I just wanted to take a second and explain Elizabeth's character in my story. In canon her character is often embarrassed by her younger siblings. I don't believe she would have noticed much of a change in Kitty character either because she was distracted with her relationship developing with Mr Darcy. When Kitty faints in front of the Duke and an Earl she jumps to conclusions because of her past experience with embarrassment from her younger sisters. I feel she might also be insecure in Mr Darcy's love for her because unlike in canon, my story does not have Darcy rescue her family from Lydia's elopement and therefore prove the lengths he would go though for her. in this chapter there will be some more judgmental attitude from Lizzy but she will also apologize later on. Anyway hope you like this chapter and please continue to review...hopefully positively...
Chapter 7Once the Bingley's and Kitty arrived at home and went to bed, Kitty remained awake for quite some time. So much had happened at the ball. Starting with her dance sets with the Duke. What did he mean that she still means the world to him? Could he possibly still love her? He did after all call her Kate, the name she always wanted to be called. To this date however he was still the only one to have ever used it. His statement allowed Kitty to truly hope for the first time that he might still love her.
Unfortunately that hope lived rather short, for not long later he danced the sets he had reserved for Miss Darcy. Kitty had been dancing with Lord Cavendish for one of those sets and they were positioned very near to the Duke and Miss Darcy. It was unmistakable to notice the laughter they shared with one another. The sight made Kitty feel physically unwell, but she was able to maintain her decorum without any hysterics or fainting episodes.
Then later on that evening she was talking with Jane and Elizabeth. Thankfully her sister Elizabeth seemed to be in good spirits and therefore not very judgmental at the time. Kitty had started to feel she could forgive her sister rather quickly. But Kitty was wholly unprepared for when Miss Darcy came bounding up and softly said to the group. "I think that the Duke of Devonshire is truly taken with me Lizzy. He asked me if I should be at the musical this coming week. I shall have to plan for a truly exceptional piece to play. I shall need to stand out above the rest of the ladies."
"Of course you shall stand out Georgiana. You will probably be the best pianist there for that evening. And no need to worry, for each day your shyness fades dear and I am sure your performance shall be beautiful."
Georgiana had blushed crimson at the complement and then in order to push the attention off of herself she asked Kitty, "Will you be preforming as well Miss Bennet?"
"Yes...I shall sing along with a dear friend of mine who shall play the piano."
That had been when Elizabeth's attitude started to change. She had been reminded of their sister Mary's very ill performance at the Netherfield ball. She had been extremely embarrassed back then and she was imaging what sort of humiliation Kitty could possibly bring on them. As far as Elizabeth knew Kitty had never sang in her life, for when she was young her lungs were too weak for the exercise.
She proceeded to try and talk Kitty out of the upcoming performance. Jane had remembered Mary's ill performance as well, but she wanted to give Kitty the benefit of the doubt. After all she had never heard Kitty sing before. Georgiana just looked puzzled, she was truly a sweet girl. She just still had some growing up to do. She had been doing very well at pushing her shyness away from Elizabeth's influence on her. But she was after all still a very young women of just seventeen. And therefore she tended to giggle and she was determined to fall in love during her first season. Her experience with Wickham had effected her in some ways, for example she had decided to fall in love with a rich and titled gentleman so that she would not need to worry about the man only being after her fortune.
"Why should Miss Bennet not sing Lizzy?" Georgiana asked after a while. Elizabeth paused in her attempt to dissuade Kitty from singing.
As Lizzy was silent Kitty said, "Lizzy, I will be singing at the musical. I hope you will actually give me a chance and stop trying to dissuade me." Then she held on to Jane's arm and silently walked away in order to not draw anymore unwanted attention to themselves.
