September 5, 2014 – Still reading? Good for you. I think I scared off many faint of heart. Oh well. The fun is just getting underway. Oh, and in case you were wondering, we'll get back to the prologue at the end of chapter 14. Extra thanks to all of you who take the time to leave reviews. I do appreciate it very much.
Now back to Sir John Whitby.
Chapter 9
How could fifteen minutes feel like a lifetime? At least, it seemed like a lifetime to Anne and her mother. They both did their best not to seem overly relieved when the gentleman finally made to leave.
"Thank you for calling, Sir John," Lady Catherine said coolly.
"It was my pleasure. After meeting Miss de Bourgh last night, I knew I must hasten my steps to pay my respects." He looked hopefully back and forth between the two women.
Neither lady spoke. After waiting a few more awkward moments, Sir John excused himself.
When the man had left, Lady Catherine addressed Mrs. Jenkinson. "Would you bring Anne a shawl? She should have one at hand should she become cold."
Once Anne's companion was gone, and the doors were shut, Anne finally dared look at her mother. Lady Catherine started to giggle, and Anne followed her lead.
"Oh dear, how did you manage to find a lost puppy so quickly?" Lady Catherine finally managed to ask.
"I have no idea. He asked me to dance, and of course, I could not refuse." Anne rolled her eyes.
"Of course."
"I spent the whole time trying to avoid being too close to him."
"Very sensible of you." Lady Catherine tried to mask her amusement.
"I feared for my toes! You saw his boots?" Anne said in exasperation as she remembered the night before.
"Yes. How can he not know how ridiculous he appears?"
Anne smiled. "I noticed you did not invite him to call again."
Lady Catherine raised both eyebrows. "Nor did you, daughter."
This time their laughter rang out at the same moment.
When Mrs. Jenkinson returned with Anne's shawl, Lady Catherine and Anne were calmly sipping their tea. But if the lady had looked closer, she would have seen the merriment in their eyes.
~~~/~~~
Anne decided a call on Helena Simpson was in order. On the way, she thought about the woman seated across from her in the de Bourgh carriage. Today was one of those days she was glad for a companion. Lady Catherine was not inclined to leave the house, nursing a slight indisposition into a full-fledged confinement to her bed. Without Mrs. Jenkinson's presence, Anne would have been forced to remain at home.
When Mrs. Jenkinson first took the position as her companion, Anne had hoped for another Mrs. Stuart – someone in whom she could trust and confide. Unfortunately, Sarah Jenkinson gave her first loyalty to the woman who hired her, Lady Catherine. Anne did sympathize with the woman's position; her mother was the one who controlled her companion's employment. However, it would have been nice to have someone to talk to more openly.
Other than being a suitable chaperone for calling about town, Anne's lady-in-waiting seemed to serve few other purposes. Anne often wondered why she needed a companion at all. For that matter, why did any gentlewoman really need a companion? Very few single ladies she knew were orphans. Most had at least one parent, and many had other siblings and assorted aunts and uncles to guard their reputations. Surely a maid could serve just as well as a companion to travel about from house to house.
Anne wondered what would compel a woman to take such a post. Mrs. Jenkinson was a widow, she knew that. She had once said that when her husband died, there was not much left to live on. Her father's family did own a small estate, but returning to live there was not an option; thus, she went into service. Anne supposed that there must be many other women in such a position. What would she do if placed in such a reduced state, if suddenly her fortune was gone? If she could not marry, would she be forced into the same choices?
Anne began to understand that the position of a woman's companion was as much for the provision of impoverished gentlewomen, as it was for the ladies they served. There were few choices for such women in their society, and she could not blame them for choosing one that offered some hope of a decent life, rather than permanently sink into the class of a mere servant. What likelihood would there be for them to return to the life into which they were born then?
~~~/~~~
The London abode of the Simpson family was a short drive from the de Bourgh townhouse. Anne soon found herself seated in the parlor with Mrs. Simpson and her daughter Helena.
"It is very kind of you to call, Miss de Bourgh. I am sorry Lady Catherine could not join you," the matriarch said.
"My mother was unwell this morning, but urged me not to tarry at home. I was delighted to make Miss Simpson's acquaintance the other day, and thus decided today was a perfect time to return the visit. Ma'am, I believe you know my cousin, Mr. Arthur de Bourgh?"
Mrs. Simpson's expression became neutral. "We have met the gentleman."
Anne pretended not to have noticed the disdain in her hostess' voice. "Then you know what an excellent man he can be. When he heard we had met, he was full of praise for your family. With such an enthusiastic recommendation from a man I have known and respected all my life, how could I stay away?"
"He certainly could not," muttered Mrs. Simpson.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing, Miss de Bourgh. Mr. de Bourgh has shown a preference for the company of some of the members of this house." Both Anne and Mrs. Simpson quickly looked at Helena and then brought their attention back to each other.
