A Very Austen Romance

by Robin Helm

  With that, Lord Beaumont offered Kitty his arm and escorted her to the middle of the ballroom floor.

  Soon, they were swept away in the music, her dress swirling around them as they turned and circled the room gracefully.

  CHAPTER 4

  “How do you like the Queen?” said the Cat in a low voice.

  “Not at all,” said Alice: “she’s so extremely—”

  Just then she noticed that the Queen was close behind her, listening, so she went on “—likely to win, that it’s hardly worth while finishing the game.”

  Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

  Lord Jonathan walked up to Lord Beaumont and Kitty as soon as the final notes of the waltz sounded.

  “Such expertise in the waltz has rarely been seen in London, Lord Beaumont,” he said, smiling as he applauded. “The two of you made such a striking couple, your light hair against Miss Bennet’s dark curls. The way you were perfectly in step with each other was quite lovely. I can only aspire to such excellence in the cotillion, Miss Bennet. I shall try my best not to disappoint you.”

  Kitty tried not to show her surprise at the sudden improvement in his mood. “Thank you, My Lord. Lord Beaumont’s prowess in the dance made me appear to be much better at it than I truly am. How very kind of you to compliment us.”

  “Indeed,” added the earl. “Most generous of you, Beckett.”

  “I am well known for my honesty,” answered Lord Jonathan quietly. “I would not have said it had it not been true. It is my express opinion that the two of you had the attention of the entire room because of your beauty and how perfectly you danced together. I only hope I shall not disappoint you, Miss Bennet, during the cotillion.”

  With a nod to the earl, Lord Jonathan offered his arm to Kitty, and they walked to the edge of the space cleared for dancing, conversing as they waited for the music to begin.

  “I have just had the most interesting conversation with your young friend from Meryton, Miss Bennet,” he said in a pleasant tone. “Sir Julian Lucas is a man of singular character. I quite enjoyed getting to know him better.”

  “You did not have a partner for the waltz?” she asked.

  “The waltz is not my favourite, and I wanted to observe you more than I wanted to dance. Instead, I took the opportunity to make Sir Julian’s acquaintance. We had quite interesting chat. He told me Lord Beaumont was going to come to Darcy House to help you ladies practice dancing, and that the earl might help him be elected to the House of Commons. It struck me that I might be of assistance, both in helping you dance and in assisting him with his campaign. My father fancies that I might do well in the House of Lords, and as he is a Whig sympathizer, he would likely support Sir Julian in his election if I agree to take his place in Parliament.”

  “Why would he give you his seat? I know little about such things, but I should like to know more,” she said.

  “In my younger years, I studied law with every intention of becoming a lawyer. My father thinks my legal knowledge might be helpful in political circles. He hopes that I shall be able to smooth the transition of King George IV into his father’s place, as well as to be influential in guiding the new king to accept the idea that he is subject to the same laws which govern British citizens. My father has recently endowed me with a large estate and the title of Marquess, though that information is known only to a few people. He purchased the estate last year for the sole purpose of qualifying me for Parliament. I am greatly honoured by his confidence in me, and I shall accept the responsibility of a seat in the House of Lords.”

  The opening chords for the cotillion sounded before Kitty could reply with more than a smile, and she was not surprised that Lord Beaumont and Maria Lucas joined their square. Again, she glanced around the room, searching for the admiral, and again, she did not see him.

  Miss Bingley and her partner, Sir Harold, took the third place in their group, and, to her surprise, Sir Julian and a pretty, dark-haired girl she had not met before joined them as the fourth couple.

  Sir Julian performed the introductions, “May I present Miss Griffin, lately arrived from the Americas to visit her cousins, the Rutherfords.” He gestured to each in turn. “Miss Bennet and Lord Jonathan, Miss Bingley and Sir Harold, my sister Miss Lucas and Lord Beaumont.”

  Miss Griffin barely had time to curtsey and mumble something unintelligible in a slow Southern drawl before the eight of them were forced to lead the cotillion.

  The constant moving and changing of partners allowed very little conversation and the time passed quickly. Soon, Lord Jonathan was escorting back to her sisters.

  He bowed. “There is one more dance before I shall collect you for the supper dance, Miss Bennet. I shall return for you then.”

  She murmured a reply, turned her head to speak to Elizabeth, and when she looked back, expecting to find Lord Jonathan, he was nowhere to be seen.

  Kitty whispered to Elizabeth, “I must visit the necessary room, but I shall hurry back before the next dance starts. Which room did you decide to use for the occasion?”

  “I used rooms other than those in the family wing. Go up the back stairs. Where the hall divides, go to the right. ‘Tis the fourth door down on the left. Shall I send someone with you, my dear? We haven’t gone into that part of the house very much since you’ve been here. Shall I go with you?”

  Shaking her head, Kitty answered, “I feel certain I can find the correct room. I must go quickly. Either you or I need to be here with the guests. Would you please instruct the musicians not to start the music until I return?”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I shall be happy to do so. Guests may have a cup of punch or chat until you come back. With all the activity and meeting so many new people, you likely need a little peace before we continue.”

