Chapter 2: Fanciful

'Kitty, get up. It's morning. Come …mama will be expecting us,' Mary said tying her ribbon round her waist.

The younger sister was still spread all over the sheets dozing off.

'Catherine, did you hear me?' she insisted.

Kitty mumbled something inaudible and turned her back.

Mary paused to reflect what to do. She smiled.

'Kitty, will you listen to me and wake up?'

'G-go…away.'

Mary snatched the quilt and sheets and dragged them out of the bed, making Kitty fall flat on the floor.

'Ah! Mary!'

'Now go and make yourself decent. We must go down for breakfast.'

The younger sister got up and slowly went to the lavatory.

Half an hour passed in silence while Mary waited with a book in her hand for her sister.

'Kitty, are you done already?'

'Mary, I do not intend to look like a common maiden from Longbourn whose best friends are chickens. I must be presentable and decent, we are after all in the house of a gentleman and must not forget our manners.'

'So what manners do you suppose are these of making the whole party wait for us at breakfast?'

'A lady must always be waited for. She must be a little late,' Kitty said proudly.

'Ah, another pearl of wisdom from Lydia, no doubt.'

'If you so much dislike waiting, why not go down to breakfast? I'll be with you all in some minutes. We need not go together.'

'Well, if you so insist, sister,' Mary said ironically and left the room silently.

She managed to find the dining room and bade her good mornings to everyone already seated at the table which were Jane and the Bennets.

'Will Mr. Bingley join us?' Mary asked casually.

'He has some business to attend to, but will come down promptly,' Jane explained pouring Mary some tea.

'Jane, why not let the maid assist you? You needn't do it by yourself,' Mrs. Bennet told her smiling coldly.

'Oh, mama, I do not need help to pour a cup of tea. I am still the simple girl from Longbourn, nothing will change that.'

Mr. Bennet smiled warmly while Mrs. Bennet drew her eyes and clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

Kitty examined herself one more time in the large mirror, then taking a shawl with her to protect her from draughts exited the room to go to breakfast.

The corridor was bathed in sunshine and full of small primroses scattered in vases on small mahogany tables. She tried to find the dining room, but got lost on the way as she was distracted by all the elegance of the rooms she passed.

She was about to call for help when she heard a soft voice coming from a faraway corner.

'Charles? Is that you? Could you please come and assist me a bit?'

Kitty's curiosity got the better of her and she silently approached the room where the voice was coming from.

She felt a tinge of excitement as she pushed the door open and entered a comfortable room with a small desk full of papers, books scattered on the floor and a large bed with red mattresses where a gentleman lay, fully dressed, with his leg in a cask.

'Oh, pardon me!' she blushed deeply.

'Miss, you have nothing to excuse yourself for…I thought Mr. Bingley was coming. I am sorry to have scared you,' the man spoke getting up in one elbow.

'You did not scare me…but well, I didn't know Mr. Bingley had other guests,' she said.

'Oh, so you are a guest here I suppose?' he inquired.

'I am Kitty Bennet, Mrs. Bingley's sister,' she smiled, curtsying.

The gentleman raised his eyebrow questioningly.

'Charles told me Mrs. Bingley had many sisters.'

'Yes, I am not the only one. One of my sisters is here with me and the other two are married and well settled.'

'Oh…I know of Elizabeth Darcy only.'

'Yes, she is to come here soon with Mr. Darcy to pay their congratulations for…the happy event,' she blushed again not wanting to name what event it was.

'I see…I am here for almost the same reasons then. James Prowler, at your services,' he said nodding politely. 'I would get up but my condition renders such a thing impossible.'

'Oh, there is no need for that…' she giggled. 'But Sir, how did you manage to injure yourself so?'

'Ah, it was an unfortunate hunting accident…' he said falling silent.

'How long will you be staying with us?'

'As long as Charles will have me. My abode is in London, in any case. I am a lawyer for "Bishops and Knights", but I travel quite a lot as my employment demands it.'

'A lawyer? Then you must be a great deal clever.'

He smirked.

'Not as much as I would like….'

'Are you and Mr. Bingley warm acquaintances?' she asked blushing once again.

'You could say that…we've been old friends since school time, but he has probably never mentioned it.'

'Then why have you come now?' she asked but immediately realised it was a blunder and shut her mouth.

'Oh, you needn't feel embarrassed. I am currently helping Charles with business that renders the use of a lawyer. We've renewed our acquaintance which was long forgotten,' he smiled cheerfully.

The door opened at that moment and in came Mr. Bingley.

'Oh, James, I knew not that you had company.'

'I was having a small chat with Miss Bennet here,' he said nodding.

