CATHERINE (Pride & Prejudice continued.... Book 2)

by Sue Barr

  “Things, like Mama sending too much money to Lydia, or you hiding scurrilous books in Fordyce’s Sermons that would cause Mr. Collins to have an apoplectic fit,” she hedged, not willing to say anything further.

  “Those are not big secrets, Kitty. It is not like you have killed someone and hidden their body.” Mary paused and peered at her in concern. “You haven’t killed someone and hidden the body, have you?”

  “Oh, my goodness,” she laughed out. “Who in the world would I murder? We must stop reading those horrible books filled with mystery and murder. They make our thoughts wander down paths that are ridiculous.”

  Mary laughed with her. “You are right. For a brief moment you seemed so sincere, as though you had a secret which weighed you down like a mill stone.”

  How astute her sister was and Kitty longed to divulge her secret and have someone to share the pain and humiliation that rested solely on her shoulders. Papa knew, but other than the one brief moment before their last dinner at Longbourn, he never once alluded to, nor acknowledged that horrible night. Instead, he hid away in his book room, acting as though her world had not fallen to pieces.

  In some ways she missed the man Papa had been. Gregarious by nature, he’d welcomed friends and family into their home and regaled them all with stories of his youth. The house was filled with music and laughter and Fanny Bennet rejoiced in the role of hostess. Papa stayed in contact with his Cambridge friends until one in particular invited him for a shooting party. Kitty attended because of Lydia’s malaise, plus the man had a daughter the same age and they would entertain each other. Her excitement knew no bounds, but neither of them expected the horrors that followed them home. Laughter fled Longbourn, never to return.

  “Kitty, are you all right?” Mary leaned closer to look her in the eye. “You have become so quiet.”

  Kitty picked up the ribbon from her bonnet, smoothing the blue velvet before hanging it on a little wire placed beside the bed.

  “I am well. Just wool gathering, as Lizzy would say.”

  “Lady Harriet aside, what did you think of the Lady Evangeline’s hat?”

  “Absolutely hideous! I worried a live ostrich would leap off her head and chase us down the street.”

  “Stop,” Mary laughed out, holding her sides. “My stomach hurts from laughing so much.”

  “Girls?”

  Kitty and Mary stopped laughing and turned toward the door, where their Aunt stood.

  “Aunt Gardiner, we were talking about a hat we saw.”

  “Do you not think that’s cruel? To ridicule someone’s choice of millinery?”

  Their Aunt advanced into the room and stood before them, a slight frown on her forehead. Kitty started to reassure her that she and Mary weren’t trying to be cruel, but Mary forestalled her comment by saying, “If you had seen this bonnet, you also would have questioned the lady’s choice of apparel, for never have I seen a hat wear a woman!”

  Kitty and Mary burst into laughter again and their Aunt watched them, a smile tugging at her lips.

  “Was it really that bad?”

  “Yes!” Kitty patted the bed between her and Mary, inviting their Aunt to sit. “Join us and we shall tell you all about the Countess of Anstruther’s fantastic hat.”

  ***

  George stared into the fire, a glass of hot apple cider in his hand. The flickering flames normally calmed his spirits but tonight, they licked at his memories and stirred up disturbing images.

  Back and forth, his train of thought vacillated. He trusted Evangeline. They’d been through too much both in France and England for him to doubt her constancy, yet Stanhope’s daughter was her companion and confidant. This business with Miss Bledsoe placed a different spin on things and his sense of urgency increased at the content of the note Evangeline pressed into his hand.

  I find I must make an arduous voyage to visit mutual friends on the Continent. I have received disturbing news they have experienced unusual difficulties, which explains why I have not heard from them these past few months. I pray I find them safe and that nothing untoward has happened and will pass along your warm regard when I see them.

  Yours, etc.,

  E.C.

  George knew that Evangeline had couched her information in general terms, on the off chance someone other than himself gained access to her note, but he knew she’d passed plenty of information in these few lines.

