Catherine Bennet

by Jessica McLean

  “Oh no it is not that at all I am very fond of all the Westwood’s, especially Fredrick who is a dear friend of mine. But it is precisely that, that has made me sad. I should have liked to have seen Tom again. He has been back in the country now for almost a year.” At this she snatched up the pillow and threw it down in frustration.

  “Tom? Is that the eldest?” responded Kitty rescuing the pillow from taking any further damage.

  “Aye, he is. He has been abroad a few years and has only just returned. His Uncle Sir Thomas’s younger brother has been abroad many years and Tom has been over there with him. He moved over there after school. His uncle thought it would be a grand experience for him. However, Sir Thomas has been a long time sick and now Tom has had to return home and is having to manage the estate as his father cannot.” Georgiana sighed laying back on the bed. “It just hurts that he is so close, for Maplebrook is really not that far from Pemberley on good roads. Aye it hurts for I have not seen him since I was a child....” she finished off.

  “The eldest Mr Westwood?” Kitty asked surprised. “Georgiana... what news is this? I had no idea that you had formed any attachments to anyone.” She asked pulling Georgiana up.

  “Tis not necessarily an attachment my dear” responded her friend. “He is many years older than I, but we were very close. I believed myself to be in love with him as I did with George Wickham...” Georgiana hesitated from a moment, the thought of Mr Wickham bringing back sad memories. “The difference here however...” she eventually continued “is that unlike Wickham, Tom is a proper gentleman” she laughed to herself sliding off the bed. “I remember when I first told my father, god rest his soul, that I wanted to marry him. He laughed at me and said...She put herself in a grand pose and imitated her father. “Tom Westwood? Little one you are too young to decide what you want in life, he is to go away soon, and you will forget all about him” Kitty listened intently as her friend told the story. “...and I stamped my foot and said ‘I will not, I will not! I love Tom and only Tom!’...My father just smiled and shook his head. ‘We’ll see, we’ll see’ he said ‘Tom is a fine man and perhaps when you are older if he is still single we may consider it.’ And that was that” Georgiana finished her story. Kitty laughed.

  “So, your future is decided?” she said. Georgiana nodded.

  “Aye, in my mind anyway. Wickham, he came into my heart and left just as quickly, but Tom, never” She said yawning and sinking back down onto the bed.

  “I think that’s my cue to leave, you should get some rest dear” Kitty said hugging her friend tightly. “Do not give up hope Georgiana, as you said, he’s very busy, I’m sure he will call as soon as he is able to” Kitty said reassuringly. Georgiana sighed.

  “I hope you’re right, goodnight Catherine and thank you” she said hugging her friend. Kitty hugged her back.

  “Any time, goodnight” and with that she left the room. It seems the Westwood brothers have not only had an effect on her heart but on her friends too...

  Chapter Seven

  The morning dawned bright and clear, though the ground was still somewhat frosty. The western parlour was favoured in the morning. Caroline Bingley was stood by the window. There was a table with sewing on it that Mrs Darcy would probably busy herself with later. At present she was attending to her sister Jane who had awakened this morning feeling rather sick. The piano in the far corner had a music book open where Georgiana had been playing softly until Fredrick had engaged her in a game of cards and they now sat quite happily near the book shelf, where a small table proved a most convenient surface for their game. There was a window seat, various coffee tables and sofas and chairs. The sound of voices from out in the west garden could be heard where Henry Westwood and Miss Bennet had been riding since breakfast had finished. Kitty was on horseback with her male companion pulling the reins and trying to keep the young mare steady while it’s nervous rider would wobble slightly and panic. “Mr Westwood do be careful! I’ll fall!” the young woman cried out shutting her eyes.

  “You will not. I’d be a poor instructor indeed if I let any harm come to you” responded Henry as he held out a hand to steady her as he slowed down.

  “Ooh I feel quite dizzy up this high....” Kitty said, gripping the reins tightly.

  “Shall I help you down now?” asked Mr Westwood.

