“Sir... I was on my way down to the breakfast parlour and I stopped at Maria’s room. She had borrowed my locket and I wanted it back for I thought it would go nicely with my...” Darcy’s look was stern, his eyes narrow. She was getting off topic. “Anyway... she wasn’t in her room; I could see it on the dressing table...”
“You went into Miss Lucas’s room without her consent?” The gentleman interrupted her sharply. Kitty looked guilty
“Yes….”
“Hmph...” He gestured for her to continue.
“I found the necklace and was just on my way out when I tripped and....” she paused. Mr Darcy was getting quite irritated now.
“And what?” His voice was colder now, and Kitty shivered slightly.
“And knocked the vase off...it fell to the floor spilling over letters and things...”
“That was the crash Claire heard then I presume” he said.
Kitty looked as if she might burst into tears. “Come now Miss Bennet. Do not make yourself unhappy. Nothing was broken was it?” he asked as Kitty shook her head. “Then there is no need to fret. Did you come all the way down here only to tell me of this little accident?” he asked.
“Yes...no...Not entirely” she continued . This caused the gentleman’s brow to rise again.
“Come now, which is it?” he asked.
“No sir. One letter in the pile caught my attention as I was picking them up. It wasn’t from Lady Lucas or Mrs Collins... it was from Mr Goude...” she said timidly.
“You read her letters too!” He thundered rising to his feet. The young woman cowered and burst into tears again. Darcy crossed over to the desk and brought back a handkerchief handing it to her. “Oh come now don’t be so silly girl. You think I would strike my own sister? Is your opinion of me really so low?” Kitty sniffed taking the handkerchief.
“Please do not be angry with me Mr Darcy. I would not normally read a private letter, but it was on top of the pile after I picked them all up and was less damaged than the others. Its contents upset me for they affect us all!” Mr Darcy was seated again immediately.
“I understand both you and Mrs Darcy are not Mr Goude’s greatest fans. But I cannot think what a letter to Miss Lucas may contain that could possibly affect anyone. That he would write to her at all is most unusual. I had not noticed a strong attachment on the side of either.” The gentleman said.
“I confess I did notice a slight attachment. On Maria’s side at least and although Mr Goude flattered her and complimented her it did not really give me any concern, I had seen that sort of behaviour before with other young ladies in his company...” said Kitty.
“This is no surprise Miss Catherine. Goude is rich in his own right. He is of high birth and from a respectable family. He is expected to marry well. Social standing Miss Bennet is all that matters to many a gentleman. It mattered to me once too you know. And so I have no right to accuse Mr Goude of anything worse than wishing the same. Considering the fortunes and families of the previously mentioned ladies...” answered Darcy.
“But Miss Lucas has neither fortune nor family. I understand you wish to defend your friend, it does you credit, but what interest can he possibly have in Maria?” When Mr Darcy made no answer she continued. “Exactly...If you will let me finish, perhaps your opinion of him will be somewhat altered...” Mr Darcy sat back down temporarily defeated. He was not going to win this battle . Catherine Bennet was as stubborn, determined and as sure of her own opinion as her elder sister.
“I’m listening Miss Bennet.” He said.
“Firstly …Are you aware Mr Goude plans to propose to Georgiana?” she began. Mr Darcy’s expression changed from curious to a little irritated, although his friend is a gentleman of respectable family, he is too inconsistent with his attentions to young women and with a reputation for gambling and drinking he was hardly a man he would consider a suitable match for his young sister barely eighteen years of age. He glanced at the letter he was writing and then back to Kitty.
“No I was not. He has not discussed this matter with me at all... I will deal with that in my own time, but now...what is his business with Miss Lucas then if he wishes to marry my sister?” asked he.
“Exactly …” continued Kitty in quite a decided manner. She was winning now.
