Mr. Bennet, having expressed his views, seemed content to listen as Darcy described the various fruit and nut trees and pointed out the new vineyards that could be seen from a promontory as they rounded the bend.
The rest of the walk passed pleasantly, with no more harsh remarks from Mr. Bennet.
Chapter Four
Kitty’s eyes opened to utter darkness. What was the time? Her stomach prompted her to wonder about breakfast and she threw back her coverlet. After parting the bed curtains, she padded to the window and drew the draperies aside. A pale light drifted in, revealing mists playing about the edges of the house and the nearby hills.
Should she ring the bell? While still deliberating, she heard a soft knock at her door.
Poppy entered, handily balancing a tray with a cup, saucer, and small pitcher.
It had not occurred to Kitty to inform the maid of her morning preferences. She took her tea black; luckily, the milk had not yet been poured into her cup. She smiled and thanked Poppy, then asked about the morning routine in the house.
“Master rises early most days; six o’clock. He takes coffee and then is for the outdoors, often riding his fine horse o’er the fields. Mistress joins him in the breakfast room at eight o’clock. They eat a full rasher—that is, he does. Then Master begins his day of business, and Mistress writes her letters, and talks with Cook. It is seven now, Miss. Ye have time for tea and we can have ye ready before eight. Shall I pour the milk?”
“No. And thank you for not adding the milk. I take my tea black; it is unusual, I know.”
Poppy grinned. “I prefer it so meself, Miss. Now, what gown this morning?”
Kitty paused between sips. “Not knowing our plans for today, I think one of the printed muslins will do. The green one?”
“Aye, and some green ribbons for yer hair. ’Twill be lovely.”
And so Kitty prepared for her first full day at Pemberley, keeping her plan for a new beginning foremost in her mind.
≈
Lizzy was already seated in the breakfast room when Kitty entered. Darcy sat at the head of the table, reading the newspaper. Mr. Bennet was likewise engrossed. Both men rose slightly as she entered and she dropt a quick curtsey.
“Splendid, Kitty, you are awake early. I will have someone to talk to during breakfast.” Lizzy pulled a wry face and nodded at the gentlemen with their heads behind their newspapers. “There is much to be discussed and decided.”
As if on cue, Darcy folded his newspaper and set it aside.
“Yes, my dear, there is much to be discussed. Kitty, before I begin my business activities today, I would like to give you a tour of the library, if that is agreeable. Mr. Bennet, you are welcome to join us, although I am convinced you know your way around it from your visits last year.”
Mr. Bennet peered over his newspaper. “I do indeed, Darcy. And it is large enough that Kitty’s presence shall not annoy me too greatly, as long as she keeps quiet and out of my way.”
Darcy’s jaw tensed and a flicker of anger lit his eyes, but he maintained his countenance.
Kitty’s heart crumpled. Her father always spoke about her in this manner. But now, when reflected in the reactions of others, she saw more clearly how improper it was. And how unkind.
Darcy cleared his throat. “However that may be, when we finish breakfast that shall be our first order of business. But I do have an announcement, or rather …” he looked at Lizzy, “we have an announcement. Elizabeth?”
Lizzy’s eyes danced with delight and Kitty felt an unexpected rush of excitement.
“As you know, Georgiana arrives tomorrow afternoon. Fitzwilliam and I wish to do something special to honor her return. We also wish to create a special welcome to the neighborhood for you, Kitty.” She paused and locked eyes with her sister. “We have decided to give a ball!”
Kitty gasped. Her eyes flew back and forth between Lizzy and Darcy. “A ball! For me?”
Lizzy seized Kitty’s hand in excitement. “We thought it a perfect way for you to meet our neighbors, and they you. It won’t be a large party. There are half a dozen or so families in the neighborhood with whom we regularly mingle; many have just returned from Town. You and I will write the invitations this morning, Kitty. And there are a few we may deliver in person—”
“Perhaps, Kitty,” Darcy broke in, “you can help me persuade your sister that the three of us should deliver those on horseback, eh?” He smiled broadly at Lizzy.
