were on his heels, but because of a promise and the very need to maintain the facade of a gentleman with no care, he had to bide his time. Hopefully, if the roads remained clear, he might catch Lord Grayson before he quit his offices for the evening. If not, then George might have to disturb him at home. Not only was the information he held vital, the life of the Prince Regent depended on finding Stanhope’s alliance of traitors and bring them to justice.

  Much to George’s relief, there were no delays and they arrived on the outskirts of London in just under four hours. It took them another forty-five minutes to reach Gracechurch street, where Mrs. Bennet’s brother resided in an elegant townhouse. Before the carriage had rolled to a complete stop, he jumped off Buttons and awaited the outrider to open the carriage door so he could help the ladies disembark.

  Mary emerged first, thanking him in a most proper tone, followed by Catherine, her features hidden by the brim of her bonnet. She also murmured a polite thank you and went to step around him. An insane desire to tear the bonnet from her head and tilt up her face so he could see her eyes, consumed him. What would his Catherine do if he followed through?

  She stumbled slightly and without thought he grabbed her arm and steadied her. Immediately she gasped and looked up. Her eyes were rounded in dismay and twin flags of red emblazoned her cheek. It was then he realized that he’d also wrapped his arm around her middle to keep her from falling. He released her and took a step back.

  “My apologies, Miss Catherine. I did not want you to fall and re-injure your ribs.”

  While true, he knew he’d overstepped. His apology was cut short when the door to the townhouse opened. A portly man in his mid-thirties and a genteel looking woman descended the stairs and greeted both girls with a warm hug. He recalled seeing them at Darcy’s wedding breakfast and also remembered how well-behaved their children had been.

  “Uncle Gardiner, this is Lord George Kerr,” Mary said by way of introduction.

  The gentleman bowed in greeting and then brought forward his wife. “Yes, we met very briefly at Lizzy’s wedding. This is my wife, Mrs. Gardiner.”

  She curtsied and George nodded in response.

  “Thank you for escorting the girls, Lord Kerr. It is most appreciated.” She nodded at the footmen to bring in the trunks. “After such a long journey, you must be in want of a good cup of tea. Would you join us, Lord Kerr?”

  Her voice was low and soothing, her manner very welcoming. He could see why the sisters held her in such esteem.

  “Yes, I would, although I can only stay for a quarter of an hour. I have a business engagement that cannot be put off any longer.”

  “Well, fortunately for you Cook has everything prepared. All that is required is a dry mouth and empty stomach.”

  Catherine and Mary followed them into the house, disappearing upstairs to remove their traveling cloaks and freshen up. Excited squeals from the Gardiner children tumbled down the stairs and he was sure the two sisters were on the receiving end of some excited hugs. He followed Mrs. Gardiner into the front parlor. The room, although simply furnished, remained elegant. Compared to Adborough Hall, or even Kerr House it was small by comparison, but he liked how much it felt like a home. He settled into a comfortable chair beside the deep bay window and accepted a cup of tea from Mrs. Gardiner.

  “Tell me, Lord Kerr, how you came to escort our nieces today.” Mr. Gardiner lifted his cup of hot cocoa and blew across the steaming mug before taking a careful sip.

  “It all began when I nearly ran over your niece, Miss Catherine…”

  He had just finished relaying his story when Mary entered the room. Of their own accord, his gaze moved past her in anticipation of Catherine joining them. When she didn’t appear, he turned his attention to Mary.

  “Kitty has decided to remain upstairs, Aunt Gardiner. When she alighted from the carriage, she re-twisted her ankle and as such is laying down with it elevated, as Mr. Wilson prescribed.”

  “Is there anything I can do for her, Mr. Gardiner? Shall I call my family physician to attend?” George worked hard to show only light concern. As it was, he desperately wanted to take the stairs two at a time and see for himself that she was not badly re-injured.

  “Thank you, but that is not necessary, Lord Kerr,” Mr. Gardiner replied. “Given what Mary related in her letter to us last week, Kitty only requires a little rest and she shall be right as rain by tomorrow.”

  “Lord Kerr, you are so kind to offer us your own physician’s assessment. However, you have more than made up for that unfortunate accident and simply must not take any more blame upon your shoulders.” Mrs. Gardiner smiled at him.

  The clock in the hall struck the quarter hour and George placed his tea up back onto its dish and stood.

  “I must be off. Please send my apologies to Miss Catherine and I hope she recovers quickly.”

  “We shall, Lord Kerr.”

  Mr. Gardiner accompanied him to the door and stayed on the front step as he swung up onto Buttons. The carriage and driver had already returned to Kerr House as planned and without further ado, he made his way to Lord Grayson’s office.

