A Very Austen Romance

by Robin Helm

“Let us observe a situation close to you. Your sisters Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley have the same background as you do. Correct?”

  The young woman nodded, beginning to understand.

  “I believe several women with the qualities you think are so desirable were more than willing to marry those gentlemen. Did you not observe it yourself?”

  “I did.”

  “Yet, those gentlemen chose your sisters instead, and from all accounts, they are quite happy. Have you not seen it? It was the talk of all London when Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley married two lovely country lasses rather than do what was expected. However, your sisters are now admired and accepted wherever they go. Their children, by all accounts, are beautiful.”

  Kitty smiled in spite of herself. “They are very bright, as well.”

  “I have many friends among the upper crust. They write often and visit me on occasion. There is not much that goes on in London without my knowledge. Look at the young women with their mothers in this room. All of them are above you in station and wealth, with the exception of the lovely blonde sitting by your sister. I do not know her, but I surmise she must be your friend from Meryton. She danced with my Robert and Lady Victoria’s son Jonathan at your coming out ball, did she not?”

  Raising her eyebrows, Kitty replied, “Yes, My Lady. Her name is Maria Lucas, and she is my best friend, apart from my sisters. I am amazed at your knowledge of things that happen in London.”

  The countess chuckled. “No great mystery, my dear. I was close companions with the Duke of Ormonde’s first wife, and I made it my business to befriend his second as well. You see, I watched Eileen’s children grow from the time they were babies, and I wanted to know his new wife would love them as her own. Lady Victoria and I correspond regularly, and she paid me a visit yesterday afternoon after you left. When I heard what she had to say, I determined to come here and talk to you myself.”

  “I confess I am astonished she would mention me at all. What could she mean to accomplish by it?”

  The countess laughed. “She wanted you for her son, Jonathan, but she said you appeared to be especially attracted to my son. She also said Jonathan had been quite smitten with you, but she could tell his attraction to your friend Miss Lucas was growing. I think you may have a bit too much candor for his vanity to survive intact, whereas my Robert actually prefers brutal honesty. In addition, Lord Jonathan values the connection with Maria’s brother. Robert will help the young man all he can, and he hopes they can work together for the betterment of our country, but he would not marry for a political advantage. There are plenty of young noblemen who are pleased to have his friendship and support.”

  After a moment of stunned silence, Kitty leaned toward the elderly lady a bit. “Let me understand this, My Lady. Are you saying that you would approve of me as a wife for your son?”

  “I am, and I have told him as much myself when he asked me for my opinion. I can also say that he would never have brought me here were he not serious about you, so do not take his attentions lightly – if you are inclined to return his feelings. You must think carefully about what I have said, my dear. Now, where is my tea?”

  Kitty looked around the room and noticed Bess holding a tray, watching her with great interest. She nodded at Bess, and the maid brought their refreshments.

  Indeed, Kitty herself thought she needed a bit of fortification and was most happy to see two teacups and a plate of her favourite scones and biscuits on the tray.

  After they finished eating, the countess indicated she was a bit fatigued and asked Kitty to send for Lord Beaumont.

  Kitty smiled. “He is in Mr. Darcy’s study along with Mr. Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam. If you don’t mind, My Lady, I shall send my sister Elizabeth to keep you company while I go to deliver your message myself. Will that suit?”

  The lady raised a brow. “You are most unusual – as am I. Lady Victoria, as well. We three are cut from the same cloth, I think. Go. You have my blessing.”

  Kitty stood and curtseyed to the countess before she crossed the room, spoke to Elizabeth, and left the room.

  As a footman shut the door behind her, she motioned to the butler to come with her. Upon arriving at the library, she stopped. “Open the door and tell Lord Beaumont his mother requires his attention, Johnson. Then you may be excused.”

  The man did as he was directed, and soon Lord Beaumont exited the room, looking very surprised to see the young woman waiting for him.

  “Miss Bennet? Is my mother well?”

