A/N

As is usual with me misjudged the length of the chapter. We would need part 3 for Netherfield visit to get over!

I do feel WIP stories are a challenge to the readers, especially if the authors are forced to change their priorities (I may again be delayed in posting next couple of chapters). I feel is much better when authors already have a chapter bank. Maybe I too could wait to finish the story and then post every day? Please suggest if any of you have a preference.

As always, to all readers/reviewers, thanks for reading and giving feedback, it is much appreciated.

TC

Book 2 - Chapter 7 (Part 2)

As soon as the sisters entered the drawing room behind their host, Elizabeth could sense a change in Miss Bingley, gone was the amiable lady who had met them in the church and in her place was the same snooty woman they had met on previous occasions. Maybe Miss Bingley practiced her manners on Sundays, thought Elizabeth irreverently as she greeted her in her turn.

Although Miss Bingley was rather condescending in her greeting, it was all done with a façade of politeness. As everyone took their seats and the greetings had been exchanged she said, "Yesterday it had rained so heavily that fearing the continuation of bad weather I had almost thought of postponing our tea by a day. But then I decided to go ahead as planned and thankfully my decision has been backed by the rain gods." Though the comment was addressed to the group in general, she looked at Elizabeth as she spoke.

Elizabeth smiled at her, "Your decision was propitious in more ways than one, Miss Bingley. Not only the weather is extremely pleasant today, Mary and Kitty may have had to forgo your very gracious invitation had you postponed it for the morrow."

Rather surprisingly Mrs. Hurst chose this moment to rouse herself from her occupation of playing with her bracelets and enquired, "Why is that Miss Elizabeth?"

"Actually Mrs. Hurst, both my sisters have volunteered to teach in the school at the vicarage. On Thursdays they are at the vicarage at this time." Elizabeth was rather disconcerted by the response her fairly innocuous statement generated in their hostess and her sister. Mrs. Hurst looked quite puzzled at this intelligence as if she had never heard of a gentlewoman teaching in a school. It was very possible that she had actually not heard of such a thing, Elizabeth thought wryly. Afterall what was considered normal and was looked upon with approbation by countryfolks such as them may be frowned on in the metropolis. And if she had learned anything from few of Miss Bingley's proclamations she had heard, it was that Miss Bingley considered herself one of the fashionable set from London and had nothing but disdain for the rustics of Meryton.

Proving her right almost immediately, Miss Bingley sneered, "Really? How …er… peculiar. Though he rarely bothers to listen, I keep telling Charles that spending money and time on the lower classes in this manner is a complete waste. And educating them can be especially detrimental as it gives them ideas above their station. That is if a few of them have brains enough to understand what is being imparted to them." She took care to make her pronouncement in a loud enough voice and it was heard by all in the party leading to an awkward silence. Elizabeth could only stare at her nasty remarks and marvel at her extreme snobbery.

Bingley was embarrassed by Caroline's distasteful and callous comments which were deliberately insulting to the Bennet sisters. He had seen the glint of anger in Miss Catherine's eyes before she had lowered them to her hands and had also seen the grimace of distaste that Darcy had been unable to hide completely.

If only Caroline had looked at Darcy while making her odious proclamations she would have been more temperate in utterings, he thought cynically as he sought to undo the effect of her rude behaviour, "I think everyone deserves a chance to better their lot in lives, Caroline and it especially behoves those of us who have been born with advantages to be considerate to those who have not been so fortunate."

Taking a deep breath he continued, "I personally saw the good work being done in the school at the vicarage. I have now come to realize that it is easy to donate money if you have some to spare but it really takes dedication to spend some time out of your life to help others. Frankly, I can only commend Miss Mary and Miss Catherine for their kindness and hard work for the children there."

He had included both the sisters in his comment and was rewarded by smiles from both for his staunch support but it was the warmth in Miss Catherine's eyes that wound itself around his heart and tightened her hold on it some more.

Before Caroline could take up an issue with his statement, Mrs. Nichols, their housekeeper bustled in along with a footman bearing tea and perforce she had to get busy to offer refreshments to the guests and the matter was thankfully dropped.

