“I strongly recommend it then sir. I believe that the marriage state is the best state to be in and we should all strive to achieve it before we are too old” finished Georgiana. As the dance came to an end the crowds bowed and curtsied and began to depart. Goude led Georgiana away from the floor.
“I shall take your advice Miss Darcy ” he said eying her warmly and bending to kiss her hand will you do me the honour of promising me one more dance before the night is out?” he said warmly.
“I shall sir” responded she as they parted.
Maria and Kitty by now had been joined by Fredrick and Julia. “I’m so glad of your company.” Said Julia. “Aye indeed, I have missed you too my dear.” Kitty kissed her cheek warmly.
“Me too, it’s been too long since we spent any amount of time together.” Added Maria.
“You see Mr Westwood; Miss Lucas and I are the very best of friends. My sister Lydia and I would spend many a day at Lucas Lodge from a very young age. Maria had a charming dolls house, we even made dolls of ourselves to live in it.” explained Kitty to Fredrick.
“Kitty, Mr Westwood does not need to know such things. I’m sure he cares little about dolls houses.” Added Maria.
“On the contrary Miss Lucas, I find your conversations most diverting. I have a younger sister myself you forget. Who has a very fine dolls house do you not Julia?” said Fredrick.
“Yes it’s beautiful, I love it.” Julia said.
“I built it myself you know. It was a sort of hobby I had when I was a boy, crafting things and she too made dolls of our whole family, herself, Tom, Josephine, Henry and I and of course our mother and father.” Said Fredrick.
“Is there just the five of you? I often lose track of how many of us there are...” said Maria lightly.
“Aye. My father and mother married quite late, he was in his forties I believe, and she was approaching her 27th birthday.” Said Fredrick.
“My eldest sister married quite late did she not Kitty?” added Maria. Kitty had been distracted eyeing Goude and Georgiana and not really listening to the conversation
“I think Miss Bennet has other things on her mind” said Fredrick.
“KITTY !” called Julia impatiently. Kitty turned back to the conversation
“Hmm ? sorry.” She murmured
“We were talking of my sister Charlotte and Mr Collins.” Added Maria.
“May one enquire as to what is distracting you so much Miss Bennet?” asked Fredrick.
“Hmm? Oh…Nothing in particular I was just puzzling over something.” Responded she.
“I see. Anything we can assist with?” the gentleman asked.
“Actually now that you mention it you might. How long has your family been acquainted with Mr Darcy?” she asked.
“Darcy ? Erm… well my brother knows him quite well; they played together as boys, same as George Wickham. They then went to Cambridge same year.” He said.
“So your acquainted with Mr Goude also?” asked Kitty. “Goude ? Aye. Not too well myself but Henry knows him quite well.” He answered.
“Has he ever said anything about him?” she enquired. The music for the next dance started up just then as Maria looked around but all young men were already engaged.
“We are onto the second dance already and no one has even looked this way. Kitty I wonder if anyone will ask us to dance.” She said glumly. Kitty answered that she was sure they would.
“How incredibly rude of me, I’m taking up all your time. How can I make it up to you?” Fredrick asked apologetically. Lizzy by this point had finished her conversation with the woman and rising, she met Kitty’s gaze across the room, after eyeing Goude silently communicating to her sister she then began to cross to a quieter corner.
“You can lead Maria into the next dance.” Kitty said.
“Kitty !” exclaimed Maria shocked.
“Mr Westwood hasn’t asked me!” she stammered.
“It would be my pleasure to dance with you Miss Lucas, but what will Miss Bennet do?” their companion asked.
“My sister calls. I will be quite all right . Do not worry about me. I did not come here to dance.” Replied she. ”What did you come for then?” Julia asked.
“I have a wish to learn about Mr Goude, he is very mysterious, and it intrigues me. It is why I am most curious to hear what Mr Westwood has to say, but right now I must speak with my sister, excuse me.” Kitty got up curtsied and crossed over to Lizzy.
“Kitty!” Maria called after her. “Heavens. Whatever can she be about?” she mused.