  After thanking her sister, Kitty walked briskly across the room, intent on finding her way. A few people greeted her as she proceeded, but within a few minutes she was climbing the steps.

  At the top of the stairs, the hall divided, just as Elizabeth had said. Did she say go right and the door will be on the left, or go left and the door will be on the right?

  She saw no servants, so she decided to go to the left, thinking she could easily retrace her steps. When she came to the fourth door on her right, it was opened just a sliver. Kitty reached out to push it open but stopped short when she heard voices.

  As the voices were male, and she certainly wished to avoid an embarrassing situation, she drew back her hand.

  Then, she recognized the voices – the admiral and Lord Jonathan!

  “She would be better off with me, and you know it,” exclaimed Lord Jonathan.

  The admiral’s deep voice sounded gruff – almost bitter. “Have no worries about me, Lord Bane, for I knew from the conversation following our dance that I would be quite unsuitable for her. I am too rough, I have done horrible things, and she is a complete innocent – far too gentle and good for me. My father taught me to track and hunt at an early age – how to live off the land and survive, no matter the cost. I was never cossetted as you were. My family was not accepted in your circles. We worked hard, fighting and buying our way into the nobility. Your friend from the wilds of the Canadas would be a much better fit for me.”

  “The king was most generous to you, as I remember,” answered the younger man.

  The admiral’s voice held an edge of anger when he spoke again. “Yes, and His Majesty’s generosity came with a high price, as you well know. I did what was required of a soldier as well as a spy, and later I commanded those under me to do the same. The faces haunt me – I cannot sleep. One of the things I regret the most will be any chance of having the love of a truly good and lovely young woman – a woman I would have adored for the rest of my cursed life. Such a woman does not deserve to inhabit the same darkness as a man such as I.”

  He paused, and Kitty heard the sound of footsteps before he spoke again. “Enough about Miss Bennet. I shall speak of her no more. What information do you have fo
r me?”

  “I have seen the count several times in the past few days, though he never saw me. He is rather easy to spot in his black garb. You should be pleased to know I have gathered the information you required in order to force him to do what you wish. In fact, he’s here tonight, and – ”

  Kitty turned at the sound of footsteps to see the housekeeper, Mrs. Audley, hurrying toward her.

  “Miss Bennet, Mrs. Darcy sent me to find you. She feared you were lost, and there you are at the library door. Shall I direct you to the necessary room?”

  “Of course. Thank you,” murmured the young woman.

  The voices in the library quieted, and Kitty’s heart pounded as she nearly ran to follow the housekeeper. When she glanced back over her shoulder, she could see that the door was no longer ajar.

  ~~oo~~

  Mercifully, Kitty was not expected to converse pleasantly with Sir Harold, as the quick and lively Scottish county dance began immediately upon her return. She made a conscious effort to keep smiling, though she could not help glancing about the room with every turn in an effort to find the admiral, Lord Jonathan, or the elusive count.

  Near the end of the reel, Kitty caught a glimpse of a frowning Lord Beaumont watching her as he danced with Miss Griffin. The lady was so intent on the complicated dance that Kitty doubted she noticed Lord Beaumont’s expression or hers.

  When the reel ended, Sir Harold escorted her to Elizabeth.

  Before a few moments had passed, Lord Jonathan stood before her, offering her his arm, claiming her for the supper dance.

  She took his arm but directed her attention to the floor, attempting to hide her face.

  “Miss Bennet, are you unwell?” he asked, concern in every syllable.

  When she did not answer, he continued. “Please look at me. I am no different than I was an hour ago.”

  She raised her head and met his eyes. “I daresay you aren’t. However, I think I know you better now than I did then.”

  “Our conversation was private, but had no evil intent. I already told you my father has a connection with His Majesty. I assist my father in his service to the king. That is all. Now, shall we dance? The room awaits us.”

  “Who is the count?” she whispered.

  He shook his head. “Come. We shall talk of it later. People are watching us, likely wondering why we haven’t opened the dance.”

  She nodded and allowed him to lead her to top of the room. The other couples took their places, and the music began.

  Feeling as if someone watched her, Kitty looked behind her. A tall, dark man with an aristocratic bearing had his attention fixed on her. His attire was unrelieved black, severe and meticulously correct. His scrutiny unnerved her. The man was a cobra, and she was a timid dormouse – prey.

  Kitty quickly raised her eyebrows as she faced Lord Jonathan. He inclined his head the tiniest bit.

  The mysterious count shrouded himself in secrets. Kitty shivered, wondering if he were as dangerous as he looked.

  She glanced again where the mysterious nobleman had been, but he was gone. It was as if he had disappeared, simply vanishing as a ghost might.

  ~~oo~~

  Kitty did her best to relax and enjoy the company at supper, but it was, at best, a struggle to make polite small talk when she felt so uncomfortable.

  Though she dreaded performing in public, when Kitty saw Elizabeth take her place at the pianoforte and smile at her, she was actually a bit eager to leave stilted conversation, along with Lord Jonathan, at the dinner table.