“Oh, Lizzy, can we? It would be a fine way for me to see the countryside, and to get my bearings.”
Lizzy gave Darcy a pert smile and patted his hand. “You can be very convincing, my love. I will agree to deliver the three closest on horseback, if we must. Tomorrow morning.”
Darcy and Kitty exchanged a smile of victory.
Mr. Bennet sighed loudly, rattled his newspaper, and disappeared behind it again.
Lizzy frowned at him, then continued. “So after the library, Kitty, you and I shall plan the event. It will be held ten days hence, on the nineteenth of May.”
“But that is my nineteenth birthday, Lizzy. Oh, how special it will be!”
Darcy just smiled but Lizzy quipped, “So it is. Imagine that! There is much to be done for such an event, Kitty. I have the finest household staff in the kingdom, but it is the duty of the mistress of the house to direct them in their activities. This will be a chance for you to learn about these duties, Kitty, so you are prepared to assume them when the time comes and you are mistress of your own house.”
Mr. Bennet snorted behind his newspaper.
Kitty drank her tea and tried to contain her excitement enough to sample the breakfast offerings. Mistress of her own house. That had always seemed so distant, so many years off. But she would be nineteen soon. The time had come.
A vision of the handsome horseman from the Red Lantern formed in her mind and would not leave until Darcy summoned her to the library.
≈
At the conclusion of a most detailed and thorough tour of the Pemberley library, Lizzy appeared and led Kitty into her morning room, a quiet space towards the back of the house. A large window framed a lovely view of the wooded hills behind. The bright blaze in the grate took the chill off the foggy morning. There were shelves for books and other items, a handsome lady’s desk, and three sumptuous chairs, each covered in a different floral print.
“This room is very like you, Lizzy. Did you fit it up specially?”
“I did, in part. I had it painted this soft yellow so that even on dreary winter days it feels warm and cheerful. This was Mrs. Darcy’s sitting room and I did not wish to make many changes. I do love being in here. I wish I could have known her.”
Kitty looked at the art on the walls. The paintings featured woods, fields, and hills—things Lizzy loved—and Kitty wondered if someday these would be joined by artwork made by the hands of little Darcy children.
Lizzy folded her hands on the desk. “First tell me, Kitty, how does Jane do? Her letters are cheerful, but so they always are. Does she look well? I dislike being so far away at such a time.”
Kitty was able to put Lizzy’s mind at ease. “Jane looks very well. She has a beautiful bloom. She is very large. Mama’s tales of disastrous birthings wear on her, I think. I wish Mama would not carry on so.”
Lizzy rolled her eyes. “That wish is not likely to come true, Kitty. But Jane is practical in health matters.”
“And Bingley could not be more attentive, Lizzy.”
“Good. Then I believe things will go well. Let us hope we have all inherited Mama’s strong constitution for childbearing.”
The sisters laughed and then directed their thoughts back to the task at hand.
“Have you given a ball before, Lizzy?”
“Well, yes. Actually, the first ball was to introduce me to the neighborhood. Mrs. Reynolds and Georgiana handled most of those arrangements, but they did allow me to follow along to learn the Darcy ways of entertaining. The first autumn here we he
ld a harvest ball—a tradition of the Darcys, where all share the success of the harvest. I was in charge of that, but Georgiana was a great help. Then she returned to London and her classes.”
“She has been in London for the season but wanted to linger another week. I am not sure why. I know she enjoys her studies, especially her music. She plays the pianoforte beautifully, and is now learning the harp. She is so talented. She puts us Bennets to shame as far as accomplishments. But she is a sweet girl—very much like you.”
Kitty blushed at the compliment, and knew not what to say.
Putting her hand on Kitty’s arm, Lizzy said, “I caution you now, Kitty. You must become comfortable with compliments. You will receive many, especially now you are in what might be called a ‘gentler’ society. A nod and a smile, or a curtsey, are all proper responses. Compliments are gifts, and gifts always deserve acknowledgement.”
Kitty smiled at her with relief. “Thank you, Lizzy. These are the kinds of things I wish to become easy about.”
