A Very Austen Romance

by Robin Helm

  “Not at all,” he answered, nodding to those in the room, holding out his hand to help Kitty, and smiling as she accepted it.

  “I beg you would excuse me as well,” she said, glancing about the assemblage.

  “Shall we talk a moment?” he asked in a quiet voice as he escorted her from the room.

  “Why, certainly, Julian. Come with me to the drawing room. I should like to see the arrangements before our guests arrive,” she answered as they continued down the hall.

  “Ah, yes. Your guests. I should be apprehensive considering my lack of skill in dancing, knowing I shall appear to disadvantage in such company. However, I find myself very calm in the face of such dire circumstances. I am quite willing to learn whatever the gentlemen wish to teach me.”

  “I do not doubt it. What did you wish to talk about? I am curious,” she said, stopping at the drawing room door.

  He chuckled. “You are always curious.”

  Julian opened the door and held it as she entered, then followed after her.

  He cleared his throat, and Kitty turned to face him.

  “I should like to confirm our day touring London, if you are still agreeable.”

  Kitty smirked. “I am always agreeable.”

  “We shall see about that,” he replied, green eyes sparkling. “Shall we go tomorrow? And you promised the whole day, so I want to go in the morning. Before you begin a quarrel, know that I want the whole day – not only a few hours. I shall go farther and say I insist upon it.”

  “Why are you so insistent upon leaving early?” she whined. “You know I am no Lizzy, tromping about the countryside before the sun was fully risen. I shall be grouchy if you force me to leave my bed without a good reason.”

  He leaned closer, waggling his eyebrows. “I have a plan. You must allow me my way on this.”

  She looked at his face for a long moment, then sighed dramatically. “Very well. You so rarely thwart my wishes that I must assume this is quite important to you.”

  His blinding smile warmed her heart. “Thank you, Kitten.”

  Kitty laughed in delight. “You haven’t called me ‘Kitten’ for several years, at least.”

  “Perhaps not, but I always think of you as ‘Kitten,’ not Kitty,” he answered softly.

  She noticed that something in his voice was different. What had changed? His tone was wheedling – almost as if he planned to ask something of her that she might not want to do.

  For the first time, she felt a bit awkward around him.

  He always has been very stubborn. Asking him will do no good, so I suppose I shall just have to wait until he tells me what he wants. I hope it isn’t more than I can give.

  ~~oo~~

  Lord Beaumont and Lord Jonathan arrived promptly at two o’clock, and the party convened in the drawing room. Sir Julian, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam joined the group, so there were more than enough gentlemen present to partner the ladies.

  The servants had arranged the furniture along the walls of the rooms to make plenty of room for dancing but still have seating available. Refreshments were arranged on a side table, and the pianoforte stood ready with the selected music to the side, and bouquets of fresh flowers were displayed throughout the room.

  After greetings had been exchanged, Lord Beaumont approached Kitty. “I see you received my small offering. I hope you like them.”

  “Pardon me, My Lord. Them? I confess I am completely in the dark as to your meaning.”

  “Did you not know I sent you flowers?” he asked.

  She put her hands to her face. “Oh! I saw cards on a table in my room, but I have yet to read them. I have been so much occupied today in preparing for this occasion that I haven’t had a minute to sit down and look at them,” she answered. “I feel terrible for not thanking you properly. Please, accept my heartfelt appreciation of the beautiful flowers. Thank you for thinking of me.”

  “I have thought of little else since I left your ball, Miss Bennet. I rose early and went to our hothouses to select the perfect bouquets for you. I hoped you would understand the depth of my admiration when you saw them.” His blue eyes shone with sincerity.

  “Them? Which arrangements did you send, My Lord? There are so many in here, and I thought they came from my brother’s hothouse.”

  “All of them, I think,” he answered looking around the room, and then back at her. “I told you I selected them myself, and I recognize the flowers I chose. Horticulture is one of my interests.”