  “Very well, indeed, My Lord. She is, however, ready to return home.”

  He tilted his head. “So, I assume she must have accomplished her mission, whatever it was.”

  Kitty stifled her giggle. “You know her quite well. I believe you are correct.”

  “Would you care to share that mission with me? It must have made you happy, for you look as if a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.”

  Lord Beaumont offered her his arm, and she placed her hand in the crook.

  “Did my mother talk to you about me, perchance?”

  The young lady glanced up at him through her lashes. “Must I answer that?”

  “Yes. You are renown for your honesty, as is my mother. I noticed very soon that you two were alike in that way.”

  She looked down the hallway. “We are, and she did talk to me. I find I quite like your mother.”

  “Hmmm…. I must give her a kiss then. How fortunate that I am invited to your dinner party this evening. Perhaps we can continue this conversation.”

  “Perhaps. I do know the hostess rather well. She might be persuaded to arrange our seating so that conversation is more convenient. Would you approve, My Lord?”

  “Now, why did I not think of that? On second thought, my mother, in all likelihood, has already talked to our hostess for this evening. She rarely leaves a stone unturned. Can you not walk more slowly, Miss Bennet? We are almost at the door of the parlour.”

  She noticed her hand on his strong arm and thought it seemed to belong there. “I have probably been missed already. My sister arranged this to appease ladies whose invitations to soirees and card parties were not accepted. We had previous engagements, you see, but I had not replied to those invitations immediately. We had no desire to slight anyone.”

  “What do you see on my arm that has captured your attention?” he asked, stopping in front of the parlour door.

  The footman opened the door, rescuing her from having to give an answer, but she heard Lord Beaumont whisper to her, “I like it, as well. It feels right – like coming home.”

  ~~oo~~

  That evening at dinner, Lord Beaumont was indeed seated to Kitty’s left. Lord Jonathan sat on her other side and Maria Lucas was beside him.

  Lord Beaumont was quick to help Kitty by pulling out her chair for her. Lord Jonathan did the same for Maria.

  After they were seated, Kitty turned to Lord Jonathan and said quietly, “You never did explain the dealings between you and the mysterious count at my ball.”

  He looked past her to Lord Beaumont. “It seems to me there is no longer any need for me to tell you things that are confidential and could possibly compromise the security of our government.” With that, the young lord engaged Miss Lucas in conversation which must have been quite witty, for she laughed aloud.

  Kitty raised both eyebrows and took a sip of water.

  She heard a deep chuckle to her left.

  Lord Beaumont spoke in a low voice. “So, Lord Jonathan has decided to transfer his affections elsewhere. I hope you are not too disappointed, Miss Bennet.”

  “Not at all, My Lord. I find myself quite content with the situation. My friends are both happy, and I think it an excellent match. You, however, never honoured your promise to tell me what Colonel Fitzwilliam meant by what he said a few days ago. It had something to do with your use of military strategy, I believe. Tonight, I wish to have all mysteries revealed.”

  He pulled at his collar a bit, as if i
t were uncomfortably tight. “Might we belay this conversation to a time when we are less likely to be overheard?”

  “You promised to tell me when we toured your hothouses, but I was distracted and forgot to ask. I think you are very good at redirecting my attention.” She pouted a bit.

  She followed the line of Lord Beaumont’s gaze to see the colonel again laughing quietly at them.

  “Is he amused at my stupidity?” she asked.

  “No, my dear. He enjoys seeing my discomfiture, for he knows I am caught in my little subterfuge. However, I implore you to wait until after dinner, at least. I can surely find a quiet corner in which to make everything clear to you.”

  “Do you promise to tell me? I dislike secrecy if the matter pertains to me.” Her mouth was firmly set in a line.

  “As do I. You may be assured that I will tell you. I think you will be amused – though I will be a little embarrassed. I am not usually so transparent, but the colonel was well-versed in the subject matter. Now, I would see you smile again. Look just there. Is that not Miss Caroline Bingley with Sir Harold? Are they now a couple?”

