Chapter 6: Kitty and Apples

The next day, Mary was in better spirits so that she could write a reply to Lydia's letter, asking for more information regarding the mentioned affair. She needed to be certain of the degree of Mr. Prowler's interference, for, Kitty's attachment had not gone off, though it was safe to mention her feelings for another gentleman had developed as of late.

She could only wish the Colonel were esteemed as he deserved by her sister, but only time would tell…

All the members of the family were preparing their rightful departures, since it was generally considered they had imposed on Bingley for too long, though Mrs. Bennet contested together with Charles at their leaving.

Mr. and Mrs. Darcy left that same morning, for they rapidly had to reach Bath to bring Georgiana to Pemberley, thus they set off at once with their adieus and hopes they would see them all at Christmas.

Caroline Bingley could not be deferred from going with Elizabeth and Darcy, as she did not want to be an inconvenience to Charles and Jane, though it was suspected she had different motives, such as inviting herself to stay at Pemberley.

In consequence, the only departure left was that of the Bennets' and it lengthened till noon as Jane and her husband wanted to have a proper farewell.

Mary could not but admit that she felt a bit under the weather, since she had wanted to talk more to Mr. Fowler, yet she bore it considerably well, thinking it was a fruitless effort to make a new friend in such conditions.

Kitty, however, was much distressed, though none could guess why. She was fidgety and crossed all morning and in the afternoon she was quite uncivil to almost everyone, though she was noticed only by Mary.

At last, the moment arrived to get in the carriage and leave, with tears in both Jane's and Mrs. Bennet's eyes.

'I am to be alone again, in that solitary house that has turned so cold and grey without you there, Jane my dear, and without Lizzie and Lydia!' she sobbed bitterly, though to Mary it seemed more like a farfetched show.

'We shall see each other soon, mama, depend upon it, we shall come to visit and Christmas will be a reason to reunite us all, I hope,' Jane replied sensibly.

They embraced one more time, after which they were soon off on the journey to Hertfordshire.

They passed through Kent in melancholic silence, though Mrs. Bennet still commented on their leaving so soon, while Kitty looked out the window, annoyed and flushed as Mary sat quietly with her book in her hands, but having no will to read.

Their mother was soon asleep and thus the younger sister turned and sighed deeply.

'Kitty, what is the matter?' Mary ventured.

'It is but fair for me to sigh…since we made such a blasted opinion, by leaving as such.'

'Yet, I believe we have bidden our adieus in a most considerate way…' Mary replied puzzled.

'Perhaps, but we have not bidden them to all who had to part with us,' she replied flatly and said no more.

Mary was quite at a loss for words, but she recalled that indeed, they had not seen more of the Colonel or said goodbye to him.

Is that the cause of her distress?

But as soon as that though entered her head she smiled, pleased to see Kitty had not forgotten him.

After a gruelling journey they arrived at Longbourn safe and sound and Mrs. Bennet, to the amazement of all, proclaimed she would have never left her happy, warm house, if it had been for her to decide.

Such moody behaviour in their mother did not alarm the sisters, as they both retired to their room.

Mrs. Bennet did not waste a second, but immediately went to call on Lady Lucas, for she had much to tell and divert.

Having returned home, Mary found her mind at rest and the pleasant peace that engulfed their house suited her well, for she soon delved into her studies, forgetting all about their visit, or at least trying to forget.

At dinner time, however, that peace was quite broken when Mrs. Bennet shared what she had learnt at the Lucases.

'Poor Lady Lucas was so envious of our success there that she started flattering herself with having visited Charlotte and dined with Lady Catherine long before we had the pleasure of meeting her! Poor soul, I say, the woman is probably despaired at having only one daughter married and that to a birdbrain of a man at the dawn of spinsterhood!'

'My dear, Lady Lucas gives you such interesting account on every occasion you decide to call. I myself remember it now by heart…' muttered Mr. Bennet amused.

'Then hear this new account, Mr. Bennet,' she said proudly, 'for it seems their daughter, Maria Lucas has found a possible suitor and it is not one we'd expect.'

'It seems she might soon be engaged and though she did not tell me the name of the man, until I begged her to, she merely pointed at Maria, who blushing like a primrose, said they were expecting Colonel Fitzwilliam to visit soon!' she added bitterly.

Kitty put aside her cup and looked up alarmed, not battering and eyelid.

'So you mean to say, mama, that Maria is to be wed with the Colonel,' said Mary casually.

'It would appear so,' she replied in upset tones. 'Poor Colonel, I have no doubt he has been tricked into such engagement. Maria Lucas! Why that young girl cannot hold a candle to my dear Kitty.'

The mentioned daughter got up instantly.

'It is not right of you, mother, to compare us or to assume this news provokes me in the slightest. I've no interest to know to whom Maria is betrothed or if the Colonel has chosen her.'

