Sorry for the delay. When sickness hits the house, not much fun gets done. So, I have for y'all a very long chapter. Long for me anyways. I hope you enjoy. I am not one for much fluff, so this kind of moves along at a quick pace.
The next two weeks were very busy. Kate now understood why her Aunt wanted to take a day to recuperate. They had been good weeks though, filled with shopping, dinner parties, and visits with friends. The friendship between Kate and Georgiana had grown as well. They saw each other almost everyday for tea, shopping, or just a simple visit. Since Georgiana wasn't out yet, and she didn't know many people outside of the Westfield's, Kate didn't see her many evenings. Last night had been Kate's first real ball. It had been amazing. She danced only 3 dances, and she was glad for that. She remembers promising Lydia that they would always dance every dance. Kate didn't think her feet would be very thankful for doing so.
The household had slept late, having returned home in the early hours of the morning. Kate was now preparing to meet Georgiana at their favorite tea house. Mrs. Whitmore had grown a bit more comfortable around Mrs. Younge, though she still didn't care much for her. Her only resolve was to keep up her guard for the sake of her charge. Georgiana was indeed a sweet young woman and she had seen a very positive change in Kate from having a friend so near her own age. Mrs. Whitmore often felt sad that young Kate was so often in the company of women several years her senior. With a last check to see that they had all they needed, the governess and her charge were out the door.
Georgiana and Mrs. Younge were already waiting for them. Kate had just enough time to sit before her friend pounced. "You must tell me everything! Did you have a good time? How many dances did you dance? How many people were there? Did you fall madly in love?"
Kate just laughed. "Calm down Georgie. I had a wonderful time. The rooms were packed. If the rumors I have heard are true, it was nothing compared to London during the Season. I can't imagine. It felt hard to breathe sometimes. I danced 3 dances; once with Mr. More, once with Mr. Banks, and once with Mr. Anderson. No, I did not fall madly in love with anyone. You know more than anyone that I am in no hurry. If a gentleman really likes me, he can wait. I am only just out in society. I want to experience it to the fullest."
"And so you should, my dear. I personally think that 17 is too young to marry, though it is popular. I, myself, did not settle until I was 20. I gave Mr. Whitmore quite the chase. He always said he enjoyed it and that, in the end, it was more than worth it. You ladies need to make sure you find a man of true worth and who sees your true worth. You're more than the pounds you stand to gain upon your marriages and after," said Mrs. Whitmore.
"Do you not believe in passion, Mrs. Whitmore? Of being so in love that you cannot stand to be separated any more?"
"Quite the contrary, Mrs. Younge. Mr. Whitmore and I were very passionate, however, I believe the waiting builds more affection and adds anticipation. It gives both time to let their love grow and show its authenticity."
"Love can still begin in a whirl wind and be authentic and lasting. Sometimes, you simply cannot deny your heart."
"But your heart can be wrong, can it not? One never truly knows the intensions of another unless they know the person very well. Getting to know someone very well takes time. You an I both know that there are less than well intentioned young men out there, simply looking for a quick fortune."
This was one of the instances that put Mrs. Whitmore on guard about Mrs. Younge. She seemed to have no problem romanticizing things. Kate had told her and Mrs. Westfield about a story Mrs. Younge told Miss Darcy about a young lady she once knew, who ran away to Gretna Green. She made it out to be so romantic. What was this woman thinking? Neither she nor Mrs. Westfield were in a habit of interfering with another's business, but they did wonder how she gained her position. Wasn't it her job, as a governess, to protect her charge against such liaisons, not making them seem like a good idea?
The girls just looked on before going back to their own conversation. " I received a letter from my brother this morning. He approves of our friendship and believes you will be a good influence on me. Apparently, he shares an acquaintance with your Aunt, a Mr. Barley, and he gave an excellent report. I am sorry that he checked though."
"Think nothing of it. He wouldn't be the good brother you claim him to be if he did not check into who you are associating with. What other news did he send?"
"Well, my Aunt Julia wishes for me to spend the autumn with her at Matlock before going home to Pemberly for the winter. My brother approves of this plan since he has made a promise to his friend, Mr. Charles Bingley, to help learn how to run an estate this autumn and winter. His family made their wealth in trade and it was his fathers wish to join the landed gentry. You would like him, I think. I do not believe it possible for him to make an enemy. Fitzwilliam believes he is too friendly more often than not, and has trouble discerning who is sincere and who is not. Of course, he says the same for me," giggled Georgiana.
"So are you going to go? I have been asking my Aunt if we might invite you to Dylan for a time. I do dread the time we must part."
"Oh! I would love to come to Dylan. It sounds so beautiful, and I wouldn't be half so lonely!"