Lizzy returned her smile. “And so you shall. Now, we must make the guest list and write the invitations. This is rather short notice for a ball, but it is a small affair so I hope we will be forgiven. Then I will introduce you to Cook and we will discuss the refreshments for the occasion. I have also requested a special cake, a birthday cake. Is ginger still your favorite? Nineteen is the perfect age to join society. And the society here is—mostly—very agreeable, you will see. So, let us begin.”
Chapter Five
With a start, Kitty opened her eyes. This was an important day—the day they would ride out to three special neighbors and personally invite them to the ball. And Georgiana would arrive in the afternoon. Kitty peered at the clock. Nearly eight! Her thoughts ran wild. Of all days to sleep late … I must instruct Poppy ... oh dear …
Throwing open the door to her sitting area, she found her maid setting out the tea.
“Poppy, we must make haste. I am late!” Kitty threw off her nightdress and rushed to the basin. “Just a simple gown for breakfast please. Oh, I am to ride out with Lizzy and Darcy at ten o’clock …” She dried her face and pulled a slip over her head.
“Ye’ll be ready in a trice, Miss.”
Soon Kitty was sitting at her dressing table, her hair being pinned up.
“Poppy, please wake me every day by seven, unless I am ill or there has been a very late event the night before.”
“Aye, Miss. Seven o’clock it shall be.”
Her hair was soon done and her shawl fetched. Kitty was coming to realize the value of an attentive lady’s maid.
It was a quarter past eight when Kitty entered the breakfast room. “I am so sorry to be late,” she said, dropping a quick curtsey. “Travel fatigue must have caught up with me. I have now instructed Poppy to wake me by seven. I shall certainly be ready to ride out by ten.”
Darcy, already standing, merely nodded and downed the last draught of his coffee before kissing Lizzy’s hair and striding out to begin his day’s business.
“Oh, Lizzy, I am truly sorry. I did so wish to make a good start here.”
“Do not concern yourself, Kitty. You have already taken proper action to prevent it happening again. It does take one a few days to recover from a journey, and to become acquainted with the routines of a different household.”
“Now tell me, how are you equipped for clothing? Particularly, do you have a riding habit for this morning? I remember the one you wore at Longbourn—when you wore one!—and it was more than a little shabby.”
“I fear that is all I have, Lizzy. Papa did not approve of me riding. Indeed, he probably has no idea how much time I spent on horseback. I am sure Fitzwilliam wishes to present a proper image when calling on neighbors. Must I stay back?”
“Stay back? Oh, no. Georgiana is but an inch or two taller than you and about the same size. He sees no reason you cannot borrow her habit for this morning’s outing. It will be brought to your room to see if it will suit. Finish your tea. Today, after we return, we will measure you for a new lady’s habit and decide on a hat as well.”
Kitty’s eyes grew wide.
“And here is something else, Kitty,” Lizzy said with a playful look. “Fitzwilliam also wishes to gift you with a new ball gown, as you will open the ball.”
Kitty’s head began to spin.
“Oh, Lizzy, I never expected such generosity!”
“At least you—of us five sisters—will have a proper ‘coming out’ ball. I am very happy for you.”
Tears filled Kitty’s eyes.
“Fitzwilliam is very surprised, and pleased, Kitty, with your manner and your expressed interests. You have made a good impression on him—and on me, I must admit.”
“He was not angry that I was late to breakfast?”
“No. He is very kind. He does not expect perfection of anyone, except possibly himself. And that is something I am trying to break him of.” Lizzy laughed merrily, and Kitty was relieved.
“Where is Papa this morning, Lizzy?”
“He has taken his coffee to the library. He will be leaving in a few days and wants to avail himself of the Pemberley library whilst he can.” Lizzy’s face grew pensive.
Reluctantly, Kitty broke into her reverie.
“Lizzy, am I very wicked to be … grateful … that Papa will not be here for the ball? I wish it to be a wonderful affair, but his unkind words hurt me. I don’t want anything to spoil it.”