'Oh, Mr. Bingley…so sorry to intrude,' she said stuttering.

'No intrusion at all, my friend here just needs a bit of help what with his condition.'

Kitty did not know what to do, but upon hearing her mother's calls she immediately rushed out of the room paying her goodbyes.

As she came down the stairs she met her mother and they both went into the parlour where Jane and Mary were seated.

'Oh, you shan't believe this, mama!' Kitty yelped and started retelling what had passed.

Jane smiled knowingly as she heard her account and Mary put down her book puzzled.

Mrs. Bennet already schemed in her mind and asked about his age, apparel and nature.

Kitty readily answered all these inquires and went on to say more about the mysterious gentleman.

'Kitty, I believe Mr. Prowler made quite an impression on you…'Jane said warmly.

'Jane, you know him then?'

'Only a bit since he is mostly a friend of my husband's and they spend a lot of time alone. But he is a most good natured fellow with a good reputation for being a solicited lawyer.'

'Is his situation comfortable?' Mrs. Bennet asked impatiently.

'As much as any lawyer's in London,' Jane replied.

Mrs. Bennet fell silent.

'Oh, he is so handsome mama! If you only saw him, but I shall go visit again,' she said strolling across the room.

'You can do this only if the gentleman and Mr. Bingley allow it,' Mary replied flatly.

'Oh, Mary you are such a bore…the man is suffering from physical pain. I know if I stay by his side he will grow to like me.'

'Upon my word, what are your designs exactly?' Mary asked.

'Now, girls do not discuss this like a common trifle…' Mrs. Bennet said though she was thinking of a way to make Mr. Prowler more acquainted with Kitty herself.

In the afternoon, the subject of the young lawyer was given over to thinking about a ball in honour of Jane's being with child and Mrs. Bennet as well as Kitty insisted so much that Mr. Bingley was half-convinced himself.

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy arrived later in the evening, both tired yet happy, giving warm embraces and addresses to everyone.

'Lizzie! I am so glad you have come,' Jane said embracing her.

'I wouldn't have missed this for the world,' Lizzie replied warmly.

'Oh, Lizzie how is Pemberley? You are mistress now, it must be so rewarding,' Kitty said sweetly.

'Oh, Kitty, I suppose there is nothing more tedious, so times like these make me happy to be a commoner again.'

Kitty chose to think this as another witty reply from her sister.

'Mary, how is the practice going?' Lizzie asked her younger sister as they sat in the drawing room.

'She has abandoned it,' Kitty stated.

'What do you mean?'

'It's true…I've stopped playing,' Mary said embarrassed.

'Oh, Lizzie, you must convince Mr. Bingley!' Kitty said brightly.

'Oh, yes dear, now that you and Mr. Darcy have arrived and a few more friends will, we must throw a ball,' Mrs. Bennet replied.

The evening drew on happily, and in a unanimous effort, the ball was finally fixed a fortnight from the present day with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's help.

Invitations were soon sent with ceremonial candour and Caroline Bingley was the first honoured guest.

In the meantime, Kitty wanted nothing else but to stay in the company of Mr. Prowler as she went to visit him often and give him news of what was happening. Mrs. Bennet went to see the gentleman herself and was most pleased with his warm manners. Mary and Elizabeth expected to see him for the first time, recovered, at the ball.

After a week, James could walk slowly across the room and Kitty decided it would be a pleasant thing for them both to go on a walk. Mr. Prowler refused on account of weariness, for he enjoyed the silence of his room, but could not escape Kitty's sweet endeavours. Thus, one afternoon they both went strolling through the gardens.

They walked silently as Kitty smiled pleasantly at him, not knowing what to say.

'Will you be able to dance at the ball?' she asked at length.

'I do hope so, for I do not wish to miss a turn with you, Miss. Bennet.'

Kitty hid her face from him.

They had reached the Park gates when they saw a figure in front of them.

'Mr. Fitzwilliam!' she almost yelped unconsciously as she saw the gentleman approaching them with a soft smile.

'Miss Bennet, you did not think I would not attend Charles and your dear sister, did you?' he bowed.

'Oh…Sir this is Mr. James Prowler. Mr. Prowler this is Colonel Fitzwilliam, a good acquaintance of my family and Mr. Darcy's cousin.'

'Mr. Prowler,' Fitzwilliam extended his hand, 'I cannot say I have not heard a bit about you, Sir. Your reputation as a lawyer exceeds you.'

Colonel Fitzwilliam eyed him carefully, trying to remember what other connection he had with the family since he was certain he had heard of him in some other context.

'I am equally pleased to say I have heard very much of you too Sir,' James replied.

'A good account, I hope.'

'Excellent one.'

