Catherine Bennet

by Jessica McLean

  Pemberley had three kitchens. The first being directly off the rear of the estate near where the vegetables grew and consisted of a large table, it was here vegetables were washed, water was boiled, and food was stored. The second had the main stove in and it was where baking of bread, cakes and other sweets and savouries were prepared. The last was the furthest one away and was a very smoky room that the girls did not enter but observed from the door way at least three large ovens and a massive fire place. It was in this room that the meats and other smoky foods were cooked. Alice led them then on to the ground floor parlours which were all uniquely decorated. Pemberley had many parlours and each generation of Mrs Darcy’s had, had a favourite and had added their personal touches. Kitty was rather fascinated by Lizzy’s parlour, which was in the west of the house. She liked it because the windows provided plenty of light but were angled at such a position you could sit in the comfort of a warm fire and look out over the gardens as the sun went down. Lizzy had always loved the outdoors and used this particular parlour to write her letters and to entertain her own private company. It was not as extravagant as some of the other parlours, but a beautiful portrait of Mr Darcy hung above the fireplace and smaller portraits of her mother, father and sisters , which she had brought from Longbourn with her , sat on the shelves. The walls were decorated in cream and gold, likewise the furniture was a light wood with gold satin cushions and there were fresh flowers on the table.

  Lizzy always found flowers, even in winter and was especially good at arranging them. Her father had joked that if worst came to worst she could always be a florist. Kitty remembered when she was still quite young her mother still fancied herself nervous and worried about becoming destitute after Mr Bennet’s passing.

  Next, the sun room. This was a very large room on the first floor, it was behind the grand hall and was so called because the windows were particularly large almost entirely covering one wall and doors opened out onto a balcony that had an excellent view of the lake and gardens and it was used for summer balls and garden parties, this was Miss Darcy’s favourite room. A side door led through to the ballroom and guests could dance in the ballroom, dine in the great hall and take tea in the sun room or go outside for a breath of fresh air. “Very well thought out” Kitty had said to herself as Alice explained the purpose of the rooms. On the second floor was the smoking room where the gentlemen would retire to discuss politics and other very dull things. The women were not allowed in this room, not directly anyway, so Alice took them down a side passage where a sliding panel from the back corridors led into the room, the butler would use this panel to bring whisky or port but Georgiana explained it was originally put in during the civil war when certain guests, perhaps not fully in favour with the King would come and go secretly in the night. They did not enter the room, but they could look into it. It was a dark room with thick dark green velvet curtains and cushions on dark wood furniture, dusty old books on the shelves and bottles and ash trays on the table from last night; it had not been cleared yet for the gentlemen would not need it until that evening. They hurried on quickly when they heard Darcy’s manservant coming around the corner. Old Mr Reeves wore a grey suite and had pointy squeaky shoes and silver hair and he always looked cross. As a child Georgiana had been quite scared of him but he wasn’t that bad really just strict, especially about the smoking rooms and the other ‘gentleman’s chambers’.

  They avoided the billiard room which was next to the smoking room as they suspected he’d probably be prowling around there too and instead headed up to the next floor where the library and the family rooms were. Pemberley had over 30 bed chambers that took up most of the third and fourth floor. The family rooms, the nursery and the finest of the guest rooms were on the third floor, with the gentlemen’s chambers in the east wing along with private parlours and the library which was rather extensive. The lady’s rooms were in the west wing.

  Each room on this floor was well furnished and there was even a smaller library off the main one which held more feminine works including magazines showing the finest in London fashions and catalogues with only the best styles in. Georgiana explained that her mother had, had very fine taste and was especially fond of home improvements. Pemberley had been an old-fashioned building up until the mid 1700s when the late Mr Darcy brought his new wife Lady Anne home and with the help of her sister Lady Catherine De Bourgh, they set about turning Pemberley into the most fashionable of homes. Kitty was not overly fond of Lady Catherine; she had found her very rude and disagreeable that day she paid them a visit at Longbourn to announce her objections to the then nonexistent engagement between her sister Elizabeth and Mr Darcy. She found the way she judged and criticised the home she’d grown up in, stalked about the place like she was a queen and silenced poor Hill, the Bennet’s aging housekeeper, had almost enraged her. Only her good breeding (which Lady Catherine declared the family didn’t have) prevented her from saying something to the old hag and she’d taken herself to an upstairs room to prevent herself from doing so.

