So, I did a little research on Ramsgate during this time period and really didn't pull up much more than it was a port city and was considered a resort. So, I put together what I could. Since it is a port city, I see it being very busy and colorful. There would be soldiers everywhere, since that was where many of the were dispatched for the Napoleonic Wars. I can see them having many styles of clothes and accessories as well. I also kind of suck at naming things. So, We have Hart House and Mallory House and there will probably be other places ending with house. It is what it is. This was a bit awkward to write, but I did my best. I imagine it was strange to meet without being introduced, but I could not think of a better way. Enjoy.
Ramsgate was very busy, but that should be expected seeing as it was a port city. There was so much to do and see. Kate couldn't wait to see more. Right now, they had to get settled. Hart House was a lovely manor situated about a mile from the shore. She would be able to hear the sea first thing every morning. She loved the breeze coming in from the harbor. Her Aunt seemed pleased to have arrived. Her friend, Mrs. Knicks, was a very sweet woman who enjoyed having company. Her husband had too passed away some years ago, leaving her to raise their two sons. Too bad they did not seem to inherit their mothers sweet temperament. One was all business and never smiled (which could be because he was the oldest and had all the responsibilities), and the other was all smiles and too interested in what she stood to inherit. Kate was pleased that they were headed to London in a few days.
After seeing to her needs and refreshing herself, Kate joined the two matrons for afternoon tea. The rest of the day passed in a usual fashion; after tea Kate read a novel while Aunt Mari took a nap. At dinner they discussed their plans for the week. Aunt Mari wanted to take the next day to recuperate, but Kate wanted to explore a bit.
"Miss Westfield," said Mrs. Knicks, "your Aunt has told me that you enjoy a good novel. Since you desire to explore something, I believe there is a book shop on Bryer Street you may enjoy. It is only around the corner."
"That sounds wonderful, Mrs. Knicks. I think I shall do just that. I am curious as to what different works I may find here."
"I think that is a marvelous idea. Give me until Friday to recover. It is only two days away, and then we may shop elsewhere to your hearts desire," said her Aunt.
"I swear, you sound as though you are old and wasting away already. I would think that after having me live with you these past eighteen months, you would have gotten out of your secluded ways," laughed Kate.
Marianne had gotten better, but she did enjoy her solitude. That was just how she was now. She gave Kate a smile. "Well, I certainly feel it sometimes. I may not be knocking on deaths door, but I am not as young as I once was. Having you has been wonderful for myself, but I am who I am, and you adore me for it. Remember, I could instead stalk your every step, like Mrs. Matthews does to her daughters."
"Oh my! That would be horrid! Not another will pass my lips on the subject. I believe Mrs. Whitmore and I will do very well on our own. What do you think?"
"Indeed we shall, dearest. I will not let my age stop me," said Mrs. Whitmore with a wink.
Thursday proved to be a beautiful day and showed off Ramsgate at its best. Kate and Mrs. Whitmore took their time walking to the book shop. As they passed a few other shops, they took the time to examine the window displays. Kate thought Friday couldn't come quick enough. The book shop was the biggest she had seen. There were books from all over, it seemed, and on every subject she could think of. She was glad the aisles were marked.
Mrs. Whitmore gave her charge a little bit of space to shop, but was careful to never let her out of her sights. After a time, Kate decided to check the music section for some new sheet music for her sister. Under Madame White, Mary had become quite proficient and was always on the look out for newer and harder pieces. As she rounded the corner, she collided with another somebody.
"Oh! I am so sorry!" cried Kate.
"It is quite alright. I wasn't watching where I was going either. Let me help you with your books," said the young woman. She was very pretty, built well, and had a sweet smile. She appeared to be a gentle bred young lady. Kate put her at about the same age as herself.
"Thank you. I got a little over excited at the thought of looking at new music for my sister. She is always looking for something new and interesting. I figured I would look to see what I could find her while we were here. I am Kate Westfield. This is my governess, Mrs. Whitmore."
"Georgiana Darcy. My governess had to make a quick stop, but she will be here shortly. So, you are not native to Ramsgate? I myself arrived last week."
"We arrived just yesterday. My Aunt begged to rest, but allowed me to come explore the book shop. Do you play, Miss Darcy?"
"Yes. I was hoping to see if I could find anything new myself, but I was not successful. My brother is always sure to send me any new music he comes across. He spoils me so."
"How lucky for you. I only have four sisters and I am the youngest but one. I wish I could have had a brother, but I wouldn't trade my sisters," said Kate with a smile.
"Yes? I have often wondered what it would be like to have a sister. My Aunt tells me I am lucky to not have one. She apparently does not get on well with hers."
A new voice broke into their conversation. "Miss Georgiana, there you are. Are you done here dear?"
"Oh, Mrs. Younge. I have just formed a new acquaintance. This is Miss Kate Westfield and her governess, Mrs. Whitmore. Miss Westfield, Mrs, Whitmore, this is my governess Mrs. Younge."
Up to this point, Mrs. Whitmore had allowed the girls space to talk, but now stepped forward. There was something about this woman that put her on guard. She was not one to jump to conclusions, but she was going to use caution. Her intuition was rarely wrong.
"Mrs. Younge, it is a pleasure to meet you. The girls had a bit of an accident. Both seem to be the type to lose touch with their surroundings when they are preoccupied with their pursuits," she laughed.
Mr. Younge relaxed and smiled. "As long as all is well."
"Forgive me for being so forward, Miss Darcy, but I feel that I would like to extend our acquaintance. If it is ok with my Aunt and our hostess, and of course your governess as well, would you like to join us for tea this afternoon? We are staying not far from here, at Hart House."
"Why, that is only across the street from me! My brother has rented me Mallory. Can we, Mrs. Younge?"
"Well, I do not see why not, as long as Miss. Westfield gets the appropiate approvals."
"I shall ask as soon as we return home and dispatch a servant to your house as soon as I have an answer."
Both girls smiled widely. Neither of the had many friends at the moment. Georgiana had been taken out of school and her brother was a bit anti-social. Her Aunt Matlock only had sons and her Aunt Cathrine and cousin Anne were a bit too intimidating for her. Well, at least Aunt Cathrine was. No one was really given much of a chance to actually get to know Anne. For Kate, there weren't many young ladies in her neighborhood. The one who were around, were a bit too silly for her tastes. The irony was not lost on her. So, it was with happiness that the girls parted ways, each hoping to have found a new friend.