  “If we have time, would you tell me what the different flowers are? They are all so lovely, and I recognize only a few. I fear I am sorely lacking in knowledge concerning plants, but I should love to learn more,” she said, clasping her hands together.

  He smiled. “I can do much better than that. My mother sent an invitation for you to visit her in the morning. I can take you on a tour of my flowers then. I also have fruit trees and beautiful shrubs. Exotic plants I have collected from all over England and Europe. Would you enjoy that, Miss Bennet?”

  Her face fell. “I cannot come tomorrow. Julian asked if I would allow the day I promised him to be tomorrow. He wants the entire day, and I cannot go back on my word.”

  Lord Beaumont raised a brow. “Indeed. How did this come about? When did you promise him such a thing?”

  The familiar voice of her childhood friend sounded behind her.

  “Lord Jonathan wanted the dance I had with Kitten, and I gave it to him in exchange for a day in London with her. I have been known to drive a hard bargain, but she was glad to give me my day and make everyone happy – though I must say he looked rather put out.” Julian laughed. “This morning I confirmed tomorrow as that day, for Maria and I will return to Meryton soon.”

  The earl tilted his head, looking at him speculatively. “Then we must talk more about your election to the House of Commons before you go. Perhaps I could meet you and Miss Bennet for ices at Gunter’s Tea Shop tomorrow. You must go to Gunter’s, and I shan’t take much of your time. I have a busy schedule tomorrow afternoon, so I cannot stay more than an hour. Miss Bennet can have ices at Gunter’s with us publicly without damage to her reputation.”

  “That sounds delightful, My Lord,” Kitty answered, “though my reputation will be unblemished in any case, for my maid will accompany us all day.”

  Julian frowned. “I specifically asked for us to be alone. We have been alone together many times before.”

  “And my sisters said it wasn’t proper, especially here. They rightly reminded me we are not in Meryton, and we are no longer children. I cannot go against my sisters and hurt their social standing in the process,” she answered.

  She noticed Colonel Fitzwilliam move closer to the group as she continued to lay out her reasoning. “If you are to be elected to the House of Commons, you must protect your reputation as well, Julian. My brother and Colonel Fitzwilliam also insist on a chaperone, or they will not allow the outing at all. My father entrusted me to Mr. Darcy’s protection, and he takes the responsibility very seriously. Colonel Fitzwilliam is as another brother as he is married to Mr. Darcy’s sister. I must consider the wishes of my family.”

  “You must excuse me,” Julian spat out as he turned to stalk away.

  “Well done, Kitty,” said the colonel as he stepped up beside her. “You would be an excellent mediator.”

  She remembered her manners, and after taking a calming breath, smiled. “Good afternoon, Colonel. Earl Beaumont, may I present Colonel Fitzwilliam?”

  Lord Beaumont bowed slightly. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I have heard much of your military exploits. You’re a younger son of Earl Matlock, are you not?”

  “I am, Lord Beaumont,” replied the colonel, bowing in return. “I confess I have been listening with no little interest. Do you have a military background?”

  “I greatly admire the military, but I was thrust into my present role with no opportunity to join the army, though many generations o
f my family have served. I have, however, read many books of military battle strategy and biographies of great military leaders throughout history. Why do you ask?”

  The colonel laughed. “You embody that strategy, do you not?”

  “Was I that obvious?” asked the earl, blushing a bit. “I confess I do use an approach used by military geniuses to accomplish their goals, though I would never manipulate anyone to do anything against their character or personal desires. I am an extremely honest man. I cannot abide any sort of subterfuge or falsehood.”

  Kitty looked from Lord Beaumont to Colonel Fitzwilliam, then back to Lord Beaumont. “I confess I am completely confused, gentlemen. Would someone please explain?”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled. “When Lord Beaumont wants something, he formulates a way to achieve the goal. He targets whatever it is by analyzing what moves him towards what he desires, changing in response to which actions are successful and which are not, and he eventually overcomes what stands in his way. Is that a fair analysis, My Lord?”