“In his letter he offers to install her at his house in town. Servants to attend her and a reasonable income... But he must marry Georgiana first because his father has threatened to cut him off if he does not pay his debts, which equal nearly thirty thousand pounds. I have proof…” she handed the folded letter to Mr Darcy who had once again risen from his seat and was pacing furiously up and down. He gathered up every ounce of self control to prevent himself from snatching the parchment right out of her hands.
“Thank you Miss Bennet” he replied sharply opening the letter and reading it. He rang the bell, and a moment later Claire entered. “Find Mr Goude immediately and send him to me directly” He ordered not looking up from the letter. The maid nodded, curtsied and exited in a hurry . She knew when not to ask questions. Darcy then turned back to Kitty “Please return to Georgiana and Miss Lucas. I will call them both to me shortly” he said. Kitty nodded, glad to be excused and hurried out of the room.
***
In a parlour a little later , the four women were all standing about nervously, their eyes on the door at the far corner, Georgiana and Maria kept looking at each other. The air was very awkward and quite a few moments passed before the door was opened and Mr Goude emerged. He looked from Georgiana to Maria who both look away . He stalked through the room pausing a moment near Kitty, who was closest to the door, she did not look away. He glared at her, but she just stared back defiantly until he looked away and walked off slamming the door behind him. The girls heard another door shut and horses riding off into the distance. Mr Darcy then entered the room. He looked at the four women and beckoned Georgiana over. She crossed to him and he embraced her protectively and Kitty crossed to Maria and comforted her.
Darcy then turned to his wife and said “I think we have been here long enough. The time has come I think for us to return to Pemberley. Have the servants start preparing the house for us again and getting this house ready to be locked for the summer. We will leave on the morrow. Miss Lucas I will order the carriage to take you back to Meryton then as well. You have been away from your family long enough. Perhaps you will join us again in a few weeks when the new season begins. You are aware, I trust of the very great offence Mr Goude asked of you ? I hope you are smart enough to realise it. ” The young woman agreed that she was. “Well no crimes were committed against anyone of you. This I am glad of and I assure you, we will not be seeing that man again.” He finished.
Chapter twenty-seven
(Kitty’s diary)…
Back at Pemberley. Tis spring again and all seems very pleasant and cheerful. Oh that reminds me, upon our return it was announced that Mrs Reynolds is to resign from her position as Housekeeper of Pemberley. This was sad news to us all as we had all become very fond of her, but her brother is ill and in need of her and family has always been so important to her. This posed the question of who else would be suitable for the position. Mrs Reynolds has worked for the Darcy’s for such a long time that Mr Darcy was quite anxious about finding a replacement that could do the job as well as Mrs Reynolds. Lizzy suggested that if he was worried about hiring a stranger that perhaps he should consider doing it internally and promoting one of the current servants. He was unsure of this, but she convinced him that it would be far better to give the post to someone who knows the family and knows the household and its staff. It has caused quite a stir amongst the staff as you can imagine. The Housekeeper is one of the highest positions within a gentleman’s household. The wage is substantially more than a typical servants wage and comes with its own suite and weekly allowance in addition to the yearly income.
If it were left to me I would offer the post to our dear Alice; Georgiana agreed with me. Though
Alice was worried that she wouldn’t do the job well enough when we suggested it to her. Mrs Reynolds was the one who hired her in the first place; being in charge of the staff is another of the Housekeeper’s roles. We told her that she was more than qualified for the position and we all loved her dearly. She said she would consider applying for it and I really hope she does. It will be so nice for her after everything she’s been through. But anyway I must put you aside for now my dear diary, the sun is high in the sky and I cannot bear to be indoors on a day like this...
***
In the gardens Lizzy, Kitty and Georgiana were sitting out in the sun. Lizzy was reading a book, Georgiana and Kitty were sitting on a blanket, Georgiana was drawing, and Kitty watched the clouds. Shooting could be heard in the distance as the men amused themselves. The girls were engrossed deep in an exciting conversation about news which had reached them only the other day. “She won’t be very rich though will she? I mean Fredrick Westwood is lovely, but he hasn’t much fortune of his own.” observed Georgiana.
