What Kitty Did Next

by Carrie Kablean

  ***

  On her way back to the Bingleys’ house, Kitty thought back on the afternoon and her time with Elizabeth and was buoyed by it. It was unusual to get Lizzy to herself, still less taken into her confidence about anything even slightly troubling. She had even seemed pleased with her advice! It brought back childhood memories of trying, usually unsuccessfully, to get her sister’s attention and approval. She had not advertised to Elizabeth that her reason for leaving was another music lesson with Mr Adams. Surely she need not fear ridicule from her now? Kitty hoped not, but she was not entirely certain.

  Walking into the drawing room at Brook Street, she was mildly surprised to encounter Miss Bingley and Miss Darcy, evidently just returned from a shopping expedition. A selection of scent bottles and combs were arrayed on a side table and Caroline, having but curtly acknowledged Kitty’s presence, left Georgiana to elucidate. ‘We have been to Floris in Jermyn Street. It is quite delightful.’ She proffered a small phial to Kitty, declaring it to be her favourite.

  Kitty, who had thus far merely passed by Floris but knew of its popularity, inhaled a light, citrusy cologne and passed it back to Georgiana with an approving nod. ‘I should like to visit that shop,’ said she. ‘Have you also been to that other perfumers, Atkinsons? I hear he keeps a bear in his shop! Can you believe it? I am not sure I should like that at all, but I am curious!’

  Georgiana had heard the same. ‘Perhaps we should visit. I will try to persuade my brother to accompany us and save us from any wild animals.’

  Feeling flattered at this lighthearted exchange, Kitty was about to sit down but remembered her appointment. ‘We have a mutual acquaintance, Miss Darcy, in your former music master Mr Henry Adams. I am expecting him here at any moment.’

  ‘I did not know you were fond of music, Miss Bennet. How lovely. Nor that you knew Mr Adams. I have been meaning to write to him to let him know I am in London. This is most fortuitous. Perhaps I could take up a few minutes of his time to enquire after him and his family. His sister Rose was married recently, I think. If you don’t mind, of course.’

  ‘My dear Georgiana, why should Miss Bennet mind? She will be only too pleased to accommodate you. She could learn much from you,’ Miss Bingley informed them both.

  Georgiana and Kitty looked at each other, both a little uncertain as to how to interpret and act upon this instruction. Georgiana was acutely aware of Caroline’s abrupt manner and wondering how best to alleviate any distress, when Kitty spoke. ‘Of course not, Miss Darcy. Pray let us go right away to the pianoforte. Miss Bingley, do excuse us.’ So saying, she went to Georgiana and offered her arm, whereupon the pair quit the room.

  It was done very swiftly and Miss Bingley was quite taken aback; this was not the result she had intended. How awfully tiresome this plague of Bennet sisters was.

  CHAPTER 19

  Brook Street, March 1813

  An Observation of Modern Manners

  by C. Bennet

  ‘Mr and Mrs Byron Merriwether.’

  A murmur of interest rippled through the assembled throng, representative of London’s elite, as Isabella and Byron Merriwether descended the wide staircase. None could fault Mrs Merriwether’s appearance (though there were some who tried). Her dress of yellow silk offset with silver grey was both fashionable and worn with aplomb. It showed her elegant form admirably.

  ‘And those emeralds, did you see them?’ asked a plump matron, rather too loudly, of her husband. ‘She has only lately come by those, you can be quite certain.’

  ‘Did you know Lady Anne, Mr Merriwether’s dear mother? I could count her among my closest friends,’ said another, whose acquaintance with that lady had stretched no further than a curtsy. ‘I am sure she would have wished, nay demanded, a more appropriate match.’

  The gentlemen, it has to be said, were rather more willing to approve of Mrs Merriwether than their womenfolk. They saw a vivacious and attractive young woman with shining dark hair and a fair countenance, who seemed to be enjoying her husband’s company. Something which to many of the gentlemen present had become a distant memory!

  ‘She looks an ordinary sort of girl… nothing exceptional,’ opined another matron, fanning herself vigorously as if also to fan Mrs Merriwether back into obscurity. ‘Quite plain, too. I hope Merriwether does not live to regret his decisions.’

