One more chapter before the New Year! Yay! I have been working hard on several of my stories, and you will all get to reap the benefits! I pray you all have a Happy New Year! God Bless!
Oliver was using the ride to calm himself. He had shaken his head alongside Darcy at the actions of the youngest Bennets, but he suddenly realized how dangerous Miss Lydia could be. Her family did little to reign her in, and he was about to be connected to them. She showed very little restraint in public, and today it was obvious Miss Mary was trying to keep her contained for her other sister's sake. There was little he could do at the moment, but he would let Mr. Bennet know he would not tolerate her behavior. If it meant he separated Catherine from them permanently, so be it. He would have no stain upon his family name. He was at least glad to find that Catherine seemed to be a different creature when away from her youngest sister.
He handed the reigns over to the groom and went into the house. He was almost to his room when he ran into Darcy.
"I hadn't thought we would see you for a while. Did your visit not go well?" his stoic friend inquired.
Not wanting to discuss the matter in the hall, he motioned for Darcy to join him in his rooms. "I had a pleasant enough conversation with Miss Catherine. She is not as brazen as we had thought, at least on her own, but then, it could be the circumstances; she is unhappy. The same cannot be said for the youngest."
"I take it something happened during your visit?"
"Not something that most would pay much attention to, but it was telling. Miss Lydia lashed out at Miss Mary, who had been working to keep her in line. Mrs. Bennet I can excuse, as she is only desperate to marry her daughters off well; I have seen Society matrons in Town behave worse. Mr. Bennet is a logical man in most matters, and the eldest Miss Bennet's are what I would consider proper, but Miss Lydia… she poses a problem. Today was the first I have witnessed someone try to do something to check her, and her reaction tells me it does not happen often."
"What will you do?"
"I will marry Miss Catherine," he answered confidently. "As I have said before, I will not be the cause of that family's ruination. After we wed, I will tell Mr. Bennet that he should see to it that his youngest is handled. I will have no qualms separating Catherine from her family. My grandmother is making her way towards Dalton as we speak, and she has agreed to instruct her in the ways of a proper lady. I will not cut off her contact with her family immediately, but I will keep us distant until I am sure Miss Lydia will pose no threat."
Darcy nodded his approval, and then looked his friend in the eye. "Bingley has become attached to Miss Jane Bennet."
It was difficult for Oliver not to role his eyes. "Miss Bennet would be a credit to any man, but he will face the same difficulties that I am. What is your thinking?"
"No offense to your current situation and connection, but I do not believe it would be an ideal match for him."
"It certainly would not be convenient."
"Bingley did not have the upbringing we did," Darcy was insistent. "He would not separate her as you would. He is new to our circle, and the smallest matter could cause him irreparable damage."
"Tell him of your concerns, but do not try to make the decision for him, Darcy," he warned. "His sisters do that enough for him as it is."
"Bingley is too optimistic."
"Bingley deserves to make his own choices and to pay the consequences if there are any to be had, same as any other man. Life is man's greatest teacher, after all."
Darcy scoffed. "But I do not believe a man's friends should stand by and simply allow him to do something that could be detrimental to his reputation and wealth."
"A friend, also, does not try to control their life! Darcy, by all means, talk to him about your concerns, but do not try to be his father. He already had one that he remembers rather fondly."
"Would you marry into their family if your 'situation' had not occurred?"
"The chances would be trifling." Darcy looked at him with vindication. "That doesn't mean we have the right to direct his path. It is possible that I would side against the match, but I would never try and force my choices on him."
"Will you tell him of your concerns?" he seemed hopeful.
"Yours, I am sure, will suffice. He would probably see me as a bit of a hypocrite, and my concerns may all be for naught. When I take my bride to her new home, Mr. Bennet may well take the child in hand and see that her behavior is changed. I see no point in doing something that might hinder my friend in his own quest for happiness. Besides," he smirked, "if things work out as he wishes, he will be married to a daughter of the landed gentry, no matter how unknown, and he will be connected with me, as I am soon to wed her sister."
Darcy shook his head and smiled before walking towards the door.
"Darcy?" The man stopped mid-step. "Regardless to what happens, Miss Catherine will be my wife…"
"And I will always treat her as such."
"Thank you."
Sunday passed quickly, with nothing out of the ordinary, if you didn't count the preparations for her wedding the next day. Monday dawned dimly and Kitty hadn't slept all night. It didn't help that her mother had decided to explain what her 'marital duty' would be. She had, of course, heard things from a young woman or two who had married, but she had thought some of it was a joke. She tried, and failed, not to think about it all night.
Then there was the fact that it was the last night she would call Longbourn home. Mary had offered to stay the night with her, and she now regretted declining. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when Lizzy came to claim her for her bath. The next few hours passed in a flurry and she was soon dressed and ready. Truthfully, she could not recall a time she looked so pretty. She might even dare to call herself beautiful.