  “You are changing the subject again, but I do not mind. Now that I know you better, I realize that is how you deal with difficult situations. Very clever, sir. And, yes, Sir Harold announced their engagement to the family this afternoon. I am quite happy for both of them.”

  He leaned closer to her and spoke soto voce. “Yes, as is every eligible bachelor in London between the ages of twenty-five and ninety-five. She will finally have a title – Lady Stanton, and he will have her fortune, so they each get exactly what they were looking for. The baronet has a respectable townhouse overlooking the park, but his country estate is badly in need of repairs. I heard he has been living beyond his means, so I predict the wedding will take place within two weeks.”

  Kitty put her hand over her mouth in a vain attempt to stop herself from making a most unladylike noise. It was futile. She laughed aloud in spite of herself.

  Elizabeth frowned at her, and she quieted immediately.

  “Now, you outrageously bad man. You have gotten me into trouble with my sister. Whatever shall I do to punish you?”

  The gentleman sighed dramatically. “Nothing else could be so easy as punishing me. Withholding your smile for a few minutes would certainly be sufficient. Any more than that would qualify as cruelty. Now, about this soup – very tasty. I have never tasted better white soup in my entire life.”

  He made a big show of enjoying it, and soon she was again struggling to maintain proper social decorum.

  Perhaps he decided to have mercy on the young lady, for Lord Beaumont behaved impeccably through the remainder of the courses, and the meal ended without the slightest embarrassment to the Darcys, Kitty, or the illustrious gentleman himself.

  ~~oo~~

  As they adjourned to the drawing room after dinner, Lord Beaumont, escorting Kitty, said, “I have a request, Miss Bennet. I wish to hear you sing ‘The Bluebells of Scotland’ again. You performed it so beautifully at your ball. I’m sure Mrs. Darcy would consent to play for you.”

  “People will think I know nothing else, My Lord. I admit that my repertoire is limited, but I do know more than one song. In fact, Elizabeth and I practiced a duet with Georgiana at the piano. Would that suffice?”

  “I suppose it will have to do,” he answered with a sigh, “though I may request a performance of ‘Bluebells’ as well.”

  While everyone was being seated, Kitty joined Elizabeth and Georgiana at the piano, as was pre-arranged. Georgiana began to play the first mournful notes of “Loch Lomond” and the room fell quiet. Kitty’s pure, high soprano blended perfectly with Elizabeth’s alto.

  When they finished, the room was silent. Kitty was beginning to fear that they had not enjoyed the Scottish air when applause erupted, and there were calls for an encore.

  She leaned to whisper to Georgiana and Elizabeth, and soon they were performing “The Bluebells of Scotland,” which was also well-received. Kitty noticed Lord Beaumont sitting alone on a settee at the back of the room, grinning broadly, his blue eyes dancing.

  Caroline Bingley went to the instrument when they finished. Soon the room was filled with the sound of one of Mozart’s piano sonatas, Rondo Alla Turca.

  As the attention of everyone in the room was focused on Miss Bingley, Kitty took the opportunity to join the earl. He stood until she was comfortably seated on the settee, then sat beside her.

  “She plays very well, but with little passion,” he whispered.

  Kitty kept her voice so soft that only he could understand her words. “Her next piece will certainly be Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata. I heard her practicing it this afternoon. That piece has technical brilliance, a quick tempo for the most part, and great variations in dynamics. Quite dramatic and full of tragedy. You should be able to tell me about your military strategy as it applies to me with no fear of being overheard.”

  “I love music, but I am not a trained musician. Please translate.”

  “The Pathetique is very difficult to play due to the complicated fingering, speed in most sections, and many changes from soft to loud. It must be interpreted correctly to achieve what Beethoven wished to convey, and he has a reputation for being extremely moody. His music reflects that. Now do you understand?”

  “I think so,” he answered. “Though I do not possess musical talent myself, we have a beautiful Broadway grand at Waterford House that should be played. My mother did not play, but she hoped in vain that I would learn.”