  “I thank you yes” replied the younger woman. Henry Westwood stopped the horse completely and handed the reins to the servant who had accompanied them before helping Miss Bennet down from the saddle, lingering for a little longer than necessary holding her as he brought her down to the ground.

  “There now, all safe.” Said he turning to the servant “please return the horse to the stables.” The servant nodded and bowed. “Miss Bennet and I shall walk the grounds for a little longer if that would please you Miss Bennet?” he asked. The servant, excused lead the horse off as Henry offered his arm. The young woman laughed feeling very joyous at that moment in time as she ran off up the garden.

  Henry Westwood watched her with great amusement and delight, he really was quite taken with her youth and merriment. She had the makings of a lady without any of the rigidness or vanity so many of his sister’s friends had. Kitty skipped along the hedgerows and without any prior warning she suddenly threw a handful of snow at him, Lizzy of course would have had a fit had she seen but she wasn’t there and the gentleman of whom she happened to be in the company of didn’t seem to take offence. Instead he just laughed with her and caught up with her, bowing low. She smiled and then curtsied in return. He offered his arm again which she took willingly, and they continued along the path together.

  “Imagine such behaviour from a girl her age!” cried Caroline Bingley who had witnessed the whole scene from the window. “Pray Georgiana how old is Miss Bennet now?” enquired she.

  “19 Caroline, her birthday was in August last.” Georgiana responded looking up from her game.

  “19 ! And charging about the garden as if she were merely a child.” Responded the older woman “Poor Mr Westwood, his good nature I fear has done him a great disservice, Miss Bennet is all together far too ungrateful and far too silly to realise what a great honour Mr Westwood is doing by enduring her so gallantly.” Miss Bingley exclaimed.

  “You are very hard upon her Miss Bingley.” Regarded Fredrick Westwood “I have not noticed her to be guilty of anything beyond enjoying her life and her youth, I daresay dear Julia will be quite pleased to know that she will not be in a house full of gentleman and ladies as rigid as our father” he finished.

  “The Bennet family seem to have a habit of making spectacles of themselves” continued Caroline “and of moving into society far higher than their own with their charm and wit. I do hope Mr Westwood will not be a gentleman to give too much consequence to another of those sisters.” She paused on the word ‘those’ like it was some vile thing. “Two sisters in society is barley tolerable , but three!” exclaimed she.

  “Indeed, I will not bare it. I would not wish Miss Julia to be acquainted with them on anything but a base level. A young girl is likely to be very badly influenced by such companions. I do hope she departs, all of us departed in fact before Mrs Wickham’s arrival!” with this she swept across the room and sat on one of the chairs at the other side of the room.

  “Mrs Wickham?” Fredrick questioned, intrigued by this. “Not George Wickham’s wife? Is she a former Bennet as well? Heavens, they do travel in many circles...” he trailed off as Georgiana was starting to get very uneasy, but Caroline seemed either to not notice or not care for her rant continued.

  “Indeed, thank goodness someone else is seeing things clearer. She is the youngest of the five. Do you know much of the Wickham’s story? Truly scandalous I tell you...” At this Georgiana slammed the cards down and stood up. She had heard enough, and it was causing her great distress.

  “Caroline please!” she exclaimed. “I beg you do not talk about Mr Wickham! Perhaps the youngest Bennet sister may have done some sill
y things. But she was at the time only just sixteen. She is not the only woman, if you recall that fell prey to Mr Wickham’s charms, he has deceived many a young woman in the past and no matter how foolish Lydia may have been, she is now Mrs Wickham; they are married and no matter what the situation brought about the marriage. The fact of the matter is, it happened and there is really nothing more to say on the matter. Excuse me.” And with that she ran from the room.

  Shocked by Georgiana’s sudden outburst a concerned Fredrick rose to his feet, as Mr Bingley and Mrs Darcy entered the room, having been on their way down from Jane’s room and witnessed Georgiana’s rather distressed exit.

  “What the devil? Caroline?” Bingley cried as they entered the room from which the young lady had just departed.