“I think we would do best not to inquire.” Fredrick answered.
“I have seen those two talking quietly together these last few weeks.” Said Maria.
“With their sister housebound during her pregnancy I suspect they worry about her and take comfort in each other.” Fredrick said, then motioned to the line of dancers gathering and held his hand out to Maria “Shall we?” he asked taking Maria’s hand and leading her on to the dance floor. Julia sighed watching the scene for a bit.
“Oh boo! Why can’t anyone ask me to dance? I’m fifteen now after all” she grumbled to herself. “If John were here I bet he’d ask me to dance despite what you may think Freddy!” she said with a glare in the direction of her brother. “I wonder if he remembers me. Or cares at all...” she trailed off lost in her own thoughts.
Kitty approached her sister in the corner. “What is it Lizzy? Have you discovered anything of our target?” she asked. “I have indeed, and I have discovered nothing positive.” Responded her sister.
“Good lord I knew it. Tell me Lizzy what have you discovered? Kitty asked.
“I was just in conversation with Lady Annabel of Rose Hall in Hampshire. She is well acquainted with the Baron and his children. She said as a boy he was always a selfish fool and as he grew older she claims he got into a lot of trouble. At Cambridge she knew little about his conduct. But afterwards she said his father would despair over him. He spent a lot of time at Newmarket where he would drink and gamble away his family’s money. His father has apparently threatened to cut him off if he doesn’t pay off his debts.” Lizzy explained.
“Debts !” To what sum do these debts amount to?” Kitty exclaimed.
“She didn’t know for sure, but she reckons they’re somewhere around 30,000 pounds” her sister answered.
“30,000 pounds! Heaven forbid, even a man of such a fortune as they that is a substantial sum is it not Lizzy?” asked Kitty quite shocked.
“Aye indeed. And it would explain his attentions to Georgiana” Lizzy continued.
“To Georgiana? How can that be?” asked Kitty.
“Georgiana has a fortune of...” she said.
“…30,000 pounds. That’s right she does” finished Kitty.
“And he would not be the first man to pray upon her fortune.” remarked Elizabeth. But when questioned she merely answered. “Do not worry yourself about it my dear. Now is not the time to discuss it, but I will explain everything to you when we are alone. Right now we must see what else we can uncover. For I very much doubt that this is all we have to learn of Mr Goude.”
***
Maria and Fredrick had joined the dance, by now their conversation was as follows.
“Are you alright Miss Lucas?”
“Aye fine sir, a little distracted I guess.”
“A young lady, distracted at a ball? Heaven forbid, whatever about dear lady?”
“Since my father’s departure I’ve been staying with the Darcy’s at their town house. Their way of living is somewhat more elaborate and expensive than I’m used to, like this ball for example, it’s all very overwhelming.”
“Ah, you’re staying with the Darcy’s? That must be thrilling.”
“I suppose, though I have not been here long.”
“Oh I do apologise . I should have engaged you straight away in small talk” replied Fredrick with a mischievous tone.
“Small talk sir?” replied his partner who knew little of men’s hum
our.
“Aye indeed, for I have not asked you any of the basic questions.” Continued he.
“Such as?”
“Oh, you know, the length of your stay, if you’ve seen any plays, if you’re enjoying your time here...” said he. Maria now asked if it was really necessary, it seemed a rather dull subject. “Oh very necessary my dear Miss Lucas. Since we are in such high society and have only just been introduced, we must cover everything. We should begin again immediately.”
“If you insist sir.”
“I do, ok ay, are you ready? (Maria nodded) jolly good. So… how long have you been in town?”
“About two week’s sir.”
“And staying with the Darcy’s?”
“About three day’s sir.”
“Marvellous. And have you seen any plays yet?”
“No sir.”
“A concert perhaps?”
“Not one sir.”
“Indeed? I’m very surprised, and mildly disappointed. I shall be having words with your host…”
“Don’t tease Mr Westwood. Any other questions?”
“Only the one.”