“Maria Lucas may not care about fortune. If she takes after her sister, she may only care about a comfortable home. As a younger daughter not much was ever expected of her.” replied Elizabeth as she put her book down.
“Oh I never claimed Maria wouldn’t be happy with him. She’ll be far happier than Mrs Collins that’s for sure. When Freddy first starts out he won’t be on a very high income. I guess, I like my pretty things, imagining life without them is hard.” mused Georgiana.
“Maria may not feel that way dear, she may be happy to live on a low income.” Lizzy explained.
“And it’s not strictly decided that he will have a low income; not permanently anyway. Money can be made at sea.” Observed Kitty who had heard such things from conversations she’d overheard.
“Aye, I suppose you are right. I understand from Julia that his friend Mr Croft will be joining him also. He’s in the neighbourhood isn’t he? Julia said they were quite close when they were lads.” Said Georgiana. Kitty rolled on to her side and said
“Aye they were. I met him again the other day, when Freddy took me and Julia into the village... He is a very charming young man.” Said Kitty.
“Freddy?” noted Elizabeth. “You were on a first name basis last year and now pet names? Really Kitty I disapprove…” she began but Kitty just rolled her eyes and began making a daisy chain. She loved Fredrick Westwood like he was her own brother and saw no harm in calling him by the same name as Julia did. Lizzy gave up and turned her attention back to Georgiana
“You talk of liking pretty things Georgiana and not imagining life without them but consider dear what would you do if you fell in love with a poor man?” she asked.
“Oh somehow I don’t think Georgiana will have to decide between marrying for love or marrying for money. Sir Thomas owns an estate worth 12,000 a year.” Kitty explained. A cushion then came hurling towards her.
“Kitty! That was supposed to be confidential!” cried Georgiana.
“Oops Sorry but sooner or later you’d have to say something…” her friend replied.
“What’s this?” asked Lizzy.
“Sir Thomas Westwood has asked Georgiana for her hand in marriage...” said Kitty.
“Hush!” replied Georgiana covering her friend’s mouth. And thinking back to a few days ago …
Tom had paid them an unexpected visit the other day. Georgiana and Kitty were at the piano practicing when there was a knock and Alice entered “If it please ma’am there’s a Mr Westwood here to see you” she said.
“Fredrick ? It better not be Henry he’s still away...” Kitty had said.
“Heavens... whatever can he want?” asked Georgiana. The girls had looked at each other, neither of them were expecting a visit. They were even more surprised when Tom entered the room, he was quite a tall, lean man with a strong air about him. His skin was a little weathered and he had sandy blonde hair in waves down to his chin and friendly blue eyes.
“Miss Darcy” he had said bowing
“... Mr Westwood? I mean… Sir Thomas…” Georgiana replied with a curtsy. Tom then noticed Kitty who was standing awkwardly to the side.
“Would you do be the honour of introducing me to your friend?” he said quickly feeling guilty he had not asked sooner.
“Erm.. Of course... This is my good friend Miss Catherine Bennet, Elizabeth’s sister... Kitty this is Mr…Sir Thomas Westwood...” Georgiana had said.
“Pleased to meet you Miss Bennet” he said bowing.
“Please sit down, do not make yourself uncomfortable. I hope you don’t find my presence inappropriate....” he said.
“Nonsense Tom, we are old friends, I used to run bare foot along the river banks with Freddy...” replied Georgiana.
“Aye but you are older now, no longer child .” responded he.
“Oh psh! I do not find it inappropriate at all! I may be older now, but I am still the same person. Won’t you sit down?” she’d offered.
“Thank you” he had sat rather awkwardly and then stood up again. “Henry and I were meant to call yesterday…” He began. Kitty bristled slightly at the mention of Henry. “But no sooner had he returned home but he left quite suddenly this morning for the south…” the young women observed the awkward man as he spoke.
“Is everything all right Tom?” asked Georgiana thinking his behaviour was rather odd. She had not seen him in many years, but she remembered him being much more relaxed.