  The last places on their journey were the very top and the very bottom of the house. The cellars were of little interest all they held were barrels and crates, but Kitty found the attics rather fascinating. Years of the Darcy family memories were stored in these very rooms; toys and games, even some dresses that were nearly 100 years old, some even older. There were portraits which were not hung up on any of the walls . Georgiana explained that they were family members that had been disgraced or cast out and therefore were not seen on any walls. Kitty observed that one small portrait in an old box looked remarkably like Mr Wickham, but she turned it over and said nothing to her companions as Alice then took them round the last part of the house, the servants quarters. Alice had said it was not necessary to see these rooms, but Julia had insisted, her father had caught her in the servant’s area once at Maplebrook and she had been quite shocked at their living conditions. He’d told her never to go there again. She had since gone crying to her brother Tom about what she’d seen, and he had informed her that he’d do his best to fix the problems, but their father had final say.

  The servant’s bed chambers Julia was pleased to see were quite nice, they were simply furnished but they were clean and warm and although 3 or 4 shared a room they were large enough to inhabit that many people and each had their own modest yet serviceable sleeping area. Alice explained that these were the house maids’ quarters; the scullery maids, kitchen boys and cooks slept in similar accommodation near the kitchens. Higher ranking servants like Mrs Reynolds and Mr Reeves had their own chambers near the master and mistress.

  Kitty asked Alice what her room was like and she described it as quite pleasant; it was in the east wing and so the sun always rose with her and she shared it with two other girls of a similar age called Sophia who was of Spanish decent, her mother had been Lady Anne’s personal maid and she hoped to be the same to the new Mrs Darcy who she found a very charming mistress. The other was called Mairi (which was actually pronounced as ‘Varee’) she had come down from Scotland with her widowed father (who was the new groundskeeper) and she was engaged to Mr David, a man in the village. They were hoping to marry in the spring, their fathers had already approved the match and permission had been given by Mrs Darcy for Mairi to leave her employment once a suitable house could be provided and a generous gift of £5 had been promised to help the new couple once they were married.

  Alice knew everything about everything; the latest gossip from the village, who was courting who, if any servants had been misbehaving, all the business of the lower orders and most of the family’s private affairs as well. As the girls left the servants rooms and returned to their own, there was plenty to talk about and they knew who to call upon to keep up with all the gossip from the village which delighted Kitty who had always been a fan of Meryton gossip and Pemberley was likely to be just as much fun.

  ***

  Chapter Nine

  By early spring, the frost and the chill had all but g
one and much of the time was spent outside. The grounds of Pemberley were very extensive and provided many pleasant walking hours. Without Miss Bingley and Miss Westwood, the air at the manor was much more pleasant, a fact even young Julia had observed as she walked with the others along the lake. “It’s so much nicer now since Miss Bingley and Jo left. I find their company so boring sometimes” as she spoke she tossed a stone into the great lake.

  “You dislike them Julia?” asked Georgiana.

  “No, not really, they’re just always talking about fashion and gossiping about people behind their backs, I hate that. When I have an opinion, I say it.” The headstrong girl responded.

  “My sisters like that.” added Kitty.

  “Yes, I like Lizzy. In fact, I like it when I’m here. We talk about stuff. At home we never talk about stuff. My father keeps to his library and meal times are so strict, same time every day. You must be on time and you must be dressed properly. And he’s mean. And lately he always seems in a bad mood. Fredrick says it’s because he’s ill. I think he’s just cranky.” Julia stated determinedly.