Before Kate had a chance to reply, a young man approached the table. "Georgiana! Whatever are you doing here in Ramsgate?"
"George! I haven't seen you in so long. My governess has brought me here on holiday. Oh, please forgive me. Mrs. Younge, Mrs. Whitmore, Kate, allow me to introduce you to Mr. George Wickham. He was the son of my fathers steward and was raised with my brother. He was very dear to my father. George, this is my governess, Mrs. Younge, my friend, Miss Kate Westfield, and her governess, Mrs. Whitmore."
"Good afternoon, ladies. I am sorry to intrude on your tea time, but it has been so long since I have seen Georgie."
"It is no problem at all," said Mrs. Younge with a smile. "I know Miss Georgiana will love having another acquaintance so near."
"Would you like to join us, Mr. Wickham?" asked Mrs. Whitmore. He seemed like a well mannered young man.
"No, ma'am. I have a previous engagement I must attend to. I just didn't want the chance to say hello to pass me by."
"Will you be here for long, George, or are you to leave soon?"
"Oh, I will be here for a time. I have some business I must take care of," he said, looking intently at Georgiana.
"I must take my leave. Good afternoon."
"I have not seen him since my fathers estate was settled, about 4 years ago. He looks well."
Kate had been rather quiet through the entire exchange. She didn't like the way he looked at her friend. "Did he? I guess I have nothing to compare to. So, do you think your brother might approve of a trip to Dylan after the summer? Aunt Mari wanted to wait until we had known each other a little longer, but I would hate to miss the opportunity."
"I shall write my brother and see what he says. I see no reason I cannot do both."
Georgiana was unavailable for much of the following weeks. Mrs. Younge seemed to have set up several engagements some time ago. How strange that she never mentioned it before. Kate was missing her friend, though she herself had plenty to do. It just wasn't the same. The other young ladies were the same as all the others she knew, with the exception of her sisters and Georgie. They focused on tearing others down and making the best matches for themselves. Kate didn't enjoy their company at all.
One day, about 3 weeks after their last meeting, Georgiana was ushered into their parlor, without Mrs. Younge. "Georgie! How wonderful to see you! Where is Mrs. Younge?"
"I have something I must discuss with you. Mrs. Younge has gone to run an errand and I took the opportunity to come and see you. So much has happened."
"Of course. Come and sit. Would you like some tea?"
"No, I do not wish for anyone to disturb us for fear of what they may hear." This shocked Kate. Of course, Georgiana's entire appearance was a shock. Since she had had a moment to really look at her, Kate saw that her friend was a bit pale and shaking.
"What is wrong, Georgie?"
"I must confess to you. I have been spending a great deal of time with George. Mrs. Younge did indeed have many appointments for me, and each time we were out, we would encounter him. He joined us for lunch on more than one occasion and has been calling on us at home quite frequently. He complemented me all the time, telling me how lovely I have grown up. I was very flattered. I have never had such attention before. I have only ever spent time amongst my male relatives and a few family friends. The whole time, something has seemed not right. Mrs. Younge advised me not to write my brother about meeting George again. You see, I hadn't told you, but Fitzwilliam and George haven't got on in years. She said she didn't want to worry him over something innocent. Then, she always had an excuse as to why we could not visit or go shopping with you and your Aunt or Mrs. Whitmore. George was coming around more and then, two days ago, he confessed his love for me and asked me to elope. I didn't know what to say. I have an affection for him, but the whole time all I could think about was what Mrs. Whitmore said. I told him I wanted to talk to my brother and he was against the idea, saying he would never approve because of childhood jealousy. I have only ever known my brother to want my happiness. I was sure my brother could be reasoned with and we could court for a reasonable amount of time. Mrs. Younge has spent the last couple of days trying to convince me that I love him and George is trying to talk me into running off to Gretna Green. I don't know what to do?"
Kate just sat and stared at Georgiana. This was like something out of a story and she wasn't sure how to reply at first. She needed her Aunt.
"Well, I can say that something does indeed seem off. I will be honest, I don't like any of this. I didn't like the way he looked at you. I think we need to confer with my Aunt. She will know what to do."
"But Mrs. Younge…."
"Georgie, I think we can both agree that Mrs. Younge's actions have been called into question. You obviously doubt her, or you wouldn't have come here."
"You're right. Let's go find your Aunt."
They found both Marianne and Mrs. Whitmore in the upstairs parlor. Luckily, Mrs. Knicks was out making calls and was not to return until after tea. Marianne and Mrs. Whitmore were appalled. "Miss Darcy," Marianne began, "I am going to be blunt: Mrs. Younge is not looking out for your best interest. No good governess is going to go along with a plan for a young lady of 15 to elope with a man she knows her brother is not going to approve of. You are right to contact your brother and that is what we will do."