“I erm... I wanted to ask you something...” he said.
“Ask me something?” Georgiana wondered. Kitty , after observing, guessed his intentions
“Shall I leave you?” she asked. Georgiana shook her head and clung onto her hand tightly preventing escape.
“Miss...” the gentleman continued again. He began pacing . Kitty watched him amused ; completely bewildered as to why the gentleman she had heard so much about was acting so strangely. Surely he must know what her friends feelings were. Georgiana didn’t seem to understand him at all.
“Are you quite well?” she asked again.
“Aye I am well, just... I wrote you a letter...” he stammered.
“A letter?” asked Georgiana.
“Yes ... you see I wanted to tell you something, but... well it’s easier to write it.” He mumbled.
“I cannot think what you would possible need to write but if it would make it easier I will read your letter” suggested Miss Darcy. He thanked her and then produced a somewhat crumpled letter, which she took, and he retreated to the fireplace while she opened it. She was still rather amused as she read it, but her face gradually turned more serious as tears started to form although she was smiling, Tom watched. “Oh Tom...” she said after a while. Georgiana handed the letter to Kitty then and she read over it and giggled quietly
“How sweet...” she had said in a whisper.
“Well ...” enquired the gentleman. Georgiana laughed and taking the letter back she picked up a quill from the desk and scribbled her reply as Tom watched nervously . When she was finished she ran out the room and into the garden. Tom looked rather surprised and confused . Kitty just shrugged. After a pause he followed her. Kitty went over to the window and looked down into the gardens at the two of them walking and as she glanced at the back of letter it had said “yes ”…
“Is this true?” asked Elizabeth after they’d recalled the event.
“Please do not say anything to my brother yet...Thomas has a lot to think about right now with Fredrick’s wedding. Not to mention if Henry...” she stopped glancing at Kitty who blushed.
“Kitty? Has Henry made you another offer?” Lizzy asked.
“No, no he has not!” she exclaimed.
Now it was her turn to be embarrassed, she scowled at Georgiana and threw the cushion back at her. “I was very fond of Mr Westwood, that much I think everyone was aware of, but how can I trust him? He lied to me. He has had countless opportunities to write an apology or at least offer an explanation, but nothi
ng… He has forgotten me perhaps... I do not know, and I do not have false hope. If indeed we meet again then perhaps we may be reacquainted, but until then, I am resolved to think of him no more and shall look forward to the wedding of his brother and Maria. A better match could not be found for either.” She rolled back over and gazed up at the sky again. Lizzy and Georgiana looked at her for a few moments wondering whether to speak or not. They decided not to and went back to what they were doing. Something had changed in Kitty; she had finally grown up. A few moments passed in silence before Alice came out with a letter.
“A letter come, Madam , from Blakewood” she said handing it over to Lizzy who thanked her and opened it.
“What news does it bring Lizzy?” asked Kitty.
“It’s from Jane” replied she.
“Jane? Oh that’s’ a good sign” added Georgiana.
“She writes that her baby boy has fully survived the winter and is plump and healthy.” Lizzy said. “We are invited to Blakewood in a couple of weeks to celebrate” Lizzy finished handing the letter to the girls to read.
“Oh that is good news, I long to see Jane again” said Georgiana.
“As do I. It seems an age since we were all together” observed Kitty. There was a rumble of thunder and the sun disappeared suddenly behind a cloud . The girls looked up
“I think that’s a sign that we should probably head back in doors.” Lizzy thought aloud
“I agree” replied Georgiana getting up and pulling Kitty up . The girls then picked up their things and hurried inside.
***
Chapter twenty-eight
The rain hit that afternoon and continued right into the following morning. The girls were sat in the parlour. Kitty who had been sewing and quickly lost interest, had now wandered over to the window and was gazing out at the rain pouring down. Georgiana was sitting at the piano playing softly when outside two horses could be heard gently trotting up the path. “Who would want to ride in that weather?” observed Kitty.
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