“I’m all ears.”
“How are you enjoying your time in London?”
“Greatly thank you.”
“Marvellous, and now we may be silent.”
Maria laughed as the dance continued. All the while Lizzy and Kitty continued to converse, but they were interrupted by spotting Mr Goude
“Oh good lord whatever is he about now?” asked Lizzy and Kitty followed her gaze and saw Mr Goude approaching Maria as the dance ended. He made his greetings to Fredrick who eyed him less than civilly but returned his greeting. Mr Goude then led Maria into the next dance. He regarded her far better than he had Georgiana and spent a great deal of the time looking at her figure, as they waited for the dance to start.
“I dislike this man, he is false. And he is medalling with my dearest friends. I’ve a good mind to march right over there and...” Kitty ranted.
“Catherine ! Watch what you say. If we are truly to uncover him we must be subtle, we must observe, be silent and play his game.” Scolded her sister.
“Aye , perhaps you are right, but Lizzy, he’s wooing Georgiana and now flattering Maria with goodness knows what inappropriate lies! Hateful man.” She sighed frustrated.
“For heaven sake lower your voice! We have been talking much too long, Fitzwilliam will get suspicious. Go to Georgiana and keep her away from Mr Goude. We will talk more tomorrow. Go” Lizzy pushed her away; she headed over to Georgiana as Lizzy made her way over to Darcy, who led her onto the floor. The dancing began again.
The conversation between Maria and Mr Goude during the dance was as follows.
“Don’t you ever tire of the same moves sir? There is so very little variety in these steps. I much prefer a country dance, it is much more exciting.” Started Maria.
“Your youth and naivety makes you especially charming Miss Lucas.”
“That is not answering my question sir.”
“Perhaps this dance is a little slower than some of the more popular dances Miss, but you have to remember the society you are in. The Darcy’s are a very wealthy family, their balls are a social extravaganza and the dances must be the same.”
“I am not as wealthy or as well bred as the other young ladies here. I do not claim to be, and I do not pretend to be something I’m not. Although I enjoy being here I very much miss the quiet Meryton society.”
“A new experience Miss Lucas is all it takes, time in a much higher society and you will soon find much more diverting entertainment and Meryton will seem like nothing.”
Maria was unconvinced as the dance continued.
Further down the line of dancers Darcy and Lizzy were conversing.
“You seem distracted my dear.” Asked Mr Darcy.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be. I just worry about things.” Apologised his wife.
“What kind of things?” her husband enquired.
“About Jane obviously and about Kitty, you know she has heard nothing from Mr Westwood, and you know my thoughts on your friend.” She said.
“I do not see why you would have any cause for that.” Dismissed Darcy.
“I know you don’t but when have my instincts ever been wrong? Why can’t you just trust me?” she said sulkily.
“Because he has never given me any cause to distrust him, if he does, fear not, I shall deal with it, but until then, let me hear no more on the subject.” Was her husband’s stern response.
“Very well then. But I’m watching.” Replied she.
Meanwhile Josephine Westwood, approached Kitty and Georgiana. Kitty was rather surprised at her interruption, she had not seen the eldest Westwood since the winter and was not aware she was in town nor that she been invited to the ball (Lizzy informed her that the reply had been that only Fredrick and Julia would be attending as the others were otherwise engaged). But she assumed the invitation was purely to be polite and the acceptance purely a social expectation.
“I’m sorry to hear about your sister Miss Bennet…” is how she opened the conversation.
“My sister?” asked Kitty concerned that Josephine had somehow found out about Lydia, but she had not.
“Mrs Bingley of course, did Mrs Darcy not tell you?” she cooed.
“Tell me what… Miss Westwood what do you know!” she demanded.
“About the complications…” Josephine continued.
“What complications?” she pressed.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything… the baby… your sister went into a fit the other week, my dear Caroline spoke of it in her letter…” she said slyly.
