Catherine Bennet

by Jessica McLean

  The girls clambered up the rickety old ladder and tumbled down onto the wood floor laughing as they shook out their bonnets and gloves. The wooden structure was well made and water proof, the huge branches providing a good shelter and preventing the bad weather from getting in. Georgiana opened the old chest and dug out some old cushions and blankets, they were too grown up now to use the furniture that had been built when she was a girl and so she made a pile on the floor instead.

  “Well this is cosy” commented Kitty pulling the blankets up around her. “I can see why you liked it here so much when you were a child” her companion sighed rolling over onto her stomach.

  “Aye indeed, I have many pleasant memories from my childhood here. Tis a shame it’s so battered now. It all seems so long ago that it was brand new. Sometimes I wonder if it was real...” There was a moment of deep contemplation in Georgiana’s eyes which puzzled Catherine as she moved to her friend’s side.

  “What are you thinking about?” she asked intrigued all of a sudden.

  “Hmm?” her companion mumbled sitting up. She had been momentarily lost in her own world. Kitty was just about to ask again when Georgiana suddenly moved over to the window. “Do you hear that?” she looked up the path that ran a little way away from the tree up towards the house. Her friend joined her at the window.

  “Hear what?” The hail had now ceased into gentle snowflakes and the sound of horse’s hooves could now be heard. Up the road a carriage was just driving up the lane towards them.

  “They must have come in through the back gate to ride through the grounds on their way up to the house.” Georgiana observed as it approached, and she opened the door, heading out onto the balcony of the tree house.

  Chapter six

  The rider slowed down when he saw her and tipped his hat. She waved him down. As he slowed the carriage to a stop in front of the tree. “Why have we stopped Dorson?” a voice came from inside the carriage it was sharp and almost accusatory as the curtain was pulled back and a woman’s bonnet appeared at the window, the face beneath it was mostly veiled and Kitty could only make out a slight wave of blond hair curled beneath it.

  “Sorry ma’am. Miss Darcy waved me down.” Responded the driver.

  “Miss Darcy?” a male voice responded almost with a laugh. “Good heavens” the door to the carriage was then opened and a handsome gentleman appeared. He was perhaps not as tall as one would expect but he stood tall with his shoulders high, he had a carefree face and golden hair. As he got out of the carriage and looked up, Kitty could see he was wearing a smart grey coat and riding boots. He would have been riding horseback until the foul weather had forced him to join his companions in the carriage. He looked up at the tree house and Kitty could see a smile beneath his dark eyes, his face was handsome, and she could not help feel a slight flush across her cheeks as his eyes fell on the two women aloft. “Miss Darcy!” he exclaimed. “What on earth are you doing out in this weather?” He asked.

  He was then joined by another gentleman. He was younger this time with dark hair and was of similar height and build, but not as handsome as his brother. He was wearing a dark green coat and his complexion was a little darker and more worn, but his face held the same warmth and jollity as the older gentleman. His smile was enough to make everyone around instantly relax.

  “Good afternoon Mr Westwood, Mr Fredrick. Miss Bennet and I took a leisurely stroll this morning and we were just on our way back up to the house when the weather changed” The older gentlemen listened with great amusement as she unfolded the story of how they came to be in the tree house.

  “I see, well hello Miss Bennet.” Mr Westwood called up. “Perhaps if you young ladies would care to join us here on the ground now the weather is less severe we can be properly introduced” he said as he helped them down onto the ground. He had a firm grip and a gentlemanly air, he held on securely as he helped them down and let go respectfully as soon as both feet were firmly on the ground. “Now then, Miss Darcy, would you do me the honour of introducing me to your friend?” he asked politely.

  Kitty was amazed at how quickly he asked for an introduction, she had heard from Caroline that the Westwood’s estate was worth twelve thousand a year even more than Mr Darcy and she remembered how he was the first time she met him. Georgiana quickly obliged the request.