"But, Mrs. Westfield, it will be a few days before my brother will get here. What am I to do until then? It will not be long before Mrs. Younge has finished her errands if she has not already."
"I have a plan for that to. I am not one to be deceitful, but I believe this occasion calls for it. A good friend of my late husband is a physician, here in town. He is very discreet and we will only tell him that we need him to confirm the diagnosis. We will say that you saw Kate walking back to the house and ran out to chat with her for a moment. You tripped and tore a ligament. I assure you, it is quite painful. He will insist that you not be moved and will therefore have to stay here at Hart House. Now, go and write your brother, we will send it express, and we will see him soon."
Both girls looked at Marianne with awe. Kate wondered if she should ask how her Aunt came up with a plan that quickly…..
London, a day and a half later.
Mr. Darcy was having a very pleasant lunch with one of his favorite people; his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. The Colonel was on leave for a few weeks and was pleased to find Mr. Darcy in town. It was rare that the two were able to visit. He only wished his younger cousin was in residence as well. The two sat discussing Darcy's plan to surprise said cousin with a visit in a few weeks when a manservant interrupted.
"I am sorry to intrude, sir, but the messenger says this was to be delivered to you immediately."
"Thank you, Thomas." Darcy took the message and began reading. The Colonel had turned back to his food when he heard curses streaming from his cousins mouth.
"My, Darcy! What could possible call for such language?"
"Read it for yourself."
The Colonel too, let out a string of curses. Mr. Wickham has made contact with their charge and her governess allowed it after being told to watch out for the man. "When do we leave, Darcy?"
"Immediately."
Marianne's plan had, thus far, worked perfectly. Mrs. Younge was not happy that Miss Darcy would not be under her watchful eye. Upon discovering that Georgiana was at Hart House, she briefly thought to flee. If her charge had said anything about their activities, things would not turn out well for her. She spent most of her day there, but left to run her errands and sleep. Mr. Wickham had also stopped by with a note for Georgiana, urging her to accept him. Georgie was very glad to have come to Kate. Any time she was alone with Mrs. Younge, the governess would try to find out if she had told anything. She denied it every time. Georgie was not one to lie, but she didn't see any way around it for now.
Marianne had decided that they should quit Hart House after this matter was settled. Ramsgate had lost its appeal for the moment. That and the girls had been working on how to stay together for the summer. They had become quite attached. Marianne just wasn't sure how her brother would feel about it after such a close call. She is not sure she would want Kate far from her if the roles had been reversed. Upon hearing her friends intent, Mrs. Knicks made plans to head to London. In fact, she was gone two days later. She was not at all upset at her friend deciding to leave. She loved to have company, but she also loved being able to travel at a moments notice. The girls spent their time in Georgie's room to keep up the ruse for those not in the know.
Three days after they sent the express, Mr. Darcy and the Colonel arrived. They had actually arrived late the night before, but since they knew their charge was in safe hands, they waited until a reasonable hour to call. The ladies had just finished breakfast when the gentlemen were announced.
Georgiana flung herself at her brother. "Oh, Fitzwilliam! I am so sorry!"
"Georgie, you have done nothing wrong. This is not your fault. I never should have let Mrs. Younge convince me that this would be good for you. I fear this was the plan all along."
"Brother. Cousin. Allow me to introduce Mrs. Westfield and her niece, Miss Kate Westfield. Mrs. Westfield, Kate, this is my brother, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and my cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam."
"Thank you, Madame, for your quick thinking on my sisters behalf. I do not like to think of what would have happened had you not intervened. I have heard that you are honorable and I am most pleased that it was, in fact, truth."
"Think nothing of it. I am glad I could help."
"Where is Mrs. Younge?" asked the Colonel.
"She comes by everyday, about an hour after breakfast. She spends most of her day here before leaving to run errands or retire. Mr. Wickham stopped by with a note yesterday. My niece and her governess had made his acquaintance when Miss Darcy first encountered him here."
"Well then, let us wait for Mrs. Younge to give an account for herself and then Darcy and I shall hunt down the rogue."
The next hour was enlightening. The gentlemen were happy to note that Georgiana had found a very appropriate friend. Miss Westfield was everything a young lady should be and had helped bring Georgiana out of her shell. She had never been a dull girl, but she struggled with people, much like her brother. Despite the situation, both girls tried to ease the tension by talking about insignificant things, like some of the shops they enjoyed and a few funny stories from their time together.
When the hour was up and Mrs. Younge was announced, the ladies of the house made themselves scarce. Upon entering the room, Mrs. Younge thought she should have followed her gut and fled. She was now faced with both of her charge's guardians. Things were not going to end well for Mrs. Younge. She was quickly discharged from her position and offered no letters of recommendation. She would never work as a governess again. She was packed and gone from Mallory within the hour. The gentlemen set out to find the vermin.