Kitty readjusted her pillow as she relived the conversation over again. Initially she didn't want to draw attention to herself by singing like her friend Ria wanted. Now however, she felt the need to prove herself, and then maybe her sister Elizabeth would not be so judgmental of her once her fears were proven wrong. Kitty knew that at the heart of the matter, Elizabeth was afraid that Kitty would bring shame on the family like they all used to fear Lydia would do. It was an unfounded, especially since Kitty had matured so much.
What bothered Kitty more than Elizabeth's treatment of her was her fear of Philip falling in love with Miss Darcy. They had of course not known each other for very long, but why did he seem so happy around her?…
Kitty's personal maid Anne, that Jane had assigned to her for the season choose to enter interrupting Kitty's thoughts.
"Miss, Mrs Bingley told me to have you dressed and ready as she expects Mrs Darcy and Miss Darcy to come calling soon."
"oh...thank you Anne. I shall get up directly." Kitty said and climbed out of her bed. She had forgotten that the her sisters had planned to get together and discuss the ball together like they did in the past. Time had also gotten away from her for she had not realized it was almost tea time already.
Her maid helped her along with her morning ministrations so that Kitty was soon wearing a soft pink day dress and she had her hair styled in a simple curly bun. It was probably too simple for going out, but it was to be only family at tea. Jane had said the night before that they were not to be home to callers following the ball.
She made her way to the drawing room and noticed there were voices coming from the room. She assumed that Elizabeth and Miss Darcy were already in attendance. She was proven right upon entering as her sisters and Miss Darcy stood to greet her.
"There you are Kitty. I was wondering if you were to sleep the day away completely." Jane stated with a smile.
"I am sorry Jane, I unfortunately didn't sleep to well after the ball. Anne had to wake me."
"No need to feel bad Miss Bennet. I myself had a difficult time greeting the day as well. This must be why when in London the ton goes by town hours." Georgiana said.
Both Jane and Elizabeth agreed and then the conversation quickly turned to last nights ball.
"So Lizzy, what did all the matrons have to say about the first big event you have hosted as Mr Darcy?" Jane inquired.
Elizabeth smiled and exclaimed excitedly how it was a great success. The dinner was well planned and each course of the meal had been raved about by some of London's most critical ladies. She was also glad the ball had not become what was known as a crush, where so many attend there is barely room to move about in the room. This was probably because it was still early in the season and not everyone in the ton was currently in London.
Jane then spoke out of some possible suitors for Kitty. She mentioned a Mr Waldon (whom Kitty had met and danced with), plus the possibility of them all meeting Mr Montgomery's younger brother whom Charles had nothing but good things to say about. Kitty was oddly silent through Jane discourse about her possible suitors which caused both of her sisters to look at her in confusion. In the past Kitty was always very animated and bubbly as they discussed such things. But now she just looked at them in what some would call a blank expression.
"Kitty, whatever is the matter? I should think you would be excited to find a husband." Elizabeth inquired.
"Nothing is the matter Lizzy. I am just...oh I don't know. I need time to think about things." Kitty said vaguely not truly answering the question.
Elizabeth's first reaction would have been to warn Kitty away from seeking a titled gentleman. For why else would she disregard the gentlemen they had been discussing. She knew that Mr Waldon was worth at least four thousand a year. She was uncertain about the other as the Montgomery's were friends of the Bingleys and her husband but as of yet she didn't know much of the family. She had only met them for the first time at the ball. Elizabeth held in her censor this time however, for when they first had arrived for tea Jane had pulled her aside to tell her of Kitty overhearing their conversation the other day. Jane had made it apparent that Kitty had been very offended, she had further explained how discouraging her to sing would only make things first. So Elizabeth chose not to say anything after Kitty response to her question although Kitty was still able to tell that she was displeased with her based on her facial expression.
Georgiana chose to speak next saying, "I for one was extremely pleased with the outcome of my come out. I have two possible suitors still and they are both gentlemen who I know would not be after my fortune for they already had a fortune of their own. And I know titles are not of any importance, but wouldn't it be exciting were I to become a duchess."