Both gentlemen remained in silence as Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled at Kitty sadly.

Mr. Bingley came to welcome the Colonel and was very pleased to see James could walk.

'Now, James, you have no other option than to come and get acquainted with the entire family.'

Kitty and Mr. Prowler thus followed Charles and the Colonel in the parlour where they had the pleasure of meeting the other Bennets.

'Mr. Fitzwilliam!' Mrs. Bennet rushed to him. 'We are so pleased to have you here!'

He shook hands with Mr. Bennet and bowed respectfully to Mrs. Bennet but said little otherwise.

He did however, start chatting warmly with Mary and Elizabeth who knew his character better and with whom he had many common things to discuss.

Their conversation was soon interrupted when Kitty introduced Mr. Prowler.

'I have heard much of you, Mr. Prowler to give me a good impression,' Elizabeth smiled politely and curtseyed.

'And I have heard of Mr. Darcy's loving and witty wife myself,' he said kissing her hand.

'This is my sister, Mary Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam you have already met…' Kitty said languidly.

Mary curtseyed. 'So, you occupy yourself with the Law, Mr. Prowler. It must be a very engaging and rewarding employment,' she said in a reserved manner.

'It is very much indeed, Miss Bennet,' he said bowing to her and smiling warmly.

The afternoon passed rapidly, as Mr. Prowler was introduced to everyone and considered amiable by almost all the party.

Mr. Bingley and Jane were in high spirits as they expected more friends to come, though no one was much pleased at hearing that Caroline Bingley was to arrive very soon.

Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam retired in the evening to a separate corner to talk of recent books and news from London, but Mary couldn't help noticing that despite the Colonel's cheerful smile, his eyes spoke of hidden pain whenever he looked at Kitty across the room or a detail about her was mentioned in their talk.

'Sir, you seem not to be in the best of spirits,' Mary said quietly.

'Oh, no, I have the best reasons to be happy in your company and in your family's.'

'Even Mr. Prowler's?'

'You do not like him, Miss Bennet?'

'I do not think of him in any terms but I must confess I am a bit uneasy because of my sister's attachment to him. He is still, after all, a stranger…'

'Your sister…is she very much fond of him?'

'Fond of him? I couldn't say but they are good friends by now.'

Colonel Fitzwilliam soured and remained silent.

'Though…I hope she'll keep her promise of taking a turn with you at the ball, even if now she might have a close friend,' she said after a long pause.

He raised his eyes hopefully and smiled, kissing her hand.

Mrs. Bennet chose that exact moment to interrupt in order to talk to the Colonel of Kitty, but upon seeing that gesture she immediately changed her mind.

'Why, Mr. Fitzwilliam, Mary is a most amiable young lady, is she not? I do believe she can make any man quite pleased with her society since she reads a great deal and knows so much of the world. You both must find many things to discuss.'

Mary blushed, slightly annoyed that her mother presumed such things.

'Of course, a man of your nature should know that Mary needs some entertainment once in a while to separate her from the dull affair of study, so a conversation is most appropriate,' she insisted.

'I do think madam, Miss Bennet is quite accomplished and should not sacrifice her study for the likes of me as a friend,' he said smiling.

'Do not encourage her, Sir…' Mary whispered silently to him.

'Oh, but what sacrifice is that?'

Mary sighed as she turned to look about the room.

Mr. Prowler smiled at her ironically as Kitty waved her fan.

Kitty threw herself on the bed dreamily as Mary combed her hair silently. It was so dark outside that their yellow night gowns seemed white as snow.

Everyone was asleep at that late hour but for the sisters.

'He is charming…' Kitty said silently.

'Who is?'

'Mr. Prowler. Who else?'

Mary put her comb down and puffed her pillow.

'I thought Mr. Fitzwilliam was most amiable himself and a great conversation partner. He is much more reserved and calm than Mr. Prowler.'

'La! How boring indeed. It is only natural that you are so pleased with him Mary. I've said it to mama. You should be the one to marry him.'

Mary scowled.

'Colonel Fitzwilliam is only a good friend and shall remain that way, though I am not so certain that you and Mr. Prowler will remain on the same terms.'

Kitty made no attempt to contradict.

'You'd best search his character first, Kitty. You know nothing of him.'

'I know enough…' she said and turned to sleep. 'Good night, Mary.'

'Good night…'

She blew off the candle and remained in darkness. She instantly fell asleep but had a most peculiar dream.

She dreamed that she was riding a horse as fast as the wind, hurrying to what place she knew not, yet someone was following her. She turned her head and saw no one, but she felt someone was there as she galloped across darkened hills.

Mary woke up from the dream with a gasp and remained awake for the rest of the night.