With this said Kitty pardoned herself and went to her room.

Mary excused herself likewise and joined her sister, being concerned and indisposed as well, to hear her mama's complaints about not being given the rightful credit.

When she entered the room she found Kitty as angry as ever. It was not sadness that engulfed her, which should have been natural; she was irate.

'Kitty, explain yourself,' Mary said promptly.

'Oh, Mary do not be tedious now, for cannot you see the offence he has brought to me?'

'Of what offence do you speak of?'

'He has flirted with me and paid me many advances of courtship, admiring me solemnly, only then to run off to Maria Lucas!'

'Are you saying you are jealous?'

'Not in the least. Why should I? I have no such feelings for him, but it is so horrid of a man to play with me like that!'

Mary sat down on her bed and smiled shrewdly.

'If you feel nothing at all, then why do you think he has played with you?'

'It is just so that when a man pays attention to a woman it should be to that woman only!'

'True, yet when that lady chooses not to respond to such advances, he considers it adequate to cease the ridiculousness of it and engage the attention of a lady who might return his feelings,' she replied perfectly composed.

'But he admired me only! How can he be so fickle?'

'He expected you to admire him as well, but you had more to give to Mr. Prowler. Did you expect him to wait on you and court you forever?'

Kitty remained silent and dropped on her bed sourly.

'You probably think I am silly, like papa says…they all think I am for leaving the table like that,' she muttered.

'I do not think you silly, Catherine, just young and undecided. You cannot understand your own feelings, but if you searched deeper you might find an answer,' Mary said smiling.

'And what answer is that? For I hope you do not suppose I feel anything of the kind for him.'

Mary chose not to answer but simply took up a book to avoid Kitty's suspicious glares.

Five days passed, but no sooner had the fifth day come than the Colonel arrived at the Lucases in good spirits and wanting only good company to entertain him.

For several days he did not call on the Bennets and Kitty did not waste a minute to call him a most insolent man.

At length, Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were invited to dine with them along with their daughters.

The Lucases put up a wonderful meal in their dining room, which was fairly modest yet fitted for such occasions.

The large oak table with elm chairs and laced tablecloth, the pretty and delicate china, as well as the sombrous chandelier which reigned above their heads gave the scene a ceremonious atmosphere.

Kitty looked as beautiful as ever, as she had taken great care with her apparel and as she sat opposite Colonel Fitzwilliam, he often cast a glance or two at her.

'It is so good to have you in our neighbourhood, Colonel, why we were just thinking of inviting you ourselves,' said Mrs. Bennet happily though with less tact than Mary had wished.

'I am most happy to be here myself, Mrs. Bennet and to be in such lovely company,' he replied and Maria, who was sitting next to him, blushed slightly.

Kitty frowned. 'Miss Maria, I heard some time ago you were considering taking the veil, is it still on your mind?' she asked insolently.

Maria's blush deepened and knew not how to reply.

'I believe I've changed my mind, Miss Bennet, thank you for inquiring,' she replied at length.

'I only ask out of concern for your numerous suitors who would not want to be disappointed,' she said eyeing the Colonel who, though looked offended, had a strange twinkle in his eye which showed he was half-amused.

Kitty smiled pleasantly and Mary rolled her eyes at such discourse.

'I hope you are no longer ill, Colonel,' Mary dared say. 'It was a pity we could not see more of you while in Kent.'

'Thank you, Miss Bennet, I am in strong health I dare say, but I did curse my weak disposition when I could not come and visit you,' he replied refusing to look at Kitty.

'We all felt dejected, I am sure,' Catherine said playing with her fork.

Dinner went by smoothly afterwards, most of the youths remaining quiet throughout the meal, but soon the card tables were drawn up and small parties were formed across the drawing room to which they repaired in due course.

The Colonel would not depart from Maria, thus joined her and Mrs. Bennet in a light conversation as Kitty, Mary and Lady Lucas engaged themselves in talking and having some tea on the other side of the room.

'How impertinent of him not to give us any attention,' Kitty whispered to her sister.

Mary had many an opportunity to burst into laughter, for both her sister and the Colonel stole odd glances at each other for the rest of the evening. However, each tried to look as composed and good-humoured as possible.

At some point, he and Catherine faced one another as they stood watching the cards game between Mr. Bennet and Sir Lucas. Kitty supported her father as Fitzwilliam stood by his future father-in-law's side. It was a silly contest, but whoever won would be fatal for them.

Mr. Bennet lost most painfully which threw Kitty in an uproar as she believed the game had not been quite fair.

'Why, Miss Bennet, I believe Sir Lucas deserves his win quite fairly, since he has defeated even Darcy in a game once or twice.'

Kitty huffed and puffed but she retired without another word, insisting they should leave immediately.

At length the carriage was brought and they departed with invitations to the Colonel of joining them at their humble abode at least once.