Another, older woman caller was introduced, and Anne took the opportunity to move closer to Miss Simpson. The two soon found themselves in a private conversation.
"It is kind of you to take up Mr. de Bourgh's cause with my parents."
"I hope you are not offended, and still welcome his attentions."
Helena smiled shyly. "I admit I have had doubts, but I begin to admire his constancy."
"Miss Simpson, despite the rumors that swirl about him, Arthur is in essentials a good man. He has never showed any jealousy over my claim to Rosings superceding his own. He could very well have thought himself more deserving, because he was my father's closest male relation, but he has not. To me, that speaks of a generosity of character."
"I have never doubted that aspect of his personality. I find him to be utterly charming, and therein lies the problem."
"He is too charming?"
"That other ladies find him so; and that he has not been averse to capitalizing on that fact," Helena clarified.
"But you admitted not three minutes ago that you appreciate his constancy. If he were a man not to be trusted, surely his devotion to you would have disappeared by now. If anything, it is apparent to me that it has grown stronger."
Miss Simpson sat quietly thinking on what Anne had said.
"I never thought of it that way before, Miss de Bourgh," she finally answered.
"You need to distinguish between his charming manners and the intentions of his attentions. If you were, say, my mother, you could easily be mistaken in believing my cousin to be desirous of courting me. That would be a misinterpretation of our rapport. I have told you Arthur is like a brother to me, and as such, we constantly tease and scheme all sorts of mischief, including tormenting my poor mother."
"Your point is, other than to assure me that you are not my rival?"
"My point is," Anne continued, "that while Arthur may play the rake, it is nothing more than that, playacting."
"I appreciate your defense of your cousin, but how do you account for the rumors in the first place; there must be some truth to them. My own father has told me he saw him at the theatre with a woman of… uncertain reputation. That is the reason he has never favored Mr. de Bourgh's suit."
Anne was thoughtful for a moment. "Was this before you were introduced, or recently?"
"Before we were introduced," Helena clarified.
"Since then, have you heard of a continuation of this liaison?"
"Not… exactly."
Anne brightened, knowing how to address the delicate issue.
"My dear Miss Simpson, has it not occurred to you that my cousin's… misadventures… were nothing but the diversions of a young man waiting and searching for the one woman who would make such things events of the past? Could it be that he was seeking you, admittedly not in the proper places, and that once he found you, such pursuits lost their appeal?"
"You seek to represent your cousin's actions in a different light."
"I am merely giving you explanations as to why the man who adores you has changed, nay, been transformed. The question for you then is, will you allow what happened before you two even met to deny you the chance to embrace what the man has willingly become for your sake?"
"You have given me much to think on," Helena admitted. "I do have strong feelings for your cousin. It is just that I have equally strong doubts."
"Take all the time you need, only give the poor man some hope he may prevail," Anne asked. Helena Simpson nodded her head once.
"Thank you for your counsel. I cannot guarantee the future, Miss de Bourgh, but you have shown yourself to be a true friend with your efforts. I should be honored to continue your acquaintance."
"Thank you. Perhaps we can agree to meet for a walk in Hyde Park? I am a country lass by nature, and I need my exercise in Nature, or what passes as such in Town."
"I am at your leisure. Name the day, and I shall strive to attend you."
~~~/~~~
Several days later, after an aborted attempt at their proposed walk due to rain, Miss de Bourgh and Miss Simpson were strolling through Hyde Park – at a fashionable hour, of course.
While Anne and Helena walked in front, their two companions walked behind. It was obvious the two older ladies were getting along famously.
"I wonder what they find to talk about? Miss Porter rarely is so animated with me," remarked Helena.
"Nor is Mrs. Jenkinson with me." Anne and Helena started to giggle.
"We could be offended they find us so dull?"
"We could, but then they would be justifiably as offended with us! Oh look, there is my cousin, Major Fitzwilliam. I wonder if the Darcys are about as well?"
Georgiana was not, but her brother was. The two men approached the ladies, and Anne made the introductions. Four abreast, with the ladies in the middle, they continued on the path.
"We meant to come here yesterday, but the rain thwarted us," Anne explained to her cousins.
"It would be scandalous to have muddied your petticoats! What would Aunt Catherine have thought?" Major Fitzwilliam mockingly cried.
"She would have shaken her head and said that some things never change and all her hopes that I had outgrown such behaviors have come to naught." Anne replied, rolling her eyes. "I am surprised to see you here, Cousins."
"One must maintain appearances. I brought Darcy along to look important."
Anne laughed at the remarks of her favorite cousin.
"Are you not afraid he will frighten away all the lovely maidens? He is ever so tall and imposing."