  Earl Beaumont nodded. “With a few minor adjustments, Colonel.”

  Kitty raised her eyebrows and folded her arms. “Are you trying to be obtuse? What does military strategy have to do with anything? And why did you blush?”

  “The music has started, my dear,” said Lord Beaumont. “If I promise to explain everything later, will you consent to dance with me now? The conversation has become too taxing for an afternoon of dance instruction with friends. Do you not agree?”

  “When will you explain?” she asked.

  “For such a small person, you have quite a bit of determination. I shall tell you everything day after tomorrow when you visit my mother and I show you my hothouses. Will that do?” His eyes twinkled in merriment as he held out his hand.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam turned away, making a sort of choking sound.

  Kitty stared at the colonel a moment, then returned her attention to the earl.

  “Very well.” She took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the center of the room where he could teach her the intricacies of the waltz. Before long, lost in the music, the dance, and the witty conversation of her partner, she forgot about the strange conversation between him and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  “Shall I see you at Gunter’s tomorrow, then?” asked Lord Beaumont.

  Kitty nodded. “If you wish.”

  “I very much wish it. In fact, I shall make certain to send a note to the proprietor in the morning, asking him to hold several tables for our party, as I have no desire to stand while I have my ice and sweets.”

  She smiled. “You are a planner, are you not? Quite a clever one, too.”

  He chuckled. “I see Sir Julian making his way over here, and I think it might be best to secure a partner for the cotillion.” Lord Beaumont bowed and quickly walked away.

  Kitty was left pondering what a pleasant man he was.

  Sir Julian had quickly regained his good humour, smiling as he approached her for the cotillion. When the dance began, she noticed Lord Beaumont was partnering Maria Lucas, but Lord Jonathan was talking with Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  How very curious, she thought. The colonel looks just as amused as he did when he was talking nonsense with Lord Beaumont. Men are such strange creatures, and Colonel Fitzwilliam appears to be even stranger than most.

  CHAPTER 6

  “I wish I hadn’t cried so much!” said Alice, as she swam about, trying to find her way out. “I shall be punished for it now, I suppose, by being drowned in my own tears! That will be a queer thing, to be sure! However, everything is queer to-day.”

  Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

  Though the following morning promised sunshine and warmth, Kitty clung to her pillow, unwilling to open her eyes in her darkened room. However, her maid, having been instructed by Elizabeth the evening before, bustled in and pulled back the curtains. As the bright light flooded the room, Kitty groaned, pulling the covers over her head.

  “Bess, must you do that? I am still trying to sleep, and it is most annoying,” Kitty complained.

  The maid wrested the coverlet from Kitty’s grip. “The mistress was quite insistent that you leave your bed, for Sir Julian is already at his breakfast, asking for you. ‘Tis a very good thing you selected your clothing last night, for your hair is a fright – ‘twill take some time to tame it into any semblance of an arrangement. Polly is bringing a tray up for you, Miss Kitty, and I’ll work while you eat.”

  The young lady looked heavenward as she sat up, for Bess had begun to whistle, obviously enjoying herself.

  Kitty swung her legs over the side of the bed, rubbing her eyes. “Why are you so happy? How can anyone be whistling this early in the day?”

  “I can be very cheerful,” answered Bess, helping Kitty from her bed, “for as only the mistress has a lady’s maid, and I have been serving as yours since you arrived, the mistress has chosen me to serve as your chaperone. I am to go with you and your young man on the outing today. Mrs. Darcy gave me some money for ices and treats, and Sir Julian insisted that he pay my way into any amusements. Polly must do my work while I’m on holiday with you. I think ‘tis better than a day off, for I shall have little to do but enjoy myself.”

  Before long, Bess had Kitty dressed and sitting before her mirror, drinking tea and eating a scone with jam.

  “Julian isn’t my young man, and you must not say that he is,” Kitty said, looking at Bess in the mirror. “He is more like a brother.”

  Bess chuckled, shaking her head.

  “Why do you laugh? He’s a childhood friend. I love him like a best friend – not a beau.”