She and Mary had now been left alone. It had been decided that Mary would be her attendant, having been so helpful to her; Lydia had little interest in the job in any case. Kitty had a feeling her sister knew she needed silence, though, as they sat on the bed, Mary put her arms around Kitty. They remained like that for some time before Hill came for them. Her father was waiting for her at the front door and they walked towards the church together; she appreciated the comforting hand he placed on hers.
"All will be well, Kitty. You shall be well taken care of. Mr. Andrews doesn't quite have Mr. Darcy's wealth, but I dare say your new home will be far larger than Longbourn."
Kitty didn't reply, though she smiled slightly at her father's attempt to make her feel better. Mary led the way in. Besides her family, those in attendance included Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, the Hurst's, and Miss Bingley. She noticed Mr. Andrews standing at the front with the clergyman, last. Her father placed her hand in his and he led her before the minister. She listened carefully and spoke at the correct points. They signed their names to the book and everyone made their way back to Longbourn for a small wedding breakfast.
Once inside, she found herself quickly separated from her new husband. Her mother was beside her, exclaiming over her new title.
"Oh, Mrs. Andrews! How grand that sounds! I am so proud of you!"
Kitty barely kept herself from panicking. Suddenly, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were before her, drawing her mother's attention. An arm slipped through hers and led her away. She looked over to see that it was Jane! Her sisrer took her to the table and sat a small plate with bread and preserves.
"I imagine you are not that hungry right now, but you might feel better with a little something, at least. A basket has been packed should you need something on the road."
Lizzy and Mary came and joined her. Lydia was nowhere to be found. The gentlemen were across the room were having their own conversations. Everyone nibbled here and there. Her sisters saw to it that she finished her small portion, and then took her to refresh herself before she left.
Oliver watched Catherine's sisters take her from the room and he knew it was almost time to leave. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley's actions did not go unnoticed by him. Catherine was going through the motions and he imagined it was her way of coping with the situation. The panic was evident when her mother approached her and started in on her new married name, and he was sure the woman would begin to talk about her daughter's luck in securing the match. Mrs. Hurst and her sister never did anything without reason, and he assumed they did so to show their support. He could respect their efforts to stay on good terms with anyone who benefitted them.
Seeing an opportunity, Andrews leaned over and asked Mr. Bennet if he might speak to him privately. They went to his study.
"What is it you wish to speak with me about?"
"I have some concerns."
"About Kitty?"
"No, any concerns I may have about Catherine are well in hand. No, my concerns have to do with your youngest child. Your eldest children are a credit to you and your wife, Mr. Bennet, however, Miss Lydia is nearly out of control."
"She is just a silly girl, Mr. Andrews…"
"A 'silly girl' she may be, but 'silly girls' can cause a great deal of damage. In many ways she is a child, but in others she is not. An indiscretion will not be ignored or laughed off. She behaves entirely too brazenly, especially in the presence of the officers stationed in the area."
"She is of no consequence. She has no fortune to attract anyone's attention…"
"Mr. Bennet, we are both men. Surly you have not forgotten that not all men are honorable. Not all men chase after young women for their fortunes. Some seek to find amusement with no commitment, and 'silly girls' are the ones caught in their traps." Seeing that he now had his attention, Oliver continued. "You are not a young man, Mr. Bennet. Your estate will not pass on to your children. When you are gone, if they have not wed, they shall be dependent upon the kindness of their relatives, myself now included. I will not have a scandal attached to my family name. The events surrounding my marriage to Catherine shall be almost forgotten and forgiven within a year. However, you still have four daughters to marry off. Miss Lydia's actions will not only ruin herself, she shall bring ruin upon your entire house, and I assure you, Mr. Bennet, I will not hesitate to sever our connection and forbid Catherine from contacting any of you."
Mr. Bennet glared at the younger man, but remained silent. Deciding the man was already aggravated with him, Andrews went further.
"I have heard your flippant comments, and they have always left me wondering if you care at all about your daughters' futures. It is as though you do not take the matter seriously. Mr. Bingley admires your eldest daughter a great deal, but you deceive yourself if you do not think that members of his household are encouraging him against the match. The biggest argument being the lack of propriety shown by members of your family. It is my suggestion that you continue on your current course, which I applaud you for. I know you enforced it only because of the situation we found ourselves in; I merely wish to encourage you to continue. Miss Lydia has no business taking part in society; she is not of age, and she cannot seem to find the restraint to behave herself. Send her to a relative, send her to a school or acquire a governess; but for the good of your family, do something."
"Are you finished, Mr. Andrews?"
"Yes, Sir. It is time my bride and I be on our way."
"Quite."
Andrews reached the door first and exited, and went out front to await Catherine.
