The Choices Series: Pride and Prejudice Novellas

by Leenie Brown

  “Your father does not approve of the sister of an earl?” The incredulity in Mrs. Wood’s voice made Richard’s lips curl in a small smile.

  “No more than he approves of the earl’s wife or Mr. Darcy’s wife.” Richard sighed. “She is but a lowly gentleman’s daughter in his mind. She has no connections and very little money, and is, therefore, unfit to be my wife.”

  Mrs. Wood huffed. “I thought my husband’s father was foolish turning his son out for not accepting a wife when he loved another quite acceptable choice, but I see foolishness is not a respecter of class lines.”

  Richard chuckled. “Indeed, it is not.”

  Mrs. Wood folded her hands in front of her and leaned toward him just a bit, almost as he imagined a mother might her child. “If you refuse your father’s choice and chose this life ─ the life of a tradesman ─ will you offer for her?”

  He shrugged. “She deserves more.”

  Mrs. Wood shook her head. “There is no more you or another could give her than for her to be loved completely. Servants and things make for a comfortable life, but is it a happy life when what you desire is the love of another?” She smiled at him and added, “your stew grows cold.”

  He nodded and returned to eating. He had already determined he would not marry Anne, but in so deciding, he had thought to never marry, for how could he provide for Kitty and any children they might have on a tradesman’s income? Though his mind was deep in contemplation of Kitty and his future, he caught the name Mrs. Gardiner again in the Woods’ conversation. He shook his head. Mr. Gardiner was a tradesman and his family did not suffer for it. In fact, if he looked beyond his current situation to the world that surrounded him, he knew that there were many in trade who had families and many who had amassed great fortunes. How many times had his father complained about just that thing when speaking of Bingley? He nearly laughed at himself as he realized that Bingley was a perfect example of what could be achieved through the dedicated work of a tradesman. He soaked up the remainder of his broth with the last bit of his bread. He savoured this last morsel as he sat back contentedly in his chair. Tomorrow, he would make a pin box and take it to Mrs. Havelston, and then he would call on the Gardiners. After all, he told himself, it was only polite to call on friends when one knew they were in town.

  “Thank you,” he said as he rose from the table, “for both the food and the conversation. It was exactly what I needed this evening. I cannot remember the last time I felt quite so completely well-nourished.”

  “You are most welcome,” said Mrs. Wood.

  Richard gave her a small bow and headed toward his room, his heart light with hope.

  Chapter 4

  Richard drew his coat more tightly around his neck as he hurried along the street. He had chosen to leave his horse and travel, as most did, on foot. “Pardon me,” he said as he quickly stepped to the side, narrowly avoiding a collision with a footman, who was assisting a lady to a carriage.

  “Richard?” said the lady.

  He stopped and turned back. “Lady Matlock,” he greeted her with a proper bow. “A pleasure to see you.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Is it? I had thought you had forgotten about me entirely seeing as I have heard naught of you for four days.”

  He gave her a sad smile. “I apologize, but is that not that to which we must grow accustomed?”

  She motioned toward the carriage. “Sit with me. Just for a moment. I shall not try to force you to return home with me, but the wind is biting, and it would be far more pleasant to speak if we were out of it.”

  He saw her shiver and knew he could not refuse her. “I shall not tell you where I am staying or precisely how I have been keeping myself,” he warned.

  “Very well. Then you shall just have to listen to me complain about your aunt. That woman is truly lacking in social grace!” She continued on for a few moments about the demands made on her staff by Lady Catherine and how Anne has spent the whole of her stay so far in her chambers. “I am convinced she is not as ill as she pretends, but I cannot blame her for using the only means available to escape that woman. For that reason alone, I would like to see you marry her.”

  “I should marry her to save her from her mother?” He shook his head. “She deserves to marry, but it shall not be to me, Mother.” He drew a deep breath and took her hand. “I wish I could marry her just so that I could remain your son, but I cannot.”