  ‘Oh, he probably will,’ rejoined her companion. ‘Her family is nothing, you know. You have heard about the youngest sister? Quite the trollop, I understand…’

  Kitty stopped and crossed out the last sentence, shocked at herself. It wasn’t right or fair of her to malign Lydia. London snobs, not her family, were fair game for her pen.

  ‘Oh, look. There’s Lord Weston. This will be interesting. What will Merriwether do if he cuts her. Oh, my dear, he has! He has!’

  Byron Merriwether, who had neither the patience nor the inclination to suffer fools, had indeed noticed Lord Weston’s insult to his wife, but rather than challenge him to a duel on the spot, favoured the gentler sport of dancing and so led his wife into the ballroom. She maintained an air of insouciance throughout.

  Difficult, thought Kitty. What had Lizzy really felt when Lord Westhope/Weston had ignored her so rudely? Should Darcy fight a duel? No, Darcy/Merriwether would not do that, would he? Duelling was illegal, but it didn’t stop them happening. Her imagination took her to a cold, misty morning, perhaps on Hampstead Heath. She had heard that was a scenic and romantic spot. Deserted at dawn, except for wronged gentlemen, their antagonists and their seconds. Her mother had quite convinced herself that Mr Bennet would fight a duel with Wickham after the infamous elopement from Brighton. Kitty could not imagine her father fighting anyone, let alone at some deserted spot at dawn! Anyway, if Merriwether was to fight a duel and kill the dastardly Lord Weston, he would have to flee overseas and where would that leave the fair Isabella?

  ‘I will not live in England without you, sir. Wheresoever you go, I shall be with you.’ Merriwether looked into his wife’s dark eyes and knew he could never leave her.

  No good, thought Kitty. I don’t know enough about the continent to write their future there. She turned her thoughts back to her sister. Apart from the odious Lord Westhope, Mrs Darcy had been well received by many other guests, including of course the host and hostess. Lizzy had been introduced to a Lady Albany – by all accounts, quite the person whose acceptance was required if one was to breach the self-important, self-imposed defences of London’s ton – and by refusing to act in the usual deferential manner had quite piqued her ladyship’s interest, the result being an invitation to the famed Almack’s Rooms the following week. Elizabeth had professed herself quite unmoved by this munificence, but Kitty thought she had detected a victorious gleam in her eyes and even Mr Darcy had acknowledged she had made a conquest of the dowager. Not even the aristocracy was assured admittance to Almack’s, so great was the adjudicating power of its society patronesses.

  As for Isabella and Byron, well they would have to wait and see what happened to them, Kitty decided, gathering her papers and pen together. She put her ‘musings’ as she now called them into her work bag with her sewing things, where they would be free from detection, and hurried downstairs in search of Jane, and breakfast.

  ‘The rain has stopped at last,’ her sister remarked to Kitty by way of greeting. ‘I think we can expect Lizzy and Georgiana this morning.’

  Kitty looked out of the window. Three days of rain had prevented all but the most necessary activities and she was keen to leave the house as well as looking forward to seeing Georgiana. Mr Darcy had been prevailed upon to escort them to Atkinsons, so there was the exotic promise of seeing a real bear, plus the novelty of London’s smart shops, which, with their linens and laces, ribbons and bonnets, were a constant source of joy to Kitty. I feel like a caged bear myself, she thought, surveying the sky. If the weather held, though, they might even find themselves promenading in Hyde Park that afternoon.

  As it turned out, so
me matter of business prevented Darcy from the delights of shopping, but the ladies found themselves quite brave enough to visit the various establishments, even those with wild animals, without his protection and more at liberty to indulge themselves in protracted discussions over their purchases. When they had exhausted themselves in and around Mayfair, Elizabeth proposed they travel on to Gracechurch Street.

  ‘I want to choose new fabrics and papers for Pemberley and Aunt and Uncle Gardiner will know which are the best drapers and warehouses.’ No one had any objection, so the journey was begun, with Kitty leading the questioning as to what Lizzy proposed and revealing a surprising depth of knowledge as to the latest furnishings, chinoiserie and Egyptian-influenced styles.