When they arrived home, Mary expected Kitty would start accusing and insulting angrily, but she remained silent even though Mrs. Bennet commented most arduously at the Colonel being an honourable yet naïve man, to be ensnared in such a way by the Lucases.

Only when they were both in bed, with the quilts to their neck did she mumble some words.

'He loathes me, I can tell,' she said.

Mary stood in one elbow on her pillow, looking at her sister confused.

'Whatever made you think that?'

'Did not you see the way he ignored me tonight? How he could not betray his affection for Maria and how much he dotes on her…'

'Kitty I am afraid I have some awful news to give,' Mary said sitting up and looking most solemnly.

'Oh, pray, let it not be something about him,' Kitty muttered.

'I really do fear that now, more than ever, the Colonel is most helplessly in love.'

'Ah! I knew such a thing, why do you make such jests!'

'Yes, most passionately in love with Catherine Bennet,' she continued seriously.

Kitty stared at her bedazzled.

'Mary! How dare you make fun of it?'

'Make fun? I am most deliberately serious. Did not you notice, sister that he could hardly stop staring at you all the evening?'

'Whatever do you mean? He only had eyes for Miss Lucas.'

'Then perhaps you need spectacles my dear Kitty, for you two could only spare attention to each other, though in the cruellest and most peculiar kind.'

'Each other? We barely talked.'

'And that was enough for there was no need for words. Your behaviour showed everything clearly.'

'La! You tease me so!'

'Though I must say, I am happy you two can communicate without conversing, for Heaven knows what would come of you two discussing like normal people!'

Kitty threw a pillow at Mary, but missed most unfortunately, though such an object could not silence her sister.

Mary blew out the candle as always, but Kitty was bent on not letting her rest.

'You shouldn't read so many novels, Mary, you start making ideas and schemes which only belong in books.'

'And aren't books inspired by life? In any case, Catherine, what is the extent of your feelings regarding the Colonel?' she asked seriously.

This silenced Kitty and both soon fell asleep.

The next week brought autumn even closer, as September was half-way gone and Kitty and Mary decided to go and see to their apples and plums which grew proudly in the orchard near their home.

They much wanted to delight their mother and father by bringing some freshly ripened fruit for tarts and casual small meals.

Kitty especially loved those trees as she considered them her children and took great care of them, thus they both went on the errand as soon as they could.

Catherine was well known for being able to climb the tallest tree without a sigh, while Mary could only aid her in collecting and sorting the fruit in baskets, for she dreaded to even jump a thicket.

The afternoon, though cool and lonely, was very refreshing and beautiful, as the sun glided peacefully along the branches and clouds.

'Look at all this beauty, Mary, Hertfordshire is not to be trifled with, you know,' Kitty said dreamily.

'Yes, a most breathtaking sight,' she agreed.

They reached the orchard and Kitty was soon searching through the branches for the best apples.

Their labour passed in pleasant silence, with occasional demands from Kitty and it was soon perceived that two baskets alone could not provide for the load they had to take home.

'Go home, Mary and fetch another one,' Kitty said as she climbed another tree.

'Oh and take this full basket with you and bring it back empty,' she added.

Mary obeyed silently and taking one full basket in her arm she hurried back home.

Kitty went on with her work, dropping some of the apples and looking wistfully through the branches, at the dying red sun which pierced the hills above.

Suddenly she heard movement. She looked around her but no one was in sight.

'Mary is that you?' No answer came.

Some minutes passed before Kitty resumed her task, stopping once in a while to look at the sunset.

'Miss Bennet, are you up in that tree?'

The voice rang in her ears and so baffled and surprised was she that without noticing she let go of the branches as her feet glided down and she fell unceremoniously, yelling with fright.

With eyes closed she made ready for her fall, but instead was even more surprised to find herself safe and sound, in two strong arms, resting her head against a broad chest.

She fluttered her eyelids open.

She now saw she had landed on the poor Colonel who had collapsed with her on the ground, holding her tightly.

She was in his arms, her hands encircling his neck as she trembled with shock. He was very much amazed himself but tried to comfort her by patting her gently on her hair.

'Oh, how frightening…I am so sorry, Sir, I had no intention…but you startled me so,' she said gulping for air.

'Do not worry yourself Miss Bennet…you were lucky I was here to catch you,' he smiled out of breath himself.

'Oh, but I probably broke your back,' she said not making any attempt at getting up.

'On the contrary, you were as light as a feather, I dare say, you must only feed on these apples here,' he replied laughing.

She smiled and without any sort of embarrassment, leaned forward to grasp an apple near his head.

'Oh you must have some, Sir, they are quite delicious,' she replied showing him the apple.

Using her feeble little hands she tried to divide the apple in two, but without success.

'Here, let me,' he intervened touching her hands gently as he took the apple from her. Kitty blushed self-consciously.