  Lady Matlock placed a hand on his cheek. The war of what she thought should be and what she wished for him played on her features. “You are certain?”

  He nodded and turned his head to place a kiss on her gloved palm. “I am, and though I shall regret leaving you, I cannot bear to face the regret I would have if I stayed. I love her, Mother.”

  “More than me?” she asked softly.

  He shrugged.

  “Oh, my son,” she stroked his cheek.

  “I am sorry, Mother.”

  “As am I.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Perhaps your father will relent,” she said hopefully.

  “You know as well as I that he never relents.”

  “I must hope.” Her lips trembled slightly as she attempted to smile at him.

  “My lady,” said the footman opening the door, “there is someone who wishes to speak to you.”

  “I have to go,” said Richard moving toward the open door.

  “Take care,” she said as he climbed out of the coach.

  “I shall,” he reassured her before turning to leave, but he did not move further. For standing behind the footman waiting to speak to his mother was Kitty. “Miss Katherine,” he managed to say.

  She curtseyed deeply. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, my lady.” She kept her head bowed slightly as she extended a parcel to Lady Matlock, who had exited the carriage behind her son. “You left this behind, my lady. I am happy to have found your carriage still here as it has saved me the trip to your home.”

  “Miss Katherine, is it?” Lady Matlock looked between Kitty and her son, who had yet to remove his eyes from the young lady.

  “If you wish, my lady, or Miss Bennet, if you prefer.” She lifted her eyes to look at Lady Matlock, whose brows rose slightly at the name.

  “Tell me, Miss Katherine, do you draw?” she asked as she accepted the package from Kitty.

  Kitty looked at her in some confusion. It seemed a strange question. “I do, my lady.”

  “I am always curious about the accomplishments of other ladies,” she said with an air of nonchalance. “The museum affords great opportunities for sketching, though I find I do not enjoy the pastime myself.” She lifted the package that Kitty had given her. “However, this is an activity I find particularly enjoyable.” She waited to see if Kitty would inquire as to what the package contained and was somewhat surprised when she did not.

  “Then, I am doubly glad to have been able to return it to you. It is important that everyone have at least one activity in which they find pleasure. ”

  “Indeed,” said Lady Matlock. “Mine is embroidery.” She lifted the package again. “Thread for that purpose.”

  Kitty smiled. “I should not like to lose something so precious.”

  There was a genuine delight in Kitty’s voice, and for a second time, Lady Matlock found herself surprised by the pretty young lady before her. “You enjoy embroidery?”

  “Very much, my lady. I also enjoy a bit of millinery work, as well as sewing, but please do not ask me to play or sing, as I am afraid those are not among my talents.” She dipped a curtsey once again. “My aunt is waiting; I must return to her.”

  “Of course,” said Lady Matlock. She placed a hand on her son’s arm, and when Kitty had gone back into the shop, said, “You were right. I like her very much.” Then, she entered her carriage and was gone, leaving Richard standing before Mrs. Havelston’s shop and wondering if he should enter.

  Kitty closed the door to the shop and took a lingering look at him through the window. She had not known when
she had volunteered to run the package out to the carriage that stood before the shop that the lady she was seeking was Lady Matlock.

  “Was she still there?” asked Mrs. Havelston, coming from the back of the store.

  “She was, and she was most appreciative to have the parcel returned.” Kitty slipped off her gloves and bonnet before removing her wrap.

  “She liked your drawing, my dear. I am not allowed to make that design, nor am I to show it to anyone, until she has first had a chance to wear it.” She chuckled. “She paid me well for the privilege, and so I will pass on some of the proceeds to you.” She placed her book of patterns back on the counter and returned her measuring tape to the drawer. “I told her I was working with a new designer, and she has made me agree that she is to have the first pick of the new work.” She smiled and took Kitty’s wrap. “Again, it is a service for which she is willing to pay handsomely.”

  “I did not know you made dresses for Lady Matlock,” said Kitty.