  With a laugh Kitty responded

  “I think fathers are just like that.” Julia nodded

  “Aye perhaps...” as they continued along the path Julia looked up at the sky, the big black clouds had drifted onwards now and there was a sliver of blue in the grey. “… ooo look at that blue sky! I haven’t seen that for weeks. Maybe we’ll start getting some warmer weather now. It’s been so cold lately.” The young girl said as she searched the skies. “I long for the sun. When it comes you must travel to Maplebrook with us. My mother had the most beautiful gardens, she was very particular about our gardens and in the spring it’s amazing. Since she passed on our gardeners have worked really hard to maintain their beauty.” She finished.

  “That would be lovely Julia, but let’s not get a head of ourselves, we have not been invited by your brothers” Georgiana responded.

  “Oh, I’ll take care of that. Kitty how is your sister? She wasn’t looking to well the other day.” She asked remembering Jane who was still not in perfect health.

  “The cold seems to have passed and she’s on the mend, she’s keeping in doors and mostly to her room though until she’s a little better. ” Answered Kitty.

  “Oh, I hope it’s soon. I want to go climbing. Mr Darcy has some really big trees with low thick branches.” Julia exclaimed sidetracked again. The young girls mind was a hive of activity all the time and Catherine Bennet found her company delightful.

  “Oh, I haven’t climbed a tree in ages. I miss my tree house; it’s a little worn down, now, having been empty for many years. Except for a brief excursion the morning your brothers arrived” Georgiana said remembering when they arrived.

  “Well perhaps we could paint it up when the weather warms, see if we can make it nice again.” Added Kitty helpfully.

  “That sounds like a great idea!” responded Julia excitedly as they continued along the lake side.

  ***

  Once spring had firmly settled Jane was able to wander about more, at least in the afternoons. However, she still often felt a little queasy in the mornings and she began to suspect that something else may be the cause. It was a fine afternoon when Lizzy and Jane were sitting under a tree near the house. On another part of the garden while Kitty and Henry were walking along the path deep in conversation. Mrs Darcy had noticed the amount of time the two of them had been spending together recently. “I do believe Kitty is ready to be fallen in love with.” She confided in her elder sister this day.

  “With Mr Westwood? Are you quite sure?” Jane asked.

  “Have you seen them Jane? See what they do?” responded Elizabeth with a sly glance towards the young couple. At precisely that moment Kitty stumbled along the path and was caught and steadied by Mr Westwood. They held onto each other a little longer than was really needed looking at each other lost in their own conversation.

  Mr Westwood was describing to the lady a pretty little Rectory on the grounds of Maplebrook, his family estate. “It’s a fair prospect. It sits just at the bottom of a lane less than a mile from Maplebrook. Reverend and Mrs Kingsley have taken great care of the place, but they are to go to India now to do God’s work out there.” He was explaining. “You really like the place don’t you Mr Westwood?” asked Kitty.

  "Aye I do. As the second son I have but two choices really, either to go into the forces or to go into the Parish. I am not the adventurous sort Miss Bennet. That was always Fredrick’s forte. I want a simple life, a quiet parish in a small estate. And I will be close to my family home and of course to my good friends.” He said with a contented smile.

  “It sounds a picturesque life that’s for certain. I wish you every happiness.” The young woman responded with a smile as they continued their walk.

  “Thank you Miss Bennet. And you? What of your dreams?” he asked taking her arm.

  “Oh, I hardly know. I should like very much to stay in Derbyshire, it is so beautiful here. The peaks leave me breathless. But I am only here until my sister wishes to be rid of me. I shall then have to return to Longbourn....” said Kitty, a brief flicker of sadness crossing over her face, not unnoticed by the gentleman.

  “And this does not appeal to you?” he asked politely.

