Catherine Bennet

by Jessica McLean

  ***

  In another part of the house the Westwood brothers were having a similar conversation about the two young women as they smartened themselves up for dinner. “I thought Miss Darcy looked remarkably well today.” Henry observed with a sly glance at his brother. However, Fredrick had his own plan of attack.

  “Aye indeed and I’m sure she’s grown since I saw her last. Miss Bennet seemed charming. She certainly lived up to Miss Darcy’s praises.” He shot back at his brother.

  “And exceeded them. I was delighted to make her acquaintance” mused Henry

  “Did you find her handsome?” Fredrick probed who had fully observed his elder brother’s attention to the young Bennet girl.

  “I did yes. She’s full of youth and energy. No false airs.” Henry responded.

  “Speaking of airs, I thought Josephine was incredibly rude earlier.” Fredrick remarked joining his brother by the mirror.

  “Perhaps she was tired. You know how she hates travel” responded his brother who rarely spoke ill of anyone. He was straightening his jacket, which had been changed to a dark blue colour, having already been changed once before.

  “For heaven’s sake man, it’s just dinner with Darcy. You’re not being presented to the King!” exclaimed Fredrick who having glanced at his reflection once and established he looked decent had now made his way towards the door.

  “Well I want to look my best.” Henry responded.

  “Whatever for? Surly there’s no one you want to impress.” His brother stated mischievously heading out of the door. Henry smiled to himself checking his reflection once more. Miss Bennet had appealed to him the first time he had caught a glimpse of her up in the tree house. She was youthful, her cheeks full of colour and she had been as pretty, delightful and caring as Georgiana had described upon his last visit.

  ***

  When you entered the house through the front doors there were many fine portraits of which Elizabeth’s now stood along with the rest of the family paintings and the Grand hall was on the first floor with a staircase leading up to it. It was normally only used for big gatherings, but the family dining room was currently being renovated and so the larger one was in use. Kitty had not explored many of the other rooms yet but was determined to do so before too long. There were quite a few scheduled developments planned for the year and she was quite excited to witness the transformations of the already grand estate. When they entered the hall, it was lit with beautiful candles in golden holders, for the Darcy’s never did anything in moderation, and the table was a dark wood colour with a lace trimmed cloth and lined with fine, cushioned chairs to seat a large number of guests.

  When Miss Darcy and Miss Bennet came down to dinner Mr Darcy was at the head of the table, with Mr Bingley and Mr Westwood at either side of him, Mr Fredrick was seated beside his brother; they were heavily in conversation about a horse of Bingley’s who had recently been put out to pasture. Miss Westwood and Miss Bingley were also in conversation but about the latest London fashions and completely ignoring Mrs Darcy who sat at the top of the table. Jane had been feeling a little poorly and so had not come down to dinner tonight. No one paid any mind to the younger girls as they slid into their places near the foot of the table, except for Lizzy who asked how they were after their walk earlier.

  “Nonsense he was a fine a horse as any I tell you.” Bingley was defending his old grey who had been a great hunting companion to the gentleman in its youth.

  “Sir your losing your wits the grey will never be as grand as the chestnut.” Responded Mr Westwood who had known of both horses since meeting Mr Bingley, several years ago. Miss Bingley’s attention had of course been drawn to the richer gentleman as he spoke as she felt obliged to contribute to the conversation in an attempt to win him over. As his elder brother was not present, (much to her disappointment) Mr Henry Westwood was her best chance of gaining favour with the family.

  “Perhaps the Westwood’ s and their 12,000 a year has gone to his head; horses are expendable to men of such an income and they will not mourn the loss of a single one I dare say.” She added with a laugh in that over confident manner she had, of which Miss Westwood heartily agreed with and the two sat cackling like hyenas at her brother’s expense. That is until Mr Westwood responded in such a way as to silence them both.