Jane and Elizabeth both laughed along with Georgiana, but Kitty did not. Jane had been watching her younger sister closely and she noticed a look of despair briefly present itself upon her face before she quickly masked it to a look of indifference. She decided to do a little digging for she suddenly remembered something from the past.
"The Duke reminds me of someone. I think there was a solider in the militia with a similar appearance. Remember Lizzy I think the man would often visit our family along with captain Denny?" As she phased her question she watch for Kitty's response. Kitty upon hearing the line of questioning turned pale and her eyes widened.
"Well let me think…..you know I do think you might be right Jane. Oh but what was his name? Kitty I am sure you would remember."
Kitty took a deep breath before she answered, "I do believe you mean Captain Stanford." she could have said the two gentlemen were one and the same, but she really didn't want to go into detail about her past with the captain. Jane at the same time was wondering if Kitty had been in love with this Captain and perhaps that was why she responded in such a way upon introduction to the Duke who looked very similar. She decided to ask her about it later in privacy.
"Yes his name is familiar. I don't believe I ever talked with him much though. Interesting that the Duke of Devonshire seems to have a look alike." Elizabeth concluded then she spoke some more about the new fashions that the ladies at the ball had been wearing.
After a while Jane declared she wanted to show Georgiana a new watercolor she had been working on and so she invited the younger women to join her on a short excursion from their tea. Kitty noticed right away that both herself and Elizabeth had not been invited. "Oh no!" she thought to herself. Jane had somehow arranged a time for her two sisters to hopefully reconcile their differences.
There remained a silence for a while after the two other ladies left and then Elizabeth started the conversation. "Kitty...Jane told me that you heard our conversation the other day… I want you to know you will always be my sister and I love you dearly. What you heard was my worries. I know that our situation in life has in a way limited our options for a husband. Jane and I were very fortunate to marry the men we did. You do understand that right?"
"Yes Lizzy, I understand."
"I just felt as if you had set your cap for the duke the other day at tea, and I was afraid of any embarrassment that could result if you chased after him. I am truly sorry Kitty. I know I was being judgmental, Jane made sure to censor me on my rash judgments. I have always thought myself a good judge of character, but lately I have made many mistakes in that regard. I also don't want you to be heartbroken...men like the Duke have ladies chasing after them all the time and the chances of him taking an interest in you are not very good. Again I am truly sorry Kitty."
"Thank you for explaining yourself Lizzy. I find I am still very hurt by the words I heard you say the other day. As well as your rash judgment on my singing voice which may I remind you I don't believe you have ever heard before. I am smart enough to know you were worried that I would embarrass the family like Mary did at the Netherfield ball. But if you can give me a chance Lizzy I can tell you I might not sing perfectly, but I will not embarrass you."
Elizabeth looked down in embarrassment saying, "I am sorry for that as well Kitty. I shall try to do better by you in the future. But can I ask that if you heard anything about Georgiana that you keep that strictly in confidence."
"I shall not tell a soul." Their conversation started to slow down to silence after the heart of the trouble between them was somewhat settled. Kitty although she truly did forgive her sister had not the trust one would normally have with such a close relation. Jane and Georgiana returned not long later and it buffered out the remaining awkwardness for the rest of the visit.
When Elizabeth and Georgiana finally said their farewells, Kitty inquired about going for another visit to her friend Ria's. Jane granted the request quickly and instructed Kitty's maid Anne to accompany her. Kitty made sure they got on their way quickly because she knew that both Ria and her needed the practice time together before the musical.
They arrived fairly quickly and Kitty entered in haste, after her discussion with Elizabeth her nerves for the upcoming even were heightened.
"Kitty… this is fantastic I have someone hear I want you to meet." Ria said as Kitty was presented in the music room where both Ria and another beautiful blonde young women were positioned by different musical instruments. Ria continued with her introduction, "Miss Bennet this is Miss Harris a good friend from my hometown of Bath. Miss Harris this is Miss Bennet. She is from Herfordshire very near where my Uncle lives." the two ladies curtsied in introduction.