  ‘Where do you come by this information?’ Elizabeth asked her in astonishment.

  ‘From Ackermann’s magazine,’ replied Kitty, feeling defensive yet at the same time sure of her ground. ‘Mr Bingley always takes it.’

  ‘I think it is as well we have Kitty with us. I am glad someone reads it,’ said Jane, leaning back in her seat. ‘I confess I have read nothing lately, not like this voracious bookworm.’

  ‘You’re reading again, Kitty? You liked to read as a child. This is excellent news. As to styles,’ resumed Lizzy, ‘I think I favour chinoiserie, at least for some of the bedrooms that have not been used for many years. I have no wish to change everything, but I can see that some parts of the house are in need of refurbishment and I have been charged with this task. Georgiana, you must guide me in this as well. We cannot have the new mistress of Pemberley seen to be lacking in taste and finesse.’

  ‘That is not likely, Elizabeth,’ murmured Georgiana, ‘though I am happy to be of assistance if I can.’

  ‘And when we have made every room in the house new again, I can turn my attention to the grounds. Perhaps Humphry Repton should be our man, there. What do you think?’

  Georgiana, to whom this remark was addressed, was too surprised to reply. ‘I do but jest,’ Lizzy laughed. ‘Mr Repton may be the most lauded landscape architect in England but we have no need of him. I would not change one single thing about the park and grounds. I have called Pemberley my home but a few months and already I long to be back there, especially now that spring is almost here. It was not our intention to be in London for the season, we are only here because some business of Fitzwilliam’s called him here.’

  ‘But you will stay till the end of the season?’ asked Kitty.

  ‘I think not. If this weather holds and all other things have been satisfactorily concluded, we will return in a fortnight. I would rather see the trees in blossom in Derbyshire than hear of the exploits of the ton, fascinating as those are to me.’

  ‘Oh! Lizzy!’ cried Jane. ‘We live too far apart! But of course, I understand.’

  Kitty, at a loss as to how anyone could prefer rural life to the pleasures of town, did not have the chance to air that opinion. They had arrived at the Gardiners.

  CHAPTER 20

  Despite Elizabeth’s assertion that she was ready to forgo all London’s attractions, there was no doubt that the presence of Mrs Darcy was welcome at a great many fashionable addresses. Honour had been served; Mr Darcy’s choice had been vindicated; no duelling would be necessary. The couple’s appearance at Almack’s had firmly placed them among the elite, though they were possibly the two most ungrateful elites in all of London. Kitty thought it wonderful and took vicarious delight in all Lizzy’s engagements.

  It was a mild day for late March and, having spent an hour or two shopping near Piccadilly, Jane and Kitty had decided upon a stroll in Green Park to take advantage of the intermittent sunshine. They had walked as far as the reservoir, found an empty bench and were now watching a family of ducks on the water.

  ‘Well, Kitty,’ said Jane. ‘We have been in London five weeks now. Has it been everything you thought it would be?’

  ‘It has been the best adventure,’ replied her sister. ‘Of course, I did not know how it would be, but I find it so exciting to be in town, so close to the centre of everything. And it is such a surprise to find so many parks. I love this one and Kensington Gardens best – I cannot decide which is my favourite. And I love the concerts and the theatre and visiting the salons with you, Lizzy and Georgiana. I do not miss Longbourn at all!

  ‘Although of course I miss Mama and Papa,’ she added quickly.

  ‘You are quite the mondaine!’ laughed Jane. ‘For myself, I find I grow a little weary of so many engagements. I think I am happier in the country. Do not be too disappointed in me!’

  ‘Never!’ cried Kitty, although feeling a little alarmed that this conversation may presage a return to Netherfield and an end to her present pleasures. ‘I have learned so much since I was here; of manners and etiquette, and so much more. I have become better acquainted with my new brothers-in-law, as well! Although I think I know Mr Darcy no better now than I did when first we met.’

  ‘He does present a rather taciturn and stern demeanour, I cannot deny it, but Darcy is a fine gentleman and he adores Lizzy. That much is plain. You will like him more when you know him better.’

  ‘I do not know when that will be. I think he disapproves of me.’