  “Miss Bingley you are mistaken I assure you. I had a fine stallion once myself as a boy. Learnt to ride by him and he was my favourite by far. However, my father had four and twenty others who he would swear were just as fine. But as for Bingley’s old grey it was second to the chestnut.” Miss Bingley sat dumbfounded. Her sharp tongue could think of no response to the wealthy gentleman, her attempt at humour had fallen flat.

  “Do you like to ride Miss Bennet?” Fredrick Westwood asked, noticing the younger woman’s presence at the table and fully trying to engage her in the conversation.

  Kitty looked up as if wholly surprised at being asked a question but as she opened her mouth to answer, Caroline Bingley (disliking any sort of attention to the young Bennet girl), answered for her.

  “I very much doubt she has had much chance. Mr Bennet has but five horses on his estate which are mostly required to work on the farm are they not Miss Bennet?” Kitty’s heart began to sink, and her young face fell, Caroline’s put downs could cut right through her. For Miss Bingley seemed to care little for anyone else’s feelings despite the various shocked expressions directed at her. Poor Kitty could do little but answer as best she could and try and brush the obvious put down aside.

  “Indeed, they are Miss Bingley, now that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy riding if I get the chance, but as it is I ride very poorly.” For this was indeed true, Catherine Bennet did enjoy riding very much, but her equestrian skills were somewhat lacking and her grace and elegance in the saddle needed some serious work.

  Her honesty must have had some appeal and Miss Bingley’s plan to completely disregard Kitty backfired when Henry Westwood, the very man Caroline herself was trying to draw the attention of responded.

  “Well Miss Bennet, you must allow me to teach you during my stay at Pemberley. Darcy I’m sure has horses to spare do you not?” Darcy, relieved to have any possible upset resolved amongst the young women who were guests in his house was quite grateful to his friend for defusing the situation as efficiently as he did.

  “Indeed, we do. There’s one very nice mare a little above 7 years of age that my wife frequently rides” he responded quite simply.

  “You would not mind would you Lizzy?” Georgiana Darcy added, feeling that it was high time she jumped to the defence of her friend and supported her elder brother.

  “No indeed, I am sure Juliet would be more than happy to oblige, she hasn’t been out of the stables for a week or so now due to the snow, but I do believe it has began to melt now.” Mrs Darcy answered.

  “Then it is settled provided the weather does not take a turn for the worst over night. I propose a ride tomorrow morning. What say you Miss Bennet?” asked Mr Westwood who was by nature a very gentlemanlike man and already quite fond of Miss Darcy’s young friend whom he had, had the privilege of meeting earlier that day.

  “I thank you yes.” Kitty responded warmly. Of course, Caroline Bingley had been listening intently her expression having changed from rather friendly now to rather irritated and she scowled at Kitty before turning and flashing a ‘dazzling smile’ at Henry Westwood. She was not going to give up that easily.

  “Oh, Mr Westwood what a great idea. Perhaps you could ride with me tomorrow as well?” She responded, for there was no way that Miss Bennet was going to win. “It’s been a while since I was last in the saddle she continued “and I fear I may fall and tear my dress if I do not have a competent rider with me.”

  However, Mr Westwood ignored her charms barley taking his eyes off Kitty as he answered. He was not overly fond of Miss Bingley, her manner was too like his sister Josephine’s very regal and rather proud, but his good manners as a gentleman pr
evented him from ever voicing his opinion openly so instead he just smiled and said

  “Perhaps if I have a little time left we can Miss Bingley but I do not know when Miss Bennet and I will be done, and I must return to Maplebrook in the afternoon. My brother Thomas returns from town and we are to walk to the rectory off the estate and bid farewell to Reverend Kingsley’s. He is to go abroad you know. But perhaps Fredrick could spare an hour for you, for he is just as strong in the saddle as I am.”

  Like his elder brother Fredrick too had the manners of a gentleman and would of course have gone riding with Miss Bingley, out of kindness however he too had other plans tomorrow.