  “Indeed, Mr Westwood this is Miss Catherine Bennet, Mrs Darcy and Mrs Bingley’s sister. Kitty this is Mr Henry Westwood and Mr Fredrick Westwood” she motioned to the two gentleman who made their bows to which she responded with a polite curtsy. It was Henry Westwood she had seen first, who had made her heart skip a beat, the one who wanted to join the church which she thought vaguely amusing remembering her opinion of Mr Collins and Charlotte Lucas. ‘Ironic when you think about it’ she chuckled to herself.

  Meanwhile Georgiana had looked hopefully towards the carriage hoping to be able to introduce the sister to Kitty as well, but she had not appeared, nor asked for an introduction, instead her impatient voice came out of the carriage once more.

  “Henry come along we had better hurry we’re still a mile off” the voice snapped.

  Kitty used up every ounce of her self control to keep her face neutral. She did not like this mysterious woman who hid in the carriage, her tone reminded her very much of another woman whom she disliked.

  “Indeed, Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet won’t you join my sister in the carriage? It’ll be much warmer than walking all the way back to the house.” The woman seemed less than pleased by this arrangement.

  “There isn’t room for all five of us in the carriage brother as you very well know. Miss Darcy and the Bennet girl will be fine now stop being so difficult. I’m going to catch a cold sitting here.” It took a lot to get the Mr Westwood’s angry, but Kitty could see a slight darkness cross their faces.

  “Dorson why don’t you take Miss Westwood up to the house and out of the chill” the man named Fredrick responded almost coldly. “My brother and I will walk with Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet back up to the house.” Josephine’s veiled face appeared again.

  “You cannot be serious... Henry tell him.” Henry only smiled

  “I think that sounds like an excellent idea Fredrick. Miss Bennet if you would do me the honour?” and with that he held his arm out to her and looked into her dark eyes with such a warmth that she quite forgot it was snowing.

  “Why thank you sir” she said taking his arm as they set off up the path. The woman in the carriage let out a disgusted sigh.

  “Suit yourself” she snapped withdrawing and pulling the door shut again. “Drive on Dorson .” The driver tipped his hat to the brothers and tugged on the reigns.

  “Right- O Miss” he called, and the carriage began moving away from them.

  “Shall we?” Fredrick asked offering Georgiana his arm. She took it.

  “You didn’t have to do that you know Freddy. We could have walked back”. He just laughed.

  “You know my sister, several hours in a carriage with her is long enough. I’m quite relieved to be able to enjoy the peace a little, your conversation is much more appealing.”

  Georgiana smiled as they followed Henry and Kitty along the path.

  ‘Tis nice to see you again, I’ve missed you my dear friend” she informed the youngest brother as they followed Kitty and Henry up the lane.

  “I trust Mrs Darcy is well.” Henry said as they walked along the snow-covered ground. “I look forward to meeting her again. Last time we were at Pemberley she was having a portrait done, Darcy I understand was anxious to show the world his new wife. He would talk of little else in his letters” he began as they made their way towards the house. He was full of ease and friendliness, ‘rather like Mr Bingley’ thought Kitty and she found his company delightful.

  “Aye she is well. The portrait is finished and now hanging in the entrance hall. Does Mr Darcy really talk about my sister a lot?” she ventured to ask.

  “Indeed, he does Miss Bennet. He’s a good man at hear
t. I grew up with him and so I am well acquainted with the family. And Miss Darcy seems a lot happier since you and your sister came here. I’m delighted to meet you at last.” The young lady could not help blushing again at this.

  “At last sir?” asked she rather shyly.

  “Aye, we came about this time last year, you and your family had already departed, and Miss Darcy was in quiet despair. She talked about how nice it was to have a friend and how much you were missed.” Kitty was quite taken aback by this, she loved Georgiana dearly, but she wasn’t aware of how much of an impact on the younger girl she’d had.

  “Good heavens, I never would have thought it.” She glanced behind them where Fredrick and Georgiana were deep in conversation about something. They were arm in arm and laughing about something or other. She watched them for a few seconds before turning back to her companion.

  “Is there something going on there?” she enquired. The gentleman looked behind him.