"I believe he would attract, rather than repel the ladies. The only difficulty lies in the fact they will likely not notice me." The major attempted to sound hurt at the idea.
"Then why come with him at all?" Anne prompted.
Major Fitzwilliam dropped his voice, as if to tell a great secret.
"Ah, you have yet to see the genius of my plan. It is true that Darcy tends to draw the attention of the ladies. However, his reserved manner is so often mistaken for disdain, that the ladies soon turn to the gallant, yet poor, me for consolation."
"Darcy reserved?" Anne had never found him so. "He has always been lively enough around me."
"Amongst family and friends he is all ease, but get him in a group of strangers, and he turns into the brooding gentleman from Derbyshire."
Finally the subject of the discussion spoke. "I am right here beside you, Fitzwilliam and Anne. You will make poor Miss Simpson quite frightened of me if you continue to abuse me so!"
"There," Helena cried, "Mr. Darcy has demonstrated perfect amiability in the presence of a new acquaintance."
"Thank you for defending me, madam; but my cousins are determined to see me squirm. Never fear, I am not afraid of them."
They all laughed and continued their walk, the two companions trailing behind, forgotten.
It was not long until they were hailed by another of Anne's cousins. Arthur de Bourgh was riding alone when he spotted the quartet. Neither Darcy nor Fitzwilliam appeared happy to see him. Arthur did not seem to notice; he only had eyes for Helena.
He dismounted and joined them.
"Miss Simpson, it has been too long since I have had the pleasure of your company." His smile confirmed his sentiments in Anne's and Helena's minds.
Darcy, being a man of action, and not at all pleased to see Arthur de Bourgh, asked, "Excuse me, might the major and I have a word with our cousin? We will not take long."
By mutual agreement, the three moved off to the side of the walk, out of earshot.
"Anne, you know Lady Catherine will not be happy to discover de Bourgh has met with you today," Darcy said with a touch of annoyance.
"How will she know? As long as we do not say anything, she will not."
"What about your companion?"
Anne suddenly remembered her shadow, and turned to find the older ladies looking at Miss Simpson and Mr. de Bourgh with growing disapproval.
Defeated in her first plan, Anne shrugged. "Well, now you must remain with me until he leaves, or we all will be forced to bear with Mama's displeasure." Darcy and Fitzwilliam nodded, still looking grave.
"We should return to Miss Simpson," Major Fitzwilliam advised.
Anne placed her hand on his arm to keep him from leaving their trio. "Not yet, Andrew. As you can see, she is not unhappy to speak with him."
Both men stared for a moment and then brought their attention back to Anne.
"You do recall me telling you that Arthur was no threat to me?" The men nodded in acknowledgement. Anne looked pointedly toward the couple several paces away. "Now you see the reason why I was so bold in my declarations of his intentions."
"Is there an attachment?" queried Darcy, realizing the import of Anne's words.
"Of course, but no understanding. You must not say a word to anyone about it though."
"Anne, they are in the middle of Hyde Park. Anyone here today will know."
"With Arthur's reputation, they will assume he is talking nonsense as usual," Anne countered.
"I think we should rejoin them before your companions have an apoplexy," Andrew interrupted.
They returned to the would-be lovers. Arthur was grateful for the moments alone with his love.
"There, you see. I kept Miss Simpson safe from all harm whilst you three discussed whatever you needed to discuss. And as much as I would like to remain, I must leave. I have an appointment to keep." Arthur made a show of bowing over each lady's hand, but he kissed only Helena's. "Good day to you all."
Once Arthur had ridden away, it was time to make their way to the de Bourgh carriage to take the ladies home. Just as the park gates came into sight, Anne saw something to make her groan.
"Whatever is the matter?" Darcy leaned over and asked.
"Whatever you do, Cousin, do NOT release my arm," Anne hissed.
The shortest gentleman Darcy had ever seen approached them with an excited air.
"Miss de Bourgh! How delightful! I called at your home this morning and was told you were out. What a fortuitous meeting."
"An unexpected surprise, Sir John." Anne clung to Darcy's arm for dear life.
"Would you mind if I joined you?" Sir John asked hopefully.
"My cousins were just about to bring us to our conveyance. Perhaps we shall meet another time, sir."
Sir John Whitby bowed and looked wistfully at the group, as the gentlemen led the ladies to their carriage.
"We are in your debt," Anne said in thanks once safely inside the carriage.
"Is his breath always so hideous?" the major asked without thinking.
"This is only the third time I have been in his company."
"And?"
"Each encounter has been the same. The only positive has been that each has been shorter in duration."
Major Fitzwilliam looked over his shoulder to see that Whitby had not moved.
"I think you have a devoted admirer."
"That, my dear cousin, is exactly what I am afraid of."
Anne is trying to be kind to Sir John but he refuses to take a hint. That's actually not a bad thing for Anne's sake.