Catherine Bennet

by Jessica McLean

  “I’d be delighted Mr Darcy.” Julia pouted.

  “Oh, but I want to dance as well! Freddy dance with me. ” She exclaimed.

  “But who will play the piano?” her brother asked.

  “I will if you want to dance Julia.” Young Georgiana added helpfully.

  “Do you not wish to dance Miss Darcy?” Fredrick asked her.

  “I have no partner. Julia it seems has claimed the only available one in the room.” She responded.

  “Oh, I’m sorry… “ Julia answered sincerely. “I know! We’ll switch. For everyone must dance! Freddy ask Miss Darcy to dance.” She decided that this would be fair.

  “Julia…” exclaimed Fredrick awkwardly.

  “What ?” the young girl asked.

  “Oh, it’s quite all right . “ replied Georgiana laughing “Well Mr Westwood?” asked she expectantly. Resigned and out voted Fredrick coughed.

  “Miss Darcy?” he began.

  “Yes Mr Westwood?” she pushed.

  “Will you dance with me?” he said with a smile.

  “Love to.” replied she and Fredrick lead her into the middle of the room as Julia started to play and the dancing began and so continued over the course of the evening. Each of the women taking it in turns to play the piano while the others dance d. When Georgiana was at the piano, Julia danced with Fredrick. While Lizzy was at the piano, Kitty danced with Henry, Georgiana danced with Darcy and Julia danced with Fredrick. When Kitty was at the piano Georgiana danced Fredrick, Julia danced with Henry and Lizzy once again danced with Darcy. Gradually as the night went on the dancing became less. Georgiana took over playing the piano softly, with Lizzy turning the pages. Julia had curled up on one of the sofas, while Fredrick and Darcy were engrossed in quiet conversation. While the new couple sat in a side room together. “Do be careful won’t you Mr Westwood” Kitty said nervously as the scissors came closer “Henry… and I promise. If you’re uncomfortable I won’t.” the gentleman said pulling back

  “No, do,” replied she resting her hand on his. “It’s so romantic. My friend Hannah Green met a guy once and gave him a lock of her hair, they’re now happily married.” she added.

  “All right . Close your eyes” Henry responded . The young woman obliged as he gently pushed her hair back and snipped a lock of hair from the back of her neck. “There. That wasn’t so scary was it?” he said sitting back. Kitty opened her eyes and smiled as Henry kissed the lock of hair and they gazed intently into each other’s eyes leaning over to kiss, but they were interrupted by Lizzy from the hallway.

  “Catherine, Georgiana and I are retiring now, won’t you come to bed dear? It’s getting late.” Kitty sighed and pouted.

  “Yes, Lizzy in a minute.” But her sister appeared in the doorway

  “Now please. Say goodnight to Mr Westwood.” Kitty stamped her foot and stood up

  “Goodnight to Mr Westwood” She said sarcastically as she stalked out the door followed by Lizzy their conversation getting fainter as they move further away from Henry.

  “You shouldn’t be alone with a gentleman at night you know Catherine, it isn’t proper.” She scolded.

  “We were just talking, and we are engaged there’s a difference.” argued Kitty.

  “He has not asked papa yet and engaged or not, it is still not wise, now to bed.” Said Lizzy firmly.

  “Yes mother, goodnight!” Kitty snapped heading off upstairs. Henry sat for a moment in quiet contemplation. Once Lizzy was safely out of sight , Kitty dashed back briefly and kissed his cheek before running off again.

  ***

  The following morning in the breakfast parlour at Maplebrook, the family and their guests were in polite conversation when a maid knocked on the door and entered . She was carrying a letter. “What is it Abby?” asked Julia as the young woman entered.

  “If it please ma’am, there’s a letter arrived for Mr Westwood.” replied the servant.

  “Thank you” said he taking the letter off her . She curtsied and left the room as he returned to his seat and opened the seal and reading it . His expression changed from its usual happiness to concern.

  “What is it brother?” asked Fredrick his brother handed the letter to him and he read over it, Julia read their expressions.