  “I know they haven’t seen each other for a while. Fredrick was in town last time I visited. They were quite close when they were younger. They used to play together, there’s only a few years between them you know.” replied Henry.

  The house was now in sight. They could see the carriage just pulling away and heading back along the path having been emptied of all passengers and trunks. The driver bid them good day as he passed them again on his way back to the Westwood’s estate in North Derbyshire. Kitty wasn’t sure what to expect from the mystery woman when they reached the house. They entered the main hall and were helped off with their bonnets, gloves and coats. On the stand by the door she observed a long dark purple cloak with a fur trim and golden clasp, the bonnet from earlier with the lace veil had a black ribbon and was lined with pearls and black feathers and made from, of course, the finest quality silk.

  Upon entering the parlour, she could observe the owner of this finery. She was standing over by the fireplace with Caroline Bingley. She had blonde curled hair that had been pinned up in a beaded net made of golden threads and pearls. The front was in tight fashionable curls that came down to just below her chin. She held her head high, elongating her neck. Her gown was of the finest purple silk with golden lining and a black lace overlay that swept down into a train at the back, she had on long gloves and her sleeves came to just below her elbows, clearly long sleeves were the fashion in town this season. Around her neck was a gold necklace with what she assumed were amethyst though it wouldn’t surprise her if they were some form of diamond.

  The topic of conversation was the ring on Josephine’s right middle finger that Caroline was admiring, she was addressing the whole room which consisted presently of Mr Darcy, Mr Bingley and of both Jane and Elizabeth. “It was a birthday present from dear Lady Alyssa she and the Countess were in town last weekend and I was so delighted to see her again. I was not sure if she would remember me, though I think her brother Lord Palamore, (you remember him of course dear), may have dropped a little hint. I remember the ball last winter, simply divine darling, I so wish you could have attended. But there was, of course, the weddings on the same day...” she looked down her nose (which stuck out with the way she was holding her head) at Elizabeth and Jane as she said the last bit.

  By ‘weddings’ Kitty knew she was meaning that of Jane and Elizabeth’s which were at the beginning of winter last year. Considering it was her brother’s wedding Caroline had to attend, Kitty had observed on the day she was out of spirits; she assumed it was purely her disapproval of the matches but now learning that she had missed ‘the winter ball’ to attend the wedding instead. How terrible for Caroline she thought mockingly. To have to attend your brother’s wedding instead of meeting with ‘Dear Lady Alyssa and The Countess.’ Kitty let out a snigger at these amusing thoughts but quickly checked herself at Lizzy’s glare.

  “I’m glad to see you arrived safely Westwood” Darcy said rising and moving over to Henry and Fredrick drawing the attention of the room away from Josephine Westwood and her diamond.

  “Thank you Darcy. It was quite a pleasing walk with Miss Bennet” responded his friend. Kitty moved into the room.

  “Ah, you’ve met my sister, I trust all is well?” She asked clearly concerned in case Kitty had drawn attention to herself.

  “Aye indeed we have Mrs Darcy” responded the gentleman. I thought it only polite to ask Miss Darcy for an introduction as we happened upon both young ladies by the tree house where they were seeking shelter from the storm.” Lizzy relaxed a little after the reassurance. “And now that we’re all warm and safe I should perhaps acquaint Miss Bennet with my sister” Mr Westwood continued “for they are the only ones who have had no introductions yet.”

  The blond woman seemed rather unimpressed at Henry’s forced introduction. She had no interest in become acquainted with the Bennet sisters, they were of little consequence to her, but she made her curtsies politely and then retired to a quieter room with Caroline to talk between themselves. Kitty could of course guess what it would be about and was thankful they took themselves away, so they wouldn’t upset anyone.

  “You girls should head up to your rooms and change out of those wet things or you’ll catch a chill. I’ll have Alice run you baths and you’ll both rest up until dinner. What on earth were you doing outside, and at the tree house no less?” Lizzy scolded. Georgiana and Kitty looked at each other.

  “It wasn’t that bad when we went outside earlier. Would you have preferred us to have walked all the way from the tree house to the manor when the weather was at its worst?” responded her sister.