  She was on her way to France to contact their courier, whom she hadn’t heard from in a while. That by itself was troubling, but it could also mean their contact had been compromised, which in turn meant her husband could also be in peril.

  The note, and the knowledge that Catherine was in possession of a book he knew Stanhope coveted and would soon discover missing, made him long to pace the room – again. He rubbed his lower lip. Somehow, he had to gain possession of that book.

  He picked up the small pile of invitations his butler had laid on the corner of the desk and began to sort through them. Most found their way into the rubbish bin, but one. He stared at the handwritten invitation to his brother’s engagement dinner, slated for the following Thursday at Kerr House.

  Given that he and his brothers were still in half mourning for Uncle Moreland, the dinner would be a small affair for close family and friends only. Charles Bingley and his wife Jane would be in attendance, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, who were travelling down from Pemberley for the occasion. Tomorrow he’d stop by Kerr House and make sure the invitation included four more family members, for surely Max wouldn’t exclude two of the former Miss Bennet’s sisters and well as their much beloved Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. From there, he’d find a way to secure Miss Catherine’s book as well as enjoy her enchanting personality.

  ***

  “George, what brings you to Kerr House so early in the morning?” Max laid the morning paper down beside his plate when George entered the sunny breakfast room of Kerr House.

  “Can I not come and enjoy your sumptuous fare? Must I await an invitation?”

  He moved to the sideboard and helped himself to a platter of crisp bacon, a fresh cranberry scone and a spoonful of eggs. As he seated himself to the right of Max, a diligent footman poured him a cup of tea.

  “You know you do not need an invitation. Kerr House is your home as well. I am still perplexed as to the reasons why you keep a separate apartment. Such a waste of money.”

  “A man needs privacy, Max.” George grinned at the frown that marred his elder brother’s face. “Not for what you think, but to have a space that is all my own. I love you and Mother, but I need to be my own man.”

  “I suppose this is why you have decided to take up Mother’s offer of Keswick Manor?”

  “It is. I have just returned from Cambridgeshire and advised the staff.”

  “Mmmm… yes. Mother received notice from Mrs. Walbush. You will have to find a replacement.”

  “Already taken care of. Do you remember Mr. Power?”

  “Our vicar?”

  “Yes, in a strange sequence of events, I met his daughter. She is widowed with two children and in need of employment.”

  “Is that not a tad presumptuous, offering such a responsible job to someone so young?”

  “Not at all.” George wiped his mouth with a fresh linen napkin. “Her husband was deployed to the war and died four years ago. She’s been serving as one of the primary maids in a country house nearby.” He laid the napkin down. “Given that we can vouch for her history and good moral standing, and the fact that she is well aware of how a house is run, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to raise her family’s standard of living.”

  “You said she was in need of employment, yet you said she had been in a household for over four years. Was she fired, and if yes, for what cause?”

  Drat Maxwell and his analytical mind.

  “I will not bore you with much detail, but the household she worked for was Stanhope’s. I am sure you understand why I wish to remove our former vicar’s daughter
from the presence of that vile man.”

  Max’s eyebrows raised slightly and he grimaced. “I understand completely but the role of a housekeeper has far more responsibility than a maid dusting furniture.”

  George gave his brother a disgusted look.

  “I am not completely unaware and Mrs. Walbush has agreed to stay a few more months to ease her into the position. In fact, she is quite excited to begin training Mrs. Nelson.”

  He took care to use Mrs. Sheraton’s new identity. Max had no requirement to know her name was a complete fabrication, or that Mrs. Walbush was in on the ruse.

  “I pray this works out for all involved.” Max cut into a piece of ham. “Stanhope’s estate is not an ideal place for any woman of virtue to work at.”

  After enjoying the remainder of his sumptuous breakfast with Max, George directed a footman to deliver his card to the Gardiner residence, advising he would call later that day. He looked forward to seeing Catherine and also to gain custody of her father’s new book.

  ***

  “I would love to see the book you bought for your father, Miss Catherine.”