  “Do not worry Charles, Miss Darcy just got a little upset, she is after all still young.” His sister answered.

  “What happened? The poor girl was practically in tears as she passed us” asked Mrs Darcy.

  “Miss Bingley it seems has some rather strong opinions about The Wickham’s.” Mr Westwood responded.

  “George Wickham!” Bingley practically spat the words.

  “If you’ll excuse me someone really should check on the young lady.” Added Fredrick excusing himself and moving to the door.

  “Oh dear... Poor Georgiana. Yes indeed, take her some of cook’s sweet bread I could smell them coming up from the kitchens, fresh and warm too no doubt. Miss Georgiana is partial to it.” Lizzy offered, the young man nodded and bowed departing the room. “Mr Bingley please let my husband know that Georgiana is upset.” She added.

  “Of course, Mrs Darcy” Bingley bowed leaving with Fredrick.

  There was silence for a few moments as the less than pleased young mistress of Pemberley stared coldly at the older woman who was a guest in her house.

  “Do not look at me so Lizzy. I do not understand why Georgiana would get so upset about George Wickham.” Miss Bingley eventually spoke up.

  “But you know she does Caroline! Is that not enough for you to not bring up the topic? Whatever history Miss Darcy and Mr Wickham have it has left her with a lot of grief.” She barked crossly. She had no patience for Caroline and her personal opinions.

  “Then she is as silly as Miss Bennet. To pine over such a man as he.” Snapped Miss Bingley, she disliked the former Bennet and with no one else in the room she felt she could speak as she thought. “And Mrs Wickham, to come here as well, to be in the same house as men such as Mr Darcy and Mr Westwood! I am only thankful she does not bring her husband with her. Mr Darcy is wise to ban such a disgrace.” Elizabeth took a deep breath as she moved further into the room and faced the other woman.

  “Who are you?” she snapped. “What happened to Caroline, a youthful and elegant woman. She is long gone; in her place is a bitter and selfish harpy! You seem to care little for anyone but yourself. Whatever has caused this hatred of my family must stop immediately!”

  Miss Bingley shocked at such an outburst opened her mouth to respond but was silenced as Mrs Darcy continued. “Your thinly veiled anger will do you no good. Use your arts upon as many gentlemen as you see fit but do not vent your anger on the innocent women who beat you by playing fairly and do not upset Georgiana, who is guilty of nothing!” Her patience had run out and she was not going to play the meek and silent any longer.

  “Lizzy...” Miss Bingley tried softly, trying to defuse the situation.

  “Perhaps you had better return to town where your sharp tongue can do no one harm but yourself.” Elizabeth finished. Miss Bingley was in shock.

  “Are you banishing me?” she asked amazed.

  “Not banishing no, advising. If you are smart I will have no need to banish...” The mistress of Pemberley had spoken, and Miss Bingley had no choice but to leave the room and plan her journey back to town.

  ***

  Chapter Eight

  After Miss Bingley’s departure Pemberley became a much more peaceful home. The New Year saw the departure of the elder Miss Josephine Westwood who found herself quite lonesome with the only like-minded companion of hers away and she returned to town herself as soon as her breeding and sense of duty for her family and the holiday season would allow her. The new year also brought the arrival of the young Miss Julia Westwood whose trip had once again been postponed this time due to severe weather conditions, but all was well again now and travel safe.

  The party were all seated in the north parlour after dinner when the sound of horse’s hooves could be heard in the courtyard announcing the return of Mr Fredrick and his young sister. Catherine had been practically bouncing up and down with great unrest since Fredrick had left them earlier to fetch his sister. She had heard nothing but good words about Julia and was greatly looking forward to meeting her. “Is that them?” she asked Georgiana who was watching at the window.

  “It looks like it, come we should go and greet them at the door” responded she.

  “I think that sounds like a marvellous idea what say you Darcy?” Henry Westwood answered.