  “What is it?” their sister asked with concern in her voice.

  “Nothing to worry about, but I must go to London. Fredrick please order the carriage. I must leave immediately. It’s a matter that cannot be delayed. If you’ll excuse me.” Henry said with some quickness that worried Kitty. Fredrick and Henry rose as did the girls and made their bows to them , the men then exited quickly.

  ***

  On the front porch at Maplebrook not long after, a servant was saddling a horse near the gate. Henry and Kitty were alone. “Will you be gone long?” she asked him with concern.

  “I hope not. Meanwhile I want you to take care of Julia and Fredrick. And enjoy yourself too. I’ll be back in a couple of days.” responded he.

  “Indeed, Mr Westwood give my regards to your other brother and sister.” Kitty said sincerely.

  “I will” he took her hand and kissed it gently

  “And best of luck with your playing. I look forward to hearing you upon my return. There are some lovely pieces in Julia’s book. “A summer’s day” is a beautiful piece and a particular favourite of mine.” Henry replied.

  “Well then I’ll make that my top priority.” responded she.

  “Very good then. Until I return.” He finished with a bow turning to go Kitty grabs his hand.

  “If you have time will you…”

  “Call upon your father? Of course. For I want this settled as eagerly as you do my dear.” He embraced her and kissed her forehead softly he then mounted his horse Kitty watched him ride off clutching the music tightly and sighed before returning to the house.

  ***

  In the parlour the next day, Lizzy was engrossed in a book while Kitty and Julia were playing cards and Georgiana played an old melody she had learnt as a child. Darcy was in the billiard room with Fredrick when there was a knock at the door to the billiard room and the Westwood’s maid entered carrying a note. “Hello Abby. What is it?” asked Fredrick.

  “Please sir a letter arrived from Master Thomas.” said the servant girl softly.

  “Thank you Abby” said he as he took the letter Abby excused herself. As he opened the letter and read over it his face turned to shock as he slowly walked into the room with the girls in. Julia noticed his expression almost instantly.

  “Fredrick! What is it? You look pale as a ghost.” His sister asked with concern.

  “There’s a letter from Tom” replied her brother. Tom was the eldest Westwood brother. He had been in town these past few months looking after their father.

  “Is it bad?” Julia asked with concern.

  “Father is in pretty bad shape. Tom suggests we go see him as soon as possible.” Fredrick replied in earnest. “My apologies Mrs Darcy, I had hoped you’d be with us for the summer, but we must go to town immediately.” He apologised.

  “Oh , no, not at all Mr Westwood.“ Mrs Darcy replied.

  “You will come back later in the year?” asked Julia who was sorry to have to say goodbye to her friends. “If your brother wishes it Miss Julia” replied she.

  “Of course, you’d be more than welcome any time.” Fredrick added. Darcy entered the room at that moment having overheard the conversation.

  “We’ll begin preparations for our departure right away Westwood. And give my regards to your father. Let us hope it is a false alarm.” He said sincerely.

  “Thank you, Julia, come.” said Fredrick. Julia stood, she and Fredrick bowed and curtsied as did Georgiana, Darcy, Lizzy, and Kitty and they made plans for their departure. The Westwood’s were for London while Darcy and his family would return to Pemberley.

  ***

  It was one morning in early June that Mr Darcy, Lizzy, Kitty and Georgiana were in the small dining room sittin
g to dinner, there were no guests staying with them at present, when Alice knocked on the door.

  “What is it Alice?” Darcy asked as the young maid entered.

  “Begging your pardon sir, but this just arrived from Mr Moore…” Alice replied bringing a letter over to him.

  “Moore… thank you Alice.” Said he taking the letter, Alice curtsies and left the room, as he opens the letter and read over it his expression changing to slight annoyance. Lizzy looked concerned.

  “What is it? What does he want?” she asked her husband.

  “ Who’s Mr Moore?” Kitty asked Georgiana as she’d never heard him mentioned before.

  “He oversees the house in town while we’re in the country.” Replied her friend.