  “I have not yet unwrapped it. I wish to leave the package as is until I present it to him.” She twisted her fingers together in her lap. “I am sure you understand.”

  “I do, indeed. Pray do not worry yourself in this fashion.” He gave a tiny smile and watched some of the tension leave her shoulders. “I shall pester your father when next I see him.”

  Careful not to display any frustration, he turned to Mrs. Gardiner, who’d watched their exchange with bright eyes. Although the Gardiner’s manners were always pleasing, he knew they wondered at his attention to their niece.

  “Mrs. Gardiner, my brother Maxwell is giving a dinner in honor of Nathan and Miss Bingley’s engagement next Thursday. I know Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Bingley shall be attending. Because your family will be connected to ours, he has asked me to extend this invitation to you and your nieces.”

  Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes widened in surprise and she paused in giving an answer, glancing over toward her husband. George understood her hesitation. It was not every day that a person associated with trade was invited to dine with a Duke.

  Unspoken communication winged its way between the married couple and Mr. Gardiner responded. “We would be delighted, for nothing else but to see our happily married nieces.”

  “Excellent. May I send a carriage around to collect you?”

  “Not necessary, Lord Kerr. I have my own conveyance.”

  Based on what he’d seen of their elegant home, he knew Mr. Gardiner had a thriving business, but to keep a carriage and horses meant Catherine’s uncle was doing very well for himself. The better acquainted he became with her extended family, the more he liked them. It was such a pleasure to be appreciated solely for himself and not for what he brought to the table.

  “Then I look forward to Thursday evening. With the whole family there, it should be a lively affair.”

  “Yes, I cannot wait to see our Lizzy and Jane. They both write such beautiful letters, but I it’s not the same as speaking with them in person,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

  “I agree. Maxwell hides himself away at Adborough Hall for months on end and his correspondence is adequate, but I enjoy the comfort of his company far more than a letter.”

  ***

  Kitty could barely contain her excitement. Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, Jane and Mr. Bingley had arrived in London the night previous and given the lateness of the hour decided not come to their Aunt’s home for a much-needed visit. This would be the first time she’d seen her sisters since their weddings last November. Six months was the longest amount of time they’d ever been apart.

  In anticipation of Lizzy’s arrival, she and Mary packed their trunks and Darcy’s man had picked them up earlier in the afternoon. After dinner at the Duke of Adborough’s, she and her sister would travel back to Darcy’s house and stay there before heading North to Pemberley.

  Sadly, Mary made the decision to return to Longbourn, much to Kitty’s dismay. She’d come to appreciate Mary so much in the past few months and didn’t want to lose this closeness they’d achieved, but her elder sister felt their mother needed her at home. Mama’s letters had such an air of melancholy and they both agreed their mother was not used to a large, mostly silent house. Hopefully, Mary would fill the quiet with her music and soothe Mama’s nerves. Something their father would be thankful for.

  Finally, their carriage arrived at Kerr House. Prior to disembarking, Aunt Gardiner covered Kitty’s hands with one of hers.

  “Are you excited to see your sisters, or has someone else captured your attention?”

  “Aunt Gardiner!” Kitty was glad the carriage lay in semi-darkness, hiding the blush she knew colored her cheeks.

  “Are you coming, my dear?” Uncle Gardiner had helped Mary out of the carriage and now stood waiting for his wife and other niece.

  “One moment.” Aunt Gardiner fixed her attention to Kitty. “Although a fine young man, he is very experienced in the way of the world. I advise you to exercise caution. I am sorry I waited until now, but you were so busy packing I did not have time to discuss this earlier. I would not want you to give your heart without knowing the true man and what his intentions are.”

  “I have no expectations, Aunt. Lord George feels nothing more than friendship. I do not believe he has any regard for me – not in the way you intimate.”

  “I pray you are right.” Aunt squeezed her hand. “Remember, you can always come to me if you have any questions or need to talk through a decision.”

  “Thank you. I know your instructions are always sound.”