While the tea was being partaken Bingley decided to take a firm control of the proceedings lest Caroline created another upset. Frankly he was unable to understand the reason behind the sudden turn in her behaviour. Before the arrival of their guests she had been in an amiable enough frame of mind. Giving a mental shrug at her puzzling conduct, he addressed his guests, "Our rose garden is in full bloom just now and I imagine you all would really enjoy a walk through it in this pleasant weather." As everyone murmured their assent, he exclaimed jovially, "Capital! Let us go as soon as we finish our tea. However I will first take Miss Catherine to visit Duke, my horse, as she has expressed some interest in meeting the grandest horse in the neighbourhood." At that he quirked a mischievous brow at Darcy. Who had a better horse, was a constant bone of contention, albeit a friendly one, between the friends.

"Since I am sure Miss Catherine has exquisite taste, I can only surmise that if she has made any such statement, she did it before she had a chance to look at my Poseidon. In fact Miss Elizabeth can affirm that he is the gentlest, most handsome occupant in your stables at present." Darcy came back with a playful smile.

Elizabeth could only smile at the friendly banter but Kitty demurred with a laughing, "I am sure Poseidon is an equally grand horse Mr. Darcy, I only told Mr. Bingley that his horse has been aptly named as I felt the star on its forehead makes him appear such a majestic creature."

"Poseidon will much appreciate your sentiments, Miss Catherine, though unfortunately he cannot boast of any stars anywhere on his body." Darcy smiled ruefully.

Caroline had been getting increasingly irate at what she believed her brother and his friend playing the fools for the encroaching Bennet chits. To see the ever dignified and aloof Mr. Darcy behaving in the juvenile manner her brother habitually behaved around young ladies was the last straw and she burst out with a cutting, "I must say you do have very… ah… unusual interests Miss Catherine. You spend your time teaching street urchins and now I understand that you have this mannish fascination for horses."

Bingley had a sense of déjà vu as another awkward silence greeted his sister's rude words. He was appalled at her persistent rudeness but as he opened his mouth to remonstrate with her, he was forestalled by Miss Catherine who smiled very sweetly at Caroline and replied, "Uh… Miss Bingley, they are the children of shopkeepers, tenants and the like, not precisely street urchins. Though had they in reality been street urchins, Mary and I would have felt just as privileged to help them as we feel now."

"As far as my fascination for horses is concerned, frankly Miss Bingley, I am more fascinated by sketching. To do full justice to Mr. Bingley's magnificent horse I just wanted to see him once again before I started my sketch of him. Though I must also confess that I am fascinated by almost all of God's creatures except…." pausing a little for effect she went on sardonically, "Cats, for some strange reasons cats give me the hives."

It seemed that the Netherfield drawing room had suddenly been attacked by a contagion as Darcy, Collins, Elizabeth, and Lydia started coughing almost in tandem. Proving that he was not as somnolent as he usually appeared, Mr. Hurst too snorted loudly. Miss Bingley who also finally caught on to the implied insult turned red in anger.

At first Kitty was incensed enough with Caroline to not feel apologetic at all, but as she saw both Jane and Mary staring at her with their mouths hanging slightly open she felt a twinge of unease. She suddenly started worrying as to what Mr. Bingley would think about the insult to his sister. She apprehensively stole a look at him and was very relieved to see his eyes brimming with amusement and his lips twitching. And she almost fell off her chair when he very deliberately winked at her.

Bingley should not have found amusement in Caroline being called out in this manner but he was very put out with her repeated rudeness to their guests and could readily acknowledge that she rather deserved it. Also he had been very entertained to observe that the gentle Miss Catherine had claws that she had no trouble unsheathing when she was pushed beyond acceptance. For some reason he did not want to dwell on, he felt relieved that Miss Catherine could hold her own in the face of Caroline's deliberately… ah…. malicious conduct.

As he looked around he realized that the things were still not completely normal in the drawing room and suggested that they proceed to the rose garden directly. Hurst, feeling more comfortable to doze in the drawing room, decided not to accompany them. Caroline too, still looking flushed and angry, asked to be excused on the pretext that she needed to confer with Mrs. Nichols.

While their guests were too well bred to openly display their relief, it was not too hard to discern their feelings. Shaking his head ruefully he addressed Darcy and Louisa, "Darcy, Louisa would you please accompany our guests to the garden, Miss Catherine and I would join you as soon as she is through with whatever she requires for her sketches."

With murmurs of assent from Darcy and his sister, their party eagerly moved out in the sun.