  ***

  Two hours later, George rode a fatigued Buttons into the mews near his lodgings. Lord Grayson had already quit his office for the day, whereupon George attempted to speak with him at his house in Mayfair, only to find that his Lordship and wife were at Lady Dalrymple’s ball.

  Frustrated, George turned his faithful steed toward their own home and asked his valet, Mr. Pratt, to have a bath prepared. While soaking away over eight hours in the saddle he sat up
with a splash and called for Pratt.

  “Yes, Lord Kerr? Would you like to have some supper before retiring for the night?” he queried in his most polite tone.

  “No, I mean I will have some supper, but I first need to know if any invitations to Lady Dalrymple’s ball arrived for me.”

  “As a matter of fact, her invitation arrived the day you left for Cambridgeshire. I didn’t mention it because you’d only just returned yourself, sir.”

  “No worries, Pratt. If you would set out my evening clothes and meet me in my dressing room. I am in need of a shave as well.”

  “Very good, my Lord. Do you require assistance getting out of the tub?”

  “No, that will be all.”

  In no time, he was clean shaven, dressed in his finest evening wear with a pristine cravat so intricately knotted Brummel would gnash his teeth in envy, and his stomach had been soothed by a plate of meat and cheese Cook sent up to his room. Now all he had to do was locate Lord Grayson and tell him verbally about the evidence he had locked up in his strongbox.

  Chapter Nine

  “A message has arrived, ma’am.”

  “Did the messenger request a reply?” Aunt Gardiner asked as she accepted the sealed missive from their footman.

  “No, ma’am.” He bowed politely and left the room.

  Kitty, Mary and Aunt Gardiner had just gathered together to break their fast in the room overlooking their Aunt’s sumptuous flower garden. Uncle Gardiner, who’d eaten earlier, was already at his place of business. Both girls watched Aunt Gardiner break the seal and read the missive before placing the folded document beside her plate.

  “Lord George Kerr is a most amiable man, would you not agree, Kitty?”

  Caught unaware by the random question, Kitty almost spluttered out her tea.

  “Yes… Yes, he is,” she replied and quickly wiped her mouth with a linen handkerchief.

  “And feels a great amount of guilt over your injuries, I would imagine,” her aunt continued.

  “I would not know, Aunt Gardiner. We have not spoken of it. In fact, we hardly have any sort of conversation. Ever.”

  “I find that interesting. He has requested to escort you and Mary to a few shops where you might buy gifts for your family and if there is time, show you Hyde Park. He will be here by one o’clock.” Aunt Gardiner tapped the folded letter by her plate. “He is either a first-class gentleman, or a notorious rake, although he promised you will be suitably chaperoned. I am of a mind to consult your Uncle before making my decision.”

  “Whatever you think is best.” Mary finally broke her silence, although her hand touched Kitty’s leg under the table. A sign of silent support.

  “I shall be but a few moments and I know your Uncle will respond quickly, as time is of the essence.” Aunt Gardiner rose from the table and made her way to their Uncle’s study.

  “What do you make of that?” Mary asked Kitty once their aunt had quit the room.

  “I hardly know. Why would he want to escort us shopping?”

  Mary looked at her as though she suddenly had two heads instead of one.

  “If you cannot comprehend the reason, then you are a dunderhead.”

  “Mary!” Kitty couldn’t help herself, she laughed out loud. “You have become positively heathen in your language these past few days. I think I have become a bad influence on you.”

  “You would only be a bad influence if I spoke untruths, but in this - you are a dunderhead. You should have seen how crestfallen he was when you did not come downstairs after our arrival.”

  “I find that hard to believe. I think you are looking for roses where only bright weeds grow.”

  She wouldn’t allow Mary’s verbal musings to turn her head, she performed that task all on her own. During their uneventful trip to London she’d caught glimpses of him riding beside the carriage. He seemed as one with his horse, muscular thighs hugging the saddle, hands loose on the reins. He’d been so incredibly male, so masculine that she couldn’t help but stare until she realized Mary watched her almost as close as she watched him. After that she’d kept her attention firmly inside the carriage.

  He was only being a gentleman and now that they were in London it was only natural he would ease out of their lives into his own. His singular attention had been flattering, but she had no expectations of something further. She repeated ‘no expectations’ to herself, almost as a mantra. Maybe if she whispered it enough times, she’d come to believe it.

  Within the hour their Uncle responded with permission for them to be escorted by Lord Kerr and to have their own maid, Nanette, attend them.

