Next half-chapter (I hope to finish the translation today): London and Jane
September - October 1812
The news of Lydia's death was a hard blow for Kitty, for a few days she cried a lot and had a slight relapse, but thanks to the invaluable help of Miss Taylor she recovered. She practically didn't cough anymore and she was no longer skinny. Miss Taylor was teaching her to play the piano and to draw, and she spent several hours a day drawing and even painting. She also read all the books Miss Taylor recommended. Every day Miss Taylor asked her questions about what she had read and explained the passages she had not understood. Kitty was struggling to learn, and Miss Taylor had realized months ago that Kitty just needed the right stimulation and attention. On the other hand, Kitty admired Miss. Taylor and wanted to keep learning and stay with her.
In early October, to Kitty's sadness, she received a letter from her Aunt Gardiner...
5th October
London
Dear Kitty,
I'm so glad you're feeling better, and Miss Taylor is teaching you how to draw and play the piano. The drawing you sent me in your last letter is very good. I congratulate you; you are very talented. Your uncle sent Miss Taylor money to buy pencils, brushes, paints, ink, and books.
Unfortunately, I never got a chance to go to Ramsgate, but from the description, in your letters, it seems to be a very beautiful and peaceful place. You have to make a painting of your favorite landscapes. I'm trying to convince your uncle to lease a house in Ramsgate next summer so I can spend a fortnight with the children.
I wanted to let you know that a few days ago your uncle finally leased a house in Liverpool for you, Jane, and your mother to live in. On the 25th of October, your uncle is going to pick you up at Ramsgate and accompany you with Jane and your mother to Liverpool.
With love,
Madeleine.
Reading the letter, Kitty paled and her eyes filled with tears.
"Katherine, are you alright?" concerned, Miss Taylor asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." she sighed, "I'm sad because in a fortnight I have to leave here. My uncle leased a house in Liverpool. I am going to live with my mother and my sister Jane."
"Don't you want to go live in Liverpool?"
Kitty shook her head. "No, I would like to stay in Ramsgate."
"Don't you miss your sister and your mother?"
"I don't miss them much. The only sister I had a close relationship with was Lydia, and my mother never cared for me."
"Perhaps this is a good opportunity for you to have a closer relationship with your sister Jane." I smile, "Regarding your mother, we have already talked about it several times. Unfortunately, there are parents who make many differences between their children, and do not realize the damage they do both to the spoiled children and to the forgotten children."
Kitty nodded and smiled slightly.
"Promise me, first that you are not going to lose weight again and you will take care of yourself." Paused and smiled, "Second, you are going continue drawing and painting, you are going to read the books that I suggest, and you are going to write to me often. Hopefully, there's a piano in the house your uncle leased so you can keep practicing."
"I wish you were my mother!" Kitty hugged a stunned Miss Taylor tightly and began to cry, "I wish you would come to Liverpool with me…"
In the days that followed, Kitty tried to hide her sadness as best she could. She continued to work hard at her studies and talked to Ms. Taylor about her fears, insecurities, and doubts.
Two days before Mr. Gardiner came for her, Miss Taylor told her that if she wished, she could live with her in Liverpool for a few months…