  “Then I am sorry for him,” answered the maid. “For I think he wishes to be much more.”

  “What makes you think such a thing?”

  “Brothers don’t go to all this trouble and expense for their sisters, Miss. At least, I know of none who do – neither plain folk like me nor gentry like you.”

  “Mr. Darcy would for his sister.”

  “The master is a fine man, and he dotes on his sister, but I have not known him to spend an entire day with her, catering to her every wish, and I’ve been with the Darcys since I were a child and my mum were a maid. However, you may certainly be right, and I am often wrong. I should have kept my thoughts to myself.”

  Kitty did not reply, instead taking another drink of her tea while she pondered what Bess had said. She finally concluded that the safest course was to banish from her mind any idea that her maid could be right. After all, she knew Julian better than anyone else knew him, including his family, and he had never acted in way to make her suspect he thought of her as anything but a friend.

  You are wrong, Bess. You must be wrong.

  ~~oo~~

  The morning passed quickly with visits to Bond Street and Hyde Park. Kitty admired a bonnet in a shop, and before she could stop him, Julian bought it for her as a gift.

  She looked back to catch Bess’s quick grin, and it made her extremely uncomfortable. She was quite careful to keep her thoughts concerning merchandise to herself after that.

  However, Julian’s demeanor was as it had always been, and she soon relaxed again.

  After a short carriage ride, they arrived at Gunter’s for ices and sweets.

  “It’s so busy here,” said Kitty. “Shall we be able to get a table?”

  Julian looked around the confectionary shop and grimaced. “I think we already have one.”

  Kitty followed the direction of his gaze. “How fortunate that Lord Beaumont reserved several this morning. My sisters and their husbands are waiting with him. Such fun!” She clapped her hands in delight.

  The gentlemen stood until Kitty was seated – at a table for five with Lord Beaumont, Julian, Maria, and Lord Jonathan.

  Bess elected to take her refreshment outside, whispering to her mistress that she did not often have an opportunity to enjoy the weather, and she was certainly not needed as a chaperone. Kitty was a bit peeved when she
heard Bess chuckle, but she managed to avoid showing her irritation on her face.

  Julian, looking less than pleased, asked Kitty and Maria for their choices and ordered for them. The other gentlemen waited until he finished, then spoke to the proprietor themselves.

  Lord Beaumont also handed the proprietor folded piece of paper. “Please have that ready for me after we finish our refreshments.”

  “Certainly, My Lord,” he replied with a bow, then hurried away.

  “That was mysterious,” said Kitty. “Is it a secret, Lord Beaumont?”

  “Have you heard the old adage, the old adage, ‘Care killed the cat,’?” he asked “Or in this case, the kitty.”

  Maria laughed softly. “You are quite the wit, My Lord.”

  “Indeed.” Sir Julian dabbed at his mouth with his napkin.

  Lord Jonathan turned his attention to the young lady. “Miss Lucas, are you enjoying your stay in London?”

  “Oh, yes, My Lord. There is so much to do. So much to see. Meryton is quite boring in comparison. However, the best part is visiting with my good friends.” She looked at Kitty. “My own sister is wed and lives in Kent, so I am quite morose at Lucas Lodge without Kitty and her sisters. I shall be loath to leave them.”

  “I have not yet decided when we shall leave,” answered Sir Julian, “but I must return to Lucas Lodge soon. The estate will not run itself.”

  “Do you not have a steward?” asked Lord Beaumont, eyebrow raised.

  “Yes, I do,” said the young man, “but I enjoy supervising the day-to-day operation of my land. I think I know every tree, stone, and brook, and I have been acquainted with almost all my tenants my entire life. Maria and I used to go with our mother to take food to them and help them when their families were ill.”

  “I know what you mean,” Sir Jonathan offered quietly. “I love nothing better than to visit my family at our estate in the county. I have siblings there, as well as a niece and two younger step brothers. I ride the land daily when I am in residence.”