  Now, at precisely ten minutes to one o’clock, her heart pounded so hard Mary was sure to hear the panicked thump, thump, thump from where she sat embroidering. Kitty fought the urge to pace the room, or worse, stand by the window and watch for his arrival.

  “Kitty. Your behavior reminds me of a cat inside a room full of dogs. Even from here I can see how tight your nerves are stretched.”

  “I am worried Aunt and Uncle Gardiner will think there is a secret understanding between Lord George and me. Although I anticipate with pleasure seeing all the shops and maybe also Hyde Park, I debate whether I should decline his gracious invitation”

  “Have you gone completely mad?” Mary lowered the embroidery hoop onto her lap, her expression incredulous. “Why would you decline Lord Kerr’s invitation, and even more perplexing, what is wrong with him showing you attention? He is the brother of a Duke! Hundreds of young women covet his attention, of this I am positive.”

  “It is not that simple. I cannot… I… He must not pay so much attention to me.” She trained her eyes onto her hands, clasped tightly on her lap. “If he is in search of a bride, he should not waste time with us.”

  The sound of a carriage arriving halted their conversation. Mary placed her work into a handy little box beside the couch and Kitty took a deep, fortifying breath. Soon the sounds of Lord George being welcomed by their Uncle could be heard. He’d returned home in time to greet the young gentleman.

  “Kitty.” Mary commanded her attention before their company joined them. “Put that heavy burden down. You promised.”

  Surprised tears threatened to appear. How wonderful her sister was. Mary promised to help her let go of her dark past and this proved she was a woman of her word. She smiled and willed the tears to abate.

  “Thank you, Mary. I need your calming influence.”

  “And some of Lizzy’s courage.”

  She felt a rush of longing for the company of her sisters. Lizzy always had courage when facing the unknown and Jane accepted everything with calm serenity while Lydia surged ahead, sails fully extended uncaring what course her ship took.

  “I just realized something.” Kitty said with a little laugh. “Between us five sisters, we have a perfect woman.”

  “What on earth do you mean?”

  “Well… Jane has a sweet temper, Lizzy has courage which rises to every occasion, you have good morals, Lydia has boundless enthusiasm and love of all things fun, and I have loyalty.”

  “I never thought of us that way,” Mary laughed with her. “That is absolutely brilliant.”

  “What is brilliant, Mary?” their aunt asked, entering the room before the gentleman joined them.

  “Not what, but who. My sister, Catherine. She is an absolute gem.”

  “I have always known she is a treasure, as are you, Mary.” Her aunt gave them a sweet smile.

  “Thank you, Aunt,” both girls spoke in unison.

  “Ladies, are you ready for your afternoon jaunt?” their uncle asked as he entered the room, followed by Lord George who looked more handsome than ever, if that were possible.

  His well-cut maroon jacket appeared to have been molded to his form and her greedy eyes traveled down taking in every detail. Unruly curls, broad shoulders, a cravat so intricately knotted she wondered how long it took his valet to execute the knots and turns, down past his tan waistcoat and fawn co
lored breeches tucked into expensive boots. Everything about him shouted to the world he was a gentleman of the ton, a titled brother to a Peer of the realm.

  He was beyond the boundaries of her world.

  ***

  “A bookstore! I have always wanted to see one.” Kitty eagerly scanned the interior of the shop through the window.

  Lord George had taken them down a small side street, just off the main road. At first trepidation filled her, thinking he didn’t want to be seen with her and Mary by anyone of Quality, but then he stopped in front of a delightful bookstore, tucked away like a happy secret.

  “You have never been to a bookstore?” Lord George’s voice was incredulous.

  “No, all we have in Meryton is the circulating library. If we want anything special, we have to order it from Town.” She gazed longingly at all the books on display. Mary stood quietly beside her, also gazing at the books.

  “Then we must go in.”

  “Oh no,” both girls said at the same time. Catherine felt her cheeks heat in shame. How does one tell a handsome lord, a rich handsome lord, that neither she nor Mary could scarce afford to purchase a new book? No, they would have to carry on to the park as planned.

  “Might I enquire why, when the door to the building is neither locked nor barred to female customers?” Lord George’s habitual grin graced his face again, his dimple deepening.

  “We do not have funds to purchase anything,” Mary stated in her matter-of-fact way and Catherine wished she were anywhere but here. “I cannot speak for my sister, but for me it would be heart wrenching to go inside and not indulge. Much like a child in a sweet shop.”

  Understanding dawned on Lord George’s face. He carefully assessed each girl and Kitty knew exactly when he’d made a decision. His shoulders straightened and his chest even puffed out a bit. He was fascinating to watch and when he turned to face her, she blushed even further at being caught.