Unfortunately, Mr. Wickham heard of the arrival of the cousins and made haste to leave the city. He did not want to encounter either man. After further inquiries, Darcy and the Colonel headed back to Hart House.
"What are your plans now, Fitzwilliam?"
"We shall quit Mallory House and you will accompany me to Scarborough. I promised Bingley I would spend a few weeks with him there before we head to London to seek out leads for a house in the country. He is looking to let one out first, before he purchases one."
"Is Miss Bingley going to be there?" she asked with a disgruntled face.
The Colonel gave out a great laugh. "Of course she'll be there, Georgie! Do you think she would pass at a chance to ensnare your brother?"
Darcy groaned while his sister laughed with their cousin. Marianne lifted her napkin to her lips and Kate attempted not to choke on her tea. Georgiana turned back to her brother. "Do I have to go with you? Surely something else could be worked out. She's always praising me and asking questions about you. It makes me uncomfortable."
"I do not know where else you could go. Aunt Julia is attending to our cousin, Olivia. She has entered her confinement. That is why Aunt Julia asked for you to join her for the autumn. The babe will be here by then, and she will not be needed. I seriously doubt you want to go to Aunt Cathrine and I definitely do not want her to know why you have no governess at the moment. You are not going to Pemberly by yourself and Richard is only on leave for a few weeks."
"Well, we've been thinking…." Georgiana cut her eyes to Kate's Aunt.
Marianne caught her look and chuckled. "Mr. Darcy, I have decided to leave Ramsgate. I believe we have had enough excitement,, and more than enough time to explore the city and enjoy its distractions. Do not worry that we are cutting our holiday short all on account of this matter. I grow tired of the sea air and I miss my home. The girls have spent the last two days trying to convince me to extend an invitation for Miss Darcy to join us. I had intended to extend the invite anyway, before this incident. We would love to have her, and I doubt Mrs. Whitmore would mind having another young lady to watch over."
"Of course not," Mrs. Whitmore chimed in.
Darcy glanced at Georgiana's pleading look before turning to Mrs. Westfield. "This would be your home in Somerset?"
"Yes, Dylan Hall. It is a fine estate not far from Bath."
"This would work out perfect, Darcy. My regiment is training not a days ride from Bath. I could drop by to check on Georgie from time to time. That is, if that is alright with you Mrs. Westfield?"
"It would be no problem at all."
Darcy looked back at Georgiana. She could not tell what he was thinking. After another minute he spoke. "Alright. Georgiana, you may accompany your friend. I will see to employing another governess before you are to head to Matlock."
Georgiana gave out a squeal of glee and Kate smiled at the gentlemen. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I did not wish to lose my friend so soon after I had gained her." The girls excused themselves to see to make plans.
Three days later, Darcy and the Colonel were on hand to see the ladies off. The gentlemen didn't think they had ever seen Georgie so excited. They marveled at the smile she displayed. Darcy couldn't help but think how much she looked like their mother with that smile. He was pleased to see it, and embraced the relief he felt over sending her with Mrs. Westfield. She was in good hands. The Colonel, too, was satisfied with what he witnessed. He took a moment to observe Miss Westfield. He had already concluded that she was good for Georgie. The past few days had shown him she was not only amiable, but she loved to laughed and had great wit. He would almost admit she was pleasant to look at as well, but he didn't want to go there, yet.
"I will see you in a few weeks, Georgie."
"I shall be sure to have a room ready for you, Colonel."
"Thank you, Madame. I do not wish to inconvenience you."
"Nonsense. You will be dropping by often enough, I imagine. I am sure you will not try to make the trip to our home and back in one day. We shall keep a room for you, and that is final."
The gentlemen laughed and waved the ladies off.
Once the carriage was safely out of town, Georgiana cut a look to Kate. She smiled wide at her friend. "So, do you find my brother and cousin handsome, Kate?"
The ladies were overtaken by their laughter. Once Kate was able to breathe, she looked at Georgiana. "Are you trying to instigate something? Well, I will admit, they are both pleasant to look at."
"Pleasant to look at? Well, niece, I do believe you have learned to choose your words. I will say, if I were younger….."
Once more, the carriage was filled with laughter.
I hope this has met your expectations. This is a Kitty/Colonel fic, so we will have some interaction between the two coming up in the next chapter. My story is changing a bit on me, probably to your liking. I am also considering throwing in a chapter on what is going to happen in Hertfordshire upon the arrival of Bingley and Darcy. I was going to do another chapter with letters, but the other sounds far more delicious. I admit, this is very fun for me. Let me know what you think.