At length, the Colonel split the apple and gave one share to Kitty who started eating hungrily.

'Is not this place so peaceful and wonderful?' she inquired trying to eat the core.

'Most indeed…' he said silently, blushing slightly.

Some minutes passed before it dawned on them they were in a most suspicious and embarrassing position, one atop another, like secret country lovers eating apples and holding each other.

Kitty quickly got up apologising and the Colonel himself could only mumble some poor excuse, for, a man cannot atone for his mistakes if he does not truly consider them mistakes.

They stood in silence for so long that Mary soon arrived with the two empty baskets.

'Colonel Fitzwilliam!' Mary exclaimed surprised. 'I did not expect you here, Sir…' she said, but upon inspecting Kitty's flushed face she guessed something must have come to pass.

'Miss Bennet, a pleasure to see you again, but I am afraid I must be going now,' he said bowing to them and leaving quickly, with nervous movements.

As soon as he left Mary turned towards Kitty and raised a quizzical eyebrow.

'Kitty, what happened to your dress?'

'What do you mean?' Kitty replied smoothing it up.

Mary smiled and remained quiet as no more than five words were heard between them until they finished.

Three days passed but it brought the Colonel to dine with the Bennets as he had promised.

Kitty was very much quiet and embarrassed all throughout the dinner and could barely look at him as her cheeks were as red as a tomato.

Mary tried to make conversation between them, but the Colonel could not address Catherine without flushing himself.

'Have you more news from Derbyshire?' Mary inquired.

'I haven't been there since August, thus I will find out more when I depart, though…I do hope I can stay longer,' he said casting a quick look in Kitty's direction.

'Do you like walking, Sir?' Catherine asked all of a sudden looking up.

'I am very fond of it, Miss Bennet,' he smiled.

'Then let us take a walk some time with my sister and…Maria, if she so wishes…' she said shyly.

'I would be delighted…' he said nodding and refraining from saying more.

Mrs. Bennet's prattle was borne by Mary only as she suspected Kitty and the Colonel did not even perceive her and her father was much used to ignoring her.

Nearly a week passed for the Colonel to call and inquire about the promised walk and was on that very day ready to join Kitty and Mary seeing as, unfortunately, Maria was visiting Mrs. Long.

Mary much suspected the Colonel had chosen this day on purpose but said nothing of the kind.

On discovering her father had affairs in Meryton that day, she volunteered to join him, no matter how much she despised to go into town.

Thus she paid her excuses to them both for not being able to join them, though she could have sworn she saw half a smile cross his lips and her eyes wink slightly.

Mary smiled knowingly, thinking some time alone could help them both make a decision.

She repaired with her father to town and spent most of the afternoon in book shops, praying that her sister would admit her feelings to him, for she was most sure Kitty felt strong affection for the Colonel.

Both father and daughter returned home after some tedious hours, walking slowly through the meadows and brown grass.

'Why did you not join Kitty and the Colonel, Mary? For I doubt you sacrificed it for the pleasure of town atmosphere,' he said all of a sudden.

'Oh, I considered they should have affairs to discuss and I would be standing in their way.'

'Why should you stand in their way, Mary? Unless…their friendship is more than I supposed…' he said slowly.

'Papa, you suspect so much already,' she said laughing.

'Well, I can't say Miss Lucas isn't fitted for nunnery…as Kitty put it so politely that evening…it's natural for me to doubt…'

'Oh, it is natural for you papa, to take pleasure in insulting so ironically and casually that no one can take trouble with you. But depend upon it this shrewd behaviour will cost you dearly once you see the folly of your presumptions, for a father's wish is always granted.'

Mr. Bennet smiled knowingly and turned his head to look at the hills in the horizon.

'Mary dear…I always hoped you would turn out like your elder sisters and it seems Lizzie's wit is not absent from your tongue. I should suffer greatly, if it were.'

'With a family as ours there is always reason for wit and sharp tongue…' she said quietly.

'True…it is true…and one shouldn't fear using that tongue. If we remain quiet for far too long we might give the wrong impression,' he said eyeing her significantly.

They said no more, for their understanding was as good as possible.

They reached home happily and Mr. Bennet retired to his library as usual, but upon entering the hall, Mary discovered Kitty was standing at the door, tears falling down her cheeks fast.

'Oh, Kitty? What has happened? Is it the Colonel?' Mary asked concerned.

She shook her head mumbling incoherent words.

In her hand she held an open letter.

Mrs. Bennet, who had been attending the garden, came inside surprised to know what the matter was.

'Kitty? What on Earth?'

She wiped her tears and sniffed her nose loudly as she dropped the letter.

'It's…it's…f-from L-Lydia…'

Mary held her breath.

Is it about Mr. Prowler? She wondered.

Kitty drew up another gasp.

'Mr. …Mr. W-Wickham…is…dead!'