  “Oh, yes, for a few years now, and when she wears a particular gown that suits her, I often get a few new orders for the same dress in various fashionable colours and fabrics.” She raised her brows and smirked. “Not that all the ladies should be wearing the styles that suit Lady Matlock. She is petite with delicate features, so what looks good on her does not look good on those who are…not petite, shall we say.”

  Kitty took out a packet of papers and handed it to Mrs. Havelston.

  “Ah, these are lovely,” she said as she looked through the sketches. “And having seen the lady, would you not agree that they would be perfection on her?” She looked over her glasses at Kitty, who nodded her agreement. “As they would on you. You are very similar in size, I believe.” She pursed her lips and frowned. “You are not so tall as she, nor do you bear the results of bearing children, but your features and structure are alike. I should like to make one of your creations for you if you would allow it.”

  “But you have an agreement with Lady Matlock.”

  Mrs. Havelston wrinkled her nose in displeasure. “That I do. Perhaps after she has had a chance to wear one?”

  Kitty smiled. “Perhaps.”

  Mrs. Havelston placed the packet of papers under the counter. “Do you wish me to give you the payment?”

  Kitty shook her head as she heard the door open behind her. “We shall proceed as previously discussed.” Her eyes must have registered her concern, for Mrs. Havelston only smiled and nodded in response before turning her attention to whoever had entered.

  “May I be of assistance?”

  “I would like to take a look at your patterns and a sample of your work.”

  Kitty groaned silently at the sound of Miss Bingley’s voice. She had hoped today would be a pleasant excursion, but it appeared it would be one taxing experience after another. It had taken a great deal of determination to greet and speak to Lady Matlock without betraying any particular fondness for her son. She had wanted to smile at him and inquire about him, but she had been concerned that to show such familiarity would only cause him trouble. Now, she was going to have to endure at least a few words with Caroline Bingley. No matter how pleasant Kitty tried to be to the lady, she was always greeted with indifference, if she was so fortunate, or disdain and ridicule, if she was not. She sighed and placed what she hoped was a pleasant smile on her lips before turning around.

  Kitty’s smile faltered for one moment as she turned and saw that not only had Miss Bingley entered, but she had done so on the arm of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Although it was only a momentary falter, it was long enough for Miss Bingley to notice and to cause her to smile with satisfaction.

  “Miss Kitty,” she cooed, a grating sound that made the hairs on the back of Kitty’s neck stand on end, “such a delight to see you.” She raised an eyebrow, and her smile grew just a bit. It was obvious to Kitty that she was taking pleasure in the possibility of making her uneasy.

  “And you,” replied Kitty. “I trust Mr. and Mrs. Hurst are well?”

  “Very well, I thank you.”

  Kitty shifted her eyes to Richard and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing, for the look on his face was the complete opposite of Miss Bingley’s. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, I trust you are also well?”

  He smiled at her. “I am.” He turned to Miss Bingley. “If you will excuse me, I shall not be of any use in looking at patterns and samples.” He lifted her hand from his arm. “However, Mrs. Havelston, I would like to speak with you when you have finished with these young ladies. I would not wish to be the cause of their delay in proceeding on to whatever calls they may still have to make.”

  Caroline countenance darkened as she looked first at Colonel Fitzwilliam and then Kitty before turning to her friends and Mrs. Havelston.

  “I had no idea Lady Matlock frequented your shop,” one of Miss Bingley’s friends was saying. “Her gowns are delightful.”

  Kitty smiled as she watched Mrs. Havelston flip open the book of patterns to dresses she thought would suit the ladies before her and then send her assistant scurrying to retrieve three pieces of fabric.

  Richard drew Kitty off to the side. “I told them my mother ordered dresses from here. It was the only thing I could think of for why I was standing in front of the modiste shop staring at the door.”

  Mrs. Gardiner joined them. “Was there some other reason for it?” she asked.

  He lowered his voice. “I have a sample of a pin box to give to Mrs. Havelston. My landlord, Mr. Wood, suggested I give a few boxes to various merchants in hopes of creating a demand for my work.” He pulled the small box out of the pocket of his great coat.