  “Oh… is that bad?” asked Kitty.

  “Possibly, he doesn’t usually bother us.” Replied Georgiana.

  “After doing the usual checks, he’s noted a couple of valuables have gone missing, he writes to see if we took them with us last winter.” Said Darcy addressing them all now. “He’s enclosed a list. Here you go my dear, you might know better.” He said handing the list to Lizzy who read over it.

  “I’d like to say yes I know exactly where all these things are, but I’m afraid I cannot. What about you dear?” she asked passing the list to Georgina. Who shook her head.

  “I see… well I must find out what is going on. I must go to town. Georgiana ring the bell for Alice. I must leave immediately. I will get to the bottom of this, I will not tolerate thievery amongst my staff!” Darcy thundered, and Georgiana got up quickly.

  “Now love…that temper…” warned Lizzy rising to meet her husband’s gaze.

  “Apologies… Georgiana, please call Alice I must arrange travel.” Replied Darcy wilting.

  “Couldn’t we all go?” Lizzy suddenly suggested.

  “To town? Really? Now…” thought Kitty unconvinced, Town was normally a winter thing not a summer thing.

  “Yes, sweet, you’ve been brooding all summer, I think a change in scene and society might be good for you” her eldest sister replied with a smile.

  “I have not!” she protested

  “You have, a little…” said Georgiana.

  “But…” Kitty went to protest but couldn’t find the words.

  “Now Elizabeth… I really don’t think…” Darcy came to her help.

  “Please… it’ll be nice, Catherine’s never been to town…” his wife said determinedly. “and besides, you’re likely to get into such a rage and end up dismissing your entire staff and that would hardly be a wise decision, nor the best way to recover the missing goods…” she finished triumphantly.

  “It seems I’m out voted. Very well then. We shall all go to town.” Replied Darcy defeated. And so, it was decided and within the week they had packed up everything they’d need, locked Pemberley up for the summer and headed to London.

  Before they left Lizzy informed Jane and confided in her of her worries about their young sister.

  Dear Jane.

  I wish you could be here for out dear little Catherine now. She’s been so unhappy since The Westwood’s left and Mr Henry has barely written to her at all and he has not been to see our father yet, or if he has he’s mentioned nothing of it in his letters.

  Fitzwilliam is angry because there are some missing items at our Town House, I know it is not the season for London, but I suggested that we all go there, I am hoping a change of scene and society will be good for Kitty.

  It will take her mind off Mr Westwood she has never been to Town and it will be nice for her. I hope you are well and Caroline isn’t being too beastly, we miss you here. Give my love to Charles and my young nephew, perhaps you’ll all be able to visit next year. Take care my dear.

  Lizzy.

  ***

  Chapter Nineteen

  Not long after their arrival in Town Darcy had made some enquires into the missing items but knew that there was much still be discovered and hoped the young women would be able to amuse themselves, he’d found out that their friends the Lucas’s were also in town Sir William wished to launch Maria on Society and was deciding to plan a ball for the young women to help amuse them as he would not be around much he informed them of such at breakfast one morning. “I hope my dear you and the girls will be able to amuse yourself this morning. I have a previous engagement with an old school friend. Perhaps take them into town to buy some new dresses for the ball.” he announced and watched their faces light up.

  “A ball? Are we having a ball?” asked his sister in law

  “We are indeed Catherine; it’s been a while since we were last in London” replied he.

  “When are we having the ball?” his sister Georgiana asked him.

  “Tomorrow week. And now ladies if you’ll excuse me I shall see that your carriage is ordered before I take me leave. Perhaps you would like to call on Miss Lucas, I hear she is in town with her Father Sir William at present.” He added and was pleased to see a smile escape Kitty’s lips, he had witnessed enough during his acquaintance with the Bennet’s to know of their friendships with the Lucas’s.

  “Thank you.” His wife Elizabeth said as he kissed her farewell.

  “A new dress also!” exclaimed Georgiana after her brother had departed.

  “Are you girls all finished? We should really get going.” Said Lizzy wishing to hurry them along but just then there was a knock on the door and Alice entered.

