Hi Guys

Welcome back to

Becoming Catherine

Still no word from my beta think she is still ensconced in the epic move across the country.

So as always ANY and All errors you might find are entirely my own

Thank you to one and all who have taken the time to read this story, a special shout out of my faithful reviewers! You guys keep me writing

I own nothing recognisable but you already knew that

Now with the formalities concluded I bring you

Chapter 14 Georgiana Darcy

Skydancinghobbit

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."

Miss Darcy proved to be a most engaging companion. Once she discovered Catherine was not in the least bothered by her relations, having already met her brother, she was eager to confide all she knew of everything around her. Names titles personal facts, where all rained down upon her with such speed she was sure to forget a large part of them before the nights end. It had rather the feeling of someone longing for an outlet or a trusted ally to share with and she was quick to assure her new friend everything would be held in secret, at least to the very best of her ability. As she watched her mother prattle on happily sipping a cup of punch a blush darkened her cheeks.

"With five sisters all unmarried I am afraid some of what you have said will be common knowledge by dinner time and then it shall be my turn to apologise i'm afraid"

"Your mother, is ...eager to see you all settled?"

A rather bitter tinge colored her laugh as Catherine shook her head in the folly and truth in equal parts of her statement however tactfully put it did not change the knowledge of her family or their occasion folly.

"More so than most, with our fortunes entailed away from us, I am afraid we Bennet's have nothing but our charm to recommend us, and for some I am afraid even that sad triumph is lacking, for myself I have only my friendship to offer"

Gentle hands took her own and Catherine raised her head to find her companion gifting her with a warm smile that brimmed with understanding as she gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

"Yet you did not hesitate to speak to me, even without having a notion of who I was, it was a noble act friend Catherine do not fret, I don't care if you haf a fortune to rival a king of old or not a shilling to your name, you have proclaimed we are friends may I not do the same?"

Startled at the warm tone Catherine blushed again as her voice lowered to a whisper.

"I would be honored if you would Miss Darcy but...would your brother say the same? I wish to cause no strife between you two, for I know we are not rich or grand enough for the taste of most in this assembly"

A glance about the room confirmed her statement as a low rumble of talk continued about them, while she was happy to see Jane dancing with Mr. Bingley and even Elizabeth was speaking to Mr. Darcy, a fact which drew his sisters attention with an expression of great interest for a long moment. However it did not seemed the conversation had pleased either as they parted. She seemed vexed and short of temper and he watched her depart almost the length of the room with such a strange expression that both young women took note of it.

"I think he will be more pleased to see I have a friend then in your yearly income Catherine, money has never really held a sway with him, only the sincerity of those around him, that being said, I think it best we part for the present it seems your sister might need you"

Thanking her for the wisdom of such a notion Catherine took her leave and passed through the set quietly as she traced her elder siblings steps. Jane was whole occupied with the attentions of Mr. Bingley who seemed to be speaking of the joys of town and those to be found in the country. Her mama might be pleased yet, there was something in Jane's eyes that rested her attention even from Lizzy's ill mood. It was an expression of such cold indifference that raised the most dire thoughts in her mind. Jane might act as she choose but Catherine saw no symptom of regard in those corn flower eyes.

Pushing this concern aside she pressed on slowing as she reached the door. Lizzy stood silhouetted against the night just outside the warmth of the lights breathing in the refreshing cool of evening. Her spine was straighter then a corset should have allowed and the hands behind her back where clenched in angry protest against something or other.

"What troubles you so?"

However quietly voiced her inquiry startled her elder sister from her thoughts and she flinched. wheeling around as if to scold the wrong doer with narrowed eyes Catherine took a step back her hands raised in surrender

"Forgive me Catherine, I thought you might be someone else..."

"I see...Mr, Darcy prehaps? What could he have said to upset you so?"

She was rewarded for her observation with a groan from her sibling as she finally found breath and words.

"I...well he said nothing on consequence...he inquired of my family the crops and his sister, I cannot explain it but I cannot be around him without becoming short-tempered and ill-mannered all in one instant."

"Your family...meaning the health of those standing in the room or those yet to come to it?"

Lizzy looked over at her with a telling glance, half admiration and annoyance. Finally settling for a wry smile she took her sister's arm and both turned back into the glow of a fine ball.

"When did you ever become so clever Catherine?, I fear I have taught you all my tricks and left none for myself when I need them most"

"Oh la Elizabeth a good teacher never gives everything to their student, for what fun would that be for either?, come now if he mentioned anything of Mr. Collins I need to know you need not fear to speak. He was a first girlish impression of feeling and nothing more I can hear anything you might have to share with a qualm."

"I have such to tell that mind displease you"

Catherine would not be swayed and it was to her credit that she bore herself bravely when the news finally was rent from her sisters lips. Darcy's Aunt had indeed designed the match between Collins and her only child. Not for generosity or christian feeling but rather the family bloodline, for Mr Collins was in fact. nothing more or less then,

one of five brothers, all of which sporting debts beyond the dreams of common foke.

So ends Chapter 14-dodges thrown apple peices-

Worth the wait loyal readers or have I left you more confused then ever?

Whomever grants this story its 60th review shall have chapter 15's dedication

(though more encourages me to update sooner, I confess to being a feedback junkie I love hearing your opinions either for or against my story twists and turns)

So accordingly stay tuned for Chapter 15 Of blood and board

Skydancinghobbit

P.S. Please take a moment to check out my other stories they need love too you know