  “You were lucky the Westwood’s came by when they did. You will be more careful in future won’t you?” Lizzy replied she was having none of it.

  “Yes Lizzy” Georgiana said. “Excuse us” the young girls curtsied and left the room.

  ***

  “What were you and the youngest Mr Westwood talking about so secretly?” Kitty asked her friend once they were alone.

  “Freddy? Old times. He’s a close personal friend.” responded Georgiana as she browsed through her dresses for something dry to wear for the evening. Her friend wasn’t going to let her get away with such a short response.

  “Only a friend?” she enquired. But Georgiana only laughed

  “Yes, only a friend, I can assure you there are no romantic feelings between myself and Mr Fredrick Westwood.” Assured her friend. Kitty sighed

  “Pity that, I was hoping for a bit of family gossip.” She said loosened her wet curls to dry by the fire.

  “Sorry, can’t help you. I love Freddy but only as a brother. My own is 10 years older than I and as much as I love him he was always more like a father figure you know? I was quite young when my actual father died so my brother sort of took over that role. What about this one?” Georgiana’s attention had moved onto dresses as she showed Kitty one she was considering.

  “I like it, but then I like all your dresses.” the other answered. Georgiana always had nice dresses and she always looked pretty, she was nearly eighteen now and was about as tall as Elizabeth, she had a thin, delicate frame and pale skin. Her eyes sparkled blue and her hair was a golden honey blonde. She favoured mostly whites and creams, often silk and lace and looked every bit a fairy princess at balls and other social events. It was one thing Kitty was jealous of.

  “All right then” she said slipping in to the dress. “Anyway, Fredrick sort of became like a brother after my father died. I hope when he does marry she’s a nice woman, someone who I can really get along with, someone like you perhaps? I suspect Fredrick and you will get on very well.” Georgiana said, Kitty blushed and objected claiming that she really doesn’t know anything about Fredrick.

  “You my dear friend held all his attention during the walk.” Kitty said, and Georgiana laughed.

  “Well if we are going down that road did you like Mr Henry Westwood? You spent a great deal of time engrossed in conversation with him.” Georgiana teased. Kitty blushed.

  “He was really nice, I wa
s amazed he asked for an introduction so quickly. And he was so charming. I confess Georgiana I like him very much.” Kitty said with a blush. Georgiana gave a smirk of satisfaction

  “I thought so and he seemed to like you very much too. That shows he has good judgment. Lace me up please?” she asked, and her friend moved over to her and began lacing up the back of her dress.

  “His sister though, what was the matter with her?” she asked pulling tighter.

  “Oh lord knows. She’s never used to be so unfriendly, I was quite shocked. She was never so rude before. I’m sorry you had to see that side of her.” said Georgiana. “Now, how do I look?” she asked. Kitty rolled her eyes.

  “Beautiful, but then you always do.” Georgiana was the one to blush now.

  “Thank you. now I have just the thing, for you.” With a laugh she moved over to her wardrobe and pulled out a beautiful pale blue dress.

  “Put this on, you’ll look stunning for Mr Westwood.” Kitty blushed at this remark.

  “Why would you have me look nice for Mr Westwood?” she said defensively.

  “Oh, you know, it’s always nice to dress up. Come…” Georgiana said holding the dress up against Kitty. “He won’t be able to take his eyes off you. See, beautiful…”

  She was right, the dress was amazing it was ice blue and velvet with a lace trim around the bottom and the neckline. It even had a slight train at the back and it laced up with a white ribbon and had lace sleeves from the shoulders to the elbow. Kitty had never worn three quarter length sleeves before but then she rarely wore velvet or lace and was quite surprised at how becoming it was. Georgiana had, had it made earlier that year when she’d decided that perhaps she should try something different because she thought all her dresses made her look like a child. The blue dress was beautiful, and she was very fond of it, but it just didn’t suit her, and she returned to whites and creams. It did however suit Kitty whose complexion was different, and the beautiful dress would actually get worn if Kitty had it instead of being laid in a chest gathering dust.