  “Is everything all right Alice?” asked Lizzy.

  “There’s a letter here addressed to the family.” The maid responded.

  “Mr Darcy has gone out. Who is it from?” she asked.

  “The Westwood, ma’am.” Replied Alice.

  “Ah, not business then.” Said Lizzy taking the letter off her. “Thank you Alice.”

  “Thank you ma’am.” Alice curtsied and left the room.

  “She’s such a nice girl.” Noted Kitty.

  “Aye she is, we’re all very fond of her. We have servants here, but we are all particularly fond of Alice and she always accompanies us whenever we travel.” Said Lizzy as she opened the letter and read. Her reaction was one of shock and disappointment.

  “Lizzy is everything all right?” asked Kitty.

  “Tis from Julia. She writes that their father passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning. They had heard we were in town and were planning to call on us this morning but obviously they are unable to now. They have returned to Maplebrook for the funeral arrangements.” Answered Lizzy putting the letter down.

  “Oh, how terrible” said Georgiana.

  “He will be missed. I’m sure Mr Westwood, however, will do a fine job of everything. He’s a good man. I’ll send a servant after Fitzwilliam, he should be informed. I’ll see you girls at the carriage.” Replied Lizzy as she left.

  ***

  Despite the sad news it was impossible to feel too down hearted as they entered the parlour in the old comfortable manor where the Lucas’s stayed. Maria Lucas was sitting at a desk working on a letter when the servant entered announcing the guests.

  “Mrs Darcy, Miss Darcy and Miss Bennett ma’am” she said cheerfully.

  “Thank you” Maria smiled as the servant showed them in.

  “Maria it’s been too long.” Exclaimed Kitty embracing her young friend.

  “Hello Kitty, it has been too long yes. I’ve missed your company.” Replied the girl.

  “Hello again Maria.” Said Lizzy.

  “You remember Georgiana I assume.” Said Kitty motioning to Georgiana who was the stranger for once.

  “Miss Darcy, welcome.” Said Maria warmly.

  “Thank you, it’s nice to see you again Miss Lucas.” Replied Georgiana formally as she had only met Maria the once before at Lizzy and Jane’s wedding.

  “Is it just you and Sir William in town?” asked Kitty.

  “Aye it is, my mother hasn’t been well this last week or so and my father doesn’t believe the others are old enough to come to town ye
t. To be honest I’d much rather stay home but I think they are determined to see me married before I’m twenty.” Replied Maria dryly.

  “Oh, that makes me feel so old.” Exclaimed Kitty who will turn twenty in August.

  “Old? Nonsense! I was older than that before I married.” Exclaimed Lizzy.

  “Still, Lydia was 16 when she married” said Kitty.

  “Yes and look at the man. My dear do not let yourself feel old simply because your younger sister was a fool. When you marry I trust your choice will be far more sensible.” Scolded her sister.

  “Oh I think it will be...” said Georgiana slyly and Kitty blushed.

  “Oh? Is there a man...” asked Maria excited now?

  “No there not a man. Not exactly…” protested Kitty.

  “Not officially at least but anyone could see his attachment to you and I’m sure he will call on your father as soon as he is able.” Reassured Georgiana.

  “Well I hope you will not live too far away for I have missed you!” said Maria.

  “Is Derbyshire too far away?” asked Georgiana.

  “That’s miles away. I shall have to try and catch me a man in the north it would seem, or I shall never get to see you.” Said Maria.

  “Maria don’t rush yourself as I said, there is no man. I am good friends with a gentleman, we have a sort of agreement, but he has yet to see my father and I’ve heard nothing from him in a while. I am trying not to get too hopeful.” Replied Kitty seriously.

  “Come now girls this is hardly a suitable conversation. Let poor Kitty alone.” Said Lizzy practically.

  “Perhaps you are right. What else can we talk about?” asked Maria.

  “How about the ball?” asked Georgiana.

  “A ball? Who’s giving a ball?” asked Maria.