“Who can blame you? Even I was dismayed at Papa’s remarks, Kitty. And his want of simple courtesy, to own the truth. Proper manners were not revered at Longbourn, as you know. Jane and I spent much time at Uncle and Aunt Gardiner’s. We stayed there for months at a time when Mama went through her confinements with each of you younger girls. And we spent other time there as often as we could arrange it. Aunt Gardiner is as courteous as she is kind, and I am grateful for all she taught me. Now I can carry on the favor and teach you. Georgiana has, of course, been raised with very proper manners and will also have much to show you. She is a fine young lady; but I admit, it has been my study to try to loosen her reserve, at least around the family. I am counting on you to help me there.”
“Gladly, Lizzy. But please, do tell me if I am straying past the bounds of propriety. I fear my experiences from Longbourn are a poor guide.”
Lizzy wrinkled her brow for a moment, then grinned. “I know. We shall use Mama’s technique of winking. If I wink with one eye, you are within the bounds of propriety and doing well. If I wink with both eyes, tend to your actions. We shall have a very merry time as you make your way into society, I am sure. And it will be real society, Kitty. Not the artificial kind of the Bingley sisters. I hope you will make some dear and lifelong friends here.”
Kitty laughed at the mention of the detestable sisters, and they both dissolved in giggles when Lizzy made an exaggerated demonstration of winking with both eyes, like Mama.
≈
As she made her way down the hall, Kitty was handed a letter. To her surprise it was from Lydia. Kitty had written to her younger sister about her upcoming journey to Pemberley. Kitty opened the missive that contained a few hasty scrawls.
* * *
Dear Kitty,
How lucky you are to visit Pemberley. How long shall you stay? I have not been invited since last year when I spent a fortnight there. My dear Wickham was not included so I had thought Lizzy would provide other gentlemen for my amusement, but she did not. She is, however, very generous with pocket money, and I also got a new silk gown. Be sure to try for everything you want, but you may have to endure some lectures. Since you are not married, perhaps Lizzy will introduce you to some gentlemen. Do ask her if I may visit whilst you are there, otherwise I fear you may find the place as tiresome as I did. Answer soon.
Your dear sister,
Lydia Wickham
* * *
Kitty sank onto a nearby bench. This letter was very like Lydia, but somehow she did not find it as amusing as usual. She ponde
red this a moment, then gasped, remembering the morning’s outing. She tucked the letter into her pocket and scurried down the hall.
She did not know why but she was quite sure she did not wish for Lydia’s company at Pemberley.
≈
Once in her rooms, Kitty found the riding habit. It was fashioned of summer-weight wool of the finest hand in a deep chestnut with gold braided trim. Kitty modeled it for Lizzy, who had joined her. The habit fit well but for being a little long. The sleeves could be folded under, but Lizzy called for one of the seamstresses to tack up the hem for safe walking. The boots were too narrow, but fortunately Kitty had recently purchased new half boots that would do for the present.
Kitty carefully placed the feathered and veiled silk hat on her head and turned to face her sister.
“I feel like such a fine lady in this hat, Lizzy!”
A smile played about Lizzy’s mouth and she placed her hand on Kitty’s shoulder.
“Clothes do help us assume the role, Kitty, particularly when we have not been born to it. I can testify to that. I shall go now and get dressed myself. We must be ready to leave for the stables at ten. Fitzwilliam is more punctual than patient. It may be beyond him to forgive tardiness twice in one morning.”
≈
Kitty gazed about the stables in awe. They were clean and roomy and bright, more so than any she had seen. The sweet smell of hay filled the air and the horses munched in contentment. The facility was staffed by men of all ages, from young boys to wizened greybeards. She glanced at Fitzwilliam. His pride showed in his face.
“Here, Kitty, may I present the master of my stables, Mr. Riley Connor. Connor, this is Miss Catherine Bennet, Mrs. Darcy’s sister. She states she is an equestrienne and today I shall see for the first time how she rides. As she takes great pleasure in the activity, I grant her permission to ride as often as she wishes whilst she is here. I will accompany her myself when I can. Ah, you have selected Cara for her, a fine choice. What do you think, Kitty?”
Her Summer at Pemberley Page 3