  “If you wish to, I suppose we shall. Come then” the master responded as the whole party made their way outside. They got to the door as Fredrick was just stepping down from the carriage. He looked over as the party gathered outside.

  “It looks like you have a full committee to welcome you Julia” he laughed.

  “Really ? Everyone?” an excited voice cried from the carriage. Her brother moved to open the door, but she beat him too it as it swung opened and she jumped out.

  Miss Julia Westwood was not at all like her older sister. She had thick curly dark hair, which fell about her rosy cheeks in an unruly manner, though some attempt had been made to organise the bulk of it, which had been swept back and clipped up with loose waves tumbling down her back. Her bonnet was in her hands. She had taken it off because it was making her head itch. She had dark chestnut eyes that had a sparkle to them and was quite tall for her age. She had on a pale pink velvet gown with full length sleeves that came down over a pair of simple white gloves neither of which had any expensive lace or ribbons and she had no jewellery on at all. She smiled as she saw everyone and without waiting for Fredrick she ran towards them. Kitty couldn’t help but smile as the energetic young woman pelted towards them with her unlaced boots that had mud on the tips probably from running through gardens.

  “Oh, hello everyone!” she cried out first embracing her elder brother Henry who caught her mid charge and spun her round.

  “Julia!” he said hugging her tightly, Kitty couldn’t help but smile at the warmth and affection she could see in his eyes for his young sister. She had noticed it before in Mr Darcy when he’d been addressing Georgiana, though he would never display it as openly as Henry was. Georgiana was next to receive a hug and she even greeted Elizabeth with one; they had only met once before. Julia Westwood was so open and friendly with everyone. She lifted the spirits of all she came in contact with. Even Mr Darcy accepted a smile and a hand squeeze from the young girl...

  “And you must be Miss Bennet!” Kitty was jolted from her day dream by the sound of the visitor who had now finished greeting everyone else. “Everyone’s told me so much about you! It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you face to face” Julia was saying and before she knew it she too was wrapped in the embrace of the curly haired girl.

  “Come on now Julia, that’s hardly the way to behave” Fredrick had joined them, now. “Oh, very well then!” the girl said pulling away.

  “Miss Bennet, this is my sister Julia” he added.

  “Pleased to meet you” she said with a curtsy. “Is that better?” asked Julia.

  “Much ” Fredrick responded.

  “Pleased to meet you too Miss Westwood” Kitty said and curtsied in return.

  “Now that the formalities are over” Julia said with a sly glance at Fredrick. “Can e go inside it’s freezing!” this caused the whole party to laugh and they made their way inside the house.

  ***

&nbs
p; No sooner had the frost cleared enough for Julia’s safe arrival than it turned sour again as late January brought quite heavy snow fall and the entire party was house bound as walking, riding and other outdoor activities became quite impossible. It did, however, allow Kitty the time finally to explore the house in great detail and almost as soon as the snow hit, Miss Darcy took her companions on a quest that would take them to the very bottom of the darkest cellar and would not end until they’d reached the roof rafters.

  They began early on a Monday morning after breakfast. Miss Darcy met Miss Bennet and Miss Julia (who had overheard them discussing the night before and insisted on her accompanying them) in the south parlour where there was a panel into the back corridors. At the entrance to the kitchens they met Alice who Georgiana had engaged for the duration of the ‘tour’ as she knew the house inside and out and knew all the short cuts. Upon opening the door to the back passage, they entered a whole new world; the servant’s world. The back corridors ran around the far side of the house and had staircases that went up to all parts of the house.

  Since the Darcy’s were a family of substantial fortune and high social standing it had been deliberately built that way so servants could go quickly about their chores and cover the entire estate invisible to company which would often consist of dukes and royals; guests would travel from A to B through long winding, elegantly furnished corridors; the servants domains were bare stone walls and floor, perhaps with a rug or a small painting here or there. They were mostly dark. Fortunately, light was let in through narrow windows, which meant the girls could travel easily but Kitty wondered how difficult it must be for the servants once the sun went down as there were no elegant chandeliers in these corridors.