~oooOOooo~

As Bingley and Kitty reached Duke's stall in the stable he offered her a carrot for the horse, "Duke is anyway as amiable as his master but with this offering you may even get him to pose whichever way you want for your sketch." He grinned.

Rolling her eyes at the jest she took the carrot from him and offered it to the eager horse. She rubbed his forehead for a bit, murmuring softly and Duke responded by putting his head on her shoulder, blowing hot air in her ear. She giggled as it tickled her, exclaiming, "Oh you sweetheart!"

Bingley looked on arrested, at the beautiful picture the laughing girl and the smitten horse made together and for the first time in his life wished that he too had learnt to sketch so that he could capture the enchanting image for all time.

He shook his head at his own besotted thoughts and said, "I have not seen Duke behaving in this manner with anyone but me. It appears you have cast a spell on my horse, Miss Catherine." along with his master, he added to himself with a sigh.

"The er.. fascination is mutual sir." Kitty gave him a pleased smile and patted Duke one last time before taking out a folded sheet and a pencil from her reticule. She looked around for a hard surface to put the sheet but unfortunately could not find anything to her purpose. With a shrug she started refolding the paper to make a smaller, thicker wad she could place on her palm. Understanding her predicament, Bingley came up with a suggestion, he normally would never have offered any female of his acquaintance. He knew he was being very forward but still he went ahead, "Uh… Miss Catherine?" As she looked at him enquiringly he continued, "I do not think you would be able to capture all the details in such a small sheet, If you do not mind, I… ah .. I can offer my back as your easel." He watched with interest as her eyes widened and she blushed scarlet. Being aware of the impropriety, she demurred, "I.. ah.. I would not like to put you out in this manner, Sir."

"I would not be any trouble. As a good host I should have made some arrangements for your use beforehand but it slipped me altogether. And while it is possible to get something arranged even now, it would take too much time and you may miss out on your visit to the garden. So…" He knew his suggestion was skirting the bounds of propriety and he should not press for it but it seems he was more worried about her comfort than propriety.

"You could not have known your guest would come so woefully prepared, Sir" She smiled ruefully. She thought for a moment and then asked diffidently, "If…. If you are sure?, it would not take much time."

In response he turned and presented his back to her. Only you can use rudeness for gallantry in this manner, Charlie boy, he laughed at himself.

For some time there was silence and then he heard hesitant shuffling of feet as she came near. A moment later he felt a slight pressure on his back and the silence was broken only by sounds of the pencil flowing on paper. She was near enough that he could smell the pleasing floral scent emanating from her and closed his eyes on a sigh. To his regret, all too soon she was moving away and he heard a whispered, "It is done, thank you, Sir."

For her part Kitty had felt very overwhelmed at his nearness and the strange intimacy of the situation. Ideally she would have felt very uncomfortable in such close proximity of a strange man but surprisingly she had felt very safe with him. For an insane moment she had wanted to lay her head on his broad back. Feeling shocked at her wanton thoughts, she had hurried through her sketch. Her heart had been beating such a loud tattoo all along that she had worried he would be able to hear it.

Bingley faced her again and smilingly put out his hand for the sketch, "If you do not mind, I would like to have a look?"

Still feeling a little overcome she shook her head silently and held out the paper to him.

As he took it, she tried to move back a little. Even though they were standing at a safe distance from each other now, she believed a little more distance may bring some order to her disordered senses. In her agitation she didn't see where her feet were going as she stepped back.

"It is beautif…" Bingley's word were cut off by her alarmed cry as her foot twisted and she made to fall.

"Catherine!" With an exclamation he rushed forward to catch hold of her. Swiftly folding the sketch, he slipped it in his pocket so that he could hold her properly as she seemed to be having some difficulty in supporting her weight.

"Are you feeling any better, Miss Catherine?" He asked after a while.

"Yes, the pain seem to be almost gone now, I should now try to stand on my own two feet." She jested valiantly even though it was clear she was still in some pain.

He was glad he had still maintained his hold on her when with a cry of pain she started falling again as she put weight on her afflicted foot.

"I seem to have very stupidly sprained my left ankle." Kitty said in some vexation, tears of pain and embarrassment glinting in her eyes.

The moment the words were out of her mouth, she felt herself being lifted and carried out of Duke's stall.

"It really is not necessary for you to do this, Mr. Bingley" she protested weakly, "If I could just rest for a while, I am sure I will be able to walk on my own."