"I do hope you both shall be friends, for you are both very dear to me." Ria declared.
"Of course we shall Mary. Let me start Miss Bennet by requesting you to call me Eleanor. Mary had told me so much about you in the last few days I feel we are friends already."
Kitty returned the warm smile Eleanor was giving her. "Likewise Mary or Ria as I call her..." Eleanor looked confused about why Kitty would address Mary differently so she hurried to explain, "I call her Ria so as not to confuse her with my sister Mary. When we are all in company together it was always rather confusing." Eleanor laughed beautifully in understanding. "Ria has told me much about you as well. So please call me Kitty. My first name is Catherine but my friends and family call me Kitty."
"Alright Kitty, but I think you look more like a Kate to me." Kitty was surprised by her new friends assessment.
Ria was quick to explain, "Miss Bennet prefers Kitty though Eleanor." She knew the only one who ever called Kitty Kate was her Captain. Kitty had decided not long after her and Phillips painful parting that she never wanted anyone but him to call her Kate.
"Oh of course, Kitty it is then. But I can't contain myself any longer Mary, you must tell her of your plans."
"Plans?" questioned the bewildered Kitty. Eleanor was the kind of person full of energy and she tended to burst forth with her exuberance, although she always did make sure to keep herself in check if she were in the public's eye.
"That's right Kitty, I was thinking yesterday that we should take your performance at the musical to the next level all together. You see Eleanor plays the harp beautifully and if we were to add her to our performance it would be sheer perfection. Plus she had a pleasant voice so we could both sing harmony of your beautiful soprano."
"You don't think we would be drawing too much attention to ourselves?"
Eleanor jumped in to answer Kitty's question, "Oh no Kitty. That is what these events are made for. It is called the marriage mart for a reason after all. This is also my third season, from what Mary tells me about your voice you might actually be able to help me find a husband this year."
"If you cannot find a husband Eleanor, then the rest of us are doomed to spinsterhood, for you have an angelic beauty like my eldest sister Jane." Eleanor had golden locks of hair and crystal blue eyes the classic beauty, so Kitty was justifiably shocked that Eleanor was still unattached after three seasons.
"Well I have had offers… I am just very particular. But Mary has told me we need to impress a certain Duke for you. That is..."
Kitty interrupted Eleanor's last comment saying, "Ria, you told her!"
Ria rushed into comfort Kitty, "Not in any details dear, she only knows that I am trying to help you in a quest to capture his attention."
Kitty was still not thrilled that a new friend was aware of her desire of the Duke's attention but she pushed it aside for she knew that Ria would never hurt her. And she obviously trusted Eleanor completely, so Kitty through her caution to the wind and said, "Alright, Let's practice. For if we are to achieve our goal then we must get started."
They practiced for the rest of the afternoon into the evening. At some point a letter was sent to the Bingley's townhouse informing them that Kitty had been invited for dinner, so they were seeking approval as Kitty was underage as of yet. Approval was swiftly brought back from the Bingley's. Jane was never close with Ria but Charles knew Ria's husband was a good man and trusted them to care for her through the evening. This gave the young women the time they needed for practice as well as some time for the new friends Kitty and Eleanor to deepen their friendship. Ria's husband (Henry) was also there for dinner and he too wanted to help his wife and her friends in their endevour to preform well. He actually really wanted his wife's closest friends to find good husband so that he could feel a little more comfortable during dinners such as these. Although he liked both of his wife's friends a lot he just wanted a little more masculine presence there to support his ideas. He was currently outnumbered and he got teased a lot.
By the end of the evening the ladies had their musical peace perfected and they were all exhausted so Eleanor and Kitty left for their homes. The evening resulted in a huge success for them both in new friendships and musically. They had also built up a great anticipation for their upcoming performance and whatever results would come of it.