As the dance came to an end Mr Goude whispered something to Maria who blushed as he led her away from the dance floor and Kitty marched straight over to Lizzy as she and Darcy pulled apart. “Why Catherine whatever is the matter? You look pale as a ghost…” Mrs Darcy asked her young sister.
“Josephine Westwood said there were complications…” replied Kitty.
“Complications?” asked Lizzy confused.
“With Jane and the baby!” cried Kitty.
“She did…that spiteful conniving little…” she paused and checked herself. “Anyway …” she continued.
“So it’s true… Lizzy tell me!” demanded her sister. Darcy excused himself going over to Georgiana.
“What’s wrong with her?” Kitty demanded again.
“I got a letter a few weeks ago from Mr Bingley…” Lizzy continued.
“Saying ?” her sister pressed.
“Jane wasn’t feeling great; she’d wake up screaming…” she tried to explain but Kitty was in hysterics.
“Why didn’t you tell me!” said Kitty almost shouting.
“I didn’t want to worry you!” Lizzy said in the same tone.
“Is she ok … tell me she’s okay!” Kitty cried gripping her sister’s hand.
“She’s fine…. now… the doctor came, checked her over and said it was just some nightmares. It’s quite common when people have been housebound for a while. I didn’t tell you because it was nothing. Everything’s fine. The baby is healthy and growing well. It’ll be born sometime before the winter.” Finished Lizzy Kitty breathed a sigh of relief sinking down onto one of the chairs close to tears.
“Why would she say that to me?…” she said as Lizzy sat down beside her.
“Because she’s a cat, claws at the ready… pay her no mind.” responded Elizabeth kissing Kitty’s forehead. “I must go and play host, but it’s fine. Everything’s fine.” She said squeezing her hand and moved away to socialise.
Maria and Mr Goude, were facing each other and he bent to kiss her hand “I will speak to you on the morrow.” He said warmly.
“I look forward to it.” blushed the young girl.
“For now, I have a few things to take care of. Farewell my dear.” He kissed her hand one last time as Fredrick and Kitty look on him with distain. Mr Goude l
ooked around the room before walking out of it. Kitty’s eyes narrowed What’s he up too ? she thought to herself as she moved swiftly towards the door and out of it. Fredrick seeing this , went after her.
Chapter Twenty-four
“Where do you think you’re going?” hissed Fredrick as he approached Kitty who was by now half way down the street. Kitty startled, span around ready to hit but he caught her hand just in time.
“Oh, Fredrick! What are you doing here?” She responded. lowering her hand.
“I wasn’t sure where you were going. You know it’s really not safe to wander around Town at night” he warned.
“I want to see where Mr Goude was going. I don’t trust him.” The young woman responded decidedly.
“So you’re just going to follow him? Alone? To goodness knows where? Don’t be foolish Miss Bennet. Now come back inside.” He took her arm to lead her back, but she pulled away.
“No! I don’t know what he’s up to, but I know it’s not good” responded she.
“Come back inside or I’ll have to tell Mrs Darcy what you’re about!” said Fredrick severely.
“Fine then tell her! By the time you’ve gone back inside I’ll be long gone. Shh!” she said quickly putting a hand over his mouth and darting behind a waiting carriage. Across the street she saw Mr Goude walking across the park. “We’ll lose him if we don’t hurry” she said moving to a tree in the entrance to the park.
“We?” asked Fredrick. “Oh no, there is no way I’m participating in this little venture” the gentleman stated.
“Unless you’d prefer me to go alone?” asked Kitty.
“Don’t be ridiculous. This is madness please come back inside!” he pleaded.
“No. Now hurry up or we’ll lose him!” she hissed.
Fredrick did not like this idea at all but as against it as it was he would never allow his stubborn young friend to do this alone. He was a gentleman and would never compromise her position when being alone with her where as there were many who would. They were of a similar age and temperament and he viewed her with almost as much affection as he did his own sister and was resolved to care for and protect her as if she was his own sister as they ventured away from the manor and further into the heart of London in pursuit of this James Goude whose presence had so disturbed Miss Bennet.
Catherine Bennet Page 13