Her things had already been loaded into the carriage, she knew. Mr. Andrews had told her it would only take two or three days to reach his home at a steady pace. She glanced around her room one more time. Mary was waiting for her at the stairs when she finally walked out of the room and they made their way downstairs. She looked about at everything as she went by. This was no longer her home. She willed her tears down; it wouldn't do for everyone to see her with puffy eyes.
She forced a smile as she stepped out the front doors. Her mother exclaimed over her again. Jane and Lizzy took turns hugging her. Lydia laughed and spun her roughly. Mary embraced her sincerely. When she got to her father she faltered. He looked angry again, and she thought for a moment that she must have done something, but then his eyes settled on her and softened. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, but that was all; no goodbye or words of comfort. She noticed he settled a glare at her husband. That thought stopped her; she had a husband. Looking down, she continued towards him.
Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley offered their congratulations again and bid her farewell, as did Mr. Bingley. Most shocking was Mr. Darcy's warm congratulations and farewell.
"I understand that your husband has informed you that you shall be coming to stay at Pemberley in the summer. There, you will be introduced to my sister, Georgiana. She will be very pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I look forward to meeting her."
He stepped away and Mr. Andrews stepped near. Before they reached the steps, he bent to her ear. "Which way do you prefer to sit?"
"Forward. I get headaches if I face the back." He nodded and seated her accordingly. He took the opposite seat. They waved as they pulled away. Mr. Andrews put his head back and sighed. His eyes were shut tight. Not sure what to do, Kitty looked around and noticed her travel bag was sitting on the other side of her seat. Thankful, she reached for it and pulled out the novel she had started a week ago. Once more, a thought gave her pause. So much had changed in that time. It had only been four days since the fiasco at the tree happened; she could hardly fathom it.
Feeling eyes on herself, she looked across the coach at her companion. He was, in fact, watching her. She still did not know what to say to him. They stared at each other in silence. Finally, not being able to take the awkward atmosphere, she started to babble.
"I started this book last Sunday. I haven't touched it since Wednesday. I suppose Mary packed it for me, thinking I may like to finish it. It's funny that I can't ride facing the back because it will give me a headache, but I can read. Jane and Mary get sick when they try, so they usually bring some kind of embroidery. Well, Jane does. Mary just stares out of the window. Lydia usually falls asleep if the trip is long. She hates being stuck in a carriage for long periods of time. Lizzy would walk everywhere if she could, but like me, she usually reads if she has to take a carriage for a long distance."
He simply watched her as she talked, which made her more nervous. She thought that he must find her annoying, so she started to apologize. She faintly thought that she must be making up for how silent she had been since Thursday.
"I'm sorry, I know I am talking a lot. I really can't help it. Whenever I get nervous, I just can't seem to help myself and I start talking about any and everything in an effort to make it better, but it never works, and I often make it worse. And…"
"Catherine,"
"I know it can be annoying. I just don't know what to do or what you expect. I feel so lost, and a little bit terrified…"
"Catherine!"
His raised voiced finally caught her attention. She closed her mouth and stared at him.
He sighed. "Forgive me. I understand that you are stressed. I didn't mean to unnerve you. I was just thinking that we should discuss what is expected of you once we reach Dalton."
She nodded her head, eager to know what was awaiting her.
"My Grandmother should have arrived by now. Once we are there, she will begin filling in where your education is lacking. Dalton is not Longbourn, and I doubt you will know how to run an estate of its size."
Kitty felt her temper spike. True, her mother hadn't put much effort into their education, but that didn't mean she had absolutely no idea about anything.
"As I have already told you, you shall be visiting the local modiste and you will be fitted with a proper wardrobe for a lady of your status. Your dresses now, while appropriate while you still resided with your parents, will not suit your new station. Now, you said you were terrified. What has caused you to be so fearful?"
Kitty blushed and looked away from him.
"Ah, well, I see no reason why we should worry about that right now."
She faced him once more, trying to decide if she should be offended or not. He lifted brow.
"Do you wish for me to come to your bed?" Her eyes shot open wide and she felt her face flame. "Do you wish to have children now?" She shook her head violently. "Then we will not worry about it. You will have much to accomplish in the coming months. I see no need to add unneeded stress."
Wanting to change the subject, Kitty asked a question that had been burning in the back of her mind.
"Why do you call me Catherine?"
"Because I refuse to call you Kitty, and I do not wish to further the distance that already stands between us by addressing you as Mrs. Andrews."
"But everyone has always called me Kitty."
"A practice I am not fond of. While in the privacy of our own homes, and among close friends and family, I shall address you as Catherine, and I would like for you to refer to me as Oliver. In public, it is only appropriate that we refer to each other as Mr. and Mrs. Andrews."
Kitty sat back and absorbed what she had been told. She watched as Mr. Andr… Oliver, took out a case with papers and started going through them. Sitting back, she worried over how she would survive the coming months.