  “Sadly, I cannot. I am to fetch Julia who is to join us on the morrow. Perhaps afterwards if I have the time.” He added, secretly hoping of course he would not have the time. Caroline seemed less than pleased by this arrangement, but she forced her fake smile and nodded, which Fredrick paid no mind to as he addresses Bingley “How does your wife do?” a concerned look crosses Bingley’s face

  “Not too well. Her headache is quite bad. The doctor came earlier but we are still unsure of the cause.” He responded.

  “I hope it is nothing too serious.” Mrs Darcy added.

  “We don’t think it is, but she will stay in bed for a little longer” replied Bingley.

  His sister Caroline completely ignored the previous comments and instead turned her attention back to the Westwood’s.

  “How is dear little Julia? I have not seen her since the summer.” She asked.

  “She does quite well. As far as things go at least. Though her maturity is rather questionable” Josephine answered.

  “She is most anxious to join us, she practically threw a fit when our father advised her to stay home an extra day.” Fredrick laughed. Josephine, however, was less than amused

  “I cannot for the life of me understand what is so fascinating about the countryside. I delight in seeing you my dear Caroline, but I wish you could have come to town for the season. I intend to return there myself in a day or two” Miss Westwood added.

  “I cannot blame you for that my dear. There is no place like town in winter.” The question had not really been answered and so Georgiana asked again, directly to Mr Westwood before his sister could interrupt again.

  “And what of Julia? I cannot wait to see her again, has she grown?” the brothers both smiled before Henry answered.

  “She is growing up yes, she will be 16 soon and will remind you of this frequently. Her playing is improving. Tom bought her a new music book for Christmas and there are some delightful songs in it.”

  Kitty could not help but smile at the thought of this head strong fifteen-year-old, remembering how grown up she liked to think she was at that age.

  “I dare say she will play as beautifully as Georgiana give it a couple of years.” Miss Bingley added. She was not overly fond of little Julia but her attempts at socialising more with the brothers had not been going well so far.

  “Nay, she cannot be surly; Miss Darcy sings and plays far better than any I know.” Kitty said, determined to try and communicate civilly with Caroline even if the favour was not returned.

  “It seems Miss Bennet doubts your sister’s talent Mr Westwood. Perhaps she has not met many truly accomplished people in her short life?” Was Caroline’s sly response. “There certainly aren’t so many amongst officers of the regiment, or indeed in many circles the Bennet’s move in. I remember Mrs Darcy saying as much once while we were at Netherfield. Do you recall that brother?” Bingley moved to speak but stumbled more than a little embarrassed by his sister’s behaviour. Lizzy however answered before he could much to his relief.

  “Indeed, I did Miss Bingley. But that was over two years ago now. Upon marrying your brother and Mr Darcy, Mrs Bingley and I have since met several very accomplished young ladies.” She spoke severely. Miss Bingley however was unmoved.

  “Aye... but Miss Bennet has not and after all none of you ever really pursued your talents beyond a certain level. Even Miss Mary and she practiced the most.” There was general unrest across the table as the tension grew between the two women. Mrs Darcy’s patience was wearing thin and Catherine could see how hard she was trying to bite her tongue. After a rather awkward silence she finally responded.

  “If we have not met many accomplished young ladies and have never really strived for perfection as you state Miss Bingley then it is hardly surprising that my sister doubts anyone is better than dear Georgiana...” she kept her tone calm but spoke very matter of factly.

  “I know your standards are high but even you have confessed during that same stay at Netherfield that she was one of the most accomplished ladies amongst your acquaintances.” At this point Caroline opened her mouth to respond but Lizzy silenced her. “Miss Darcy is actually trying to say something. Go on Georgiana.” She finished motioning to the younger girl who had also been trying to respond to the comments for a while. A general wash of relief crossed the table now Caroline had been momentarily silenced.

  “I do not think I play too well at all, but I am learning, and I am improving and so is Kitty. We have been practicing together in the afternoons. You must hear her; she really is getting quite talented.” Georgiana spoke quite quickly, rather nervous about being the centre of attention at that precise moment.