  She chose a beloved ballad, “The Bluebells of Scotland,” as it had always been a favourite of hers and fit her high, sweet soprano very well.

  Just as she began the third verse, movement at the very back of the room caught her eye. Had she not been standing, looking in that direction, she would not have seen it, and as everyone else attended her while she sang, she doubted anyone else noticed.

  Admiral Lord Stephens quietly left his seat and walked from the room.

  Kitty finished the song to loud applause and requests for another performance, but she demurred, giving place to other performers. Lord Jonathan stood and held her chair for her when she returned to her seat.

  “That was beautiful, Miss Bennet,” he said quietly. “One of the songs I love the best. Every time I hear it from now on, no matter where I am or who I’m with, I shall think of you.”

  There was no mistaking the melancholy in his tone.

  Any chance of reflection on Kitty’s part fled as Caroline Bingley replaced Elizabeth at the instrument, playing a technically brilliant piece perfectly. The music was cold genius with no emotion, loud and fast, demanding to be heard and applauded.

  Conversation or cogent thought were nigh impossible.

  When the exhibition portion of the evening was over, the guests began to make their way back to the ballroom for the boulanger, the final dance of the evening.

  Lord Jonathan touched Kitty’s arm. His voice was low, pleading. “Please, allow me to explain myself, Miss Bennet, though I cannot do it here. May I call upon you tomorrow afternoon? I know you no longer trust me, and I have no wish to part with you under such a cloud of suspicion.”

  She bit her lip, thinking for a moment before she spoke. “Perhaps Julian and Lord Beaumont would enjoy dancing as they planned. If you wish to come, you are welcome to do so. I shall send invitations to you and Lord Beaumont, if my sister and Julian are receptive to the idea.”

  He held out his arm to her, and she accepted it. “Thank you. You are every bit as sweet as I thought.”

  The first person she saw upon entering the ballroom was Admiral Lord Stephens. He smiled and bowed in her direction, then crossed the room to claim her for the dance.

  He held out his arm, and she placed her gloved hand on it.

  “I have no idea how much you overheard, my dear,” he said, “but I sincerely hope you will still allow me the boulanger. I have looked forward to it all evening.”

  “Of course,” she answered, looking down. “I know that you think I am unsuitable for you, and I have no expectations. Let us part as friends after this dance.”

  “Look at me,” he commanded, and she could not refuse.

  “You are all that is lovely and pure,” he said softly. “Far too good for the likes of me. But I would have you know this: if you ever need me for anything, all you need to do is ask. Should anyone bother you or hurt you in any way, he would answer to me. I have written down the way for you to contact me. Please keep it. I should be happy to know you have the information. Will you do that for me?”

  Kitty nodded, and he slid a small paper into her glove.

  He then escorted her to the front of the room, and the music began.

  “You did what you had to do for the good of your country – to protect people like me. You cannot be truly bad –” she said.

  He interrupted her. “My soul is black. There should be no redemption for one such as I. Remember me kindly from time to time, and pray for me.”

  “I shall pray for your peace of mind every day,” she promised, blinking away her tears.

  Then, they were moving through the complicated circles of the dance.

  The music ended far too quickly to suit her, and, with a sad smile and another bow, Admiral Lord Stephens walked out of her life.

  CHAPTER 5

  “Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely, "and go on till you come to the end. Then stop.”

  Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

  After discussing the matter with Kitty and Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth had written invitations to Lord Jonathan and Lord Beaumont before retiring and left them with Mrs. Audley to be delivered to the gentlemen on the following morning.

  Darcy House was quiet for the first part of the day, for both family and guests were tired from the previous evening’s merriment and slept well past their usual times. Upon arising, Elizabeth had received acceptance cards from both gentlemen, and they were to arrive by two o’clo
ck in the afternoon.

  Elizabeth’s excellent household staff, under the capable direction of Mrs. Audley, had put the house to rights before ten o’clock and was now bustling about preparing the drawing room and refreshments for the party.

  The sideboard of the breakfast room was laden with their favourites when the family and their guests began to drift in for a meal before the gentlemen arrived.

  Elizabeth, Georgiana, and Kitty discussed the choices of dances and music as they ate, and both Elizabeth and Georgiana agreed to play for the party.

  Excited, Kitty hurried through her meal and pushed her chair back to leave the table with the intention of going to the drawing room. Before the young lady could rise from her seat, Sir Julian was behind her, holding the chair for her.

  “Thank you, Julian,” she said, blushing. “As there were rarely any gentlemen at Longbourn during family meals, other than my father, I always forget to wait for a gentleman’s help.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, we were always quite self-sufficient, helping each other with nearly everything as we had but one maid for the five of us.”

  “And all of you did very well,” said Julian. “No one could ever think there was anything lacking in the upbringing of the lovely Bennet sisters. Please, excuse me.”

  Kitty was well aware of the gallantry in his statement, for many people considered her sister Lydia to be quite lacking in manners and decorum, and Mary had never been known for her beauty. In addition, she was well aware that, only a few years before, most of the population of Meryton had viewed her as very silly and vain.

  “Most generous of you,” she said. “However, you have always been kinder to me than I deserved.”