  Kitty stopped by the tree leaning against the trunk. “For 17 years I knew nothing of anywhere else. I did not venture to town and I did not travel beyond Meryton. I went once to meet Maria, Jane and Lizzy after they had been away. But I saw little beyond the town we stayed in. I was quite contented until the day I travelled beyond those confines, that quiet village life in Meryton and the people I had known forever do not interest me at all. Both Pemberley and Blakewood hold a sort of beauty to them, an intensity that I had not seen before and now Longbourn seems quite mundane.” She said with a sigh. Henry took her hand reassuringly.

  “I very much doubt, Miss Bennet, that you will have to return to that life any time soon. Mrs Darcy does not seem in a hurry to be rid of you and Miss Darcy seems to delight in your company.” This made the young woman smile.

  “Aye, dear Georgiana. She is a sweet girl and an invaluable companion.” She said with a smile.

  Her two elder sisters although too far away to hear the conversation , had fully observed their body language. “Perhaps you are right ” mentioned Jane. “I haven’t seen her so happy since...”

  “The officers at Meryton!” added Lizzy.

  “Indeed, I do believe you are right. Mr Westwood is a far better match don’t you think?” responded Jane.

  “Aye indeed, there are worse men she could be attracted to.” Lizzy thought remembering Kitty’s past obsession with soldiers.

  “I do believe Georgiana is a gentling influence on her. What a charming day. I do love Derbyshire in the spring.” Said Jane standing but she hesitated for a moment feeling suddenly dizzy.

  “Jane... Jane are you all right?” her sister asked steadying her.

  “Aye fine... I just…” before she could finish she had collapsed and fainted.

  ***

  Chapter Ten

  Up in her bedchamber Jane was laying down, covered in sheets. An anxious Mr. Bingley sat beside her holding his young wife’s hand. Lizzy was at the far side of the room with the doctor who had just finished examining Mrs Bingley and had the results. “What is it Dr Sterling? Nothing serious I hope.” Mrs Darcy asked, worried.

  “That depends on your point of view madam.” The Doctor responded. “Mrs Bingley is with child.” He finished.

  “How far gone?” she asked excited now.

  “Difficult to say madam, 8 weeks maybe?” he answered honestly.

  “Thank you doctor.” She paused. “Charles?” she said to her brother in law. Mr Bingley looked up and crossed over to her. They stepped outside the room with the doctor. Moments later Jane heard Bingley exclaim. Puzzled, she sat up as the door opened again. Lizzy paused by the door and whispered something quietly and then closed the door leaving
the happy couple.

  “Judging by the smile on your face I trust I’m not dying” Jane said cheerfully taking her husband’s hand. “Do tell me for the suspense will surly kill me. Is it as I hoped my dear?” Bingley smiled “It is.” He answered.

  “Oh, how wonderful. When?” she asked propping herself up on the pillows.

  “The doctor thinks it will be late autumn my love.” Her husband responded.

  “Oh, I cannot wait. He will be as handsome as you I am sure.” Said she. Bingley smiled and kissed his wife

  “Or as beautiful as you love” he stood up and shouted out the door “Elizabeth, Catherine!” a few moments later Lizzy and Kitty came into the room, Jane smiled and greeted them as they rush over to her.

  “Dear, dear Jane, I dare say you will be a perfect mother. Oh, I am happy for you and may you be blessed with a smooth birth and a healthy child.” Cried Elizabeth hugging her sister. “We should arrange for you to get home where you can receive full and proper care” Lizzy mused and called to Alice.

  Once Mrs Bingley was in the clear and it was safe to be moved, Mrs Darcy began arranging for her things to be packed up, so the Bingley’s could return to their country estate for the duration of the pregnancy. Out in the corridor with Alice she checked everything was going smoothly. “Are Mrs Bingley’s things all loaded up?” she asked the young maid.

  “Aye ma’am” Alice responded.

  “Thank you Alice, did you send a message up to Blakewood?” the mistress continued. “Aye ma’am, wrote directly to the housekeeper. Mrs Bingley’s room will be warm and ready for her arrival.” Lizzy smiled