  “Is she indeed? Perhaps Miss Bennet will play for us a little tomorrow. Julia will be happy to hear you I’m sure, if you would consent to it?” Mr Westwood said in a gentle tone once again defusing the whole situation.

  “If you insist sir I shall,” she answered with a laugh “though I hope you are prepared to be sorely disappointed.”

  Caroline sank back in her chair quietly fuming to herself while everyone laughed around her. This visit was certainly not going the way she had planned.

  As for dear little Georgiana the presence of the two Westwood brothers had brought back memories she had long since pushed to the back of her mind and as the evening continued she grew quite feeling rather lonesome though she was surrounded by close friends, she spoke little and retired to her room early.

  ***

  Georgiana’s room was on the third floor and was in two parts; the bed chamber which had her double bed made from an ancient oak, with pink silk drapes that closed around the bed, a large closet which held all her gowns and stockings and shoes for all occasions from the simplest muslin dress to the finest of silks. There was a dressing table with a large mirror and a fine carved box with hair pins and lace nets. The drawers locked and were lined with satin cushions and here all her jewellery was kept. Through the archway was a kind of parlour with book cases, a desk, a matching set of double seats and chairs. There was a cabinet to the far side that contained her music boxes, a miniature carousel and her dolls. It was later that night after dinner when Kitty came to see her. Georgiana was sitting in her room, in her night dress, her long hair loose and she was brushing it, she sighed and there was sadness in her eyes, in the dwindling candle light, as she sat vacantly combing her fair locks, her mind elsewhere when Kitty knocked.

  “Kitty...Come on in” she said opening the door for her friend and showing her in. Kitty too was dressed her night gown and robe. The girls went over to the bed and sat down on it.

  “Are you all right? I couldn’t help but notice you became a little bit quieter as the night went on.” She asked as they sat down.

  “Oh Kitty” Georgiana cried hugging her friend. “You are too sweet. You grow more and more like your sister Jane every day.” The older girl just laughed.

  “I think there are many that would argue with that point, but I thank you. I could never be as good as Jane not if I were to live for a hundred years. But you are my dearest friend and I would have to be blind and have a heart of stone if I had not noticed nor did not care about what was bothering you this evening. Are you well?” Georgiana sat back on the bed.

  “Aye I am well dear. But just seeing the Westwood’s again tonight, you know such a good family nev
er existed, but seeing them tonight, hearing Mr Westwood talk of Julia and of his brother. Do you know much of the Westwood’s?” she asked.

  “I know nothing of the Westwood’s at all, save what I’ve learnt from you today.” Kitty responded.

  “Well they are from Derbyshire too as you probably realised.” Georgiana said. “Their family estate is called Maplebrook. It’s this quiet little village where life seems to stand still. Most of the farm land and businesses in and around the village belong to the Westwood family. Since the death of their mother, the Westwood’s have been mostly separate, for Mrs Westwood was a home loving soul and the one that held them all together. I have not seen the eldest brother in years. Until today I had not seen Josephine in many years. Like mine, her home was in town since she was about 12 years old she never came to visit me, and we never really talked. Like I mentioned earlier, she is a close friend of Caroline Bingley.” She finished.

  “Ugh! You know that crosses her out of my books even if I’d not seen how awful she was in person” Kitty responded.

  “I do not understand her or Caroline for that matter” Georgiana said after a pause. “She wasn’t at all like this a few years back. She was quite a good friend of mine and was very fond of my brother...” Kitty knew that, that was precisely the reason why Caroline had become so unfriendly lately. She had, had her own eyes on Mr Darcy for a while, but she did not wish to upset her friend further.

  “I should have liked to have had a brother.” She mused again after a pause. “But you have yet to tell me why the presence of the Westwood’s has made you quiet. Do you not like them?” She asked eventually. “You and Mr Fredrick were laughing and talking all the way up the path earlier” Georgiana laughed.