  Kitty raised an eyebrow. “I sense an attempted diversion of my attention, and it will surely fail. Let us talk of military strategy now, please.”

  “Very well. I surrender. Have you ever heard of Sun Zi’s The Art of War? In it, he said, ‘The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.’”

  “I am the enemy?”

  “Of course not. Neither do I wish to subdue you, though I do wish to win your hand. Now I have been extremely blunt. My goal is to have you as my wife, and your other suitors are my enemies in that quest.”

  She blinked. “You have accomplished that without fighting. I see. Tell me what the colonel meant. I have the distinct impression there is more to it than that.”

  He sighed. “There is, of course. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Mushashi has been a favourite study of mine. He speaks of waiting for the initiative – finding the enemy’s Achilles tendon. In battle, it refers to finding the commander and eliminating him. I could go on, but it all boils down to recognizing what I want, changing my tactics when they don’t work, and overcoming all obstacles between me and my goal. Successful military strategists go by those principles.”

  Kitty thought a moment. “The colonel obviously recognized that you were doing those things, but I do not see it. He laughed as he walked away. Why?”

  “Because the colonel eavesdropped on our conversation, he knew that you had not yet accept my invitation to come to Waterford House. You did not know you had been invited at that time. Then, Sir Julian came up and claimed his day with you. Do you remember?’

  She nodded. “I do.”

  “After that, I invited myself to join you at Gunther’s.”

  “Yes, you did. That was rather amusing, I thought. Very clever, too.”

  “So, you did notice that.” He chuckled. “But you did not seem to mind.”

  “I actually welcomed the additional company. By that time, Julian was being rather forward, and I had started to fear he might have misunderstood our friendship.” She looked down at her hands.

  “Miss Bennet, I cannot blame him for loving you. You are very loveable, you know.”

  She raised her face to his, rolling her eyes. “I am not to be deterred by your sweet words. What did Colonel Fitzwilliam find so amusing?”

  “Calm yourself, my dear. He noticed that I spoke as if you had accepted the invitation to visit my mother. You did not contradict me, and my time with you was secured. As you were fr
ee to decline, I assumed you actually wanted to come to my estate. That’s the whole truth of it. I submit myself for punishment. Please, be gentle.”

  “Is that all?” she asked, truly puzzled. “Had you, in fact, already invited me to visit your dear mother?”

  “Of course, I had. I do not ever lie, though I often keep information to myself. My mother had written a note, and I stopped by the evening before to make certain your sister knew it. Had I sensed that you would rather not pay the call, I would have found a way to smooth it over. I would never have required you to go anywhere you did not want to go. I promise I will not do that. Have I lost your trust?”

  She drew her brows together. “I cannot see that you did anything wrong, My Lord. I am quite flattered that you went to such lengths to spend a few hours with me, introducing me to your mother and showing me your lovely estate. You are a man of many interests and talents. I think I have enjoyed every moment I have spent in your company. Now I have been too forward.”

  Kitty, feeling awkward, began to stand, but he put his hand over hers.

  “Look at me.” The imploring note in his voice could not be denied.

  She did as he asked.

  Lord Beaumont spoke gently. “I have been very open about my intentions. From the first moment I watched you descend the stairs at your ball, I have been fascinated by you. Every time we met, I became more determined to win your heart. You are necessary to my happiness, for I love you. Will you consent to be my wife?”

  “Are you sure you truly want such a stubborn, intractable woman as your wife?”

  “I need a stubborn, intractable, distractible, lively, lovely woman, and no one else will do. If you don’t marry me, I fear I shall retire to Waterford Place and die in my single state. There will be no heir, and everything will go to some distant relative I have never met. Only you can prevent that, my dear.”

  She turned her hand palm up under his, and he closed his fingers around it.

  “Will you marry me?” he asked.

  “Yes. I think you are the only man who would truly understand me,” she answered.