  “My dear, the Duke is waiting.” Uncle Gardiner’s voice was tinged with the slightest hint of impatience.

  “Yes, dear.”

  Aunt Gardiner accepted her husband’s help out of the carriage. He then turned and handed Kitty down.

  “After you, ladies.”

  Kitty stood in awe as she waited for her uncle to knock on the door. From the outside, Kerr House was an elegant structure with two large bay windows and a beautifully proportioned ionic portico. Her gaze climbed higher, across the neat, stuccoed façade to the impossible height of the roof. A fanciful thought of opening a window on the upper levels and reaching out to touch a cloud was interrupted by the opening of the massive walnut door.

  The four of them entered the foyer, a gleaming expanse of white marble. A procession of gilt edged paintings marched up the sweeping staircase that curved out of sight to the first floor. It was down these stairs that the Duke of Adborough descended, followed by Lord George.

  She wasn’t sure if it was nothing more than wishful thinking, but it seemed as though Lord George’s smile became a bit warmer when his gaze landed on her. To hide her sudden bout of nerves, she fussed with her spencer and gloves, handing them and her bonnet to a waiting footman.

  “Welcome to Kerr House,” the Duke said. “Darcy and Elizabeth have not yet arrived and Bingley and Jane have written to say they will be a little late. Shall we proceed to the drawing room and then George can properly introduce everyone.”

  The Duke’s butler moved toward a double set of doors at Maxwell’s slight nod of direction and opened them to a well-proportioned room, the walls a pleasing pale yellow. Comfortable settees and chairs were sprinkled about the room and a glossy pianoforte held court in the alcove which Kitty realized was one of the bay windows she’d seen from the street.

  More gilt-edged paintings adorned the walls, although not as large as those in the foyer. The butler closed the door behind him and Lord George immediately began introductions.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner, Miss Bennet and Miss Catherine Bennet may I introduce you to my brother, Maxwell Kerr, the Fifth Duke of Adborough.”

  The women curtsied and Mr. Gardiner gave a respective bow, returned by a slight nod from the Duke.

  “Nathan shall be down shortly, as soon as Miss Bingley arrives with
her family. He only arrived late this afternoon and as such had to freshen up – considerably.”

  “Indeed,” Lord George said with a laugh. “After three hard days on a horse, I advised him to soak for at least an hour.”

  Maxwell indicated for the butler to begin serving drinks.

  “Mr. Gardiner, I have heard many good things about your acumen in business. I intend to pick your brain over some investments I am considering, as well as Darcy.”

  “I am but a simple business owner, Your Grace. I do not take unnecessary risks and choose my investments after careful consideration.”

  “Exactly the reason why I wish to confer with you. We will talk later and not bore the ladies with all of this.” He turned his attention to Mrs. Gardiner. “Are you enjoying this time with your nieces.”

  From there the conversation turned to generalities, with the Duke encouraging Aunt Gardiner to regale him with stories of their four children. Kitty was astonished with how amiable the Duke was. They were agreeably engaged for about ten minutes when the butler opened the door to announce Mr. Darcy, Lizzy, Mr. Bingley, Jane and Miss Bingley. They’d barely set foot into the drawing room when Lord Nathan appeared, taking Miss Bingley’s hand and tucking it onto his arm.

  Kitty felt a sharp tug of envy at the look of adoration which crossed Miss Bingley’s upturned face. That her love was returned by the handsome Lord Nathan was evidenced by the smile which softened his countenance. To have such love and know it was returned. Her chest constricted and without thought she rubbed at her chest, right above her heart. She’d give anything to freely love and be loved.

  Chapter Eleven

  George watched Catherine press her fingers above her heart, her eyes filled with such longing he almost crossed the room to ask what was wrong. Mindful of appearances he remained with Maxwell. Running to the side of an unmarried miss the minute she showed signs of distress would be as good as reading the banns. He liked Miss Catherine Bennet, of that he had no doubt, but he also had no immediate plans of announcing his intentions. They first needed to become better acquainted.