  Kitty fell silent for a few moments. ‘I can see you and Lizzy have chosen well and that you are happy,’ she said, eventually. ‘However, I am at a loss to know how one decides on a husband. When I think of Wickham; how we were all so misled. How does one know? Yet Lydia seems happy. At least, she seems so when she writes.’

  ‘I do not know how to answer that question, Kitty, except to say there has to be a little prudence mixed in the passion. Lydia let her desires override her sense and we can only hope that the passion remains to keep her happy in her married state. I would not advocate marrying without love – never! – but at the same time it is necessary to look to the future and to the character of the man with whom one pledges to remain for life. A sense of honour and what is right is very important, as well as a caring disposition – these are all essential. I feel exceedingly fortunate to be Mrs Bingley. I am sure in time you will find someone who can both make you happy and provide for you.’

  ‘I wish that, too, of course, but I hope I will not become like Charlotte Lucas and have to marry out of desperation. No, do not deny it, Jane! That is what she did. Lizzy would not have Mr Collins, and for good reason! For as long as I can remember, it has always been known that you would marry well because you are beautiful and good – no, you cannot contradict me there, either! – everyone in our family and beyond would say so. Lizzy has married well also, but do you not think perhaps she has been lucky?’

  ‘Lucky? In what way?’

  ‘I only mean that Lizzy is always so sure about everything. She does not worry about others’ opinions and yet everything still turns out all right. She would not have Mr Collins! – and of course she should not have had him – but she didn’t hesitate. And now she is Mrs Darcy! There are plenty who would say that is lucky. But what I mean is that Lizzy is so confident – I wish I could be more like her – and because she is so assured, she is completely herself and people still admire her. She seems fearless. She has always seemed so. I should not say it is luck, it is her wit, and charm. It is her character.’

  ‘Do you fear people do not like you, Kitty?’ asked Jane, quietly.

  ‘I am sure of it! For years I have been told I am one of the silliest girls imaginable by our own dear Papa. Vain, ignorant and idle. I am not as lovely as you, not as clever as Lizzy, not as lively as Lydia. Not as condescending as Mary’ – Kitty allowed herself a smile – ‘that is something, I suppose. But I do not want to be dismissed as ignorant and idle. And I do not think I am vain, really I do not!’

  ‘No more do I, Kitty; be assured of that. Do not take so bleak a view about yourself. As I recall, our father thinks all the members of our sex ignorant and foolish. He speaks in jest, but his humour can wound. If you have a disposition such as Lizzy’s, you take the barb, laugh and throw anothe
r back. You are right in thinking Lizzy lucky, but perhaps not in the way you are imagining. I think her lucky because she does not doubt her worth and that is, I think, what makes her appear fearless. She arms herself by observations of other people’s foibles and in resolving not to be like them gains her own peculiar strength.’

  ‘Lizzy is lucky,’ insisted Kitty, ‘in that she has found a man who loves her, is wealthy enough, and to whom she can give love in return.’

  ‘In that, I too am lucky,’ reminded Jane. ‘Like me, Lizzy would have found it impossible to give herself to someone whom she could not love and respect. You must exercise patience. We five have little in the way of fortune so must rely on our good characters and sense, and you have as much sense – whatever Papa may say – as anyone, if you choose to use it. We do not cease to love Lydia because she has made what could be – what many will say is – a grievous error, but neither can we forget that her behaviour so nearly dragged all of us into her disgrace.

  ‘Never since you have been with us in London have I had cause to worry for your manners. Your former wild exuberance seems to have been forgot, and I am glad of it.’

  Kitty looked grateful and smiled at her sister. ‘I must own my mistakes and be thankful that I have not transgressed too far. Truly, though, I do not know what to wish for, apart from a good marriage. I do not think I would be a good governess or a teacher, and as Mama is always at pains to point out, Longbourn cannot be my home for ever.’

  CHAPTER 21

  Her vocal range was increasing – Mr Adams had told her as much – and she knew it herself, just as she knew her fingers were becoming more dextrous in mastering more complicated pieces on the pianoforte. She could hardly believe her own progress. She had practised daily when she was quite young but that had stopped abruptly when she was seven or eight, when she had been ill. Perhaps, she thought, all that early work had stood her in good stead after all.