  “It is beautiful,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

  “You are selling your work?” Kitty whispered with a cautious look toward Miss Bingley, whose attention was obviously not fully on what Mrs. Havelston was saying as her eyes were on Richard.

  “I am. There is an explanation for it, of course, but I fear it would be best not to discuss it here.” He took the box back from Mrs. Gardiner. “Might I call on you tomorrow?”

  “Unless you prefer to dine with us this evening,” replied Mrs. Gardiner. “We are always delighted to add to our numbers around the table.”

  “It would be a pleasure,” he replied. “I will need the directions and time.” She walked behind the counter and pulled paper and pen from the shelf beneath it.

  Miss Bingley gasped slightly at the action.

  “Oh, my dear,” reassured Mrs. Havelston, “Mrs. Gardiner and I have been friends these many years. She is welcome to use whatever she needs.”

  “Years?” Caroline tone was one of great interest.

  “For nearly as long as I have been in town,” said Mrs. Gardiner with a smile. She turned her attention to writing down the information Richard needed. As she tucked the supplies back onto the shelf, she bumped Kitty’s drawings and sent them scattering on the floor behind the counter.

  “Oh,” said one of Miss Bingley’s friends, “some of those are very nice.”

  “I am sorry,” said Mrs. Havelston, “those are exclusive designs for a particular patron. They are not for general orders just yet.”

  Kitty’s breath had caught in her chest when she saw the drawing lying on the floor. She knew that there was nothing on the drawing to connect them to her, but still, she feared that somehow the connection might be made. Her eyes darted to the three ladies who were standing watching Mrs. Gardiner gathering the sketches.

  “Did you draw them yourself?” Caroline turned her attention back to Mrs. Havelston.

  “No, but I shall be creating the patterns based on the sketches.” She nodded to Mrs. Gardiner and Kitty, who were preparing to leave, then continued her conversation with Miss Bingley about how fortunate she was to occasionally find talented artists willing to share their work with her. “What lady does not wish to have a unique design with which to catch the attention of the other ladies and perhaps a gentleman or two when they arrive at a soiree?”

  Kitty could n
ot help but chuckle to herself as she heard Caroline’s friends start to chatter about gentlemen and this hideous dress or that divine creation.

  “May I see you out?” Richard looked to Mrs. Gardiner imploringly. He had no desire to be held captive in this shop with Caroline and her friends for any longer than was necessary.

  “Of course, you may, sir.” She took his proffered arm and allowed him to escort her out of the shop.

  “How long do you think they will be?” he asked glancing back at the shop.

  “At least another quarter hour,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I would be surprised if they do not leave with an appointment to have an order fitted. Mrs. Havelston is a fine saleswoman.”

  Richard pulled out his watch to mark the time. “Is your carriage near?”

  “Just over there.” Kitty motioned down the street and then taking the arm he offered, allowed him to lead her to the carriage and hand both her and her aunt into it.

  Richard closed the door and watched as the carriage moved into traffic. He pulled out his watch and looked at the time once again, pondering what he would do with the remaining time before returning to Mrs. Havelston’s shop. The wind tugged at his hat, and he put a hand up to keep it in place. He sighed resignedly, it would be best if he just waited in the shop instead of skulking about on the street and in the cold.

  “She’s a pretty thing,” said a man stepping out of the shadows. “I suppose my brother is not fond of such a low connection.” The man put an arm around Richard’s shoulder. They were evenly matched for size. Both were of slightly more than average height with a muscular frame. Of course, the man from the shadows, also known as Admiral Reginald Fitzwilliam, younger brother of Lord Matlock, was older than Richard by at least twenty years.

  “No, he is not.” He shook his head. “You always could find me, even when I did not wish to be found.”

  The admiral shrugged. “Very few places I have not tried in an attempt to rid myself of my father and yours.” He chuckled. “The sea was the best. Neither of them would step foot on board one of my ships. It was one of the best things about being in the navy.”