He did not bother to reply to this patently absurd statement, instead he asked John the head groom to send immediately for the apothecary. He also asked that Mrs. Nichols be informed to make the Blue room ready to receive Miss Catherine and that her sisters be informed of the accident.

"You would be more comfortable Miss Catherine, if you would ..ah… put your arm round my neck", She was holding herself very stiffly and he realized that she would be feeling quite uncomfortable. For a moment he thought she would ignore him but then he felt her relax just a little as her arm slowly stole around his neck.

Being carried by him filled her with some strange but pleasant sensations and she suffered a sudden attack of shyness. Try as she might she could not look him in the eyes and trained her own at his very white and intricately tied cravat. To think she had been trying to get away from him and now she was being carried in his arms, Kitty ruefully shook her head at the irony.

~oooOOooo~

When they reached the French windows of the drawing room, they were met by a chorus of exclamations from all the others gathered there.

A mix of "What has happened Mr. Bingley?", "What happened Kitty?", "Kitty, are you well?", "What happened Bingley?" were thrown at Bingley and Kitty in rapid succession.

Kitty took it upon herself to reassure everyone, "I am fine really, I was so engrossed in my sketch that very foolishly I did not see where I was stepping and twisted my ankle. Unfortunately, I now find that I am unable to put any weight on it."

"I fear that she has sprained it, anyway the apothecary should be here soon and would be able to tell us more." Bingley added and then addressed Mary who was nearest to them, "Miss Mary, I have asked Mrs. Nichols to make a room ready for Miss Catherine. I think she would be more comfortable if the apothecary examines her there. It would be good if you could accompany us, as I take her to the room? " All the sisters heard his request and elected to go along with them.

Soon Mr. Jones had come and confirmed Mr. Bingley's diagnosis, Miss Catherine was indeed suffering from a mild sprain in her ankle. He advised complete rest and immobility for a few days and declared that if she followed his advice diligently, she should be well enough to leave for home after four or five days. He left after providing some powders to relieve pain and to reduce inflammation.

Mr. Bingley had been pacing in the corridor outside the Blue room, waiting for the prognosis. Miss Bingley, finally having remembered that she was the hostess, had accompanied him too, albeit reluctantly. The fuss being made over the impertinent Bennet chit had adversely affected her mood and coming to know that she would be stuck with the rude miss for days to come, did not improve it any. After the apothecary had left, Bingley, who met Miss Mary in the corridor extended an invitation to the sisters, if any or all of them wanted to stay at Netherfield for Miss Catherine's comfort. Mary thanked him and Miss Bingley for their consideration and said that they will confer among themselves and let them know.

After taking her leave off the siblings Mary entered the Blue room and informed her sisters, "Mr. Bingley has extended an invitation to us to stay here along with Kitty." All the sisters, who had been worried to leave Kitty to the doubtful ministrations of Miss Bingley heaved sighs of relief.

Strangely it was Mary who took the decision for all of them, "Lizzy, I think it would be best if you stay along with Kitty. Janey had complained in the morning that she was having symptoms of a head cold." Jane raised her brows at that, as this was the first she was hearing of her symptoms but nodded sagely.

"With Kitty unwell, I would definitely be needed at school." Mary continued

"And I am to accompany Papa to the tenants tomorrow." Lydia Chipped in.

Elizabeth who had opened her mouth to protest, closed it again. She herself had not wanted Jane to stay here as it would unnecessarily give boost to Mama's delusional aspirations. But she was also reluctant to stay herself in the same house as Mr. Darcy as it came along with a threat to the defences she had so carefully erected to protect her heart. But it would appear that only she was free and fit enough to stay with Kitty. What could not be helped must be borne with grace was one of her mottos and she decided not to argue.

As her sisters were leaving, Lydia turned to her and said, "Now you take care Lizzy and do not worry, I would pack both your trunks with a lot of care. You would have all you need." She went out of the door smiling mischievously, bemused Elizabeth looked from her to Mary who gave her a wink and a wave before leaving. At that moment Elizabeth realized two things, one that how much ever you tried to hide things from your sisters, they somehow get to know your heart and secondly, it was very clear that Mama had bequeathed her match making talent to all her daughters, for better or worse!

~oooOOooo~

This work of fiction is copyrighted to the author and any duplication in part or whole is strictly prohibited.